Optical module fiber ferrule automatic assembly device and method of use thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules and its usage method, belonging to the field of optical module manufacturing technology. The device includes: a coupling connecting the output shaft of a servo motor to a ball screw, the rotation of which drives the screw drive nut to perform axial linear displacement; two sets of screw fixing seats respectively installed at both ends of the ball screw; a guide rail fixed on the guide rail fixing seat; a fixing plate fixed on the screw drive nut, and sliders installed on both sides of the bottom surface of the fixing plate; a pressure sensor installed on the fixing plate and protruding from the edge of the fixing plate for pushing a push plate; the push plate is placed on the workpiece stage module, pushing the optical fiber ferrule placed on the workpiece stage module into the lens; and a control unit issues control commands to realize automated closed-loop control of the entire assembly process. This invention solves the core technical difficulties in the optical module packaging process in terms of thrust control, positioning accuracy, and structural stability, and further promotes the upgrading of optical module packaging technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical module manufacturing technology. Specifically, this invention relates to an automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of optical modules in the field of optical communication, the assembly of fiber optic ferrules and lenses is a key process. However, the performance limitations of traditional fixtures have become a core bottleneck restricting production efficiency and product quality, making the development of new automated fixtures an urgent matter.

[0003] First, the thrust control precision of traditional fixtures is insufficient, which affects product yield and reliability.

[0004] Currently, most companies use non-automated or semi-automated fixtures to insert fiber optic ferrules into lenses, which commonly suffers from the problem of inaccurate thrust control. Because fiber optic ferrules are inherently fragile, even slight deviations in thrust parameters can have serious consequences: excessive thrust can damage the component or cause misalignment, directly leading to product failure; insufficient thrust cannot guarantee that the fiber ferrule reaches the preset precise position, affecting the optical module's optical performance and long-term stability. This uncertainty in thrust control not only reduces product yield but also poses a potential reliability risk to the long-term operation of the optical module.

[0005] Secondly, the low efficiency of traditional fixture positioning and adjustment restricts the overall production capacity of the production line.

[0006] Besides the thrust control issue, the excessive time spent on positioning and adjustment in traditional fixtures also significantly slows down the production pace. Traditional fixtures often rely on complex tools and manual experience to position the workpiece, which is not only cumbersome but also makes it difficult to guarantee consistent positioning accuracy. The excessively high proportion of production preparation time leads to slow production line response and an inability to meet the demands of large-scale, high-efficiency production. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing optical module manufacturing processes, such as the inability to precisely control the insertion force of optical fiber ferrules, easy damage and positioning misalignment of components, low yield rate, and low production efficiency, this invention proposes an automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules and its usage method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention discloses an automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules, comprising:

[0009] Base plate 1, power and transmission module 2, pushing module 3, push plate 4, workpiece stage module 5, and control unit;

[0010] Base plate 1 is the basic load-bearing component of the device;

[0011] Power and transmission module 2, specifically includes:

[0012] Servo motor 21 serves as the power source for the device, outputting rotary motion.

[0013] Coupling 23 connects the output shaft of servo motor 21 to ball screw 24;

[0014] The ball screw 24 converts the rotational motion of the servo motor 21 into linear motion. The rotation of the ball screw 24 drives the screw transmission nut 25 to make axial linear displacement.

[0015] The lead screw drive nut 25 is in precision helical pair meshing with the ball screw 24;

[0016] Two sets of lead screw fixing seats 26 are installed at both ends of the ball screw 24 and fixed on the base plate 1 to provide support and positioning for the ball screw 24.

[0017] Push module 3 specifically includes:

[0018] The guide rail fixing seat 31 is fixed on the base plate 1. There are two in total, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball screw 24 and parallel to the axial direction of the ball screw 24.

[0019] There are two guide rails 32, which are fixedly mounted on two guide rail mounting bases 31 respectively;

[0020] The fixed plate 33 is fixed on the lead screw drive nut 25 and moves linearly synchronously with the lead screw drive nut 25.

[0021] Two sets of sliders 34 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the bottom surface of the fixed plate 33 and slide in cooperation with the guide rail 32 to restrict the fixed plate 33 from making linear motion along the axial direction.

[0022] Pressure sensor 35 is mounted on fixed plate 33, with the detection surface of pressure sensor 35 protruding from the edge of fixed plate 33; it is used to push push plate 4, detect the magnitude of the pushing force in real time during the pushing process, and transmit the data to the control unit;

[0023] Push plate 4 is placed on workpiece stage module 5 to push the fiber optic ferrule into the lens; push plate 4 has a boss 41 in the middle, which is directly opposite the detection surface of pressure sensor 35; two hollow windows 43 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of boss 41, and a set of push claws 44 are arranged in each window 43. The push claws 44 are used to push the fiber optic ferrule towards the lens as push plate 4 moves, and push the fiber optic ferrule into the lens.

[0024] Workpiece stage module 5 specifically includes:

[0025] The carrier plate 51 has two sets of workpiece mounting positions 52 symmetrically arranged on its top surface and two sets of carrier plate fixing seats 54 symmetrically arranged on its bottom surface; the carrier plate fixing seats 54 are fixedly installed on the base plate 1.

[0026] Each workpiece mounting position 52 is used to place an optical module PCBA board 7;

[0027] The control unit is used to receive the displacement feedback signal from the servo motor 21 and the thrust detection signal from the pressure sensor 35, and issue control commands according to the preset program logic to realize the automated closed-loop control of the entire assembly process.

[0028] Furthermore, a mounting groove 331 is provided in the middle of the top surface of the fixing plate 33, and two guide holes 332 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the mounting groove 331, and a spring 333 is provided in the guide hole 332;

[0029] Two guide pins 42 are symmetrically arranged on the sides of the push plate 4 on both sides of the boss 41. The guide pins 42 have a structure of a first cylinder 421, a second cylinder 422 and a third cylinder 423 arranged sequentially along the axial direction, wherein the second cylinder 422 has a larger radius than the first cylinder 421 and the third cylinder 423. The first cylinder 421 is fixed on the push plate 4, and the second cylinder 422 and the third cylinder 423 are slidably inserted into the guide hole 332 of the fixing plate 33. The spring 333 is sleeved on the third cylinder 423. The spring 333 is used to provide buffer force to avoid the pressure sensor 35 from having a hard collision with the boss 41. The guide pins 42 are used to constrain the movement direction of the push plate 4.

[0030] Furthermore, the pusher 44 is shape-fitted to the fiber optic ferrule 71;

[0031] The front end of the push plate 4 is provided with two limiting ports 45;

[0032] A limiting post 53 is fixedly installed next to the workpiece mounting position 52. The limiting post 53 cooperates with the limiting port 45 of the push plate 4 to limit the moving direction and moving end point of the push plate 4, so as to prevent the push plate 4 from moving excessively and falling when the workpiece table module 5 is unloaded.

[0033] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0034] The motor mounting plate 22 is set at one end of the base plate 1 and is used to fix the servo motor 21.

[0035] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0036] The pressure sensor 35 is installed in the mounting groove 331, facing the boss 41 of the push plate 4.

[0037] The pressure sensor mounting plate 36 is used to fix the pressure sensor 35 onto the mounting plate 33.

[0038] Furthermore, a cable management seat 521 is provided at the front end of the workpiece mounting position 52, which is used to insert the optical fiber cable 74.

[0039] Furthermore, a workpiece limiting protrusion 522 is provided at the rear end of the workpiece mounting position 52; the workpiece limiting protrusion 522 can be matched and installed with the bayonet 73 on the optical module PCBA board 7.

[0040] A second aspect of the present invention discloses a method of using an automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules, for use in the aforementioned automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules, comprising:

[0041] Place the optical module PCBA board 7 into the workpiece mounting position 52 of the carrier board 51 of the workpiece stage module 5.

[0042] The push plate 4 is placed on the workpiece stage module 5, with the boss 41 facing the detection surface of the pressure sensor 35; the guide pin 42 is slidably inserted into the guide hole 332 of the fixing plate 33; the spring 333 is sleeved on the third cylinder 423; the window 43 is aligned with the position of the fiber optic ferrule 71 and lens 72 of the optical module PCBA board 7 of the carrier plate 51, and the push claw 44 is attached to one end of the fiber optic ferrule 71; the two limiting ports 45 at the front end of the push plate 4 are aligned with the limiting post 53.

[0043] The control unit calculates the number of rotations required by the servo motor 21 based on the fixed distance between the starting position and the final assembly position of the fiber optic ferrule 71, drives the ball screw 24 to move the fixed plate 33 forward, and the pressure sensor 35 contacts the boss 41 and pushes the push plate 4 forward. The push plate 4 moves linearly along the guide rail 32. The pusher 44 moves with the push plate 4 to push the fiber optic ferrule 71 towards the lens 72, pushing the fiber optic ferrule 71 into the lens 72 to complete the assembly of the optical module PCBA board 7. The relationship between the number of rotations of the servo motor 21 and the displacement is fed back to the control unit in real time.

[0044] After assembly, the servo motor 21 drives the pushing mechanism to move in the opposite direction, causing the fixed plate 33 to automatically reset to the initial position, completing one assembly cycle and waiting for the next workpiece to be loaded.

[0045] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0046] During the push process, the pressure sensor 35 detects the thrust of the protrusion 41 in real time and transmits it to the control unit, which processes the thrust data according to different scenarios.

[0047] Furthermore, the scenario-based processing based on thrust data includes:

[0048] When the real-time thrust is less than the set threshold, the servo motor 21 continues to feed to increase the pressure; if the thrust does not increase, the fixed plate 33 will automatically reset after the push plate 4 reaches the displacement of the moving end point.

[0049] When the thrust reaches the set threshold and the displacement of the push plate 4 reaches the end point of the movement, the servo motor 21 stops feeding, completes the tight assembly of the fiber optic ferrule 71 and the lens 72, and then the servo motor 21 reverses to drive the fixing plate 33 to automatically reset.

[0050] When the thrust exceeds the safety threshold, it is determined to be jammed or abnormal interference. The servo motor 21 immediately reverses and drives the fixing plate 33 to automatically reset, protecting the fiber optic ferrule and lens from damage.

[0051] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0052] This invention addresses the pain points of traditional fixtures in the field of optical module manufacturing by developing a new type of automated device that combines precise thrust control and rapid positioning, which has significant advantages in multiple dimensions compared to existing technologies.

[0053] First, the core functional breakthrough addresses the pain points in the industry's manufacturing:

[0054] 1. Precise and controllable thrust ensures assembly quality. A closed-loop control system is constructed using pressure sensors, servo motors, and a control unit. The pressure sensors provide real-time feedback of thrust data, guiding the servo motor to dynamically adjust the feed rate. This precisely maintains the set thrust, achieving adjustable, stable, and uniform output. This design completely solves the problem of insufficient thrust control precision in traditional fixtures: it avoids damage or misalignment of the fiber optic ferrule caused by excessive thrust, and eliminates the risk of incomplete assembly due to insufficient thrust, fundamentally improving product yield and long-term reliability of optical modules.

[0055] 2. Rapid and Precise Positioning, Enhancing Production Line Efficiency: An innovative design incorporates a carrier strip mounting slot that matches the PCBA board's shape, allowing for rapid positioning simply by placing the board inside. This eliminates the need for complex auxiliary tools and manual experience, significantly reducing production preparation time. Simultaneously, a servo motor and ball screw drive combined with linear guide rail constraints ensures smooth axial movement of the push rod, achieving precise and repeatable positioning of the fiber optic ferrule. This avoids the inconsistent positioning accuracy issues of traditional fixtures, effectively improving production line response speed and overall capacity.

[0056] Secondly, the structural design enhances the stability and durability of the equipment:

[0057] 1. Linear guides can withstand radial and overturning forces, allowing the lead screw and sensor to bear only axial forces. This prevents core components from being damaged due to off-center loading or jamming, significantly extending the service life of the equipment and sensors, improving the overall structural stability, and reducing equipment maintenance costs.

[0058] 2. Through the threshold judgment function of the closed-loop control system, the pressure data during the assembly process can be monitored in real time. Once an abnormal thrust occurs, the device will automatically trigger the protection mechanism to terminate the operation in time, prevent damage to products and equipment, and further ensure the safety and stability of the production process.

[0059] Finally, adapting to large-scale production has driven the upgrading of industry processes:

[0060] This invention features a simple operation process, a high degree of automation, and a modular structure that facilitates maintenance and component replacement, perfectly adapting to the needs of large-scale mass production. Its comprehensive improvements in thrust control, positioning accuracy, and structural stability not only solve core technical challenges in the optical module packaging process but also drive the upgrading of optical module packaging technology, holding significant practical importance for improving the overall production level of the industry. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a clamp provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber ferrule not being fully inserted, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fully inserted optical fiber ferrule provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixture structure after removing the workpiece stage module and the push plate, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the docking state between the push module and the push plate, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 6 This is an installation diagram of a workpiece stage module for mounting two PCBA boards, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the docking state between a pusher plate and a PCBA board located on a workpiece stage module, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure label:

[0069] 1. Base plate;

[0070] 2. Power and transmission module; 21. Servo motor; 22. Motor mounting plate; 23. Coupling; 24. Ball screw; 25. Screw drive nut; 26. Screw mounting base;

[0071] 3. Push module; 31. Guide rail fixing seat; 32. Guide rail; 33. Fixing plate; 331. Mounting slot; 332. Guide hole; 333. Spring; 34. Slider; 35. Pressure sensor; 36. Pressure sensor fixing plate;

[0072] 4. Push plate; 41. Boss; 42. Guide pin; 421. First cylinder; 422. Second cylinder; 423. Third cylinder; 43. Window; 44. Push claw; 45. Limiting port;

[0073] 5. Workpiece stage module; 51. Carrier plate; 52. Workpiece mounting position; 521. Cable management seat; 522. Workpiece limiting protrusion; 53. Limiting post; 54. Carrier plate fixing seat;

[0074] 7. Optical module PCBA board; 71. Fiber optic ferrule; 72. Lens; 73. Bayonet; 74. Fiber optic cable. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0076] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0077] Device Examples

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the assembly process of the fiber optic ferrule 71 on the optical module PCBA board 7 requires inserting the fiber optic ferrule 71 into complete and tight contact with the lens 72. Figure 2 This represents the initial state where the fiber optic ferrule is not fully inserted into the lens. Figure 3 This represents the final state where the fiber optic ferrule is fully inserted into the lens.

[0079] This invention addresses the need for tight assembly of fiber optic ferrules and lenses by designing an automated fixture device that integrates precise displacement control, closed-loop thrust adjustment, and rapid workpiece positioning. The device uses a servo motor as its power source and achieves linear pushing through a mechanical transmission mechanism. Combined with a pressure sensor and control unit, it forms a closed-loop control system. Simultaneously, positioning and protective structures ensure precise and stable tight assembly of the fiber optic ferrule with the lens, featuring high assembly accuracy, long service life, and strong error-proofing.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this invention proposes an automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules, comprising:

[0081] The system consists of: base plate 1, power and transmission module 2, push module 3, push plate 4, workpiece stage module 5, and control unit.

[0082] Among them, the base plate 1 serves as the basic load-bearing component of the entire device, and all fixed components are directly or indirectly installed on it to ensure the stability of the overall structure of the device.

[0083] Power and transmission module 2, specifically includes:

[0084] Servo motor 21, as the power source of the device, outputs rotational motion to provide power support for pushing the fiber optic ferrule.

[0085] Furthermore, it also includes a motor mounting plate 22, which is set at one end of the base plate 1 to fix the servo motor 21, ensuring the stability of the motor installation position and preventing displacement during operation.

[0086] Coupling 23 connects the output shaft of servo motor 21 to ball screw 24 to achieve synchronous transmission of rotational motion and compensate for installation errors.

[0087] The ball screw 24 converts the rotational motion of the servo motor 21 into linear motion, and its rotation drives the screw transmission nut 25 to make axial linear displacement.

[0088] The lead screw drive nut 25 and the ball screw 24 are precision helical pairs.

[0089] Two sets of lead screw fixing seats 26 are installed at both ends of the ball screw 24 and fixed on the base plate 1 to provide support and positioning for the ball screw 24 and ensure the coaxiality of the lead screw operation.

[0090] Push module 3 specifically includes:

[0091] Two guide rail fixing seats 31 are fixed on the base plate 1 and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball screw 24, parallel to the axial direction of the ball screw 24.

[0092] There are two guide rails 32, which are fixedly mounted on two guide rail mounting bases 31.

[0093] The fixing plate 33 is fixed on the lead screw drive nut 25 and moves linearly synchronously with the lead screw drive nut 25.

[0094] Furthermore, a mounting groove 331 is provided in the middle of the top surface of the fixing plate 33, and two guide holes 332 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the mounting groove 331, with a spring 333 installed in the guide hole 332.

[0095] Two sets of sliders 34 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the bottom surface of the fixed plate 33 and slide in cooperation with the guide rail 32. They restrict the fixed plate 33 to move linearly along the axial direction and eliminate radial and lateral offset. At the same time, they bear the radial load and overturning moment, protect the ball screw 24 and pressure sensor 35 from bearing only pure axial force, and improve the operating accuracy and service life of the mechanism.

[0096] Pressure sensor 35 is mounted on fixed plate 33, with the detection surface of pressure sensor 35 protruding from the edge of fixed plate 33; it is used to push push plate 4, detect the magnitude of the pushing force in real time during the pushing process, and transmit the data to the control unit;

[0097] Furthermore, the pressure sensor 35 is installed in the mounting groove 331. The detection surface of the pressure sensor 35 protrudes from the edge of the fixed plate 33 and is positioned opposite the boss 41 of the push plate 4. It is used to push the push plate 4 forward along the axial direction, detect the magnitude of the thrust during the pushing process in real time, and transmit the data to the control unit.

[0098] Furthermore, it also includes a pressure sensor mounting plate 36, which is used to fix the pressure sensor 35 onto the mounting plate 33 to ensure the accuracy of the sensor installation position and avoid the impact of force displacement on the detection accuracy.

[0099] The push plate 4 is placed on the workpiece stage module 5 to push the fiber optic ferrule into the lens. A boss 41 is provided in the middle of the push plate 4. The boss 41 is positioned opposite the detection surface of the pressure sensor 35 and receives the pushing force transmitted by the pressure sensor 35. Two hollow windows 43 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the boss 41. A set of push claws 44 is provided in each window 43. The push claws 44 are used to push the fiber optic ferrule 71 towards the lens 72 as the push plate 4 moves, thus pushing the fiber optic ferrule into the lens.

[0100] Furthermore, two guide pins 42 are symmetrically arranged on the sides of the push plate 4 on both sides of the boss 41. The guide pins 42 have a structure of a first cylinder 421, a second cylinder 422, and a third cylinder 423 arranged sequentially along the axial direction. The second cylinder 422 has a larger radius than the first cylinder 421 and the third cylinder 423. The first cylinder 421 is fixed on the push plate 4, and the second cylinder 422 and the third cylinder 423 are slidably inserted into the guide hole 332 of the fixing plate 33. A spring 333 is sleeved on the third cylinder 423. The spring 333 is used to provide buffering force to prevent the pressure sensor 35 from having a hard collision with the boss 41. The guide pins 42 are used to constrain the movement direction of the push plate 4 and improve the stability of the push plate 4.

[0101] Furthermore, the pusher 44 is shape-fitted to the fiber optic ferrule 71.

[0102] Furthermore, the front end of the push plate 4 is provided with two limiting ports 45.

[0103] Workpiece stage module 5 specifically includes:

[0104] The carrier plate 51 has two sets of workpiece mounting positions 52 symmetrically arranged on its top surface and two sets of carrier plate fixing seats 54 symmetrically arranged on its bottom surface. The carrier plate fixing seats 54 are fixedly installed on the base plate 1 to ensure the stability of the workpiece stage module 5.

[0105] Each workpiece mounting position 52 is used to place one optical module PCBA board 7.

[0106] Furthermore, a cable management seat 521 is provided at the front end of the workpiece mounting position 52. The cable management seat 521 is used to insert the optical fiber cable 74 and to straighten the optical fiber cable 74 to prevent the cable from getting tangled and affecting the assembly process.

[0107] Furthermore, a workpiece limiting protrusion 522 is provided at the rear end of the workpiece mounting position 52; the workpiece limiting protrusion 522 can be matched and installed with the bayonet 73 on the optical module PCBA board 7, so as to realize the rapid and accurate positioning and error prevention of the optical module PCBA board.

[0108] Furthermore, a limiting post 53 is fixedly installed next to the workpiece mounting position 52. The limiting post 53 cooperates with the limiting port 45 of the push plate 4 to limit the moving direction and moving endpoint (i.e. the maximum moving distance) of the push plate 4, so as to prevent the push plate 4 from moving excessively and falling when the workpiece table module 5 is unloaded.

[0109] The control unit, as the "brain" of the device, receives the displacement feedback signal from the servo motor 21 and the thrust detection signal from the pressure sensor 35, and issues control commands according to the preset program logic to realize the automated closed-loop control of the entire assembly process.

[0110] Method Implementation Examples

[0111] A second aspect of the present invention also discloses an embodiment of a method for using the aforementioned device, specifically including:

[0112] Workpiece positioning: The optical module PCBA board 7 is placed into the workpiece mounting position 52 of the carrier board 51 of the workpiece stage module 5. The workpiece limiting protrusion 522 and the bayonet 73 are matched to complete the fast and accurate error-proof positioning of the optical module PCBA board 7. The fiber optic cable 74 is inserted into the cable management seat 521 to avoid the cable tangling affecting the assembly process.

[0113] Install the push plate: Place the push plate 4 on the workpiece stage module 5, with the boss 41 facing the detection surface of the pressure sensor 35; slide the guide pin 42 into the guide hole 332 of the fixing plate 33; the spring 333 is sleeved on the third cylinder 423; align the window 43 with the position of the fiber optic ferrule 71 and lens 72 of the optical module PCBA board 7 on the carrier plate 51, and place the push claw 44 against one end of the fiber optic ferrule 71; align the two limiting ports 45 at the front end of the push plate 4 with the limiting post 53.

[0114] Displacement control: The control unit calculates the number of rotations required by the servo motor 21 based on the fixed distance between the starting position and the final assembly position of the fiber optic ferrule 71, drives the ball screw 24 to move the fixed plate 33 forward, the pressure sensor 35 contacts the boss 41 and pushes the push plate 4 forward, the push plate 4 moves linearly along the guide rail 32; the pusher 44 pushes the fiber optic ferrule 71 towards the lens 72 as the push plate 4 moves, pushing the fiber optic ferrule 71 into the lens 72 to complete the assembly of the optical module PCBA board 7; the relationship between the number of rotations of the servo motor 21 and the displacement is fed back to the control unit in real time to ensure displacement accuracy.

[0115] Thrust control: During the pushing process, pressure sensor 35 detects the thrust of protrusion 41 in real time and transmits it to the control unit. The device processes the thrust data according to different scenarios.

[0116] When the real-time thrust is less than the set threshold, the servo motor 21 continues to feed to increase the pressure; if it is in an unloaded state (no increase in thrust), the fixed plate 33 will automatically reset after the push plate 4 reaches the displacement of the moving end point.

[0117] When the thrust reaches the set threshold and the displacement of the push plate 4 reaches the end point of the movement, the servo motor 21 stops feeding, completing the tight assembly of the fiber optic ferrule 71 and the lens 72. Then the servo motor 21 reverses to drive the fixing plate 33 to automatically reset.

[0118] When the thrust exceeds the safety threshold, it is determined to be jammed or abnormal interference. The servo motor 21 immediately reverses and drives the fixed plate 33 to automatically reset, protecting the fiber optic ferrule, lens and other components from damage.

[0119] Process reset: After assembly, the servo motor 21 drives the pushing mechanism to move in the opposite direction, which drives the fixed plate 33 to automatically reset to the initial position, completing one assembly cycle and waiting for the next workpiece to be loaded.

[0120] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules, characterized in that, include: The base plate (1), power and transmission module (2), push module (3), push plate (4), workpiece stage module (5) and control unit; The base plate (1) is the basic load-bearing component of the device; The power and transmission module (2) includes: The servo motor (21) serves as the power source for the device and outputs rotational motion. Coupling (23) connects the output shaft of servo motor (21) to ball screw (24); The ball screw (24) converts the rotational motion of the servo motor (21) into linear motion. The rotation of the ball screw (24) drives the screw transmission nut (25) to make axial linear displacement. The lead screw drive nut (25) meshes with the ball screw (24) as a precision helical pair; Two sets of screw fixing seats (26) are installed at both ends of the ball screw (24) and fixed on the base plate (1) to provide support and positioning for the ball screw (24); The push module (3) includes: Two guide rail fixing seats (31) are fixed on the base plate (1) and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the ball screw (24), parallel to the axial direction of the ball screw (24). There are two guide rails (32), which are fixedly mounted on two guide rail mounting bases (31); The fixed plate (33) is fixed on the lead screw drive nut (25) and moves in a straight line synchronously with the lead screw drive nut (25); Two sets of sliders (34) are symmetrically installed on both sides of the bottom surface of the fixed plate (33) and slide in cooperation with the guide rail (32) to restrict the fixed plate (33) from making linear motion along the axial direction. A pressure sensor (35) is mounted on a fixed plate (33), with the detection surface of the pressure sensor (35) protruding from the edge of the fixed plate (33); it is used to push the push plate (4), detect the magnitude of the pushing force in real time, and transmit the data to the control unit. The push plate (4) is placed on the workpiece stage module (5) to push the fiber optic ferrule into the lens; the push plate (4) has a boss (41) in the middle, which is directly opposite the detection surface of the pressure sensor (35); two hollow windows (43) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the boss (41), and a set of push claws (44) is arranged in each window (43). The push claws (44) are used to push the fiber optic ferrule towards the lens as the push plate (4) moves, and push the fiber optic ferrule into the lens; The workpiece stage module (5) includes: The carrier plate (51) has two sets of workpiece mounting positions (52) symmetrically arranged on the top surface and two sets of carrier plate fixing seats (54) symmetrically arranged on the bottom surface; the carrier plate fixing seats (54) are fixedly installed on the base plate (1); Each workpiece mounting position (52) is used to place one optical module PCBA board (7); The control unit is used to receive the displacement feedback signal from the servo motor (21) and the thrust detection signal from the pressure sensor (35), and issue control commands according to the preset program logic to realize the automated closed-loop control of the entire assembly process.

2. The automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting groove (331) is provided in the middle of the top surface of the fixing plate (33), and two guide holes (332) are symmetrically provided on both sides of the mounting groove (331). A spring (333) is provided in the guide hole (332). Two guide pins (42) are symmetrically arranged on the sides of the push plate (4) on both sides of the boss (41). The guide pins (42) have a structure of a first cylinder (421), a second cylinder (422) and a third cylinder (423) arranged in sequence along the axial direction. The second cylinder (422) has a larger radius than the first cylinder (421) and the third cylinder (423). The first cylinder (421) is fixed on the push plate (4), and the second cylinder (422) and the third cylinder (423) slide into the guide hole (332) of the fixing plate (33). The spring (333) is sleeved on the third cylinder (423). The spring (333) is used to provide buffer force to avoid the pressure sensor (35) from having a hard collision with the boss (41). The guide pins (42) are used to constrain the movement direction of the push plate (4).

3. The automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The push claw (44) is compatible with the shape of the fiber optic ferrule (71); The push plate (4) has two limit ports (45) at its front end; A limiting post (53) is fixedly installed next to the workpiece mounting position (52). The limiting post (53) cooperates with the limiting port (45) of the push plate (4) to limit the moving direction and moving endpoint of the push plate (4) and prevent the push plate (4) from falling due to excessive movement when the workpiece stage module (5) is unloaded.

4. The automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The motor mounting plate (22) is set at one end of the base plate (1) and is used to fix the servo motor (21).

5. The automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in an optical module according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The pressure sensor (35) is installed in the mounting groove (331) and is positioned opposite the boss (41) of the push plate (4); the pressure sensor fixing plate (36) is used to fix the pressure sensor (35) on the fixing plate (33).

6. The automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the workpiece mounting position (52) is provided with a cable management seat (521), which is used to insert fiber optic cables (74).

7. The automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end of the workpiece mounting position (52) is provided with a workpiece limiting protrusion (522); the workpiece limiting protrusion (522) can be matched and installed with the bayonet (73) on the optical module PCBA board (7).

8. A method of using an automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in optical modules, used in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, include: Place the optical module PCBA board (7) into the workpiece mounting position (52) of the carrier board (51) of the workpiece stage module (5); Place the push plate (4) on the workpiece stage module (5), with the boss (41) facing the detection surface of the pressure sensor (35); slide the guide pin (42) into the guide hole (332) of the fixing plate (33); the spring (333) is sleeved on the third cylinder (423); align the window (43) with the position of the fiber optic ferrule (71) and lens (72) of the optical module PCBA board (7) on the carrier plate (51); place the push claw (44) against one end of the fiber optic ferrule (71); align the two limiting ports (45) at the front end of the push plate (4) with the limiting post (53); The control unit calculates the number of rotations required by the servo motor (21) based on the fixed distance between the starting position and the final assembly position of the fiber optic ferrule (71), drives the ball screw (24) to move the fixed plate (33) forward, the pressure sensor (35) contacts the boss (41) and pushes the push plate (4) forward, the push plate (4) moves linearly along the guide rail (32); the push claw (44) moves with the push plate (4) to push the fiber optic ferrule (71) towards the lens (72), and pushes the fiber optic ferrule (71) into the lens (72) to complete the assembly of the optical module PCBA board (7); the relationship between the number of rotations of the servo motor (21) and the displacement is fed back to the control unit in real time; After assembly, the servo motor (21) drives the push mechanism to move in the opposite direction, causing the fixed plate (33) to automatically reset to the initial position, completing one assembly cycle and waiting for the next workpiece to be loaded.

9. The automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in an optical module according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: During the push process, the pressure sensor (35) detects the thrust of the boss (41) in real time and transmits it to the control unit. The control unit processes the thrust data according to different scenarios.

10. The automatic assembly device for optical fiber ferrules in an optical module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The scenario-based processing based on thrust data includes: When the real-time thrust is less than the set threshold, the servo motor (21) continues to feed to increase the pressure; if the thrust does not increase, the fixed plate (33) will automatically reset after the push plate (4) reaches the displacement of the moving end point. When the thrust reaches the set threshold and the displacement of the push plate (4) reaches the end point of the movement, the servo motor (21) stops feeding, and completes the tight assembly of the fiber optic ferrule (71) and the lens (72). Then the servo motor (21) reverses and drives the fixing plate (33) to automatically reset. When the thrust exceeds the safety threshold, it is determined to be jammed or abnormal interference. The servo motor (21) immediately reverses and drives the fixing plate (33) to automatically reset, protecting the fiber optic ferrule and lens from damage.

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