JP2002090121A - Ferrule outer diameter measuring device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ferrule outer diameter measuring device and method capable of precisely measuring a longitudinal and circumferential minute change of the outer diameters of a ferrule cylindrical part, and a ferrule outer diameter measuring device and method capable of continuously measuring the outer diameter value and roundness of a cylindrical pat in a number of ferrules. SOLUTION: This ferrule outer diameter measuring device A comprises a retaining jig 9 for vertically retaining the ferrule 1, a rotating mechanism 12 for rotating the retaining jig bout the axial center of the ferrule, a vertical moving mechanism 13 for vertically moving the rotating mechanism and a laser outer diameter measuring instrument 11 for measuring the outer diameter of the cylindrical part in the ferrule.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring the outer diameter of a ferrule for an optical connector used for connecting an optical fiber, and more particularly, to the roundness and longitudinal length of a cylindrical portion of the ferrule. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ferrule outer diameter measuring device and a method thereof capable of precisely measuring a small change in outer diameter over a direction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, with the development of optical communication technology, it has become possible to introduce various types of communication services by introducing an optical fiber to each home. To realize such optical communication network subscribers, economical optical connectors are required. Conventionally, to connect an optical fiber used for optical communication, as shown in FIG.
The ferrules 1A and 1B are aligned and fitted in the split sleeve 2. Note that reference numeral 3 in FIG.
A and 3B are optical fiber cords.

As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 2, a ferrule 1 used for connecting the optical fibers 3A and 3B is used.
In (1A, 1B), the inner structure has an optical fiber core guide hole 4 on the proximal end side and one fiber insertion hole 5 on the distal end side. The outer structure of the ferrule has a cylindrical portion 6 directly related to the connection, a holding portion 7 formed continuously with the cylindrical portion 6 to stably hold the ferrule 1 in the optical connector, and a holding portion 7. And an insertion portion 8 for inserting an optical fiber into the ferrule.

In such a ferrule 1, extremely high dimensional accuracy is required for the outer diameter value and roundness of the cylindrical portion 6 together with the diameter of the optical fiber insertion hole and the eccentricity of the optical fiber insertion hole. Therefore, conventionally, the measurement of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1 has been performed by various methods.
As a measuring method, a method of determining an outer diameter value through a ring gauge, a method of comparing and measuring with a block gauge using a stylus micrometer, and a method of measuring with a caliper or a micrometer have been known.

[0005]

However, in any of these methods, it is difficult to measure a minute change in the outer diameter of the ferrule cylindrical portion in the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction. There was a problem that the ferrule could not be measured automatically.

That is, in the conventional method for measuring the outer diameter of a ferrule cylindrical portion using a ring gauge, a small change in the outer diameter of the ferrule cylindrical portion in the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction is obtained.
It is not possible to measure continuously as a function of the distance from the holding part. Similarly, in the conventional measuring method for measuring the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the ferrule, the outer diameter value of the cylindrical portion of a large number of ferrules can be continuously increased even if the outer diameter of each ferrule can be measured. It is impossible to measure accurately.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object the following (1).
Ferrule outer diameter measuring device and method capable of accurately measuring minute changes in the outer diameter of the ferrule cylindrical portion in the longitudinal direction and circumferential direction, and (2) the outer diameter value of the cylindrical portion in a large number of ferrules It is an object of the present invention to provide a ferrule outer diameter measuring device capable of continuously measuring the roundness and the roundness, and a method thereof.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and the gist thereof is as follows. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a ferrule outer diameter measuring device includes: a holding jig that holds a ferrule vertically; a rotation mechanism that rotates the holding jig about an axis of the ferrule; A vertical movement mechanism for moving the rotation mechanism in the vertical direction, and a laser outer diameter measuring device for measuring the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the ferrule are included.

According to the present invention, the ferrule is vertically held on the holding jig. Then, the ferrule is rotated by the rotation mechanism and moved in the vertical direction by the vertical movement mechanism. The laser outer diameter measuring device continuously measures the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the ferrule, for example, using the distance and the rotation angle from the portion holding the ferrule as parameters, and averages the outer diameter value at each point and a perfect circle. Calculate the degree. In this way, it is possible to continuously measure the outer diameter value and the roundness of the ferrule cylindrical portion as a function of the distance from the holding portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus which holds a support table for vertically and individually supporting a plurality of ferrules, and the ferrule disposed near the support table. A transport mechanism for transporting the ferrule to the measurement position and a laser outer diameter measuring device for measuring the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the ferrule transported from the support table by the transport mechanism are provided. The transfer mechanism includes a holding jig for holding the ferrule supported by the support table, a vertical movement mechanism that supports the holding jig movably in a vertical direction, and the holding jig. A rotation mechanism for rotating around the axis of the ferrule, and supporting at least one of the rotation mechanism and the vertical movement mechanism,
Moving means for moving the ferrule held by the holding jig to the measurement position of the laser outer diameter measuring device.

With this configuration, the ferrule outer diameter measuring device causes the holding jig of the transport mechanism to sequentially hold the plurality of ferrules supported by the support table, and uses the moving means to move the laser outer diameter measuring device. The ferrule is moved to the measuring position, and the ferrule is rotated by the rotating mechanism at the measuring position, and vertically moved by the vertical moving mechanism to continuously measure the outer diameter value of the cylindrical part of the ferrule It is possible to do. The moving position by the moving means may be in the same vertical direction as the vertical moving mechanism.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ferrule outer diameter measuring device according to the second aspect, the support table is a rotary table having a support hole of the ferrule at a predetermined interval on a peripheral side thereof. , Said moving means,
It is configured to be a linear direction moving unit that moves linearly in the horizontal direction

[0013] With this configuration, the ferrule outer diameter measuring device sequentially moves the ferrules supported by the support holes of the rotary table directly below the holding jig (holding position) one by one by rotating the rotary table. Arriving and holding, raising by a vertical movement mechanism, moving in a linear direction by a moving means, and transporting a holding jig holding a ferrule to a measurement position of a laser outer diameter measuring instrument. Then, while rotating the ferrule by the rotation mechanism and the vertical movement mechanism, the ferrule can be moved in the vertical direction and the outer diameter value of the cylindrical portion of the ferrule can be continuously measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device.

The invention described in claim 4 is the same as the claim 2.
In the ferrule outer diameter measuring device according to the above, the support table has a support hole of the ferrule formed at a predetermined interval over the entire surface of the front surface side, the ferrule supported at a predetermined position of the support table and the holding It has a positioning movement means for aligning and moving the position of the jig, the positioning movement means is an X direction movement part for moving in the X direction which is one direction in the horizontal direction, and is orthogonal to the X direction movement part. And a Y-direction moving unit that moves in the Y direction, which is the direction.

With such a configuration, the positioning and moving means of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device can be adjusted in the X direction and the Y direction.
The holding jig can be quickly moved to the predetermined position of the ferrule in order to move the holding jig. Then, the outer diameter value of the cylindrical portion of the ferrule can be continuously measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device via the vertical moving mechanism, the moving means, and the rotating mechanism.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the ferrule outer diameter measuring device according to the fourth aspect, the positioning / moving means moves the support table to move the position of the holding jig to a predetermined position. Of the ferrule. With this configuration, the holding jig moving means only needs to move in the linear direction which is the X direction, and can quickly transfer the ferrule held by the holding jig to the measurement position of the laser outer diameter measuring device. Becomes possible.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ferrule outer diameter measuring method for measuring an outer diameter of a ferrule used for connecting an optical fiber, wherein the ferrule is vertically held by a holding jig. The first step of holding the ferrule held by the holding jig is moved vertically at the measurement position, and the laser outer diameter measuring device recognizes a holding portion having a different diameter dimension of the ferrule as a measurement start point. From the third step, in which the ferrule held by the holding jig is rotated about its axis, the ferrule is moved in the vertical direction, and the cylindrical portion of the ferrule is measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device, in two steps, An outer diameter measuring method was configured. With this configuration, the outer diameter value and the roundness of the ferrule cylindrical portion can be continuously measured as a function of the distance from the holding portion.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment will be described.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a front view of a ferrule outer diameter measuring device, FIG. 4 is a plan view of a ferrule outer diameter measuring device shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a ferrule outer diameter measuring device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a jig for holding the ferrule and a part on which the jig is mounted in the ferrule outer diameter measuring device.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus A includes a measuring mechanism A1 and a measuring mechanism A1 which are respectively provided via frames 15 and 17 erected at appropriate positions on a base 10. And a measuring mechanism A2. The measurement mechanism A1 includes a plate 14 provided on a frame 15 and a laser outer diameter measuring device 11 provided on the plate 14. Then, the measured mechanism A2
Includes a Z-axis stage 13 as a vertical movement mechanism provided via a frame 17, a rotation stage 12 as a rotation mechanism provided on the Z-axis stage 13, and a ferrule 1 provided on the rotation stage 12. And a holding jig 9 for holding.

As long as the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 can continuously measure the holding portion 7 and the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1, the laser medium may be a gas, a liquid, or a solid as a laser medium. The configuration is not limited. Here, a configuration in which the laser is scanned in the horizontal direction to measure the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1 was used.

The Z-axis stage 13 is for reciprocating the rotary stage 12 precisely in the vertical direction, and is held on the rotary stage 12 via a holding jig 9 such as a feed screw mechanism or a linear guide. If it is a configuration that can accurately measure the longitudinal cylindrical shape of the ferrule being made,
The configuration is not particularly limited.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holding jig 9 for holding the ferrule 1 is designed such that when rotated by the rotary stage 12, the center of rotation thereof coincides with the axis of the ferrule 1. The holding jig 9 is supported by the rotary stage 12 via an interposed part 18 on which the holding jig 9 is loaded. The intervening component 18 on which the holding jig 9 is loaded is fixed to the rotary stage 12, and a pattern 19 that can be engaged with the bottom portion of the holding jig 9 is engraved on the upper part thereof. It is configured to be able to transmit the rotation of twelve accurately. The interposed part 18 supports the holding jig 9 in a detachable manner.

Although not shown, the rotary stage 12 and the Z-axis stage 13 are connected to a computer via a pulse motor controller, and the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 is connected to a computer via a measuring device controller. It is connected to the.

Next, a case where the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule is measured using the ferrule outer diameter measuring device A will be described. First, the insertion portion 8 of the ferrule 1 is inserted and fixed in the holding jig 9, and the holding jig 9 in which the ferrule 1 is fixed vertically is loaded and fixed on the interposed component 18 on the rotary stage 12. Next, the outer diameter of the ferrule 1 is measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 while driving the Z-axis stage 13, and the boundary between the holding portion 7 and the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1 is detected and set as the measurement origin.

Thereafter, the Z-axis stage 13 is driven to move to the height of a predetermined measurement point, and the rotary stage 12 is driven to turn (rotate) the ferrule 1 at a predetermined angle pitch. The outer diameter value of the ferrule 1 is measured by the measuring device 11. The measured outside diameter value data is taken into a computer, and the average of the outside diameter values at predetermined measurement points and the roundness are calculated.

By repeating such a procedure, the outer diameter value and roundness of the cylindrical portion 6 can be continuously measured for each ferrule 1 as a function of the distance from the holding portion 7. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the cylindrical part 6 of the ferrule 1 formed of the plastic thus measured.
3 shows the result of plotting the outer diameter value and the roundness of the sample as a function of the height from the holding unit 7. As described above, the outer diameter value and the roundness of the cylindrical portion 6 can be accurately measured on the order of submicrons.

As described above, in the ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus of the present embodiment, the outer diameter value is measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 while the ferrule 1 is continuously rotated at a predetermined angular pitch, so that the measuring time is short. In addition to being short, the number of measurement points increases, and measurement accuracy can be improved.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a front view of a ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus showing a second embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the connection between a ferrule outer diameter measuring device, a controller, and a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a ferrule outer diameter measuring device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the support hole of the ferrule in the rotary table of an apparatus. Members having the same configuration as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The ferrule outer diameter measuring device B shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 has an index unit 26 on a base 20.
A rotary table 25 as a supporting table rotatably supported via a rotary table, a transport mechanism B1 erected adjacent to the rotary table, and an outer diameter of the ferrule 1 transported by the transport mechanism B1 are measured. And a laser outer diameter measuring device 11 for the purpose. Furthermore, laser outer diameter measuring device 1
A rotary actuator 29 for sorting non-defective products / defective products, a non-defective product collection box 30, and a defective product collection box 31 are disposed below 1.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the rotary table 25 is provided with support holes 38 of the ferrule 1 formed at regular intervals and in a row on the peripheral edge thereof. The sensor 27 for detecting the presence or absence of the ferrule 1 in the support hole 38 is arranged near the turntable 25. In addition,
Although the support holes 38 are illustrated as being arranged in a line here,
The ferrule 1 may be arranged in a plurality of rows and at predetermined intervals such as three rows, provided that the ferrule 1 can be held by the holding jig 21 described later without contacting other ferrules 1.
In particular, the arrangement and interval are not limited.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Is formed to have a diameter capable of accommodating the cylindrical portion 6 of each ferrule 1, and is held perpendicular to the table surface by the holding portion 7 of the ferrule 1 being in contact with the edge of the support hole 38. It is configured as follows.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the index unit 26 is provided immediately below a holding jig 21 described later.
The support holes 38 of the turntable 25 can be stopped sequentially or intermittently or by rotating the support holes 38 at desired positions. The address of the support hole 38 is set in advance, and the position of the ferrule 1 supported by the support hole 38 to be measured is controlled by a computer 36 (see FIG. 12) which is a control mechanism described later. It is configured to be.

The transport mechanism B 1 includes a holding jig 21 for holding the ferrule 1, a rotating mechanism 22 for rotating the holding jig 21 about the axis of the ferrule 1,
A Z-axis slider 2 as a vertical movement mechanism that supports the rotation mechanism 22 and moves the holding jig 21 in the vertical direction.
3 and an X-axis moving cylinder 24 as a linear moving unit (moving means) that supports the Z-axis slider 23 and moves linearly in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, the holding jig 21 is configured to grip the insertion portion 8 (see FIG. 2) of the ferrule 1 by opening and closing the left and right claws 21a and 21b. The left and right claws 21a, 21a of the holding jig 21 are provided.
b may be provided with a buffer member (not shown) so that when the ferrule 1 is gripped, the ferrule 1 can be held vertically without damaging it. Further, the claw portions 21a and 21b of the holding jig 21 may be provided with semicircular support grooves (not shown) formed along the insertion portions 8 of the ferrule 1, respectively. The left and right claws 21 a and 21 b of the holding jig 21 may be configured to be detachably replaceable according to the diameter of the ferrule 1.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the rotating mechanism 22 for rotating the holding jig 21 about the axis of the ferrule 1 uses the rotating shaft of the rotating stepping motor 22a as a support arm of the holding jig 21. 21c. A rotation origin sensor 28 for detecting the origin of rotation of the ferrule 1 is provided on the other rotation shaft of the stepping motor 22a for rotation. The rotation origin sensor 28 is for sensing the rotation origin of the ferrule 1. Here, slits are formed at regular intervals in a rotating disk, and light from the optical sensor is applied to the slits of the disk. An encoder that can detect a rotation angle, a rotation speed, and the like depending on whether or not the vehicle passes is used. Of course, this rotation origin sensor 28
Is not limited as long as the rotation origin of the ferrule 1 can be detected.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the Z-axis slider 23 fixedly supports the housing of the rotating stepping motor 22a and moves the holding jig 21 at a desired speed in the vertical direction. It is configured to be able to stop. In addition, the vertical movement patterns (descent,
Computer 36 to be described later.
(See FIG. 12) allows a constant movement pattern to be repeated at all times.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the X-axis moving cylinder 24 includes a slide plate 24a for fixing and supporting the Z-axis slider 23, a guide portion 24c for guiding the slide plate 24a, and a slide. The slide bar 24b is supported on one end side of the plate 24a by a support piece and guided inside the guide portion 24c. Here, the description will be made using the X-axis moving cylinder 24,
A linear guide or a feed screw mechanism may be used.
The configuration is not particularly limited as long as the holding jig 21 can be accurately moved in the linear direction.

The laser outer diameter measuring device 11 is supported on a support 11A which stands upright from the base 20 at a fixed height.
When the holding jig 21 is moved while holding the ferrule 1 by the X-axis moving cylinder 24, the support 11A collides with the ferrule 1 or the holding jig 21 at the position of the horizontal portion of the support 11A. It has an opening so that it does not. The measurement position of the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 is formed so as to be continuous with the opening.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a rotary actuator 29 for sorting non-defective / defective products of the ferrule 1 and a non-defective product collection box 30 and a defective product collection box 31 are disposed below the laser outer diameter measuring device 11. Has been established. A signal determined from a signal regarding the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1 from the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 is sent to a computer 36 (see FIG. 12) described later to the rotary actuator 29. Therefore, the rotary actuator 29 uses the signal to turn the reversing plate 30A.
By changing the inclination angle of the ferrule 1 to the left and right, the non-defective product and the defective product of the ferrule 1 can be sorted into the non-defective product collection box 30 or the defective product collection box 31. In addition,
The signal from the computer 36 (see FIG. 12) is a predetermined threshold (for example, ± 0.1 with respect to the average outer diameter).
To 0.5%, ± 0.5 to 1%, 1 to 5%).
9 is determined.

As shown in FIG. 12, among these components, the Z-axis slider 23 and the X-axis movement cylinder 24
Are connected to a pulse motor controller 34 via an XZ axis motor driver 32, respectively. The rotation stepping motor 22a and the index unit 26 are connected to the pulse motor controller via the rotation motor drivers 33, 33a. 34. The pulse motor controller 34 is connected to a computer 36. On the other hand, the laser outer diameter measuring device 11
Is connected to the computer 3 via the measuring instrument controller 35.
6 is connected. In order for the computer 36 to operate the ferrule outer diameter measuring device B of the present invention, it is necessary to install the program 37 in the computer 36 in advance.

Since the ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus B is configured as described above, when measuring the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1, first, the ferrule 1 is moved to the rotary table 25.
And held vertically. Next, the rotary table 25 is rotated so that the desired ferrule 1 arrives immediately below the holding jig 21 (holding position). Then, the transport mechanism B1 lowers the holding jig 21, holds the insertion portion 8 of the ferrule 1 supported by the support hole 38 with the holding jig 21, and then moves the Z-axis slider 23 to a predetermined height and position.
Then, the X-axis moving cylinder 24 is driven to move the ferrule 1 and convey the ferrule 1 to the measurement position.

Further, the ferrule outer diameter measuring device B measures the outer diameter of the ferrule 1 with the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 while moving the ferrule 1 moved to the measuring position in the vertical direction at that position. The boundary between the holding section 7 and the cylindrical section 6 is detected (recognized) and set as the measurement origin. Thereafter, the ferrule outer diameter measuring device B drives the Z-axis slider 23 to move to the height of a predetermined measurement point, drives the rotation stepping motor 22, and turns the ferrule 1 at a predetermined angular pitch ( While rotating, the outer diameter value of the ferrule 1 is measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device 11.

The measured outer diameter value data is taken into the computer 36, and the average of the outer diameter values at predetermined measurement points and the roundness are calculated. By repeating the above procedure,
As in the first embodiment, the outer diameter value and the roundness of the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1 can be continuously measured as a function of the distance from the holding portion 7.

As described above, in the ferrule outer diameter measuring device B of the present embodiment, the outer diameter value is measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 while the ferrule 1 is continuously rotated at a predetermined angular pitch. Is short, and the number of measurement points is increased, so that the measurement accuracy can be improved.

Further, if the average of the outer diameter values and the value of the roundness calculated by using the computer 36 are written in a program 37 in advance so as to make a pass / fail judgment, the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 After the measurement by
The ferrule 1 moves downward while being held by the holding jig 21, reaches the vicinity of the rotary actuator 29, and is released from the holding jig 21. It is stored in the non-defective product collection box 31.

When this series of measurement operations is completed, the index unit 26 is driven to rotate the rotary table 25, and the ferrule 1 to be measured next is set immediately below the holding jig 21. Thereafter, by repeating the above-described measuring operation again, the outer diameter value of the cylindrical portion 6 in the multiple ferrules 1 can be continuously measured with high accuracy.

It is also possible to change the contents to be written in the program 37 so that a good or defective product is returned to the original holding position on the rotary table after the measurement is completed.
In this case, when the measurement is completed, the ferrule 1 gripped by the holding jig 21 descends after the horizontal movement, reaches the vicinity of the rotary table 25, and is released from the holding jig 21 at this point and returns to the original position. Return to the holding position. When this series of measuring operations is completed, the turntable 25 is rotated, the ferrule 1 to be measured next is set immediately below the holding jig 21, and the above-described measuring operation is repeated again. In this way, it is possible to continuously and accurately measure the outer diameter value of the cylindrical portion 6 in the multiple ferrules 1.

In FIGS. 9 to 11, the ferrule outer diameter measuring device B has a configuration in which the transport mechanism B1, the rotary table 25, and the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 are respectively arranged one by one. A configuration in which the number of the transport mechanism B1 and the number of the laser outer diameter measuring devices 11 are two or three may be employed. Further, a plurality of transport mechanisms B1 and the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 may be arranged around the rotary table 25.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 is a front view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device, FIG. 15 is a plan view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a side view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device of FIG. Note that members having the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, a ferrule outer diameter measuring device C is provided at an appropriate position on a base 20 with a laser outer diameter measuring device 11 for measuring the outer diameter of the ferrule 1.
The apparatus includes a transport mechanism C1 for transporting the ferrule 1 to the measurement position, a pallet 39 as a support table, and a pallet drive unit 40 as positioning and moving means.

The transport mechanism C1 is provided on a plate 20b which is opened at the center of the base 20 and frames 20a, 20a are installed on both sides, and is extended over the frames 20a, 20a. The transport mechanism C1 includes the holding jig 21, the rotation mechanism 22, the vertical movement mechanism 23, the X-axis movement cylinder 24, the sensor 27, and the rotation origin sensor 28, which have already been described. Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted here. The laser outer diameter measuring device 11 has the same configuration as that described above except that it is supported by a plate 20c provided on a frame 20a.
Then, the rotary actuator 29, the good product collection box 30, the defective product collection box 31, and the reversing plate 30
The configuration of A is the same as that already described.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the pallet 39 is supported by a pallet drive unit 40 and is detachably supported so as to be movable in one of the horizontal directions of X and Y directions. The pallet 39 is formed such that the support holes 38 are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns at regular intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the ferrule 1 supported by the support hole 38 has the holding portion 7 in contact with the pallet 39,
It is held perpendicular to the table surface.

The pallet drive unit 40 is provided with the pallet 39 detachably supported on the base 40a.
Unit 40 as an X-direction moving unit for moving in the X-direction
b, and a slide section 40c as a Y-direction moving section for mounting the slide section 40b and moving the slide section 40b in the Y direction. The configuration of the pallet drive unit 40 is not particularly limited as long as it can precisely move the pallet 39 in the X and Y directions. Also, here, the configuration in which the pallet 39 is moved in the X and Y directions has been described. However, a configuration in which the holding jig 21 can be moved in the X and Y directions and aligned with the ferrule 1 at a predetermined position, A configuration in which both the holder 39 and the holding jig 21 can move may be employed.

Further, although not shown, as in FIG. 12, the Z-axis slider 23
And X-axis moving cylinder 24 and pallet 39 in XY
The drive unit 40 for moving in the axial direction is connected to the pulse motor controller via the XZ-axis motor driver and the XY-axis motor driver, respectively, and the rotation stepping motor 22a is connected via the rotation motor driver. Connected to the pulse motor controller. These pulse motor controllers are connected to a computer. On the other hand, the laser outer diameter measuring device 11
It is connected to a computer via a measuring instrument controller.

Since the ferrule outer diameter measuring device C is configured as described above, when measuring the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1, first, the ferrule 1 is moved to the pallet 3
9 and held vertically. Next, the transport mechanism C1 of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device C is
After holding the insertion portion 8 of the ferrule 1 held by the holding jig 21, the Z-axis slider 23 and the X-axis moving cylinder 24 are driven to a predetermined height and position to convey the ferrule 1.

Then, the ferrule outer diameter measuring device C measures the outer diameter of the ferrule 1 with the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 while moving the ferrule 1 in the vertical direction at that position. The boundary of the cylindrical portion 6 is detected and set as the measurement origin. Thereafter, the ferrule outer diameter measuring device C
While driving the shaft slider 23 to move to the height of a predetermined measurement point, and driving the rotation stepping motor 22a to rotate (turn) the ferrule 1 at a predetermined angle pitch,
The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 6 of the ferrule 1 is measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device 11. The measured outer diameter value data is taken into a computer, and the average of the outer diameter values at predetermined measurement points and the roundness are calculated. By repeating the above procedure, the outer diameter value and the roundness of the cylindrical portion 6 in the ferrule 1 can be continuously measured as a function of the distance from the holding portion 7 as in the first embodiment. it can.

As described above, in the ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus C of the present embodiment, the outer diameter value is measured by the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 while the ferrule 1 is continuously rotated at a predetermined angular pitch. Is short, and the number of measurement points is increased, so that the measurement accuracy can be improved.

Further, similarly to the second embodiment, if the average of the outer diameter values and the value of the roundness calculated using a computer are written in advance in a program so as to judge the acceptability. After the measurement by the laser outer diameter measuring device 11 is completed, the ferrule 1 is moved downward while being held by the holding jig 21, and
After reaching the vicinity of 9, it is released from the holding jig 21,
It is stored in the non-defective product collection box 30 or the defective product collection box 31 via the reversing plate 30A.

When this series of measuring operations is completed, the drive unit 40 is operated to move the pallet 39, and the ferrule 1 to be measured next is set immediately below the holding jig 21. Thereafter, by repeating the above measuring operation again,
It is possible to continuously and accurately measure the outer diameter value of the cylindrical portion 6 in the multiple ferrules 1.

It is also possible to change the contents to be written in the program so that a good or defective product is returned to the original holding position on the pallet after the measurement is completed. In this case, when the measurement is completed, the ferrule 1 gripped by the holding jig 21 descends after the horizontal movement, reaches the vicinity of the pallet 39, and is released from the holding jig 21 at this time to return to the original holding state. Return to position. When this series of measurement operations is completed,
The pallet 39 moves and the ferrule 1 to be measured next is
Is set immediately below the holding jig 21 and the above-described measuring operation is repeated again. In this way, it is possible to continuously and accurately measure the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of a large number of ferrules 1.

The ferrule outer diameter measuring device C is a pallet 3
9 and one laser outer diameter measuring device 11 are arranged at regular intervals, but two transport mechanisms C1 are arranged on both sides of the pallet 39. The laser outer diameter measuring device 11 may be arranged on the left and right sides.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following excellent effects can be obtained. (1) The ferrule outer diameter measuring device accurately measures a minute change in the outer diameter of the ferrule cylindrical portion in the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction, and determines the outer diameter value and the roundness of the ferrule cylindrical portion from the holding portion 7. Has the advantage that it can be measured continuously as a function of distance.

(2) The ferrule outer diameter measuring device supports a plurality of ferrules on a support table and sequentially conveys the ferrules by a conveying mechanism to precisely detect minute changes in the outer diameter in the longitudinal direction and circumferential direction of the ferrule cylindrical portion. , And a large number of ferrules can be measured quickly and precisely.

(3) Since the ferrule outer diameter measuring device supports the ferrule on the rotary table and conveys the ferrule to the laser outer diameter measuring device by the linear moving portion, the outer diameter of the ferrule can be measured quickly and accurately. In this state, the installation of the drive mechanism of the rotary table becomes easy, and the drive control of the rotary table can be easily performed.

(4) Since the ferrule outer diameter measuring device has positioning and moving means for aligning and moving the ferrule at a predetermined position and the position of the holding jig, a large number of ferrules can be simultaneously transferred to the support table. Can be supported,
In addition, the measurement can be performed quickly and accurately.

(5) Since the ferrule outer diameter measuring device is configured to move the support table side in the X direction and the Y direction by the positioning moving means, the movement of the holding jig can be patterned in a constant manner, It is possible to quickly and accurately measure a ferrule.

(6) In the ferrule outer diameter measuring method, the cylindrical part of the ferrule is continuously moved by a laser outer diameter measuring device as a function of the distance from the holding unit 7 by moving the ferrule vertically while rotating it. It can be measured precisely.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a fitting state of a ferrule in a split sleeve according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a ferrule according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view in which a part of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device of FIG. 4 is cut away.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a holding jig for holding a ferrule and an intervening component on which the holding jig is loaded in the ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the outer diameter value of the cylindrical portion of the plastic ferrule measured according to the present invention and the height from the holding portion.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the measured roundness of the cylindrical part of the plastic ferrule and the height from the holding part according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a ferrule outer diameter measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a controller and a computer in the ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the ferrule according to the present invention is held vertically.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a ferrule outer diameter measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the ferrule outer diameter measuring device of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1.1A, 1B ... ferrule 2 ... split sleeve 3A, 3B ... optical fiber cord 4 ... optical fiber core wire guide hole 5 ... optical fiber insertion hole 6 ... cylindrical part 7. ..Holding part 8 ... Insertion part 9 ... Ferrule holding jig 10..Base 11.Laser outer diameter measuring device 12..Rotation stage (rotation mechanism) 13.Z-axis stage (vertical movement mechanism) 14, 16, plate 15, 17, frame 18, parts for mounting ferrule holding jig 19, pattern shape 20, base 21, holding jig 22, rotating mechanism 22 a, for rotation Stepping motor 23 ··· Z-axis slider (vertical moving mechanism) 24 ··· X-axis moving cylinder (moving means, linear moving unit) 25 ··· Rotating table (support table) 26 ··· Index unit 27 A sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a ferrule 28 Rotation origin sensor 29 Rotary actuator 30 Good product collection box 31 Defective product collection box 32 Motor driver for XZ axis 33 Motor driver for rotation 34 Pulse motor controller 35 Measuring device controller 36 Computer 37 Program 38 Support hole 39 Pallet (support table) 40 Pallet drive unit (positioning and moving means) 40a Base 40b X Direction moving part 40c Y direction moving part A, B, C ... Ferrule outer diameter measuring device A1 ... Measurement mechanism A2 ... Measurement target B1, C2 ... Transportation mechanism

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Makoto Sumita 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Within Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Shunichi Higashino 2-3-3, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo No. 1 Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation F-term (reference) 2F065 AA26 AA48 BB06 BB08 CC00 DD00 DD03 FF02 GG04 LL00 MM03 MM04 MM14 PP12 PP22 QQ42 TT01 TT02 TT03 UU04 2F069 AA39 AA56 BB40 CC02 CC05 GG16 GG07 GG16 GG07 HH15 HH30 JJ06 JJ13 JJ17 JJ25 MM02 MM24 MM34 NN26 PP02 PP08

Claims (6)

[Claims] A holding jig for holding a ferrule vertically;
A rotation mechanism for rotating the holding jig about the axis of the ferrule, a vertical movement mechanism for vertically moving the rotation mechanism, and a laser for measuring an outer diameter of a cylindrical portion of the ferrule. A ferrule outer diameter measuring device comprising a diameter measuring device. 2. A support table for vertically and individually supporting a plurality of ferrules, a transfer mechanism for holding the ferrule disposed in the vicinity of the support table and transferring the ferrule to a measurement position, and A laser outer diameter measuring device for measuring an outer diameter of a cylindrical portion of the ferrule conveyed from a support table, wherein the transfer mechanism includes a holding jig for holding the ferrule supported by the support table. A vertical movement mechanism for supporting the holding jig movably in the vertical direction, a rotation mechanism for rotating the holding jig about the axis of the ferrule, a rotation mechanism and the vertical movement mechanism Moving means for supporting at least one of the ferrules held by the holding jig to a measurement position of the laser outer diameter measuring device; A ferrule outer diameter measuring device comprising: 3. The support table is a rotary table having a support hole of the ferrule at a predetermined interval on a peripheral side thereof, and the moving means is a linear moving unit that moves linearly in a horizontal direction. The ferrule outer diameter measuring device according to claim 2. 4. The support table has a support hole of the ferrule formed at a predetermined interval over the entire surface of the support table, and the position of the ferrule and the holding jig supported at a predetermined position of the support table. And an X-direction moving unit for moving in the X direction, which is one direction in the horizontal direction, and a Y-direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the X-direction moving unit. 3. A ferrule outer diameter measuring apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a Y-direction moving unit for moving the ferrule outside diameter. 5. The ferrule outer diameter measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the positioning and moving means moves the holding jig to a predetermined position by moving the support table. apparatus. 6. A ferrule outer diameter measuring method for measuring an outer diameter of a ferrule used for connecting an optical fiber, wherein a ferrule is held in a vertical direction by a holding jig.
A second step of vertically moving the ferrule held by the holding jig at the measurement position at the measurement position, and recognizing a holding portion having a different diameter dimension of the ferrule as a measurement start point by a laser outer diameter measuring device, A ferrule outer diameter measuring step which comprises rotating a ferrule held by the holding jig about its axis, moving the ferrule vertically, and measuring a cylindrical portion of the ferrule with a laser outer diameter measuring device. Method.