KR20190012361A - apparatus for ferrule and face inspection of applying the real time imaging technology - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically inspecting a cross section of a ferrule using real-time imaging technology that can improve productivity by reducing a bottleneck phenomenon in an inspection process. The apparatus comprises an X-Y table supported by support members installed to a base member to move in X and Y-axial directions, and provided with a penetrated portion at a center; a jig fixing part installed to a top surface of the X-Y table to support a plurality of optical patch codes toward a bottom surface of the ferrule at a certain interval; a support member installed to a base member; a lifting table installed to the support member and moved vertically by a lifting drive part; a camera unit installed to the lifting table to image the cross section of the ferrule of each optical patch code which is supported by the fixing jig; a compensation unit installed to the camera unit and the lifting table to compensate an imaging position of the camera unit to the lifting table; and a control unit for comparing the image taken by the camera unit with a set image to determine a polluted state and a scratched state of the cross section and control the X-Y table.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a ferrule cross-sectional inspection apparatus and a real-

More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for automating a cross-section inspection of a ferrule using a real-time image technique capable of inspecting a cross-section of a ferrule using a real-time image after manufacturing the optical patch cord.

In general, optical communication transmits information by exchanging light, so that an optical fiber made of glass fiber becomes a medium, so that much information can be transmitted as compared with current communication using a coaxial cable. Optical fibers such as a splitter, an optical fiber amplifier, and an optical jumper cord are used to connect and branch an optical fiber as the optical fiber becomes longer and the transmission path becomes various. Such optical devices require more precision in the FTTH (Fiber to the home) FTTP (Fiber to the premises) method.

Particularly, the optical jumper cord is fabricated by inserting an optical fiber into the inside of the ferrule, polishing the optical fiber so as to be substantially parallel to the cross section of the ferrule, and patching the ferrule so as to connect the ferrule to various types of connectors. The cross section with the patch cord becomes exposed to the external environment.

If the cross section of the ferrule and the optical fiber exposed to the external environment is dusty or scratched, signal distortion occurs at the relevant portion, which is the main cause of the communication failure. Especially, in order to manufacture optical patch cords, epoxies are injected into ferrules, optical fibers are inserted, optical fibers are cut and polished, and the cross-section inspection and performance of the ferrules are evaluated after the fabrication is completed.

In the process of manufacturing the optical patch cord as described above, the other operation time is relatively long in the cross-section inspection and evaluation of the performance of the ferrule, and the production efficiency is rapidly lowered.

Korean Patent Publication No. 2002-89294 discloses an apparatus and method for inspecting a ferrule using a wire, and Korean Patent Publication No. 2003-062507 discloses a ferrule inspecting apparatus for an optical connector and its apparatus. The measuring device disclosed in Korean Patent No. 269263 includes a moving stage for performing three-axis movement in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions for measuring the straightness with respect to the inner diameter of the ferrule, A camera for photographing an inner diameter image of a ferrule projected by illumination of the illumination device, and a computer for processing image data from the camera by a program.

Korean Patent No. 198817 discloses an eccentricity measuring device. The posted measuring device is composed of a camera installed to move in three axes in the X, Y and Z axis directions to measure the eccentricity of the ferrule and a camera which is coaxial with the optical axis of the camera, A lighting device for illuminating the front-light, and a computer for processing image data from the camera by a program.

However, the conventional techniques as described above are disadvantageous in that they are not suitable for the overall inspection of the ferrule because the ferrule is constructed so that only the individual inspection of the inner diameter of the ferrule can be performed. Particularly, since the outer diameter of the ferrule must be measured by a separate outer diameter measuring device, the inspection process of the ferrule is considerably complicated and troublesome, and there is an inefficient problem that it takes a lot of time and manpower. In addition, a total inspection is required to completely guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the entire quantity of the ferrule, but it is difficult to perform full inspection of the ferrule because only one ferrule can be measured.

Korean Patent Publication No. 2002-89294 Korea Patent Publication No. 2003-062507 Korea Patent No. 269263

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to improve efficiency of inspection of an end portion of a ferrule coupled with an optical fiber after manufacturing an optical patch cord, And to provide a device for automated cross-section inspection of a ferrule using a real-time imaging technique.

In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a device for automatically inspecting a cross-section of a ferrule using a real-time imaging technique, the cross-sectional inspection apparatus comprising: A jig fixing unit installed on the upper surface of the XY table for supporting a plurality of optical patch cords at a predetermined interval so as to face the lower surface of the ferrule, a support member provided on the base member, A camera unit for photographing a section of a ferrule of each of the optical patch cords mounted on the elevating table and supported by the fixing jig; Correction table for correcting the photographing position of the camera unit with respect to the installed table It is having a, and compared to the set image taken by the camera unit and judges contamination scratch status of the ferrule end face, characterized in that it includes an X-Y controller for controlling the table.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the correction unit includes a fixed disk member, a rotating disk member rotatably installed on the fixed disk member and provided with a gripping member to which the camera unit is mounted, A first micrometer mounted on a first fixing member having a first inlet space and a first movable member mounted on the rotary disk member and positioned in a first inlet space and contacting a probe of a first micrometer; 1 Government and. And a second correcting unit installed on the gripping member and fixing the position of the camerine unit provided on the gripping member in the circumferential direction.

The camera unit includes a barrel for holding a vertical state of the holding member, a camera is installed at a lower end of the barrel, and an optical pick- And a lighting unit.

Also The jig fixing part includes fixing brackets provided on a Y-axis transfer table at the edge of the jig receiving part, a fixing jig rotatably hinged to the fixing bracket, A pressing link provided with a pressing member for pressing the edge, and a fixing handle rotatably provided on the fixing bracket and holding a pressing state of the pressing link.

The device for automated cross-section inspection of a ferrule using a real-time imaging technique of the present invention can judge whether a ferrule cross-section of a plurality of optical patch cords fixed on a fixing jig is defective or not by checking a contaminated state or a scratch state using a photographed image It is possible to reduce the number of workings according to the inspection of the cross section of the ferrule and further improve the productivity.

1 is a perspective view showing a device for automating a cross-section inspection of a ferrule using a real-time image technique according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a device for automating a cross-section inspection of a ferrule using the real-
Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the camera unit and the elevating unit extracted. Fig.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a device for automating a cross-section inspection of a ferrule using a real-
5 is a side view showing a state in which the fixing jig is fixed to the jig fixing part.

1 to 5 show an embodiment of a device for automatic cross-section inspection of a ferrule using a real-time image technique according to the present invention.

The apparatus for automatic cross-section inspection 10 of the ferrule using the real-time imaging technique according to the present invention is provided with supporting members 12 provided on the base member 11 and is moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, A plurality of optical patch cords 100 provided on the upper surface of the XY table 20 and supporting the optical patch cords 100 at predetermined intervals so as to face the bottom surface of the paralle 101, And a jig fixing part (40) for supporting the jig fixing part (200). A support member 13 is provided on the base member 11 on the lower side of the XY table 20 and an elevation table 51 is provided on the support member 13. The elevation table 51 is supported by a support And is raised and lowered by the lifting and driving member 50 provided between the members 13. A camera unit 60 for photographing the end face of the ferrule of each optical patch cord 100 supported by the fixing jig 200 is installed on the lifting table 51. The camera unit 60 and the lifting table 51 A correction unit 70 for correcting the photographing position of the camera unit 60 with respect to the elevation table 51 is provided.

The device for automating the inspection of the cross-section of the ferrule using the real-time imaging technique of the present invention compares the set image captured by the camera unit 60 to determine the contaminated state of the cross section of the ferrule and controls the XY table 20 And a control unit 300.

The apparatus for automating the cross-section inspection of the ferrule using the real-time image technique according to the present invention having the above-described structure will be described in more detail below.

The XY table 20 provided on the support member 12 includes a base table 21 supported by a support member 12 and an X guide member 21 slidably mounted on the base table 21 in the X- Axis table 22 and a Y-axis table 23 slidably mounted on the X-axis table 22 in a Y-axis direction. Axis table 25 for moving the X-axis table 22 in the X-axis direction is provided between the base table 21 and the X-axis table 22, and the X-axis table 22 and the X- A Y-axis moving section 26 for moving the Y-axis table 23 in the Y-axis direction is provided between the Y-axis tables 23.

 Although not clearly shown in the drawings, the X-axis driving unit 25 is provided on the base table 21 and includes an X-axis screw member 25b driven by a stepping motor 25a, And an X-axis feed member 25c screwed to the X-axis screw member 25b). The Y-axis driving unit 26 is installed on the X-axis table 22 and includes a Y-axis screw member 26b driven by a stepping motor 26a and a Y-axis screw member 26b mounted on the Y- And a Y-axis transfer member 26c screwed to the screw member 26b.

The X-Y table 20 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be a structure capable of transporting the X-Y table 20 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions while the stationary jig 200 is supported.

         On the other hand, the base table 21 and the X, Y-axis tables 22, 23 are provided with a penetration portion 21 at the center side, and on the edge side of the penetration portion 21 of the Y- A jig fixing part 40 for supporting the patch cords 100 is provided.

The jig fixing part 40 is provided with a fixing jig mounting part 41 at the edge of the through part 21 on the Y axis table and has a plurality of jig fixing clamps 42 . The jig fixing clamp 42 is provided with fixing brackets 42a arranged on a Y-axis transfer table 23 and a pressing link 42b is rotatably mounted on the fixing bracket 42a by a hinge shaft And a pressing portion 42c for pressing the edge of the fixing jig 200 is provided at the end of the pressurizing link 42b. The jig fixing bracket 42a is provided with a fixing handle 42d for holding a pressurized state of the pressurizing link 42. The fixing handle 42d is provided with a pressing member for elastically supporting a pressing member for pressing the upper surface of the pressurizing link .

 The correction unit 70 is provided for correcting the position of the camera unit 60 provided on the lifting table 51, that is, the photographing angle and the rotation, And a second correcting unit 80 for rotating the camera unit relative to the correcting unit 75 and the holding member 73 for holding the camera unit 60. [

The first correcting unit 77 is provided with a fixed disc member 71 on the ascending and descending table 51 and a rotating disc member 72 provided with a holding member 73 on the fixed disc member 71, Respectively. The rotating disc member 72 with respect to the stationary disc member 71 may be formed by coupling the rotating disc member 72 with the rotating shaft member. A rotating angle indication scale for recognizing the rotating angle of the rotating disk member 72 relative to the fixed disk member 71 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating disk member 72, An indication needle may be installed.

A first fixing member 74 having a first inlet space 74a is provided in the fixed disk member 71 in the circumferential direction of the fixing plate member 71 and the rotary disk member 72 is provided with a first inlet space A first movable member 75 extending from the first movable member 75 to the first movable member 74a and a second movable member 75 extending from the first movable member 75 to the first fixed member 74, (76) is installed. A team (not shown) of the first micrometer 76 is coupled to the movable member 75 by a contact or a hinge axis.

The second correcting unit 80 is provided with a fixing ring 81 rotatably supported on the holding member 73 in a state in which the barrel of the camera unit is rotatably mounted on the holding member 73, And a second movable member 84 having a second receiving space 82 in the circumferential direction is provided in the second holding space 83. A second movable member 84 extending to the second receiving space 82 is provided in the holding ring 81, And the second fixing member 83 is provided with a second micrometer 84 for rotating the second movable member 84 to rotate the fixing ring 81. [

The first and second correcting units 77 and 80 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may be of a photographing angle of the camera unit 60 or a structure capable of rotating the camera unit.

The camera unit 60 is provided with a camera 62 on a lower side of a lens barrel 61 provided on the grip unit and lenses for focusing are installed on the lens barrel 61 although they are not shown in the figure.

The illumination unit 90 includes a lamp 92 installed in a lamp housing 91 coupled to an outer circumferential surface of a light path tube and a lamp And a mirror 93 provided inside the barrel 92 for irradiating light to the barrel 92. The mirror may be a dichroic mirror or a splitter.

The apparatus for automated cross-section inspection of a ferrule using a real-time imaging technique according to the present invention is characterized in that the base member 11 is for supporting an optical fiber connected to the optical patch cord 100 fixed to the fixing jig 200, And an optical fiber support stand 95 provided with an optical fiber support part 96 at an end of the support rod part 95 is further provided.

Hereinafter, the operation of the automatic device for cross-section inspection of a ferrule using the real-time imaging technique according to the present invention will be described.

In order to detect a defective state such as contamination or scratch on the end face of the ferrule of the optical patch cord 100 by using the apparatus for automatic cross-section inspection 10 using the real-time imaging technique according to the present invention, The cords 100 are installed vertically as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, and are mounted on the jig fixing part 40. Fig. The fixing jig 200 is fixed by using a clamp 42 provided on the Y-axis table 23.

When the fixation of the fixing jig 200 is completed as described above, the cross section of each optical patch cord 100 ferrule is photographed using the camera 61 of the camera unit 60 provided under the fixture jig 200, The controller 300 compares the image data with the preset image data to determine whether the image is contaminated or not.

In order to adjust the photographing angle of the camera unit 60 for photographing by using the correction unit 70 in a state where the fixing jig 200 is mounted on the jig fixing unit 40, And by rotating the rotary disk member 72 provided with the holding member 73 with respect to the stationary disk member 71 using the Meter 76. The rotation of the lens barrel 61 provided with the camera 62 can be achieved by rotating the second ring-shaped cigarette 85 provided on the second fixing member 84 to rotate the holding ring supported on the holding member.

The controller of the controller controls the motor of the XY table 20 so that the optical patch cords 100 supported by the fixing jig 200 are focused on the upper portion of the barrel 61, And the photographed image is compared with the preset image by the control unit 300 to read the contamination.

As described above, the apparatus for automating the inspection of the cross-section of the ferrule using the real-time imaging technique according to the present invention takes a plurality of optical patch cords 100 supported by the fixing jig 200, It is possible to shorten the process of judging whether or not the cross section of the optical patch cord paralle is contaminated, and further improve the productivity.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the true scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of the appended claims.

Claims (5)

An XY table provided with support members provided on the base member and having a penetration part which is moved in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction and penetrates the center part, and a plurality of optical patch cords installed on the upper surface of the XY table, A jig fixing unit for supporting the fixing jig to support the fixing jig at a predetermined interval,
A lifting table mounted on the support member and lifted and lowered by a lifting and driving member in a vertical direction; and a lifting table mounted on the lifting table, And a correction unit for correcting the photographing position of the camera unit with respect to the elevation table provided with the camera unit and the elevation table,
And a controller for controlling the XY table to determine a scratch state of the contaminated state of the cross section of the ferrule in comparison with the set image photographed by the camera unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the correction unit comprises a fixed disk member on the elevation table, a rotating disk member provided on the fixed disk member and rotatably mounted on the fixed disk member, and a holding member on which the camera unit is mounted, And a first movable member provided on the rotating disk member and disposed in the first receiving space and contacting the probe of the first micrometer;
And a second correcting unit installed in the gripping member and fixing a position of the camera unit installed in the gripping member in the circumferential direction. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the camera unit comprises: a barrel for holding a vertical state of the gripping member; a camera provided at a lower end of the barrel; a light guide plate provided on a lens barrel of the camera, Wherein the apparatus is provided with a unit. The method according to claim 1,
And a support for supporting the optical fiber connected to the optical patch cord fixed to the fixing jig in the base jig and having an optical fiber support stand for supporting a support rod fixed to the base member and an optical fiber support provided at an end of the support rod An automatic device for cross - section inspection of ferrule using real - time imaging technique. The method according to claim 1,
The jig fixing part includes fixing brackets provided on a Y-axis transfer table at the edge of the jig receiving part, a fixing jig rotatably hinged to the fixing bracket, A fixed link provided with a pressing member for pressing the edge and a fixed handle rotatably provided on the fixing bracket and holding a pressurized state of the pressurizing link, Automatic inspection equipment.

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