Multi-core optical fiber multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling packaging system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a multi-core optical fiber multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system, and relates to the technical field of optical coupling equipment, the system comprises a workbench, the workbench is provided with mounting holes in an array mode, and the mounting holes are used for installing and fixing all functional structures; the optical assembly is fixed in the middle area of the workbench; the gantry mechanism is fixed on the workbench and stretches across the optical assembly; the plurality of coupling mechanisms are fixed on the workbench, are distributed around the optical component and are used for realizing accurate coupling of the optical component; the functional module is arranged on the gantry mechanism and is positioned above the optical component; and the gantry mechanism is used for driving the functional module to move along a preset track and is matched with the coupling mechanism to complete alignment and fixing operation of the optical component. The system is compact in structure and high in automation degree, multi-channel high-precision optical fiber coupling is achieved, and the effect of improving the coupling efficiency is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical coupling equipment technology, and in particular to a multi-core fiber optic multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system. Background Technology

[0002] Existing fiber optic coupling equipment is mostly single-channel designed, resulting in low coupling efficiency. It also requires manual intervention in processes such as component alignment, dispensing, and curing, which is not only labor-intensive but also prone to affecting coupling accuracy due to human error. Some multi-channel equipment suffers from insufficient degrees of freedom of movement and unreasonable structural layout, leading to poor adaptability and inability to meet the coupling requirements of various optical components such as multi-core optical fibers and FA waveguide arrays. At the same time, it lacks effective protection mechanisms, and the safety of equipment operation needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is the low coupling efficiency of existing equipment.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention discloses a multi-core fiber optic six-axis multi-channel automated coupling and packaging system. This system features a compact structure and a high degree of automation, achieving high-precision multi-channel fiber coupling and thus improving coupling efficiency.

[0005] This invention provides a multi-core fiber optic six-axis multi-channel automated coupling and packaging system. The system includes a worktable with mounting holes arranged in an array for mounting and fixing various functional structures; an optical component fixed to the central region of the worktable; a gantry mechanism fixed to the worktable and spanning the optical component; multiple coupling mechanisms fixed to the worktable and distributed around the optical component for precise coupling of the optical components; and a functional module mounted on the gantry mechanism and located above the optical component. The gantry mechanism drives the functional module to move along a preset trajectory, cooperating with the coupling mechanisms to complete the alignment and fixing of the optical components.

[0006] A further technical solution is that the coupling mechanism consists of two sets, which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the optical component.

[0007] A further technical solution is that the coupling mechanism is a six-axis linkage assembly, which includes three linear motion axes X, Y, and Z and three rotary motion axes around the X, Y, and Z axes respectively.

[0008] A further technical solution is that the functional module includes a curing unit, which is installed on the gantry mechanism.

[0009] A further technical solution is that the light source wavelength of the curing unit is 365nm or 470nm.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the functional module also includes an image acquisition unit, which is mounted on the gantry mechanism.

[0011] A further technical solution is that the image acquisition unit includes a CCD image sensor, an image processing unit, and a microscope.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the functional module also includes a dispensing unit, which is mounted on the gantry mechanism.

[0013] A further technical solution is that the gantry mechanism includes a guide rail and at least three sets of linear motion components.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by the embodiments of the present invention include: By employing an array of mounting holes on the worktable, a centrally located optical component layout surrounded by a coupling mechanism, and the collaborative work of the gantry mechanism and functional modules, multi-channel high-precision fiber optic coupling is achieved. Dual-channel and multi-channel adaptability designs significantly improve coupling efficiency, while a six-axis linkage mechanism ensures coupling accuracy. Integrated functional modules simplify the device structure and enhance automation. Multiple protective designs and flexible parameter adjustment functions expand the device's application scenarios while ensuring operational safety, effectively solving problems such as low efficiency, insufficient accuracy, and poor adaptability of existing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a multi-core optical fiber, six-axis, multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another multi-core optical fiber multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure Labels 1. Worktable; 2. Optical components; 4. Coupling mechanism; 11. Mounting hole; 31. First linear motion component; 32. Second linear motion component; 33. Third linear motion component; 34. Guide rail; 51. Curing unit; 521. CCD image sensor; 522. Microscope; 53. Dispensing unit. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar component reference numerals in the drawings represent similar components. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0020] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification of embodiments of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention. As used in this specification of embodiments of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] See Figures 1-2 This invention provides a multi-core fiber optic six-axis multi-channel automated coupling and packaging system. The system includes a worktable 1 with mounting holes 11 arranged in an array for mounting and fixing various functional structures; an optical component 2 fixed to the central region of the worktable 1; a gantry mechanism fixed to the worktable 1 and spanning the optical component 2; multiple coupling mechanisms 4 fixed to the worktable 1 and distributed around the optical component 2 for precise coupling of the optical components; and a functional module mounted on the gantry mechanism and located above the optical component 2. The gantry mechanism drives the functional module to move along a preset trajectory, cooperating with the coupling mechanisms 4 to complete the alignment and fixing of the optical components.

[0022] In this embodiment, the workbench 1 is the basic supporting structure of the device, used to install and fix all functional components such as the optical component 2, the gantry mechanism, and the coupling mechanism 4; the mounting holes 11 are through-hole structures distributed in an array on the workbench 1, used to achieve detachable fixing of each functional structure through bolts, buckles, and other connectors; the optical component 2 is the core optical signal processing component, used to receive or output optical signals, and cooperates with multi-core optical fibers, FA waveguide arrays, etc. to achieve signal transmission; the gantry mechanism is a frame structure spanning the optical component 2, providing a mounting carrier for the functional modules and enabling their movement drive; the coupling mechanism 4 is an actuator used to clamp and adjust the position and angle of optical components (such as lenses and multi-core optical fibers) to achieve precise alignment between components; the functional module is a collection of components that integrate the alignment and fixing functions of optical components, providing auxiliary support for the coupling operation.

[0023] In a specific embodiment, the workbench 1 is made of aluminum alloy. The optical component 2 is fixed in the central area of ​​the workbench 1. The core of the optical component 2 is an optical signal processing chip, and interfaces for docking with the FA waveguide array are reserved on both sides. The gantry mechanism is fixed to the two sides of the workbench 1 by bolts, spans above the optical component 2, and its crossbeam is parallel to the workbench 1 surface. Four sets of coupling mechanisms 4 are set and fixed to the front, back, left, right and four sides of the optical component 2 respectively. Each set of coupling mechanisms 4 is equipped with a clamp for clamping multi-core optical fibers or lenses. The functional module is mounted on the crossbeam guide rail 34 of the gantry mechanism by a slider. It can move left and right along the crossbeam and rise and fall vertically, always staying in the area directly above the optical component 2.

[0024] The array-type mounting holes 11 enable flexible assembly and position adjustment of various functional structures, adapting to the coupling requirements of optical components of different specifications; the layout of the optical components 2 in the center and the coupling mechanisms 4 distributed around them ensures the synchronization and consistency of multi-channel coupling operations; the gantry mechanism drives the functional modules to move, working with the coupling mechanism 4 to complete precise operations, greatly improving the degree of coupling automation and reducing errors caused by manual intervention.

[0025] See also Figures 1-2 In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 4 is in two sets and is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the optical component 2.

[0026] Specifically, symmetrical distribution refers to the two sets of coupling mechanisms 4 being arranged symmetrically on the left and right with the central axis of the optical component 2 as the axis of symmetry, forming a dual-station operation structure.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, two sets of coupling mechanisms 4 are provided, which are fixed to the worktable 1 on the left and right sides of the optical component 2 through the mounting holes 11 respectively. The center line connecting the two sets of coupling mechanisms 4 passes through the center of the optical component 2 and is parallel to the crossbeam of the gantry mechanism. The clamping center of each set of coupling mechanisms 4 is at the same horizontal height as the docking interface of the optical component 2.

[0028] The dual-group symmetrically distributed coupling mechanism 4 forms a dual-channel operation mode, which can simultaneously complete the coupling of two groups of optical components. Compared with single-channel equipment, the coupling efficiency is doubled, effectively increasing the output per unit time.

[0029] Furthermore, the coupling mechanism 4 is a six-axis linkage assembly, which includes three linear motion axes X, Y, and Z and three rotary motion axes around the X, Y, and Z axes respectively.

[0030] Specifically, a six-axis linkage component refers to a drive component with three linear motion directions (front and back, left and right, up and down) and three rotational motion directions (θX, θY, θZ, rotating around the X, Y, and Z axes respectively), which can realize independent motion and coordinated linkage of six degrees of freedom.

[0031] In a specific embodiment, the six-axis linkage assembly uses a high-precision electrically controlled slide table in conjunction with a high-resolution servo motor. The linear motion stroke of the X, Y, and Z axes is 50 mm, with a stepping accuracy of ≤0.1 μm. The rotation angle range of the θX, θY, and θZ axes is ±5°, with a rotation accuracy of ≤0.005 degrees. The movement of each axis is coordinated and linked through the controller, which can accurately adjust the spatial position and angle of the clamping component.

[0032] The six-axis linkage design provides ample freedom of motion, which can flexibly compensate for installation errors and positional deviations of optical components, ensuring precise alignment between components. Compared with three-axis or four-axis mechanisms, the coupling accuracy is greatly improved, meeting the high-precision coupling requirements of multi-core optical fibers, FA waveguide arrays, etc.

[0033] Furthermore, the functional module includes a curing unit 51, which is mounted on the gantry mechanism.

[0034] Specifically, curing unit 51 refers to a functional component that uses ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to achieve rapid curing of adhesive, used for fixing optical components after coupling.

[0035] In a specific embodiment, the curing unit 51 is integrated below the functional module and is fixedly connected to the moving component of the gantry mechanism. Its irradiation head faces the coupling area of ​​the optical component 2, and the irradiation range can cover the working positions of the two sets of coupling mechanisms 4. After the dispensing operation is completed, the curing unit 51 moves with the functional module to the corresponding working position for irradiation and curing.

[0036] The solidification unit 51 is integrated with the functional module design, eliminating the need for an additional independent installation structure and simplifying the overall layout of the device; it moves synchronously with the gantry mechanism, enabling rapid response to coupling and fixing requirements, shortening the operation cycle, and improving coupling efficiency.

[0037] Furthermore, the light source wavelength of the curing unit 51 is 365nm or 470nm.

[0038] Specifically, the light source wavelength refers to the ultraviolet wavelength emitted by the curing unit 51, with 365nm and 470nm being suitable for different types of UV-specific adhesives.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, the curing unit 51 has a built-in LED light source, which is configured with a 470nm wavelength light source by default. Users can switch to a 365nm wavelength light source by changing the light source module according to the curing requirements of the adhesive used. The light source power can be adjusted by the controller, and the irradiation time can be set to 1-30 seconds.

[0040] The selectable wavelength design adapts to different types of UV adhesives, expanding the application scenarios of the device; the adjustable irradiation parameters ensure the curing effect of the adhesive and avoid affecting the connection stability of the coupling components due to insufficient curing.

[0041] Furthermore, the functional module also includes an image acquisition unit, which is mounted on the gantry mechanism.

[0042] Specifically, the image acquisition unit refers to the component used to capture the position information of optical components and achieve precise alignment, and obtains the real-time position data of the components through image recognition technology.

[0043] In a specific embodiment, the image acquisition unit is fixed to the front end of the functional module and includes a CCD image sensor 521 with a resolution of 1920×1080, a DSP image processing unit for signal processing, and a microscope 522 with a magnification of 100x. The lens of the CCD image sensor 521 faces the docking area between the optical component 2 and the coupling mechanism 4, and can capture the docking scene of the components in real time and transmit it to the image processing unit.

[0044] The integration of CCD image sensor 521 and microscope 522 significantly improves the clarity and accuracy of image acquisition. Together with the image processing unit, it enables real-time identification and feedback of component positions, providing data support for the precise adjustment of coupling mechanism 4 and reducing alignment errors.

[0045] Furthermore, the image acquisition unit includes a CCD image sensor 521, an image processing unit, and a microscope 522.

[0046] Specifically, the CCD image sensor 521 is a charge-coupled device used to convert optical images into electrical signals; the image processing unit is used to analyze and process the image signals acquired by the sensor and extract the position features of the components; the microscope 522 is used to magnify the docking area of ​​the optical components and improve the image detail recognition.

[0047] The high-precision CCD image sensor 521 works in conjunction with the high-speed image processing unit to achieve rapid and accurate identification of component positions. The zoom function of the microscope 522 adapts to the alignment requirements of optical components of different specifications, further improving the accuracy and versatility of coupling alignment.

[0048] Furthermore, the functional module also includes a dispensing unit 53, which is mounted on the gantry mechanism.

[0049] Specifically, the dispensing unit 53 refers to a functional component used to apply special adhesive to the coupling bonding area of ​​the optical component, thereby achieving component fixation through precise adhesive control.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the dispensing unit 53 is assembled in the middle of the functional module, including a glue storage tank, a dispensing needle and a piezoelectric dispensing valve. The inner diameter of the dispensing needle is 0.1mm, which can achieve a minimum dispensing volume control of 0.01μL. The dispensing position can be precisely positioned by the movement of the gantry mechanism, supporting single-point, multi-point and line-type dispensing modes, and adapting to different coupling and fixing requirements.

[0051] High-precision dispensing control ensures the accuracy of adhesive application amount and position, avoiding excessive or insufficient adhesive that could affect the fixing effect; multiple dispensing modes adapt to the coupling requirements of different optical components, improving the adaptability and practicality of the device.

[0052] Furthermore, the gantry mechanism includes a guide rail 34 and at least three sets of linear motion components.

[0053] Specifically, guide rail 34 refers to the component that provides movement guidance for the functional module; linear motion component refers to the actuator that drives the gantry mechanism beam or functional module to achieve linear motion, typically including motor, lead screw and slider.

[0054] In a specific embodiment, the gantry mechanism has parallel guide rails 34 and a first linear motion component 31 in the Y-axis direction; the gantry mechanism has a second linear motion component 32 that connects the guide rails 34 and the first linear motion component 31 in the X-axis direction; the gantry mechanism has a third linear motion component 33 in the Z-axis direction, the third linear motion component 33 is mounted on the second linear motion component 32, and the functional module is mounted on the third linear motion component 33.

[0055] Multiple linear motion components, in conjunction with high-precision guide rails 34, enable the functional modules to move flexibly in multiple dimensions in the horizontal direction, significantly improving the accuracy and stability of movement. This ensures precise positioning for operations such as alignment, dispensing, and curing, and provides a guarantee for high-precision coupling.

[0056] This invention achieves high-precision multi-channel fiber optic coupling through the array-type mounting holes 11 on the worktable 1, the centrally located optical components 2, and the surrounding coupling mechanism 4, combined with the collaborative work of the gantry mechanism and functional modules. The dual-channel and multi-channel adaptability design significantly improves coupling efficiency, the six-axis linkage mechanism ensures coupling accuracy, and the integrated functional modules simplify the device structure and improve automation. Multiple protection designs and flexible parameter adjustment functions expand the application scenarios of the device while ensuring operational safety, effectively solving the problems of low efficiency, insufficient accuracy, and poor adaptability of existing equipment.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0058] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0059] 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 invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0062] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0063] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0064] The above description describes specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-core optical fiber, six-axis, multi-channel automated coupling and packaging system, characterized in that, include: The workbench array is provided with mounting holes for mounting and fixing various functional structures; Optical components are fixed to the central region of the worktable; A gantry mechanism, fixed to the worktable, is arranged across the optical components; Multiple coupling mechanisms are fixed on the worktable and distributed around the optical component to achieve precise coupling of the optical components; The functional module is mounted on the gantry mechanism and located above the optical component; The gantry mechanism is used to drive the functional module to move along a preset trajectory, and works with the coupling mechanism to complete the alignment and fixing of the optical components.

2. The multi-core optical fiber multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling mechanism consists of two sets, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the optical component.

3. The multi-core optical fiber, multi-six-axis, multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling mechanisms are all six-axis linkage components, which include three linear motion axes (X, Y, and Z) and three rotary motion axes (X, Y, and Z) around the X, Y, and Z axes respectively.

4. The multi-core optical fiber, six-axis, multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional module includes a curing unit, which is mounted on the gantry mechanism.

5. The multi-core optical fiber multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The light source wavelength of the curing unit is 365nm or 470nm.

6. The multi-core optical fiber, six-axis, multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional module also includes an image acquisition unit, which is mounted on the gantry mechanism.

7. The multi-core optical fiber multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The image acquisition unit includes a CCD image sensor, an image processing unit, and a microscope.

8. The multi-core optical fiber multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional module also includes a dispensing unit, which is mounted on the gantry mechanism.

9. The multi-core optical fiber multi-six-axis multi-channel automatic coupling and packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gantry mechanism includes guide rails and at least three sets of linear motion components.

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