Automatic cleaning device and cleaning method for ribbon fiber end face stripping port

Abstract

The application provides a belt-shaped optical fiber end face stripping port automatic cleaning device and method, the cleaning device comprises an X / Y cross carrier platform, a fiber swinging jig, a Z-axis lifting mechanism, an alcohol spraying mechanism and a stripping port cleaning mechanism, the fiber swinging jig is arranged on the X / Y cross carrier platform, the Z-axis lifting mechanism is arranged at the end of the X / Y cross carrier platform, the alcohol spraying mechanism and the stripping port cleaning mechanism are arranged on the Z-axis lifting mechanism, and the alcohol spraying mechanism is located above the stripping port cleaning mechanism, and the stripping port cleaning mechanism comprises a cleaning sponge and a squeezing assembly. The belt-shaped optical fiber end face stripping port is cleaned by the cleaning sponge, there is no high-frequency vibration in the cleaning process, the belt-shaped optical fiber end face stripping port will not appear micro-crack defects, and the optical fiber is guaranteed not to be damaged; a plurality of belt-shaped optical fibers can be cleaned at the same time, batch work is realized, and the production efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of optical fiber processing equipment, specifically relating to an automatic cleaning device and method for strip fiber end face stripping. Background Technology

[0002] After fiber stripping, residues can easily remain at the stripped ends. If not cleaned promptly, this can affect signal transmission quality during fiber application. Currently, common cleaning methods for fiber stripping ends include manual cleaning with a lint-free cloth dampened with alcohol, or ultrasonic cleaning. However, manual cleaning with a lint-free cloth is inefficient and fails to thoroughly clean the fiber gaps. Ultrasonic cleaning, on the other hand, is prone to incomplete cleaning due to its short cleaning time, and prolonged cleaning can damage the fiber cladding. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic cleaning device for stripped ends of ribbon optical fibers, which can at least solve some of the defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An automatic cleaning device for stripped fiber end faces includes an X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform, a fiber-swinging fixture, a Z-axis lifting mechanism, an alcohol spraying mechanism, and a stripping and cleaning mechanism. The fiber-swinging fixture is mounted on the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform, the Z-axis lifting mechanism is located at the end of the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform, the alcohol spraying mechanism and the stripping and cleaning mechanism are mounted on the Z-axis lifting mechanism, with the alcohol spraying mechanism positioned above the stripping and cleaning mechanism. The stripping and cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning sponge and a squeezing assembly disposed around the cleaning sponge for squeezing the cleaning sponge. Both the cleaning sponge and the squeezing assembly are mounted on the Z-axis lifting mechanism.

[0006] Furthermore, the X / Y cross carrier platform includes a Y slide extending along the Y-axis and an X slide extending along the X-axis; the X slide is slidably connected to the Y slide, and the fiber optic fixture is mounted on the X slide.

[0007] Furthermore, the fiber optic fixture includes a lower base plate and an upper cover plate. The lower base plate has several grooves arranged side by side for placing optical fibers. The lower base plate is mounted on the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform. The upper cover plate and the lower base plate are detachably connected by magnets.

[0008] Furthermore, the Z-axis lifting mechanism includes a Z-axis bracket for supporting a first connecting member connected to the alcohol spraying mechanism, a second connecting member for supporting a second connecting member connected to the peeling and cleaning mechanism, and a drive assembly for driving the first and second connecting members to move up and down; the drive assembly is fixedly installed on the Z-axis bracket, and guide rails are provided on both sides of the Z-axis bracket, with the two ends of the second connecting member slidably connected to the guide rails on both sides respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, the alcohol spraying mechanism includes an atomizing nozzle, which is connected to an alcohol storage tank via a hose, and the nozzle outlet faces the peeling and cleaning mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the extrusion assembly includes an extrusion block and a first drive member that drives the extrusion block toward / away from the cleaning sponge.

[0011] Furthermore, the cleaning sponge is connected to a second driving component that drives the cleaning sponge to extend and retract along the Y-axis.

[0012] Furthermore, the squeezing assembly above the cleaning sponge also includes a third driving component that drives the squeezing block to extend and retract along the Y-axis.

[0013] In addition, the present invention also provides an automatic cleaning method for the stripped end face of a ribbon optical fiber, which uses the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the stripped end face of a ribbon optical fiber and includes the following steps:

[0014] 1) Place the strip fiber stripped by laser onto the fiber swaying fixture, then clamp the fiber swaying fixture onto the X / Y cross carrier platform, and make the stripped end face of the strip fiber face the stripping and cleaning mechanism.

[0015] 2) The alcohol spraying mechanism sprays alcohol onto the cleaning sponge on the peeling and cleaning mechanism, so that the alcohol soaks into the cleaning sponge.

[0016] 3) The Z-axis lifting mechanism pulls the stripping and cleaning mechanism to move up and down, so that the cleaning sponge is facing the ribbon fiber on the fiber optic jig. Then, the X / Y cross carrier platform adjusts the X-axis and Y-axis positions of the ribbon fiber on the fiber optic jig so that the stripped end face of the ribbon fiber is inserted into the cleaning sponge.

[0017] 4) The squeezing components around the cleaning sponge squeeze the cleaning sponge, and the X / Y cross carrier platform moves along the negative Y-axis, which drives the strip fiber end face strip on the fiber optic jig to be quickly pulled out of the cleaning sponge, and the squeezing components around the cleaning sponge reset.

[0018] 5) Following steps 3)-4), the stripping and cleaning mechanism is moved up and down by the Z-axis lifting mechanism, so that the ribbon fiber on the fiber optic fixture corresponds to different height positions of the cleaning sponge, and the stripping end face of the ribbon fiber is cleaned multiple times until it is clean.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0020] The automatic cleaning device for strip fiber end face stripping provided by this invention cleans the strip fiber end face stripping with a cleaning sponge. There is no high-frequency vibration during the cleaning process, and the strip fiber end face stripping will not develop micro-crack defects, ensuring that the fiber is not damaged. Multiple strip fibers can be cleaned at the same time, enabling batch operation and high production efficiency.

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of the automatic cleaning device for stripped ends of the ribbon optical fiber according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a side view of the automatic cleaning device for stripped fiber end face of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Z-axis bracket; 2. Drive assembly; 3. First connector; 4. Atomizing nozzle; 5. Second connector; 6. Cleaning sponge; 7. Squeezing block; 8. Partition; 9. Guide rail; 10. X-slide stage; 11. Y-slide stage; 12. Ribbon optical fiber; 13. Lower base plate; 14. Upper cover plate; 15. Alcohol collection tank. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an abutting connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature; in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an automatic cleaning device for strip fiber end face stripping, including an X / Y cross carrier platform, a fiber oscillating fixture, a Z-axis lifting mechanism, an alcohol spraying mechanism, and a stripping and cleaning mechanism. The fiber oscillating fixture is disposed on the X / Y cross carrier platform, the Z-axis lifting mechanism is disposed at the end of the X / Y cross carrier platform, the alcohol spraying mechanism and the stripping and cleaning mechanism are disposed on the Z-axis lifting mechanism, and the alcohol spraying mechanism is located above the stripping and cleaning mechanism. The stripping and cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning sponge 6 and a squeezing component disposed around the cleaning sponge 6 for squeezing the cleaning sponge; both the cleaning sponge 6 and the squeezing component are mounted on the Z-axis lifting mechanism.

[0030] During the automatic cleaning of the strip fiber end face stripping, the strip fiber 12, after laser stripping, is manually placed on the fiber positioning fixture. The fixture is then clamped onto the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform, with the strip fiber end face stripped towards the stripping and cleaning mechanism. Simultaneously, an alcohol spraying mechanism sprays alcohol onto the cleaning sponge 6 of the stripping and cleaning mechanism, causing the sponge to become soaked. Then, a Z-axis lifting mechanism pulls the stripping and cleaning mechanism up and down, ensuring the cleaning sponge 6 is directly facing the strip fiber 12 on the fiber positioning fixture. Finally, the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform adjusts the X and Y axis positions of the strip fiber 12 on the fiber positioning fixture, allowing the strip fiber end face stripping to proceed smoothly. Insert the cleaning sponge 6 into the cleaning sponge; then, the squeezing components around the cleaning sponge 6 squeeze the cleaning sponge 6, and the X / Y cross carrier platform moves along the negative Y-axis, causing the strip fiber end face stripping on the fiber optic jig to be quickly pulled out of the cleaning sponge 6, and the squeezing components around the cleaning sponge 6 reset; repeat the above process, and use the Z-axis lifting mechanism to pull the strip fiber cleaning mechanism up and down, so that the strip fiber 12 on the fiber optic jig corresponds to different height positions of the cleaning sponge 6, and clean the strip fiber end face stripping multiple times until it is clean. After cleaning, manually remove the fiber optic jig and the cleaned strip fiber 12, and end or clean the next batch of strip fiber end face stripping.

[0031] In one embodiment, the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform includes a Y-slide 11 extending along the Y-axis and an X-slide 10 extending along the X-axis. The X-slide 10 is slidably connected to the Y-slide 11, and the fiber-stripping fixture is mounted on the X-slide 10. When the X-slide 10 moves the fiber-stripping fixture along the positive Y-axis on the Y-slide 11, it approaches the cleaning sponge 6, allowing the strip fiber end-face stripping on the fixture to be inserted into the cleaning sponge 6. When the X-slide 10 moves the fixture along the negative Y-axis on the Y-slide 11, it moves away from the cleaning sponge 6, allowing the strip fiber end-face stripping on the fixture to be pulled out of the cleaning sponge 6. The strip fiber end-face stripping, through the insertion and withdrawal process within the cleaning sponge 6, creates friction with the cleaning sponge 6, thereby removing adhering substances from the strip fiber end-face stripping, effectively avoiding the low production efficiency problem of existing manual fiber stripping processes. The cleaning sponge 6 is made of soft and elastic material, and will not damage the strip fiber end-face stripping during the cleaning process.

[0032] In one embodiment, the fiber-stripping fixture includes a lower base plate 13 and an upper cover plate 14. The lower base plate 13 has several grooves arranged side-by-side for placing ribbon optical fibers 12. When the ribbon optical fibers 12 are placed in the grooves, the stripped end face of the ribbon optical fiber protrudes outside the grooves for subsequent insertion into the cleaning sponge 6. The upper cover plate 14 and the lower base plate 13 are detachably connected by a magnet. The upper cover plate 14 presses the ribbon optical fibers 12 on the lower base plate 13, preventing relative displacement between the ribbon optical fibers 12 and the lower base plate 13 during the cleaning of the stripped end face. The lower base plate 13 is detachably mounted on the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform. Ideally, this fiber-stripping fixture can use a fixture common to laser fiber stripping equipment, allowing for immediate stripping and cleaning, avoiding delayed residue, and further improving cleanliness.

[0033] In one embodiment, the Z-axis lifting mechanism includes a Z-axis bracket 1, a first connector 3 for supporting and connecting the alcohol spraying mechanism, a second connector 5 for supporting and connecting the stripping and cleaning mechanism, and a drive assembly 2 for driving the lifting and lowering movement of the first connector 3 and the second connector 5. The drive assembly 2 is fixedly mounted on the Z-axis bracket 1, and guide rails 9 are provided on both sides of the Z-axis bracket 1. The two ends of the second connector 5 are slidably connected to the guide rails 9 on both sides. In this embodiment, the drive assembly 2 drives the second connector 5 to move up and down along the Z-axis, thereby adjusting the height of the cleaning sponge 6. This allows the ribbon optical fiber 12 on the fiber optic fixture to be cleaned multiple times at different height positions of the cleaning sponge 6, thus preventing residues on the cleaning sponge 6 from re-contaminating the ribbon optical fiber 12.

[0034] Preferably, an alcohol collection tank 15 can be provided at the lower part of the Z-axis support 1 to collect the alcohol squeezed out during the squeezing and cleaning of the sponge 6; furthermore, the alcohol in the alcohol collection tank 15 can be processed and transported to the alcohol spraying mechanism for reuse through a circulation mechanism to improve the alcohol utilization rate.

[0035] In one specific embodiment of the squeezing assembly squeezing the cleaning sponge 6 during the cleaning process, the squeezing assembly includes squeezing blocks 7 and a first driving member that drives the squeezing blocks 7 to move closer to / away from the cleaning sponge. The squeezing blocks 7 are arranged vertically and horizontally around the cleaning sponge 6. The first driving member drives the squeezing blocks 7 to squeeze the cleaning sponge 6 in vertically and horizontally. The squeezing deformation of the cleaning sponge 6 can penetrate into the fiber optic gaps, improving cleanliness. To further improve production efficiency, this embodiment uses two cleaning sponges 6. The installation method of the squeezing blocks on the top, bottom, and outer sides of the two cleaning sponges 6 remains unchanged. A partition 8 is set between the two cleaning sponges 6. The partition 8 provides support when the squeezing blocks 7 on the outer sides of the two cleaning sponges 6 squeeze the cleaning sponge 6 towards the partition 8.

[0036] In one embodiment, the alcohol spraying mechanism includes an atomizing nozzle 4, which is connected to an alcohol storage tank via a hose. The nozzle 4's outlet faces the stripping and cleaning mechanism. Optimally, the atomizing nozzle 4 can be designed to spray alcohol at timed and metered intervals, improving alcohol utilization.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the alcohol sprayed from the atomizing nozzle 4 is directly sprayed onto the cleaning sponge 6 without being blocked by the squeezing block 7 above the cleaning sponge 6, thereby improving the utilization rate of the alcohol, one embodiment can be designed so that the atomizing nozzle 4 extends beyond the squeezing block 7 in the Y-axis direction, that is, the atomizing nozzle 4 is not located directly above the stripping cleaning mechanism. In this case, a second driving member is connected to the cleaning sponge 6 to drive the cleaning sponge 6 to extend and retract in the Y-axis direction. When it is necessary to spray alcohol onto the cleaning sponge 6, the second driving member drives the cleaning sponge 6 to extend in the Y-axis direction, so that the cleaning sponge 6 is out of the squeezing range of the squeezing block 7 and is located within the spraying area of ​​the atomizing nozzle 4. After the cleaning sponge 6 absorbs an appropriate amount of alcohol, the second driving member then drives the cleaning sponge 6 to retract in the Y-axis direction back into the squeezing range of the squeezing block 7. In another embodiment, the atomizing nozzle 4 can be designed to be located directly above the stripping and cleaning mechanism. In this case, a third driving member can be connected to the extrusion block 7 above the cleaning sponge 6 to drive the extrusion block 7 to extend and retract along the Y-axis. When it is necessary to spray alcohol onto the cleaning sponge 6, the third driving member drives the extrusion block 7 above the cleaning sponge 6 to retract along the Y-axis, so that the extrusion block 7 above the cleaning sponge 6 is removed from the spraying area of ​​the atomizing nozzle 4. After the cleaning sponge 6 absorbs an appropriate amount of alcohol, the third driving member then drives the extrusion block 7 above the cleaning sponge 6 to extend along the Y-axis to directly above the cleaning sponge 6.

[0038] In summary, the automatic cleaning device for strip fiber end face stripping provided by this invention cleans the strip fiber end face stripping with a cleaning sponge. There is no high-frequency vibration during the cleaning process, and the strip fiber end face stripping will not develop micro-crack defects, ensuring that the fiber is not damaged. Multiple strip fibers can be cleaned simultaneously, enabling batch processing and high production efficiency.

[0039] The above examples are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. All designs that are the same as or similar to the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for automatic cleaning of a ribbon optical fiber end face stripping opening, characterized in that: The device includes an X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform, a fiber optic jig, a Z-axis lifting mechanism, an alcohol spraying mechanism, and a stripping and cleaning mechanism. The fiber optic jig is mounted on the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform. The Z-axis lifting mechanism is located at the end of the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform. The alcohol spraying mechanism and the stripping and cleaning mechanism are mounted on the Z-axis lifting mechanism, with the alcohol spraying mechanism positioned above the stripping and cleaning mechanism. The stripping and cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning sponge and a squeezing assembly disposed around the cleaning sponge for squeezing the cleaning sponge. Both the cleaning sponge and the squeezing assembly are mounted on the Z-axis lifting mechanism. The extrusion assembly includes an extrusion block and a first driving member that drives the extrusion block to move closer to / away from the cleaning sponge; the cleaning sponge is connected to a second driving member that drives the cleaning sponge to extend and retract along the Y-axis direction, or the extrusion assembly above the cleaning sponge further includes a third driving member that drives the extrusion block to extend and retract along the Y-axis direction; there are two cleaning sponges, and extrusion blocks are provided above, below and outside the two cleaning sponges, and a partition is provided between the two cleaning sponges.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform includes a Y-slide extending along the Y-axis and an X-slide extending along the X-axis; the X-slide is slidably connected to the Y-slide, and the fiber optic fixture is mounted on the X-slide.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the cleaning device is a belt sander. The fiber optic fixture includes a lower base plate and an upper cover plate. The lower base plate has several grooves arranged side by side for placing optical fibers. The lower base plate is mounted on the X / Y cross-shaped carrier platform. The upper cover plate and the lower base plate are detachably connected by magnets.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the cleaning device is a belt sander. The Z-axis lifting mechanism includes a Z-axis bracket, a first connector for supporting the alcohol spraying mechanism, a second connector for supporting the peeling and cleaning mechanism, and a drive assembly for driving the first and second connectors to move up and down. The drive assembly is fixedly installed on the Z-axis bracket, and guide rails are provided on both sides of the Z-axis bracket. The two ends of the second connector are slidably connected to the guide rails on both sides.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the cleaning device is a belt sander. The alcohol spraying mechanism includes an atomizing nozzle, which is connected to an alcohol storage tank via a hose, and the nozzle outlet faces the peeling and cleaning mechanism.

6. An automatic cleaning method of a ribbon optical fiber end face stripping opening, characterized by: The automatic cleaning device for stripped fiber end face cleaning according to any one of claims 1-5 includes the following steps: 1) Place the strip fiber stripped by laser onto the fiber swaying fixture, then clamp the fiber swaying fixture onto the X / Y cross carrier platform, and make the stripped end face of the strip fiber face the stripping and cleaning mechanism. 2) The alcohol spraying mechanism sprays alcohol onto the cleaning sponge on the peeling and cleaning mechanism, so that the alcohol soaks into the cleaning sponge. 3) The Z-axis lifting mechanism pulls the stripping and cleaning mechanism to move up and down, so that the cleaning sponge is facing the ribbon fiber on the fiber optic jig. Then, the X / Y cross carrier platform adjusts the X-axis and Y-axis positions of the ribbon fiber on the fiber optic jig so that the stripped end face of the ribbon fiber is inserted into the cleaning sponge. 4) The squeezing components around the cleaning sponge squeeze the cleaning sponge, and the X / Y cross carrier platform moves along the negative Y-axis, which drives the strip fiber end face stripping on the fiber optic jig to be quickly pulled out of the cleaning sponge, and the squeezing components around the cleaning sponge reset. 5) Following steps 3)-4), the stripping and cleaning mechanism is moved up and down by the Z-axis lifting mechanism, so that the ribbon fiber on the fiber optic fixture corresponds to different height positions of the cleaning sponge, and the stripping end face of the ribbon fiber is cleaned multiple times until it is clean.

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