Optical module connection end face cleaning device

Abstract

This invention discloses a cleaning device for the connector end face of an optical module, comprising a worktable, a stabilizing unit, and a cleaning unit. The worktable is used to place the workpiece. The stabilizing unit includes a vertically arranged linear mechanism, the output end of which is connected to an L-shaped plate. Side plates are fixed to both sides of the L-shaped plate, and a first semi-circular ring protective block is provided at one end of each side plate. A rotating plate is connected to the output end of a rotary motor, and a second semi-circular ring protective block is provided on one side of the rotating plate. When the rotating plate is rotated to a horizontal position and the inner arc surface of the second semi-circular ring protective block faces downwards, the optical fiber array of the workpiece is located between the first and second semi-circular ring protective blocks. A first pneumatic gripper is used to clamp and fix the connector. The cleaning unit includes a robotic arm module, the movable end of which is equipped with a second pneumatic gripper. A cleaning reagent bottle and a storage box are spaced apart on one side of the robotic arm module, and multiple cotton swabs are placed in the storage box. This invention can prevent damage to the optical fiber during the cleaning process and avoid secondary contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of optical communication device manufacturing, and in particular to a cleaning device for the connection end face of an optical module. Background Technology

[0002] Optical modules are core components for converting photoelectric signals into optical signals, used in fiber optic communication. After the optical module's substrate is connected to optical fibers, the fibers are grouped into fiber arrays, and connectors are installed on each array. If the connector end faces are contaminated with dust or oil, they will severely scatter or absorb optical signals, leading to increased insertion loss and degraded return loss. End face cleaning is necessary during production because the connector end faces are easily contaminated during assembly. Pre-cleaning ensures the optical performance and reliability of the final product and avoids rework.

[0003] In existing cleaning techniques, workers need to hold the workpiece (i.e., the semi-finished optical module) in their hands. Specifically, they need to support the substrate with the palm of one hand and guide the optical fiber with their fingers. First, they need to remove the protective sleeve pre-installed on the connector. Then, with the other hand, they need to use a cotton swab dipped in cleaning reagent to wipe the connector end face. This process of dipping and wiping is repeated 2-3 times. Sometimes, a blower connected to an air tube is also needed to dry the connector end face. After cleaning, a testing machine is used to check whether the cleaning is qualified. There are some problems in this process: 1. Because optical fibers are relatively fragile, and optical fibers near the edge of the substrate in the semi-finished state are more easily damaged due to lack of support, applying external force to the optical fiber in multiple steps such as holding the optical fiber by hand, removing the protective cover, wiping it with a cotton swab, and putting the protective cover back on may cause the optical fiber to be damaged or broken. 2. When wiping the connection end face, inserting the cotton swab into the bottle containing the cleaning reagent again after wiping once may bring dirt into the bottle and cause secondary pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, the present invention provides an optical module connection end face cleaning device, which can prevent the optical fiber from being damaged during the cleaning process and avoid secondary pollution.

[0005] In order to achieve the objectives of this invention, the following technologies are proposed: A cleaning device for the connection face of an optical module, comprising: The stabilizing unit, located at one end of the worktable for placing the workpiece, includes a vertically arranged linear mechanism, a pair of rotary motors mounted on both sides of one end of the upper surface of the worktable, and a pair of first pneumatic grippers spaced apart on both sides of the linear mechanism. The output end of the linear mechanism is connected to an L-shaped plate, and side plates are fixed on its two L-shaped sides respectively. A first semi-circular ring protection block is provided at one end of the side plate. The output end of the rotary motor is connected to a rotating plate, and a second semi-circular ring protection block is provided on one side of the rotating plate. When the rotating plate is rotated to a horizontal state and the inner arc surface of the second semi-circular ring protection block faces downward, the fiber optic array of the workpiece is located between the first and second semi-circular ring protection blocks. The first pneumatic grippers are used to clamp and fix the connector. The cleaning unit, spaced apart at one end of the stabilizing unit, includes a robotic arm module with a second pneumatic gripper installed at its movable end. Cleaning reagent bottles and storage boxes are spaced apart on one side of the robotic arm module, and multiple cotton swabs are placed in the storage box.

[0006] Furthermore, one side of the vertical part of the L-shaped plate abuts against one end face of the worktable, and when the L-shaped plate is raised, the distance between the vertical part of the L-shaped plate and one end face in the placement groove is the same as the length of the workpiece substrate.

[0007] Furthermore, a first limiting component and a second limiting component are provided at intervals on one side of the robotic arm module. The first limiting component includes a plurality of first limiting blocks arranged in a circumferential array, and the cleaning reagent bottle is placed between the first limiting blocks. The second limiting component includes four second limiting blocks, and the storage box is placed between the second limiting blocks, with the four corners of the storage box abutting against the second limiting blocks respectively.

[0008] Furthermore, the upper end of the storage box is provided with a storage slot for storing multiple cotton swabs in a linear array. Multiple card plates are fixed at both ends of the storage slot, and the heads of the cotton swabs are locked between two adjacent card plates.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: 1. The workpiece can be stably placed on the workbench and its position is fixed by the stabilizing unit. When the operator removes and puts back the protective sleeve, the first semi-circular ring protective block and the second semi-circular ring protective block can protect the optical fiber near the edge of the substrate, reducing the damage rate. During the removal of the protective sleeve, the connector can be clamped by the first pneumatic gripper, so that the connector is positioned, which is convenient for wiping and further improves stability, making the optical fiber less likely to be damaged. 2. Under the premise that the stabilizing unit stably places and clamps each part of the workpiece, the cleaning unit controls the second pneumatic gripper through the robotic arm module to dip the cotton swab head into the cleaning reagent once, then wipe the connecting end face once, rotate it at a certain angle, and wipe it again. This process is repeated 2-3 times, with a total rotation angle not exceeding 360 degrees. This avoids the need to dip the swab again, thus preventing secondary contamination, and also reduces the amount of cleaning reagent used. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 An overall perspective view of an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A.

[0012] Figure 3 An embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 Enlarged view of part B.

[0013] Figure 4 An embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 Enlarged view of part C. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0015] like Figures 1-4 The optical module connection end face cleaning device shown includes a worktable 1, a stabilizing unit 2 and a cleaning unit 3.

[0016] Workbench 1 is used to place workpiece 4. In this embodiment, workpiece 4 refers to an optical module in a semi-finished state.

[0017] Specifically, the semi-finished product state refers to the state where: all optical fibers 6 have been connected to the optical module on the substrate, and a shielding cover 5 has been installed. Then, the optical fibers near the shielding cover 5 are fixed with adhesive 7. The optical fibers 6 have been divided into two groups as optical fiber arrays, each with a connector 8 installed, and a protective sleeve 9 is fitted onto the connector 8. More specifically, in conjunction with... Figures 1-3 It can be seen that the optical fibers 6 are arranged in a cross pattern. This is mainly so that the optical fibers 6 can avoid the mounting holes 41 by following the oblique direction during assembly.

[0018] The upper surface of the workbench 1 is provided with a placement groove 11 that runs through one end of the workbench 1. The workpiece 4 is placed in the placement groove 11. Multiple first bases 12 are fixed at the lower end of the workbench 1. Preferably, the lower end of the first base 12 is fixed to the workbench of the cleaning station. A mounting bracket 13 is fixed at the end of the workbench 1 where the placement groove 11 is provided. The mounting bracket 13 extends downward below the lowest point of the main body of the workbench 1. A pair of mounting plates 14 are also provided at one end of the upper surface of the workbench 1, which are located on both sides above the placement groove 11. The mounting plates 14 have through holes on their sides.

[0019] A stabilizing unit 2 is located at one end of the workbench 1. It is used to fix the connector 8 when cleaning the end face of the connector 8 assembled on the workpiece 4, and to protect the optical fiber 6. The stabilizing unit 2 includes a linear mechanism 21 vertically mounted on one side of the mounting bracket 13. In this embodiment, the linear mechanism 21 is a single-axis linear cylinder. An L-shaped plate 22 is connected to the output end of the linear mechanism 21. One side of the vertical portion of the L-shaped plate 22 abuts against one end face of the workbench 1. When the L-shaped plate 22 is raised, the vertical portion of the L-shaped plate 22 is positioned close to one end face within the placement groove 11. The distance is the same as the length of the substrate of workpiece 4, so that the main body of workpiece 4 can be stably placed in the placement groove 11. Side plates 23 are fixed to the two L-shaped sides of the L-shaped plate 22 respectively. A support is connected to one end of the side plate 23. A first semi-circular ring protective block 24 is fixed to the upper end of the support to protect a set of fiber arrays from below. The stabilizing unit 2 also includes a pair of rotary motors 25 installed on one end of the upper surface of the worktable 1 and located on both sides above the placement groove 11. Specifically, the rotary motors 25 are installed on one side of the mounting plate 14, and the output of the rotary motors 25 is... A shaft passes through a through hole. A rotating plate 26 is connected to the output end of a rotary motor 25. A connecting plate is fixed to one side of the rotating plate 26. A second semi-circular ring protective block 27 is mounted on one end of the connecting plate. The inner diameter of the second semi-circular ring protective block 27 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first semi-circular ring protective block 24, and the outer diameter of the second semi-circular ring protective block 27 is also smaller than the outer diameter of the first semi-circular ring protective block 24. When the rotating plate 26 is rotated to a horizontal position and the inner arc surface of the second semi-circular ring protective block 27 faces downwards, the lower end of the second semi-circular ring protective block 27 abuts against the inner arc surface of the first semi-circular ring protective block 24. The fiber optic array is located within the first semi-circular ring. Between the protective block 24 and the second semi-circular ring protective block 27, in this embodiment, the first semi-circular ring protective block 24 and the second semi-circular ring protective block 27 are made of rubber or silicone. The stabilizing unit 2 also includes a pair of brackets 28 that are respectively spaced apart on both sides of the linear mechanism 21. The lower end of the bracket 28 is fixed with a second base. Preferably, the lower end of the second base is fixed to the workbench of the cleaning station. The upper surface of the bracket 28 is equipped with a first pneumatic gripper 29. When the first pneumatic gripper 29 is working, the two clamping plates of the first pneumatic gripper 29 are raised upward and the distance between the clamping plates is reduced to clamp and fix the connector 8.

[0020] The cleaning unit 3 is spaced at one end of the stabilizing unit 2. The cleaning unit 3 includes a robotic arm module 31 fixed to the workbench of the cleaning station. A second pneumatic gripper 32 is installed at the movable end of the robotic arm module 31. A first limiting component 33 and a second limiting component 35, both fixed to the workbench of the cleaning station, are spaced apart on one side of the robotic arm module 31. The first limiting component 33 includes a plurality of first limiting blocks arranged in a circumferential array. A cleaning reagent bottle 34 containing a cleaning reagent is placed between the first limiting blocks. In this embodiment, the cleaning reagent is alcohol. The second limiting component 35 includes four second limiting blocks. A storage box 36 is placed between the second limiting blocks. The four corners of the storage box 36 abut against the second limiting blocks. The upper end of the storage box 36 has a storage slot for storing a plurality of cotton swabs 38 in a linear array. A plurality of card plates 37 are fixed at both ends of the storage slot. The heads of the cotton swabs 38 are locked between two adjacent card plates 37.

[0021] Work style: First, place the workpiece 4 on the workbench 1 and press down on the blank area of ​​the workpiece 4's base plate. Then, raise the L-shaped plate 22 through the linear mechanism 21 so that the vertical part of the L-shaped plate 22 blocks one end of the main body of the workpiece 4, and then release your hand.

[0022] Since the optical fiber 6 near the outer end of the substrate is far from the adhesive 7, the position of the optical fiber 6 of different workpieces 4 will be slightly different. During the rise of the L-shaped plate 22, the optical fiber 6 can be made to tend to gather and move towards the bottom of the inner wall of the first semi-circular ring protection block 24 by the first semi-circular ring protection block 24. At the same time, since the connector 8 will cause the outermost optical fiber 6 to fall, the first semi-circular ring protection block 24 can also play a certain role in lifting and supporting.

[0023] Next, the second semi-circular ring protection block 27 is rotated by the rotary motor 25, so that the first semi-circular ring protection block 24 and the second semi-circular ring protection block 27 of each set are respectively connected to form a limiting protection function for the corresponding set of optical fiber arrays.

[0024] Then, the staff removed the protective cover 9 and activated the two first pneumatic grippers 29, which stably clamped the two connectors 8.

[0025] Then, the robotic arm module 31 controls the second pneumatic gripper 32 to take out a cotton swab 38 from the storage box 36, and then inserts the cotton swab 38 into the cleaning reagent bottle 34, dips it in alcohol, and then wipes the connecting end face of a connector 8. Then it is rotated and wiped again. For example, it is rotated 3 times in total, each time rotating 90°. This ensures that there is a certain interval between the positions where the head of the cotton swab 38 contacts the connecting end face each time, so as to avoid contamination.

[0026] Preferably, if a double-ended cotton swab 38 is used, the other end of the same cotton swab 38 can be dipped in alcohol and then used to clean the other connector 8. If a single-ended cotton swab 38 is used, it should be discarded first and the process described above should be repeated to clean the other connector 8.

[0027] Then, after the connecting end face is dried, the staff put the protective sleeve 9 back on, rotates the second semi-circular ring protective block 27 by rotating the motor 25, lowers the L-shaped plate 22 by the linear mechanism 21, and the staff takes away the workpiece 4.

[0028] The above are only some of the embodiments listed in this application and are not intended to limit this application.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for the connection end face of an optical module, characterized in that, include: The stabilizing unit (2) is located at one end of the workbench (1) for placing the workpiece (4), including a vertically arranged linear mechanism (21), a pair of rotary motors (25) installed on both sides of one end of the upper surface of the workbench (1), and a pair of first pneumatic grippers (29) respectively spaced on both sides of the linear mechanism (21). The output end of the linear mechanism (21) is connected to an L-shaped plate (22), and two L-shaped sides are respectively fixed with side plates (23). One end of the side plate (23) is provided with a first semi-circular ring protection block (24). The output end of the rotary motor (25) is connected to a rotating plate (26). One side of the rotating plate (26) is provided with a second semi-circular ring protection block (27). When the rotating plate (26) is rotated to a horizontal state and the inner arc surface of the second semi-circular ring protection block (27) faces down, the fiber array of the workpiece (4) is located between the first semi-circular ring protection block (24) and the second semi-circular ring protection block (27). The first pneumatic grippers (29) are used to clamp and fix the connector (8). The cleaning unit (3) is spaced at one end of the stabilizing unit (2) and includes a robotic arm module (31). A second pneumatic gripper (32) is installed at the end of the robotic arm module (31). A cleaning reagent bottle (34) and a storage box (36) are spaced at one side of the robotic arm module (31). Multiple cotton swabs (38) are placed in the storage box (36).

2. The optical module connection end face cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the workbench (1) is provided with a placement groove (11) that runs through one end of the workbench (1). The workpiece (4) is placed in the placement groove (11). The workbench (1) is fixed with a mounting bracket (13) on one end of the placement groove (11). The upper surface of the workbench (1) is also provided with a pair of mounting plates (14) located on both sides above the placement groove (11). The mounting plates (14) have through holes on their sides.

3. The optical module connection end face cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The linear mechanism (21) is mounted on one side of the mounting bracket (13).

4. The optical module connection end face cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vertical side of the L-shaped plate (22) abuts against one end face of the worktable (1), and when the L-shaped plate (22) is raised, the distance between the vertical part of the L-shaped plate (22) and one end face in the placement groove (11) is the same as the base plate length of the workpiece (4).

5. The optical module connection end face cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotary motor (25) is mounted on one side of the mounting plate (14), and the output shaft of the rotary motor (25) passes through the through hole.

6. The optical module connection end face cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm module (31) is provided with a first limiting component (33) and a second limiting component (35) on one side. The first limiting component (33) includes a plurality of first limiting blocks arranged in a circular array. The cleaning reagent bottle (34) is placed between the first limiting blocks. The second limiting component (35) includes four second limiting blocks. The storage box (36) is placed between the second limiting blocks. The four corners of the storage box (36) abut against the second limiting blocks respectively.

7. The optical module connection end face cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the storage box (36) is provided with a storage slot for storing multiple cotton swabs (38) in a straight array. Multiple card plates (37) are fixed at both ends of the storage slot, and the head of the cotton swab (38) is stuck between two adjacent card plates (37).

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