Batch inspection device and method for quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components

Abstract

The present invention discloses a batch inspection device and method for performing quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components, which relates to the field of optical component inspection technology. The device comprises a component tray, which is provided with a plurality of material ports whose contours match the top-view contours of couplers; a cross guide rail, the number of which is the same as the number of material ports and is located below the material ports; a visual module, which is located on the side of the cross guide rail and is used to collect end-view images of couplers passing through the cross guide rail; a top support, which is used to stop the couplers in the cross guide rail; an electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism, which is used to perform power-on troubleshooting on the couplers passing through the cross guide rail; and an integrated controller, which is electrically connected to the visual module and the electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism. The present application has the effect of meeting the quality inspection requirements of couplers and reducing the problem of poor user experience caused by missed inspections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of optical component inspection, and in particular to a batch inspection device and method for performing quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components. Background Art

[0002] A fiber optic coupler is a structure used to connect different sections of optical fiber. The main function of a fiber optic coupler is to maximize the coupling of the light energy output by the transmitting fiber into the receiving fiber to ensure the effective transmission of the optical signal.

[0003] In order to ensure the quality of the coupler and reduce the adverse effects of defective products, it is necessary to test the produced optical fiber couplers. Due to the small size and large quantity of couplers, quality inspection has been mostly carried out by random sampling based on a large base. This method has the problem of missed detection, so this application proposes a new technical solution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to meet the quality inspection requirements of couplers and reduce the problem of poor user experience caused by missed inspections, the present application provides a batch inspection device and method for performing quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a batch inspection device for performing quality inspection on optical fiber components during their falling process, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A batch inspection device for performing quality inspection on optical fiber components during their falling process, comprising:

[0007] The component separation plate is provided with a plurality of material matching openings whose contours match the top view contours of the coupler;

[0008] Cross guide rails, the number of which is the same as the number of the material ports and located below the material ports;

[0009] a vision module located on the side of the cross guide and used to capture end-view images of the device passing through the coupler from the cross guide;

[0010] a top support for the coupler in the stationary cross guide;

[0011] An electrical parameter checking mechanism, which is used to perform power-on checking on the couplers passing through the cross rail;

[0012] An integrated controller electrically connected to the visual module and the electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism;

[0013] The cross guide rail is vertically arranged and each side has an opening opened in the height direction. The integrated controller is configured as follows:

[0014] Compare the real-time image with the preset standard image, and output the coupler quality inspection result 1 according to the image comparison result;

[0015] The real-time power-on feedback is compared with the preset standard electrical parameters, and the second coupler quality inspection result is output based on the electrical parameter comparison result.

[0016] Optionally, the jacking support includes a needle plate, a thimble and an electric push cylinder, the thimble is vertically arranged on the needle plate and extends into the cross guide rail, two thimbles flush with each other are arranged in one cross guide rail, the thimble extends into a groove in the cross guide rail for the coupler cylinder to pass through, the two thimbles in the same cross guide rail are a pair and the circuit structure is connected in series, the electric push cylinder is vertically arranged and the telescopic rod end is fixed to the needle plate; the integrated controller is electrically connected to the thimble and is configured to determine whether the coupler posture is correct based on the power-on feedback of each pair of thimbles.

[0017] Optionally, air columns are provided on the needle plate, and the number of the air columns is the same as the number of ejectors, and the lower ends of the ejectors are vertically slidably connected to the air columns; the air columns are connected to a pumping air mechanism through an air pipe and an electromagnetic valve is installed on the air pipe, and the electromagnetic valve is electrically connected to an integrated controller, and the integrated controller is configured as follows: if the posture of the coupler is wrong, the corresponding electromagnetic valve is controlled to open.

[0018] Optionally, the air pumping mechanism includes a fan, a three-port pipe, a valve A and a valve B, the number of the three-port pipes is the same as the number of air columns, one port of the three-port pipe is connected to the air inlet end of the fan, one port is connected to the air outlet end of the fan, and the other port is used to connect to the air pipe of the air column; the valve A is installed on the port of the three-port pipe connecting the air inlet end of the fan, and the valve B is installed on the port of the three-port pipe connecting the air outlet end of the fan, and the valve A and valve B are electrically connected to the integrated controller respectively.

[0019] Optionally, the electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism includes a vertical plate, a test lead extension column, a limit sleeve and a horizontal pushing mechanism. The test lead extension column is fixed horizontally and vertically to the vertical plate and the number is at least the same as the number of the cross guide rails. The two vertical plates form a group and are located on both sides of the cross guide rails. The limit sleeve is fixed on the vertical plate and covers the test lead extension column. After the test lead extension column extends out of the limit sleeve, it is used to contact the pin of the coupler. The vertical plate is fixed to the pushing part of the horizontal pushing mechanism, and the horizontal pushing mechanism is electrically connected to the integrated controller.

[0020] Optionally, a pin hole is provided at one end of the test lead extension column facing the cross guide rail.

[0021] Optionally, the integrated controller is also electrically connected to a blowing mechanism, which includes an air nozzle and a valve C. The air outlet end of the air nozzle is horizontally facing below the lower port of the cross guide rail, and the air nozzle is connected to the air outlet of the fan through a pipe. The valve C is installed on the pipe of the air nozzle and is electrically connected to the integrated controller.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present application provides a batch inspection method for quality inspection of optical fiber components during their fall, using the following technical solution:

[0023] A batch inspection method for performing quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components uses any of the above-mentioned batch inspection devices for performing quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components to perform quality inspection on couplers.

[0024] In summary, the present application includes the following beneficial technical effects: The coupler can be adjusted to the desired posture through the cooperation of the component disk and the cross guide rail, and then the visual inspection technology can be used to batch determine whether the coupler pins are skewed, and the electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism can be used to batch test the coupler pins through power-on. Since the detection rate is relatively fast, it is no longer a purely manual visual inspection and multimeter inspection, so it meets the quality inspection needs of more couplers and reduces the problem of poor user experience caused by missed inspections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the component tray and top support of the device of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the control structure of the device of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of the gas pumping mechanism of this application.

[0029] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 1. Partition plate; 2. Cross guide rail; 3. Visual module; 4. Top support; 41. Needle plate; 42. Ejector pin; 43. Electric push cylinder; 5. Electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism; 51. Vertical plate; 52. Test lead extension column; 53. Limit sleeve; 54. Horizontal push mechanism; 6. Integrated controller; 71. Air column; 72. Air pumping mechanism; 721. Fan; 722. Three-port pipeline; 73. Solenoid valve; 8. Pressure sensor; 9. Air nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following is combined with Figure 1-4 This application is described in further detail.

[0031] An embodiment of the present application discloses a batch inspection device for performing quality inspection on optical fiber components during their falling process.

[0032] Reference Figure 1-4The batch inspection device for performing quality inspection during the falling process of the optical fiber assembly includes a component tray 1, a cross guide rail 2, a visual module 3, a top support 4 and an electrical parameter inspection mechanism 5, wherein the component tray 1 is a thin plate that is rectangular when viewed from above, and the edge of the thin plate is folded upward to form a retaining edge to prevent the coupler on the component tray 1 from falling. There are multiple material ports evenly distributed on the component tray 1, and the material ports are cross-shaped when viewed from above, which fits the top view outline of the coupler. It should be noted that the coupler in this embodiment refers to an FC-type optical fiber coupler. The component tray 1 can be supported by a bracket. In this case, it is necessary to manually move the coupler on the component tray 1 to allow it to enter the material port.

[0033] Cross guides 2 are long and rectangular, with the same number of slots as the material slots. They are hollow along their length, with a cross-shaped interior when viewed from the end, accommodating the couplers. After entering the slots, the couplers drop into cross guides 2. Each side of cross guide 2 has openings extending along its height, and its upper end is fixed to the lower portion of the component tray 1.

[0034] Vision module 3, such as a high-definition CCD camera, can be mounted on a mounting platform at the piston rod end of a horizontally arranged cylinder. The cylinder extends, causing vision module 3 to move to the side of cross-guide rail 2 to obtain an end-on view of the coupler pins. To obtain end-on views of multiple couplers simultaneously, cross-guide rails 2 are arranged along a straight line, with both sides of the arrangement facing the coupler pins. A camera is installed on each side.

[0035] The top support 4 is used to stop the coupler in the cross guide rail 2 to facilitate image collection for analysis, etc.; the electrical parameter inspection mechanism 5 is used to conduct power-on inspection on the couplers passing through the cross guide rail 2, and it is carried out in batches.

[0036] In order to carry out automatic control, the device also includes an integrated controller 6, which can be a computer and a PLC controller connected to the computer. The PLC controller is connected to various sensors, cylinder structures, motors, etc., and the computer is connected to a camera for image analysis. The integrated controller 6 is configured as follows:

[0037] Perform image recognition on the captured end view to obtain pin features, extract the outline as a real-time image, compare the real-time image with the preset standard image, and output the coupler quality inspection result based on the image comparison result; for example, if the outline size difference exceeds the allowable threshold, it is considered unqualified;

[0038] Compare the real-time power-on feedback with the standard electrical parameters, and output the second coupler quality inspection result based on the electrical parameter comparison result; the purpose of powering on is to calculate the resistance through current and voltage, and to judge whether the metal pin is qualified through the resistance.

[0039] According to the above settings, the device can adjust the coupler to the required posture through the cooperation of the partition plate 1 and the cross guide rail 2, and then use visual inspection technology to batch determine whether the coupler pins are skewed, and use the electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism 5 to batch power on the coupler pins for inspection. Since the detection rate is relatively fast, it is no longer a pure manual visual inspection and multimeter inspection, so it meets the quality inspection needs of more couplers and reduces the problem of poor user experience caused by missed inspections.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present device, the support 4 includes a needle plate 41, an ejector pin 42, and an electric push cylinder 43. The ejector pin 42 is arranged vertically with respect to the needle plate 41 and extends into the cross guide 2. There are two mutually flush ejector pins 42 in each cross guide 2, and the ejector pins 42 extend into the groove in the cross guide 2 for the coupler cylinder to pass through.

[0041] The two ejector pins 42 in the same cross guide 2 are a pair. When in use, the two ejector pins 42 of the same pair are connected to the high level signal output terminal and the int terminal of the integrated controller 6 with a wire.

[0042] When the coupler correctly enters the material port of the dividing plate 1, one of the two ejector pins 42 of the same pair contacts the coupler cylinder, while the other cannot, because the heights of the arc surfaces in the circumferential direction are inconsistent; however, if the coupler incorrectly enters the material port, and its middle direction partition enters the material port, the ejector pins 42 of the same pair contact the coupler at the same time and conduct.

[0043] According to the above arrangement, the integrated controller 6 is configured to determine whether the coupler posture is correct based on the power-on feedback of each pair of ejector pins.

[0044] The electric push cylinder 43 is vertically arranged and the telescopic rod end is fixed to the lower part of the needle plate 41 to drive the ejector pin 42 to move up and down. The electric push cylinder 43 is electrically connected to the integrated controller 6.

[0045] In one embodiment of this device, hollow gas columns 71 are fixed to the needle plate 41. The number of gas columns 71 is the same as the number of ejector pins 42. The lower ends of the ejector pins 42 are vertically slidably connected to the gas columns 71. If the tightness between the ejector pins 42 and the inner cavity of the gas columns 71 is poor, a piston can be installed at the lower end of the ejector pins 42. It is important to note that the ejector pins 42 should be cut longitudinally into a T-shape to fit the gas columns 71 to prevent them from falling out.

[0046] Air column 71 is connected to air pumping mechanism 72 via an air pipe, and a solenoid valve 73 is mounted on the air pipe. Solenoid valve 73 is electrically connected to integrated controller 6, which is configured to control the corresponding solenoid valve 73 to open if the coupler's posture is incorrect. In other words, if the coupler enters the material port in the incorrect posture, solenoid valve 73 can be opened to blow air to push ejector pin 42 upward, ejecting the coupler.

[0047] Reference Figure 4The air pumping mechanism 72 includes a fan 721, a three-port pipe 722, a valve A and a valve B, wherein the number of the three-port pipes 722 is the same as the number of the air columns 71, one port of the three-port pipe 722 is connected to the air inlet end of the fan 721, one port is connected to the air outlet end of the fan 721, and the other port is used to connect to the air pipe of the air column 71.

[0048] Valve A is installed on one port of the three-port pipe 722 connected to the air inlet end of the fan 721, and valve B is installed on one port of the three-port pipe 722 connected to the air outlet end of the fan 721. Valve A and valve B are electrically connected to the integrated controller 6 respectively.

[0049] It should be noted that the diameter of the three-port pipe 722 should be relatively small because the amount of air required to push the ejector pin 42 is relatively small; the air inlet end of the fan 721 is connected to another bypass pipe, and a pressure relief valve is installed at the air outlet so that air can be sucked in from the bypass and excess air can be discharged.

[0050] It can be understood that one three-port pipe 722 matches one gas column 71 so that each gas column 71 can act independently; the valves on the three-port pipe 722 correspond.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the device utilizes a fan 721 to achieve the effect of pushing the ejector pin 42 upward or pulling the ejector pin 42 downward due to negative pressure, and this can be achieved simply by controlling the opening and closing of valves A and B.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 In one embodiment of the present application, the electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism 5 includes a vertical plate 51 , a test lead extension column 52 , a limiting sleeve 53 and a horizontal pushing mechanism 54 .

[0053] The test lead extension posts 52 are fixed transversely and perpendicularly to the risers 51, and their number is at least equal to the number of cross rails 2. Two risers 51 form a set and are located symmetrically on either side of the cross rail 2. The limiting sleeves 53 can be a matching number of the test lead extension posts 52. The limiting sleeves 53 are fixed to the risers 51 and cover the test lead extension posts 52.

[0054] The test lead extension post 52 extends out of the retaining sleeve 53 to contact the coupler pins. The vertical plate 51 is fixed to the push portion of a horizontal push mechanism 54, which can be a lead screw slide. The motor of the horizontal push mechanism 54 is electrically connected to the integrated controller 6. Two laterally symmetrical test lead extension posts 52 connect to the two test leads of a multimeter, and the multimeter data is connected to the integrated controller 6.

[0055] After completing the visual information collection, the camera moves away; the horizontal push mechanism 54 drives the vertical plate 51 to move toward the cross guide rail 2, so that the test lead extension column contacts the pin in the coupler cylinder to measure its resistance, etc.

[0056] It should be noted that the limiting sleeve 53 abuts against the outer end of the coupler cylinder when the coupler pin contacts the test lead extension column 52 normally, so as to prevent the coupler from being damaged by excessive pushing.

[0057] Furthermore, a pressure sensor 8 (film pressure sensor) is fixed on the surface of the vertical plate 51, and a limit sleeve 53 is fixed on the outer side of the film pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 8 is electrically connected to the integrated controller 6, so that the integrated controller 6 can determine whether the horizontal pushing mechanism 54 is pushed into place according to the pressure change.

[0058] The above-mentioned setting of the limit sleeve 53 also has another function: if the length of the pin is insufficient, the pin cannot contact the test lead extension column 52, resulting in completely different test results; therefore, this device can also be used to detect whether the length of the pin is sufficient.

[0059] In another embodiment of the device, a pin hole is provided at one end of the test lead extension column 52 facing the cross guide rail 2, that is, the pin can be inserted into the test lead extension column 52 under normal circumstances, which helps to ensure effective contact with the pin.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present device, a blowing mechanism is provided to separate unqualified couplers. The blowing mechanism includes an air nozzle 9 and a valve C. The air nozzle 9 is fixed on the cross guide rail 2 through a bracket, and the air outlet end is horizontally facing below the lower port of the cross guide rail; the air nozzle 9 is connected to the air outlet of the fan 721 through a pipe, and the valve C is installed on the pipe of the air nozzle 9 and is electrically connected to the integrated controller 6.

[0061] If the wind force of the blower 721 is insufficient, the air nozzle 9 can select the compressor to supply air independently. When it is determined that a certain coupler is unqualified, the integrated controller 6 opens the valve C and blows the coupler away from the cross guide 2 by blowing air.

[0062] It can be understood that a container is placed under each cross guide rail 2 to receive qualified couplers.

[0063] The embodiment of the present application also discloses a batch inspection method for performing quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components.

[0064] The batch inspection method for performing quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components uses any of the above-mentioned batch inspection devices for performing quality inspection during the falling process of optical fiber components to perform quality inspection on the couplers.

[0065] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A batch inspection device for quality inspection of optical fiber components during their falling process, characterized in that: include: A component disc (1) is provided with a plurality of material ports whose contours match the top-view contours of the coupler; Cross guide rails (2), the number of which is the same as the number of the material ports and is located below the material ports; A vision module (3) located on the side of the cross guide (2) and used to collect an end view image of the cross guide (2) passing through the coupler; A top support (4) for holding the coupler in the cross guide (2); An electrical parameter checking mechanism (5) for checking the couplers passing through the cross guide rail (2) by powering on; An integrated controller (6) electrically connected to the visual module (3) and the electrical parameter checking mechanism (5); The cross guide rail (2) is vertically arranged and each side has an opening opened in the height direction, and the integrated controller (6) is configured as follows: Compare the real-time image with the preset standard image, and output the coupler quality inspection result 1 according to the image comparison result; Compare the real-time power-on feedback with the preset standard electrical parameters, and output the coupler quality inspection result 2 according to the electrical parameter comparison result; the support (4) includes a needle plate (41), a thimble (42) and an electric push cylinder (43), the thimble (42) is vertically arranged on the needle plate (41) and extends into the cross guide (2), one cross guide (2) is provided with two mutually flush thimbles (42), the thimble (42) extends into the groove in the cross guide (2) for the coupler cylinder to pass through, the two thimbles (42) in the same cross guide (2) are a pair and the circuit structure is connected in series, the electric push cylinder (43) is vertically arranged and the telescopic rod end is fixed to the needle plate (41); the integrated controller (6) is electrically connected to the thimble (42) and is configured to: determine whether the coupler posture is correct according to the power-on feedback of each pair of thimbles (42); The electrical parameter troubleshooting mechanism (5) includes a vertical plate (51), a test lead extension column (52), a limiting sleeve (53) and a horizontal pushing mechanism (54). The test lead extension column (52) is fixed to the vertical plate (51) in a transverse and vertical manner and the number of the test lead extension column (52) is at least the same as the number of the cross guide rail (2). The two vertical plates (51) form a group and are respectively located on two symmetrical sides of the cross guide rail (2). The limiting sleeve (53) is fixed on the vertical plate (51) and covers the test lead extension column (52). The test lead extension column (52) extends out of the limiting sleeve (53) and is used to contact the pin of the coupler. The vertical plate (51) is fixed to the pushing part of the horizontal pushing mechanism (54). The horizontal pushing mechanism (54) is electrically connected to the integrated controller (6).

2. The batch inspection device for performing quality inspection on optical fiber components during their falling process according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air column (71) is provided on the needle plate (41), and the number of the air columns (71) is the same as the number of the ejector pins (42). The lower end of the ejector pin (42) is vertically slidably connected to the air column (71); the air column (71) is connected to the air pumping mechanism (72) through an air pipe, and an electromagnetic valve (73) is installed on the air pipe. The electromagnetic valve (73) is electrically connected to the integrated controller (6). The integrated controller (6) is configured to control the corresponding electromagnetic valve (73) to open if the posture of the coupler is wrong.

3. The batch inspection device for performing quality inspection on optical fiber components during their falling process according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air pumping mechanism (72) includes a fan (721), a three-port pipe (722), a valve A and a valve B. The number of the three-port pipes (722) is the same as the number of the air columns (71). One port of the three-port pipe (722) is connected to the air inlet end of the fan (721), one port is connected to the air outlet end of the fan (721), and the other port is used to connect to the air pipe of the air column (71); the valve A is installed on the port of the three-port pipe (722) connected to the air inlet end of the fan (721), and the valve B is installed on the port of the three-port pipe (722) connected to the air outlet end of the fan (721). The valve A and the valve B are respectively electrically connected to the integrated controller (6).

4. The batch inspection device for performing quality inspection on optical fiber components during their falling process according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pin hole is provided on one end of the test lead extension column (52) facing the cross guide rail (2).

5. The batch inspection device for performing quality inspection on optical fiber components during their falling process according to claim 3, characterized in that: The integrated controller (6) is also electrically connected to a blow-off mechanism, which includes an air nozzle (9) and a valve C. The air outlet end of the air nozzle (9) is laterally directed toward the lower end of the cross guide rail (2). The air nozzle (9) is connected to the air outlet of the fan (721) through a pipeline. The valve C is installed on the pipeline of the air nozzle (9) and is electrically connected to the integrated controller (6).

6. A batch inspection method for quality inspection of optical fiber components during their fall, characterized by: The quality of the coupler is inspected using the batch inspection device for performing quality inspection during the falling process of the optical fiber assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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