Automatic coupling mounting device and coupling mounting method for optical fiber array

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automatic coupling and mounting device for optical fiber arrays, including a machine platform, on which a coupling mechanism, a power supply mechanism, an optical feedback mechanism, and a clamping mechanism that can move horizontally relative to the coupling mechanism are arranged. The coupling mechanism includes a multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame, and the front end of the multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame is provided with a clamping component for clamping the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array; the optical feedback mechanism is provided with a sensor for detecting the light flux of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the tube shell in the tube shell placement groove during the coupling process. The present invention also discloses a coupling mounting method. By adopting a specific fixture, the optical fiber array and the tube shell can be clamped at one time, and the automatic coupling mounting of multiple optical fiber arrays and tube shells can be carried out in sequence, thereby improving the mounting efficiency. At the same time, the mounting position is adjusted multiple times by combining visual positioning and light flux detection to ensure the mounting accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an automatic coupling mounting device and a coupling mounting method for an optical fiber array, belonging to the technical field of automation equipment. Background Art

[0002] There is a product that includes a fiber array and a tube shell. The two light receiving ends of the fiber array need to be coupled and fixed to the back of the two laser lenses on the tube shell to form a functional component. During the coupling and mounting process of the light receiving end of this functional component, the precision of the mounting position is very high, requiring the light receiving end to be completely aligned with the corresponding laser lens.

[0003] The existing coupling method usually uses a multi-axis manipulator to grab the optical receiving end of the fiber array to be coupled, and uses a visual positioning component to position it before performing glue placement and curing. The equipment can only clamp one set of materials at a time, requiring frequent manual loading, and the personnel and equipment can only be one-to-one. In addition, when the original equipment manually clamps the material, there is no material on the equipment, and it can only wait for the manual clamping to be completed before continuing to work. This time is not short, which affects the processing efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic coupling and mounting device for optical fiber arrays. By adopting a specific fixture, the optical fiber array and the tube shell can be clamped at one time, and multiple optical fiber arrays and tube shells can be automatically coupled and mounted in sequence, thereby improving the mounting efficiency. At the same time, the mounting position is adjusted multiple times by combining visual positioning and light flux detection to ensure the mounting accuracy.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] An automatic coupling and mounting device for an optical fiber array comprises a machine platform, on which a coupling mechanism, a power supply mechanism, an optical feedback mechanism and a clamp mechanism that can move horizontally relative to the coupling mechanism are arranged, wherein the clamp mechanism comprises a first carrier and a second carrier, the first carrier is provided with a plurality of clamping components for clamping the MPO connection end of the optical fiber array, the second carrier is provided with a plurality of tube and shell placement grooves, one side of the tube and shell placement groove is provided with a carrier for placing the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array, and one end of the tube and shell placement groove is also provided with a tube and shell conductive connection seat;

[0007] The coupling mechanism comprises a multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame, and a clamping component for clamping the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array is arranged at the front end of the multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame;

[0008] The optical feedback mechanism is electrically connected to the coupling mechanism, and the optical feedback mechanism is provided with a sensor for detecting the light flux of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the tube shell in the tube shell placement groove during the coupling process; and the power supply mechanism is provided with a wiring port for supplying power to the tube shell.

[0009] In the aforementioned optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device, the clamping assembly includes a support plate, a vacuum suction head is provided at the front end of the support plate, and clamping claws are provided at both ends of the vacuum suction head.

[0010] The aforementioned optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device further includes a visual detection mechanism electrically connected to the coupling mechanism, and the support plate is provided with a through groove for the camera component of the visual detection mechanism to capture images.

[0011] The aforementioned optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device further includes a glue dispensing component arranged on one side of the coupling mechanism, and the visual inspection mechanism further includes a UV curing component arranged on one side of the camera component.

[0012] In the aforementioned automatic coupling and mounting device for optical fiber arrays, clamping blocks for clamping and positioning the tube shell are provided on both sides of the tube shell placement groove, and a pressure plate for positioning the tube shell and rotatable relative to the second carrier is provided at the edge of the second carrier.

[0013] The aforementioned optical fiber array automatic coupling mounting device, the multi-axis freedom adjustment frame includes an X-axis slide, a Y-axis slide, a Z-axis slide, an RY-axis slide and an RZ-axis slide connected in sequence, the clamping assembly is connected to the RZ-axis slide, and a pressure sensor is provided at the connection.

[0014] A coupling mounting method using the aforementioned optical fiber array automatic coupling mounting device comprises the following steps:

[0015] (1) Fix multiple optical fiber arrays to be processed to the fixture mechanism, wherein the MPO connection end of the optical fiber array is fixed in the clamping assembly, and the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array is fixed on the carrier; the tube shell is fixed in the corresponding tube shell placement groove and is connected to the tube shell conductive connection seat;

[0016] (2) Move the fixture mechanism horizontally to the coupling mechanism, use the clamping assembly to clamp the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array on the carrier and place it on the tube shell, corresponding to the position of the lens on the tube shell;

[0017] (3) Controlling the movement of the visual inspection mechanism so that the camera assembly is located directly above the clamping assembly, and collecting images of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the clamping assembly through the through slot, and the multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame adjusts the position of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the clamping assembly according to the collected image results;

[0018] (4) The power supply mechanism moves to connect the wiring port with the conductive connection seat of the tube shell, the laser emits light, and the sensor on the optical feedback mechanism detects the light flux of the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array. The position of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the clamping assembly is further adjusted according to the detected light flux, thereby completing the preliminary positioning of the optical fiber array light receiving end;

[0019] (5) The clamping assembly drives the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array to move to the dispensing assembly, and the dispensing assembly is used to dispense glue at the bottom of the optical fiber array optical receiving end and then reset to the initial positioning position. The sensor on the optical feedback mechanism and the visual detection mechanism are used to detect the light flux of the optical fiber array optical receiving end again, and finally confirm the fixed position of the optical fiber array optical receiving end;

[0020] (6) Curing the glue on the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array by using a UV curing component to complete the fixation of the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array;

[0021] (7) Repeat the above steps to complete the coupling and mounting of the optical receiving ends of all optical fiber arrays on the fixture mechanism;

[0022] (8) Withdraw the fixture mechanism, remove the product that has completed the coupling placement, and remove the fixture mechanism;

[0023] (9) Replace the manually assembled optical fiber array and tube-shell fixture mechanism onto the mounting device to carry out the next round of coupling mounting work.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0025] 1. By adopting a specific fixture mechanism, the optical fiber array and the tube shell can be clamped at one time, and multiple optical fiber arrays and tube shells can be automatically coupled and mounted in sequence. The MPO connector and the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array can be quickly clamped, and the tube shell can be quickly and effectively fixed. At the same time, it is also convenient for rapid disassembly after coupling mounting, which greatly improves the overall mounting efficiency;

[0026] 2. Use a combination of visual positioning and light flux detection to adjust the mounting position multiple times to ensure mounting accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front view of an automatic coupling and mounting device for an optical fiber array of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a top view of an automatic coupling and mounting device for an optical fiber array of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a front view of a coupling mechanism of an automatic coupling and mounting device for an optical fiber array of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A is an enlarged schematic diagram;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a front view of a fixture mechanism of an automatic coupling and mounting device for an optical fiber array of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Middle B is an enlarged schematic diagram;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified schematic diagram of middle C;

[0034] Figure 8 It is a front view of a visual inspection mechanism of an automatic coupling and mounting device for an optical fiber array of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 9 It is a front view of an optical feedback mechanism of an optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.10 It is a front view of a power supply mechanism of an optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figure 1-Figure 10 As shown, an automatic coupling and mounting device for an optical fiber array includes a machine platform, on which a coupling mechanism 10, a power supply mechanism 60, an optical feedback mechanism 40, and a clamping mechanism 20 that can move horizontally relative to the coupling mechanism 10 are arranged, wherein the clamping mechanism 20 includes a first carrier 21 and a second carrier 22, wherein the first carrier 21 is provided with a plurality of clamping components 211 for clamping the optical fiber array MPO connecting end 1, and the second carrier 22 is provided with a plurality of tube shell placement grooves, and a carrier 221 for placing the optical receiving end 2 of the optical fiber array is provided on one side of the tube shell placement groove , a tube shell conductive connection seat 222 is also provided at one end of the tube shell placement groove; the coupling mechanism 10 includes a multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame, and the front end of the multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame is provided with a clamping component 16 for clamping the optical fiber array light receiving end 2; the optical feedback mechanism 40 is electrically connected to the coupling mechanism 10, and the optical feedback mechanism 40 is provided with a sensor 41 for detecting the light flux of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 on the tube shell 3 in the tube shell placement groove during the coupling process; and the power supply mechanism 60 is provided with a wiring port 61 for supplying power to the tube shell 3.

[0039] In this embodiment, multiple groups of optical fiber arrays and tube shells to be processed are placed in the clamping mechanism 20 respectively, specifically: the MPO connecting end of the optical fiber array is fixed on the clamping assembly 211, wherein the clamping assembly 211 includes a pressure block that can be moved up and down and a groove for placing the MPO connecting end of the optical fiber array, and a spring assembly and a rotating shaft are arranged inside the pressure block. Under normal conditions, the pressure block is pressed on the groove under the action of the spring assembly to fix the MPO connecting end of the optical fiber array, and the light receiving end of the optical fiber array is placed on the carrier 221, and a vacuum suction cup is arranged on the carrier 221 to fix the light receiving end of the optical fiber array; the tube shell is placed in the tube shell placement groove, and the tube shell 3 is conductively connected to the tube shell conductive connection seat 222. The clamped fixture mechanism 20 is placed on the machine table and controlled to move to the coupling mechanism 10 by the components. The light receiving end of the optical fiber array is clamped by the clamping component 16 and placed at the position corresponding to the lens on the tube shell 3. Then, the conductive connecting seat 222 of the tube shell is energized by the power supply mechanism 60. The light flux of the light receiving end of the optical fiber array is detected by the sensor 41. The detected light flux is fed back to the multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame of the coupling mechanism 10 to adjust the position of the clamping component 16, and then the coupling mounting is performed.

[0040] In order to improve the positioning accuracy and speed of the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array, a visual detection mechanism 30 electrically connected to the coupling mechanism 10 is also included, and a through slot 164 for the camera assembly 31 of the visual detection mechanism 30 to collect images is provided on the support plate 161. The multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame includes an X-axis slide 11, a Y-axis slide 12, a Z-axis slide 13, an RY-axis slide 14 and an RZ-axis slide 15 connected in sequence, the clamping assembly 16 is connected to the RZ-axis slide, and a pressure sensor 17 is provided at the connection. After the clamping assembly 16 clamps the corresponding optical fiber array's light receiving end from the carrier 221, it is placed at the corresponding position on the corresponding tube shell 3. During the lowering process, when the pressure sensor 17 detects pressure, it indicates that the optical fiber array's light receiving end has contacted the tube shell, and the clamping assembly 16 stops moving downward. Then, the visual detection mechanism 30 is used to capture images of the product on the clamping assembly 16 through the through slot 164, and the image processing results are fed back to the multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame to adjust the position of the optical fiber array's light receiving end. Then, the sensor 41 is used to detect the light flux of the optical fiber array's light receiving end, and the optical fiber array's light receiving position is repositioned based on the light flux collection situation.

[0041] In this embodiment, the automatic coupling mounting device further includes a glue dispensing component 50 disposed on one side of the coupling mechanism 10, and the visual inspection mechanism 30 further includes a UV curing component 32 disposed on one side of the camera component 31. After the aforementioned positioning is completed, the multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame automatically completes the memory calibration of the position, and then drives the light receiving end of the optical fiber array to move to the glue dispensing component 50, and resetting it to the calibrated position after glue is dispensed on its bottom surface. Since glue is applied to the bottom, it will have a new impact on the fixed position, so it is necessary to use the visual inspection mechanism 30 and the sensor 41 to complete the rapid detection and adjustment of the mounting position again through the detection of light flux. Since the preliminary confirmation of the mounting position has been completed before glue dispensing, the time required for the position adjustment after glue dispensing is very short, which can ensure that it is completed before the glue solidifies.

[0042] The clamping assembly 16 includes a support plate 161, a vacuum head 162 is provided at the front end of the support plate 161, and clamping claws 163 are provided at both ends of the vacuum head 162. When the clamping assembly 16 grabs the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array from the carrier 221, the vacuum head 162 is first used to press and fix the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array to ensure that the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array is in a horizontal position before grabbing, which is convenient for later positioning, and then the clamping claws 163 are used to clamp and move it.

[0043] Clamping blocks 224 for clamping and positioning the tube shell 3 are also provided on both sides of the tube shell placement groove, and the tube shell 3 is positioned and fixed by using the clamping blocks 224. A pressing plate 223 that can rotate relative to it and is used to position the tube shell 3 is provided at the edge of the second carrier 22. When the tube shell 3 is fixed in the tube shell placement groove, the pressing plate 223 is turned over and pressed on the tube shell 3 to ensure that it is conductive with the tube shell conductive connection seat 222.

[0044] A coupling mounting method using an optical fiber array automatic coupling mounting device comprises the following steps:

[0045] (1) Fix multiple optical fiber arrays to be processed to the fixture mechanism 20, wherein the optical fiber array MPO connection end 1 is fixed in the clamping assembly 211, and the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 is fixed on the carrier 221; the tube shell 3 is fixed in the corresponding tube shell placement groove and is connected to the tube shell conductive connection seat 222;

[0046] (2) The clamping mechanism 20 is horizontally moved to the coupling mechanism 10, and the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 on the carrier 221 is clamped by the clamping assembly 16 and placed on the tube shell 3, so as to correspond to the position of the lens 4 on the tube shell 3;

[0047] (3) Controlling the movement of the visual inspection mechanism 30 so that the camera assembly 31 is located directly above the clamping assembly 16, and collecting images of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 on the clamping assembly 16 through the through slot 164, and the multi-axis freedom adjustment frame adjusts the position of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 on the clamping assembly 16 according to the collected image results;

[0048] (4) The power supply mechanism 60 moves to connect the connection port 61 with the tube shell conductive connection seat 222, the laser 5 emits light, and the sensor 41 on the optical feedback mechanism 40 detects the light flux of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2, and further adjusts the position of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 on the clamping assembly 16 according to the detected light flux, thereby completing the preliminary positioning of the position of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2;

[0049] (5) The clamping assembly 16 drives the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 to move to the glue dispensing assembly 50, and the glue dispensing assembly 50 is used to dispense glue on the bottom of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 and then reset it to the initial positioning position, and the sensor 41 on the optical feedback mechanism 40 and the visual detection mechanism 30 are used to detect the light flux of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 again, and finally confirm the fixed position of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2;

[0050] (6) Curing the glue of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2 by the UV curing component 32 to complete the fixation of the optical fiber array light receiving end 2;

[0051] (7) Repeat the above steps to complete the coupling and mounting of all optical fiber array light receiving ends 2 on the fixture mechanism 20;

[0052] (8) withdraw the fixture mechanism 20, remove the product after coupling mounting, and remove the fixture mechanism 20;

[0053] (9) Replace the manually assembled optical fiber array and tube-shell fixture mechanism 20 onto the mounting device to carry out the next round of coupling mounting work.

[0054] In summary, the present invention provides an automatic coupling and mounting device for optical fiber arrays. By adopting a specific fixture, the optical fiber array and the tube shell can be clamped at one time, and multiple optical fiber arrays and tube shells can be automatically coupled and mounted in sequence, thereby improving the mounting efficiency. At the same time, the mounting position is adjusted multiple times by combining visual positioning and light flux detection to ensure the mounting accuracy.

[0055] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may have various changes and improvements, which fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic coupling and mounting device for an optical fiber array, characterized in that: The machine comprises a platform, on which a coupling mechanism, a power supply mechanism, an optical feedback mechanism and a fixture mechanism that can move horizontally relative to the coupling mechanism are arranged, wherein: The fixture mechanism includes a first carrier and a second carrier, the first carrier is provided with a plurality of clamping components for clamping the MPO connection end of the optical fiber array, the second carrier is provided with a plurality of tube shell placement grooves, one side of the tube shell placement groove is provided with a carrier for placing the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array, a vacuum suction cup is provided on the carrier, one end of the tube shell placement groove is also provided with a tube shell conductive connection seat, and the edge of the second carrier is provided with a pressure plate that can rotate relative to it and is used to position the tube shell; The coupling mechanism comprises a multi-axis freedom adjustment frame, and a clamping assembly for clamping the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array is arranged at the front end of the multi-axis freedom adjustment frame; The optical feedback mechanism is electrically connected to the coupling mechanism, and a sensor for detecting the light flux of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the tube shell in the tube shell placement groove during the coupling process is provided on the optical feedback mechanism; and a wiring port for supplying power to the tube shell is provided on the power supply mechanism; The clamping assembly includes a support plate, a vacuum suction head is arranged at the front end of the support plate, and clamping claws are arranged at both ends of the vacuum suction head. During the downward pressing of the support plate, a multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame connected thereto is used to ensure that the light receiving end before being clamped is in a horizontal position, and then the clamping claws located at both ends of the vacuum suction head are used to fix it; It also includes a visual detection mechanism electrically connected to the coupling mechanism, and the support plate is provided with a through slot for a camera assembly of the visual detection mechanism to collect images; The clamping assembly includes a pressing block that can move up and down and a groove for placing the MPO connecting end of the optical fiber array, and a spring assembly and a rotating shaft are arranged inside the pressing block.

2. The optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a glue dispensing component arranged on one side of the coupling mechanism, and the visual inspection mechanism also includes a UV curing component arranged on one side of the camera component.

3. The optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Clamping blocks for clamping and positioning the tube shell are also arranged on both sides of the tube shell placement groove.

4. The optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The multi-axis freedom adjustment frame includes an X-axis slide, a Y-axis slide, a Z-axis slide, an RY-axis slide and an RZ-axis slide that are connected at one time. The clamping assembly is connected to the RZ-axis slide, and a pressure sensor is provided at the connection.

5. A coupling and mounting method using the optical fiber array automatic coupling and mounting device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The steps include: (1) Fix multiple optical fiber arrays to be processed to the fixture mechanism, wherein the MPO connection end of the optical fiber array is fixed in the clamping assembly, and the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array is fixed on the carrier; the tube shell is fixed in the corresponding tube shell placement groove and is connected to the tube shell conductive connection seat; (2) Move the clamp mechanism horizontally to the coupling mechanism, use the clamping assembly to clamp the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array on the carrier and place it on the tube shell, corresponding to the position of the lens on the tube shell. Specifically, when the clamping assembly grabs the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array from the carrier, first use the vacuum suction head to press and fix it, ensuring that the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array is in a horizontal position before grabbing, which is convenient for later positioning, and then use the clamping claw to clamp and move it; (3) Controlling the movement of the visual inspection mechanism so that the camera assembly is located directly above the clamping assembly, and collecting images of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the clamping assembly through the through slot, and the multi-axis degree of freedom adjustment frame adjusts the position of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the clamping assembly according to the collected image results; (4) The power supply mechanism moves to connect the wiring port with the conductive connection seat of the tube shell, the laser emits light, and the sensor on the optical feedback mechanism detects the light flux of the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array. The position of the optical fiber array light receiving end on the clamping assembly is further adjusted according to the detected light flux, thereby completing the preliminary positioning of the optical fiber array light receiving end; (5) The clamping assembly drives the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array to move to the dispensing assembly, and the dispensing assembly is used to dispense glue at the bottom of the optical fiber array optical receiving end and then reset to the initial positioning position. The sensor on the optical feedback mechanism and the visual detection mechanism are used to detect the light flux of the optical fiber array optical receiving end again, and finally confirm the fixed position of the optical fiber array optical receiving end; (6) Curing the glue on the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array by using a UV curing component to complete the fixation of the optical receiving end of the optical fiber array; (7) Repeat the above steps to complete the coupling and mounting of the optical receiving ends of all optical fiber arrays on the fixture mechanism; (8) Withdraw the fixture mechanism, remove the product that has completed the coupling placement, and remove the fixture mechanism; (9) Replace the manually assembled optical fiber array and tube-shell fixture mechanism onto the mounting device to carry out the next round of coupling mounting work.

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