MPO multi-core fiber array connector grinding track generation method and automatic grinding machine

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of MPO multicore fiber array connector grinding track generation method and automatic grinder, the method is by making grinding paper simultaneously perform two kinds of movements and control its action timing, form composite motion grinding track, composite motion grinding track includes planetary circular motion and linear motion, planetary circular motion is eccentric motion of grinding paper driven around center axis, linear motion is that grinding paper is translation motion along its length direction, linear motion is superimposed with planetary circular motion in intermittent movement mode;The application makes that grinding paper generates continuous spiral composite motion grinding track by the superposition of planetary circular motion and intermittent linear motion, makes grinding paper surface evenly cover wear, improves grinding paper utilization and the end face quality consistency of fiber core.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of polishing technology for MPO multi-core fiber array connectors, specifically relating to a method for generating polishing trajectories for MPO multi-core fiber array connectors and its automatic polishing machine. Background Technology

[0002] MPO connectors are a type of fiber optic connector, often used as a connector type for high-speed transmission standards. It is a multi-core connector standard, typically arranging 12 optical fibers in a row, and can support one or more rows of optical fibers in the same MPO connector. It is mainly used in high-density environments in data centers and fiber-to-the-building applications.

[0003] A standard MPO connector polishing process typically includes five key steps aimed at achieving a "fiber protrusion" effect, where the optical fiber is slightly higher than the ferrule end face to ensure physical contact and precisely control the end face geometry. The first step is adhesive removal, which removes residual adhesive that protrudes from the ferrule end face after curing, preparing for subsequent polishing. The second step is rough polishing, which initially smooths the ferrule end face, establishing a uniform reference surface and initiating the fiber protrusion. The third step is fine polishing, further refining the end face, reducing scratches, and precisely controlling the fiber height and coplanarity. The fourth step is fiber drawing / polishing, a core step that utilizes the hardness difference between the ferrule (PPS plastic) and the optical fiber (glass) to create the fiber protrusion end face structure. The fifth step is final polishing, which eliminates minor scratches and subsurface damage caused by polishing, repairing and reducing core dip. However, the pressure and the coarseness of the grinding paper vary in each process. Current technology requires manual replacement of the grinding machine and grinding paper, and manual handling of fixtures to the cleaning tank. This relies on the experience and judgment of skilled technicians and cannot meet the current needs of automation development.

[0004] In the existing technology, the common polishing method is to lay polishing paper on a circular polishing disc, and the polishing disc drives the polishing paper to make a single circular motion, thereby polishing the end face of the fiber optic connector placed on the polishing paper.

[0005] Current fiber optic connector polishing typically involves laying polishing paper on a circular polishing pad. This single circular motion method has significant drawbacks. During circular motion, the polishing paper forms a ring-shaped polishing trajectory, resulting in uneven surface utilization. The wear levels differ greatly between the central and edge areas, leading to low effective paper utilization. This not only increases the cost of polishing consumables but also potentially affects the stability of polishing quality due to localized, rapid wear of the polishing paper. Furthermore, for multi-core array connectors such as MPOs, uniform and efficient polishing is crucial to ensuring consistent end-face quality across all fiber cores. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide an optimized method for generating grinding trajectories for multi-core fiber array connectors. This method optimizes the grinding trajectory through mathematical modeling, achieves precise pressure control and quantitative adjustment for each process, and simultaneously improves the efficiency of grinding paper usage.

[0007] The second objective of this invention is to provide an automatic polishing machine for generating polishing trajectories of MPO multi-core fiber array connectors. This automatic polishing machine adjusts the pressure, polishing time, and automatically switches polishing paper, enabling the polishing paper to perform two motions simultaneously and controlling the timing of their actions.

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned first objective, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: an optimized method for generating a polishing trajectory for a multi-core fiber array connector, comprising providing polishing paper; an automatic polishing machine controlling the polishing paper to simultaneously perform planetary circular motion and linear motion, and superimposing the linear motion with the planetary circular motion in an intermittent manner to form a composite motion polishing trajectory; wherein, the planetary circular motion is an eccentric motion around a central axis, and the linear motion is a translational motion along the length direction of the polishing paper; the multi-core fiber array connector to be polished is placed on the polishing paper, and is polished under the action of the composite motion polishing trajectory, wherein the composite motion polishing trajectory forms a mesh distribution on the surface of the polishing paper.

[0009] The preferred embodiment is as follows: the intermittent movement method is as follows: the abrasive paper first continuously performs the planetary circular motion for a first time period, then stops the planetary circular motion and performs the linear motion for a second time period, and then starts the planetary circular motion again, and so on in a cycle; or, the abrasive paper performs the linear motion intermittently while performing the planetary circular motion.

[0010] The preferred embodiment is as follows: the trajectory equation of the planetary circular motion is: θ ( t )= θ 0+ ω 2× t This describes the variation of the angle of the eccentric axis with time t during the circular motion of a planet. θ 0=0 is t The link angle when = 0, ω 2 represents the angular velocity of the eccentric wheel, which varies in the range of values ​​for each of the five grinding steps; the trajectory equation for the linear motion is: x 1( t )= A 1×cos( ω 1× t + The linear reciprocating displacement of the grinding disc as a whole varies with time t. A 1 represents the amplitude (mm); ω 1 is the angular frequency (rad / s), which is the frequency of the reciprocating motion of the grinding disc. A The optimal value range for 1 is 5-10 mm; ω The optimal value range for 1 is π to 2π.

[0011] The preferred embodiment is: applied to a grinding process including degumming, rough grinding, fine grinding, fiber drawing, and polishing; wherein, the angular velocity of the planetary circular motion... ω 2. The pressure P applied to the fiber optic connector and the polishing time T for each step are set separately according to the different polishing steps: Adhesive removal steps: ω 2 is 80-120 rpm, t is 30-60 seconds, and P is 2000-3000g; Coarse grinding steps: ω 2 is 80-120 rpm, t is 30-60 seconds, and P is 2000-3000g; Fine grinding steps: ω 2 represents 100-140 rpm, t represents 100-140 seconds, and P represents 4000-5000g; Fiber pulling steps: ω 2 is 150-180 rpm, t is 80-120 seconds, and P is 8000-12000g; Polishing steps: ω 2 represents 150-180 rpm, t represents 80-120 seconds, and P represents 8000-12000g.

[0012] The preferred embodiment is that the fiber optic connector end face obtained by the grinding method meets at least one of the following indicators: X-direction curvature radius ≥ 4000 mm; Y-direction curvature radius ≥ 100 mm; no depression in the core area of ​​the end face; negative coplanarity ≤ 150 nm; fiber insertion loss IL < 0.3 dB.

[0013] The present invention also provides a polishing machine for fiber optic connectors, utilizing the above-described method for generating polishing tracks for fiber optic connectors, comprising: The grinding frame has a roller at each of its opposite ends; A grinding frame is located at the lower end of the grinding frame disc; The abrasive paper is a rectangular sheet structure that can be wound into a roll. Both ends are wound onto two spools, and the middle part covers the abrasive frame. The first drive mechanism is set on the abrasive frame and is used to drive the abrasive frame to move the abrasive paper in a planetary circular motion. The second drive mechanism is located at the end of the grinding frame and is used to drive the roller to move the grinding paper in a straight line along the grinding pad. The first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism alternately operate in an intermittent manner, so that the optical fiber connector forms a composite motion grinding trajectory on the grinding paper, which is a superposition of planetary circular motion and linear motion. The composite motion grinding trajectory covers the surface of the grinding paper to form a mesh distribution.

[0014] Furthermore, the first drive mechanism includes a first drive motor and a planetary gear set. The first drive motor is connected to the grinding frame, the planetary gear set is connected to the grinding frame and connected to the first drive motor, and the grinding frame disk is connected to the planetary gear set. The first drive motor is used to drive the planetary gear set to drive the grinding frame disk to move in a planetary circular motion.

[0015] Furthermore, the grinding frame includes an outer frame and a central grinding disc, the central grinding disc being nested within the outer frame. The outer frame has rollers at both ends, and a second drive mechanism is located at the end of the outer frame. The central grinding disc is slidably connected to the planetary gear set. The grinding machine frame includes a support frame and a horizontal support plate, the horizontal support plate being nested on top of the support frame. A first drive motor is fitted within the support frame and connected at one end to the horizontal support plate. The first drive motor extends beyond the end of the horizontal support plate and connects to the planetary gear set, which is also slidably connected to the horizontal support plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the planetary gear set includes an eccentric gear shaft, planetary plates, planetary gear shafts, and a crank connecting rod. The eccentric gear shaft is nested and connected to the output shaft of the first drive motor. The planetary gear shafts are arranged in a circumferential array on a grinding frame located on the outer periphery of the eccentric gear shaft. The lower end of the planetary gear shaft is slidably connected to the grinding frame. The upper end of the planetary gear shaft is connected to one end of the crank connecting rod. The other end of the crank connecting rod is nested and connected to the planetary plate and extends out of the planetary plate to slidably connect to the grinding frame. The axis of the planetary plate is eccentrically nested and connected to the eccentric gear shaft.

[0017] Furthermore, the lower end of the planetary gear shaft is slidably connected to the horizontal support plate, the eccentric shaft at the upper end of the eccentric gear shaft is nested and connected to the planetary plate and extends out of the planetary plate and is slidably connected to the center of the central grinding disk, the connecting rod at the other end of the crank connecting rod extends out of the planetary plate and is slidably connected to the central grinding disk, and the connecting rod is located on the outer periphery of the eccentric shaft.

[0018] Furthermore, a third driving mechanism is provided at the lower end of the grinding frame. The third driving mechanism is used to drive the grinding frame to move linearly, thereby causing the grinding end face of the MPO multi-core fiber array connector to be ground to sequentially enter the grinding process positions of degumming, rough grinding, fine grinding, fiber pulling and polishing.

[0019] Because the present invention adopts the above technical solution, it has the following advantages and effects: (1) The present invention provides a method for generating a polishing trajectory for an optical fiber connector and a polishing machine. The method improves the utilization rate of polishing paper by using a composite motion trajectory. The composite motion trajectory is composed of planetary circular motion and linear motion superimposed. After the planetary circular motion, the polishing paper can be driven to make linear displacement by a second driving mechanism, so that the surface of the polishing paper is uniformly covered with wear, and the utilization rate is significantly improved.

[0020] (2) The grinding trajectory generation grinding machine for fiber optic connectors of the present invention uses a linkage mechanism composed of an eccentric wheel shaft, a planetary plate, a crank and a planetary wheel shaft to convert the rotation of the first drive motor into the stable planetary circular motion of the grinding frame, ensuring the stability of the fiber optic connector during the grinding process; and the planetary plate is slidably connected to the planetary wheel shaft through the crank connecting rod, balancing the force and enhancing the motion stability, reducing the impact of vibration on the grinding accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the grinding trajectory for an optical fiber connector. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the grinding trajectory of a single optical fiber head after five processes. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the polishing machine of the present invention, which includes the MPO multi-core fiber array connector 10 to be polished; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the grinding machine structure of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the grinding machine structure of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the grinding machine of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the grinding disc structure of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the grinding disc structure of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the grinding rack disk of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the planetary gear set of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the grinding frame and the second drive mechanism of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the grinding frame and the second drive mechanism of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the third driving mechanism of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic pressure column mechanism of the present invention.

[0032] Reference numerals: 1-Grinding frame, 2-Second drive mechanism, 3-Grinding frame, 4-Planetary gear set, 5-First drive motor, 6-Third drive mechanism, 101-Central grinding disc, 102-Outer frame, 103-Support rod, 104-Roll, 1041-Grinding paper, 105-Paper pressing roller, 8-Grinding pad, 202-Second drive motor, 201-Protective shell, 203-Motor fixing plate, 204-Motor drive wheel, 205-First belt, 206-Driven wheel of rotating shaft, 301-Horizontal support plate, 302-Support frame, 303-Horizontal support ring, 40 1-Planetary plate, 402-Eccentric shaft, 403-Planetary gear shaft, 404-Crank connecting rod, 405-Bearing, 406-Eccentric gear shaft, 601-Driving wheel, 602-Slider, 603-Second belt, 604-Driven wheel, 605-Driven shaft, 606-Motor bracket, 608-Slide rod, 609-Fixing block, 610-Lead screw, 611-Third drive motor, 612-Output shaft, 7-Telescopic pressure column mechanism, 701-Gantry bracket, 702-Stop column, 703-Support plate, 8-Grinding pad, 10-MPO multi-core fiber optic array connector to be ground. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a clearer understanding of the purpose, features, and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative of the essential spirit of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 1 The polishing trajectory formed by the polishing method of the MPO multi-core fiber array connector of the present invention is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, this grinding trajectory is formed by simultaneously executing two motions on the grinding paper and controlling their timing. The composite motion grinding trajectory includes planetary circular motion and linear motion. The planetary circular motion is the grinding paper revolving around its central axis while rotating around its own axis. The linear motion is the grinding paper translating along its length. The linear motion is superimposed on the planetary circular motion in an intermittent manner.

[0035] This invention uses the superposition of intermittent linear motion and planetary circular motion to form a continuous spiral displacement trajectory acting on the end face of the fiber optic connector. By combining intermittent alternating timing control, the polishing trajectory is transformed from a single circular path into a fully covered mesh path. Since the polishing trajectory area is covered by a mesh, the wear of the polishing paper by the traditional circular overlapping trajectory is avoided, thereby significantly improving the utilization rate of the polishing paper. At the same time, the linear displacement of the polishing paper allows for automatic up-and-down material changing, improving polishing efficiency.

[0036] The trajectory equation for the planetary circular motion of this invention is: θ ( t )= θ 0+ ω 2× t This describes the variation of the angle of the eccentric axis with time t during the circular motion of a planet. θ 0=0 is t The link angle when = 0, ω 2 represents the angular velocity of the eccentric wheel, which varies in the range of values ​​for each of the five grinding steps; the trajectory equation for the linear motion is: x 1( t )= A 1×cos( ω 1× t + This describes the linear reciprocating displacement of the grinding disc as a function of time t. A 1 represents the amplitude (mm); ω 1 is the angular frequency (rad / s), which is the frequency of the reciprocating motion of the grinding disc. A The optimal value range for 1 is 5-10 mm; ω The optimal value range for 1 is π to 2π.

[0037] Specifically, the entire process is as follows: the optical fiber polishing process includes five steps: adhesive removal, rough polishing, fine polishing, fiber drawing, and polishing.

[0038] In this embodiment, during the degumming process, the pressure P on the grinding mill of this invention needs to be set to a range of 2000-3000g. ω 2. The rotation speed range is 80-120 rpm, the time t range is 30-60 s, the amount of pure water grinding fluid added ranges from 5-10 ml, and 15 μm grinding paper is required for grinding.

[0039] In this embodiment, during the coarse grinding process, the pressure P on the grinding mill of this invention needs to be set to a range of 2000-3000g. ω2. The rotation speed range is 80-120 rpm, the time t range is 30-60 s, the amount of pure water grinding fluid added ranges from 5-10 ml, and 9 μm grinding paper is required for grinding.

[0040] In this embodiment, during the fine grinding process, the pressure P needs to be set in the range of 4000-5000g on a specific grinding mill. ω 2. The rotation speed range is 100-140 rpm, the time t range is 100-140 s, the amount of pure water grinding fluid added ranges from 5-10 ml, and 3 μm grinding paper is required for grinding.

[0041] In this embodiment, during the fiber drawing process, a pressure P needs to be set on a specific grinding mill within the range of 8000-12000g. ω 2. The rotation speed range is 150-180 rpm, the time t range is 80-120 s, the amount of pure water grinding fluid added ranges from 5-10 ml, and convex fiber grinding paper is required for grinding.

[0042] In this embodiment, during the polishing process, a pressure P needs to be set on a specific grinding machine within the range of 8000-12000g. ω 2. The rotation speed range is 150-180 rpm, the time t range is 80-120 s, and the amount of pure water polishing slurry added ranges from 5-10 ml. Polishing paper must be used for polishing. The actual polishing trajectory after completing the fifth step is as follows. Figure 2 As shown.

[0043] The planetary circular motion of the polishing paper is driven by the first drive mechanism, and the linear motion of the polishing paper is driven by the second drive mechanism. After the planetary circular motion continues for a predetermined time, it is paused. The second drive mechanism is then activated to make the polishing paper move linearly, moving the planetary circular motion trajectory on the polishing paper to one side. Then the first drive mechanism is restarted to make the unused polishing paper perform planetary circular motion again to polish or grind the end face of the fiber optic connector, thus completing the feeding of the polishing paper.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown: The MPO multi-core fiber array connector 10 to be polished is held by a clamp and pressed onto the polishing pad 8 of the polishing machine by pressure P. In this embodiment, the MPO multi-core fiber array connector 10 to be polished is supported and pressed by the telescopic pressure column mechanism 7.

[0045] Figures 4-6As shown. This invention discloses a polishing machine for fiber optic connectors, utilizing the polishing trajectory generation method for fiber optic connectors. The polishing machine includes a polishing rack 1, a polishing frame 3, a polishing pad 8, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism 2, and a telescopic pressure column mechanism 7. The polishing pad 8 is fitted onto the polishing rack 1. Two opposite ends of the polishing rack 1 are respectively provided with rollers 104, on which polishing paper 1041 is wound. The polishing paper 1041 has a rectangular sheet structure, can be wound into a roll, with one end fixed to one roller 104 and the other end fixed to another roller 104. The middle portion is located on the polishing pad 8 and is integrally covered and fitted with it. When the middle portion of the polishing paper 1041 is unrolled, a polishing fixture is located on the polishing paper 1041 of the polishing pad 8, and a fiber optic connector is fixed to the polishing fixture and fitted with the polishing paper 1041. The first driving mechanism is provided on the polishing frame 3 and is used to drive the polishing rack 1 and the polishing paper 1041 in planetary circular motion to polish or grind the fiber optic connector. The second drive mechanism 2 is located at the end of the polishing frame 1 and is used to drive the polishing paper 1041 on the roller 104 to move linearly along the polishing pad 8. The planetary circular motion and linear motion of the polishing paper 1041 intermittently form the motion trajectory of the fiber optic connector on the polishing paper 1041.

[0046] Specifically, the polishing paper 1041 is wound into a square roll shape. In use, one end of the polishing paper is first placed on one side of the roll 104, and then the other end of the polishing paper 1041 is wound around the other end of the roll 104. The fiber optic connector is held by the polishing fixture and placed on the polishing paper 1041 of the polishing pad 8, and the polishing paper adheres to the connector. When the fiber optic connector is polished on the polishing paper 1041, the planetary circular motion of the polishing paper 1041 is followed by the linear motion of the polishing paper to form the polishing trajectory of the fiber optic connector on the polishing paper. Figure 1 The image shows the grinding track of an 8-core fiber optic connector.

[0047] Furthermore, the first drive mechanism includes a first drive motor 5 and a planetary gear set 4. The first drive motor 5 is connected to the grinding frame 3, and the planetary gear set 4 is mounted on the grinding frame 3 and connected to the first drive motor 5. The grinding rack 1 is connected to the planetary gear set 4. The first drive motor 5 drives the planetary gear set 4 to drive the grinding rack 1 to perform planetary circular motion. When a portion of the fiber optic connectors have been ground by the planetary circular motion of the grinding rack 1, and the grinding paper has reached a certain number of grinding uses, the second drive mechanism 2 can be used to move the grinding paper to replace the grinding area of ​​the grinding paper.

[0048] Again Figure 8As shown. Further, the grinding frame 1 includes an outer frame 102 and a central grinding disc 101. The central grinding disc 101 is nested within the outer frame 102. Rollers 104 are slidably connected to both ends of the outer frame 102, and the central grinding disc 101 is slidably connected to the planetary gear set 4. A second drive mechanism 2 is located at one end of the outer frame 102, driving the roller 104 at one end to rotate, thereby causing the grinding paper 1041 on the grinding pad 8 to move linearly and then be wound onto the roller 104 at the other end.

[0049] Specifically, the outer frame 102 has a grid-shaped structure with a central slot. The central grinding disc 101 is embedded in the slot of the outer frame 102. The two ends of the scroll 104 are slidably connected to opposite sides of the outer frame 102 via bearings. Support rods 103 are slidably connected to the ends of the outer frame 102 located inside the pair of scrolls 104. The support rods 103 and the scrolls 104 are parallel and spaced apart. The grinding paper 1041 is wound around the scrolls 104 after passing through the support rods 103. The pair of support rods 103 ensures that the grinding paper 1041 on the grinding pad 8 is always horizontally in contact with the grinding pad. A paper-pressing roller 105 is also slidably connected to the outer frame 102 located on one side of the second drive mechanism 2. The paper-pressing roller 105 is vertically parallel to the support rod 103 at that end and has a gap to accommodate the passage of the grinding paper 1041. The grinding paper 1041 moves after being limited by the paper-pressing roller 105 and the support rod 103 to ensure that it is in contact with the grinding pad 8.

[0050] Furthermore, the second drive mechanism 2 includes a second drive motor 202, a protective shell 201, a motor fixing plate 203, a motor drive wheel 204, a first belt 205, a driven shaft wheel 206, a driven support rod wheel 208, and a tensioning wheel 207. The motor fixing plate 203 is located on the outer side of one end of the outer frame 102. One end of the rotating shaft 104 is slidably connected to the motor fixing plate 203 and extends beyond the end of the motor fixing plate 203, where the driven shaft wheel 206 is nested. The second drive motor 202 is fixed to one side of the motor fixing plate 203. The output end of the second drive motor 202 extends beyond the motor fixing plate 203 and is nested within the motor drive wheel 204. The motor drive wheel 204 and the driven shaft wheel 206 are connected by a transmission via the first belt 205. This allows the second drive motor 202 to synchronously drive the rotating shaft 104 and the support rod 103 to rotate and tension, thereby causing the grinding paper 1041 to rotate and move. The protective shell 201 is fixed to one side of the motor mounting plate 203 to wrap and protect the motor drive wheel 204, the first belt 205 and the driven wheel 206 of the rotating shaft.

[0051] As a preferred embodiment, a second drive mechanism is provided at both ends of the outer frame 102. The second drive mechanism at one end is used to drive the roller to rotate and release the abrasive paper, while the second drive mechanism at the other end drives the roller to rotate and rewind the abrasive paper.

[0052] Therefore, when the first drive motor 5 drives the central grinding disc 101 in planetary circular motion, the central grinding disc 101 drives the outer frame 102 to move synchronously, causing the abrasive paper 1041 mounted on the scroll 104 to move synchronously in planetary circular motion. When the planetary circular motion continues for a predetermined time and the position of the abrasive paper on the abrasive pad 8 needs to be adjusted, the second drive mechanism 2 is activated when the planetary circular motion stops. The second drive motor 202 drives the scroll 104 to rotate through the first belt 205, causing the abrasive paper 1041 to move a predetermined distance along the abrasive pad 8 in a straight line, so as to adjust the abrasive position of the abrasive paper 1041 on the abrasive pad 8.

[0053] like Figure 5 , Figure 10 As shown. Further, the grinding frame 3 includes a support frame 302 and a horizontal support plate 301. The horizontal support plate 301 is nested on the top of the support frame 302. The first drive motor 5 is sleeved inside the support frame 302 and one end is connected to the horizontal support plate 301. The output shaft of the first drive motor 5 extends out of the horizontal support plate 301 and is connected to the planetary gear set 4. The planetary gear set 4 is simultaneously slidably connected to the horizontal support plate 301.

[0054] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown: The grinding frame 3 also includes a horizontal support ring 303, which is disposed on top of the horizontal support plate 301 and concentrically rings the outer periphery of the planetary gear set 4. The support frame 302 is a square frame body that runs through both the upper and lower ends, with the top end connected to the horizontal support plate 301, which closes the top end of the support frame 302. The lower end face of the horizontal support ring 303 is connected to the upper end face of the horizontal support plate 301, and the upper end face of the horizontal support ring 303 slides against the lower end face of the central grinding disc 101 to support the entire grinding frame disc 1.

[0055] like Figure 9 As shown. Further, the planetary gear set 4 includes an eccentric gear shaft 406, a planetary plate 401, a planetary gear shaft 403, and a crank connecting rod 404. The eccentric gear shaft 406 is nested and connected to the output shaft of the first drive motor 5. The planetary gear shafts 403 are arranged in a circular array on the grinding frame 3 located on the outer periphery of the double-bearing eccentric gear shaft 406. The upper end of the planetary gear shaft 403 is slidably connected to the horizontal support plate 301 of the grinding frame 3. The upper end of the planetary gear shaft 403 is connected to one end of the crank connecting rod 404, and the other end of the crank connecting rod 404 is nested and connected to the planetary plate 401 and extends out of the planetary plate 401 to slidably connect to the central grinding disk of the grinding frame 1.

[0056] Specifically, the upper surface of the horizontal support plate 301 has a first blind hole distributed around its circumference and a through hole in its center. The output shaft of the first drive motor 5 passes through the through hole and is nested to the lower end of the eccentric wheel shaft 406. The lower end of the planetary gear shaft 403 is slidably nested in the first blind hole of the horizontal support plate 301 via double bearings 405. The lower surface of the central grinding disc 101 has a second blind hole distributed around its circumference and a third blind hole in its center. One end of the crank of the crank connecting rod 404 is fitted with the planetary gear shaft 403, and the other end of the connecting rod of the crank connecting rod 404 is nested in the outer peripheral edge of the planetary plate 401 and extends out of the planetary plate 401. The upper end of the connecting rod is slidably nested in the second blind hole via bearings 405. The upper end of the eccentric wheel shaft 406 has an eccentric shaft 402, the upper end of which is nested to the center of the planetary plate 401 and extends out of the planetary plate 401. The extended upper end is also slidably nested in the third blind hole via bearings 405.

[0057] The first drive motor 5 drives the planetary gear set 4 to drive the grinding disc 1 to perform planetary circular motion. At this time, the eccentric wheel shaft 406 rotates, pushing the planetary plate 401 to make eccentric revolution; the crank connecting rod 404 synchronously pulls the planetary gear shaft 403, so that the central grinding disc 101 rotates around its own axis while revolving, and the fiber optic connector forms a circular grinding track on the grinding paper 1041.

[0058] Furthermore, the lower end of the planetary gear shaft 403 is slidably connected to the horizontal support plate 101, the eccentric shaft 402 at the upper end of the eccentric gear shaft 406 is nested and connected to the planetary plate 401 and extends out of the planetary plate 401 and slidably connected to the center of the central grinding disk 101, the connecting rod at the other end of the crank connecting rod 404 extends out of the planetary plate 401 and slidably connected to the central grinding disk 101, and the connecting rod is located on the outer periphery of the eccentric shaft 402.

[0059] In this invention, the planetary plate 401 is elliptical, and there are three planetary gear shafts 403, each of which is slidably connected to the edge of the ellipse via a crank connecting rod 404. When the first drive motor 5 drives the eccentric gear shaft 406 to rotate, the eccentric gear shaft 406 drives the central grinding disk 101 to rotate eccentrically. The three crank connecting rods 404 simultaneously drive the planetary plate 401 and the central grinding disk 101 to move, forming planetary circular motion. Because the eccentric gear shaft 406 adopts a double bearing connection, it is more stable during rotation. At the same time, because the central grinding disk 101 is nested and connected to the outer frame 102, the entire grinding frame 1 achieves planetary circular motion, and the planetary gear shafts 403 slidingly nested around the planetary plate 401 further improve the stability of the planetary circular motion of the grinding frame 1.

[0060] Furthermore, in order to adjust the position of the central grinding disc 101, a third drive mechanism 6 is provided in the lower end of the grinding frame 3. The third drive mechanism 6 is used to drive the grinding frame 3 to move linearly.

[0061] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown. The upper end of the third drive mechanism is connected to the lower end of the horizontal support plate 301 within the support frame 302, which drives the entire grinding frame 3 to move linearly along the direction of movement of the grinding paper 1041. The third drive mechanism includes a third drive motor 611, a lead screw and nut mechanism, and a linear sliding block. The grinding frame 3 is slidably connected to a pair of linear sliding blocks. The lead screw and nut mechanism is connected to at least one linear sliding block. The third drive motor 611 is connected to one end of the lead screw and nut mechanism, which drives the lead screw and nut mechanism to move the grinding frame 3 axially along the linear sliding block.

[0062] like Figure 12 As shown. The lead screw and nut mechanism includes a slide rod 608, a fixed block 609, and a lead screw 610. The linear motion slide group includes a slider 602 and a second belt 603. The lead screw 610 is connected to the lower surface of the grinding platform plate through a slide rod 608. The two ends of the lead screw 610 are slidably nested within a pair of fixed blocks 609 for limitation. A motor bracket 606 is provided on the lower surface of the grinding platform plate outside one of the fixed blocks 609. The output shaft 612 of the third drive motor 611 is connected to the drive wheel 601 on the motor bracket 606. The drive wheel 601 is connected to the driven wheel 604 through the second belt 603. The output end of the third drive motor 611 extends out of one side of the motor bracket 606 and is fitted with the drive wheel 601. One end of the lead screw 610 extends out of the fixed block 609 and is fitted with the driven shaft 605. The driven shaft 605 and the drive pulley 612 are driven by the second belt 603. One end of the slide rod 608 is sleeved on the lead screw 610 between a pair of fixed blocks 609 and screwed to the lead screw 610. A through groove is also provided on the surface of the grinding platform. The lower end of the slide rod 608 passes through the through groove and is connected to the lead screw 610. The upper end of the slide rod 608 is connected to the horizontal support plate 301 of the grinding machine frame 3. The slide rod 608 is driven by the third motor 611, which drives the lead screw 610 to rotate. The lower end of the slide rod 608 is connected to the lead screw 610 by a thread. The rotation drives the slide rod 608, which is fixedly connected to the slider 602, to move axially.

[0063] The third drive motor 611 drives the lead screw 610 to rotate, the lead screw 610 drives the slide bar 608 to move axially, and the slide bar 608 drives the movement and adjustment of the grinding frame 3.

[0064] As a preferred embodiment, the third drive mechanism is a linear displacement slide. A pair of linear displacement slides are arranged at intervals relative to each other, and the support frame 302 at the lower end of the grinding frame 3 is mounted on the pair of linear displacement slides. The linear displacement slides are directly fixed to the upper surface of the grinding platform.

[0065] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the grinding frame 3 is provided with a telescopic pressure column mechanism 7 for stopping the grinding fixture.

[0066] like Figure 13 As shown. The telescopic pressure column mechanism 7 includes a portal frame 701, a stop column 702, and a support plate 703. The portal frame 701 is sleeved on both sides of the outer periphery of the grinding machine frame 3, which are perpendicular to the moving direction of the grinding paper 1041. The portal frame 701 includes a pair of support plates and a U-shaped frame. The upper end of the pair of support plates is provided with a U-shaped frame. The pair of support plates are arranged parallel to each other with a gap. The bottom of the support plates is fixed to the surface of the grinding platform. The upper end of each support plate is provided with a support plate 703. The pair of support plates 703 are located on the outer periphery of the grinding machine frame 3 to support and fix the two ends of the grinding fixture. The upper surface of the support plate 703 is flush with the grinding pad 8. A horizontal telescopic cylinder is provided at the upper end of the U-shaped frame of the portal bracket 701. A vertical telescopic cylinder is provided at the telescopic end of the horizontal telescopic cylinder. A stop post 702 is provided at the telescopic end of the vertical telescopic cylinder. The lower end of the stop post 702 abuts against the central post of the grinding fixture. The stop post 702 is adjusted by the horizontal telescopic cylinder and the vertical telescopic cylinder to stop the grinding fixture on the grinding paper 1041, ensuring that the grinding fixture and the grinding paper are in close contact for grinding or polishing. Of course, the portal bracket 701 is used to press the MPO multi-core fiber array connector to be ground onto the grinding paper with a certain pressure. Different pressures are applied at different grinding process stages. Alternatively, a pressure cylinder or pressure piston (not shown in the figure) can be directly extended from the upper end of the equipment to press the MPO multi-core fiber array connector to be ground onto the grinding paper. Regardless of the structural method, the purpose is to meet the range of pressure P set on the specific grinding machine in different process flows.

[0067] When the grinding jig is placed on the grinding paper of the grinding pad 8, both ends of the grinding jig are fixed to the columns on the support plate 703, and the upper end of the grinding jig is blocked by the stop column 702 to fix the grinding jig.

[0068] Furthermore, the grinding machine also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to electrical components such as the first drive motor 5, the second drive motor 202, and the third drive motor 611. The controller allows for program editing to control the start and stop of the first, second, and third drive motors. The controller is a PLC controller, which can control the corresponding motor actions through program editing to achieve automatic grinding operations.

[0069] Table 1 shows that the polishing quality of the MPO multi-core fiber array connector was tested and evaluated using a 3D fiber end face interferometer and an insertion loss and return loss tester.

[0070] Table 1 shows the batch product test results using the automatic grinding machine of the present invention.

[0071] According to the test data in Table 1, it can be seen that: The X-curvature radius is guaranteed to be ≥4000mm. (Note: The industry standard for IEC is greater than or equal to 2000mm and less than 10000. In actual industrial production, both positive and negative deviations will exist. However, positive deviations often have a significant effect on the coupling performance between optical fibers.) Therefore, the larger X-curvature radius value of MPO multi-core fiber array connectors based on specific polishing machines and processes indicates better polishing quality.

[0072] The Y-curvature radius must be ≥100mm, and within the IEC standard industry standard, it must be greater than or equal to 5mm. Negative values ​​are not allowed, and higher values ​​are better. Therefore, MPO multi-core fiber array connectors with larger Y-curvature radii, based on specific grinding machines and processes, indicate better grinding quality.

[0073] To ensure the PC angle X / Y is 0±0.1°, the IEC standard is X=0±0.15°, Y:0±0.2°. The flatter the better, ideally with no angle at all. Therefore, MPO multi-core fiber array connectors with specific polishing machines and processes exhibit a narrower PC angle X / Y range, indicating better polishing quality.

[0074] The APC angle is guaranteed to be X: 0±0.1° and Y: 8±0.1°, while the IEC standard is X=0±0.15° and Y: 8±0.2°. Therefore, MPO multi-core fiber array connectors based on specific polishing machines and processes have a narrower APC angle X / Y range, indicating better polishing quality.

[0075] The negative coplanarity is guaranteed to be ≤150nm; the IEC standard is less than or equal to 500nm. Therefore, the negative coplanarity value of MPO multi-core fiber array connectors based on specific polishing machines and processes is smaller, indicating better polishing quality.

[0076] The tip radius should be ≥2mm, while the IEC standard requires ≥1mm, with larger being better. Therefore, MPO multi-core fiber array connectors with larger tip radii, based on specific polishing machines and processes, indicate better polishing quality.

[0077] In the 3D visualization image, the top core area shows no depression and a 52.6nm protrusion. This contrasts with conventional polishing processes, where depressions range from 50-150nm. Therefore, the absence of depressions in the core area of ​​the MPO multi-core fiber array connector, produced using a specific polishing machine and process, indicates superior polishing quality.

[0078] Ensure that the insertion loss IL is less than 0.3dB; and the return loss RL is greater than 60dB for single-mode and greater than 40dB for multi-mode.

[0079] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for generating grinding tracks in an MPO multi-core fiber array connector, characterized in that: Abrasive paper is provided; The automatic grinding machine controls the grinding paper to simultaneously perform planetary circular motion and linear motion, and makes the linear motion superimpose the planetary circular motion in an intermittent manner to form a composite motion grinding trajectory; Wherein, the planetary circular motion is an eccentric motion about a central axis, and the linear motion is a translational motion along the length of the abrasive paper; The MPO multi-core fiber array connector to be used is placed on the polishing paper and polished under the action of the composite motion polishing trajectory, which forms a mesh distribution on the surface of the polishing paper.

2. The method for generating grinding tracks for MPO multi-core fiber array connectors as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The intermittent movement method is as follows: the abrasive paper first continuously performs the planetary circular motion for a first time period, then stops the planetary circular motion and performs the linear motion for a second time period, and then starts the planetary circular motion again, and so on in an alternating cycle; or, the abrasive paper performs the linear motion intermittently while performing the planetary circular motion.

3. The method for generating grinding tracks for MPO multi-core fiber array connectors as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The trajectory equation for the planet's circular motion is: θ ( t )= θ 0+ ω 2× t This describes the variation of the angle of the eccentric axis with time t in the circular motion of a planet, where... θ 0=0 is t The link angle when = 0, ω 2 represents the angular velocity of the eccentric wheel, which varies in the range of values ​​for each of the five grinding steps; the trajectory equation for the linear motion is: x 1( t )= A 1×cos( ω 1× t + The linear reciprocating motion of the grinding disc as a whole varies with time t. A 1 represents the amplitude (mm); ω 1 is the angular frequency (rad / s), which is the frequency of the reciprocating motion of the grinding disc. A The value range is 5-10 mm; ω 1. The value range is π to 2π.

4. The method for generating grinding tracks for MPO multi-core fiber array connectors as described in claim 3, characterized in that: It is applied to grinding processes including adhesive removal, rough grinding, fine grinding, fiber drawing, and polishing; wherein, the angular velocity of the planetary circular motion... ω 2. The pressure F applied to the fiber optic connector and the polishing time T for each step are set separately according to the different polishing steps: Adhesive removal steps: ω 2 is 80-120 rpm, t is 30-60 seconds, and P is 2000-3000g; Coarse grinding steps: ω 2 is 80-120 rpm, t is 30-60 seconds, and P is 2000-3000g; Fine grinding steps: ω 2 represents 100-140 rpm, t represents 100-140 seconds, and P represents 4000-5000g; Fiber pulling steps: ω 2 is 150-180 rpm, t is 80-120 seconds, and P is 8000-12000g; Polishing steps: ω 2 is 150-180 rpm, t is 80-120 seconds, and P is 8000-12000g.

5. The method for generating grinding tracks for MPO multi-core fiber array connectors as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The end face of the MPO multi-core fiber array connector obtained by the method grinding meets at least one of the following indicators: X-direction curvature radius ≥ 4000 mm; Y-direction curvature radius ≥ 100 mm; no depression in the core area of ​​the end face; negative coplanarity ≤ 150 nm; fiber insertion loss IL < 0.3 dB.

6. An automatic polishing machine, utilizing the polishing trajectory generation method for fiber optic connectors as described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: The grinding frame has a roller at each of its opposite ends; A grinding frame is located at the lower end of the grinding frame disc; The abrasive paper is a rectangular sheet structure that can be wound into a roll, with both ends wound onto two spools and the middle covering the abrasive frame. A first drive mechanism is mounted on the abrasive frame and driven to the abrasive frame, used to drive the abrasive paper to perform planetary circular motion, which is an eccentric motion around a central axis. A second drive mechanism is mounted on the abrasive frame and driven to the abrasive paper, used to drive the abrasive paper to move linearly along its length relative to the frame. The first driving mechanism and the second driving mechanism are configured to operate in an intermittent alternating manner, such that the polishing trajectory experienced by the fiber optic connector placed on the polishing paper is a composite motion trajectory formed by the superposition of the eccentric motion around the center and the linear motion, and the composite motion trajectory forms a mesh distribution on the surface of the polishing paper.

7. The polishing machine for fiber optic connectors according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first drive mechanism includes a first drive motor and a planetary gear set. The first drive motor is connected to the grinding frame, the planetary gear set is connected to the grinding frame and connected to the first drive motor, and the grinding frame disk is connected to the planetary gear set. The first drive motor is used to drive the planetary gear set to drive the grinding frame disk to move in a planetary circular motion.

8. The polishing machine for fiber optic connectors according to claim 6, characterized in that, The grinding frame includes an outer frame and a central grinding disc, the central grinding disc being nested within the outer frame. The outer frame has rollers at both ends, and a second drive mechanism is located at the end of the outer frame. The central grinding disc is slidably connected to the planetary gear set. The grinding machine frame includes a support frame and a horizontal support plate, the horizontal support plate being nested on top of the support frame. A first drive motor is fitted within the support frame and connected at one end to the horizontal support plate. The first drive motor extends beyond the end of the horizontal support plate and connects to the planetary gear set, which is also slidably connected to the horizontal support plate.

9. The polishing machine for fiber optic connectors according to claim 8, characterized in that, The planetary gear set includes an eccentric gear shaft, planetary plates, planetary gear shafts, and a crank connecting rod. The eccentric gear shaft is nested and connected to the output shaft of the first drive motor. The planetary gear shafts are arranged in a circumferential array on a grinding frame located on the outer periphery of the eccentric gear shaft. The lower end of the planetary gear shaft is slidably connected to the grinding frame. The upper end of the planetary gear shaft is connected to one end of the crank connecting rod. The other end of the crank connecting rod is nested and connected to the planetary plate and extends out of the planetary plate to slidably connect to the grinding frame. The axis of the planetary plate is eccentrically nested and connected to the eccentric gear shaft.

10. The polishing machine for fiber optic connectors according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lower end of the grinding frame is provided with a third driving mechanism, which is used to drive the grinding frame to move linearly, and drive the grinding end face of the MPO multi-core fiber array connector to be ground on the grinding frame to enter the grinding process positions of degumming, rough grinding, fine grinding, fiber pulling and polishing in sequence.

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