Polishing disc attachment / detachment mechanism and optical fiber end face polishing apparatus equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide an attachment and detachment mechanism for a grinder which can smoothly detach a grinder from a turntable without applying excessive stress to the grinder with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A turntable 1 includes recesses 12 which are apart from each other at an interval in the circumferential direction and are recessed such that a lower edge 3c of a grinder 3 placed on the turntable 1 is exposed, claw members 13 which can move up and down with respect to the turntable 1 so as to be inserted / withdrawn to and from the recesses 12, and an actuator 14 which moves the claw members 13 to the inside and outside in the radial direction of the turntable 1. A reaction force receiving surface 13a that contacts a bottom surface 12a of the recess 12 when the claw member 13 is inserted to the recess 12 is formed on a lower end of the claw member 13. A riding surface 13b that separates the grinder 3 from the turntable 1 when the claw member 13 is moved to the inside in the radial direction is formed on the claw member 13 on the upper side of the reaction force receiving surface 13a in an inclined manner such that it becomes higher from the inside to the outside in the radial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detaching mechanism for a polishing disk for polishing an end face of an optical fiber and an end face polishing apparatus for an optical fiber provided with the same.

Background Art

[0002] In the connection portion between optical fibers, in order to transmit with less optical connection loss, it is necessary to polish the end face of the optical fiber. Usually, the tip portions of the two optical fibers to be connected are in a state where the glass optical fiber is covered with a ferrule made of ceramic, resin, etc., and by polishing the end face of the optical fiber together with the end face of the ferrule, when the connection portions are abutted against each other, the optical fibers are abutted against each other without a gap, and the optical connection loss is transmitted with less loss.

[0003] As an apparatus for polishing the end face of an optical fiber together with an optical fiber ferrule, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. The end face polishing apparatus of Document 1 includes a plate-shaped holder to which an optical fiber is attached, holding means for holding and releasing the holder in a substantially horizontal posture, a turntable disposed below the holder held by the holding means so as to face the end face of the optical fiber, a polishing disk that is replaceably placed on the turntable, lifting means for lifting and lowering the turntable to bring the polishing disk into contact with the end face of the optical fiber, and rotating means for rotating and revolving the turntable to polish the end face of the optical fiber contacted by the polishing disk.

[0004] According to such an end face polishing apparatus, a polishing liquid (having at least water and added with abrasive grains as necessary) is supplied to the upper surface of the polishing disk, and by rotating and revolving the turntable, the polishing disk installed on the turntable performs a compound circular motion in which rotation and revolution are combined, and the end face of the optical fiber attached to the holder can be appropriately and accurately polished by the compound circular motion polishing disk.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-154403 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] By the way, when polishing the end faces of optical fibers, the polishing discs on the turntable are changed from coarse to fine as needed, and polishing is performed in stages, such as rough polishing, medium polishing, and finish polishing. Changing the polishing discs requires removing the used disc from the turntable and attaching a new one to the turntable. Here, as part of automating the optical fiber end face polishing process, there is a request to automate the replacement of the polishing discs by machine instead of by manual labor.

[0007] However, when polishing the end face of an optical fiber with a polishing disc, the polishing fluid supplied to the top surface of the disc would seep down the sides of the disc and into the space between the bottom surface of the disc and the top surface of the turntable. This would then penetrate the entire contact surface between the bottom surface of the disc and the top surface of the turntable through capillary action, generating strong intermolecular forces that made it difficult to remove the disc from the turntable. In such cases, attempting to remove the disc from the turntable with strong upward force, such as by gripping it with a machine, could cause excessive stress on the disc, potentially leading to damage, or, instead of the disc detaching from the turntable, the disc and turntable could detach together as a single unit from the polishing apparatus.

[0008] Considering the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing disc, and an optical fiber end-face polishing apparatus equipped therewith, which can smoothly remove the polishing disc from the turntable with a simple configuration without putting excessive stress on the polishing disc, and which can contribute to the automation of optical fiber end-face polishing work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the present invention, which was devised to achieve the above objective, a mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing plate placed on a turntable to polish the end face of an optical fiber is provided on the turntable, comprising: a plurality of recesses provided on the turntable at intervals in the circumferential direction, formed so as to expose the lower edge of the polishing plate placed on the turntable; a plurality of claw members provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the turntable, which move away from the recess when raised and into the recess when lowered; and an actuator for moving the claw members inward and outward in the radial direction of the turntable, wherein at least one lower end of the claw member has a reaction force receiving surface that contacts the bottom surface of the recess when the claw member is lowered and inserted into the recess, and a ride-up surface is formed on the claw member above the reaction force receiving surface, which is inclined to rise from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the turntable, so as to cause the lower edge of the polishing plate to ride up and lift the polishing plate off the turntable when the claw member inserted into the recess is moved radially inward by the actuator, receiving a reaction force from the reaction force receiving surface that slides on the bottom surface of the recess. The lower end of the mounting surface is located below the lower edge of the polishing disc exposed in the recess. A mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing disc is provided, characterized by the above.

[0010] In the attachment and detachment mechanism for a polishing disc according to the present invention, a positioning portion may be formed above the mounting surface of the claw member for positioning the polishing disc that has mounted onto the mounting surface when the claw member inserted into the recess is moved radially inward on the turntable by an actuator.

[0011] In the attachment and detachment mechanism for a polishing disc according to the present invention, a non-contact portion may be formed above the positioning portion of the claw member, such that when the claw member inserted into the recess is moved radially inward of the turntable by an actuator and the positioning portion of the claw member positions the polishing disc, it moves radially outward of the turntable so as not to come into contact with the upper edge of the polishing disc.

[0012] In the attachment and detachment mechanism for a polishing disc according to the present invention, the actuator may have a function to stop the claw member at a position where the positioning portion of the claw member positions the polishing disc placed on the turntable, when the claw member inserted into the recess moves radially inward to the turntable.

[0013] In the attachment / detachment mechanism for a polishing disc according to the present invention, the polishing disc may have a base pad placed on a turntable and a polishing film placed on the upper surface of the base pad.

[0014] According to the present invention, an optical fiber end face polishing apparatus is provided, which includes a mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing plate placed on a turntable for polishing the end face of an optical fiber, wherein the turntable has a plurality of recesses spaced apart in the circumferential direction, formed so as to expose the lower edge of the polishing plate placed on the turntable, a plurality of claw members provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the turntable, moving away from the recess when raised and inserted into the recess when lowered, and an actuator for moving the claw members inward and outward in the radial direction of the turntable, wherein at least one lower end of the claw member has a reaction force receiving surface that contacts the bottom surface of the recess when the claw member is lowered and inserted into the recess, and a ride-up surface is formed on the claw member above the reaction force receiving surface, which is inclined to rise from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the turntable, so as to cause the lower edge of the polishing plate to ride up and lift the polishing plate off the turntable when the claw member inserted into the recess is moved radially inward by the actuator, receiving a reaction force from the reaction force receiving surface that slides on the bottom surface of the recess. The lower end of the mounting surface is positioned below the lower edge of the polishing disc exposed in the recess. An optical fiber end-face polishing apparatus is provided, characterized by having a mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The polishing plate attachment / detachment mechanism and the optical fiber end face polishing apparatus equipped therewith can exhibit the following functions and effects. (1) A recess is formed in the turntable so that the lower edge of the polishing disc is exposed. A claw member is lowered and inserted into the recess, and when the claw member is moved radially inward on the turntable, the reaction force receiving surface formed at the lower end of the claw member slides along the bottom surface of the recess, and the lower edge of the polishing disc rides up onto a ride-up surface formed on the claw member so that it rises from the radially inward to the outward direction of the turntable. The reaction force is supported by the bottom surface of the recess via the reaction force receiving surface, causing the polishing disc to lift off the turntable. (2) In other words, the reaction force when the polishing disc is lifted upward from the turntable by the mounting surface of the claw member is supported by the bottom surface of the recess in the turntable on which the reaction force receiving surface of the claw member slides, and the polishing disc is removed from the turntable by the reaction force on the turntable. Therefore, when the claw member is raised thereafter, the polishing disc and the turntable do not detach together from the polishing device body, and only the polishing disc is properly removed from the turntable and lifted. (3) For example, even if polishing fluid gets between the polishing disc and the turntable and the polishing disc is strongly stuck to the turntable due to intermolecular forces, the reaction force receiving surface of the claw member takes reaction force from the bottom surface of the recess and the lower edge of the polishing disc rides up on the ride-up surface of the claw member, and the wedge effect appropriately pulls the polishing disc away from the turntable, allowing air to enter between the polishing disc and the turntable and breaking the intermolecular forces. Therefore, the polishing disc can be smoothly removed from the turntable without putting excessive stress on the polishing disc, and automation of end-face polishing work of optical fibers can be promoted with a simple and low-cost configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an overview of the attachment / detachment mechanism for a polishing plate according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the attachment / detachment mechanism for the polishing disc, showing the polishing disc placed on the turntable, polishing fluid supplied to the polishing disc, and the holder with the optical connector attached positioned above the polishing disc. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a polishing machine attachment / detachment mechanism showing a state in which the holder shown in FIG. 2 is held close to the polishing machine. [Figure 4] (a) is a partially enlarged view of a part of the turntable in FIG. 3, and (b) is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the turntable in (a) is raised and pressed against the end face of an optical connector attached to a holder. [Figure 5] (a) is a perspective view showing a state in which the claw member shown in FIG. 1 is separated upward from the turntable on which the polishing machine is placed, and (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the claw member is lowered and inserted into a recess formed in the turntable. [Figure 6] (a) is a plan view of the turntable and the claw member in FIG. 5(b) as viewed from above, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b in (a), and (c) is an enlarged view of part c in (b). [Figure 7] (a) is a plan view showing a state in which the claw member in FIG. 6(a) is moved radially inward of the turntable, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b in (a), and (c) is an enlarged view of part c in (b). [Figure 8] It is an explanatory view of a modification of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of a claw member and a polishing machine (base pad, polishing film) in which a non-contact portion that does not contact the upper edge portion of the polishing machine is formed on the claw member. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view of another modification of the present invention. (a) is a cross-sectional view of a claw member and a polishing machine in which a clearance is formed between the side surface of the polishing machine and the positioning portion of the claw member, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of a claw member and a polishing machine in which a polishing machine placement surface is formed between the positioning portion of the claw member and the riding surface.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0018] (Premise) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 for the polishing plate 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention attaches and detaches the polishing plate 3, which is placed on the turntable 1 to polish the end face of the optical fiber F of the optical connector 2, to the turntable 1. As shown in Figure 2, a typical optical connector 2 has the tip of the optical fiber F fixed inside the ferrule 2a and mounted in the housing 2b. When connecting a pair of optical connectors 2 for the purpose of connecting optical fibers F together, the end faces 2c of the ferrules 2a of both optical connectors 2 are polished, and then the end faces 2c of both ferrules 2a are brought together by the pressure of a spring provided inside the housing 2b, connecting the two optical fibers F at their centers.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 of the polishing platen 3 according to this embodiment is incorporated into an end-face polishing device 4 for optical fiber F (hereinafter also referred to as the end-face polishing device 4 for optical connector 2) that polishes the end face 2c of the ferrule 2a of the optical connector 2 (hereinafter also referred to as the end face 2c of the optical connector 2). However, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 of the polishing platen 3 according to the present invention may be incorporated not only into a single end-face polishing device 4 for optical connector 2 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, but also into a part of the end-face polishing device 4 for optical connector 2 that constitutes an automated assembly system for optical connector 2 composed of multiple elements having the function of an end-face polishing device 4 for optical connector 2. Note that the end-face polishing device 4 for optical fiber F to which the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 of the polishing platen 3 according to the present invention is applied is not limited to an end-face polishing device 4 that polishes the end face of optical fiber F by polishing the end face 2c of the ferrule 2a as described above, but also includes, for example, an end-face polishing device that polishes the end face of optical fiber F by polishing the end face of an optical fiber array, etc. First, the end-face polishing device 4 for optical connector 2 will be described.

[0020] (Overview of the end face polishing apparatus 4 for optical connector 2) As shown in Figure 1, the end face polishing apparatus 4 for the optical connector 2 comprises a turntable 1 positioned on the upper surface of the polishing apparatus body 5, a polishing plate 3 that is replaceably mounted on the turntable 1, a holder 6 to which the optical connector 2 is detachably attached as shown in Figure 2, a holding means 7 provided on the upper surface of the polishing apparatus body 5 for holding or releasing the holder 6 as shown in Figure 3, a lifting means (not shown) provided inside the polishing apparatus body 4 as shown in Figure 3 for raising and lowering the turntable 1 as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), and a polishing fluid supply means 8 provided on the side of the polishing apparatus body 5 for supplying polishing fluid to the polishing plate 3 installed on the turntable 1 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The following describes each component.

[0021] (Turntable 1) The turntable 1 shown in Figure 1 rotates and revolves by a rotational drive mechanism (not shown) housed inside the polishing device body 5. By rotating and revolving the turntable 1, the polishing disc 3 mounted on the turntable 1 undergoes a compound circular motion that combines rotation and revolution. The turntable 1 has a circular recessed mounting recess 1a for attaching and detaching the polishing disc 3. The inner diameter of the mounting recess 1a is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the polishing disc 3, so that when the polishing disc 3 is mounted in the mounting recess 1a, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the mounting recess 1a and the side surface of the polishing disc 3, as shown in Figures 3 and 4(a).

[0022] As shown in Figure 4(a), a storage recess 1b is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the turntable 1 on the radially outer side of the mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1. This storage recess 1b is for storing the polishing liquid supplied to the polishing plate 3 by the polishing liquid supply means 8, as shown in Figure 2, when the polishing liquid moves radially outward due to the centrifugal force of the rotating and revolving turntable 1. The storage recess 1b is connected to the mounting recess 1a in a stepped manner. Furthermore, a vertical wall portion 1c is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the turntable 1 on the radially outer side of the storage recess 1b of the turntable 1 to prevent the polishing liquid stored in the storage recess 1b from overflowing radially outward of the turntable 1.

[0023] (polishing machine 3) As shown in Figure 4(a), the polishing disc 3 placed on the turntable 1 has a base pad 3a that is mounted in a mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1 and a polishing film 3b attached to the upper surface of the base pad 3a. The base pad 3a can be an elastic base pad formed in a disc shape from a rubbery elastic material, or a glass base pad in which a thin anti-slip elastic material is attached to a disc-shaped piece of glass to improve the flatness accuracy during polishing.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4(b), the polishing film 3b attached to the upper surface of the base pad 3a is substantially for polishing the end face 2c of the optical connector 2 (the end face 2c of the ferrule 2a), and is formed in a circular shape. There are several types, such as for rough polishing, medium polishing, and finish polishing. As shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c), the polishing film 3b is attached to the upper surface of the base pad 3a.

[0025] (Holder 6) As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), multiple optical connectors 2, whose end faces 2c are polished by the polishing plate 3, are detachably mounted on a holder 6. The holder 6 consists of a rectangular plate formed in a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, with multiple mounting holes formed vertically through the rectangular plate, and optical connectors 2 are detachably mounted in each mounting hole. The end faces 2c (end faces 2c of the ferrule 2a) of the optical connectors 2 that are polished by the polishing plate 3 protrude from the lower surface of the holder 6.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, when the polishing disc 3 is replaced, the holder 6 is held by a robot arm or the like (not shown) and waits above the turntable 1. The used polishing disc 3 is removed from the mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1, a new polishing disc 3 is mounted in the mounting recess 1a, and polishing fluid is supplied to the polishing disc 3 by the polishing fluid supply means 8. After that, it is lowered by the robot arm or the like and held by the holding means 7 provided on the upper surface of the polishing device body 5, as shown in Figure 3.

[0027] (Holding means 7) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the holding means 7 includes four pillars 7a erected at the four corners of the upper surface of the polishing device body 5, a mounting base 7b provided on the pillars 7a on which the four corners of the holder 6, which is made of a rectangular plate, are placed, and a lever 7c that presses down on the holder 6 placed on the mounting base 7b from above. The lever 7c rotates up and down by air pressure or the like, and when rotated downward, it presses down on the holder 6 to hold it on the mounting base 7b (see Figure 3), and when rotated upward, it releases the holder 6. The released holder 6 can be removed upward (see Figure 2).

[0028] (Lifting mechanism) Inside the polishing apparatus body 4 shown in Figure 3, there is a lifting mechanism (not shown) that raises and lowers the turntable 1 relative to the holder 6 held by the holding means 7, and presses the polishing disc 3 placed on the turntable 1 against the end face 2c of the optical connector 2 attached to the holder 6. As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), in this embodiment, the lifting mechanism raises and lowers the turntable 1, thereby bringing the polishing disc 3 placed on the turntable 1 into contact with and away from the end face 2c of the optical connector 2 mounted on the holder 6 held by the holding means 7. However, conversely, the height of the turntable 1 may be fixed, and the column 7a of the holding means 7 may be moved vertically to press the end face 2c of the optical connector 2 of the holder 6 held by the column 7a against the polishing disc 3 on the turntable 1.

[0029] (Polishing liquid supply means 8) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a polishing fluid supply means 8 is provided on the side of the polishing apparatus body 5 to supply a polishing fluid containing at least water and, if necessary, abrasive particles to the polishing plate 3 mounted on the turntable 1. The polishing fluid supply means 8 has a body 9 that pumps the polishing fluid and a supply pipe 10 through which the polishing fluid pumped from the body 9 flows out. The supply pipe 10 has a first pipe section 10a extending upward from the body 9, a second pipe section 10b extending laterally from the top of the first pipe section 10a, and a third pipe section 10c extending downward from the end of the second pipe section 10b. By rotating the first pipe section 10a around a vertical axis relative to the body 9, the second pipe section 10b rotates in a fan shape when viewed from above, causing the third pipe section 10c to move above the polishing plate 3, avoiding the column 7a, and the polishing fluid is supplied to the polishing plate 3 from the third pipe section 10c. At this time, the turntable 1 may be rotated on its axis and revolved as appropriate to supply the polishing fluid to the entire surface of the polishing plate 3.

[0030] (Overview of the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 of the polishing disc 3) As shown in Figure 1, the end face polishing apparatus 4 for the optical connector 2 described above is equipped with a polishing plate 3 attachment / detachment mechanism 11 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the attachment / detachment mechanism) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The polishing plate 3 attachment / detachment mechanism 11 according to this embodiment attaches and detaches the polishing plate 3, which is placed on the turntable 1 that rotates and revolves to polish the optical connector 2, to the turntable 1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the attachment / detachment mechanism 11 comprises a plurality of recesses circumferentially spaced apart on the turntable 1, formed so as shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c), that the lower edge 3c of the polishing plate 3 placed on the turntable 1 is exposed; a plurality of claw members 13 that are provided to move up and down relative to the turntable 1, which move away from the recesses 12 when raised as shown in Figure 5(a) and into the recesses 12 when lowered as shown in Figure 5(b); and an actuator 14 that moves the claw members 13 inward and outward in the radial direction of the turntable 1.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c), at least one lower end of the claw member 13 has a reaction force receiving surface 13a that contacts the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12 when the claw member 13 is lowered and inserted into the recess 12. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(b) and 7(c), the claw member 13 above the reaction force receiving surface 13a has a ride-up surface 13b that is inclined to rise from the radially inward direction of the turntable 1 when the claw member 13 inserted into the recess 12 is moved radially inward by the actuator 14. This ride-up surface 13b receives a reaction force from the reaction force receiving surface 13a sliding on the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12, causing the lower edge 3c of the polishing plate 3 to ride up and lift the polishing plate 3 off the turntable 1. The ride-up surface 13b is inclined to rise from the radially inward direction of the turntable 1. The following describes each component.

[0033] (Recess 12) As shown in Figures 5(a) and 6(a), the storage recess 1b of the turntable 1 has three recesses 12 spaced equally apart (120-degree intervals) in the circumferential direction of the turntable. As shown in Figure 5(b), when the polishing plate 3 is lifted by the claw member 13 inserted into the recesses 12, the polishing plate 3 does not tilt and fall. There can be any number of recesses 12, not just three, as long as it is two or more, and the recesses do not necessarily have to be spaced equally apart in the circumferential direction of the turntable 1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6(c), these recesses 12 are sized to allow the claw member 13 to be inserted from above, and as shown in Figure 7(c), they are sized to allow the inserted claw member 13 to move in the radial direction of the turntable 1. Also, as shown in Figure 6(c), the recesses 12 are formed to bite into the bottom of the polishing disc 3 so that the lower edge 3c of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3 mounted in the mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1 is exposed.

[0035] (Claw member 13) As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), three claw members 13 are arranged in accordance with the number of recesses 12, and are attached to the tips of arm portions 15 that extend radially outward from the center of the turntable 1 above the stopped turntable 1. In this embodiment, three claw members 13 are arranged at equal intervals (120-degree intervals) in the circumferential direction of the turntable 1, but any number of two or more may be used as long as they match the number and position of the recesses 12, and they do not necessarily have to be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the turntable 1.

[0036] (Actuator 14) As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the base of each arm portion 15 is attached to a cylindrical actuator 14. The actuator 14 moves each arm portion 15 in the radial direction of the turntable 1, causing each claw member 13 to move inward and outward in the radial direction of the turntable 1, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a). The actuator 14 is raised and lowered vertically relative to the turntable 1 by a moving means (such as a robot arm) not shown. When raised as shown in Figure 5(a), the claw member 13 separates from the recess 12, and when lowered as shown in Figure 5(b), the claw member 13 is inserted into the recess 12.

[0037] (Rotating drive unit) Inside the polishing apparatus body 4 shown in Figure 1 is a rotation drive unit (not shown) that rotates and revolves the turntable 1. The rotation drive unit has a return-to-home function that stops the turntable 1 at a predetermined rotational position and predetermined revolving position when the rotation and revolving of the turntable 1 are stopped, so that the recess 12 is positioned vertically below the raised claw member 13, as shown in Figure 5(a). As a result, when the actuator 14 to which each claw member 13 is attached is lowered after the turntable 1 is stopped, each claw member 13 is accurately inserted into each recess 12.

[0038] (Reaction force receiving surface 13a) As shown in Figures 6(c) and 7(c), a reaction force receiving surface 13a is formed at the lower end of each claw member 13, which contacts the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12 when the claw member 13 is lowered and inserted into the recess 12. The reaction force receiving surface 13a of the claw member 13 and the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12 are formed parallel to the direction of movement of the claw member 13, which is moved radially by the actuator 14 shown in Figures 6(b) and 7(b). In this embodiment, the reaction force receiving surface 13a is formed at the lower end of all claw members 13, but it may be formed at at least one of the lower ends of the claw member 13.

[0039] (Mounting surface 13b) As shown in Figures 6(c) and 7(c), the claw member 13 above the reaction force receiving surface 13a has a ride-up surface 13b formed on it, which is inclined to rise from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the turntable 1. This ride-up surface 13b is formed so that when the claw member 13 inserted into the recess 12 is moved radially inward by the actuator 14, the reaction force received by the reaction force receiving surface 13a sliding on the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12 causes the lower edge 3c of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3 to ride up, thus lifting the polishing disc 3 off the turntable 1. The lower end of the ride-up surface 13b is preferably located below the lower edge 3c of the polishing disc 3 (the lower edge 3c of the base pad 3a), considering the ride-up ability of the polishing disc 3.

[0040] As shown in Figures 6(c) and 7(c), the ride-up surface 13b is a straight inclined surface in this embodiment, but it may also be an inclined surface that curves upward in a convex shape or downward in a concave shape, as long as it is inclined so that it becomes higher from the radially inward side of the turntable 1 to the outward side. In this embodiment, the ride-up surface 13b is formed on all claw members 13, but if a reaction force receiving surface 13a is formed on at least one lower end of a claw member 13, the ride-up surface 13b may be formed on the claw member 13 on which the reaction force receiving surface 13a is formed. This is because even if the reaction force receiving surface 13a and the ride-up surface 13b are formed on only one claw member 13, the polishing disc 3 can be tilted and pulled away from the turntable 1 by the wedge effect described later.

[0041] (Positioning section 13c) As shown in Figures 6(c) and 7(c), a positioning portion 13c is formed on the portion of the claw member 13 above the mounting surface 13b. This positioning portion 13c is used to position the polishing disc 3 when the claw member 13, inserted into the recess 12, is moved radially inward by the actuator 14 and mounted on the mounting surface 13b. The inner diameter of the mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1 on which the polishing disc 3 is placed is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the polishing disc 3, creating a gap between them. Therefore, the position of the polishing disc 3 after polishing may be off-center relative to the center of the mounting recess 1a depending on the circumstances. In such cases, the positioning portion 13c functions to determine the position of the polishing disc 3 when it is held by the claw member 13. Furthermore, the formation of the positioning portion 13c allows for positioning relative to the center of the turntable 1 when mounting the polishing disc 3 in the mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1. For example, when automating the replacement of the polishing disc 3 by having it held by a robot arm or the like, the positioning unit 13c also performs its function of determining the position when selecting the optimal polishing disc 3 from the storage compartment for the polishing disc 3 (not shown) and mounting it in the mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1.

[0042] In this embodiment, the positioning portion 13c is composed of a vertical wall that grips the entire side surface of the polishing disc 3. However, it is not limited to such a vertical wall; as long as the lower edge 3c of the polishing disc 3 can be held at the corner connecting the upper end of the mounting surface 13b and the lower end of the positioning portion 13c to position the polishing disc 3, it is acceptable for the positioning portion not to contact the entire side surface of the polishing disc 3. The positioning portion 13c is formed on all claw members 13 and is positioned along the side surface of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3. However, when positioning, the side surface of the polishing disc 3 does not need to be in contact with all of the positioning portions 13c; it is sufficient for it to be in contact with at least one positioning portion 13c to bring the polishing disc 3 closer to the center of the turntable 1 after polishing. The inner diameter of the mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1 on which the polishing disc 3 is placed is larger than the outer diameter of the polishing disc 3, and a gap is created between the two, so the position after polishing may be off-center depending on the circumstances. The positioning part 13c performs the function of determining the position when the claw member 13 holds the object.

[0043] (Effects / Actions) The attachment / detachment mechanism 11 of the polishing plate 3 according to this embodiment, which has the above configuration, can exhibit the following functions and effects.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c), a recess 12 is formed in the turntable 1 so that the lower edge 3c of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3 is exposed. A claw member 13 is lowered and inserted into the recess 12, and when the claw member 13 is moved radially inward on the turntable 1, as shown in Figures 7(a), 7(b), and 7(c), the reaction force receiving surface 13a formed at the lower end of the claw member 13 slides on the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12. The lower edge 3c of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3 rides up on the ride-up surface 13b formed on the claw member 13 so that it rises from the radially inward to the outward direction on the turntable 1, and the reaction force is supported on the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12 via the reaction force receiving surface 13a, causing the polishing disc 3 to lift off the turntable 1.

[0045] In other words, as shown in Figure 7(c), the reaction force when the polishing disc 3 is lifted upward from the turntable 1 by the ride-on surface 13b of the claw member 13 is supported by the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12 of the turntable 1 on which the reaction force receiving surface 13a of the claw member 13 slides, and the polishing disc 3 is removed from the turntable 1 by taking the reaction force from the turntable 1. Therefore, when the actuator 14 shown in Figure 7(b) is then raised by a moving means (such as a robot arm) to raise the claw member 13, the polishing disc 3 and the turntable 1 do not detach together from the polishing device body 4 (see Figure 2), and only the polishing disc 3 is properly removed from the turntable 1 and lifted.

[0046] For example, even if polishing fluid seeps between the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3 and the mounting recess 1a of the turntable 1 during polishing, causing the polishing disc 3 to stick strongly to the turntable 1 due to intermolecular forces, as shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c), the reaction force receiving surface 13a of the claw member 13 reacts to the bottom surface 12a of the recess 12, causing the lower edge 3c of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3 to ride up on the ride-up surface 13b of the claw member 13. This wedge effect allows the polishing disc 3 to be properly detached from the turntable 1, allowing air to enter between the polishing disc 3 and the turntable 1 and breaking the intermolecular forces. Therefore, the polishing disc 3 can be smoothly removed from the turntable 1 without putting excessive stress on it. Thus, by using this attachment / detachment mechanism 11 for the polishing disc 3, the automation of the end face polishing work of the optical connector 2 can be promoted with a simple and low-cost configuration.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the turntable 1 is raised by a lifting mechanism (not shown) housed inside the polishing apparatus body 4 shown in Figure 3, pressing the polishing disc 3 placed on the turntable 1 against the end face 2c of the optical connector 2. In this state, the turntable 1 is rotated and revolved to polish the end face 2c of the optical connector 2. As a result, the polishing disc 3 is pressed against the turntable 1 during polishing, and combined with the intermolecular forces of the polishing fluid mentioned above, the polishing disc 3 may stick to the turntable 1 with considerable force. Even in this case, as shown in Figure 6(c), the claw member 13 inserted into the recess 12 of the turntable 1 is moved radially inward as shown in Figure 7(c). The reaction force receiving surface 13a and the ride-up surface 13b of the claw member 13 exert a wedge effect that pulls the polishing disc 3 away from the turntable 1, allowing the polishing disc 3 to be smoothly removed from the turntable 1 without putting excessive stress on it.

[0048] (Variation 1) By the way, as shown in Figure 5(b), the polishing disc 3 is gripped and lifted by three claw members 13. However, if the base pad 3a constituting the polishing disc 3 shown in Figure 7(c) is made of a soft rubber material, the base pad 3a will undergo elastic deformation due to the gripping distance of the three claw members 13 (the amount by which the claw members 13 move radially inward after contacting the side surface of the base pad 3a). This deformation can cause the base pad 3a to twist as a whole, potentially leading to the polishing film 3b peeling off the base pad 3a.

[0049] To avoid such a situation, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a), the actuator 14 that moves the three claw members 13 radially inward and outward of the turntable 1 preferably has a function to stop the claw member 13 at a position where the positioning portion 13c of the claw member 13 positions the polishing disc 3 placed on the turntable 1, as shown in Figure 7(c), when moving the claw member 13 inserted into the recess 12 radially inward of the turntable 1, as shown in Figure 6(c).

[0050] Specifically, the radial movement stroke of each claw member 13 by the actuator 14 (movement stroke from Figure 6(c) to Figure 7(c)) is set in advance to a predetermined stroke such that the positioning portion 13c of the claw member 13 contacts the side surface of the base pad 3a, according to the diameter of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3. As a result, when the polishing disc 3 is gripped and lifted by the three claw members 13, the gripping area of ​​the three claw members 13 becomes almost zero. Consequently, even if the base pad 3a is made of a soft material, it will not twist, and the situation in which the polishing film 3b peels off from the base pad 3a can be avoided.

[0051] (Modification 2) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the polishing disc 3 is pressed against the end face 2c of the optical connector 2 mounted on the holder 6 and the turntable 1 is rotated (rotates and revolves) to polish the end face 2c of the optical fiber 2, the polishing film 3b of the polishing disc 3 may be slightly misaligned from the base pad 3a and protrude outside the base pad 3a. In this case, when the turntable 1 is stopped after polishing is completed, the claw member 13 is inserted into the recess 12 as shown in Figure 6(c), and the claw member 13 is moved radially inward as shown in Figure 7(c), if the polishing film 3b is protruding outward from the outer edge of the base pad 3a, the protruding polishing film 3b may touch the positioning portion 13c of the claw member 13 and bend, potentially causing the polishing film 3b to peel off the base pad 3a. The same problem also occurs if the operator accidentally applies the polishing film 3b to the base pad 3a in such a way that it protrudes outward from the outer edge of the base pad 3a.

[0052] In order to avoid the problem of the polishing film 3b peeling off when the polishing disc 3, which has the polishing film 3b protruding from the base pad 3a, is gripped and lifted by the claw member 13, it is preferable to form a non-contact portion 13d above the positioning portion 13c of the claw member 13, as shown in Figure 8. This non-contact portion 13d is formed so as to move radially outward from the turntable 1, and when the claw member 13, inserted into the recess 12, is moved radially inward from the turntable 1 by the actuator 14, and the positioning portion 13c of the claw member 13 moves to a position for positioning the polishing disc 3 (when the positioning portion 13c contacts the side surface of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3), it will not come into contact with the upper edge of the polishing disc 3 (the portion of the polishing film 3b attached to the upper surface of the base pad 3a). As a result, as shown in Figure 8, even if the polishing film 3b extends outward from the outer edge of the base pad 3a, when the claw member 13 is moved radially inward and the positioning portion 13c of the claw member 13 grips the side surface of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3, the polishing film 3b extending from the base pad 3a will not come into contact with the claw member 13, thus preventing the polishing film 3b from bending and peeling off the base pad 3a. Furthermore, if the base pad 3a is an elastic base pad, as shown in Figure 8, by providing a non-contact portion 13d, even if the positioning portion 13c deforms the lower part of the polishing disc 3 to grip it, the polishing film 3b will not peel off the base pad 3a.

[0053] (Variation 3) As shown in Figure 9(a), when the claw member 13 is moved radially inward to lift the polishing disc 3, a small clearance C (for example, about 0 to 2 mm) may be formed between the positioning portion 13c of the claw member 13 and the side surface of the base pad 3a of the polishing disc 3. Even in this case, the polishing disc 3 is lifted by the claw member 13 with its lower edge 3c resting on the mounting surface 13b of the claw member 13. When the polishing disc 3 is lifted with three claw members 13, the clearance C may be different or the same for all three claw members 13. For example, the clearance C of one of the claw members 13 may be zero, while the remaining claw members 13 have a predetermined clearance C.

[0054] (Modification 4) As shown in Figure 9(b), considering the stability when lifting the polishing disc 3 by moving the claw member 13 radially inward, a polishing disc mounting surface 13d may be formed horizontally between the lower end of the positioning portion 13c of the claw member 13 and the upper end of the mounting surface 13b. Since the polishing disc mounting surface 13d supports the lower surface of the polishing disc 3, a clearance C is formed between the positioning portion 13c and the side surface of the polishing disc 3, allowing the polishing disc 3 to be lifted while minimizing stress on the polishing disc 3.

[0055] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, Modification 1 and Modification 2 may be adopted in combination. [Industrial applicability]

[0056] The present invention can be used in a mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing plate for polishing the end face of an optical connector, and in an optical connector end face polishing apparatus equipped with the same. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Turntable 2 Optical connectors 2a Ferrule 2b Housing 2c end face 3 Polishing machine 3a Base Pad 3b Abrasive film 3c Lower edge 4 Edge polishing device 11. Mechanism for attaching and detaching the polishing disc 12 recesses 13 Claw member 13a Reaction force receiving surface 13b Overhang 13c Positioning section 13d Non-contact part 14 Actuators

Claims

1. A detachable mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing plate, which is placed on a turntable to polish the end face of an optical fiber, to the turntable, The turntable comprises a plurality of recesses spaced apart in the circumferential direction, formed so as to expose the lower edge of the polishing disc placed on the turntable; a plurality of claw members provided to be vertically movable relative to the turntable, which move away from the recesses when raised and into the recesses when lowered; and an actuator that moves the claw members inward and outward in the radial direction of the turntable. A mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing disc, characterized in that at least one lower end of the claw member has a reaction force receiving surface that contacts the bottom surface of the recess when the claw member is lowered and inserted into the recess, and a ride-up surface is formed on the claw member above the reaction force receiving surface, which is inclined to rise from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the turntable, so that when the claw member inserted into the recess is moved radially inward by the actuator, the reaction force received by the reaction force receiving surface sliding on the bottom surface of the recess causes the lower edge of the polishing disc to ride up and lift the polishing disc off the turntable, and the lower end of the ride-up surface is located below the lower edge of the polishing disc exposed in the recess.

2. The polishing disc attachment / detachment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that a positioning portion is formed in the portion of the claw member above the ride-up surface for positioning the polishing disc that has ridden onto the ride-up surface when the claw member inserted into the recess is moved radially inward on the turntable by the actuator.

3. The polishing disc attachment / detachment mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that a non-contact portion is formed on the portion of the claw member above the positioning portion, such that when the claw member inserted into the recess is moved radially inward on the turntable by the actuator and the positioning portion of the claw member positions the polishing disc, the non-contact portion is formed to move radially outward on the turntable so as not to come into contact with the upper edge of the polishing disc.

4. The mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing disc according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the actuator moves the claw member inserted into the recess radially inward of the turntable, the claw member stops at a position where the positioning portion of the claw member positions the polishing disc placed on the turntable.

5. The attachment / detachment mechanism for a polishing disc according to claim 4, characterized in that the polishing disc has a base pad placed on the turntable and a polishing film placed on the upper surface of the base pad.

6. An optical fiber end-face polishing apparatus comprising a mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing plate, which is placed on a turntable for polishing the end face of an optical fiber, to the turntable, The turntable comprises a plurality of recesses spaced apart in the circumferential direction, formed so as to expose the lower edge of the polishing disc placed on the turntable; a plurality of claw members provided to be vertically movable relative to the turntable, which move away from the recesses when raised and into the recesses when lowered; and an actuator that moves the claw members inward and outward in the radial direction of the turntable. An optical fiber end face polishing apparatus is provided, characterized in that at least one lower end of the claw member has a reaction force receiving surface that contacts the bottom surface of the recess when the claw member is lowered and inserted into the recess, and a ride-up surface is formed on the claw member above the reaction force receiving surface, which is inclined to rise from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the turntable, so that when the claw member inserted into the recess is moved radially inward by the actuator, the ride-up surface causes the lower edge of the polishing plate to ride up and lift the polishing plate off the turntable, and the lower end of the ride-up surface is located below the lower edge of the polishing plate exposed in the recess, and the apparatus is equipped with a mechanism for attaching and detaching a polishing plate.

Images