JP3137219B2 - Ferrule end grinding machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ferrule end face polishing machine for polishing an end face of a ferrule of an optical connector, and more particularly to an end face polishing of a ferrule capable of uniformly polishing a plurality of ferrule end faces without chipping. About the machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a conventional ferrule end face polishing machine, FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 denotes an end face polishing machine frame, and a stand 12 is provided upright at one corner of the surface. A support member 14 is fixed to an upper end of the stand 12. At a substantially central portion of the support member 14, a screw hole 14a penetrating the support member 14 in a vertical direction is formed.
A screw portion 15a provided on an upper portion of the holding rod 15 is screwed into the screw hole 14a. On the upper surface of the presser bar 15,
A square hole 15b is formed to rotate the presser bar 15 up and down with respect to the support member 14 in the vertical direction, and the lower end surface 15c is spherical. A locking nut 15d is screwed into the threaded portion 15a of the presser bar 15 to prevent the presser bar 15 from loosening during operation of the ferrule end face polishing machine.

[0004] On the six sides of the hexagonal jig 20,
Two ferrules 18 are detachably fixed by screws 20b via fixing plates 20a. The optical fiber 16 extends upward from each ferrule 18. A total of twelve ferrules 18 are arranged uniformly and dispersed around the center of the hexagonal jig 20, and the twelve optical fibers 16 are bundled and held at an appropriate position on the ferrule end face polishing machine. At the center of the upper surface of the hexagonal jig 20, a spherical recess 20c is formed. This recess 2
The spherical lower end surface 15c of the presser bar 15 is fitted into 0c. Therefore, since the hexagonal jig 20 is loosely supported at one point by the presser bar 15, the hexagonal jig 20 can be inclined in any direction with the center of the hexagonal jig 20 as a fulcrum. Thereby, when the pressing force of any one of the ferrules 18 fixed to the hexagonal jig 20 increases, the hexagonal jig 20 is inclined so that all the ferrules 18 are polished with substantially equal pressing force.

[0005] On the upper surface of the end face polishing machine frame 10, a wheel 22 which is rotated about a Y axis by a rotation driving mechanism (not shown) is provided. A shaft 24 extending through the center of the wheel 22 is provided on the upper surface of the wheel 22.
And a pair of small rotating gears 30 driven to rotate by the large gear 26 via an idle gear 28 (see FIG. 6).

An eccentric pin 30a protrudes from the upper surface of each rotary small gear 30 at a position eccentric from the rotation center of the rotary small gear 30.

On the upper surface of the wheel 22, a large gear 2
6. A platen 32 which covers the idle gear 28 and the rotary small gear 30 and is slidable relative to the wheel 22.
Has been posted. A bearing housing recess 32a and a long groove 32b are formed on the lower surface of the surface plate 32. A thrust bearing 33 is housed in the bearing housing recess 32a.

The eccentric pin 30a of each rotary small gear 30 is engaged with a thrust bearing 33 and a long groove 32b housed in a bearing housing recess 32a formed on the lower surface of the surface plate 32. The shaft 2 is driven by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown).
4, the pair of rotating small gears 30 are synchronously driven to rotate via the large gear 26 and the idle gear 28, so that the platen 32 is in a small circle with respect to the wheel 22 in the same plane. Exercise.

In such a ferrule end face polishing machine,
Platen 32, by the rotational driving mechanism (not shown), e
The wheel 22 rotates about the axis Y once a minute while making a small circular motion in the same plane once a second, for example, once a second.

On a surface plate 32, a rubber plate 34 having elasticity such as silicon rubber or synthetic rubber, and a diamond film 3 in which diamond abrasive grains are dispersed and fixed by a binder.
6 is placed. The diamond film 36 is classified into a rough finish, a medium finish, and a final finish, depending on the type of finish. The size of the abrasive in each application is 9-15, 3-6 and 0.5-1 micron, respectively.

The ferrule 18 to be polished is detachably fixed to the hexagonal jig 20 so that the ferrule end surface contacts the diamond film 36. The magnitude of the pressing force of the ferrule end face against the diamond film 36 can be adjusted by inserting a square wrench into the square hole 15b and rotating it. After adjusting the magnitude of the pressing force, the locking nut 15d is rotated until it comes into contact with the support member 14, so that the pressing rod 15 does not become loose during the operation of the end face polishing machine of the ferrule, and therefore, the magnitude of the pressing force. Is preferably not changed.

FIG. 7 shows a diamond film on each ferrule end face (only three places are shown for the sake of clarity of the drawing) when the end face of the ferrule 18 is polished using the above-described ferrule end face polishing machine. 36 is drawn.

[0013]

In the conventional ferrule end face polishing machine described above, a total of twelve ferrules 18 are used.
Are arranged uniformly and dispersed around the center of the hexagonal jig 20, and the twelve optical fibers 16 are bundled and held at an appropriate position on the end face polishing machine of the ferrule. Since the hexagonal jig 20 can be inclined in any direction with the center of the hexagonal jig 20 as a fulcrum,
There was a slight tendency to tilt in the direction in which the bundle of 12 optical fibers 16 was supported.

As a result, the twelve ferrules 18 cannot be brought into contact with the diamond film 36 with a uniform pressing force, and there is a disadvantage that one-side cutting and one-side polishing occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, in which all ferrules fixed to a fixing jig are polished by being brought into contact with a polishing sheet with a substantially uniform pressing force. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ferrule end face polishing machine capable of performing the above-mentioned.

[0016]

According to the present invention, there is provided an end face polishing machine for a ferrule, comprising: an end face polishing machine frame; a fixing jig for removably fixing a plurality of ferrules uniformly and dispersed around a center; A support member attached to the end face polishing machine frame for supporting the jig so that it can slide vertically and not swing, a polishing dish, and a small circular movement of the polishing dish in the same plane with respect to the end face polishing machine frame. A polishing plate drive mechanism that rotates slowly while rotating, and a rocking plate that is mounted on the polishing plate at a point near the center of the fixing jig and that supports a polishing sheet for polishing the end surface of the ferrule. It is comprised including.

[0017]

The fixing jig for fixing the plurality of ferrules uniformly and dispersed around the center in a detachable manner is supported on a supporting member attached to the end face polishing machine frame so as to be vertically slidable and not swing. Have been. Therefore, no matter where the bundle of optical fibers extending from the plurality of ferrules is fixed to the end face polishing machine of the ferrule, the fixing jig does not tilt.

On the other hand, a swing plate on which a polishing sheet for polishing the end surface of the ferrule is placed is supported on a polishing plate at a point near the center of the fixing jig. Therefore, when the pressing force of a part of the plurality of ferrules in contact with the polishing sheet is increased, the swing plate is inclined such that the contact pressures of all the ferrules are equal.

The swing plate on which the polishing sheet is placed is
The polishing plate is supported by the polishing plate, and the polishing plate rotates slowly while making a small circular motion in the same plane with respect to the end surface polishing machine frame by the polishing plate driving mechanism. Thereby, the plurality of ferrules are polished while gradually changing the contact positions while drawing a small circle on the polishing sheet.

[0020]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an essential part of an embodiment of a ferrule end face polishing machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof.

In the drawing, reference numeral 50 denotes an end face polishing machine frame, and a stand 52 is provided upright at one corner of its surface. A horizontal plate 54 is fixed to an upper end of the stand 52. At a substantially central portion of the horizontal plate 54, a hole 54a penetrating the horizontal plate 54 in a vertical direction is formed. The upper part of the holding rod 55 is inserted into the hole 54a so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. A stud 55a for inserting the weight 53 is provided upright on the upper surface of the presser bar 55, and a lower portion of the presser bar 55 is inserted into a pipe 60a fixed to an upper surface of a hexagonal jig 60 described later. And it is fixed by the bolt 60b.

On the six sides of the hexagonal jig 60,
Ferrule 58 of the two by two are detachably fixed by screws 60 d via the fixing plate 60 c. Optical fibers 56 extend upward from each ferrule 58. A total of twelve ferrules 58 are uniformly and dispersedly arranged around the center of the hexagonal jig 60, and the twelve optical fibers 56 are bundled and held at an appropriate position on the ferrule end face polishing machine. The hexagonal jig 60 includes a presser bar 55
Thus, it is supported by the horizontal plate 54 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction and not to deviate from the horizontal direction, that is, not to be inclined. Therefore, no matter where the bundle of optical fibers 56 extending from the plurality of ferrules 58 is fixed to the end face polishing machine of the ferrule, the hexagonal jig 60 does not tilt.

The pressing force of the ferrule 58 is
It is adjusted by changing the weight of the weight 53 placed on the weight.

On the upper surface of the end face polishing machine frame 50, there is provided a wheel 62 which is rotated about the Y axis by a rotation driving mechanism (not shown). A shaft 64 extending through the center of the wheel 62 is provided on the upper surface of the wheel 62.
A large gear 66 fixed to the upper end of the gear and a pair of small rotating gears 70 driven to rotate by the large gear 66 via an idle gear 68 are provided.

An eccentric pin 70a protrudes from the upper surface of each rotary small gear 70 at a position eccentric from the rotation center of the rotary small gear 70.

A horizontal plate 72 is fixed above the wheel 62 so as to cover the large gear 66, the idle gear 68, and the rotary small gear 70, and not to rotate relative to the wheel 62. Preferably, a thrust bearing (not shown) is interposed between the shaft 64 and the gear 66 and the horizontal plate 72.

The horizontal plate 72 is formed with a pair of concave portions 72a for accommodating the rotary pinion 70 at point-symmetric positions with respect to the center, and a support pole having a ball receiving concave portion 72b on the center upper surface. 72c is provided upright.
The rotating small gears 70 are each provided with a recess 72 of a horizontal plate 72.
a so as to be rotatable.

A steel ball 74 is housed and held in the ball receiving recess 72b of the support pole 72c.

The polishing plate 76, which is an annular plate slidably mounted on the horizontal plate 72, has a circular opening 76a at the center. The upper surface of the polishing dish 76, a pair of protrusions 76b is provided at a position of point symmetry with respect to the center, the lower surface thereof, a bearing housing recess 76c, Ken
The center of the polishing dish 76 is point- matched with the bearing recess 76c.
A long groove 76d which in the position of the universal extending in a diametrical direction are formed.

The eccentric pin 70a of the rotary small gear 70 is engaged with a thrust bearing 77 and a long groove 76d housed in a bearing housing recess 76c formed on the lower surface of the polishing plate 76. When the pair of rotary small gears 70 are driven to rotate in synchronization with each other, the polishing plate 76 is moved to the wheel 62 and the horizontal plate 7.
Centering on the axis Y while making a small circular motion in the same plane with respect to 2
Rotate as.

The oscillating plate 78 provided above the polishing plate 76 is formed of a disk-shaped plate member, and the steel ball housed in the ball receiving recess 72b of the support pole 72c near the center of the lower surface thereof. It is supported at one point by 74. Therefore, if there is a bias in the force applied to the surface of the oscillating plate 78, it can be inclined so as to average it. On the lower surface of the swing plate 78,
An engagement groove 78a that engages with a pair of projections 76b of the polishing plate 76.
Are formed.

On the oscillating plate 78 are placed a rubber plate 80 having elasticity such as silicon rubber and synthetic rubber, and a polishing sheet 82 such as a diamond film 36 in which diamond abrasive grains are dispersed and fixed by a binder. The diamond film 36 is classified into a rough finish, a medium finish, and a final finish, depending on the type of finish.
The size of the abrasive grains in each application is, respectively, a particle size of 9-1.
5, 3-6 and 0.5-1 micron.

In such a ferrule end face polishing machine,
Polisher 76 and the swinging plate 78, by the rotational driving mechanism (not shown), wheels 62 and the horizontal plate 7
For example, a small circle motion is performed on the same plane once a second for 2
While rotating about the axis Y once a minute.

The ferrule 58 to be polished is detachably fixed to the hexagonal jig 60 so that the ferrule end surface comes into contact with the polishing sheet 82. Polishing sheet 8 on ferrule end face
The magnitude of the pressing force with respect to 2 can be adjusted by the weight 53 placed on the upper surface of the presser bar 55.

The polishing sheet 82 for the final finish of the ferrule 58 contains free abrasive grains instead of the fixed abrasive grain type diamond film 36. That is, abrasive grains 99 having a predetermined grain size are dispersed in a special solution 98. It is also possible to use a polishing sheet 90 that employs a loose abrasive type in which a suspended polishing liquid is applied to the surface and the ferrule end surface is relatively slid while being pressed with a predetermined pressure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an embodiment of a polishing sheet employing such a loose abrasive type, and FIGS. 3A and 3B are longitudinal sectional views of the polishing sheet before and during polishing, respectively.

The illustrated polishing sheet 90 is schematically shown as:
A base sheet 92, an Sn layer 94 provided on the base sheet 92 to have a substantially uniform thickness, and an adhesive 9 interposed between the base sheet 92 and the Sn layer 94.
And 5.

The base sheet 92 is made of a material that can be deformed into a curved surface when the end face of the ferrule of the optical connector is pressed with a predetermined pressure, and can be quickly restored when the pressure is removed. is necessary. For example,
A metal sheet such as beryllium copper, copper phosphate, and spring steel, or a synthetic resin sheet having predetermined durability such as polyester can be used.

The base sheet 92 has a strength enough to hold the Sn layer 94 while maintaining a substantially uniform thickness state, and forms a curved surface when the ferrule end face of the optical connector is pressed with a predetermined pressure. It has a thickness that can be deformed. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the thickness of the substrate sheet 92 is between 10 and 100 microns.

The Sn layer 94 can be formed on the base sheet 9 by various methods.
Fixed to 2. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the adhesive is fixed by an adhesive 95. For example, when the base sheet 92 is a metal sheet, the Sn layer 94 can be provided on the base sheet 92 by electroplating, cold rolling, or the like.
When the base sheet 92 is a synthetic resin sheet, the Sn foil constituting the Sn layer 94 can be bonded using an adhesive or a double-sided tape. In any case, any method may be used as long as the Sn layer 94 is provided on the surface of the base sheet 92 and the polishing sheet 90 has predetermined characteristics. The Sn layer 94 includes at least abrasive grains 96.
, For example, having a thickness of 3 to 50 microns. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, Sn
Layer 94 has a thickness of 20 microns.

The abrasive grains 96 dispersed and suspended in the polishing liquid are conventionally known abrasive grains such as diamond.
In the range of 5 to 2.5 microns, particularly 0.5 to 1.0 microns, the incidence of scratches was reduced as compared with the scratches on the ferrule end surface when using a conventional fixed abrasive type abrasive sheet. .

Next, a method of manufacturing the polishing sheet shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

First, a strip of metal sheet of beryllium copper having a thickness of 10 to 100 microns is manufactured. The strip is passed through an electrolytic plating tank, and the Sn layer 94 is plated to a thickness of 3 to 50 microns, which is cut into a predetermined shape to complete the polishing sheet according to the present invention.

Alternatively, a polishing sheet according to the present invention can be produced by preparing a polyethylene film of a predetermined thickness and a Sn foil of 3 to 20 microns and bonding them with an adhesive or a double-sided tape. it can.

Finally, a method for polishing the ferrule end face of the optical connector using the ferrule end face polishing machine according to the present invention will be described.

Initially, it was manufactured as described above,
A polishing sheet 90 for final finishing in the form of loose abrasive grains and a polishing sheet 82 for rough finishing and semi-finishing in the conventional method, that is, a fixed abrasive form are prepared. For abrasive sheets with abrasive particles of 3 microns or more, even if the conventional binder bonding method is used, there is little generation of abrasive particles that move away from the base material sheet. And a polishing sheet 82 for semi-finishing.

First, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
A polishing sheet 82 for rough finishing in the form of fixed abrasive grains in which abrasive grains of up to 15 microns are dispersed and fixed is placed on a rubber plate 80 having elasticity. On the other hand, a predetermined number of optical connectors are fixed to the hexagonal jig 60 with good balance. The polishing plate 76 and the swing plate 78 are moved by the drive mechanism (not shown) to the wheel 62 and the wheel 62.
For example, while making a small circular motion in the same plane once a second with respect to the horizontal plate 72, one minute a
Rotate around . After performing this for 1 minute, the ferrule end face polishing machine is turned off. By the rough finishing, the ferrule end face is shaped into a spherical shape with a radius of about 20 mm.

Next, the rough finishing polishing sheet 82 was
The same operation as the rough finishing is performed by replacing the abrasive sheet 82 for medium finishing in which abrasive grains of up to 6 microns are dispersed and fixed. The semi-finished finish improves the surface roughness of the ferrule end face.

Finally, the polishing sheet 82 for semi-finishing is shown in FIG.
Is replaced with a polishing sheet 90, and a polishing liquid in which abrasive grains having a particle size of 0.5 to 1 micron are dispersed and suspended in a solution is applied on the Sn layer 94 of the polishing sheet 90.

Thereafter, the end polishing machine of the ferrule is operated, and the polishing plate 76 and the swing plate 78 are moved to the wheel 6.
Causing rotation every 2 and 1 minute about an axis Y while the small circular motion within one same plane with respect to the horizontal plate 72, for example, in 1 second. Thus, the end surface of the ferrule draws a locus as shown in FIG. 7 while being pressed against the Sn layer 94 coated with the polishing liquid at a predetermined pressure.
4 are relatively slid.

As best shown in FIG. 3B, each abrasive particle 96 dispersed and suspended in the polishing liquid 98 is pressed against the end face of the ferrule and adheres to the surface of the Sn layer 94. The abrasive grains 96 thus adhered to the Sn layer 94
It sinks so as to be partially buried inside, and does not move around the surface of the Sn layer 94. Thus, since each abrasive grain 96 is supported by the Sn layer 94 which is a relatively soft metal,
It does not contact the ferrule end face with an extremely large force, and therefore does not significantly damage the final finished surface of the ferrule end face.

After performing such a polishing operation for one minute, the ferrule end surface polishing machine is turned off. The end face of the ferrule is mirror-finished by final finishing. In the polishing sheet 90 shown in FIG. 3, since the abrasive grains do not move around on the Sn layer 94, scratches on the ferrule end face after the final finishing are drastically reduced.

As described above, when the polishing sheet 90 is put on the swinging plate 78 of the end face polishing machine of the ferrule with the elastic rubber plate 80 interposed therebetween and operated, the base sheet 92 and the Sn layer 94 become the ferrule end face. Pressed to deform into a curved surface. Thus, the ferrule end surface can be polished into a curved surface. On the other hand, when the elastic rubber plate 80 is removed and the polishing sheet 90 is directly placed on the swinging plate 78 and the end face polishing machine of the ferrule is operated, the polishing sheet 90 may polish the ferrule end face into a flat shape. it can.

[0055]

According to the present invention, there is provided an end face polishing machine for a ferrule, comprising: an end face polishing machine frame; a fixing jig for fixing a plurality of ferrules uniformly and dispersed around the center in a detachable manner; A support member attached to the end face polishing machine frame that supports the end face polishing machine frame so as to be slidable in the direction and does not swing, a polishing dish, and slowly moving the polishing dish in a small circular motion in the same plane with respect to the end face polishing machine frame. A polishing plate drive mechanism that rotates on its own axis, and a rocking plate that is supported on the polishing plate at a point near the center of the fixing jig, and that holds a polishing sheet for polishing the ferrule end surface. With this configuration, there is an effect that all the ferrules fixed to the fixing jig can be polished by being brought into contact with the polishing sheet with substantially uniform pressing force.

Accordingly, no matter where the bundle of optical fibers extending from the plurality of ferrules is fixed to the end face polishing machine of the ferrule, the fixing jig does not incline. The polishing efficiency is dramatically improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of an embodiment of a ferrule end face polishing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the end face polishing machine of the ferrule shown in FIG.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are longitudinal sectional views of a polishing sheet before and during polishing, respectively, showing an embodiment of a polishing sheet employing a loose abrasive type. FIGS.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a conventional ferrule end face polishing machine.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the conventional ferrule end face polishing machine shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a locus of a contact point of a ferrule end face on a polishing sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 50 end surface polishing machine frame 52 stand 54 horizontal plate 55 holding rod 56 optical fiber 58 ferrule 60 hexagonal jig 62 wheel 64 shaft 66 large gear 68 idle gear 70 rotating small gear 70a eccentric pin 72 horizontal plate 74 steel ball 76 polishing plate 78 shaking Dynamic plate 80 Rubber plate 82 Polishing sheet

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An end face polishing machine frame, a fixing jig for fixing a plurality of ferrules around the center uniformly and dispersedly and detachably, and slidably moving the fixing jig vertically and not swinging. A support member attached to the end surface polishing machine frame for supporting the polishing plate; a polishing plate; and a polishing plate drive mechanism for slowly rotating the polishing plate while making a small circular motion in the same plane with respect to the end surface polishing machine frame. And a rocking plate supported on the polishing plate at a point near the center of the fixing jig, the rocking plate being for mounting a polishing sheet for polishing an end face of a ferrule. Ferrule end face polishing machine. 2. The polishing plate is formed of an annular plate having a circular opening at a central portion, and has an upper surface formed so as to be engaged with an engaging groove formed on a lower surface of the oscillating plate. A pair of protrusions are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the point, and on the lower surface thereof, a bearing storage recess and a point directly symmetrical with the bearing storage recess with respect to the center of the annular plate.
Long groove Metropolitan extending in the radial direction is formed, the polishing dish drive mechanism includes a disk-shaped horizontal plate, a pair of rotary pinions having an eccentric pin is driven to rotate synchronously with the pair of rotary pinions A large gear, and a wheel rotatably about a vertical axis passing substantially near the center of the fixing jig that rotatably supports the rotary small gear and fixedly supports the horizontal plate. The horizontal plate is formed with a pair of recesses for accommodating the rotary pinion at point-symmetric positions with respect to the center, and a support pole having a ball receiving recess is provided upright on the center upper surface. The rotating small gears are rotatably housed in recesses of the horizontal plate, and the eccentric pins of the rotating small gears are housed in bearing housing recesses formed on the lower surface of the polishing plate. And the pair of rotating small gears are synchronously driven by driving a large gear, whereby the polishing plate is flush with the wheel and the horizontal plate. The end face polishing machine according to claim 1, wherein a small circular motion is made in the inside. 3. The support member includes: a stand erected on the end surface polishing machine frame; and a horizontal plate fixed to the stand and having a hole vertically penetrated therein. 3. The end face polishing machine for a ferrule according to claim 1, wherein a rod passing through a hole of the horizontal plate is fixed to an upper surface of the fixing jig. 4. A weight fixing portion is formed at the upper end of the rod fixed to the upper surface of the fixing jig, and the pressing force of the ferrule end surface against the polishing sheet can be adjusted by the weight placed on the weight mounting portion. The end face polishing machine for a ferrule according to claim 3, wherein: