Precise alignment and curing integrated equipment for polarization axis of polarization maintaining optical fiber array

Abstract

The invention provides precise alignment and curing integrated equipment for a polarization axis of a polarization-maintaining optical fiber array. The precise alignment and curing integrated equipment comprises a machine table, and a thermocuring clamp, an optical fiber array adjusting system, a visual imaging system and a control system which are arranged on the machine table, the control system is electrically connected with the visual imaging system, the optical fiber array adjustment system and the thermocuring clamp, and is used for receiving the cat eye image acquired by the visual imaging system, processing and analyzing the cat eye image, and controlling the optical fiber array adjustment system to drive the polarization maintaining optical fiber to rotate according to an analysis result so as to realize polarization axis alignment; and after alignment is completed, the thermocuring clamp is controlled to carry out heating curing. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber array polarization axis alignment and curing process is integrated, the whole process is planned and coordinated by a control system, the automation degree is high, manual intervention is reduced, the labor intensity of manual operation and personal errors are reduced, the overall production efficiency is improved, and the production cost is reduced. And the requirements of large-scale production on high efficiency, high precision and high consistency can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of high-speed optical communication and sensing technology, and more specifically, it relates to an integrated device for precise alignment and curing of polarization axis of polarization-maintaining fiber array. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of high-speed optical communication and sensing, polarization-maintaining fiber is crucial because it can stably maintain the polarization state of transmitted light waves. With the increasing demands for transmission capacity and speed in data centers, 5G transmission, and quantum communication systems, multi-core polarization-maintaining fiber arrays (such as MTP / MPO / FA type connectors) are becoming increasingly widespread. The performance of these connectors is highly dependent on the precise alignment of the polarization principal axis (commonly known as the "cat's eye") of each fiber in the array; its alignment accuracy directly affects key performance indicators of the optical module, such as insertion loss and polarization crosstalk.

[0003] Currently, the alignment operation of polarization-maintaining fiber arrays in the industry mostly relies on manual observation and rotation of individual fibers under a microscope. This method has the following significant drawbacks: (1) extremely low work efficiency, which cannot meet the needs of large-scale production; (2) alignment accuracy is greatly affected by the operator's subjective experience and visual fatigue, resulting in poor consistency; (3) the alignment is separated from the subsequent adhesive curing process, increasing the process flow time and the risk of product damage. In addition, some existing semi-automatic equipment often has limited functions, lacks integrated thermosetting functions, and has poor adaptability to different product models. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an integrated device for precise alignment and curing of polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis, so as to solve the technical problems of low alignment efficiency, poor accuracy consistency, and long production cycle and high product quality risk caused by the separation of alignment and curing processes in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: An integrated device for precise alignment and curing of polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis is provided, comprising a machine base and a thermosetting fixture, a fiber array calibration system, a vision imaging system, and a control system disposed on the machine base; the thermosetting fixture is used to clamp the ferrule and cure the adhesive fixing the ferrule and the polarization-maintaining fiber; the fiber array calibration system includes a fiber clamping assembly, a first position adjustment assembly, a fiber rotation drive assembly, and a second position adjustment assembly; the fiber clamping assembly is used to clamp the fiber, the first position adjustment assembly is connected to the fiber clamping assembly and is used to adjust the relative position of the fiber clamping assembly and the thermosetting fixture; the fiber rotation drive assembly is used to drive the polarization-maintaining fiber to rotate, the second position adjustment assembly is connected to the fiber rotation drive assembly, and the first position adjustment assembly is used to drive the polarization-maintaining fiber to rotate. The two position adjustment components are used to adjust the position of the fiber rotation drive component; the visual imaging system includes a first imaging system and a second imaging system. The first imaging system is located above the fiber array calibration system and is used to assist in fiber threading and positioning; the second imaging system is located on the side of the thermosetting fixture away from the fiber array calibration system and is used to acquire the cat's-eye image of the polarization-maintaining fiber; the control system is electrically connected to the visual imaging system, the fiber array calibration system, and the thermosetting fixture. The control system is used to receive the cat's-eye image acquired by the second imaging system and process and analyze it. Based on the analysis results, the control system controls the fiber rotation drive component to drive the polarization-maintaining fiber to rotate to achieve polarization axis alignment, and after alignment, controls the thermosetting fixture to heat and cure.

[0006] Furthermore, the optical fiber clamping assembly includes an optical fiber guide plate and an optical fiber pressure plate; the optical fiber guide plate has a guide groove for accommodating and positioning the polarization-maintaining optical fiber, and the optical fiber pressure plate is detachably covered above the optical fiber guide plate, thereby achieving stable clamping of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber through cooperation with the guide groove.

[0007] Furthermore, the first position adjustment component includes an XZ axis adjustment mechanism, which is mounted on the machine base and connected to the fiber clamping component; the XZ axis adjustment mechanism is used to drive the fiber clamping component to adjust its position in the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0008] Furthermore, the optical fiber rotation drive assembly includes a drive component mounting plate and a plurality of rotation drive components disposed on the mounting plate; the drive component mounting plate is connected to the second position adjustment assembly; the rotation drive components are used to drive the polarization-maintaining optical fiber to rotate.

[0009] Furthermore, the second position adjustment component includes a Z-axis lifting mechanism, which is mounted on the machine base and connected to the fiber optic rotation drive component. The Z-axis lifting mechanism is used to drive the fiber optic rotation drive component to move up and down along the Z-axis direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the first imaging system includes a support frame, a gimbal, and a first image acquisition element; the support frame is fixed to the machine base; the gimbal is mounted on the top of the support frame; and the first image acquisition element is connected to the gimbal.

[0011] Furthermore, the second imaging system includes an XYZ axis slide and a second image acquisition element; the XYZ axis slide is mounted on the machine base, and the second image acquisition element is disposed on the XYZ axis slide.

[0012] Furthermore, the thermosetting fixture is equipped with a heating element and a temperature detection element; the heating element is used to heat the insert to achieve thermosetting of the adhesive; the temperature detection element is used to monitor the heating temperature of the thermosetting fixture in real time and feed the temperature signal back to the control system.

[0013] Furthermore, the machine tool includes an optical platform and a lower support; the optical platform is mounted above the lower support; the optical platform is used to support the thermosetting fixture, the fiber array calibration system, and the visual imaging system; the internal space of the lower support is used to install the control system.

[0014] Furthermore, the control system includes a display and a control host. The display is used for human-machine interaction and to show the operating status of the device, the parameter setting interface, and the axis alignment process image. The control host has built-in image processing and control software, which can realize the automated control and data processing of the fiber array calibration system, the vision imaging system, and the thermosetting fixture.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the integrated polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and curing equipment provided in this application are as follows: Compared with the prior art, this application achieves integrated polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis alignment and curing processes by highly integrating the thermosetting fixture, fiber array calibration system, vision imaging system, and control system into the machine tool. Specifically, the second imaging system in the vision imaging system can accurately acquire the cat's-eye image of the polarization-maintaining fiber. The control system processes and analyzes the image in real time, thereby driving the fiber rotation drive component in the fiber array calibration system to achieve high-precision dynamic alignment of the polarization-maintaining fiber polarization axis. Its alignment accuracy is significantly improved compared with traditional manual or semi-automatic methods, effectively solving the problem of poor accuracy consistency. At the same time, the first imaging system assists in fiber threading positioning, and together with the first and second position adjustment components, it precisely adjusts the positions of the fiber clamping component and the fiber rotation drive component, greatly improving the fiber threading efficiency and initial positioning accuracy, and shortening the preparation time before alignment. More importantly, after alignment, the control system can immediately control the thermosetting fixture to heat and cure the adhesive fixing the ferrule and polarization-maintaining fiber. This avoids the inter-process transfer time caused by the separation of the axis and curing process in traditional processes, significantly shortening the production cycle and eliminating product quality risks such as fiber position misalignment or contamination that may occur due to process transfer. In addition, the entire process is coordinated by the control system, with a high degree of automation, reducing manual intervention. This not only reduces the labor intensity and human error of manual operation, but also facilitates the parallel alignment and curing of multi-core polarization-maintaining fiber arrays, greatly improving overall production efficiency and better meeting the demands of modern large-scale production for high efficiency, high precision, and high consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the integrated device for precise alignment and curing of polarization axes of polarization-maintaining fiber array provided in the embodiments of this application; The following are the labeling elements in the figure: 1-Optical platform; 2-Drawer; 3-Lower support; 4- Interface panel; 5-XZ axis adjustment mechanism; 6-Z axis lifting mechanism; 7-Driver mounting plate; 8-Rotary drive component; 9-Fiber optic pressure plate; 10-Fiber optic guide plate; 11-Fiber optic anti-derailment frame; 12-Support frame; 13-Thermosetting fixture; 14-Temperature controller; 15-Light source module; 16-Gimbal; 17-Imaging lens; 18 - First image acquisition element; 19-Cantilever bracket; 20- Monitor; 21-Second image acquisition element; 22-Camera lens; 23-XYZ axis slide table. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0019] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0020] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "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 application 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 application.

[0021] Furthermore, 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 application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] Please see Figure 1The integrated device for precise alignment and curing of polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis provided in this application embodiment will now be described. This integrated device includes a machine base and a thermosetting clamp 13, a fiber array calibration system, a vision imaging system, and a control system mounted on the machine base. The thermosetting clamp 13 is used to clamp the ferrule and cure the adhesive fixing the ferrule and the polarization-maintaining fiber. The fiber array calibration system includes a fiber clamping assembly, a first position adjustment assembly, a fiber rotation drive assembly, and a second position adjustment assembly. The fiber clamping assembly is used to clamp the fiber; the first position adjustment assembly is connected to the fiber clamping assembly and is used to adjust the relative position between the fiber clamping assembly and the thermosetting clamp 13; the fiber rotation drive assembly is used to drive the polarization-maintaining fiber to rotate; the second position adjustment assembly is connected to the fiber rotation drive assembly. The control system is used to adjust the position of the optical fiber rotation drive assembly; the visual imaging system includes a first imaging system and a second imaging system. The first imaging system is located above the optical fiber array calibration system and is used to assist in fiber threading and positioning; the second imaging system is located on the side of the thermosetting fixture 13 away from the optical fiber array calibration system and is used to acquire the cat's eye image of the polarization-maintaining fiber; the control system is electrically connected to the visual imaging system, the optical fiber array calibration system and the thermosetting fixture 13. The control system is used to receive the cat's eye image acquired by the second imaging system and process and analyze it. Based on the analysis results, the control system controls the optical fiber rotation drive assembly to drive the polarization-maintaining fiber to rotate to achieve polarization axis alignment, and controls the thermosetting fixture 13 to heat and cure after alignment.

[0023] The integrated polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and curing device provided in this application embodiment, compared with the prior art, achieves integrated polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis alignment and curing process by highly integrating the thermosetting fixture 13, fiber array calibration system, vision imaging system and control system into the machine tool. Specifically, the second imaging system in the vision imaging system can accurately acquire the cat's-eye image of the polarization-maintaining fiber, and the control system processes and analyzes the image in real time, thereby driving the fiber rotation drive component in the fiber array calibration system to achieve high-precision dynamic alignment of the polarization-maintaining fiber polarization axis. Its alignment accuracy is significantly improved compared with traditional manual or semi-automatic methods, effectively solving the problem of poor accuracy consistency. At the same time, the first imaging system assists in fiber threading positioning, and works with the first position adjustment component and the second position adjustment component to precisely adjust the position of the fiber clamping component and the fiber rotation drive component, greatly improving the fiber threading efficiency and initial positioning accuracy, and shortening the preparation time before alignment. More importantly, after alignment, the control system can immediately control the thermosetting fixture 13 to heat and cure the adhesive fixing the ferrule and polarization-maintaining fiber. This avoids the inter-process transfer time caused by the separation of the axis and curing process in traditional processes, significantly shortening the production cycle and eliminating product quality risks such as fiber position misalignment or contamination that may occur due to process transfer. In addition, the entire process is coordinated by the control system, with a high degree of automation, reducing manual intervention. This not only reduces the labor intensity and human error of manual operation, but also facilitates the parallel alignment and curing of multi-core polarization-maintaining fiber arrays, greatly improving overall production efficiency and better meeting the requirements of modern large-scale production for high efficiency, high precision, and high consistency.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The fiber clamping assembly includes a fiber guide plate 10 and a fiber pressure plate 9. The fiber guide plate 10 has a guide groove for accommodating and positioning the polarization-maintaining fiber. The fiber pressure plate 9 is detachably covered above the fiber guide plate 10 and achieves stable clamping of the polarization-maintaining fiber by cooperating with the guide groove.

[0025] In this embodiment, the fiber guide plate 10 and fiber pressure plate 9 enable the neat arrangement and reliable fixation of multiple polarization-maintaining fibers. The guide grooves on the fiber guide plate 10 effectively prevent positioning errors caused by fiber twisting or warping during alignment and curing. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove is V-shaped or U-shaped, and can be adapted to the outer diameter of the polarization-maintaining fiber to ensure that the fiber, after being embedded, fits tightly against the inner wall of the guide groove, limiting its displacement in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1The first position adjustment component includes an XZ axis adjustment mechanism 5, which is mounted on the machine base and connected to the fiber optic clamping assembly. The XZ axis adjustment mechanism 5 is used to drive the fiber optic clamping assembly to adjust its position in the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0027] In this embodiment, the XZ axis adjustment mechanism 5 adopts a structure that combines a high-precision cross roller guide with a micron-level micrometer head, which can accurately position the relative positions of the fiber guide plate 10 and the thermosetting fixture 13 in the horizontal and vertical directions, ensuring initial coaxiality.

[0028] The crossed roller guide provides a high-rigidity and high-precision linear motion foundation, ensuring the smoothness and straightness of the fiber clamping assembly during movement in the X and Z axes. The micron-level differential head serves as the adjustment actuator, with a minimum adjustment resolution of 0.5 microns or even higher. Operators or automated control systems can precisely control the displacement of the guide rail slider by rotating the adjustment knob of the differential head, thereby driving the fiber clamping assembly to achieve minute position adjustments. This adjustment method is not only convenient and highly accurate, but also possesses excellent mechanical self-locking performance, maintaining a stable state after position setting and preventing positional shifts due to external vibrations or minor external forces. This provides a reliable position adjustment guarantee for the high-precision requirements of subsequent polarization axis alignment. The precise drive of the fiber clamping assembly by the XZ axis adjustment mechanism 5 enables the end face of the polarization-maintaining fiber to quickly and accurately reach the working position corresponding to the imaging detection and curing components, laying a solid mechanical adjustment foundation for achieving precise polarization axis alignment.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The fiber rotation drive assembly includes a drive component mounting plate 7 and a plurality of rotation drive components 8 disposed on the drive component mounting plate 7; the drive component mounting plate 7 is connected to the second position adjustment assembly; the rotation drive components 8 are used to drive the polarization-maintaining fiber to rotate.

[0030] In this embodiment, by setting up a drive component mounting plate 7 and multiple rotary drive components 8, an independent and high-precision rotary driving force can be provided for each polarization-maintaining fiber. Each rotary drive component 8 adopts a hollow cup servo motor, which has significant advantages such as small size, fast response, stable output torque, and high control precision. These rotary drive components 8 are integrated and installed through the drive component mounting plate 7, which not only achieves a compact layout and saves internal space, but also helps to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the relative positions between each rotary drive component 8, providing a stable installation foundation for the synchronous or independent angle adjustment of multiple polarization-maintaining fibers. The output shaft of the rotary drive component 8 is connected to the fiber optic clamp through a precision coupling. The precision coupling can effectively compensate for the slight coaxiality error that may exist during the installation process, ensuring gapless and high-precision transmission of rotational motion from the motor to the fiber optic clamp, enabling nanometer-level angle rotation of the polarization-maintaining fiber. Specifically, the drive mounting plate 7 is arc-shaped; this arc design is compatible with the arc arrangement of the polarization-maintaining fiber array, which enables multiple rotating drive components 8 to be radially and uniformly distributed around the center of the array, thereby ensuring that the rotation adjustment path of each polarization-maintaining fiber is consistent with the radial direction of the array.

[0031] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The second position adjustment component includes a Z-axis lifting mechanism 6, which is mounted on the machine base and connected to the fiber optic rotation drive assembly. The Z-axis lifting mechanism 6 is used to drive the fiber optic rotation drive assembly to move up and down along the Z-axis direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, the Z-axis lifting mechanism 6 enables the fiber rotation drive assembly to precisely displace along the vertical direction. This design first solves the problem of adapting different specifications of ferrules in the height direction. When faced with ferrules of different lengths or installation height requirements, there is no need to replace or adjust complex mechanical structures. The end of the polarization-maintaining fiber array and the mating surface of the ferrule can be aligned at the same level simply by adjusting the Z-axis lifting mechanism 6, ensuring the consistency of the reference for subsequent polarization axis alignment and curing operations. Secondly, in the loading and unloading operation, the Z-axis lifting mechanism 6 can drive the fiber clamping assembly to a height that is convenient for operators or automated loading devices to pick up and place the fiber array, avoiding the inconvenience caused by limited operating space, significantly improving the convenience and safety of operation, and also laying a good foundation for the automated loading and unloading of equipment. The Z-axis lifting mechanism 6 adopts a high-precision guide rail slider structure combined with servo motor drive, which can provide smooth lifting motion and precise position control, ensuring the stability of the fiber clamping assembly during adjustment and preventing unnecessary stress on the fiber or affecting the alignment accuracy due to vibration or insufficient displacement accuracy.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1The fiber array calibration system also includes a fiber anti-delamination bracket 11, which is mounted on the machine base and located between the thermosetting fixture 13 and the fiber clamping assembly.

[0034] In this embodiment, by setting up the fiber optic anti-loosening pressure bracket 11, a stable and moderate downward pressure can be applied to the fiber optic pigtail leading from the fiber clamping assembly and passing through the micro-hole of the ferrule during the critical stage of fiber threading operation between the polarization-maintaining fiber array and the ferrule. This reliably restricts the fiber optic pigtail to a preset position within the micro-hole of the ferrule, avoiding problems such as threading failure, decreased alignment accuracy, or even fiber damage caused by accidental fiber detachment. The fiber optic anti-loosening pressure bracket 11 adopts an adjustable pressure head structure to accommodate fiber optic pigtails of different diameters and is equipped with a buffer device to ensure the uniformity and gentleness of the pressure, further ensuring the safety and stability of the fiber during the threading and adjustment stages.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The first imaging system includes a support frame 12, a gimbal 16, and a first image acquisition element 18; the support frame 12 is fixed to the machine base; the gimbal 16 is mounted on the top of the support frame 12; and the first image acquisition element 18 is connected to the gimbal 16.

[0036] In this embodiment, the gimbal 16 can drive the first image acquisition element 18 to achieve multi-dimensional attitude adjustment. For example, by setting mutually perpendicular pitch and horizontal rotation axes, the first image acquisition element 18 can not only rotate 360° horizontally to cover observation needs in different directions, but also adjust pitch within a certain angle range, thereby flexibly adapting to the imaging positioning of the ferrule at different heights and tilt states. Specifically, the first image acquisition element 18 can be a high-resolution CCD or CMOS industrial camera, equipped with an autofocus imaging lens 17 to ensure that clear images of the fiber array and ferrule docking area can be obtained at different working distances, providing high-quality visual feedback for subsequent fiber insertion alignment. In addition, the first imaging system can also integrate an independent light source module 15, such as a high-brightness LED ring light source or strip light source. By adjusting the brightness and illumination angle of the light source, shadows and reflection interference during the imaging process can be effectively eliminated, further improving image contrast and detail recognition.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The second imaging system includes an XYZ axis slide 23 and a second image acquisition element 21; the XYZ axis slide 23 is mounted on the machine base, and the second image acquisition element 21 is disposed on the XYZ axis slide 23.

[0038] In this embodiment, by setting the XYZ axis slide 23 and the second image acquisition element 21, it is possible to realize the automated and high-precision acquisition and analysis of cat's eye images of multiple optical fibers in the polarization-maintaining fiber array, providing key technical support for the precise alignment of the polarization axis.

[0039] Specifically, the three-axis motorized precision movement capability provided by the XYZ axis slide 23 enables the second image acquisition element 21 to be flexibly and accurately adjusted in position. Movement along the Y-axis is used for automatic focusing, ensuring that the optimal imaging focal plane can be quickly found and locked during the detection process, regardless of the initial position of the fiber array, guaranteeing the clarity of the "cat's eye" image. This is the foundation for subsequent accurate image recognition and polarization axis alignment. The staged automatic displacement and alignment function along the X-axis cleverly solves the challenge of simultaneous observation of a large array of fibers. The control system drives the X-axis slide to precisely move the camera's field of view to different areas of the array for scanning and imaging according to a preset program. Combined with image stitching or sequence analysis algorithms, it can ultimately completely cover all fibers in the entire MT ferrule, achieving automatic identification and alignment status judgment for each fiber's "cat's eye," greatly improving detection efficiency and alignment accuracy, avoiding the subjectivity and errors of manual operation, and providing a stable and reliable source of image data for the precise alignment of the polarization axis of the polarization-maintaining fiber array.

[0040] Specifically, the second image acquisition element 21 employs a large-area camera, which, compared to a traditional small-area camera, has a larger photosensitive area, enabling it to capture more details of the fiber optic cat's eye image and a wider field of view in a single shot. This means that when inspecting polarization-maintaining fiber arrays, even with small fiber spacing or large array size, the large-area camera can reduce the number of shots, thereby shortening the total image acquisition time and improving overall work efficiency. Simultaneously, the larger target size allows the camera to achieve higher image resolution and better light collection capabilities with the same optical system configuration, effectively reducing the impact of insufficient light or image noise on the cat's eye image quality. This ensures the accuracy of identifying key features such as the fiber core and stress zone in subsequent image analysis, providing clearer and more reliable raw image data for the precise calculation of the polarization axis alignment angle.

[0041] Please also see Figure 1The large-target camera is also equipped with a camera lens 22, which features manual magnification adjustment. Operators can flexibly adjust the magnification based on the diameter of the polarization-maintaining fiber, the array density, and actual detection requirements. When observing the fine structure of a single fiber, the magnification can be increased to obtain a high-resolution local image; conversely, when simultaneously monitoring the overall alignment or alignment of multiple fibers, the magnification can be decreased to expand the field of view, ensuring a clear view of the cat's-eye image of multiple fibers and their relative positions within the same field of view. This manual magnification adjustment design allows the second imaging system to adapt to the detection needs of polarization-maintaining fiber arrays of different specifications, enhancing the equipment's versatility and operational flexibility, while also providing diverse image data scale options for subsequent image analysis algorithms.

[0042] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The thermosetting fixture 13 is equipped with a heating element and a temperature detection element; the heating element is used to heat the insert to achieve thermosetting of the adhesive; the temperature detection element is used to monitor the heating temperature of the thermosetting fixture 13 in real time and feed the temperature signal back to the control system.

[0043] In this embodiment, a precise and efficient thermosetting temperature control system is constructed by setting a heating element and a temperature detection element. Specifically, a PTC heating element is used, which has the advantages of rapid heating, uniform heating, and good temperature self-control characteristics. It can quickly transfer heat to the insert, ensuring uniform heating of the alignment adhesive within the insert. The power density of the PTC heating element is optimized to ensure a sufficient heating rate to meet production cycle requirements while avoiding the risk of localized overheating leading to adhesive performance degradation or insert damage. The temperature detection element uses a high-precision PT100 platinum resistance temperature sensor, with a measurement accuracy of ±0.1℃, capable of capturing the actual temperature of the thermosetting fixture 13 in real time and accurately. This temperature signal is fed back to the temperature controller 14 in the control system in real time. The temperature controller 14 uses an advanced closed-loop PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control algorithm, comparing the set target curing temperature (e.g., an adjustable range of 80℃~150℃) with the actual temperature fed back by the PT100, and dynamically adjusting the working power of the PTC heating element. When the actual temperature is lower than the set value, the controller increases the output power to accelerate the heating. When the actual temperature approaches or reaches the set value, the controller finely adjusts the power to keep the temperature within a very small fluctuation range around the set value. This achieves precise control of the curing temperature, thereby ensuring the long-term stability of the bonding strength, refractive index consistency, and polarization axis alignment accuracy of the alignment adhesive after curing. This provides a reliable curing process guarantee for the high performance of polarization-maintaining fiber arrays.

[0044] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1The machine includes an optical platform and a lower support 3; the optical platform is installed above the lower support 3; the optical platform is used to support the thermosetting fixture 13, the fiber array calibration system and the vision imaging system; the internal space of the lower support 3 is used to install the control system.

[0045] In this embodiment, by setting up an optical platform, a high-rigidity and high-stability mounting foundation is provided for each core functional component. This effectively reduces the adverse effects of external vibrations on the positioning accuracy of the thermosetting fixture 13, the adjustment accuracy of the fiber array calibration system, and the imaging quality of the vision imaging system, ensuring the relative positional stability of each component during polarization axis alignment. Simultaneously, integrating the control system inside the lower bracket 3 not only makes reasonable use of the machine's three-dimensional space, resulting in a more compact equipment structure and avoiding problems such as occupying additional experimental space and messy cables that might occur with an external control system, but also helps protect the core control components from external environmental interference, improving the reliability and safety of equipment operation.

[0046] In one embodiment of this application, the internal space of the lower support 3 also integrates and deploys electrical control components such as a control host, motion control card, heating power supply, and UV light source driver. The control host, as the central processing unit, is responsible for running the core control program, image data processing algorithms, and human-machine interface of the equipment. It possesses powerful data processing capabilities and multi-tasking capabilities, enabling real-time coordinated control of various hardware modules. The motion control card works in conjunction with the control host to accurately convert control commands into drive signals for each motion axis (such as the XYZ axis slide 23, Z-axis lifting mechanism 6, rotary drive 8, etc.), achieving nanometer-level displacement accuracy and stable motion control performance through pulse control. The heating power supply provides a stable and adjustable working voltage for the PTC heating element within the thermosetting fixture 13. Its output power can be dynamically adjusted according to the feedback signal from the temperature controller 14, ensuring precise controllability of the heating process. The UV light source driver provides drive control for potentially integrated UV curing units (such as those for certain UV-curable alignment adhesives). It can adjust parameters such as the irradiation intensity and time of the UV light source according to process requirements to achieve rapid curing of the UV adhesive. These electronic control components are connected in an orderly manner through internal cables, forming an organic whole with the control system to jointly ensure the automated and high-precision operation of the equipment.

[0047] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1, on the side of the lower bracket 3, there is an interface panel 4. On the interface panel 4, there are arranged a device power input interface, a gigabit network interface, multiple USB communication interfaces, and a system start-stop switch. Among them, the device power input interface uses a three-phase industrial socket with a fuse tube to ensure the safety and stability of power supply; the gigabit network interface supports high-speed data interaction between the device and an external server or production management system, facilitating the real-time upload of production data, remote monitoring, and program upgrade; the multiple USB communication interfaces can be flexibly connected to external debugging devices, data storage media, or auxiliary sensors, enhancing the expandability of the device; the system start-stop switch adopts a combined design of an emergency stop button with an indicator light and a start button. The red emergency stop button can quickly cut off the total power of the device in case of an emergency, ensuring the safety of operators and the device. The green start button is used for normal startup, and its built-in LED indicator light can visually display the current operating state of the device (such as standby, running, fault, etc.). The overall layout of the interface panel 4 follows the ergonomic principle. The positions and heights of each interface and switch are appropriate, the markings are clear, and it is equipped with dust covers, effectively preventing dust and foreign objects from entering the interface, extending the service life of the device, and at the same time achieving centralized management of the external cables of the device, making the device connection more tidy and standardized.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present application, please refer to Figure 1 , the control system includes a display 20 and a control host. The display 20 is used for human-computer interaction operations and displaying the operating state of the device, parameter setting interfaces, and the image of the alignment process of the axes. The control host is built with image processing and control software, and can achieve automatic control and data processing of the fiber array alignment system, the vision imaging system, and the thermal curing fixture 13.

[0049] In this embodiment, the display 20 is installed on the optical platform through a cantilever bracket 19. There is also a drawer 2 on the lower bracket 3 for storing the keyboard and mouse supporting the control host. The drawer 2 adopts a slide rail design, and the pulling is smooth. The keyboard and mouse can be integrally stored inside the device, which not only avoids the occupation of the operating table space by the external devices but also effectively prevents dust and moisture, ensuring the stability of long-term use. As the core computing unit of the control system, the control host is internally configured with a high-performance processor and an image acquisition card, and can quickly respond to the fiber cat-eye image data transmitted by the vision imaging system and complete complex algorithm operations through the built-in image processing and control software. This software has a friendly human-computer interaction interface. Operators can directly view the real-time alignment image of the polarization-maintaining fiber array, the alignment parameters of each axis, and the curing temperature curve through the display 20. At the same time, it supports the manual / automatic mode switch. In the automatic mode, it can complete the full-process automation operations of fiber polarization axis alignment, deviation correction, and thermal curing according to the preset program, greatly improving the intelligent level and operation convenience of the device.

[0050] The working principle of the integrated polarization axis precision alignment and curing device for polarization-maintaining fiber arrays provided in this application embodiment is as follows: After the equipment is started, the operator inserts the ferrule with the polarization-maintaining fiber into the thermosetting fixture 13 and locks it in place. The vision imaging system can acquire images of multiple fibers at once through the second image acquisition element 21, or control the XYZ axis slide 23 to perform staged scanning. The control system software identifies the cat's-eye angle of all fibers and calculates the deviation. The control system then drives each rotary drive component 8 to perform coarse and fine adjustments in sequence. The vision imaging system continuously feeds back image data for closed-loop control until the angle deviation of all fibers is within the tolerance range. After the operator confirms, the software starts the heating program of the thermosetting fixture 13. The temperature controller 14 heats the ferrule to the preset temperature and holds it for the set time to allow the adhesive to fully cure, thus completing the alignment and curing process of the polarization-maintaining fiber and the ferrule.

[0051] The integrated polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and curing device provided in this application embodiment, compared with the prior art: (1) Significant improvement in accuracy and consistency: The use of a visual imaging system to replace human eye judgment, combined with a high-precision fiber array calibration system, has achieved sub-degree level alignment accuracy, completely eliminating errors caused by human factors, and greatly improving product consistency and yield.

[0052] (2) Significantly improved production efficiency: It realizes parallel and automated alignment of multiple fiber cores, and the processing time of a single product is shortened from tens of minutes in the traditional manual method to several minutes, increasing production efficiency by more than ten times, which perfectly meets the needs of large-scale production.

[0053] (3) High integration of process flow: The alignment station and the thermosetting station are innovatively integrated into one, realizing "alignment and curing", reducing intermediate transfer links, reducing the risk of optical fiber being damaged by touch, and shortening the total production cycle.

[0054] (4) High degree of automation and intelligence: The entire process is controlled by the software of the control system, which does not require continuous operation by skilled technicians, reducing labor costs and training difficulties. At the same time, it has data recording and process traceability functions, providing support for intelligent manufacturing.

[0055] (5) Further improvement in detection efficiency and automation range: The combination of the second image acquisition element 21 and the XYZ axis slide 23 provides two efficient detection modes: the large field of view parallel detection mode can process multiple optical fibers at the same time, greatly shortening the image acquisition time; the high-precision scanning detection mode can automatically complete the traversal detection of all optical fibers in the entire ferrule, eliminating the detection blind zone, further improving the degree of full automation and adaptability to large-scale arrays.

[0056] (6) Enhanced versatility and flexibility: The modular design and software adjustable parameters enable the equipment to be adapted to various models of polarization-maintaining fiber array products by changing the fiber clamping components and adjusting the program. The equipment has high utilization rate and broad application prospects.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A polarization maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and fixing integrated device, characterized in that, The machine table and the device arranged on the machine table comprise: A heat curing clamp for clamping the ferrule and curing the glue for fixing the ferrule and the polarization maintaining optical fiber; The optical fiber array calibration system comprises an optical fiber clamping assembly, a first position adjusting assembly, an optical fiber rotating driving assembly and a second position adjusting assembly; the optical fiber clamping assembly is used for clamping the optical fiber, the first position adjusting assembly is connected with the optical fiber clamping assembly and is used for adjusting the relative position of the optical fiber clamping assembly and the heat curing clamp; the optical fiber rotating driving assembly is used for driving the polarization maintaining optical fiber to rotate, and the second position adjusting assembly is connected with the optical fiber rotating driving assembly, and the second position adjusting assembly is used for adjusting the position of the optical fiber rotating driving assembly; The visual imaging system comprises a first imaging system and a second imaging system; the first imaging system is arranged above the optical fiber array calibration system and is used for assisting the fiber insertion positioning; and the second imaging system is arranged on the side of the heat curing clamp away from the optical fiber array calibration system and is used for acquiring the cat-eye image of the polarization maintaining optical fiber. The control system is electrically connected with the visual imaging system, the optical fiber array calibration system and the heat curing clamp, is used for receiving and processing the cat-eye image acquired by the second imaging system, controlling the optical fiber rotating driving assembly to drive the polarization maintaining optical fiber to rotate to realize the polarization axis alignment according to the analysis result, and controlling the heat curing clamp to be heated and cured after the alignment is completed.

2. The polarization maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The optical fiber clamping assembly comprises an optical fiber guide groove plate and an optical fiber pressing plate; the optical fiber guide groove plate is provided with a guide groove for accommodating and positioning the polarization maintaining optical fiber, and the optical fiber pressing plate is detachably covered above the optical fiber guide groove plate to realize the stable clamping of the polarization maintaining optical fiber through the cooperation with the guide groove.

3. The polarization maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first position adjusting assembly comprises an XZ-axis adjusting mechanism, which is installed on the machine table and connected with the optical fiber clamping assembly; the XZ-axis adjusting mechanism is used for driving the optical fiber clamping assembly to adjust the position in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

4. The polarization maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The optical fiber rotating driving assembly comprises a driving member mounting plate and a plurality of rotating driving members arranged on the driving member mounting plate; the driving member mounting plate is connected with the second position adjusting assembly; and the rotating driving members are used for driving the polarization maintaining optical fiber to rotate.

5. The polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The second position adjusting assembly comprises a Z-axis lifting mechanism, which is installed on the machine table and connected with the optical fiber rotating driving assembly; and the Z-axis lifting mechanism is used for driving the optical fiber rotating driving assembly to lift along the Z-axis direction.

6. The polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first imaging system comprises a support frame, a holder and a first image acquisition element; the support frame is fixed on the machine table; the holder is installed on the top of the support frame; and the first image acquisition element is connected with the holder.

7. The polarization maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The second imaging system comprises an XYZ-axis sliding table and a second image acquisition element; the XYZ-axis sliding table is installed on the machine table, and the second image acquisition element is arranged on the XYZ-axis sliding table.

8. The polarization maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The heat curing clamp is provided with a heating sheet and a temperature detection element; the heating sheet is used for heating the ferrule to realize the heat curing of the glue; the temperature detection element is used for monitoring the heating temperature of the heat curing clamp in real time and feeding back a temperature signal to the control system.

9. The polarization maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The machine table comprises an optical platform and a lower support; the optical platform is installed above the lower support; the optical platform is used for carrying the heat curing clamp, the fiber array alignment system and the visual imaging system; the internal space of the lower support is used for installing the control system.

10. The polarization-maintaining fiber array polarization axis precision alignment and consolidation apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The control system comprises a display and a control host; the display is used for man-machine interaction operation and display of a running state, a parameter setting interface and an axial process image; the control host is built-in image processing and control software and can realize automatic control and data processing of the fiber array alignment system, the visual imaging system and the heat curing clamp.

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