A visual alignment ferrule crimping device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a visual alignment ferrule crimping device, relating to the field of ferrule crimping equipment technology. The device includes a frame, and mounted on the frame a visual inspection device, a crimping device, a moving device, a tooling fixture, and a control device. The visual inspection device has a first position, and the crimping device has a second position, spaced apart along the working direction of the frame. The tooling fixture is mounted on the moving device, which can drive the fixture to move back and forth between the first and second positions. The fixture is used to hold the ferrule to be crimped. The control device is connected to the visual inspection device, the crimping device, and the moving device. This visual alignment ferrule crimping device has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and achieves the effect of allowing manual and accurate identification of key alignment marks on the ferrule, significantly improving the alignment accuracy of the ferrule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ferrule crimping equipment technology, and in particular to a visual alignment ferrule crimping device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are two main methods in ferrule crimping operations: one is purely manual operation, which requires the operator to hold the ferrule, determine the alignment direction, and manually complete the crimping process. Not only is the alignment accuracy greatly affected by human experience and visual fatigue, but the crimping force and efficiency are also difficult to control, resulting in large fluctuations in product qualification rates. The other is fully automatic crimping equipment, which can achieve unmanned alignment and crimping, but the equipment has a complex structure, high cost, and is difficult to debug when switching between multiple ferrule specifications, lacking flexibility. Existing semi-automatic ferrule crimping equipment, although incorporating basic tool delivery or crimping automation functions, lacks precise visual aids—manual alignment relies solely on a simple magnifying glass, making it difficult to clearly identify key alignment marks on the ferrule, leading to large alignment errors. At the same time, the tool delivery and positioning accuracy is low, there is no real-time parameter monitoring during the crimping process, and the work area is susceptible to dust pollution. The equipment's movement and fixation stability are also insufficient, failing to solve the accuracy and efficiency problems of purely manual operation. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model embodiment is the low precision and low efficiency of manual operation.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model discloses a visual alignment ferrule crimping device, achieving the desired technical effects.

[0005] This utility model provides a visual alignment ferrule crimping device, which includes a frame, and a visual inspection device, a crimping device, a moving device, a tooling fixture, and a control device mounted on the frame. The visual inspection device has a first position, and the crimping device has a second position, with the first position and the second position spaced apart along the working direction of the frame. The tooling fixture is mounted on the moving device, and the moving device can drive the tooling fixture to move back and forth between the first position and the second position. The tooling fixture is used to clamp the ferrule to be crimped. The control device is connected to the visual inspection device, the crimping device, and the moving device.

[0006] A further technical solution is that the tooling fixture includes a bushing, a jig, an inner sleeve, a positioning block, a pressure needle component, a buffer pad, a sleeve, an elastic pin, and a guide rod; the bushing is connected to the moving device, the bushing is sleeved on the jig, and the guide rod is connected to the bushing and the positioning block respectively; the jig is sleeved on the pressure needle component, the elastic pin is connected to the jig and the inner sleeve respectively, and passes through the pressure needle component; the pressure needle component is sleeved on the sleeve; the buffer pad is sleeved on the sleeve and is located below the bushing; the bushing, the jig, the inner sleeve, the positioning block, the pressure needle component, the buffer pad, and the sleeve are all provided with openings.

[0007] A further technical solution is that the visual inspection device includes a microscope and a display; the microscope is mounted on the frame and corresponds to the first position, and the display is mounted on one side of the microscope; the microscope and the display are respectively connected to the control device.

[0008] A further technical solution is that the mobile device includes a mobile module and a servo motor; the servo motor is mounted on the frame and is connected to the mobile module in a transmission manner; the tooling fixture is mounted on the mobile module.

[0009] A further technical solution includes a lifting mechanism, which is connected to both the microscope and the frame.

[0010] A further technical solution is that the control device includes a processor, a touch screen, indicator lights, and multiple switches; the touch screen, indicator lights, and switches are all mounted on the frame; the processor is connected to the touch screen, indicator lights, and switches respectively.

[0011] A further technical solution includes a sensing component; the sensing component includes a displacement sensor, a pressure sensor, and multiple sensing elements; the displacement sensor and the pressure sensor are respectively mounted on the pressing device; the sensing elements are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the tooling fixture.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the bottom of the frame is equipped with casters and support legs; the casters are distributed circumferentially along the bottom of the frame; the support legs are distributed circumferentially along the bottom of the frame, and the height of the support legs is adjustable.

[0013] A further technical solution includes an air filter, which is connected to the frame and the control device respectively, and is located above the first position and the second position.

[0014] A further technical solution includes an alarm device, which is connected to both the rack and the control device and is located on top of the rack.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by the embodiments of this utility model include:

[0016] This vision-aligned ferrule crimping equipment is not only simple in structure and low in manufacturing cost, but it can also assist manual identification of key ferrule alignment marks through clear ferrule alignment images provided by the vision inspection device, thereby significantly improving ferrule alignment accuracy. At the same time, it uses a servo-driven moving device to achieve precise transfer of tooling fixtures between the first and second positions, eliminating the need for manual handling of tooling and thus improving tooling transfer efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a visual alignment ferrule crimping device provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another visual alignment ferrule crimping device provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the crimping device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the mobile device structure provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a tooling fixture structure provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 6 Exploded view;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another tooling fixture structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Exploded view.

[0026] Figure Labels

[0027] 1. Frame; 2. Vision inspection device; 3. Crimping device; 4. Moving device; 5. Tooling fixture; 6. Control device; 21. First position; 31. Second position;

[0028] 51. Bushing; 52. Fixture; 53. Inner sleeve; 54. Positioning block; 55. Pressing pin; 56. Buffer pad; 57. Sleeve; 58. Elastic pin; 59. Guide rod;

[0029] 22. Microscope; 23. Display; 41. Motion module; 42. Servo motor; 7. Lifting mechanism; 61. Touch screen; 62. Indicator light; 63. Switch; 81. Displacement sensor; 82. Pressure sensor; 83. Sensor; 91. Casters; 92. Support legs; 101. Air filter; 102. Alarm device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar component reference numerals in the drawings represent similar components. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0031] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0032] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification of embodiments of the present invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. As used in this specification of embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] See Figures 1-8This utility model provides a visual alignment ferrule crimping device. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device includes a frame 1, and a visual inspection device 2, a crimping device 3, a moving device 4, a tooling fixture 5, and a control device 6 mounted on the frame 1. The visual inspection device 2 has a corresponding first position 21, and the crimping device 3 has a corresponding second position 31. The first position 21 and the second position 31 are spaced apart along the working direction of the frame 1. The tooling fixture 5 is mounted on the moving device 4, and the moving device 4 can drive the tooling fixture 5 to move back and forth between the first position 21 and the second position 31. The tooling fixture 5 is used to clamp the ferrule to be crimped. The control device 6 is connected to the visual inspection device 2, the crimping device 3, and the moving device 4.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first position 21 is used for visual alignment, and the second position 31 is used for ferrule crimping. This visual alignment ferrule crimping device can be applied to the crimping operation of fiber optic ferrules and sleeves in the field of optical communication. Visual alignment ensures the coaxiality of the ferrule and sleeve, thereby improving the efficiency of optical signal transmission.

[0035] The working process of this vision-aligned ferrule crimping equipment is as follows:

[0036] The insert to be crimped is installed on the tooling fixture 5, which clamps and fixes it. The control device 6 drives the moving device 4 to move the tooling fixture 5 and the insert to the first position 21. The vision inspection device 2 performs alignment inspection on the insert at the first position 21 and transmits the inspection information to the control device 6. The control device 6 controls the moving device 4 to move the tooling fixture 5 and the insert to the second position 31. The control device 6 starts the crimping device 3 to perform crimping operation on the insert at the second position 31. After crimping is completed, the moving device 4 moves the tooling fixture 5 and the insert away from the second position 31.

[0037] This vision-based ferrule crimping equipment features a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. Through the clear ferrule alignment image provided by the vision inspection device 2, key alignment marks can be accurately identified manually, significantly improving ferrule alignment accuracy. The servo-driven moving device 4 enables precise transfer of the tooling fixture 5 between the first position 21 and the second position 31, eliminating the need for manual tool handling and improving workpiece transport efficiency. Through the coordinated operation of these devices, the alignment and operation of the ferrule crimping process are visualized, enhancing crimping accuracy and operational efficiency. It is suitable for various ferrule processing scenarios requiring high-precision alignment and crimping.

[0038] See also Figures 1-8In this embodiment, the tooling fixture 5 includes a bushing 51, a jig 52, an inner sleeve 53, a positioning block 54, a pressure needle 55, a buffer pad 56, a sleeve 57, an elastic pin 58, and a guide rod 59. The bushing 51 is connected to the moving device 4 and is sleeved on the jig 52. The guide rod 59 is connected to the bushing 51 and the positioning block 54 respectively. The jig 52 is sleeved on the pressure needle 55. The elastic pin 58 is connected to the jig 52 and the inner sleeve 53 respectively and passes through the pressure needle 55. The pressure needle 55 is sleeved on the sleeve 57. The buffer pad 56 is sleeved on the sleeve 57 and is located below the bushing 51. The bushing 51, the jig 52, the inner sleeve 53, the positioning block 54, the pressure needle 55, the buffer pad 56, and the sleeve 57 are all provided with openings.

[0039] Specifically, the positioning block 54 cooperates with the guide rod 59, and the guide rod 59 is fitted with a spring. The positioning block 54 can move closer to / away from the bushing 51. The fixture 52 is fitted with the bushing 51 and can rotate on the bushing 51. The elastic pin 58 is connected to the fixture 52, the pressing needle 55, and the inner sleeve 53 respectively. When the fixture 52 rotates on the bushing 51, it drives the pressing needle 55 and the inner sleeve 53 to rotate. The inner sleeve 53 can move closer to / away from the pressing needle 55, and the pressing needle 55 is fitted with the fixture 52. The buffer pad 56 is used to buffer the pressure applied by the crimping device 3. The sleeve 57 is used to load the fiber optic ferrule.

[0040] Before the ferrule is placed into the fixture, the operator rotates the jig 52 to rotate the pressure pin 55 and the inner sleeve 53 to ensure that the openings of the positioning block 54, the pressure pin 55, the buffer pad 56, and the sleeve 57 are on the same side. The ferrule with the fiber optic cable is placed into the fixture 5 along the opening, and the jig 52 is rotated to rotate the pressure pin 55 and the inner sleeve 53 to complete the placement of the ferrule to be aligned.

[0041] Furthermore, the visual inspection device 2 includes a microscope 22 and a display 23; the microscope 22 is mounted on the frame 1 and corresponds to the first position 21, and the display 23 is mounted on one side of the microscope 22; the microscope 22 and the display 23 are respectively connected to the control device 6.

[0042] Specifically, microscope 22 is used to acquire image information of the ferrule at the first position 21, display 23 is used to present the image information, and control device 6 receives and processes the image data. In the crimping of precision electronic component ferrules, microscope 22 magnifies the fine alignment marks of the ferrule, and display 23 shows the mark position deviation in real time, assisting in alignment adjustment. Through the high-precision image acquisition of microscope 22 and the visual presentation of display 23, accurate visual basis is provided for ferrule alignment, improving the accuracy and intuitiveness of alignment detection and ensuring the quality of subsequent crimping.

[0043] Furthermore, the mobile device 4 includes a mobile module 41 and a servo motor 42; the servo motor 42 is mounted on the frame 1 and is connected to the mobile module 41 in a transmission manner; the tooling fixture 5 is mounted on the mobile module 41.

[0044] Specifically, the servo motor 42 receives instructions from the control device 6 and drives the moving module 41 to move along a preset trajectory, thereby moving the tooling fixture 5 between the first position 21 and the second position 31. Through the precise control of the servo motor 42, the ferrule can be quickly switched between the visual inspection station and the crimping station. The transmission structure of the servo motor 42 and the moving module 41 achieves high-precision and high-stability movement of the tooling fixture 5, ensuring accurate positioning of the ferrule between different stations and improving the operation rhythm and position control accuracy of the equipment.

[0045] Furthermore, it also includes a lifting mechanism 7, which is connected to the microscope 22 and the frame 1 respectively.

[0046] Specifically, the height of the microscope 22 is adjusted by the lifting mechanism 7 to ensure clear imaging of the end of the ferrule. The lifting mechanism 7 allows the height of the microscope 22 to be flexibly adjusted, which enhances the adaptability of the visual inspection device 2 to ferrules of different specifications, ensures that clear inspection images can be obtained under various working conditions, and improves the versatility of the equipment.

[0047] Furthermore, the control device 6 includes a processor, a touch screen 61, an indicator light 62, and a plurality of switches 63; the touch screen 61, the indicator light 62, and the switches 63 are all mounted on the frame 1; the processor is connected to the touch screen 61, the indicator light 62, and the switches 63 respectively.

[0048] Specifically, switch 63 includes an emergency stop button, a two-hand start button, and a foot switch 63. Operators can preset crimping pressure parameters for different batches of ferrules via touchscreen 61. Indicator lights 62 display the current crimping progress in real time. In case of an abnormality, the emergency stop switch 63 allows for rapid shutdown. Control device 6, through multi-component collaboration, achieves centralized control and status management of the equipment, improving operational convenience and parameter adjustment flexibility. Simultaneously, through status indication and manual intervention mechanisms, it enhances the controllability and safety of equipment operation.

[0049] Furthermore, it also includes a sensing component; the sensing component includes a displacement sensor 81, a pressure sensor 82 and a plurality of sensing elements 83; the displacement sensor 81 and the pressure sensor 82 are respectively mounted on the pressing device 3; the sensing elements 83 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the tooling fixture 5.

[0050] Specifically, in scenarios requiring high-precision crimping, displacement sensor 81 monitors the crimping depth in real time, pressure sensor 82 ensures the crimping force is within a preset range to prevent overpressure and damage to the insert; sensing element 83 prevents operators from accidentally touching the tooling fixture 5 during crimping. The sensing components provide dual protection for equipment operation through real-time monitoring of crimping parameters and safety detection of the surrounding environment, ensuring both the stability of crimping quality and improving the safety of the operation process.

[0051] Furthermore, the bottom of the frame 1 is equipped with casters 91 and support legs 92; the casters 91 are distributed circumferentially along the bottom of the frame 1; the support legs 92 are distributed circumferentially along the bottom of the frame 1, and the height of the support legs 92 is adjustable.

[0052] Specifically, when the equipment needs to be moved, adjust the height of the support legs 92 to lift them off the ground, and then push the equipment to the target position using the casters 91. Once in position, adjust the height of the support legs 92 to contact the ground and support the frame 1, ensuring the equipment is placed stably. If the ground is uneven, adjust the height of each support leg 92 individually to keep the frame 1 level. For long-term fixed use, keep the support legs 92 in a supported state, with the casters 91 suspended in the air. The combination of the casters 91 and the adjustable support legs 92 enables flexible movement of the equipment while ensuring stable support after positioning, enhancing the equipment's adaptability to different installation environments and facilitating adjustments to the production layout.

[0053] Furthermore, it also includes an air filter 101, which is connected to the frame 1 and the control device 6 respectively, and is located above the first position 21 and the second position 31.

[0054] Specifically, the air filter 101 is used to filter the air above the first position 21 and the second position 31, removing dust and impurities; the filtered clean air continuously covers the work area, forming a local clean environment. The air filter 101 effectively purifies the air in the ferrule crimping work area, reduces the risk of impurity contamination, and helps improve the quality stability of crimped products, especially suitable for precision ferrule processing scenarios with high cleanliness requirements.

[0055] Furthermore, it also includes an alarm device 102, which is connected to the rack 1 and the control device 6 respectively, and is located on the top of the rack 1.

[0056] Specifically, the control device 6 monitors the operating status of each device and the feedback data from the sensing components in real time. When an abnormality is detected (such as excessive pressure, excessive alignment deviation, or triggering of the sensor 83), the control device 6 sends a signal to the alarm device 102. After receiving the signal, the alarm device 102 issues an alarm through sound, light, or other means. After the abnormality is resolved, the control device 6 sends a deactivation signal, and the alarm device 102 stops alarming. The alarm device 102 can promptly issue warnings when equipment malfunctions, facilitating quick response and troubleshooting by operators, reducing losses caused by prolonged abnormal conditions, and improving the safety and reliability of equipment operation.

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

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

[0059] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A visual alignment ferrule crimping device, characterized in that, It includes a frame, and a vision inspection device, a pressing device, a moving device, a tooling fixture, and a control device mounted on the frame; The visual inspection device is provided with a first position, and the crimping device is provided with a second position. The first position and the second position are spaced apart along the working direction of the frame. The tooling fixture is mounted on the moving device, and the moving device can drive the tooling fixture to move back and forth between the first position and the second position. The tooling fixture is used to hold the insert to be crimped; The control device is connected to the visual inspection device, the pressing device, and the moving device, respectively.

2. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tooling fixture includes a bushing, a jig, an inner sleeve, a positioning block, a pressure pin, a buffer pad, a sleeve, an elastic pin, and a guide rod. The bushing is connected to the moving device, the bushing is sleeved on the fixture, and the guide rod is connected to the bushing and the positioning block respectively. The fixture is sleeved on the pressure needle component, and the elastic pin is connected to the fixture and the inner sleeve respectively, and passes through the pressure needle component; The pressure needle is sleeved on the sleeve; The buffer pad is fitted onto the sleeve and is located below the bushing; The bushing, the fixture, the inner sleeve, the positioning block, the pressure needle, the buffer pad, and the sleeve are all provided with openings.

3. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visual inspection device includes a microscope and a display. The microscope is mounted on the frame and corresponds to the first position, and the display is mounted on one side of the microscope; The microscope and the display are respectively connected to the control device.

4. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile device includes a mobile module and a servo motor; The servo motor is mounted on the frame and is connected to the moving module in a transmission manner; the tooling fixture is mounted on the moving module.

5. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting mechanism, which is connected to the microscope and the frame respectively.

6. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device includes a processor, a touch screen, indicator lights, and multiple switches; the touch screen, indicator lights, and switches are all mounted on the frame; the processor is connected to the touch screen, indicator lights, and switches respectively.

7. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes sensing components; the sensing components include a displacement sensor, a pressure sensor, and multiple sensing elements; The displacement sensor and the pressure sensor are respectively mounted on the crimping device; The sensing elements are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the tooling fixture.

8. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the frame is equipped with casters and support legs; the casters are distributed circumferentially along the bottom of the frame; the support legs are distributed circumferentially along the bottom of the frame, and the height of the support legs is adjustable.

9. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air filter, which is connected to the frame and the control device respectively, and is located above the first position and the second position.

10. The visual alignment ferrule crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm device, which is connected to both the rack and the control device and is located on top of the rack.

Images