JPH07301718A - Production of optical fiber array and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently obtain an optical fiber array without impairing quality. CONSTITUTION:The optical fiber array is obtd. by arranging plural pieces of core layers 10a in a straight form, clamping and integrating these core layers by a fiber array holding member 10b and cutting the prescribed position of the fiber array holding member 10b in this state at a prescribed set angle with the optical axis without specifically cutting only the excess part of the core layers 10a projecting form the fiber array holding member 10b.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber array manufacturing method and an apparatus therefor, and more specifically, a plurality of optical fibers are linearly formed so as to be suitable for applications such as optical communication and optical information processing. A method and apparatus for making an array of optical fiber arrays.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, it has been proposed and put to practical use that an optical fiber array is arranged so that a plurality of optical fibers can be linearly arranged so that they can be connected simultaneously with a plurality of optical elements. Then, in manufacturing the optical fiber array, the core layer is exposed to the outside at the ends of the optical fibers of the tape core wire, and the exposed core layers are made of glass or the like. It is sandwiched by a pair of fiber array holding members, an adhesive or the like is allowed to enter the gap between both fiber array holding members to be solidified, and then, a surplus portion of the core layer protruding from the fiber array holding member is cut off, Then, a method of polishing the end surface to be the light incident / exit surface is generally adopted.

If this method is adopted, a highly accurate optical fiber array can be obtained, provided that the above steps are performed without any inconvenience.

[0004]

However, among the above steps, with respect to the step of cutting off the excess portion, a method of scratching the core layer with a tool and manually folding it is generally adopted. It may damage the core layer.
Further, regarding the polishing process, the contact state of the end face of the fiber array holding member with the polishing member may fluctuate due to vibration or the like during the polishing work, and the angle of the end face with respect to the optical axis may deviate from the desired set angle. There is a nature. As a result, the yield of the optical fiber array is reduced. Further, once the specifications of the fiber array holding member (for example, the specifications that define whether the angle formed by the end face of the fiber array with respect to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis is 0 ° or 8 °) are set once, The above specifications cannot be changed unless the holding member itself is changed. Therefore, versatility in manufacturing the optical fiber array is reduced.

In addition, since an operator's manual work is required in the step of cutting off the surplus portion, the step of setting the pair of fiber array holding members into one piece and then setting them on the polishing jig, the optical fiber array manufacturing step is required. It is difficult to make the work flow process, and as a result, the production efficiency of the optical fiber array cannot be sufficiently increased.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its first object is to greatly reduce the possibility of damaging the core layer, and to improve the accuracy of the angle of the end face with respect to the optical axis. The second purpose is to make it possible to change the specifications without changing the fiber array holding member.
The purpose is.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber array manufacturing method, wherein a plurality of optical fiber core layers are linearly arranged and sandwiched between a pair of fiber array holding members.
In producing the integrated optical fiber array,
Without cutting the core layer protruding from the fiber array holding member, the predetermined position of the fiber array holding member,
This is a method of cutting at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis.

The optical fiber array manufacturing method of claim 2 is
This is a method in which the fiber array holding member is cut in a plurality of steps, and the width of the cut portion is gradually narrowed for each cutting. The method for producing an optical fiber array according to claim 3 is for producing an optical fiber array in which a plurality of core layers of optical fibers are sandwiched and integrated by a pair of fiber array holding members in a state of being linearly arranged, A holding member having a length that is at least twice the length of the fiber array holding member that is finally required is used to sandwich and integrate a plurality of core layers in a linear array, and the central portion of the holding member is integrated. Is cut at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis to obtain a plurality of optical fiber arrays.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber array manufacturing method.
As the holding member, an integral multiple of the width of the finally required fiber array holding member is adopted, and the core layer group divided into a plurality of pieces is sandwiched and integrated by the holding member in a state of being aligned at a predetermined interval. A method of obtaining a plurality of optical fiber arrays by cutting a holding member at an intermediate position between core layer groups and a central portion in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of core layer groups.

The optical fiber array manufacturing method according to claim 5 is
This is a method in which the holding member is cut in a plurality of stages, and the width of the cut portion is gradually narrowed for each cutting. The optical fiber array manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6 comprises a positioning means for positioning a holding member which is sandwiched and integrated in a state where a required number of core layers are linearly arranged in at least one optical fiber array, and a positioning means. Cutting means for cutting a predetermined position of the positioned holding member, image detection processing means for obtaining the cut state of the holding member, and the number of optical fiber arrays to be produced by at least a series of cutting processing,
Cutting processing procedure storing means for storing cutting processing procedures corresponding to specifications, data input means for inputting data for defining an optical fiber array to be manufactured, and data input by the data input means Input by a cutting processing procedure selecting means for selecting one of the cutting processing procedures stored in the cutting processing procedure storing means based on a part of the above, a cutting processing procedure selected by the cutting processing procedure selecting means, and a data inputting means. A cutting command generation unit that generates a cutting command based on the cut data and the cutting state of the holding member obtained by the image detection processing unit, and a cutting operation command based on the cutting command generated by the cutting command generation unit However, it has a cutting operation control means for controlling at least one of the positioning means and the cutting means.

[0011]

According to the optical fiber array manufacturing method of claim 1, an optical fiber array is manufactured in which a plurality of core layers of optical fibers are linearly arranged and sandwiched and integrated by a pair of fiber array holding members. In doing so, the predetermined position of the fiber array holding member is cut at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis without cutting the core layer protruding from the fiber array holding member. The step of cutting off only the part becomes unnecessary, and it is possible to prevent damage to the core layer due to the cutting of the excess portion. Further, since the optical fiber array is obtained by cutting the predetermined position of the fiber array holding member,
When a specification change is instructed, the specification change can be easily dealt with by simply changing the cutting direction. Furthermore, by applying a cutting method capable of achieving mirror polishing at the same time, it becomes unnecessary to specially polish the end face of the fiber array holding member, and the deviation from the set angle of the end face due to the special polishing work is obviated. Can be prevented.

According to the optical fiber array manufacturing method of the second aspect, the fiber array holding member is cut in a plurality of steps, and the width of the cut portion is gradually narrowed for each cutting. It is possible to achieve mirror finishing of the end face at the same time without adopting a different cutting method. According to the optical fiber array manufacturing method of claim 3, in manufacturing the optical fiber array, the core layers of the optical fibers are sandwiched and integrated by a pair of fiber array holding members in a state where they are linearly arranged. Then, a holding member having a length that is twice or more the length of the fiber array holding member that is finally required is employed to sandwich the plurality of core layers in a linear array,
Since a plurality of optical fiber arrays are obtained by integrally forming and cutting the central portion of the holding member at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis, it is possible to eliminate a core layer that is cut off and wasted. By performing the cutting once, a plurality of optical fiber arrays can be obtained at the same time, and the optical fiber array production efficiency can be improved. Then, by changing the cutting position, it is possible to easily cope with the change in the length of the core layer held by the fiber array holding member. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve the same effect as that of claim 1.

According to the optical fiber array manufacturing method of the fourth aspect, as the holding member, a member having an integral multiple of the width of the finally required fiber array holding member is adopted, and the core layer is divided into a plurality of core layers. The groups are sandwiched and integrated by holding members in a state in which they are aligned at a predetermined interval, and the holding members are cut at an intermediate position between the core layer groups and a central portion in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the core layer groups to form a plurality of light beams. Since the fiber array is obtained, the same operation as in claim 3 can be achieved, and the number of optical fiber arrays that can be obtained at the same time can be increased.

According to the optical fiber array manufacturing method of the fifth aspect, the holding member is cut in a plurality of steps, and the width of the cut portion is gradually narrowed for each cutting. The mirroring of the end faces can be achieved at the same time without adopting a method. According to the optical fiber array manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, a holding member formed by sandwiching and integrating a required number of core layers in a linear array in at least one optical fiber array is positioned by the positioning means and positioned. When the cutting means cuts the predetermined position of the holding member positioned by the means, the cut state of the holding member is obtained by the image detection processing means. Further, since the cutting processing procedure is stored in the cutting processing procedure storing means in correspondence with the number and specifications of the optical fiber arrays to be manufactured by at least a series of cutting processing, it is necessary to define the optical fiber array to be manufactured. When data is input by the data input means, the cutting processing procedure selecting means selects one of the cutting processing procedures stored in the cutting processing procedure storage means based on a part of the input data. And
The cutting processing procedure selected by the cutting processing procedure selecting means,
A cutting command is generated by the cutting command generation unit based on the data input by the data input unit and the cutting state of the holding member obtained by the image detection processing unit, and based on the cutting command generated by the cutting command generation unit. The cutting operation command is generated by the cutting operation control means, and the positioning means,
At least one of the cutting means is controlled to cut the holding member.

Therefore, the desired optical fiber array can be automatically produced by designating the number of optical fiber arrays, specifications, etc., by the data input by the data input means. Of course, the step of cutting off only the surplus portion of the core layer becomes unnecessary, and it is possible to prevent damage to the core layer due to the cutting of the surplus portion.
Further, since the optical fiber array is obtained by cutting the predetermined position of the fiber array holding member, it is possible to easily cope with the specification change by changing the cutting direction when the specification change is instructed. You can Furthermore, by applying a cutting method capable of achieving mirror polishing at the same time, it becomes unnecessary to specially polish the end face of the fiber array holding member, and the deviation from the set angle of the end face due to the special polishing work is obviated. Can be prevented.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an optical fiber array manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. Data necessary for manufacturing an optical fiber array (for example, the number of optical fiber arrays obtained at the same time, a set angle of a cutting plane with respect to an optical axis) Or, the data input unit 1 for inputting the set angle of the cut surface with respect to the plane orthogonal to the optical axis, the size of the obtained optical fiber array, etc., and the number of the optical fiber arrays obtained at the same time A basic pattern memory 2 in which a basic pattern of a cutting operation procedure is stored in advance, and a reading section 3 for reading out a corresponding basic pattern from the basic pattern memory based on a part (eg, number, set angle) of the input data. , A numerical operation unit 4 that performs necessary numerical operations to generate a cutting command, and a switching unit that generates a cutting operation command by inputting the cutting command. Operation control unit 5
A positioning part 6 made of a clamper or the like for positioning the fiber array to be cut, a cutting part 7 made of a ceramic cutter or a diamond cutter for cutting the fiber array, and a cutting speed for the cutting part 7. , A mechanical cutting condition setting unit 8 which gives a mechanical cutting condition such as a supply amount of a grinding fluid, and an image including the fiber array positioned by the positioning unit 6 are detected, and binarization processing, edge extraction processing and the like are performed. And an image detection processing unit 9 for detecting a disconnection state.

The numerical operation section 4 performs a necessary operation based on the rest of the input data (for example, the size of the optical fiber array) and the basic pattern read from the basic pattern memory 2 by the reading section 3 to issue a disconnection command. After the start of cutting, a feedback operation based on the cutting state detected by the image detection processing unit 9 is also performed to generate a cutting command in order to compensate for the deviation of the cutting state.

The cutting operation control section 5 controls the operation of the cutting section 7 by performing coordinate conversion processing and the like based on the cutting command generated by the numerical operation section 4 to generate an actual operation command for the cutting section 7. To do. Further, since the cutting section 7 is provided with the mechanical cutting conditions such as the cutting speed and the supply amount of the cutting fluid by the mechanical cutting condition setting section 8, under the mechanical cutting conditions, the operation command The fiber array is cut based on the above. However, instead of controlling only the cutting unit 7, the positioning unit 8 may also be controlled to change the relative position with respect to the cutting unit 7. The image detection processing unit 9
Is for detecting the cut state (for example, the shape of the groove generated by the cutting, the position in the fiber array, the presence or absence of bending, etc.) by performing binarization processing, edge extraction processing, and the like. Based on the result, if applicable, data that directly or indirectly indicates that the cutting command should be changed is generated and fed back to the numerical operation unit 4. Of course, data indicating that position correction should be performed based on the position of the fiber array before the start of the cutting operation may be generated and supplied to the numerical calculation unit 4.

Next, the operation of the optical fiber array manufacturing apparatus will be described with reference to specific examples. FIG. 2 shows a case where one optical fiber array is obtained by performing a series of cutting processes. As shown by A in FIG. 2, one of the tape core wires 10 formed by integrating a plurality of optical fibers. Of the core layer 10a is exposed to the outside, and in this state, a part of the region where the core layer is exposed to the outside and a part of the region where a plurality of optical fibers are integrated are Sandwiched by a pair of fiber array holding members 10b,
The fiber array integrated with an adhesive or the like is positioned by the positioning section 6 in advance. Then, the data input section 1 inputs data indicating that the number of optical fiber arrays obtained at the same time is 1, data indicating the size of the optical fiber array, and data indicating the set angle of the cut surface.

In this state, the reading section 3
A basic pattern for obtaining the corresponding optical fiber array is read from the basic data memory 2, and the numerical operation unit 4 performs a numerical operation based on the input size data and basic pattern to generate a cutting command. And
By generating an actual operation command by the cutting operation control unit 5 based on this cutting command, the cutting operation corresponding to the input data can be performed. In addition, while the cutting operation is being performed, the image detection processing unit 9 detects the cutting state and, if applicable (for example, the cutting state deviates from the cutting state based on the input data), the cutting command is changed. Since data that directly or indirectly indicates what should be done is generated and fed back to the numerical calculation unit 4, highly accurate cutting can be achieved. In FIG. 2, B shows the fiber array cut in this way, and the core layer 10
The side where a is protruding is an unnecessary portion, and the portion excluding this unnecessary portion is the finally obtained optical fiber array.

Therefore, the fiber array holding member 10
It is not necessary to specifically cut off only the excess portion of the core layer 10a protruding from b, and the angle of the cut surface with respect to the optical axis can be made accurate. Further, since the set angle of the cut surface of the optical fiber array can be set by the input data without being affected by the shape of the fiber array holding member, the versatility of manufacturing the optical fiber array can be enhanced.

FIG. 3 shows a case where eight optical fiber arrays are obtained by performing a series of cutting processes.
The difference from the above case is that the core layer 10a is exposed to the outside in a predetermined area of the central portion of the four tape core wires 10 (see A in FIG. 3), and the predetermined area centered on the core layer 10a is larger in size. It is sandwiched and integrated by the fiber array holding member 10c (see B in FIG. 3). Then, as indicated by the broken line in B in FIG. 3, by cutting the middle position of the tape core wire 10 and the predetermined position of the central portion of the core layer 10a, eight optical fiber arrays can be obtained at the same time.

In the above embodiment, the cutting unit 7 may perform only one cutting operation, but a plurality of cutting operations may be performed so as to gradually approach the final cutting position. In this case, the polishing process after the cutting can be made unnecessary without adopting a special cutting method capable of simultaneously achieving mirror polishing. Of course, in the former case, it is preferable to adopt a special cutting method capable of simultaneously achieving mirror polishing, and the polishing treatment after cutting can be made unnecessary.

[0024]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the step of cutting off only the surplus portion of the core layer is unnecessary, it is possible to prevent the core layer from being damaged due to the surplus portion being cut off. Moreover, since the optical fiber array is obtained by cutting the predetermined position of the fiber array holding member, when the specification change is instructed, the specification can be easily changed by changing the cutting direction. In addition, by applying a cutting method capable of simultaneously achieving mirror polishing, it is not necessary to specifically polish the end face of the fiber array holding member, and the end face of the end face caused by special polishing work is eliminated. It has a unique effect that deviation from the set angle can be prevented.

The invention of claim 2 has a peculiar effect that the mirror-finishing of the end face can be achieved at the same time without adopting a special cutting method. According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the core layer which is cut off and wasted can be eliminated, and a plurality of optical fiber arrays can be obtained at the same time by cutting once. The optical fiber array manufacturing efficiency can be improved, and by changing the cutting position, it is possible to easily cope with the change in the length of the core layer held by the fiber array holding member. .

In addition to the effect of claim 3, the invention of claim 4 has a unique effect that the number of optical fiber arrays that can be obtained at the same time can be increased. The invention of claim 5 has a peculiar effect that the end faces can be mirror-finished at the same time without adopting a special cutting method. According to the invention of claim 6, the desired optical fiber array can be automatically produced by designating the number, specifications, etc. of the optical fiber array by the data inputted by the data input means, and further, the core layer Since the step of cutting off only the surplus portion is unnecessary, it is possible to prevent damage to the core layer due to the cutting of the surplus portion in advance, and by cutting a predetermined position of the fiber array holding member, the optical Because you get a fiber array,
When a specification change is instructed, the change in the specification can be easily dealt with by simply changing the cutting direction, and by applying a cutting method capable of achieving mirror polishing at the same time, the fiber array holding member There is no need to specially polish the end face of the above, and it is possible to prevent the deviation from the set angle of the end face due to the special polishing work.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an optical fiber array manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a case where one optical fiber array is obtained by performing a series of cutting processes.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a case where eight optical fiber arrays are obtained by performing a series of cutting processes.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Data Input Section 2 Basic Pattern Memory 3 Reading Section 4 Numerical Operation Section 5 Cutting Operation Control Section 6 Positioning Section 7 Cutting Section 9 Image Detection Processing Section 10a Core Layer 10b, 10c Fiber Array Holding Member

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yoshio Shimoyama 4-3 Ikejiri, Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd. Itami Works

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A method for producing an optical fiber array, comprising a plurality of optical fiber core layers (10a) linearly arranged and sandwiched and integrated by a pair of fiber array holding members (10b). Holding member (10b)
Without cutting the core layer (10a) protruding from the predetermined position of the fiber array holding member (10b),
A method for producing an optical fiber array, which comprises cutting at a predetermined angle with respect to an optical axis. 2. The method for producing an optical fiber array according to claim 1, wherein the fiber array holding member (10b) is cut in a plurality of stages, and the width of the cut portion is gradually narrowed for each cut. 3. A method for producing an optical fiber array, comprising a plurality of optical fiber core layers (10a) linearly arranged and sandwiched and integrated by a pair of fiber array holding members (10b). The holding member (10c) having a length that is at least twice the length of the fiber array holding member (10b) required for the above is used to sandwich and integrate a plurality of core layers (10a) in a linear array. The holding member (10
A method for producing an optical fiber array, which comprises cutting a central portion of c) at a predetermined angle with respect to an optical axis to obtain a plurality of optical fiber arrays. 4. A holding member (10c) having an integral multiple of the width of the finally required fiber array holding member (10b) is adopted, and a plurality of core layer groups are divided at predetermined intervals. It is sandwiched and integrated by the holding member (10c) in an aligned state, and the holding member (10c) is cut at a middle position between core layer groups and a central portion in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the core layer groups. The optical fiber array manufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein an optical fiber array is obtained. 5. The method for producing an optical fiber array according to claim 3, wherein the holding member (10c) is cut in a plurality of steps, and the width of the cut portion is gradually narrowed for each cutting. . 6. A positioning means (6) for positioning a holding member (10b) (10c) which is sandwiched and integrated in a state where a required number of core layers (10a) are linearly arranged in at least one optical fiber array. ) And positioning means (6)
Cutting means (7) for cutting a predetermined position of the holding members (10b), (10c) positioned by the holding member (10).
b) Image detection processing means (9) for obtaining the cutting state of (10c), and cutting processing in which cutting processing procedures are stored corresponding to at least the number and specifications of optical fiber arrays to be produced by a series of cutting processing. A procedure storing means (2),
Data input means (1) for inputting data for defining an optical fiber array to be produced, and cutting processing procedure storage means (2) based on a part of the data input by the data input means (1). The cutting processing procedure selecting means (3) for selecting one of the cutting processing procedures stored in the table, the cutting processing procedure selected by the cutting processing procedure selecting means (3), and the data inputting means (1) are input. A cutting command generating means (4) for generating a cutting command based on the data and the cutting state of the holding members (10b), (10c) obtained by the image detection processing means (9), and the cutting command generating means (4). A cutting operation control means (5) for generating a cutting operation command based on the generated cutting command and controlling at least one of the positioning means (6) and the cutting means (7). Optical fiber arraying device for.