Sorting device, sorting method and end face detection system for fiber optic connectors

Abstract

This invention relates to a fiber optic connector sorting device, a sorting method, and a fiber optic connector end-face inspection system. The fiber optic connector sorting device includes a force-applying component for positioning fiber optic connectors corresponding to plug fixing strips. If a fiber optic connector is defective, the force-applying component automatically applies force to the plug fixing strip, causing the connector's installation position to shift from its initial position to a second position. The beneficial effects of this invention include, but are not limited to, automatically sorting qualified and unqualified fiber optic patch cord end faces in batches based on inspection results, reducing worker workload, and improving sorting efficiency and accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber production equipment technology, and in particular to a sorting device, sorting method, and end-face inspection system for optical fiber connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic connectors, also known as fiber optic patch cords, mainly consist of an optical fiber cable and a plug connected to the end of the optical fiber cable. During the manufacturing process of fiber optic connectors, the end face of the optical fiber cable extending from the plug needs to be ground, cleaned, dried, wiped, and tested.

[0003] The inspection process primarily utilizes a camera on an end-of-line inspection instrument to scan the end face of the fiber optic cable. The instrument then identifies and judges whether the flatness, cleanliness, and other properties of the end face meet the requirements. In existing technology, inspection is mainly carried out by workers manually inserting the end of the fiber optic connector into the end-of-line inspection instrument, which then identifies and judges the connector. Finally, workers sort the qualified and unqualified products based on the instrument's results. This inspection process is inefficient, labor-intensive, and costly. Furthermore, worker fatigue can easily lead to low sorting accuracy, errors in separating qualified and unqualified products, and the mixing of unqualified products with qualified ones, or qualified products being mistakenly sorted as unqualified.

[0004] In the process of developing this invention, the inventors discovered that, for the process of batch fixing multiple fiber optic connectors using plug fixing strips, after the end faces of the connectors are inspected, if the existing technology is used, operators need to manually check the fiber optic connectors at the corresponding positions of multiple plug fixing holes (e.g., 12 fixing holes) on the plug fixing strip via a control interface. This results in a huge workload for the operators and makes it impossible to achieve full automation of the production line except for loading and unloading. Furthermore, manual sorting by operators during repeated unloading processes is prone to fatigue errors, affecting the unloading process. Moreover, since the plug fixing strips need to be reused, clearly marking the positions of specific defective fiber optic connectors on the strip requires subsequent image erasure steps. Given the small size of the fiber optic connectors themselves, marking defective connectors is also difficult.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a sorting device, sorting method, and end-face inspection system for fiber optic connectors, so as to automatically sort qualified and unqualified products from batches of fiber optic patch cords based on the inspection results, thereby reducing the workload of workers and improving sorting efficiency and accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a sorting device for fiber optic connectors.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a sorting method for fiber optic connectors.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an end-face inspection system for fiber optic connectors.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sorting device for fiber optic connectors includes a force-applying component for setting fiber optic connectors corresponding to plug fixing strips; wherein, if a fiber optic connector is defective, the force-applying component can automatically apply force to the plug fixing strip, causing the installation position of the fiber optic connector to move relative to a second position from an initial installation position.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the sorting device, the force-applying member can move along a first direction, which is parallel to the length direction of the plug fixing strip; when a fiber optic connector is defective, the force-applying member can move in the first direction to a position where the fiber optic connector is located in the length direction of the plug fixing strip.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the sorting device, the sorting device includes a slider, and a force-applying member is mounted on the slider, the force-applying member being slidable along the first direction as the slider slides in the first direction.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the sorting device, the plug fixing strip is provided with a push plate that can move in a second direction, the second direction being parallel to the width direction of the plug fixing strip. The push plate has an irregular hole with a first hole portion and a second hole portion distributed along the second direction. The initial installation position of the fiber optic connector corresponds to the second hole portion of the push plate. The force application direction of the force-applying member is the second direction, which can push the push plate in the second direction, so that the fiber optic connector moves relative to the initial installation position corresponding to the second hole portion to the second position corresponding to the first hole portion.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the sorting device, the sorting device includes a plurality of force-applying components, each of the force-applying components being fixed and configured corresponding to each installation station of the plug fixing strip, and each installation station corresponding to the installation of an optical fiber connector.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the sorting device, the force-applying component includes a drive cylinder, the actuator of which applies force through a lever.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the sorting device, a control unit is further included, wherein the input signal of the control unit includes a first signal indicating that a fiber optic connector at a certain position is defective, and the output signal of the control unit includes a second signal instructing a force-applying element at that position to apply force.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the sorting device, the output signal of the control unit further includes a third signal that instructs the force-applying element to move to the corresponding position.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, an end face inspection system for an optical fiber connector includes a clamping device and a sorting device as described in any one of the above. The clamping device is used to clamp and fix the plug fixing strip at both ends in the length direction of the plug fixing strip, and the force-applying member of the sorting device is disposed on one side in the width direction of the plug fixing strip.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sorting fiber optic patch cord end faces includes, based on the detection result of a fiber optic connector, if the detection result of the fiber optic connector is unqualified, automatically applying force to the plug fixing strip on which the fiber optic connector is installed, causing the fiber optic connector to move relative to a second position from an initial installation position.

[0019] The improvements made in this case include, but are not limited to: by setting the force-applying components and their operating conditions, the installation position of unqualified fiber optic connectors is relatively moved, allowing workers in the next process to easily identify unqualified fiber optic connectors in a batch of fiber optic connectors. Furthermore, because the installation position of the unqualified connectors is relatively moved, the unqualified fiber optic connectors can also be directly pulled out of the plug fixing strip. This enables the automatic sorting of qualified and unqualified products from a batch of fiber optic patch cord end faces based on the inspection results, reducing the workload of workers and improving sorting efficiency and accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the drawings are merely illustrative and are not drawn to scale, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection actually claimed by the present invention, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top-view structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of an end-face inspection system for an optical fiber connector.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the end face inspection system for an optical fiber connector according to an embodiment, viewed from the front.

[0023] Figures 3A to 3C This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a plug fixing strip according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figures 4A to 4B This is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic connector whose installation position has been moved from an initial installation position to a second position according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5This is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an end-face inspection system for an optical fiber connector. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following discloses various implementation methods or embodiments of the described subject matter. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of the elements and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be understood that terms such as "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments," or "one or more embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "one or more embodiments" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this application can be appropriately combined.

[0028] It should be noted that in the following content, "end face inspection" can be abbreviated as "end inspection". The vertical direction is the Z-axis of the XYZ coordinate system shown in the diagram below, the horizontal direction is the X-axis, and the vertical direction is the Y-axis.

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the fiber optic connector end-face inspection system 100 may include a sorting device 101, a clamping device 102, an end-face inspection lens 103, and a control unit 104. Multiple fiber optic connectors 6 are batch-fixed on the plug fixing strip 200; the specific number may be twelve fiber optic connectors 6 as shown in the figure, but is not limited to this. The length direction of the plug fixing strip 200 is transverse (i.e., the first direction), and the width direction of the plug fixing strip 200 is longitudinal (i.e., the second direction). The clamping device 102 clamps the plug fixing strip 200 at both transverse ends. This ensures that the plug fixing strip 200 remains stable when subjected to the force applied by the sorting device 101 described below. In one embodiment, the end-face inspection lens 103 captures images of the end faces of the fiber optic connectors 6. The end-face inspection lens 103 is electrically connected to the control unit 104. This electrical connection may be a wired connection or a wireless connection via Bluetooth, WIFI, 5G technology, or other similar technologies. The control unit 104 processes and analyzes the image data transmitted from the end-detection lens 103, compares it with preset values, and ultimately determines whether the end face of the fiber optic connector 6 corresponding to the image is qualified. The control unit 104 may include a central processing unit, an image processing unit, a comparison unit, and a data transmission unit, etc., but is not limited thereto. It is understood that the control unit 104 is not limited to a single physical chip or physically located... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 Within a defined space, such as an image processing unit and a comparison unit, which may be located externally, image data is transmitted to the image processing unit and the comparison unit for processing. The comparison results are then transmitted to the central processing unit, which outputs a control signal to the sorting device 101. The control unit 104 obtains the detection results for each fiber optic connector 6 located on the plug fixing bar 200. For each defective fiber optic connector 6, the control unit 104 outputs an action signal to the sorting device 101, causing the sorting device 101 to automatically act on the plug fixing bar 200 to sort the defective fiber optic connector 6.

[0030] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 The sorting device 101 includes a force-applying component 300, which is configured to correspond to the fiber optic connectors 6 installed on the plug fixing strip 200. As described above, if the control unit 104 identifies a defective fiber optic connector 6 among the multiple fiber optic connectors 6 installed on the plug fixing strip 200, i.e., the control unit receives an input signal indicating that a fiber optic connector 6 at a certain position on the plug fixing strip 200 is defective, the control unit 104 can output an output signal instructing the force-applying component 300 to operate. The force-applying component 300 applies a force to the plug fixing strip, causing the installation position of the defective fiber optic connector 6 to move relative to the initial installation position P1 to a second position P2, i.e., the multiple fiber optic connectors installed on the plug fixing strip 200... In connector 6, once a fiber optic connector 6 fails the end-face inspection, the force-applying component 300 can automatically apply force to the plug fixing strip 300 without manual operation. Furthermore, by setting the force-applying component and its operating conditions, the installation position of the unqualified fiber optic connector is relatively moved, allowing the workers in the next process to easily identify the unqualified fiber optic connector in a batch of fiber optic connectors. Since the installation position of the unqualified connector is relatively moved, it can also be directly pulled out of the plug fixing strip. This enables automatic sorting of qualified and unqualified products from a batch of fiber optic patch cords based on the inspection results, reducing the workload of workers and improving sorting efficiency and accuracy.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2In some embodiments, the force-applying element 300 can be laterally movable. When a fiber optic connector 6 is defective, the force-applying element 300 can move laterally to the lateral position of the defective fiber optic connector 6 on the plug fixing bar 200. Specifically, this can be achieved by outputting a command from the control unit 104 to the output signal corresponding to the lateral position of the force-applying element 300. That is, when a defective fiber optic connector 6 is detected, the force-applying element 300 is first moved laterally to the lateral position of the defective fiber optic connector 6, and then the force-applying element 300 is activated at that lateral position to apply force to the plug fixing bar 200. Providing a laterally movable force-applying element 300 simplifies the overall structure of the sorting device 101. The force-applying element 300 can also be a force-applying element capable of providing a larger force. In one or more embodiments, the specific structure for achieving lateral movement may be that the sorting device 101 includes a slider 500, and a force-applying member 300 is mounted on the slider 500. The force-applying member 300 can slide laterally as the slider 500 slides laterally. The sliding between the slider 500 and the frame 600 can be achieved by a dovetail guide structure 700, but is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be other moving pair structures, such as a rolling structure using ball bearings, etc.

[0032] It can be understood that in some embodiments, the force-applying component 300 can also be fixed, with each force-applying component 300 corresponding one-to-one with the installation position of the plug fixing strip 200 for installing the fiber optic connector 6. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The plug fixing strip 200 shown has twelve installation positions, requiring twelve force-applying components 300. When a fiber optic connector 6 in a lateral position is detected to be defective, only the corresponding fixed force-applying component 300 needs to activate to apply force to the plug fixing strip 200. This setup simplifies the control algorithm for the force-applying components 300. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the specific structure of the force-applying component 300 can be the structure of a drive cylinder 400, taking a pneumatic cylinder as an example. For example, it can also be an electric cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc. The actuating rod 401 of the drive cylinder 400 can apply force to the plug fixing strip 200. Using the drive cylinder 400 as the force-applying component 300 is low in cost and easy to control.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figures 3A to 3C as well as Figures 4A to 4B In some embodiments, the force-applying component 300 applies force to move the installation position of the defective fiber optic connector 6 from the initial installation position P1 to the second position P2. The specific structure may be as follows: (Refer to...) Figures 3A to 3CThe structure for mounting and fixing the fiber optic connector 6 using the plug fixing strip 200 can be as follows: the plug fixing strip 200 includes a base 1 and a floating assembly. The base 1 has multiple connector mounting holes 10. For each connector mounting hole 10, the fixing strip has a floating assembly, which includes a pressure sleeve 2, a pressure sleeve fixing seat 3, a push plate 4, and an elastic element 5. As shown in the figure, the fiber optic connector 6 is inserted and fixed in the connector mounting hole 10. A protrusion 60 is circumferentially provided on the fiber optic connector 6, protruding from the outer wall of the fiber optic connector 6 to give the fiber optic connector 6 a relatively large outer diameter at the protrusion 60. The pressure sleeve 2 has a receiving cavity 20, a top wall 21, and a bottom wall 22, located on opposite sides of the receiving cavity 20 in the fiber insertion direction. The fiber insertion direction refers to the direction in which the fiber optic cable to be inserted into the fixed fiber optic connector is inserted. The receiving cavity 20 is disposed through the pressure sleeve 2 along a first direction, which is perpendicular to the aforementioned fiber insertion direction, as shown in the figure. A first through hole 23 is provided in the top wall 21 of the receiving cavity 20, and a second through hole 24 is provided in the bottom wall 22. A third through hole 30 is provided in the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3, and in the assembled state, it passes through the receiving cavity 20 along the first direction and is fixedly connected to the base 1, thereby fixing the bottom wall 22 of the pressure sleeve 2 to the base 1. The push plate 4 is disposed between the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3 and the top wall 21 in the assembled state, and is movable in the receiving cavity 20. An irregular hole 40 is provided in the push plate, which has a first hole portion 41 and a second hole portion 42. As shown in the figure, the first hole portion 41 has a larger diameter than the second hole portion 42, and the diameters of the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 42 are configured such that the first hole portion 41 allows the protrusion 60 of the fiber optic connector 6 to pass through, while the second hole portion 42 interferes with the protrusion 60 of the fiber optic connector 6 and restricts the protrusion 60 of the fiber optic connector 6 from passing through the second hole portion 42. When the push plate 4 moves between the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3 and the top wall 21, it can move to the position where the first hole 41 is aligned with the first through hole 23 or the second hole 42 is aligned with the first through hole 23. It can be understood that both the first hole 41 and the second hole 42 allow the fiber optic connector 6 to pass through other parts except for the protrusion 60.

[0034] Combination Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B As shown, in the assembled state, the first through hole 23, the second through hole 24, and the third through hole 30 are aligned with the connector mounting hole 10. When the push plate 4 moves to the position where the first hole 41 is aligned with the first through hole 23, the fiber optic connector 6 is allowed to pass through and be inserted into the connector mounting hole 10. Subsequently, the push plate 4 moves to the position where the second hole 42 is aligned with the first through hole 23 to prevent the fiber optic connector 6 from coming out upwards.

[0035] The third through hole 30 has a convex ring 31, which supports the convex portion of the fiber optic connector 6. When it is necessary to fix the fiber optic connector 6, firstly, the push plate 4 is moved so that the first hole 41 is aligned with the first through hole 23. Then, the fiber optic connector 6 is inserted into the connector mounting hole 10 until the convex portion 60 abuts against and is supported on the convex ring 31. Then, the push plate 4 is moved so that the second hole 42 is aligned with the first through hole 23. If the fiber optic connector 6 is to be pulled out at this time, the convex portion 60 will interfere with the outer periphery of the second hole 42, so that the convex portion 60 is clamped between the convex ring 31 and the push plate 4, and the push plate 4 restricts the fiber optic connector 6 from coming out of the fixing strip.

[0036] When the fiber optic connector 6 fixed in the fixing strip needs to be polished, the reserved gap 7 and the elastic element 5 set in the third through hole 30 allow the fixed fiber optic connector 6 to have a certain degree of freedom of upward movement when the polishing mechanism applies excessive pressure to the end of the fiber optic connector 6 to be polished, thereby avoiding over-polishing of the fiber optic connector 6. At the same time, the elastic element 5 is only set in the third through hole 30, which is more cost-effective and simpler in structure than setting elastic elements on both sides. It can also prevent the fiber optic connector and the polishing device from tilting due to different degrees of compression on the two elastic units, thus preventing a decrease in polishing accuracy.

[0037] Meanwhile, in the assembled state, there is a gap 7 between the bottom wall 22 and the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3. The gap 7 is formed because the height of the receiving cavity 20 is slightly greater than the sum of the heights of the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3 and the push plate 4. Setting the gap 7 can facilitate assembly and ensure that the push plate 4 can move freely in the receiving cavity 20. However, due to the generation of the gap 7, the push plate 4 will have a degree of freedom to move along the height direction in the receiving cavity 20, which will cause the fiber optic connector 6 to not be pressed tightly onto the convex ring 31 by the push plate 4, resulting in shaking or loosening. An elastic element 5 is provided inside the third through hole 30. The two ends of this elastic element elastically abut against the convex ring 31 and the bottom wall 22, respectively. Under the elastic pressure of the elastic element 5, the pressure sleeve 2 is always pressed downwards by the elastic element 5. Consequently, the top wall 21 of the pressure sleeve 2 is pressed against the push plate 4, causing the protrusion 60 of the fiber optic connector 6 to also be pressed against the convex ring 31 by the top wall 21. This ensures the fiber optic connector 6 is firmly fixed within the fixing strip. Simultaneously, the push plate 4 has a certain degree of freedom of movement within the receiving cavity 20 to prevent jamming, thus enabling rapid locking and limiting of the fiber optic connector 6. The push plate 4 may also have upwardly protruding side plates 43 on both sides. The side plates 43 increase the area on both sides of the push plate, making it easier to push using the force-applying component 300.

[0038] The base 1 can have multiple slots 11, each containing a ring tube 12. The inner ring of the ring tube 12 defines a connector mounting hole 10 for receiving the fiber optic connector 6. By using the ring tube 12, the connector mounting hole 10 has a certain depth, making the connection of the fiber optic connector 6 more stable. The connector mounting hole can also be directly formed on the surface of the base 1. The multiple connector mounting holes 10 can be spaced apart along the length direction a of the base 1, making it easier to install connectors spaced apart along the length direction a, whether for batch splicing of fiber optic cables after coating stripping or for subsequent processes. Furthermore, the installed fiber optic connectors are easy to visually inspect for quality.

[0039] In some embodiments, the annular tube 12 is disposed in the groove 11 so that the top of the annular tube 12 does not protrude above the groove 11, thus preventing breakage of the annular tube 12 during the transportation of the fixing strip. The elastic element 5 can be a helical spring, which is easily assembled onto the outer periphery of the annular tube 12 so that the center of the helical spring remains coaxial with the fixed fiber optic connector 6. The groove 11 includes a first groove 11a and a second groove 11b, wherein the first groove 11a and the second groove 11b are staggered as shown in the figure, that is, there is an intersection between the first groove 11a and the second groove 11b. The second groove 11b can be regarded as an additional groove structure with a wider groove width and a deeper groove depth on the basis of the first groove 11a. The annular tube 12 protrudes upward from the bottom of the second groove 11b. The first groove 11a is conformal with the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3, thereby accommodating the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3 therein and preventing the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3 from shaking on the base 1. The second groove 11b is conformal to the pressure sleeve 2 to limit the swaying of the pressure sleeve 2 on the base 1.

[0040] In some embodiments, the bottom wall 22 of the pressure sleeve 2 has a limiting groove 221, which has a groove width matching the width of the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3. Thus, in the assembled state, the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3 is installed in the limiting groove 221, and its wobbling relative to the pressure sleeve 2 in the width direction is limited by the limiting groove 221. Furthermore, the top wall 21 and bottom wall 22 of the pressure sleeve 2 are connected by two side walls 25. The top wall 21, bottom wall 22, and side walls 25 together enclose a receiving cavity 20, and two openings are formed on opposite sides of the receiving cavity 20 to allow the pressure sleeve fixing seat 3 and the push plate 4 to enter and pass through the receiving cavity 20 from the two openings.

[0041] In some embodiments, the base 1 is provided with a connecting hole 13, and correspondingly, the compression sleeve fixing seat 3 is also provided with a connecting hole 32. After aligning the connecting hole 32 of the compression sleeve fixing seat 3 with the connecting hole 13 of the base 1, the compression sleeve fixing seat 3 is fixed to the base 1 by fasteners such as bolts. The use of bolt fixing makes the assembly of the fixing strip more convenient and improves the efficiency of the batch fiber threading process.

[0042] In some embodiments, magnets 8 are provided on both sides of a row of multiple connector mounting holes 10 on the base 1. The magnets are components made of substances or materials capable of generating magnetic fields, such as magnets or electromagnets, thereby facilitating quick connection with other tooling via the magnets 8. Connecting grooves 14 are provided on both sides of the base 1, which are easy to cooperate with clamping devices such as clamps to facilitate quick clamping and handling of the base 1.

[0043] As mentioned above, for reference Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B As shown, in some embodiments, the plug fixing strip 200 is provided with a longitudinally movable push plate 4. The push plate 4 has an irregularly shaped hole 40, which has a first hole portion 41 and a second hole portion 42 distributed along the longitudinal direction. The initial installation position P1 of the fiber optic connector 6 corresponds to the second hole portion 42 of the push plate 4. When the fiber optic connector 6 at this position is detected to be defective, the force-applying member 300 is activated, and its force direction is longitudinal, pushing the push plate 4 longitudinally, so that the fiber optic connector 6 moves relative to the initial installation position P1 corresponding to the second hole portion 42 to the second position P2 corresponding to the first hole portion 41. The beneficial effect of this implementation is that the defective fiber optic connector 6 can be accurately and conspicuously sorted out and shown to the workers in the next process. At the same time, the impact on the plug fixing strip 200 and the fiber optic connector 6 is small. When the defective fiber optic connector 6 moves relative to the second position P2, it is also easy for the workers to pull it out, and it can be reprocessed into a qualified product through processes such as grinding, cleaning, drying, and wiping, reducing material waste.

[0044] As described above, the sorting method for fiber optic connectors 6 can be as follows: based on the test results of fiber optic connectors 6, if the test results of the fiber optic connectors are unqualified, the plug fixing strip 200 on which the unqualified fiber optic connector 6 is installed is automatically subjected to a force, so that the unqualified fiber optic connector 6 moves relative to the initial installation position P1 to the second position P2. For example, as described above, the force application component 300 is instructed by the control unit 104 to apply a longitudinal force to the push plate 4 of the plug fixing strip 200, so that the unqualified fiber optic connector 6 moves relative to the initial installation position P1 of the second hole 42 to the second position P2 corresponding to the first hole 41.

[0045] As described above, the beneficial effects of the fiber optic connector sorting device, sorting method, and end-face inspection system introduced in the above embodiments include, but are not limited to: by setting the force application component and its action conditions, the installation position of the unqualified fiber optic connector is relatively moved, allowing the workers in the next process to easily identify the unqualified fiber optic connectors in a batch of fiber optic connectors. Furthermore, since the installation position of the unqualified connector is relatively moved, the unqualified fiber optic connector can also be directly pulled out from the plug fixing strip, thereby realizing the automatic sorting of qualified and unqualified products in a batch of fiber optic patch cords based on the inspection results, reducing the workload of workers, and improving sorting efficiency and sorting accuracy.

[0046] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the embodiments described, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sorting device for fiber optic connectors, the sorting device comprising: include: Force-applying components are used to install fiber optic connectors corresponding to the plug fixing strips. The plug fixing strip is equipped with multiple fiber optic connectors in the first direction. When the multiple fiber optic connectors are tested, if one fiber optic connector fails the test, the force-applying component can automatically apply force to the plug fixing strip, causing the installation position of the fiber optic connector to move from the initial installation position to a second position. The force-applying component can move along a first direction, which is parallel to the length direction of the plug fixing strip; When a fiber optic connector is defective, the force-applying component can be moved in the first direction to the position where the fiber optic connector is located in the length direction of the plug fixing strip; The plug fixing strip is provided with a push plate that can move in a second direction, which is parallel to the width direction of the plug fixing strip. The push plate has an irregular hole with a first hole portion and a second hole portion distributed along the second direction. The initial installation position of the fiber optic connector corresponds to the second hole portion of the push plate. The force application direction of the force application member is the second direction, which can push the push plate in the second direction, so that the fiber optic connector moves from the initial installation position corresponding to the second hole portion to the second position corresponding to the first hole portion. The first hole has a larger diameter than the second hole, and the diameters of the first hole and the second hole are configured such that the first hole allows the protrusion of the fiber optic connector to pass through, while the second hole interferes with the protrusion of the fiber optic connector and restricts the protrusion of the fiber optic connector from passing through the second hole.

2. The sorting apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The sorting device includes a slider, and the force-applying component is mounted on the slider. The force-applying component can slide along the first direction as the slider slides in the first direction.

3. The sorting apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The sorting device includes multiple force-applying components, each of which is fixed and is set at each installation station of the plug fixing strip. Each installation station can be equipped with a fiber optic connector.

4. A sorting device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The force-applying component includes a drive cylinder, and the actuator of the drive cylinder applies force by actuating its rod.

5. The sorting apparatus of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a control unit, the input signal of which includes a first signal indicating that the fiber optic connector at a certain position is defective, and the output signal of which includes a second signal instructing the force-applying component at that position to apply force.

6. The sorting apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The output signal of the control unit also includes a third signal that instructs the force-applying component to move to the corresponding position.

7. An endface detection system for fiber optic connectors, characterized by, The device includes a clamping device and a sorting device as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the clamping device is used to clamp and fix the plug fixing strip at both ends in the length direction of the plug fixing strip, and the force-applying member of the sorting device is disposed on one side in the width direction of the plug fixing strip.

8. A method of sorting fiber optic connectors, the method comprising: Using the sorting device as described in any one of claims 1-6, if the fiber optic connector fails the test, the plug fixing strip that holds the fiber optic connector is automatically subjected to a force that moves the fiber optic connector from its initial installation position to a second position.

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