JPH08240747A - Device for positioning multiple coated optical fiber to ferrule and method for positioning multiple coated optical fiber to ferrule - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a small-sized and inexpensive positioning device for exactly positioning a multiple coated optical fiber to a ferrule with substantially no influence of impact, such as vibration, and a positioning method. CONSTITUTION: The ferrule 5 is fixed to a ferrule supporting base 6 formed with a slit 10 in the optical axis direction (Z direction) of an optical fiber 3 in a position corresponding to its center. While a coated optical fiber ribbon 4 is moved in an X direction by a fine adjustment stage 11, the light from a laser 15 is shined toward the slit 10 from the Y direction and is received by a laser beam array sensor 16. The arranging center position of the fibers 3 is calculated on the basis of the information on the change in the photodetecting intensity of the sensor 16 generated when the fibers 3 cross the slit 10 and the information on the movement of a fine adjustment stage 11. The stage 11 is then moved in the X direction so as to align the position to the position of the slit 10, by which the arranging central position of the optical fibers is aligned to the central position of the ferrule 5.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a positioning device for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core wire used in optical communication and a positioning method for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core wire.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the field of optical communication, an optical connector is used to connect a plurality of optical fibers collectively and detachably. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a general multi-fiber optical connector of this type, and FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the multi-fiber optical connector in an exploded state. As shown in these drawings, the multi-fiber optical connector is an optical fiber as a multi-fiber optical fiber in which a plurality of (four in the drawing) optical fibers 3 from which the coating on the connection end face side is removed are arranged in parallel. It is configured to have a fiber tape core wire 4 and a ferrule 5 in which a rear end opening housing hole 8 for housing the optical fiber tape core wire 4 is formed. The ferrule 5 communicates with the housing hole 8 and A fiber insertion hole 7 for inserting each optical fiber 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 4 is formed. Further, the ferrule 5 has a pair of positioning fitting holes 9 formed at both ends of the housing hole 8, and the inner diameter of the positioning fitting hole 9 is set to a dimension in which the positioning pin 2 is fitted without rattling. Has been formed.

When manufacturing a multi-fiber optical connector, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
After the optical fiber tape core wire 4 is accurately positioned with respect to the optical fiber tape core wire 4 and the optical fiber tape core wire 4 is inserted into the accommodation hole 8 and accommodated, the optical fiber tape core wire 4 and the ferrule 5 are separated by the adhesive or the like injected from the adhesive injection part 18. Most of the positioning and inserting operations of the optical fiber ribbon core wire 4 with respect to the ferrule 5 are performed manually. Then, after the optical fiber ribbon 4 is bonded and fixed to the ferrule 5, the connection end face of the ferrule 5
Optical fiber 3 with 17 side arrayed in optical fiber ribbon 4
The multi-fiber optical connector is completed by being integrally polished together with the connection end face 20 of FIG.

When connecting the multi-fiber optical connectors assembled as described above, the ferrule 5 on one side is connected.
The positioning pin 2 is inserted into the positioning fitting hole 9 of the ferrule 5, and is made to project on the connecting end face 17 side of the ferrule 5, and the positioning fitting hole 9 of the ferrule 5 on the other side is fitted into the projecting positioning pin 2. The ferrules 5 are connected to each other, so that the optical fibers 3 of the optical fiber ribbons 4 housed in the ferrules 5 are optically connected to each other.

[0005]

By the way, in the manufacture of a multi-fiber optical connector, most of the conventional positioning and insertion of the optical fiber ribbon 4 to the ferrule 5 have been done manually. There is a problem that it takes time to perform the positioning and insertion, and it is difficult to improve productivity. Further, in recent years, there is a tendency to increase the number of cores of the optical connector, and accordingly, it has become necessary to insert the optical fiber tape core wire 4 having a large number of cores into the ferrule 5.
It is becoming more and more difficult to accurately position the optical fiber ribbon core wire 4 with respect to the ferrule 5 and manually insert the optical fiber ribbon core wire 4 into the ferrule 5 manually.

Therefore, recently, a technique for automatically positioning and inserting the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the ferrule 5 is being developed, and as an example thereof, a CCD camera is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 3-178677. A method of positioning the optical fiber ribbon 4 with respect to the ferrule 5 using the image processing used has been proposed.

However, in the proposed method, it is necessary to incorporate a relatively large CCD camera and an illuminating device, so that the size of the entire device increases.
Since an expensive CCD camera and an image processing device are required, there arises a problem that the cost of the device becomes high. In addition, the optical fiber 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 4
Since it is necessary to accurately position the CCD camera as a means for observing the optical fiber with respect to each optical fiber 3 and the ferrule 5 of the optical fiber tape core wire 4, the positioning operation is difficult, and the device is subject to vibration and shock. When the mounting position of the CCD camera is slightly deviated due to the addition of the above, a problem occurs that the positioning performance is affected.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is an inexpensive, small-sized multi-fiber optical system which is not easily affected by vibrations and the like, and which can perform positioning quickly and accurately. A positioning device for a ferrule of a fiber core wire and a positioning method for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core wire.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is constructed as follows. That is, the positioning device for the ferrule of the multi-core optical fiber core wire of the present invention is a multi-core optical fiber core wire in which a plurality of optical fibers from which the coating on the connection end face side is removed are arranged in parallel, and the multi-core optical fiber core wire. A positioning device for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core wire for performing positioning with a ferrule having a housing hole of a rear end opening for housing a core wire, the multi-core optical fiber core wire being at least the parallel direction of the optical fibers. And a ferrule support base on which the ferrule is mounted so that the connection rear end face side of the ferrule opposes the connection end face of the multi-core optical fiber core wire with a gap therebetween, and the ferrule support base is provided. Is formed with a positioning protrusion protruding toward the optical fiber side from the rear end face of the ferrule, and the positioning protrusion is formed in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. On the other hand, a light source that irradiates light toward the slit from a direction substantially orthogonal to both the optical axis direction of the optical fiber and the parallel direction of the optical fiber, and the light from the light source through the slit. A light receiving device for receiving light via the fine movement stage is further provided, and the movement position of the fine movement stage with respect to a predetermined reference position when the fine movement stage is moved in the direction parallel to the optical fiber and in the direction in which the optical fiber traverses the slit. And a light receiving intensity detected by the light receiving device, monitor means for monitoring the relation between the light receiving intensity change information monitored by the monitor means, and the movement information of the fine movement stage. A calculating means for calculating the center position of the fiber array and a multi-core optical fiber for moving the fine movement stage in the parallel direction of the optical fibers based on the calculation result. The optical fiber array center position of the line alignment means for aligning the center position of the ferrule is configured as being provided.

The width of the slit is formed to be smaller than the pitch of the optical fibers arranged in the multi-core optical fiber, and the change information of the received light intensity monitored by the monitor means and the fine movement. The number of times the intensity of the light received by the light receiving device is reduced due to the light from the light source being blocked by the optical fiber is detected based on the movement information of the stage. The provision of the number-of-cores detection determination unit for determining as is also a characteristic configuration of the positioning device for the ferrule of the multi-core optical fiber core wire of the present invention.

Further, according to the method of positioning the multi-core optical fiber core wire with respect to the ferrule, the connection end surface side of the multi-core optical fiber core wire in which a plurality of optical fibers from which the coating on the connection end surface side is removed are arranged in parallel. Is arranged facing the connection rear end side of the ferrule in which the accommodation hole of the rear end opening for accommodating the multi-core optical fiber core wire is formed with a gap, and the multi-core optical fiber core wire is positioned with respect to the ferrule. A method of positioning an optical fiber core wire with respect to a ferrule, wherein a multi-core optical fiber core wire is detachably disposed and fixed to a fine movement stage movable at least in the parallel direction of the optical fibers, and is connected to a rear end face of the ferrule. The ferrule is mounted on a ferrule support table having a positioning protrusion formed so as to protrude toward the optical fiber, and the positioning protrusion has a slit in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. Forming the fine movement stage in the direction parallel to the optical fiber and moving the optical fiber across the slit, while directing toward the slit from a direction substantially orthogonal to both the optical axis direction of the optical fiber and the parallel direction of the optical fiber. The relationship between the received light intensity of the light that is emitted through the slit and received through the slit and the movement position of the fine movement stage with reference to the predetermined reference position is monitored, and the change in the received light intensity obtained from this monitoring result is monitored. The optical fiber array center position of the multi-core optical fiber core wire is calculated based on the information and the movement information of the fine movement stage, and thereafter, the fine movement stage is moved in the parallel direction of the optical fibers based on the calculation result. The optical fiber array center position of the core optical fiber core is aligned with the center position of the ferrule.

[0012]

In the present invention having the above structure, the light from the light source is emitted toward the slit from a direction substantially orthogonal to both the optical axis direction of the optical fiber and the parallel direction of the optical fibers, and is received through the slit. The light is received by the device,
At this time, when the fine movement stage moves in the direction parallel to the optical fiber, the optical fiber moves in the direction crossing the slit,
When the optical fiber crosses the slit, the received light intensity received by the light receiving device changes. Then, the relationship between the received light intensity and the movement position of the fine movement stage with respect to a predetermined reference position is monitored by the monitor means, and based on the change information of the received light intensity and the movement information of the fine movement stage, the calculation means multiplies it. The optical fiber array center position of the core optical fiber core wire is calculated, and the fine movement stage is moved in the parallel direction of the optical fibers by the alignment means based on the calculation result, and the optical fiber of the multi-fiber optical fiber core wire is calculated. The array center position is aligned with the center position of the ferrule.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the same names as those in the conventional example, and the duplicated description will be omitted.
FIG. 1 shows a main configuration of an embodiment of a positioning device for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core wire according to the present invention. In the figure, there is provided a fine movement stage 11 capable of moving the optical fiber tape core wire 4 in the direction parallel to the optical fiber 3 (X direction in the drawing).
Are removably fixed to the core wire fixing portion 13 of the fine movement stage 11. The fine movement stage 11 of the present embodiment is also movable in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 3 (Z direction orthogonal to the X direction). 4 can also be tilted in the θ direction in the figure.

A ferrule support base 6 is disposed with a space from the fine movement stage 11, and the ferrule 5 is attached to the ferrule support base 6. Ferrule 5
The connecting rear end face 21 side is attached so as to face the connecting end face 20 of the optical fiber ribbon 4 with a gap, and the positioning fitting hole 9 of the ferrule 5 and the positioning hole 19 of the ferrule support 6 are attached. The ferrule 5 is aligned, and the opening 28 of the accommodation hole 8 of the ferrule 5 is not blocked by the ferrule support 6.

The ferrule support base 6 is formed with a positioning projection 14 projecting toward the optical fiber 3 side from the connection rear end face 21 of the ferrule 5, and the positioning projection 14 is arranged in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 3. The formed slit 10 is provided at a position corresponding to the center of the ferrule 5, and the slit 10
The width of the optical fiber 3 is arranged as shown in FIG.
Size (200 μm) smaller than the pitch (250 μm) of
Is formed.

At the lower side of the positioning protrusion 14 with a gap,
A laser 15 as a light source is provided, and the laser 15 is
Light is emitted toward the slit 10 from a direction (Y direction in the drawing) substantially orthogonal to both the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 3 (Z direction in the drawing) and the parallel direction of the optical fiber 3 (X direction in the drawing). It has become. Also, via the laser 15 and the interval,
A laser light array sensor 16 functioning as a light receiving device is provided, and the light from the laser 15 is received via the slit 10. In this embodiment, the laser
A laser type array sensor is formed by including 15 and a laser beam array sensor 16.

A positioning control unit 26 for controlling the positioning of the optical fiber ribbon 4 with respect to the ferrule 5 is connected to the laser light array sensor 16 and the fine movement stage 11, and the positioning control unit 26 monitors the means 23. Computing means 2
4, the movement command means 25, and the number-of-hearts detection and determination unit 22 are included.

The monitor means 23 moves the fine movement stage 11 in the direction parallel to the optical fibers 3 and the optical fibers 3 are slits.
Fine movement stage with respect to a predetermined reference position when moving in a direction traversing 10 (moving in the X direction)
The relationship between the moving position of 11 and the received light intensity detected by the laser light array sensor 16 is monitored. For example, the position when the ferrule 5 and the optical fiber tape core wire 4 are opposed to each other so that the optical fiber 3 does not cross the slit 10 is set as a reference position, and this position is set as the origin 0 shown in FIG. The movement position of the fine movement stage 11 in the X direction with this origin as the reference is taken on the horizontal axis, and the vertical axis is the output value of the received light intensity detected by the laser light array sensor 16, and the movement of the fine movement stage 11 is taken. The relationship between the position and the received light intensity detected by the laser light array sensor 16 is monitored, and the monitor result is added to the calculation means, the movement command means 25, and the number-of-cores detection determination unit 22.

The calculating means 24 arranges the optical fibers 3 of the optical fiber ribbons 4 on the basis of the change information of the received light intensity and the movement information of the fine movement stage 11 as shown in FIG. The center position is calculated. Specifically, when the monitoring result as shown in FIG. 4 is added from the monitoring means 23, the output value before the optical fiber 3 passes through the slit 10, that is, the output value at the position of the origin 0 is ΔV. Fine movement stage when output value decreases only
The moving positions of 11 are obtained from the graph data of FIG. 4, and are set as XA and XB, respectively, and it is determined that the positions of these XA and XB are the positions of both ends of the optical fiber arrangement of the optical fiber tape core wire 4. From the position of XB, the array center position (X _C ) of the optical fiber 3 is obtained by the following equation (1).

X _C = (XA + XB) / 2 (1)

Then, the value of the array center position X _C of the optical fiber 3 obtained by the equation (1) is added to the movement command means 25.

The movement command means 25 moves the fine movement stage 11 in the parallel direction of the optical fibers 3 based on the calculation result obtained by the calculation means 24 so that the center position of the optical fiber array is aligned with the position of the slit 10. It functions as a positioning means for positioning the center position of the optical fiber array of the optical fiber ribbon 4 with the center position of the ferrule 5, and moves the fine movement stage 11 to the position X _C. In this moving operation, for example, when the value X _C of the array center position of the optical fibers 3 is added from the calculating means 24, first, the fine movement stage 11 is returned to the reference position (the position of the origin in FIG. 4) to perform fine movement. It can be performed by moving the stage 11 from the reference position by X _{C in the} X direction, and by doing so, the center position of the array of the optical fibers 3 is aligned with the position of the slit 10, and the optical fiber tape core. The center position of the optical fibers 3 arranged along the line 4 is aligned with the center position of the ferrule 5.

The movement command means 25 is the monitor means.
While monitoring the relationship between the movement position of the fine movement stage 11 and the received light intensity detected by the laser light array sensor 16 by 23, the fine movement stage 11 is moved from the XB side to the XA side,
The fine movement stage 11 can be stopped at the X _C position.

The number-of-cores detection / judgment unit 22 interrupts the light from the laser 15 by the optical fiber 3 based on the information on the change in the received light intensity monitored by the monitor unit 23 and the information on the movement of the fine movement stage 11. The number of times the intensity of the light received by the array sensor (reception intensity) has decreased is detected, and this number is judged as the number of optical fibers 3 arranged in the optical fiber ribbon 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the number of times the received light intensity has decreased is 4, the number of optical fibers 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 4 is determined to be 4.

This embodiment is constructed as described above,
Next, the operation will be described. First, ferrule 5
Is attached to the ferrule support base 6 having a slit 10 formed at a position corresponding to the center of the ferrule 5, while the optical fiber ribbon 4 is detachably disposed and fixed to the fine movement stage 11. At this time, the optical fiber tape core wire 4 is attached to the fine movement stage 10 so that the optical fiber 3 does not cover the slit 10, and this position is set as the reference position of the fine movement stage 11, and the optical fiber tape core wire for the ferrule 5 is set. The positioning operation of 4 is started.

Next, the movement instruction means 25 moves the fine movement stage 11 in the direction indicated by the arrow A in the figure, so that the optical fiber 3 crosses the slit 10 as shown in FIG. While moving the laser beam, light from the laser 15 is irradiated toward the slit 10 from a direction substantially orthogonal to both the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 3 and the parallel direction of the optical fiber 3, and the laser light array is passed through the slit 10. The light receiving intensity of the light received by the sensor 16 is detected by the laser light array sensor 16.

Then, the monitor means 23 monitors the relationship between the received light intensity received by the laser light array sensor 16 and the moving position of the fine movement stage 11 with reference to the reference position. Then, as the optical fiber 3 moves, as shown in FIG. 3, when the optical fiber 3 approaches the position of the slit 10, the light received by the laser light array sensor 16 through the slit 10 is emitted from the optical fiber 3 as shown in FIG. The optical fiber 3 is blocked by the optical fiber 3 and the intensity of the received light is reduced.
After passing through the position of, the laser light array sensor without passing through the slit 15 from the laser 15 is not blocked by the optical fiber 3.
As the light is received at 16, the received light intensity increases. Then, when the optical fiber 3 approaches the position of the slit 10 again, the received light intensity is reduced, and thus,
The received light intensity is repeatedly decreased and increased each time the four optical fibers 3 cross the slit 10, and the relationship between the moving position of the fine movement stage 11 and the received light intensity as shown in FIG. 4 is monitored.

This monitor result is added from the monitor means 23 to the calculating means 24. Then, the calculating means 24 lowers the output value of the received light intensity by ΔV from the output value at the origin, for example, as described above. The moving positions XA and XB of the fine movement stage 11 at this time are detected, and the positions are determined as the positions at both ends of the arrangement of the optical fibers 3. Then, from the values of the positions XA and XB at both ends of the arrangement of the optical fiber 3, the equation (1) is obtained.
Based on the above, the array center position (X _C ) of the optical fibers 3 is obtained, and this value is added to the movement command means 25.

Then, by the movement command means 25, for example,
The fine movement stage 11 is returned to the reference position again, and is positioned at a position moved by X _C from this reference position in the X direction. By doing so, the array center position of the optical fibers 3 is aligned with the position of the slit 10. As a result, the array center position of the optical fibers 3 is aligned with the center position of the ferrule 5.

At the same time as the positioning operation of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 with respect to the ferrule 5, the core number detection / judgment unit 22 is performed.
Thus, the number of times the intensity of the light received by the laser light array sensor 16 is reduced is detected, and this number is determined as the number of the optical fibers 3 of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 arranged. For example, when the monitoring result as shown in FIG. 4 is obtained, it is determined that the number of the optical fibers 3 of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 to be arranged is 4, based on the monitoring result, and this operation causes the optical fiber tape It is confirmed that the optical fiber 3 is arranged on the core wire 4 as designed.

If the number of cores of the optical fiber 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 4 and the positioning of the optical fiber ribbon 4 in the X direction with respect to the ferrule 5 are performed as described above, this positioning is performed. In this state, the movement command means 25 moves the fine movement stage 11 in the Z direction, whereby the optical fiber ribbon 4 is moved to the housing hole 8 side of the ferrule 5, and the optical fiber ribbon 4 is moved. Is inserted and accommodated in the accommodation hole 8 of the ferrule 5. At this time,
By the angling device 12, the tip end side of each optical fiber 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 4 is inserted into the fiber insertion hole 7 of the ferrule 5.
The optical fiber tape core wire 4 is inserted into the ferrule 5 while being in close contact with the groove.

According to the present embodiment, by the above operation, the positioning operation of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 with respect to the ferrule 5 can be performed quickly, easily and accurately. Moreover, the optical fiber ribbon 4 can be accurately inserted into the ferrule 5.

Moreover, in this apparatus, even if the laser 15 and the laser light array sensor 16 are not accurately positioned with respect to the ferrule 5 and the optical fiber tape core wire 4, they are provided at a position corresponding to the center of the ferrule 5. Since the slit 10 can be used to accurately position the optical fiber ribbon 4 to the ferrule 5, the laser 15
There is no need to perform extremely accurate positioning of the laser light array sensor 16 and the laser light array sensor 16, and the need for accurate positioning of the means for observing the optical fiber ribbon 4 which is necessary for a device using a CCD camera is omitted. be able to. Then, even if the laser 15 and the laser light array sensor 16 are slightly displaced due to shock such as vibration, if the light from the laser 15 can enter the laser light array sensor 16 through the slit 10, It is possible to accurately position the optical fiber ribbon 4 with respect to the ferrule 5, and it is possible to provide a device that is less susceptible to shock such as vibration.

Further, according to the present embodiment, unlike a device using a CCD camera, a highly accurate CCD camera and an image processing device are not required, and those relatively large and costly devices are not required. Therefore, the positioning device of the present embodiment can be made small, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the number of cores of the optical fiber 3 arranged on the optical fiber tape core wire 4 can be detected by the number of cores detection / judgment unit 22.
For example, when a part of the optical fiber 3 of the optical fiber tape core 4 is damaged and the number of cores of the optical fiber 3 as designed is not confirmed, the optical fiber tape core 4 should be inserted into the ferrule 5. By stopping and reconfirming the abnormality of the optical fiber 3 of the optical fiber ribbon 4, it is not necessary to insert the damaged optical fiber 3 into the ferrule 5 as it is. 5
It is possible to improve the yield of the multi-fiber optical connector formed by inserting the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the optical fiber.

Then, by utilizing the function of the core number detection / judgment unit 22 of this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the ferrule 5 is moved to the ferrule 5 after the insertion of the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the ferrule 5. The fine movement stage is arranged so that the light emitted from the laser 15 toward the slit 10 and received by the laser light array sensor 16 through the slit 10 is traversed by the optical fiber 3 protruding from the ferrule 5 so that the light is removed from the support 6. If the optical fiber tape core wire 4 is moved by 11 and the number of cores (number of fibers) of the optical fiber 3 protruding from the ferrule 5 is detected and judged by the same operation as in the above embodiment, for example, the optical fiber tape core wire 4 is It is also possible to check if the optical fiber 3 was not broken when it was inserted into the ferrule 5.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various embodiments can be adopted. For example, although the width of the slit 10 is set to 200 μm in the above embodiment, the width of the slit 10 is not limited to 200 μm, and may be set appropriately. However, the pitch of the optical fiber 3 is 250 μ
If the width of the slit 10 is 250 μm when m,
The relationship between the moving position of the fine moving stage 11 and the received light intensity detected by the laser light array sensor 16 is as shown in FIG. 6 (a). From the change information of the received light intensity and the moving information of the fine moving stage 11, the light is detected. Since it becomes difficult to detect the number of cores of the optical fiber 3 of the fiber tape core wire 4, it is desirable that the width of the slit 10 be formed smaller than the pitch of the optical fiber 3.

In FIG. 6B, the slit 10 has a width of 125 μm or less, and the spacing between the adjacent optical fibers 3 of the optical fibers 3 disposed as shown in FIG. Information on change in received light intensity and fine movement stage 11
Movement information is shown, and if the width of the slit 10 is set to be equal to or less than the arrangement interval between the adjacent optical fibers 3 in this way,
The degree of change in the received light intensity becomes clearer, and the number of cores of the optical fiber 3 can be detected more reliably.
Therefore, when the width of the slit 10 is set to be equal to or less than the arrangement interval between the adjacent optical fibers 3, the number of cores of the optical fiber 3 can be detected more easily.

Further, in the above embodiment, the fine movement stage 11
Are in three directions: the parallel direction of the optical fiber 3 (X direction in the figure), the optical axis direction of the optical fiber 3 (Z direction in the figure), and the tilting direction (θ direction in the figure) for angling the optical fiber 3. Although it is configured to be movable, the fine movement stage 11 may be configured to be movable at least in the parallel direction of the optical fibers 3. However, if the optical fiber 3 is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction and the tilting direction as in the above-described embodiment, after the positioning of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 with respect to the ferrule 5 is completed, the optical fiber tape core wire 4 is continuously kept in that state. Since it is possible to insert the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the ferrule 5, it is desirable to allow the optical fiber 3 to move in the tilting direction along the optical axis.

Further, in the above embodiment, the laser 15 is provided as a light source for irradiating the slit 10 with light, and the laser 15
Although the laser light array sensor 16 is provided as a light receiving device that receives light from the slit 10 through the slit, the light source is not necessarily a laser, and the light receiving device is not necessarily a laser light array sensor, and the light source and the light receiving device The device is set appropriately. However, because the positioning operation of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 with respect to the ferrule 5 is performed based on the change information of the light receiving intensity detected by the light receiving device, the light receiving device, like the array sensor of the above embodiment, receives the light receiving intensity. It is desirable to use a device that can easily detect the change information of 1.

Further, in the above embodiment, the positioning controller
26 is configured to have a monitor means 23, a calculation means 24, a movement command means 25, and a heart rate detection determination section 22.
22 can be omitted. However, the heart rate detection determination unit 22
By providing the optical fiber tape, it becomes possible to detect and determine the number of cores of the optical fiber 3 arranged in the optical fiber ribbon 4. Based on the determination result, for example, the optical fiber 3
When the number of cores of the optical fiber is abnormal, the insertion of the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the ferrule 5 is stopped, thereby suppressing the insertion of the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the ferrule 5 in the abnormal state. It becomes possible to improve the yield of the multi-fiber optical connector formed by inserting the optical fiber ribbon 4 into the ferrule 5.
Furthermore, by checking the number of cores of the optical fiber 3 after the optical fiber ribbon 4 is inserted into the ferrule 5, it is possible to confirm whether or not the optical fiber 3 is damaged when the optical fiber ribbon 4 is inserted. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the core number detection / judgment unit 22.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the optical fiber ribbon 4 having the four optical fibers 3 arranged therein is connected to the ferrule 5.
The positioning device and method for the ferrule 5 of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 have been described by taking the positioning operation for the ferrule 5 of the optical fiber tape core wire 4 for insertion into the optical fiber tape core wire 4 as an example. Regardless of the number of cores (number) of the optical fibers arranged in the optical fiber, the positioning device for the ferrule of the multi-core optical fiber core wire and the method for positioning the ferrule of the optical fiber tape core wire of the present invention are applied. be able to.

In the above embodiment, only the example in which the slit 10 is provided in advance at the position corresponding to the center of the ferrule 5 is shown.
The 10 position does not necessarily have to be in the center of ferrule 5. This correction can be easily performed by the calculation means.

[0044]

According to the present invention, the light from the light source is emitted toward the slit formed at the position corresponding to the center of the ferrule, and the light receiving device receives the light through the slit, while the multi-core light is emitted. A fine movement stage with a fixed fiber core is moved in the direction parallel to the optical fiber in the direction in which the optical fiber crosses the slit, and when the optical fiber crosses the slit, the light reception intensity that is detected by the light receiving device occurs Based on the intensity change information and the movement information of the fine movement stage, the center position of the optical fiber array of the multi-core optical fiber is determined, and the center position of the optical fiber is aligned with the slit position to determine the center position of the optical fiber array. Since it is aligned with the center position of the ferrule, it is possible to position the multi-core optical fiber core wire with respect to the ferrule quickly, easily and accurately. That.

Further, according to the present invention, since the above-mentioned operation is performed by utilizing the received light intensity received by the light receiving device through the slit accurately formed at the position corresponding to the center of the ferrule, It is not necessary to spend a lot of time on the positioning operation because it is possible to perform the positioning operation accurately even if the light receiving device is not extremely accurately aligned with the optical fiber or the ferrule. Even if the positions of the light source and the light receiving device are slightly displaced due to shock such as vibration, if the light from the light source is received by the light receiving device through the slit, the above positioning operation can be accurately performed. A conventional CCD that accurately observes the optical fiber by accurately positioning the ferrule
It is possible to make it less likely to be affected by shock such as vibration, as compared with a device using a camera. Further, since the positioning device of the present invention does not require a high-precision CCD camera or an image processing device, the device can be downsized and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main part configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a positioning device for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core wire according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a cross-sectional view of an arrangement state of optical fibers of an optical fiber ribbon in the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation from irradiation of laser light to reception of light and an operation of moving an optical fiber in the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the movement position of the fine movement stage and the received light intensity detected by the light receiving device in the above embodiment.

5A and 5B are explanatory views showing the operation of detecting the number of optical fibers after inserting the optical fiber ribbon into the ferrule using the positioning device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing change information of the received light intensity corresponding to the size of the slit width in the positioning device for the ferrule of the multi-core optical fiber core wire of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a general multi-fiber optical connector together with positioning pins.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a multi-fiber optical connector in a state in which the ferrule and the optical fiber tape core wire are disassembled.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 optical fiber 4 optical fiber tape core wire 5 ferrule 6 ferrule support 10 slit 11 fine movement stage 22 core number detection judgment unit 23 monitor means 24 computing means 25 movement command means

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A multi-core optical fiber core wire in which a plurality of optical fibers from which the coating on the connection end face side is removed is arranged in parallel, and a housing hole of a rear end opening for housing the multi-core optical fiber core wire is formed. A positioning device for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core for performing positioning with a ferrule, wherein the multi-core optical fiber core is movable at least in a direction parallel to the optical fiber, and a connecting rear end face of the ferrule. It has a ferrule support base on which the ferrule is mounted so that the side faces the connection end face of the multi-core optical fiber core wire with a gap, and the ferrule support base is located on the optical fiber side of the connection end face of the ferrule. A protruding positioning protrusion is formed, and the positioning protrusion is provided with a slit formed in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. A light source that emits light toward the slit from a direction substantially orthogonal to both directions of the parallel direction of the fiber, and a light receiving device that receives the light from the light source through the slit are provided. Monitor means for monitoring the relationship between the moving position of the fine movement stage and the received light intensity detected by the light receiving device with respect to a predetermined reference position when the optical fiber moves in the direction parallel to the optical fiber and across the slit. A calculation means for calculating the center position of the optical fiber array of the multi-core optical fiber based on the change information of the received light intensity monitored by the monitoring means and the movement information of the fine movement stage, and the fine movement based on the calculation result. Move the stage in the parallel direction of the optical fibers to position the center position of the optical fiber array of the multi-core optical fiber at the center position of the ferrule. Positioning device for a multi-core optical fiber of the ferrule, wherein a positioning means for Align provided. 2. The slit width is formed to be smaller than the pitch of the optical fibers arranged in the multi-core optical fiber, and the change information of the received light intensity monitored by the monitor means and the fine movement stage. The number of times the intensity of the light received by the light receiving device is reduced due to the light from the light source being blocked by the optical fiber is detected based on the movement information of the 2. A positioning device for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core wire according to claim 1, further comprising a core number detection judgment unit for judging. 3. A connection end face side of a multi-core optical fiber core wire in which a plurality of optical fibers from which the coating on the connection end face side is removed is arranged in parallel, and a connection end face side of the multi-core optical fiber core wire is provided with a rear end opening. A positioning method for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber core wire, which is arranged to face the connection rear end side of a ferrule having a receiving hole with a gap, and positions the multi-core optical fiber core wire with respect to the ferrule. The fiber core wire is detachably disposed and fixed to a fine movement stage movable in at least the parallel direction of the optical fiber, and provided with a positioning protrusion formed so as to protrude toward the optical fiber side from the connection rear end face of the ferrule. A ferrule is attached to the ferrule support, and a slit is formed in the positioning protrusion in the optical axis direction of the optical fiber. Received light intensity of light received through the slit by irradiating light toward the slit from a direction substantially orthogonal to both directions of the optical axis direction of the optical fiber and the parallel direction of the optical fiber while moving in the direction crossing the lit and The relationship between the movement position of the fine movement stage based on a predetermined reference position is monitored, and the change information of the received light intensity obtained from the monitoring result and the movement information of the fine movement stage are used to detect the multi-core optical fiber core wire. The center position of the optical fiber array is calculated, and after that, the fine movement stage is moved in the parallel direction of the optical fibers based on the result of the calculation so that the center position of the optical fiber array of the multi-core optical fiber core becomes the center position of the ferrule. A positioning method for a ferrule of a multi-core optical fiber, which is characterized by aligning.