WO2016164591A1 - Procédé et appareil permettant de mesurer l'angle de trou de goupille d'alignement d'une ferrule de fibre optique - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil permettant de mesurer l'angle de trou de goupille d'alignement d'une ferrule de fibre optique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016164591A1
WO2016164591A1 PCT/US2016/026455 US2016026455W WO2016164591A1 WO 2016164591 A1 WO2016164591 A1 WO 2016164591A1 US 2016026455 W US2016026455 W US 2016026455W WO 2016164591 A1 WO2016164591 A1 WO 2016164591A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ferrule
face
pin hole
measuring device
reference surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2016/026455
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English (en)
Inventor
Yu Lu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Commscope Technologies LLC
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Commscope Technologies LLC
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Application filed by Commscope Technologies LLC filed Critical Commscope Technologies LLC
Publication of WO2016164591A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016164591A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3835—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using discs, bushings or the like
    • G02B6/3837—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using discs, bushings or the like forwarding or threading methods of light guides into apertures of ferrule centering means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
    • G02B6/3818—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type
    • G02B6/3822—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type with beveled fibre ends
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
    • G02B6/3885—Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type

Definitions

  • Certain types of fiber optic ferrules such as MT ferrules, have fiber holes for securing optical fibers therein.
  • Signal transmission through the optical fibers can depend on precise coaxial alignment of the fibers corresponding to mating connectors. Precise positioning of the optical fibers is dependent upon precise positioning of the fiber holes through the ferrules. The angles of the fiber holes also affect positioning precision, particularly when polishing is taken into consideration. It is therefore necessary to accurately position the centers of fiber holes, at which optical fiber cores are located, to achieve low loss of signal transmission.
  • the precise positioning of fiber holes is dependent at least in part on the angles or inclinations of the fiber holes in the ferrule.
  • the angle of each fiber hole can affect a position of the fiber hole before an end face of the ferrule is polished and a position of the fiber hole after the end face of the ferrule is polished. As the fiber hole angle increases, the positions of fiber holes can change more before and after polishing.
  • fiber hole angles are measured by referencing alignment pin holes, which are also referred to as guide pin holes, formed through a ferrule.
  • alignment pin holes which are also referred to as guide pin holes
  • the true positions of fiber holes can be determined before and after polishing, using the alignment pin holes as reference locations. Based on the true position measurements, the angles of the fiber holes can be determined.
  • the alignment pin holes of a ferrule are often angled or tilted in the ferrule, and, thus, the position of each alignment pin hole can change as the end face of the ferrule is polished. The offset of the alignment pin hole position on the end face of the ferrule can cause inaccurate measurement of the true position and angle of each fiber hole of the ferrule.
  • this disclosure is directed to a system for measuring an alignment pin hole angle of a fiber optic ferrule.
  • the system includes a measuring device configured to align a ferrule therewith and provide a reference point for determining a position of an alignment pin hole on an end face of the ferrule before and after polishing the end face of the ferrule.
  • the measuring device may provide at least one positioning surface configured to be abutted at least partially with at least one reference surface of the ferrule such that the ferrule is arranged at the same position in the measuring device every time that the ferrule is placed in the measuring device.
  • One aspect is a method of determining an angle of a guide pin hole of a fiber optic ferrule relative to at least one reference surface of the ferrule.
  • the method may include placing the ferrule in an offset measuring device to arrange the at least one reference surface of the ferrule at a predetermined position of the offset measuring device; determining a first position of the guide pin hole at a forward end face of the ferrule relative to a reference point formed in the offset measuring device; removing a
  • the system may include a body, a ferrule alignment portion, and a reference point.
  • the body is configured to place the ferrule therein.
  • the ferrule alignment portion is defined by the body and configured to arrange the ferrule in a same position every time that the ferrule is placed in the body.
  • the reference point is formed in the body and used to measure a position of the alignment pin hole on an end face of the ferrule therefrom.
  • a system for measuring an alignment pin hole angle of a fiber optic ferrule may include a measuring device configured to align a ferrule therewith and provide a measuring pin for determining a position of an alignment pin hole on an end face of the ferrule.
  • the measuring pin is displaceably inserted into the alignment pin hole of the ferrule and monitored to provide different position measurements. The different position measurements of the measuring pin are used to calculate the alignment pin hole angle of the ferrule.
  • One aspect is a method of determining an angle of a guide pin hole of a fiber optic ferrule relative to at least one reference surface of a ferrule.
  • the method may include placing the ferrule in an offset measuring device to arrange the at least one reference surface of the ferrule at a predetermined position of the offset measuring device; inserting a measuring pin into the guide pin hole in a first position; determining a position of the measuring pin to generate a first position measurement of the measuring pin; displacing the measuring pin within the guide pin hole into a second position; determining a position of the measuring pin to generate a second position measurement of the measuring pin; and calculating an angle of the guide pin hole of the ferrule based upon the first and second position measurements and a difference between the first and second positions of the measuring pin.
  • the measuring pin is arranged to protrude from an end face of the ferrule at a first length in the first positon, and protrude from the end face of the ferrule at a second length in the second position.
  • the difference between the first and second positions may be defined as a difference between the first and second lengths.
  • the system may include a body, a ferrule alignment portion, and a measuring pin.
  • the body is configured to place the ferrule therein.
  • the ferrule alignment portion is defined by the body and configured to arrange the ferrule in a predetermined position.
  • the measuring pin is configured to be inserted into the guide pin hole of the ferrule and configured to be arranged in a first position and a second position different from the first position. The measuring pin is detectable in the first and second positions to provide first and second position measurements thereof.
  • the measuring pin is arranged to protrude from an end face of the ferrule at a first length in the first position, and protrude from an end face of the ferrule at a second length in the second position.
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example fiber optic ferrule.
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic ferrule of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the ferrule, illustrating a forward end face or a butt end face of the ferrule of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4A is a side view of the ferrule before polishing.
  • FIG. 4B is a side view of the ferrule of FIG. 4A after polishing.
  • FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an example ferrule, illustrating an angle of a fiber hole relative to an alignment pin hole.
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the ferrule of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example offset measuring device for receiving a ferrule to measure a position of an alignment pin hole.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of the offset measuring device of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of using the offset measuring device to measure a position of an alignment pin hole before and after polishing.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the offset measuring device of FIG. 7, illustrating an example ferrule alignment portion.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates that the ferrule is aligned with the offset measuring device in a Y-axis direction.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates that the ferrule is aligned with the offset measuring device in a Z-axis direction.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates that the ferrule is aligned with the offset measuring device in an X-axis direction.
  • FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an example offset measuring device for determining an angle of the alignment pin hole of a ferrule relative to at least one of the references surfaces of the ferrule.
  • FIG. 15A illustrates a method of measuring an angle of the alignment pin hole relative to at least one of the reference surfaces of the ferrule.
  • FIG. 15B further illustrates the method of measuring an angle of the alignment pin hole relative to at least one of the reference surfaces of the ferrule.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates an example method of calculating a tilt angle of the alignment pin hole.
  • FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example of the offset measuring devices.
  • the present disclosure relates to a system for measuring an angle or inclination of an alignment pin hole formed in a ferrule, such as a multi-fiber ferrule (e.g., an MPO/MT ferrule).
  • the system may use an offset measuring device configured to align a ferrule therewith and provide at least one reference point for determining a position of an alignment pin hole on an end face of the ferrule before and after the end face of the ferrule is polished.
  • the offset measuring device may provide at least one positioning surface configured to be abutted at least partially with at least one reference surface of the ferrule such that the ferrule is arranged at the same position in the offset measuring device every time that the ferrule is placed in the offset measuring device.
  • the reference point provided in the offset measuring device may be used to determine a position of the alignment pin hole on the end face of the ferrule that is placed in the offset measuring device before and after the end face of the ferrule is polished. A difference between the positions of the alignment pin hole of the ferrule is used to calculate an angle of the alignment pin hole in the ferrule.
  • the measurement of the fiber hole angle can be adjusted in accordance to the angle of the alignment pin hole. If the alignment hole pin angle is outside a predetermined acceptable range, the ferrule may be rejected.
  • the offset measuring device in accordance with the present disclosure is easy to fabricate and use.
  • the offset measuring device in accordance with present disclosure can replace expensive equipment using a sophisticating technology, such as X-ray Computerized Tomography (CT), and provide a convenient and cost-efficient structure for measuring an angle or inclination of alignment pin holes of a ferrule.
  • CT X-ray Computerized Tomography
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 a fiber optic ferrule 100 is provided to hold fibers.
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example fiber optic ferrule 100.
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the fiber optic ferrule 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the fiber optic ferrule 100 is a mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule for multi-fiber connections.
  • the fiber optic ferrule 100 can hold optical fibers such as optical fibers that are part of a multicore fiber tape or ribbon.
  • a fiber ribbon has a plurality of optical fibers.
  • a polymeric matrix material that encases the optical fibers of the ribbon is removed so that the optical fibers are exposed, and the exposed optical fibers are individually inserted into fiber holes 122 through a fiber insertion opening 128 (FIG. 2) of the ferrule 100.
  • the ferrule 100 has a fiber support portion therewithin that includes a plurality of grooves formed in parallel at regular pitch, each of the grooves configured to receive and support each of the optical fibers.
  • the present disclosure primarily describes a fiber optic ferrule 100 configured to hold a plurality of optical fibers. In other examples, however, the same principles described in the present disclosure are also applicable to a fiber optic ferrule for holding a single optical fiber.
  • the ferrule 100 has a ferrule body 102 and an enlarged base 104.
  • the ferrule 100 extends between a forward end 106 and a rearward end 108 and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape.
  • the ferrule body 102 has a upper surface 110 (also referred to herein as a second main surface or a second major side surface), a lower surface 112 (also referred to herein as a first main surface or a first major side surface) opposite to the upper surface 110, and opposite side surfaces 114 and 116 (also referred to herein as first and second side surfaces or minor side surfaces).
  • the upper surface 110, the lower surface 112, and the opposite side surfaces 114 and 116 extend between the forward end 106 and the rearward end 108 to define a substantially rectangular shape of the ferrule body 102.
  • the enlarged base 104 is provided at the rearward end 108 of the ferrule 100 and meets with the ferrule body 102 at a shoulder 118 that extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the ferrule body 102.
  • the shoulder 118 extends from the upper, lower and opposite side surfaces 110, 112, 114 and 116 at the ferrule body 102.
  • the shoulder 118 is a surface perpendicularly or radially extending from the exterior surface of the ferrule body 102.
  • the shoulder 118 can be substantially parallel with a forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100. In other examples, the end face 120 can be angled relative to the shoulder 118.
  • the ferrule 100 has a forward end face 120, a plurality of fiber holes 122, one or more alignment pin holes 124 (i.e., alignment holes or openings), and an adhesive window 126.
  • the forward end face 120 is a surface of the ferrule 100 at the forward end 106. Once the ferrule 100 is assembled with optical fibers and related components, the forward end face 120 is polished along with forward end faces of the optical fibers, thereby ensuring proper fiber-to-fiber contact and reduced signal loss.
  • the polished forward end surface is referred to herein as a butt end face or an end face 170, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • the end face 170 can be angled or inclined.
  • the butt end face 170 is a surface of the ferrule 100 that opposes a butt end face 170 of another ferrule 100 when an optical connection is made between the two mated ferrules.
  • the butt end faces 170 of the abutting ferrules 100 are arranged opposite to each other, and alignment pins (e.g., guide pins) (not shown) are inserted into the alignment pin holes 124 so as to be interposed between opposing alignment pin holes 124.
  • alignment pins e.g., guide pins
  • the fiber holes 122 are defined in the ferrule body 102 to be in communication with a fiber insertion opening 128 (FIG. 2).
  • the fiber holes 122 are configured to receive optical fibers, respectively, that are inserted into the ferrule body 102 through the fiber insertion opening 128.
  • the fiber holes 122 are open at the forward end face 120 of the ferrule body 102.
  • the fiber holes 122 are also open at the inclined butt end face 170 after a predetermined amount of material is removed from the ferrule body 102 at the forward end face 120.
  • the fiber holes 122 expose tip ends of bare fibers at the forward end face 120 or the butt end face 170.
  • the plurality of fiber holes 122 is arranged along a line at the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 so as to form a row of optical fibers.
  • the plurality of fiber holes 122 can be arranged multiple lines such as two lines. As described below, the positions of fiber holes 122 are arranged with at least one of the lower surface 112, one of the side surfaces 114 and 116, and a shoulder 118.
  • One or more alignment pin holes 124 are provided at the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 to receive guide pins (not shown) that are configured to align two mating ferrules 100.
  • the alignment pin holes 124 can also referred to herein as guide pin holes.
  • the alignment pin holes 124 can be formed in a substantially circular shape in cross-section in a perpendicular direction relative to an inserting direction of a guide pin. Other cross-sectional shapes of the alignment pin holes 124 are possible in other examples.
  • the alignment pin holes 124 can extend through the ferrule 100 to open at a rearward end face 130 (FIG. 2), as well as the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100.
  • the ferrule 100 has two alignment pin holes 124. In other examples, however, the ferrule 100 has a single alignment pin hole or more than two alignment pin holes.
  • the adhesive window 126 is provided on the upper surface 110 of the ferrule 100 and in communication with at least a portion of the fiber holes 122 within the ferrule body 102.
  • the adhesive window 126 is configured to receive adhesive (e.g., epoxy adhesive) to fix the optical fibers to the fiber holes 122.
  • the ferrule 100 has a fiber insertion opening 128 at a rearward end face 130.
  • the fiber insertion opening 128 is configured to insert optical fibers into the ferrule body 102.
  • the fiber insertion opening 128 can be formed in substantially the center in the rearward end face 130 of the ferrule 100 and in a substantially rectangular shape with a wide width that can receive an optical fiber tape.
  • the fiber optic ferrule 100 can be made of synthetic resin.
  • the ferrule 100 is formed by transfer molding using thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin, injection molding using thermoplastic resin such as polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Other materials can be used to form the ferrule 100.
  • thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin
  • thermoplastic resin such as polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP).
  • PPS polyphenylene sulfide resin
  • LCP liquid crystal polymer
  • an example method of measuring a position of each fiber hole 122 on the ferrule 100 relative to the alignment pin holes 124 The positions of each fiber hole 122 are measured both before and after the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 is polished. The positions of the fiber holes 122 before and after polishing of the ferrule 100 can be used to calculate an angle of the fiber hole 122 formed in the ferrule body 102 relative to the alignment pin holes 124.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the ferrule 100, illustrating the forward end face 120 or the butt end face 170 of the ferrule 100.
  • the pair of alignment pin holes 124 are used as a reference point to measure a position of each fiber hole 122.
  • a middle point 150 between the two alignment pin holes 124 is selected as a reference point for measuring the positions of fiber holes 122.
  • the middle point 150 can be selected as an origin of a coordinate system, such as an X-axis 152 and a Y-axis 154.
  • the position of each fiber hole 122 can be measured along the X-axis 152 and the Y-axis 154 to generate an offset distance for the fiber hole 122 from the reference point 150.
  • each fiber hole 122 can be reduced to an X-axis offset component and a Y-axis offset component.
  • the fiber holes 122 are arranged to lie substantially along the X-axis 152 (i.e., the Y-axis offset is zero).
  • FIG. 4A is a side view of the ferrule 100 before polishing
  • FIG. 4B is a side view of the ferrule 100 of FIG. 4A after polishing.
  • the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 is polished to form a butt end face 170.
  • end portions of optical fibers exposed at the forward end face 120 and a predetermined amount of material of the ferrule are removed.
  • the offset distances of the fiber holes 122 can change either in degree or direction, or both, due to an angle or inclination A (FIG. 5) of each fiber hole 122 with respect to a line L perpendicular to the pre-polished forward end face 120 and the shoulder 118 of the ferrule 100.
  • Such an angle of each fiber hole 122 can be caused by, for example, manufacturing tolerances.
  • FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an example ferrule 100, illustrating an angle A of a fiber hole 122 relative to the alignment pin hole 124.
  • An axis of the fiber hole 122 is designated as A F and an axis of the alignment pin hole 124 is designated as AA.
  • the angle or inclination A of the fiber hole 122 can be measured relative to the alignment pin hole 124.
  • the angle A of the fiber hole 122 is defined as an angle formed between the fiber hole axis A F and the alignment pin hole axis AA.
  • the position of the fiber hole 122 changes after the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 is polished to form the butt end face 170.
  • a first position P A of the fiber hole 122 prior to polishing is different from a second position P B of the fiber hole 122 after polishing.
  • Each of the first and second positions PA and P B can be reduced to an X-axis component and a Y-axis component, and used to calculate the angle A of the fiber hole 122 relative to the alignment pin hole 124.
  • the angle A of each fiber hole 122 can be determined relative to at least one of the alignment pin holes 124 by measuring a position of the fiber hole 122 before and after polishing the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100.
  • the alignment pin holes 124 are formed to be at least partially angled or inclined in the ferrule body 102 due to, for example, manufacturing tolerances.
  • the alignment pin hole axis AA can be at least partially tilted along the length of the ferrule 100. In this case, the position of the alignment pin holes 124 can change as the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 is polished, and, therefore, cause inaccurate measurement of the position of each fiber hole 122 of the ferrule 100.
  • a position of each alignment pin hole 124 can be measured relative to one or more reference surfaces on the ferrule 100.
  • the ferrule 100 provides a first reference surface 202, a second reference surface 204, and a third reference surface 206. At least one of the first, second and third reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 of the ferrule 100 can be used as a reference to determine a position of each alignment pin hole 124 (e.g., the alignment pin hole axis AA) before and after polishing.
  • the difference between two positions of the alignment pin hole 124 before and after polishing can be used to calculate an angle of the alignment pin hole 124 (e.g., an angle or inclination of the alignment pin hole axis AA) in a similar manner to the angle A of each fiber hole 122 as described above.
  • these reference surfaces can be used to position the ferrule at a
  • the first reference surface 202 is defined as the lower surface 112 of the ferrule body 102.
  • the second reference surface 204 is defined as a shoulder 118 of the enlarged base 104.
  • the third reference surface 206 is defined as one of the side surface 114 and 116 of the ferrule body 102.
  • an example method of measuring an offset of the alignment pin holes 124 before and after polishing the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 is performed using an offset measuring device 210.
  • the offset measuring device 210 is configured to arrange the ferrule 100 at a predetermined position by aligning at least one of the first, second, and third reference surfaces 202, 204, and 206 of the ferrule 100 with the offset measuring device 210.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example offset measuring device 210 that receives the ferrule 100 to measure a position of each alignment pin hole 124.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of the offset measuring device 210 of FIG. 7.
  • the offset measuring device 210 includes a device body 212, a ferrule alignment portion 214 and one or more reference points 216.
  • the device body 212 is configured to support the ferrule 100 for measurement of the alignment pin holes 124.
  • the device body 212 has a front wall 218, a rear wall 220, and opposite side walls 222 and 224.
  • the ferrule alignment portion 214 is defined at a top portion of the device body 212 and configured to receive and arrange the ferrule 100 at a predetermined position. As described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10-13, the ferrule alignment portion 214 operates to arrange the ferrule 100 in the same position every time that the ferrule 100 is placed therein.
  • One or more reference points 216 are provided at predetermined positions of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the offset measuring device 210 includes four reference points 216 formed on the front wall 218 of the device body 212 adjacent the ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • the reference points 216 are configured as holes formed on the device body 212 (e.g., on the front wall 218 thereof) adjacent the ferrule alignment portion 214. These holes can be made in similar shape and size to the fiber holes 122 of the ferrule 100.
  • the alignment pin hole axis AA (i.e., the center of the alignment pin hole) can be measured from at least one of the reference points 216 formed in the offset measuring device 210.
  • the offset measuring device 210 has four reference points 216 (e.g., a first reference point 216A, a second reference point 216B, a third reference point 216C, and a fourth reference point 216D).
  • First arrows 228A, 228B, 228C, and 228D represent vectorized positions of the axes AA of a first alignment pin hole 124 A relative to the first, second, third and fourth reference points 226A-226D.
  • Second arrows 230A, 230B, 230C, and 230D represent vectorized positions of the axes AA of a second alignment pin hole 124B relative to the first, second, third and fourth reference points 226A-226D.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 240 of using the offset measuring device 210 to measure a position of each alignment pin hole 124 before and after polishing the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100.
  • the offset measuring device 210 is configured to determine an angle or inclination of the alignment pin hole 124 relative to at least one of the reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 of the ferrule 100.
  • the ferrule 100 is placed in the offset measuring device 210 to arrange at least one of the reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 of the ferrule 100 at a predetermined position therein. In particular, the ferrule 100 is received to the ferrule alignment portion 214 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the ferrule alignment portion 214 is configured to align at least one of the reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 therewith such that the ferrule 100 is placed in the ferrule alignment portion 214 of the offset measuring device 210 in the same position every time that the ferrule 100 is arranged therein.
  • An example configuration of alignment of the ferrule 100 with the ferrule alignment portion 214 is described and illustrated in more detail with reference to FIG. 10.
  • a first position of the alignment pin hole 124 at the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 is determined relative to at least one of the reference points 216 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the first position of the alignment pin hole 124 indicates a position of the alignment pin hole 124 relative to at least one of the reference points 216 before the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 is polished.
  • the first position of the alignment pin hole 124 is determined as a vectorized position of the alignment pin hole axis AA relative to at least one of the reference points 216 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the first position of the alignment pin hole 124 can be reduced in various manners, such as a Cartesian coordinate system including an X- axis distance and a Y-axis distance.
  • a predetermined amount of material is removed from the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 to form a butt end face 170 of the ferrule 100.
  • the butt end face 170 is angled about 8 degrees relative to the forward end face 120.
  • the polished ferrule 100 is placed in the offset measuring device 210 in the same manner as in the operation 242.
  • the at least one reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 of the ferrule 100 is arranged at the same position in the offset measuring device 210 as arranged at the operation 242.
  • a second position of the alignment pin hole 124 at the butt end face 170 of the ferrule 100 is determined relative to the same reference point(s) 216 of the offset measuring device 210 as used at the operation 244.
  • the second position of the alignment pin hole 124 presents a position of the alignment pin hole 124 relative to the same reference point(s) 216 after the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100 is polished to form the butt end face 170.
  • the second position of the alignment pin hole 124 can be determined as a vectorized position of the alignment pin hole axis AA relative to at least one of the reference points 216 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the second position of the alignment pin hole 124 can be reduced in various manners, such as a Cartesian coordinate system including an X-axis distance and a Y-axis distance.
  • an angle of the alignment pin hole 124 within the ferrule 100 can be calculated based upon the first and second positions of the alignment pin hole 124 relative to the reference point(s) 216 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the offset measuring device 210 of FIG. 7, illustrating an example ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • the ferrule alignment portion 214 has one or more positioning surfaces for arranging the ferrule 100 in the ferrule alignment portion 214 at a same position every time that the ferrule 100 is placed therein.
  • the ferrule alignment portion 214 of the offset measuring device 210 has a first positioning surface 302, a second positioning surface 304, and a third positioning surface 306.
  • the first positioning surface 302 is configured to be at least partially abutted with the first reference surface 202 of the ferrule 100 (e.g., the lower surface 112 thereof) when the ferrule 100 is placed in the ferrule alignment portion 214 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the first positioning surface 302 operates to align the ferrule 100 in a Y-axis direction 312 with respect to the offset measuring device 210.
  • the second positioning surface 304 is configured to be at least partially abutted with the second reference surface 204 of the ferrule 100 (e.g., the shoulder 118 thereof) when the ferrule 100 is placed in the ferrule alignment portion 214 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the second positioning surface 304 operates to align the ferrule 100 in a Z- axis direction 314 with respect to the offset measuring device 210.
  • the second positioning surface 304 is at least partially defined by the rear wall 220 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the third positioning surface 306 is configured to be at least partially abutted with the third reference surface 206 of the ferrule 100 (e.g., the side surface 114 thereof) when the ferrule 100 is placed in the ferrule alignment portion 214 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • the third positioning surface 306 operates to align the ferrule 100 in an X-axis direction 310 with respect to the offset measuring device 210.
  • FIGS. 11-13 an example method of arranging the ferrule 100 in the offset measuring device 210 by using the first, second, and third positioning surfaces 302, 304, and 306 of the ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates that the ferrule 100 is aligned with the offset measuring device 210 in the Y-axis direction 312.
  • the ferrule 100 is placed in the ferrule alignment portion 214 such that the first reference surface 202 (e.g., the lower surface 112) of the ferrule 100 is abutted with the first positioning surface 302 of the ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • the first reference surface 202 of the ferrule 100 lies on the first positioning surface 302 of the ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • a force Fl can be applied to the ferrule 100 against the ferrule alignment portion 214 in the Y-axis direction 312 to ensure the abutment between the first reference surface 202 and the first positioning surface 302.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates that the ferrule 100 is aligned with the offset measuring device 210 in the Z-axis direction 314.
  • the ferrule 100 is placed in the ferrule alignment portion 214 such that the second reference surface 204 (e.g. the shoulder 118) of the ferrule 100 is abutted with the second positioning surface 304 of the ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • the second reference surface 204 of the ferrule 100 lies on the second positioning surface 304 of the ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • a force F2 can be applied to the ferrule 100 against the ferrule alignment portion 214 in the Z-axis direction 314 to ensure the abutment between the second reference surface 204 and the second positioning surface 304.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates that the ferrule 100 is aligned with the offset measuring device 210 in the X-axis direction 310.
  • the ferrule 100 is placed in the ferrule alignment portion 214 such that the third reference surface 206 (e.g. the side surface 114) of the ferrule 100 is abutted with the third positioning surface 306 of the ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • the third reference surface 206 of the ferrule 100 lies on the third positioning surface 306 of the ferrule alignment portion 214.
  • a force F3 can be applied to the ferrule 100 against the ferrule alignment portion 214 in the X-axis direction 310 to ensure the abutment between the third reference surface 206 and the third positioning surface 306.
  • the ferrule 100 can be placed in the ferrule alignment portion 214 and aligned with the offset measuring device 210 in three directions including the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions 310, 312 and 314.
  • the alignment of the ferrule 100 with the offset measuring device 210 is performed by arranging the reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 of the ferrule 100 with the positioning surfaces 302, 304 and 306 of the ferrule alignment portion 214 of the offset measuring device 210.
  • a position of the alignment pin hole 124 can be measured using the reference points 216 fixed at the offset measuring device 210.
  • the positions of each alignment pin hole 124 measured with respect to the reference points 216 of the offset measuring device 210 are correlated with the positions of the alignment pin hole 124 measured with respect to at least one of the reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 thereof.
  • FIGS. 14-17 another example method of determining an angle of an alignment pin hole 124 of a fiber optic ferrule 100 relative to a reference point of the ferrule.
  • the reference point of the ferrule 100 can be at least one of the reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 of the ferrule 100.
  • the reference point of the ferrule 100 for determining the angle of the alignment pin hole 124 is the shoulder 118.
  • the method does not require measuring the alignment pin holes 124 before and after polishing the forward end face 120 of the ferrule 100.
  • FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an example offset measuring device 400 for determining an angle of the alignment pin hole 124 of the ferrule 100 relative to at least one of the references surfaces 202, 204 and 206 of the ferrule 100.
  • the offset measuring device 400 includes a device body 402, a ferrule alignment portion 404, and one or more measuring pins 406.
  • the device body 402 is configured to support the ferrule 100 for measurement of the alignment pin holes 124.
  • the device body 402 is configured similarly to the device body 212. However, the device body 402 does not require the reference points 216 to measure an angle of the alignment pin holes 124, as described below.
  • the ferrule alignment portion 404 is defined by the device body 402 and configured to receive and arrange the ferrule 100 at a predetermined position. Similarly to the ferrule alignment portion 214 of the offset measuring device 210, the ferrule alignment portion 214 operates to always arrange the ferrule 100 in the same position, thereby allowing the alignment pin holes 124 to be reliably measured relative to at least one of the references surfaces 202, 204 and 206.
  • the measuring pins 406 are configured to be inserted into the alignment pin holes 124, respectively.
  • the measuring pin 406 is dimensioned to be interference-fit into the alignment pin hole 124. As described in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the measuring pin 406 is slidably engaged within the alignment pin hole 124.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a method of measuring an angle of the alignment pin hole 124 relative to at least one of the reference surfaces 202, 204 and 206 of the ferrule 100.
  • the device body 402 is not illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B. Once secured to the device body 402, the ferrule 100 stays in the device body 402 throughout the measuring process, and does not have to be removed from the device body 402 during the measuring process, in contrast to the first example method as described in FIGS. 7-13.
  • the measuring pin 406 is inserted into the alignment pin hole 124 in a first position, as illustrated in FIG. 15 A.
  • the measuring pin 406 is arranged to protrude from the end face 120 of the ferrule 100 at a first length (LI) in the first position, as illustrated in FIG. 15 A.
  • a position of the measuring pin 406 e.g., a center CM of the measuring pin 406 or an axis A M of the measuring pin 406 is measured (i.e., a first position measurement (PI)) relative to a predetermined reference.
  • the measuring pin 406 is displaced within the alignment pin hole 124 into a second position, as illustrated in FIG. 15B.
  • the measuring pin 406 is arranged to protrude from the end face 120 of the ferrule 100 at a second length (L2) different from the first length (LI).
  • the first and second lengths (LI and L2) can be measured with respect to any preset reference, and the difference (L1-L2) between the first and second lengths is used as described below.
  • the second length (L2) is determined to be zero, and therefore, the measuring pin 406 is pushed toward the alignment pin hole 124 so as to be flush with the end face 120 of the ferrule 100.
  • the second length (L2) is positive so that the measuring pin 406 extends from the end face 120 of the ferrule 100. In yet other embodiments, the second length (L2) is negative so that the measuring pin 406 is pushed back into the alignment pin hole 124. Once the measuring pin 406 has been moved within the alignment pin hole 124, a position of the measuring pin 406 is again measured (i.e., a second position measurement (P2)) relative to the predetermined reference used for the first position measurement (PI) above.
  • P2 second position measurement
  • the measuring pin 406 includes a through-hole 408 that is used as a reference to measure the position of the measuring pin 406 in the first and second positions.
  • the through-hole 408 is configured to be concentric to the measuring pin 406 (i.e., aligned with the center C M or the axis A M of the measuring pin 406).
  • the through-hole 408 can be off the center C M or the axis A M of the measuring pin 406.
  • the off-centric through- hole 408 can be used as a reference for measuring the positions of the measuring pin 406 while the orientation of the measuring pin 406 remains the same in the first and second positions.
  • Other configurations of the through-hole 408 of the measuring pin 406 can be used in still other examples.
  • other reference features can be provided to the measuring pin 406.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a method of calculating a tilt angle of the alignment pin hole 124.
  • the angle of the alignment pin hole 124 can be calculated a change in the alignment pin hole 124, using trigonometric functions.
  • the first position measurement (PI) e.g., obtained from the center C M of the measurement pin 406
  • the second position measurement (P2) e.g., obtained from the center C M of the measurement pin 406
  • a difference (L1-L2) between the first and second length (LI and L2) are used to calculate the angle (A) of the alignment pin hole 124 as follows:
  • FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an example of the offset measuring device 210 and the offset measuring device 400.
  • the offset measuring device 210 and the offset measuring device 400 includes a clamping device 420 configured to hold the ferrule 100 within the ferrule alignment portions 214 and 404 defined by the device bodies 212 and 402, respectively.
  • An example method of securing the ferrule 100 into the ferrule alignment portion 214 and 404 is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 11-13.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système qui permet de mesurer l'angle de trou de goupille d'alignement d'une ferrule de fibre optique. Le système comprend un dispositif de mesure conçu pour aligner une ferrule sur lui et pour fournir un point de référence afin de déterminer la position d'un trou de goupille d'alignement sur une face d'extrémité de la ferrule avant et après le polissage de la face d'extrémité de ladite ferrule. Le dispositif de mesure de décalage peut offrir au moins une surface de positionnement prévue pour venir en butée au moins en partie contre au minimum une surface de référence de la ferrule, de telle sorte que cette ferrule occupe la même position dans le dispositif de mesure chaque fois qu'elle est placée dans ledit dispositif de mesure.
PCT/US2016/026455 2015-04-10 2016-04-07 Procédé et appareil permettant de mesurer l'angle de trou de goupille d'alignement d'une ferrule de fibre optique Ceased WO2016164591A1 (fr)

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018168141A1 (fr) * 2017-03-13 2018-09-20 住友電気工業株式会社 Procédé de fabrication d'une ferrule de connecteur optique, ferrule de connecteur optique et fibre optique à connecteur
JP2022158670A (ja) * 2021-04-02 2022-10-17 住友電気工業株式会社 フェルール、光コネクタ及び光コネクタの製造方法
WO2023114848A1 (fr) * 2021-12-14 2023-06-22 Commscope Technologies Llc Ferrule à fibres multiples pour connecteur optique à fibres multiples et son procédé de fabrication

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0488633A2 (fr) * 1990-11-26 1992-06-03 The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. Une méthode pour contrôler un coupleur optique
US20020126961A1 (en) * 2000-01-17 2002-09-12 Ken Hirabayashi Ferrule and optical connector
US20080205824A1 (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-08-28 Joseph Todd Cody Angle-specific multi-fiber ferrules and associated methods of manufacture
US20110228259A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2011-09-22 Tyco Electronics Nederland B.V. Optical fiber alignment measurement method and apparatus
US20110229090A1 (en) * 2010-03-19 2011-09-22 Isenhour Micah C Fiber optic interface devices for electronic devices

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0488633A2 (fr) * 1990-11-26 1992-06-03 The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. Une méthode pour contrôler un coupleur optique
US20020126961A1 (en) * 2000-01-17 2002-09-12 Ken Hirabayashi Ferrule and optical connector
US20080205824A1 (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-08-28 Joseph Todd Cody Angle-specific multi-fiber ferrules and associated methods of manufacture
US20110228259A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2011-09-22 Tyco Electronics Nederland B.V. Optical fiber alignment measurement method and apparatus
US20110229090A1 (en) * 2010-03-19 2011-09-22 Isenhour Micah C Fiber optic interface devices for electronic devices

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018168141A1 (fr) * 2017-03-13 2018-09-20 住友電気工業株式会社 Procédé de fabrication d'une ferrule de connecteur optique, ferrule de connecteur optique et fibre optique à connecteur
JPWO2018168141A1 (ja) * 2017-03-13 2020-01-16 住友電気工業株式会社 光コネクタフェルールの製造方法、光コネクタフェルール、及びコネクタ付き光ファイバ
JP2022158670A (ja) * 2021-04-02 2022-10-17 住友電気工業株式会社 フェルール、光コネクタ及び光コネクタの製造方法
WO2023114848A1 (fr) * 2021-12-14 2023-06-22 Commscope Technologies Llc Ferrule à fibres multiples pour connecteur optique à fibres multiples et son procédé de fabrication

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