JP2004125622A - End face inspecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an end face inspecting apparatus for precisely inspecting an end face. <P>SOLUTION: The end face inspecting apparatus has a support 3 for supporting an observation means 2. The support 3 can travel along a guide member 21 that is positioned to an optical connector 18. The support 3 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and upper and lower end sections 3a, 3b are inserted into guide grooves 28a, 28b in a plug-in unit 21. A probe 2 allows the state of the damage of a junction end face and the presence or absence of contamination to be observed, based on reflection light from the junction end face of the ferrule in the optical connector 18 that is a member to be inspected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an end face inspection device for inspecting an end face for connection or positioning in an optical connector, an optical element, an electrical connector, a composite thereof, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In optical connectors, optical elements, electrical connectors, and composites of these, if the connection or positioning end faces (joining end faces, etc.) are damaged, or if dirt or dust is attached, the loss increases, There is a risk of problems such as damage to the device.
For this reason, the end face is inspected for the purpose of confirming whether or not there is damage.
As an end face inspection apparatus, there is an apparatus for observing an end face of an optical fiber or the like using an observation means such as a microscope (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-221105 A
For example, when inspecting a member to be inspected in a hard-to-reach place, such as an optical connector arranged at the back of a housing such as a plug-in unit of a backplane connector, the inspection target is attached to the tip of a rod-shaped probe. An inspection apparatus having an attachment connectable to a member is used.
As the probe, a probe that can observe the state of the end face based on the reflected light from the end face of the optical connector to be inspected is used.
To perform an end face inspection using this inspection apparatus, the probe is grasped by hand, and the end face of the optical connector is observed while the attachment is connected to the optical connector to determine whether there is damage or the like.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described inspection apparatus, since the end surface is inspected while the probe is held, the position of the probe is likely to fluctuate due to camera shake. For this reason, defocus may easily occur, and the accuracy of the inspection may decrease.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an end face inspection apparatus capable of performing an end face inspection with high accuracy.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The end face inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a support for supporting the observation unit, and the support is movable along a guide member positioned with respect to the inspection target member.
In the present invention, the inspection target member may be an optical connector.
In the end face inspection device of the present invention, the guide member may be formed in a case shape, and the inspection target member may be formed on the back side of the guide member.
In the end face inspection device of the present invention, the guide member is a plug-in unit having a guide groove, and the support is formed in a plate shape which is inserted into the guide groove and is movable along the guide groove. can do.
In the end face inspection apparatus of the present invention, a configuration may be employed in which the support is provided with a moving mechanism that moves the observation unit to a position where the target inspection target member can be observed.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an end face inspection apparatus of the present invention. An end face inspection apparatus 1 shown here includes a probe 2 (observation means) for observing a joint end face of an optical connector, And a support 3 for supporting the probe 2.
The probe 2 is capable of observing the state of the joint end face 19a (for example, whether there is damage or dirt on the joint end face 19a) based on the reflected light from the joint end face 19a of the ferrule 19 of the optical connector 18 as the inspection target member. I have.
[0008]
As shown in FIG. 2, the probe 2 includes a probe body 4, an inspection light introducing unit 5 for introducing inspection light, and an imaging camera 6 for receiving light reflected from the joint end face 19a.
The probe main body 4 includes an objective lens 8 in a cylindrical body 7. The objective lens 8 is movable in a direction approaching and separating from the joint end face 19a, so that the focus can be adjusted when observing the joint end face 19a. The objective lens 8 may employ an automatic focusing type moving mechanism or may be configured to be manually movable.
Note that the joint end face 19 a of the ferrule 19 corresponds to the end face of the optical connector 18.
[0009]
The inspection light introducing unit 5 is configured to allow inspection light from a light source (not shown) to be incident on the probe main body 4 through the light guide 9 and to be emitted from the distal end of the probe main body 4 toward the joint end surface 19a. .
As the imaging camera 6, a CCD camera is preferable.
The probe (observing means) is not limited to the illustrated example, and an optical microscope or a fiberscope can be used.
[0010]
The probe 2 is fixed to the support 3 via a fixing member 10.
The support 3 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and moves along the guide grooves 28a, 28b by inserting upper and lower edges 3a, 3b into guide grooves 28a, 28b of the plug-in unit 21 described later. You can do it.
[0011]
Next, an optical connector to be inspected by the inspection apparatus 1 will be described in detail.
The optical connector 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is a backplane connector.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the optical connector 20, a print board 24 (print circuit board) is moved from an opening 22 of a case-like plug-in unit 21 (guide member) toward a back plane 23 located on the back side. It can be inserted.
By inserting the print board 24 into the plug-in unit 21, the print board housing 25 (PH housing) attached to the print board 24 fits into the back plane housing 26 (BH housing) attached to the back plane 23. In this case, the optical connector plug 27 connected to the PH housing 25 and the optical connector 18 (optical connector plug) connected to the BH housing 26 are connected.
Since the optical connector 18 is connected to the BH housing 26 attached to the back plane 23 of the plug-in unit 21, the optical connector 18 is positioned with respect to the plug-in unit 21.
[0012]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 23a denotes a window opened in the backplane 23, and reference numeral 29 denotes a clip for attaching the BH housing 26 to the backplane 23.
The BH housing 26 is attached to the back plane 23 with a clip 29 while allowing a slight swing.
The BH housing 26 is attached to the inner surface of the back plane 23 facing the internal space S of the plug-in unit 21 corresponding to the window 23a of the back plane 23.
A plurality (four in this example) of optical connectors 18 are detachably attached to the BH housing 26 via a window 23a.
A plurality of windows 23a are formed in the back plane 23 side by side, so that the BH housing 26 can be attached to each of the windows 23a in the back plane 23.
[0013]
The print board 24 is inserted into guide grooves 28a and 28b formed on the inner surface side facing the internal space S side of the upper wall portion 21a and the lower wall portion 21b of the plug-in unit 21 so that these guide grooves 28a , 28b.
As shown in FIG. 1, the guide grooves 28 a and 28 b extend straight between the vicinity of the back plane 23 and the opening 22 of the plug-in unit 21 so as to open to the opening 22. A plurality of plug-in units 21 are formed side by side on the upper wall portion 21a and the lower wall portion 21b, corresponding to the BH housings 26 arranged side by side on the plane 23.
[0014]
Under such a configuration, the PH housing 25 is inserted into the pair of upper and lower guide grooves 28a and 28b corresponding to the BH housing 26 to be connected to the PH housing 25, whereby the PH housing 25 is connected to the BH housing 26 to be connected. , And can advance and retreat with respect to the BH housing 26.
As shown in FIG. 3, the print board 24 inserted into the plug-in unit 21 from the opening 22 is pushed toward the back plane 23 along the guide grooves 28a and 28b, thereby connecting the PH housing 25 to the BH housing. 26 can be fitted.
Further, by pulling out the print board 24 toward the opening 22 of the plug-in unit 21, the PH housing 25 is separated from the BH housing 26, and the connection between the optical connectors 18 and 27 can be released.
[0015]
The plug-in unit 21 functions as a guide member for guiding the support 3 of the inspection device 1.
[0016]
Next, a method of inspecting the optical connector 18 using the inspection device 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection device 1 is inserted from the opening 22 of the plug-in unit 21 into the internal space S (the area between the upper wall 21a and the lower wall 21b).
At this time, the support 3 is inserted into the guide groove 28a on the upper wall 21a and the lower edge 3b of the support 3 is inserted into the guide groove 28b on the lower wall 21b. The body 3 is moved along the guide grooves 28a, 28b.
Thus, the support 3 is positioned at a position where the probe 2 can observe the end face 19a.
Since the probe 2 is fixed to the support 3, the probe 2 maintains the posture in which the tip faces the BH housing 26.
[0017]
In this state, inspection light from a light source (not shown) is made to enter the probe main body 4 from the inspection light introduction unit 5 through the light guide 9 and emitted from the tip of the probe main body 4 toward the joint end face 19a.
The emitted light is applied to the joint end face 19a of the ferrule 19 to be inspected.
The light reflected by the joint end face 19a enters the probe main body 4, is converged by the objective lens 8, and is imaged by the imaging camera 6.
Based on the obtained image of the joint end face 19a, it is possible to determine whether there is damage or dirt on the joint end face 19a.
[0018]
The inspection device 1 has a probe 2 and a support 3 that supports the probe 2. Since the support 3 is movable along the guide grooves 28 a and 28 b of the plug-in unit 21, When observing the joint end face 19a with the support 2, the support 3 can be positioned with respect to the plug-in unit 21, and the attitude of the probe 2 can be kept constant.
For this reason, defocus caused by the displacement of the probe 2 can be prevented, and a clear observation image can be obtained. Therefore, the accuracy of the inspection can be improved.
[0019]
Although the inspection apparatus 1 irradiates the inspection light from the probe main body 4 to the optical connector 18, the inspection light may be directly emitted from the outside of the probe 2 to the optical connector 18 in the present invention.
[0020]
Next, a second embodiment of the end face inspection apparatus of the present invention will be described.
4A and 4B show the end face inspection apparatus of the present embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A is a plan view, FIG. 4B is a front view, and FIG. 4C is a side view.
The end face inspection device 31 shown here differs from the inspection device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that a moving mechanism 30 for moving the probe 2 to a position where the target optical connector can be observed is provided on the support 3. .
The moving mechanism 30 includes an elevating mechanism 32 for moving the probe 2 up and down, and a horizontal moving mechanism 33 for moving the probe 2 in a substantially horizontal direction.
[0021]
The lifting mechanism 32 includes a lifting guide rail 34 provided on the support 3 and a lifting guide 35 that moves along the lifting rail 34.
The elevating guide rail 34 is formed along the vertical direction (the arrangement direction of the optical connectors 18 in the BH housing 26).
The elevating mechanism 32 may be configured so that the elevating guide body 35 can be manually moved, or the elevating guide body 35 can be moved using a driving device such as a small motor (not shown). May be configured.
[0022]
The horizontal moving mechanism 33 includes a rod-shaped horizontal guide body 36 extending in the horizontal direction (the direction in which the BH housings 26 are arranged), and a horizontal moving body 37 that moves along the horizontal guide body 36.
The horizontal guide body 36 is attached to the elevating guide body 35.
The probe 2 is fixed to the horizontal moving body 37.
The horizontal moving mechanism 33 may be configured so that the horizontal moving body 37 can be moved manually, or the horizontal moving body 37 can be moved using a driving device such as a small motor (not shown). It may be configured as follows.
[0023]
Next, a method of using the end face inspection device 31 will be described.
The inspection device 31 is inserted into the internal space S of the plug-in unit 21 and irradiated with inspection light toward the joint end surface 19a of the predetermined optical connector 18. Based on the obtained image of the joint end surface 19a, the joint end surface is determined. The presence or absence of damage or dirt in 19a is determined.
[0024]
Next, as shown below, the probe 2 is moved to a position where the optical connector 18 other than the inspected optical connector 18 can be observed using the moving mechanism 30.
When inspecting another optical connector 18 (for example, an optical connector 18 adjacent above or below the inspected optical connector 18) among the optical connectors 18 attached to one BH housing 26, the following operation is performed. Do.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the probe 2 is moved up or down along the elevating guide rail 34 so as to move the probe 2 to a height corresponding to the target optical connector 18. Place in position.
In this state, the joint end face 19a of the optical connector 18 is irradiated with inspection light to observe the joint end face 19a.
By repeating this operation while adjusting the height position of the probe 2 with respect to the plurality of optical connectors 18 attached to the BH housing 26, it is possible to sequentially inspect the joint end faces 19a of these optical connectors 18. .
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the optical connector 18 of another BH housing 26 (for example, the BH housing 26B adjacent to the inspected BH housing 26A) among the BH housings 26 provided in the optical connector 20 is inspected. In such a case, perform the following operation.
By moving the horizontal moving body 37 of the horizontal moving mechanism 33 in the horizontal direction along the horizontal guide body 36 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. The optical connector 18 is disposed at a position corresponding to the BH housing 26B having the optical connector 18.
In this state, the joint end face 19a of the optical connector 18 is irradiated with inspection light to observe the joint end face 19a.
Thus, the end face inspection of the optical connector 18 can be performed on the plurality of BH housings 26.
[0026]
When the optical connector 18 is a multi-core connector, the position of the probe 2 is adjusted using the moving mechanism 30 so that the plurality of optical fibers exposed on the joint end face 19 a of the ferrule 19 in the optical connector 18 are removed. , The end face inspection can be performed sequentially.
[0027]
In the end face inspection device 31 of the present embodiment, since the moving mechanism 30 is provided, it is possible to inspect the plurality of optical connectors 18 without moving the support 3.
Therefore, the inspection work can be performed efficiently.
[0028]
Next, a third embodiment of the end face inspection apparatus of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5 shows an end face inspection apparatus of the present embodiment. The end face inspection apparatus 41 shown here includes a probe 2 and a support 43 supporting the probe 2.
The supports 43 are provided on the side surface of the probe 2 at a plurality of different positions in the front-rear direction. In this example, the support members 43 are provided at two different positions of the probe 2 in the longitudinal direction.
[0029]
The support 43 includes a cylindrical support body 44 attached to a side portion of the probe 2 so as to extend vertically, an upper guide piece 45 inserted into an upper portion 44 a of the support body 44 so as to be able to move up and down. A lower guide piece 46 inserted into the lower portion 44b of the support body 44 so as to be able to move up and down, a spring receiving portion 47 (elastic member receiving portion) provided in the support body 44, and an upper guide piece 45 are attached upward. An upper spring 48 (upper elastic member) for urging and a lower spring 49 (lower elastic member) for urging the lower guide piece 46 downward are provided.
[0030]
The upper end of the upper guide piece 45 is shaped to be inserted into a guide groove 28a formed in the upper wall 21a of the plug-in unit 21 and move along the guide groove 28a. The lower end of the lower guide piece 46 is shaped to be inserted into a guide groove 28b formed in the lower wall 21b and move along the guide groove 28b.
The distance between the upper end of the upper guide piece 45 and the lower end of the lower guide piece 46 when not inserted into the plug-in unit 21 is determined by the distance between the bottom surface (upper surface) of the guide groove 28a and the bottom surface of the guide groove 28b of the plug-in unit 21. It is preferable to set the distance slightly larger than the distance.
[0031]
Next, a method of using the end face inspection device 41 will be described.
The inspection device 41 is inserted into the plug-in unit 21 with the upper guide piece 45 inserted into the guide groove 28a and the lower guide piece 46 inserted into the guide groove 28b.
At this time, the upper guide piece 45 and the lower guide piece 46 are pressed against the upper wall portion 21a and the lower wall portion 21b by the urging forces of the springs 48 and 49 compressed by the upper guide piece 45 and the lower guide piece 46, respectively. .
As a result, the support 43 is positioned, and the probe 2 maintains a posture in which the end face 19a can be observed.
In this state, the inspection light is irradiated toward the joint end face 19a of the predetermined optical connector 18, and the presence or absence of damage or dirt on the joint end face 19a is determined based on the obtained image of the joint end face 19a.
[0032]
In the inspection device 41, the support 43 includes a support body 44, guide pieces 45 and 46 that can be moved up and down with respect to the support body 44, and springs 48 that urge the guide pieces 45 and 46 upward and downward, respectively. , 49.
For this reason, regardless of the distance between the upper and lower guide grooves of the plug-in unit, the guide pieces 45 and 46 reliably reach the upper and lower wall portions 21a and 21b, and stabilize the posture of the support 43 with respect to the plug-in unit 21. Can be.
Therefore, the posture of the probe 2 with respect to the optical connector 18 can be stabilized, and highly accurate end face inspection can be performed.
[0033]
FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the end face inspection apparatus according to the present invention. The end face inspection apparatus 51 shown here comprises a probe 2, a support 3 for supporting the probe 2, and a support 3 for the probe 2. And a fixing tool 52 for detachably fixing the fixing tool 52.
The fixture 52 includes an L-shaped base-side holder 53 attached to the probe 2 and an L-shaped distal-side holder 54 attached to the probe distal side of the holder 53. I have.
These holders 53 and 54 can hold the front edge 3c and the rear edge 3d of the support 3, respectively.
The distal holder 54 is movable in the distal direction and the proximal direction of the probe 2.
[0034]
In the inspection device 51, the front edge 3c and the rear edge 3d of the support 3 are held by the holders 53 and 54, and thereby the probe 2 is fixed to the support 3.
At this time, by adjusting the position of the distal end side holding member 54, the holding members 53 and 54 surely hold the front edge portion 3c and the rear edge portion 3d.
In this state, the joint end face 19a is inspected.
[0035]
In the inspection device 51, since the distal-side holder 54 can be moved in the distal direction and the proximal direction of the probe 2, the size of the support 3 (between the front edge 3c and the rear edge 3d). Irrespective of the distance), the probe 2 can be reliably fixed to the support 3.
Therefore, an existing printed board component or the like can be used as the support 3 as it is, which is advantageous in terms of cost.
In addition, the height position of the probe 2 can be easily adjusted by appropriately adjusting the position where the fixture 52 holds the support 3.
Therefore, the inspection of the plurality of optical connectors 18 having different height positions can be efficiently performed.
[0036]
In the present invention, an attachment that can be connected to the optical connector to be inspected (for example, the BH housing 26) may be provided at the tip of the probe (observing means).
[0037]
Examples of the optical connector to be inspected in the present invention include an optical connector plug such as an SC type optical connector (Single fiber Coupling optical fiber connector) specified in JIS C 5973 or the like.
The optical connector is not limited to a single core, but may be a multicore. Examples of the multi-core optical connector include an MPO type optical connector (Multifiber Push On) defined in JIS C5982.
Further, in the above embodiment, the optical connector 20 which is a backplane connector is illustrated as an inspection target. However, the inspection target of the end face inspection apparatus of the present invention is an optical connector connected to an optical connector adapter attached to a panel or the like. A plug end face (specifically, a ferrule end face) may be used, and various configurations are possible.
For example, an optical connector plug connected to an SC type optical connector, an optical connector plug connected to an MPO type optical connector adapter, or the like may be used.
[0038]
In the present invention, the inspection object is not limited to the optical connector, and may be an optical element, an electrical connector, or the like, as long as it is a member that requires no damage, cleanliness, and the like. Further, it may be a composite of two or more of the optical connector, the optical element, and the electrical connector.
The end face inspection apparatus according to the present invention is a member to be inspected in a hard-to-reach place, such as an optical connector formed on the back side of a case-shaped housing (guide member) such as a plug-in unit of a backplane connector. Can be suitably applied.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
The end face inspection apparatus of the present invention includes a support for supporting the observation means, and the support can be moved along the guide member positioned with respect to the inspection target member. , The posture of the observation means can be kept constant.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent a defocus due to the displacement of the observation unit, and to obtain a clear observation image.
Therefore, the accuracy of the inspection can be improved.
[0040]
Further, by providing the support with a moving mechanism for moving the observation unit to a position where the target inspection target member can be observed, it is possible to inspect a plurality of inspection target members without moving the support. .
Therefore, the inspection work can be performed efficiently.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an end face inspection apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the end face inspection apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side view showing a structure of an optical connector to which the end face inspection device shown in FIG. 1 can be applied.
4A and 4B show a second embodiment of the end face inspection apparatus of the present invention, wherein FIG. 4A is a plan view, FIG. 4B is a front view, and FIG. 4C is a side view.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing a third embodiment of the end face inspection apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a fourth embodiment of the end face inspection apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 31, 41, 51 ... end surface inspection device, 2 ... probe (observation means), 3, 43 ... support, 18 ... optical connector, 19 ... ferrule, 19a ... Joining end face, 20 optical connector, 21 plug-in unit (guide member), 28a, 28b guide groove, 30 moving mechanism

Claims (5)

An end face inspection apparatus for observing and inspecting an end face of a member to be inspected by an observation means,
An end face inspection apparatus comprising a support for supporting the observation means, wherein the support is movable along a guide member positioned with respect to the inspection target member. 2. The end face inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection target member is an optical connector. The end face inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the guide member is formed in a case shape, and the inspection target member is formed on a back side of the guide member. The guide member is a plug-in unit having a guide groove,
The end face inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support is formed in a plate shape that is inserted into the guide groove and is movable along the guide groove. The end face inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a moving mechanism that moves the observation unit to a position where the target inspection target member can be observed is provided on the support.

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