Cable guiding method

Abstract

To provide a cable guiding method capable of extending the durability (service life) of a cable.SOLUTION: The cable guiding method is for moving a cable composed of multiple wires in up-down and right-left directions while bending the cable into a curved shape. Among the multiple wires, a wire on the inside of the curved shape is designated as an inner wire, and a wire on the outer side as an outer wire. Coordinate measurement points are set along the length of the cable. When the coordinates of the inner wire and the coordinates of the outer wire at any point between a movement start point T1 and a movement end point Tx of the cable are measured at each coordinate measurement point ((I1, I2, I3...Ix)), (O1, O2, O3...Ox), a difference between the maximum and minimum values of |(O1-I1)|+|(O2-I2)|+|(O3-I3)|+...+|(Ox-Ix)| calculated at each coordinate measurement point is minimized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable guiding method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, when observing a workpiece in a dicer device, the workpiece is observed and photographed by moving an observation means such as a microscope equipped with a CMOS image sensor. At this time, light is required for observation and imaging.

[0003] An optical fiber cable, for example, is used as a means for guiding such observation light. A known method for guiding a cable is to connect the observation means to the light source while the cable is inserted into a cable carrier (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] One end of the cable is fixed to the light source side, and the other end is connected to the movable side, which serves as the observation means. In this state, the cable and cable carrier are arranged, for example, bent into a U-shape as a whole. The cable is guided by the cable carrier, so that it can deform to follow the movement of the observation means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-194901 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In conventional cable guiding methods, a light guide consisting of multiple optical fibers (strands) is inserted into a cable carrier and bent into a U-shape, and the movable observation means is moved in this state. In this case, the strands of the cable may be damaged or broken, particularly in the U-shaped bent region, which may reduce the durability (lifespan) of the cable.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a cable guiding method (routing method) that can extend the durability (lifespan) of the cable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. <1> A cable guiding method according to one aspect of the present invention is a guiding method for moving a cable made up of a plurality of wires (element wires) in vertical and horizontal directions with one end of the cable fixed and the other end movable, the method including: designating an inner wire of a curved shape among the plurality of wires as an inner wire and an outer wire as an outer wire; setting a plurality of coordinate measurement points in the length direction of the cable; and calculating coordinates of the inner wire and the outer wire at any point between a movement start point T1 and a movement completion point Tx when moving the cable, for each of the coordinate measurement points (I1, I2, I3...I). x ), (O1, O2, O3...O x ), |(O1-I1)|+|(O2-I2)|+|(O3-I3)|+...+|(O x -I x )|, reduce the difference between the maximum and minimum values.

[0009] the above <1> In the cable guiding method of the present invention, the coordinates of the outer wires are calculated based on the coordinates of the inner wires and the coordinates of the outer wires (hereinafter referred to as relative coordinates) (O1-I1), (O2-I2), (O3-I3), ... (O x -Ix ) is calculated at any point on the movement trajectory for each coordinate measurement point. By minimizing the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the relative coordinates of the outer wire calculated at each coordinate measurement point, the amount of slippage of the outer wire relative to the inner wire can be minimized. As a result, the durability (lifespan) of the cable can be extended.

[0010] the above <1> In the cable guiding method according to the present invention, the position where the radius of curvature R of the cable is smallest is determined by the distance between the movement start point T1 and the movement completion point T x The time required for moving the cable to the desired position may not vary.

[0011] the above <1> or <2> In the cable guiding method according to the above aspect, when the cable is moved, a portion of the cable near the fixed end may move in the left-right direction like a pendulum.

[0012] the above <1> ~ <3> In the cable guiding method described in any one of the above, a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value may be within twice the diameter of the cable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cable guiding method that can extend the durability (lifespan) of the cable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a groove processing device used in a cable guiding method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which imaging units of the grooving device according to the embodiment are arranged at reference positions in the Y direction and the Z direction. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the imaging unit according to the embodiment is placed at a reference position in the Y direction and at an upper limit position in the Z direction. FIG. [Figure 4]10 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the imaging unit according to the embodiment is placed at a left limit position in the Y direction in a reference position in the Z direction. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the imaging unit according to the embodiment is disposed at the upper limit position in the Z direction and the left limit position in the Y direction. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a demonstration cable. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the state in which the movable end of the cable is placed at the movement start point in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the state in which the movable end of the cable is placed at the movement completion point in the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the movement trajectories of inner and outer plot points at measurement points on a cable in an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relative movement of an outer plot point relative to an inner plot point at measurement point A of a cable in an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the movable end of the cable is placed at the movement start point in the comparative example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the movable end of the cable 20 is placed at the movement completion point in the comparative example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the movement loci of the inner plot points and the outer plot points at measurement point A on the cable in the comparative example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relative movement of an outer plot point relative to an inner plot point at measurement point A on a cable in a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, a cable guiding method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following embodiments, when the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc. of components are mentioned, unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle, the number is not limited to that specific number and may be more or less than the specific number.

[0016] Furthermore, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., it includes things that are substantially similar or approximate to those shapes, etc., unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly considered otherwise in principle.

[0017] In addition, the drawings may exaggerate characteristic parts to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional proportions of the components may not be the same as in reality. In addition, in cross-sectional views, hatching of some components may be omitted to make the cross-sectional structure of the components easier to understand.

[0018] In the following description of the drawings, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is referred to as the X direction, the direction perpendicular to the X direction along the paper surface is referred to as the Y direction, and the vertical direction intersecting the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction. In the Y direction, the left side of the paper surface is referred to as the left, and the right side of the paper surface is referred to as the right, and in the Z direction, the upper side of the paper surface is referred to as the top, and the lower side of the paper surface is referred to as the bottom.

[0019] <Grooving machine> Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a groove processing device to which the cable guiding method of this embodiment can be suitably applied. Note that the cable guiding method of this embodiment is not limited to the groove processing device shown in Fig. 1, but can be suitably applied to any facility, device, etc. that requires wiring and guiding a cable.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the grooving apparatus 1 is an apparatus that processes grooves for cutting into a workpiece W (hereinafter sometimes referred to as workpiece W) such as a semiconductor material when dividing the workpiece W into individual chips. For example, a slicer or a dicer is used as the grooving apparatus 1. The grooving apparatus 1 includes a work table 3, a groove processing unit 4, and an imaging means 5.

[0021] <Work table> The work table 3, for example, adsorbs and holds the workpiece W on its surface. The work table 3 is rotatable, for example, by a rotary shaft 7. The work table 3 moves the workpiece W in the X direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface), for example, when the groove processing unit 4 processes a cutting groove in the workpiece W.

[0022] <Groove processing section> The groove machining unit 4 is movable in the Y direction and the Z direction. The groove machining unit 4 includes, for example, a spindle 11, a motor 12, and a blade (grindstone) 13.

[0023] The spindle 11 is connected to a motor 12 and is rotated by the motor 12. A blade 13 is fixed to the spindle 11.

[0024] The blade 13 rotates together with the spindle 11 as the spindle 11 is rotated by the motor 12. The blade 13 is moved in the Y and Z directions to be positioned at a groove machining position in the workpiece W. With the blade 13 positioned at the groove machining position, the workpiece W is moved in the X direction by the work table 3. As the workpiece W moves in the X direction, the blade 13 machines a groove in the workpiece W.

[0025] <Image capture means> The imaging means 5 includes an imaging unit 16 , a light source 18 , and a cable 20 .

[0026] The imaging unit 16 is movable in the Y and Z directions, for example, in the same way as the groove processing unit 4. For example, a microscope equipped with a CMOS image sensor is used as the imaging unit 16. The imaging unit 16 is used, for example, to observe and align the workpiece W when a groove is processed in the workpiece W by the groove processing unit 4.

[0027] The light source 18 is fixed to, for example, the frame 2 of the groove machining device 1. The light source 18 supplies the imaging unit 16 with light required by the imaging unit 16 when the imaging unit 16 observes and aligns the workpiece W.

[0028] The cable 20 has both ends connected to the light source 18 and the imaging unit 16, respectively, and transmits light emitted from the light source 18 to the imaging unit 16. The cable 20 is composed of, for example, a plurality of optical fibers (strands). Note that the optical fiber according to this embodiment is an example of a "wire." A multi-core optical fiber cable for movable use in which a plurality of optical fibers are bundled together is suitably applied to the cable 20 of this embodiment. Here, the diameter of a plurality of optical fibers bundled together in a substantially circular shape in cross section is referred to as the "bundle diameter."

[0029] The cable 20 may be inserted into a protective tube (not shown). By inserting the cable 20 into the protective tube, for example, if the optical fiber is broken, the protective tube can prevent the broken optical fiber from being released to the outside. The protective tube (not shown) is flexible enough to follow the deformation of the cable 20.

[0030] The fixed end 20a of the cable 20 is connected to the lower end of the light source 18 and is disposed facing downward in the Z direction. The light source 18 is fixed to the frame 2. Therefore, the fixed end 20a of the cable 20 is fixed to the frame 2 via the light source 18.

[0031] Movable end (moving end) 20b of cable 20 is connected to the side of imaging unit 16 on the light source 18 side. Movable end 20b of cable 20 is movable up and down and left and right together with imaging unit 16 within a Y1 range in the Y direction and a Z1 range in the Z direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the cable 20 is a multi-core optical fiber cable for movable use in which a plurality of optical fibers are bundled, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cable 20 can also be applied to other devices. The cable 20 can also be applied to a multi-core power cable for movable use, a multi-core electric wire cable, a multi-core steel wire cable, etc. Furthermore, although optical fiber has been used as an example of the material constituting the cable 20 in the above description, other examples include conductor wire, quartz glass, and plastic. In other words, the guiding method for the cable 20 of this embodiment can be applied to cables made of various materials, regardless of the material of the cable.

[0033] Next, the trajectory of the cable 20 and the change in shape of the cable when the cable 20 moves in the Y direction and the Z direction together with the imaging unit 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the imaging unit 16 is placed at each reference position in the Y direction and the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 16 is disposed at each reference position in the Y direction and the Z direction. The reference position in the Y direction is the right limit position in the Y direction. The reference position in the Z direction is the lower limit position in the Z direction. By disposing the imaging unit 16 at each reference position in the Y direction and the Z direction, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is disposed at a first position P1. The first position P1 is located at each reference position in the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0035] Here, cable 20 has first cable portion 21, second cable portion 22, and third cable portion 23. The shapes and dimensions of first cable portion 21, second cable portion 22, and third cable portion 23 vary depending on the position of movable end 20b of cable 20.

[0036] The first cable portion 21 is arranged in a straight line downward in the Z direction from the fixed end 20a. The third cable portion 23 is arranged in a straight line from the movable end 20b toward the fixed end 20a in the Y direction. A portion 23a of the third cable portion 23 on the movable end 20b side is supported from below by a guide member 28. The guide member 28 supports the portion 23a so that it can move upward. The guide member 28 is fixed to the imaging unit 16. The second cable portion 22 is connected to the first cable portion 21 and the third cable portion 23. The second cable portion 22 is bent into a curved shape.

[0037] 2 to 5, the symbol Ly indicates the distance from the fixed end 20a to the movable end 20b in the Y direction, and the symbol Lz indicates the distance from the fixed end 20a to the movable end 20b in the Z direction. These Ly, Lz, and the total length L of the cable 20 can be selected arbitrarily.

[0038] 2, the fixed end 20a and the movable end 20b of the cable 20 are positioned at the greatest distance from each other, so that the second cable portion 22 is bent into a curved shape with the largest radius of curvature R (i.e., the gentlest bending).

[0039] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the imaging unit 16 is placed at the upper limit position in the Z direction in a reference position in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging unit 16 is disposed at the upper limit position in the Z direction in the reference position in the Y direction. That is, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is disposed at the second position P2. The second position P2 is the upper limit position in the Z direction in the reference position (right limit position) in the Y direction. In this state, the first cable portion 21 is disposed in a straight line extending downward in the Z direction from the fixed end 20a. The fixed end 20a and the movable end 20b of the cable 20 are disposed relatively far apart. Therefore, the second cable portion 22 is bent into a curved shape with a relatively large radius of curvature. That is, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is disposed in approximately the same shape as the cable 20 disposed at the first position P1.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the imaging unit 16 is placed at the left limit position in the Y direction when in the reference position (lower limit position) in the Z direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the imaging unit 16 is positioned at the left limit position in the Y direction relative to the reference position in the Z direction. That is, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is positioned at the third position P3. In this state, the first cable portion 21 moves like a pendulum toward the left in the Y direction, with the fixed end 20a as the fulcrum. The fixed end 20a and the movable end 20b of the cable 20 are positioned relatively close to each other. Therefore, the second cable portion 22 is positioned in a curved shape with a relatively small radius of curvature (i.e., a tight bend).

[0041] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the imaging unit 16 is placed at the upper limit position in the Z direction and at the left limit position in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging unit 16 is positioned at the upper limit position in the Z direction and the left limit position in the Y direction. That is, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is positioned at the fourth position P4. The fourth position P4 is the left limit position in the Y direction at the upper limit position in the Z direction. In this state, the first cable portion 21 moves like a pendulum toward the left in the Y direction, with the fixed end 20a as the fulcrum. The fixed end 20a and the movable end 20b of the cable 20 are positioned at the closest distance. Therefore, the second cable portion 22 is positioned in a curved shape with the smallest radius of curvature. That is, the cable 20 is positioned in approximately the same shape as the cable 20 whose movable end 20b is positioned at the third position P3.

[0042] 2 to 5, according to the guiding method of the cable 20, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 moves in the Z direction and the Y direction (up and down and left and right directions) at P1, P2, P3, and P4. As the movable end 20b of the cable 20 moves at P1, P2, P3, and P4, the first cable portion 21 moves like a pendulum to the left and right in the Y direction with the fixed end 20a as a fulcrum. In other words, the cable 20 is arranged so that when the movable end 20b moves in the Z direction and the Y direction, the first cable portion 21 moves like a pendulum. Furthermore, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 moves in the Z direction and the Y direction while bending the second cable portion 22 into a curved shape.

[0043] Here, multiple optical fibers are bundled as bare wires within the cable 20. For this reason, for example, in a conventional guiding method, when the movable end 20b of the cable 20 moves in the Z direction and the Y direction, the position where the radius of curvature is smallest in the corresponding region of the second cable portion 22 bent into a curved shape may change significantly. As a result, the durability (lifespan) of the cable may be reduced. Therefore, the inventors have intensively studied the cable guiding method of this embodiment and have found the cable guiding method described below.

[0044] <Demonstration of optical fiber guiding method> The guiding method for cable 20 is demonstrated by "relative movement of optical fiber" and "cable life evaluation." Demonstration examples of "relative movement of optical fiber" and "cable life evaluation" are explained based on Figs. 6 to 14 and Tables 1 and 2.

[0045] <Relative movement of optical fiber> First, an example demonstrating the amount of relative movement of the optical fiber in the cable 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 14 and Table 1, along with an embodiment and a comparative example.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a side view of the demonstration cable 20. As shown in FIG. 6 , a cable with a total length L of 790 mm and a bundle diameter of 8.5 mm was used as the demonstration cable 20. Three coordinate measurement points, A, B, and C, were set on the cable 20. Coordinate measurement point A was located at a distance La of 250 mm from the movable end 20 b. Coordinate measurement point B was located at a distance Lb of 100 mm from coordinate measurement point A. Coordinate measurement point C was located at a distance Lc of 100 mm from coordinate measurement point B. To measure the relative movement amount efficiently and accurately, coordinate measurement points A, B, and C may be set within the second cable portion 22, which has a relatively small radius of curvature. Note that in the guiding method of this embodiment, the coordinate measurement points are not limited to three points, coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C, and can be selected arbitrarily. Furthermore, the intervals between coordinate measurement points A, B, and C can also be selected arbitrarily.

[0047] <Example> FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the movable end 20b of the cable is placed at the movement start point T1. 7, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is placed at the second position P2 (movement start point T1). In this state, the second cable portion 22 is bent into a curved shape with a relatively small radius of curvature.

[0048] Furthermore, inner plot points AI, BI, and CI of the optical fiber are set inside the curved shape of coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C. Furthermore, outer plot points AO, BO, and CO of the optical fiber are set outside the curved shape of coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C.

[0049] Here, the inner plot points AI, BI, and CI are the intersection points where a normal line is drawn to an imaginary line passing through the center of the cable 20 and intersects with the normal line on the inside of the cable 20, as shown in Figure 7, when the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is positioned at the movement start point T1. Also, the outer plot points AO, BO, and CO are the intersection points where the normal line intersects with the normal line on the outside of the cable 20.

[0050] Hereinafter, the optical fiber inside the second cable part 22 may be referred to as the "inner optical fiber (inner wire)." The optical fiber outside the second cable part 22 may be referred to as the "outer optical fiber (outer wire)."

[0051] FIG. 8 shows the movable end 20b of the cable 20 at the travel completion point T x FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is set to a fourth position P4 (a movement completion point T x ), the second cable portion 22 is bent into a curved shape with a relatively large radius of curvature.

[0052] Next, the relative movement of the optical fibers in the cable 20 will be demonstrated. First, from the second position P2, which is the cable movement start point T1, x A plurality of arbitrary measurement points T x In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second position P2 is set as the movement start point T1, the fourth position P4 is set as the movement end point T5, and an arbitrary measurement point Tx is set by adding three intermediate measurement points T2, T3, and T4 between the movement start point T1 and the movement end point T5.

[0053] Specifically, the start point T1 is set as the reference position, and the position where the movable end 20b is moved 85 mm from the start point T1 is set as the intermediate measurement point T2. The position where the movable end 20b is moved 170.5 mm from the start point T1 is set as the intermediate measurement point T3. The position where the movable end 20b is moved 256 mm from the start point T1 is set as the intermediate measurement point T4. The position where the movable end 20b is moved 341 mm from the start point T1 is set as the completion point T5.

[0054] In the guiding method of this embodiment, the measurement points on the movable end 20b are not limited to the five points T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, and can be selected arbitrarily. The intervals between T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 can also be selected arbitrarily.

[0055] Under these conditions, when the movable end 20b is moved to each measurement point T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, the coordinates of the inner plot points AI, BI, and CI of the inner optical fiber are measured at each of coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C. Furthermore, the coordinates of the outer plot points AO, BO, and CO of the outer optical fiber are measured at each of coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C.

[0056] Here, when the movable end 20b of the cable 20 moves in the Y direction between the start point T1 and the end point T5, the first cable portion 21 moves like a pendulum to the left and right in the Y direction, with the fixed end 20a as the fulcrum.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the movement loci of the inner plot points and the outer plot points of the cable 20 at the coordinate measurement point A when the movable end 20b is moved as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 9, the movable end 20b is moved from the movement start point T1 to the movement completion point T x At each measurement point T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 when the coordinate measurement point A is moved to the inner plot point AI x The movable end 20b is moved from the movement start point T1 to the movement completion point T x At each measurement point T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 when the coordinate measurement point A is moved to the outer plot point AO on the outer optical fiber. x Let these be AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, and AO5.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the inner plot point AI x Distance traveled by LI x LI1, LI2, LI3, and LI4 are calculated as follows. Furthermore, the outer plot points AO x Distance traveled: LO x LO1, LO2, LO3, and LO4 are calculated as follows: The calculation results are shown below.

[0059] That is, when the movable end 20b is moved from measurement point T1 to measurement point T2, the movement distance of the inner plot point AI is LI1 = 82 mm, and the movement distance of the outer plot point AO is LO1 = 81.5 mm. When the movable end 20b is moved from measurement point T2 to measurement point T3, the movement distance of the inner plot point AI is LI2 = 87.5 mm, and the movement distance of the outer plot point AO is LO2 = 89.5 mm. When the movable end 20b is moved from measurement point T3 to measurement point T4, the movement distance of the inner plot point AI is LI3 = 83 mm, and the movement distance of the outer plot point AO is LO3 = 87.5 mm. When the movable end 20b is moved from measurement point T4 to measurement point T5, the movement distance of the inner plot point AI is LI4 = 82 mm, and the movement distance of the outer plot point AO is LO4 = 88.5 mm.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relative movement of the outer plot point with respect to the inner plot point at the coordinate measurement point A of the cable in this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, when the movable end 20b is moved from the movement start point T1 to the movement completion point T5, the YZ coordinates (coordinates) I of the inner plot point AI on the inner wire of the coordinate measurement point A are x Furthermore, the YZ coordinates (coordinates) O of the outer plot point AO on the outer wire of the coordinate measurement point A when the movable end 20b is moved from the movement start point T1 to the movement completion point T5 are measured. x Measures O1, O2, O3, O4, and O5.

[0061] The amount of relative movement of the optical fiber in the cable 20 is determined based on the measured YZ coordinates I1 to I5 of the inner plot point AI and the YZ coordinates O1 to O5 of the outer plot point AO. In this embodiment, as an example of a means of verifying the amount of relative movement, the relative coordinates of the outer plot point AO are determined with the YZ coordinates of the inner plot point AI as the reference. The relative coordinates of the outer plot point AO with the YZ coordinates of the inner plot point AI as the reference can be expressed as (O1-I1), (O2-I2), (O3-I3), (O4-I4), and (O5-I5).

[0062] Specifically, the relative coordinates of outer plot point AO at coordinate measurement point A were (O1-I1) = (6.5, -18.9), (O2-I2) = (7, -18.7), (O3-I3) = (4, -19.6), and the relative coordinates of outer plot point AO were (O4-I4) = (-0.5, -19.9), (O5-I5) = (-6.5, -18.9).

[0063] Further, based on the relative coordinates of the outer plot point AO at the coordinate measurement point A, the amount of relative movement of the outer plot point AO with respect to the inner plot point AI at the coordinate measurement point A is calculated. The amount of relative movement of the outer plot point AO is Relative movement = |(0.5, 0.2)| + |(3, 0.9)| + |(4.5, 0.3)| + |(6, 1)| = 14.2 mm It was.

[0064] Furthermore, the relative coordinates and relative movement amounts at coordinate measurement points B and C were calculated in the same manner as in the calculation of the relative coordinates and relative movement amounts of outer plot point AO at coordinate measurement point A shown in FIGS.

[0065] The relative coordinates of outer plot point BO at coordinate measurement point B were (O1-I1) = (-7.5, -18.5), (O2-I2) = (-8.5, -18.1), (O3-I3) = (-14, -14.3), (O4-I4) = (-17.5, -4.4), (O5-I5) = (-19, 6.2). The relative movement of outer plot point BO at coordinate measurement point B was 27.7 mm.

[0066] The relative coordinates of outer plot point CO at coordinate measurement point C were (O1-I1) = (-18.5, -7.6), (O2-I2) = (-19.9, -1), (O3-I3) = (-17.5, -9.7), (O4-I4) = (-11.5, -16.4), (O5-I5) = (-6.19.1). The relative movement of outer plot point CO was 19.1 mm.

[0067] <Comparative Example> FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the movable end 20b of the cable is placed at the movement start point T1 in the comparative example.

[0068] 11, in the comparative example, cable 20 is arranged in a U-shape from fixed end 20a to movable end 20b. That is, cable 20 has fixed end 20a of first cable portion 21 fixed to fixed portion 100 and extends from fixed end 20a in the Y direction. Also, cable 20 has movable end 20b of third cable portion 23 fixed to movable portion 102 and extends from movable end 20b in the Y direction.

[0069] Furthermore, second cable portion 22 is connected to first cable portion 21 and third cable portion 23 and bent into a curved shape. Cable 20 is formed into a U-shape as a whole, for example, in the same state as when first cable portion 21, second cable portion 22, and third cable portion 23 are inserted into a cable carrier.

[0070] As in the above embodiment, coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C are set on the second cable portion 22. Inner plot points AI, BI, and CI of the optical fiber are set inside coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C. Furthermore, outer plot points AO, BO, and CO of the optical fiber are set outside coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C.

[0071] FIG. 12 shows the comparative example in which the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is moved to the movement completion point T x FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is moved to the movement completion point T x Even when the second cable portion 22 is disposed in this position, the coordinate measurement points A, B, and C are located on the second cable portion 22.

[0072] 11 and 12, when the movable end 20b is moved to each measurement point T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, the coordinates of the inner plot points AI, BI, and CI of the inner optical fiber are measured at coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C. Furthermore, the coordinates of the outer plot points AO, BO, and CO of the outer optical fiber are measured at coordinate measurement point A, coordinate measurement point B, and coordinate measurement point C, respectively.

[0073] Here, when the movable end 20b of the cable 20 moves in the Y direction between the movement start point T1 and the movement end point T5, the entire cable 20 from the fixed end 20a to the movable end 20b is arranged in a U-shape.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the movement loci of the inner plot points and the outer plot points of the cable 20 at the coordinate measurement point A when the movable end 20b is moved in the comparative example. As shown in FIG. 13, the movable end 20b is moved from the movement start point T1 to the movement completion point T x At each measurement point T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 when the coordinate measurement point A is moved to the inner plot point AI x The movable end 20b is moved from the movement start point T1 to the movement completion point T x At each measurement point T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 when the coordinate measurement point A is moved to the outer plot point AO on the outer optical fiber. x Let these be AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, and AO5.

[0075] 13, LI1, LI2, LI3, and LI4 are measured as the movement distance LIx of the inner plot point AI at the coordinate measurement point A. Furthermore, while the movable end 20b is being moved to each of the measurement points T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, LO1, LO2, LO3, and LO4 are calculated as the movement distance LOx of the outer plot point AO at the measurement point A. The calculation results are shown below.

[0076] That is, when the movable end 20b is moved from measurement point T1 to measurement point T2, the movement distance of the inner plot point AI is LI1 = 77 mm, and the movement distance of the outer plot point AO is LO1 = 86 mm. When the movable end 20b is moved from measurement point T2 to measurement point T3, the movement distance of the inner plot point AI is LI2 = 72.5 mm, and the movement distance of the outer plot point AO is LO2 = 78 mm. When the movable end 20b is moved from measurement point T3 to measurement point T4, the movement distance of the inner plot point AI is LI3 = 67.5 mm, and the movement distance of the outer plot point AO is LO3 = 75 mm. When the movable end 20b is moved from measurement point T4 to measurement point T5, the movement distance of the inner plot point AI is LI4 = 47.5 mm, and the movement distance of the outer plot point AO is LO4 = 54.5 mm.

[0077] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the relative movement of the outer plot point with respect to the inner plot point at coordinate measurement point A of the cable in the comparative example. As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 14, when the movable end 20b is moved from the movement start point T1 to the movement completion point T5, the YZ coordinates (coordinates) I of the inner plot point AI on the inner wire of the coordinate measurement point A are x Furthermore, the YZ coordinates (coordinates) O of the outer plot point AO on the outer wire of the coordinate measurement point A when the movable end 20b is moved from the movement start point T1 to the movement completion point T5 are measured. x Measures O1, O2, O3, O4, and O5.

[0078] Based on the measured YZ coordinates I1 to I5 of the inner plot point AI and the YZ coordinates O1 to O5 of the outer plot point AO, the relative coordinates of the outer plot point AO are calculated using the YZ coordinates of the inner plot point AI as the reference. The relative coordinates of the outer plot point AO using the YZ coordinates of the inner plot point AI as the reference are (O1-I1), (O2-I2), (O3-I3), (O4-I4), and (O5-I5).

[0079] Specifically, the relative coordinates of the outer plot point AO at coordinate measurement point A were (O1-I1) = (-4, -19.6), (O2-I2) = (-12, -16), (O3-I3) = (-16, -12), (O4-I4) = (-19.5, -4.4), and (O5-I5) = (-16, 12).

[0080] Therefore, the relative movement amount of the outer plot point AO in the comparative example is Relative movement = |(8, 3.6)| + |(4, 4)| + |(3.5, 7.6)| + |(3.5, 7.6)| = 36.9 mm It was.

[0081] Furthermore, the relative coordinates and relative movement amounts at coordinate measurement points B and C were calculated in the same manner as in the calculation of the relative coordinates and relative movement amounts of outer plot point AO at coordinate measurement point A shown in FIGS.

[0082] The relative movement amount of the outer plot point BO was 24.2 mm, and the relative movement amount of the outer plot point CO was 13.1 mm.

[0083] Table 1 shows the relative movement amounts (mm) of the outer plot points AO, BO, and CO in this example (embodiment) and the relative movement amounts (mm) of the outer plot points AO, BO, and CO in the comparative example.

[0084] [Table 1]

[0085] As shown in Table 1, in this example, the maximum relative movement of the outer plot points A-O-C0 was 27.7 mm at measurement point B, and the minimum relative movement was 14.2 mm at measurement point A. On the other hand, in the comparison example, the maximum relative movement of the outer plot points A-O-C0 was 36.9 mm at measurement point A, and the minimum relative movement was 13.1 mm at measurement point C. This result shows that by applying the guiding method of this embodiment, the difference in the relative movement of the outer plot points A-O-C0 at each coordinate measurement point can be kept small. As described above, according to the guiding method of this embodiment, the first cable portion 21 near the connection portion of the fixed end moves left and right in the Y direction like a pendulum with the fixed end 20a as a fulcrum. Therefore, although the radius of curvature changes during the initial movement, the change is small at the position where the radius of curvature is small. As a result, it is thought that this leads to keeping the amount of slippage of the outer optical fiber relative to the inner optical fiber small.

[0086] <Cable life evaluation> Next, an example demonstrating life assessment in a cable will be described.

[0087] <Example> First, the cable 20 is attached to the running test machine in the manner shown in Figure 7. At this time, the movable end (moving end) 20b of the cable is attached to the moving part of the running test machine. In this state, the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is moved back and forth in the Y direction between the movement start point T1 and the movement end point T5 (see Figures 7 and 8). Each time the movable end 20b of the cable 20 is moved back and forth, the changes in the transmittance of the cable 20 and the brightness of the image are measured to check for breaks in the optical fiber. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0088] <Comparative Example> As a comparative example, cable 20 is attached to a running test machine in the conventional manner shown in FIG. 11. The movable end (moving end) 20b of the cable is attached to the moving part of the running test machine, as in the example. In this state, movable end 20b of cable 20 is moved back and forth in the Y direction between movement start point T1 and movement end point T5 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). Thereafter, the presence or absence of breaks in the optical fiber is confirmed, as in the example. The confirmed results are shown in Table 2.

[0089] [Table 2]

[0090] As shown in Table 2, in the case of the comparative example, changes in transmittance and image brightness were measured when the cable 20 was reciprocated less than 150,000 times. In other words, in the case of the comparative example using the conventional method, it was confirmed that breakage occurred at reciprocation times of less than 150,000 times. On the other hand, as shown in Table 2, in the example, no change in transmittance or image brightness was measured even when the cable 20 reciprocated 1,960,000 times or more. In other words, it was confirmed that in the example in which the guiding method of this embodiment was applied, it was possible to achieve a longer life of the cable 20 compared to the conventional method.

[0091] From the above verification results, it is believed that by minimizing the amount of sliding of the outer optical fiber relative to the inner optical fiber, it is possible to minimize friction between the optical fibers. This can therefore reduce the impact of optical fiber breakage, thereby extending the life of the cable.

[0092] To maximize the benefits described above, it is preferable to keep the difference between the maximum and minimum relative movement of the outer plot points calculated at each coordinate measurement point within twice the cable diameter. For example, in the case of cable 20 described above in <Demonstration of optical fiber guiding method>, the bundle diameter is 8.5 mm, so it is preferable to keep the difference between the maximum and minimum relative movement within 17 mm. The smaller the difference between the maximum and minimum relative movement, the better, so it may be 0 mm.

[0093] In this embodiment, the durability of the cable can be improved by reducing the difference in the relative movement amount of the outer plot points calculated at each coordinate measurement point. However, it is also effective for improving the durability of the cable to prevent the position where the radius of curvature R of the cable is smallest during movement from fluctuating greatly before and after the start of movement. In other words, the position where the radius of curvature R of the cable is smallest is determined by the distance between the movement start point T1 of the movable end 20b of the cable 20 and the movement completion point T x It is preferable that the extremum point does not fluctuate while the cable 20 is moved to the point, or that even if it fluctuates, the amount of fluctuation (i.e., the distance traveled by the extremum point) is suppressed.

[0094] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0095] In addition, the components in this embodiment can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 20…Cable T1…Movement start point T x …Movement completion point I1, I2, I3, I4, I5...YZ coordinates of the inner optical fiber (coordinates of the inner wire) O1, O2, O3, O4, O5...YZ coordinates of the outer optical fiber (coordinates of the outer wire)

Claims

1. A guide method for moving a cable made up of a plurality of wires in vertical and horizontal directions with one end of the cable as a fixed end and the other end as a moving end, comprising: Among the plurality of wires, the wire on the inside of the curved shape is referred to as an inner wire, and the wire on the outside is referred to as an outer wire, a plurality of coordinate measurement points are set along the length of the cable; The start point T of the movement of the cable １ The coordinates of the inner wire and the coordinates of the outer wire at any point between the movement end point Tx and the movement end point Tx are respectively calculated as (I １ , I ２ , I ３ …I ｘ ), (O １ , O ２ , O ３ …O ｘ ) when measured as |(O １ -I １ ) | + | (O ２ -I ２ ) | + | (O ３ -I ３ ) | + ... + | (O ｘ -I ｘ ) | A cable guiding method that reduces the difference between the maximum and minimum values.

2. The cable guiding method according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the cable near the fixed end moves in the left-right direction like a pendulum.

3. The position where the radius of curvature R of the cable is smallest is the movement start point T １ 2. The cable guiding method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature does not change while the cable is moved from the position indicated by the arrow to the movement completion point Tx.

4. 2. The cable guiding method according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is within two times the diameter of the cable.

Images