JP2506506B2 - Automatic aligning and assembling apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, an intermediate circuit plate (intermediate component) which constitutes an optical branching coupler and the like, and an optical fiber array (both end components) disposed at both ends of this intermediate circuit plate. ), And an automatic alignment and assembling apparatus and method for assembling so as to minimize the optical power loss at the joint.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional automatic centering and assembling apparatus, for example, one shown in FIG. 7 or 8 is known.

That is, reference numeral 1 in FIG. 7 denotes a fixed base, and an LD light source 3 is fixed to the fixed base 1 by a clamp 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes a centering stage, and a light emitting side optical fiber 5 is fixed on the centering stage 4 by a clamp 6.
The aligning stage 4 is movable in the X, Y and Z directions, as indicated by the arrow.

When the LD light source 3 and the light exit side optical fiber 5 are aligned and assembled, light is first emitted from the LD light source 3 in the state shown in FIG. By this irradiation, light is incident on the light output side optical fiber 5 and emitted, and its optical power is measured by an optical power measuring device (not shown). A signal based on the measured value causes the centering stage 4 to operate in the X, Y, and Z directions, so that the LD light source 3 and the light output side optical fiber 5 are automatically centered. After self-aligning in this way, the laser head 7 fixes the joint between the LD light source 3 and the light output side optical fiber 5, and finishes the assembly.

Further, reference numeral 11 in FIG. 8 denotes a fixed base, and an LD light source 13 is fixed to the fixed base 11 by a clamp 12. 14 is a centering stage movable in the X and Y directions. The clamp 1 is mounted on the upper surface of the centering stage 14.
The intermediate link 16 is held by 5. A carriage 17 movable in the Z direction is provided on the centering stage 14, and a cylindrical body 19 is held by a clamp 18 on the carriage 17, and inside the cylindrical body 19, the lens 9 and the light on the outgoing side. A fiber 10 is arranged.

Therefore, when the LD light source 13 and the optical fiber 10 on the light output side are aligned and assembled, first, light is emitted from the LD light source 13 in the state shown in FIG. This light enters the light output side optical fiber 10 through the lens 9 and is emitted, and its optical power is measured by an optical power amount measuring device (not shown). Then, the alignment stage 14 and the carriage 17 are operated by the signal based on the measured value, and the LD light source 13 and the light emitting side optical fiber 10 are automatically aligned. After self-aligning in this way, the laser head 8 fixes the joint between the LD light source 13 and the intermediate ring 16 and the joint between the intermediate ring 16 and the cylindrical body 19 to complete the assembly.

[0007]

However, since the conventional automatic centering and assembling apparatus can perform centering only at one place, it has a plurality of optical fibers and requires optical centering at two places. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, alignment of an optical branching coupler in which the first and second optical fiber arrays 101 and 102 are joined to both ends of the intermediate circuit plate 103 becomes difficult. Was there.

Therefore, the present invention provides an automatic aligning and assembling apparatus and a method for aligning and assembling an optical member which comprises a plurality of optical path members and requires alignment at two positions. With the goal.

[0009]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aligns a first optical path member at one end of an intermediate optical path member and a second optical path member at the other end thereof. In an automatic aligning and assembling apparatus for joining and assembling, a first holding means capable of holding and swiveling the intermediate optical path member, and the first
Second holding means for removably holding the optical path member and positioning the first optical path member with respect to the intermediate optical path member, and the first and second optical path members selectively. A centering stage that holds and operates with two or more axes of freedom,
A light supply means for supplying light to the first light path member held by the second holding means, a first light path member and an intermediate light path means supplied by the light supply means, and a second light path means. An optical power measuring means for measuring the power of light passing through the optical path member, and a control means for controlling the operation of the aligning stage based on the measurement value measured by the optical power measuring means, It is provided with fixing means for joining and fixing the aligned first and second optical path members and both ends of the intermediate optical path member.

Further, according to the present invention, the rotatable first holding means holds the intermediate light path member, the second holding means holds the first light path member, and the aligning stage holds the second light path member. Then, light is made to enter the first light path member by the light supply means, and this light is made to exit from the second light path member via the intermediate light path member, and the power of this light is optical power. Measured by the measuring means, and by the controlling means based on the measured value,
The alignment stage is operated with two or more degrees of freedom to align the path of the second optical path member with the path of the intermediate optical path member, and after this alignment, the intermediate optical path member is moved. One end and the second optical path member are joined and fixed by the fixing means, and after the joining and fixing, the first holding means is turned to position the other end of the intermediate optical path member on the aligning stage side. And let
The first light path member is removed from the second holding means and set on the alignment stage, and from this state, light is again made to enter the second light path member by the light supply means, This light is emitted from the first optical path member through the intermediate optical path member, the power of the light is measured by the optical power measuring means, and the aligning step is performed by the control means based on the measured value. -The diopter is operated with two or more degrees of freedom to align the path of the first optical path member with the path of the intermediate optical path member,
After this alignment, the other end of the intermediate optical path member and the first optical path member are joined and fixed by a fixing means to assemble.

[0011]

By rotating the intermediate light path member by the first holding means, both ends of the intermediate light path member are selectively positioned on the aligning stage side, and both ends of this intermediate light path member are positioned. The first and second optical path members are aligned, joined and fixed, and assembled.

[0012]

The present invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 in which the present invention is applied to aligning and assembling an n.times.n optical star coupler.

FIG. 1 shows the overall construction of an automatic aligning and assembling apparatus, and reference numeral 21 in the figure is a work stand. A swivel table 22 as a first holding means is provided on the upper surface of the work stand 21. This turning table 22
A circuit plate 24 as an intermediate optical path member is placed on the upper surface of the substrate via a support member 23. The circuit plate member 24 is clamped by a work clamp 25. Further, a work set stage 26 constituting a second holding means is provided on one side of the turning table 22, and a centering stage 27 is provided on the other side.

A first optical fiber array 29 as a first optical path member is attached to the upper surface of the work set stage 26 through a mounting plate 28, and the first optical fiber array 29 is a work piece. -It is clamped detachably by a clamp 30.

A second optical fiber array 32 as a second optical path member is attached to the alignment stage 27 via a mounting plate 31, and the second optical fiber array 32 is attached.
Is detachably clamped by a work clamp 33.

The mounting plate 31 is used as an excuse for Y and X with respect to the centering stage 27 by a tensioning device (not shown).
As shown by the symbols α and β around the axis parallel to
It is attached so that the set angle can be adjusted. On the other hand, reference numeral 35 in the drawing denotes a light source which constitutes a light supply means, and this light source 35 is connected to the first optical fiber array 29 via an optical fiber 36.

Second set on the aligning stage 27
The optical fiber array 32 is connected to the first and second optical fibers 37 and 38, and an optical power measuring unit 39 via a changeover switch 40.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a motor drive controller section as a control means, which is a motor drive controller section 4
6 is each signal path 41, 42, 4 for the X, Y, Z and θ directions
It is connected to the drive unit 57 of the alignment stage 27 through 3,44.

Further, the changeover switch 40 has a signal path 4
A personal computer 51 is connected via 7. The personal computer 51 is connected to the motor drive controller 46 via a signal path 48.

Further, the personal computer 51 described above is used.
A laser head moving controller 52 is connected to the laser head moving controller 5 via a signal path 49.
2 is connected to a drive unit 56 of a laser head 55 as fixing means via signal paths 53 and 54 for the X and Z directions.

Next, the centering and assembling method of the optical branching coupler composed of the above-mentioned first and second optical fiber arrays 29 and 32 and the intermediate circuit plate 24 will be described.

First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A, the first optical fiber array 29 is set and held on the work set stage 26, and then the intermediate circuit plate 24 is rotated. -Set and hold on the support plate 23 of the bull 22. Further, the second optical fiber array 32 is set and held on the alignment stage 27.

After that, one fiber of the first optical fiber array 29 and the light source 35 are connected to each other via the optical fiber 36, and two fibers of the second optical fiber array 32 are connected. And the optical power measuring unit 39 are connected via the first and second optical fibers 37 and 38.

In this state, light is sent from the light source 35 as shown in FIG. 4 (b), and at the same time, the light is sent from the first optical fiber array 29 to the intermediate circuit plate 24. -Manually operate the Ji26. As a result, the light emitted from the intermediate circuit plate 24 is sent to the optical power measuring section 39 via the second optical fiber array 32 and the first optical fiber 37, where the optical power is changed. To be measured. Based on the measured value, the motor drive control section 46 controls the drive section 57 of the centering stage 27 so that the centering stage 27 moves in X, Y, and
The second optical fiber array 32 is automatically aligned by operating in the Z and θ directions.

After that, the personal computer 51
Is operated to operate the optical switch 40 to switch to the second optical fiber 38. As a result, the second optical fiber
Light is sent to the optical power measuring unit 39 via 38 to measure the power, and the aligning stage 27 operates in the X, Y, Z and θ directions based on the measured values as described above. Then, the second optical fiber array 32 is automatically aligned. Based on the alignment results of each of the first optical fiber 37 and the second optical fiber 38, the personal computer 51 calculates and analyzes the alignment, and the alignment stage 27 is set at the optimum alignment position. It is moved in the X, Y, Z, and θ directions to be positioned. As a result of this alignment, if the value is less than the set value, the alignment is completed, and if it is more than the set value, the alignment is repeated again. After that, the laser head moving controller 52 controls the laser driving unit 56 to move the YAG laser 55 to a predetermined position to move the second optical fiber array 32 and the intermediate circuit plate 24. The one end is joined and fixed as shown in FIG.

Thus, the second optical fiber array 32
After the intermediate circuit plate 24 and one end of the intermediate circuit plate 24 are joined and fixed, the clamp of the first optical fiber array 29 on the work set stage 26 is released to remove the first optical fiber array 29. , Work set stage 26
To the outside. Then, the turning table 22 is turned 180 degrees as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4D. By this turning, the other end portion side of the intermediate circuit plate 24 is positioned on the aligning stage 27 side. Then, the first optical fiber array 29 removed from the work set stage 26 is moved to the aligning stage 2 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (e).
Set to 7 and hold.

Then, the second optical fiber-32 is used.
One of the fibers and the light source 35 to the optical fiber 36.
And the two optical fibers of the first optical fiber lesbian array 29 and the optical power measuring section 39 are connected via the first and second optical fibers 37 and 38.

In this state, light is sent from the light source 35, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (f), light is incident on the intermediate circuit plate 24 from the second optical fiber array 32. This light is emitted from the intermediate circuit plate 24 and is output from the first optical fiber array 29.
Further, it is sent to the optical power measuring unit 39 via the first optical fiber 37, and the optical power is measured here. The motor drive control unit 46 controls the drive unit 57 of the centering stage 27 based on the measured value, and the centering stage 27 operates in the X, Y, Z, and θ directions. Then, the first optical fiber array 29 is automatically aligned.

After that, the personal computer 51
Is operated to operate the optical switch 40 to switch to the second optical fiber 38. As a result, the second optical fiber
Light is sent to the optical power measuring section 39 via 38 to measure its power, and the alignment stage 27 is moved in the X, Y, Z and θ directions in the same manner as described above based on the measured values. And the first optical fiber array 29 is automatically aligned. Based on the alignment results of the first optical fiber 37 and the second optical fiber 38 described above, the personal computer 51 performs arithmetic analysis to position the alignment stage 27 at the optimum alignment position. It should be moved in the X, Y, Z, and θ directions.

As a result of this alignment, if the value is less than the set value, the alignment is completed, and if it is more than the set value, the alignment is repeated again. After that, operate the personal computer 51 to read it.
The laser drive controller 52 controls the laser drive unit 56 to move the YAG laser 55 to a predetermined position to move the first optical fiber array 29 and the other end of the intermediate circuit plate 24. As shown in FIG. 4 (g), the joint is fixed and the assembly is completed.

At the time of the above-mentioned alignment, the power of the light entering the circuit plate 24 is large or small, and the power of the light passing through the optical fibers 32 and 29 on the light output side.
As shown in FIG. 5, the centering position at which is maximum does not change practically.

Therefore, the light from the light-incident side is pre-selected by the circuit.
As long as light is incident on the lens 24 even if it is slightly more than measurable, each alignment joint can be aligned independently, and it is not necessary to align two alignment spots at the same time. . As a result, even if there is only one alignment stage 27, it is possible to perform alignment and assembly by reversing the circuit plate 24 and the optical fiber arrays 29 and 32.

Although the optical fiber array 29 is used as the first optical path member in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. It may be a 1 × n optical branching coupler including only one optical fiber. At this time, the optical fiber 29 is always on the incident side, and the optical fiber array 32 is always on the emitting side. Further, the welding device is not limited to the laser, and an ultraviolet device for adhesion may be used.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention,
With the single aligning stage, it is possible to perform jointing and assembling of two or more components, and it is possible to significantly improve the work efficiency.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an automatic centering and assembling apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an aligning and assembling operation of the automatic aligning and assembling apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an aligning and assembling operation of the automatic aligning and assembling apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an aligning and assembling operation of the automatic aligning and assembling apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the power of light that has passed through the light output side optical fiber and the moving distance of the alignment stage.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an optical branching coupler that is aligned and assembled by the automatic aligning and assembling apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a first conventional example.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a second conventional example.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical branching coupler.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 21 ... Work set stage (second holding means) 22 ... Rotation table (first holding means) 24 ... Intermediate circuit plate (intermediate optical path member) 27 ... Alignment step -Di, 29 ... 1st optical fiber array (1st optical path member) 32 ... 2nd optical fiber array (2nd optical path member) 35 ... Light source (light supply means) 39 ... Optical power measuring means 46 ... Motor drive controller (control means) 55 ... Laser head (fixing means)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An automatic centering and assembling apparatus for aligning and assembling a first optical path member at one end of an intermediate optical path member and a second optical path member at the other end thereof, respectively, and assembling the intermediate optical path member. A first holding means for holding and swiveling a member, and a second holding for detachably holding the first light path member and for positioning the first light path member with respect to the intermediate light path member. Means, a centering stage that selectively holds the first and second light path members and operates with two or more axes of freedom, and a first light beam held by the second holding means. Light supply means for supplying light to the path member, and light for measuring the power of light supplied by the light supply means and having passed through the first light path member, the intermediate light path means, and the second light path member. Based on the power measuring means and the measured values measured by this optical power measuring means A control means for controlling the operation of the aligning stage; and a fixing means for joining and fixing the aligned first and second optical path members and both ends of the intermediate optical path member. Automatic aligning and assembling equipment. 2. The self-aligning and assembling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means is a laser device for welding. 3. The self-aligning and assembling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means is an adhesive UV device. 4. A rotatable first holding means for the intermediate optical path member, a second holding means for the first optical path member, and a centering station.
Second light path member, and light is made to enter the first light path member by a light supply means, and this light is emitted from the second light path member via the intermediate light path member. Then, the power of this light is measured by an optical power measuring means,
Based on the measured value, the control means operates the aligning stage with two or more degrees of freedom to align the path of the second optical path member with the path of the intermediate optical path member, After this alignment, one end of the intermediate optical path member and the second optical path member are joined and fixed by a fixing means, and after this joining and fixing, the first holding means is turned to the other end of the intermediate optical path member. The portion is positioned on the aligning stage side, the first optical path member is removed from the second holding means and set on the aligning stage, and from this state, the light supplying means again causes Light is incident on the second light path member, this light is emitted from the first light path member via the intermediate light path member, and the power of the light is measured by the light power measuring means. Based on the measured value, the control means can adjust the alignment stage with two or more degrees of freedom. And aligning the path of the first optical path member with the path of the intermediate optical path member, and after this alignment, the other end of the intermediate optical path member and the first optical path member are fixed by a fixing means. A self-aligning assembling method characterized by joining, fixing and assembling.