WO2006101281A1

WO2006101281A1 - Driving apparatus for polishing disk and polishing apparatus for optical fiber end surface having thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2006101281A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/000844
Authority: WO
Inventors: Han-Yong Cho; Hyeong-Jun Cho
Original assignee: Han-Yong Cho; Hyeong-Jun Cho
Priority date: 2005-03-23
Filing date: 2005-03-23
Publication date: 2006-09-28

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, and more particularly, to a polishing apparatus capable of revolving and rotating a polishing disk while constantly maintaining a ratio of revolution and rotation of the polishing disk. In addition, the present invention also relates to a driving apparatus for rotating and revolving a polishing disk of a polishing apparatus while constantly maintaining a ratio of revolution and rotation of the polishing disk. A polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention comprises a polishing disk; a driving means for rotating and revolving the polishing disk; a fixing disk that detachably fixes a plurality of optical fiber connectors thereto and has a cylindrical pressure-receiving portion extending upward from the center thereof; and a pressing and supporting unit that clamps and supports the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk and has a pressing means for pressing end surfaces of the plurality of optical fiber connectors against the polishing disk. The driving means includes a motor, and a power transmission device for receiving a rotational force of the motor and transmitting the rotational force to the polishing disk so that the polishing disk can simultaneously rotate and revolve at a constant ratio of rotation and revolution.

Description

DRIVING APPARATUS FOR POLISHING DISK AND

POLISHING APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL FIBER END

SURFACE HAVING THEREOF

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, and more particularly, to a polishing apparatus capable of revolving and rotating a polishing disk while constantly maintaining a ratio of revolution and rotation of the polishing disk. In addition, the present invention relates to a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, which can hold a fixing disk for fixing an optical fiber connector to be polished and mount the fixing disk on a polishing disk so as to polish the optical fiber connector while pressing the optical fiber connector against the polishing disk under constant pressure. In addition, the present invention also relates to a driving apparatus for rotating and revolving a polishing disk of a polishing apparatus while constantly maintaining a ratio of revolution and rotation of the polishing disk. Background Art

[2] U.S. Patent No. 5,516,328 entitled "end surface polishing machine" discloses a polishing machine capable of independently revolving and rotating a polishing disk for polishing an optical fiber connector. The polishing machine includes a revolving motor 2 for rotating a revolution shaft 7, and a rotating motor 1 for rotating a rotation shaft 8, as shown in Fig. 1. In addition, the rotation shaft 8 is inserted into and supported rotatably in the revolution shaft 7 at a position offset by a predetermined distance, and a polishing disk 5 can be independently rotated and revolved using three rotating disks.

[3] In addition, in the conventional polishing machine, a fixing disk 3 with an optical fiber connector 4 fixed thereto is directly grasped by a user' hand and then mounted on the polishing disk 5 with a polishing film attached thereto. In a state where constant pressure is applied to the mounted fixing disk 3 by means of a pressing rod 6, the optical fiber connector 4 is polished by means of the polishing film attached to the rotating and revolving polishing disk 5.

[4] For high-quality polishing, it is important to select a suitable polishing film and suitable polishing time for each polishing process, and to constantly maintain a polishing rate and a pressing load during the polishing process. Thus, in a polishing machine that simultaneously rotates and revolves a polishing disk for a polishing process, the speeds of rotation and revolution should be maintained constantly to obtain a uniform polishing rate. This is because if the speeds of rotation and revolution are maintained uniformly, traces formed on the polishing film by an end surface of the optical fiber connector have the same shape and interval. In addition, in a case where a plurality of optical fiber connectors are polished at the same time, it is important that the respective optical fiber connectors are subjected to uniform pressure.

[5] However, since the aforementioned polishing machine independently controls the speeds of rotation and revolution using the two motors, there is a disadvantage in that a ratio of the speeds of rotation and revolution cannot be constantly maintained. Thus, the shapes and intervals of traces upon polishing are changed, resulting in a nonuniform polishing rate. In particular, at the time of starting or terminating a polishing work, the respective motors should be accelerated or decelerated. In this case, it is very difficult to control the two motors while constantly maintaining an accelerating or decelerating rate. Thus, a polishing condition cannot be maintained uniformly.

[6] In addition, in the conventional polishing machine, a user should directly grasp the fixing disk with an optical fiber connector fixed thereto, and then mount it on the polishing disk. Thus, there is a risk that an optical fiber vulnerable to impact may be damaged when the fixing disk is mounted. Even in a case where a pressing load is applied using a lever during a polishing process, an optical fiber may be damaged. In particular, when a user removes the fixing disk after completion of the polishing process, the polished optical fiber may be damaged if the fixing disk is not precisely lifted in an exact upward direction.

[7] In addition, the conventional polishing machine is not provided with any technical constitution for discharging ground minute particles or impurities between the polishing film and the fixing disk. Thus, foreign substances may adhere to the optical fiber connector due to frictional heat during the polishing process, thereby deteriorating the polishing quality. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] The present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, which can polish the optical fiber connector while constantly maintaining a ratio of rotation and revolution of a polishing disk by synchronizing rates of rotation and revolution of the polishing disk using a single motor. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a driving apparatus capable of simultaneously rotating and revolving the polishing disk of the polishing apparatus.

[9] Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, which includes a pressing means that is fixed to a pivotable arm, can grasp a fixing disk with the optical fiber connector fixed thereto so as to mount or demount the fixing disk on or from a polishing disk, and can press the fixing disk with constant pressure during a polishing process.

[10] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, which is provided with a means for easily discharging foreign substances generated between a polishing disk and a fixing disk during a polishing process. Technical Solution

[11] A polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention comprises a polishing disk; a driving means for rotating and revolving the polishing disk; a fixing disk that detachably fixes a plurality of optical fiber connectors thereto and has a cylindrical pressure-receiving portion extending upward from the center thereof; and a pressing and supporting unit that clamps and supports the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk and has a pressing means for pressing end surfaces of the plurality of optical fiber connectors against the polishing disk.

[12] The pressing and supporting unit may include a support shaft spaced apart by a predetermined distance from and in parallel to the center of the polishing disk; and an arm installed above the polishing disk such that one end thereof is pivotably coupled to the support shaft. The pressing means may be fixed to the other end of the arm so as to move in a vertical direction. In the polishing apparatus of the present invention, the arm is pivoted so that the pressing means can be moved to a standby position where a fixing disk exists. Thereafter, the pressing means is lowered to clamp the pressure- receiving portion of the fixing disk and is then lifted. Then, the fixing disk can be mounted above the polishing disk.

[13] The pressing means may be configured to clamp the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk as well as to uniformly pressing end surfaces of the plurality of optical fiber connectors fixed to the fixing disk. The pressing means may include a head body including a first cylinder formed therein at one end thereof, and a second cylinder having the substantially same centerline as the first cylinder and having an inner diameter smaller than that of the first cylinder; a pressing piston having one end movably inserted into and in hermetic contact with the second cylinder and having a pressing portion extending from the other end thereof; a guide cylinder that has a hollow cylindrical shape, one end inserted into the second cylinder so that the pressing portion of the pressing piston can be inserted into the hollow, a plurality of through- holes formed radially at predetermined positions on a periphery thereof, and a flange formed on the other end thereof to be fixedly installed in the head body; a plurality of balls installed in the through-holes of the guide cylinder; a clamping piston that has a hollow cylindrical shape and installed within a space defined by the guide cylinder and the first cylinder while being fitted around the one end of the guide cylinder such that the clamping piston can move in a state where outer and inner peripheries of the clamping piston are in hermetic contact with the first cylinder and the outer periphery of the guide cylinder, respectively, and has an annular groove circumferentially formed at a predetermined position on the inner periphery so as to accommodate portions of the balls therein; and an elastic member installed between the flange and the clamping piston. The thickness between the inner and outer diameters of the guide cylinder is smaller than the diameter of each of the balls, and the annular groove of the clamping piston has a depth such that a portion of each of the balls does not protrude beyond the inner diameter of the guide cylinder when accommodated therein. Further, an annular groove with a predetermined depth is circumferentially formed at a predetermined position on an outer periphery of the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk.

[14] Before high-pressure compressed air is supplied to the first cylinder a through a pipe, the clamping piston is maintained in a raised state toward the second cylinder by the elastic member. Thus, the balls are pushed by the clamping piston and maintained in a state where they protrude into the guide cylinder. When high-pressure air is supplied to the first cylinder, the clamping piston is lowered far away from the second cylinder so that the balls can be partially accommodated in the annular groove of the clamping piston. At this time, when the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk is inserted and the high-pressure air in the first cylinder is removed, the clamping piston is lifted toward the second cylinder, the balls are partially accommodated in the annular groove of the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk, and the clamping piston is maintained in close contact with the outer periphery of the guide cylinder, thereby clamping the fixing disk.

[15] In a case where the clamped fixing disk is mounted above the polishing film attached to an upper surface of the polishing disk and the polishing disk is rotated and revolved to polish an end surface of an optical fiber connector, air of predetermined pressure is supplied to the first cylinder through a pipe so that the pressing portion of the pressing piston can uniformly press the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk. It is preferred that a hemispherical recess be formed in an end surface of the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk, and an end of the pressing portion of the pressing piston be formed to have a hemispherical shape so that uniform pressure can be applied regardless of rotation of the polishing disk. Even though the center of the pressing portion is not coincided with the center of the pressure-receiving portion due to variations in the heights of ends of optical fiber connectors fixed to the fixing disk, any damage to a contact portion can be prevented by means of surface contact rather than point contact.

[16] A driving apparatus for use in the polishing apparatus comprises a motor, and a power transmission means for receiving a rotational force of the motor and transmitting the rotational force to the polishing disk so that the polishing disk can simultaneously rotate and revolve at a constant ratio of rotation and revolution.

[17] The power transmission means for transmitting the rotational force to simultaneously rotate and revolve the polishing disk while constantly maintaining the ratio of rotation and revolution may include a first power transmission shaft having one end connected to the motor and having a worm formed on an outer periphery thereof; a first power transmission gear fixed to the other end of the first power transmission shaft; a revolution shaft having a gear formed on an outer periphery thereof to be engaged with the first power transmission gear and having a through-hole formed therein at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a revolution axis; a rotation shaft having one end fixed to the polishing disk and installed to be rotatably supported in the through-hole of the revolution shaft; a worm gear engaged with the worm of the first power transmission shaft; a second power transmission shaft having one end fixed to the center of the worm gear and having a second power transmission gear formed on the other end thereof; a third power transmission shaft having a third power transmission gear formed on one end thereof to be perpendicularly engaged with the second power transmission gear, and having the same axis as the revolution axis; and an eccentric coupling connected to the other end of the third power transmission shaft to receive the rotational force of the motor and to transmit the rotational force to the other end of the rotation shaft. The eccentric coupling is preferably an Oldham coupling.

[18] The polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention is provided with a means for discharging foreign substances by supplying cooling water so as to prevent ground particles or foreign substances from adhering to the end surface of the connector or the polishing film due to heat generated during the polishing process. In order to cool the polishing film and to discharge the generated foreign substances, a through-hole may be formed in the fixing disk so as to supply cooling water therethrough, and the polishing apparatus may further comprise a cooling water supplying means including a tube with one end installed to an upper portion of the through-hole so as to supply the cooling water. Brief Description of the Drawings

[19] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional polishing machine for an optical fiber connector.

[20] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[21] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a pressing means of the polishing apparatus shown in

Fig. 2. [22] Figs. 4 to 6 are views showing an operating process of the polishing apparatus shown in Fig. 2.

[23] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a jig for use in the polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention.

[24] Fig. 8 is a perspective sectional view of a power transmission means of the polishin g apparatus shown in Fig. 2.

[25] Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing a power transmission relationship in the power transmission means of Fig. 8.

[26] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an Oldham coupling employed in the polishing apparatus of this embodiment.

[27] <Descriptions of Reference Numerals >

[28] 10: Frame 20: Polishing disk

[29] 30: Fixing disk 51a: First cylinder

[30] 51b: Second cylinder 52: Pressing piston

[31] 53: Guide cylinder 54: Clamping piston

[32] 55: Ball 58: Elastic member

[33] 85: First power transmission shaft

[34] 87: Revolution shaft

[35] 88: Rotation shaft 89: Third power transmission shaft

[36] 93: Second power transmission shaft

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[37] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[38] As shown in Fig. 2, a polishing apparatus 100 for an optical fiber connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polishing disk 20 installed on a frame 10 such that the polishing disk can rotate and revolve, and a driving means 80 installed within the frame such that the driving means can rotate and revolve the polishing disk 20. In addition, a fixing disk 30 for detachably fixing a plurality of optical fiber connectors is mounted above a polishing film (not shown) fixedly attached to the polishing disk 20. In addition, a pressing and supporting unit 40 for grasping and supporting the fixing disk 30 and pressing the fixing disk 30 with constant pressure during a polishing process is installed on the frame 10. Reference numeral 70 designates a standby station provided at one side of the frame to store a fixing disk 30 with optical fiber connectors fixed thereto, which is in a standby state for polishing.

[39] The fixing disk includes a disk body 36 having fixing recesses 34 formed on an outer periphery such that a plurality of optical fiber connectors can be fixed in the fixing recesses, clamping blocks 35 for fixing the connectors fixed in the fixing recesses 34, and a pressure-receiving portion 31 having a cylindrical shape extending upward from the center of the fixing disk, as shown in Fig. 7. An annular groove 32 is formed on an outer periphery of the pressure-receiving portion, and a hemispherical recess 33 is formed at an end of the pressure-receiving portion. Balls in the pressure- receiving portion are inserted into the annular groove 32 to firmly clamp the fixing disk 30. In addition, a through-hole 37 for receiving cooling water supplied through a supply tube 60 of a cooling water supply means (not shown) installed in the frame 10 is formed in the disk body 36.

[40] The pressing and supporting unit 40 includes a support shaft 42 spaced apart from the center of the polishing disk 20 by a predetermined distance and fixed in parallel thereto, an arm 41 installed above the polishing disk such that its one end is pivotably coupled to the support shaft, and a pressing means 50 fixed to the other end of the arm 40 so as to move in a vertical direction, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Since mechanisms for pivoting the arm 41 using a motor and vertically moving the pressing means 50 using a pneumatic cylinder are well known in the art, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[41] In the polishing apparatus of the present invention, the arm 41 is pivoted during a polishing process so that the pressing means 50 can be moved to the standby position where a fixing disk exists. Thereafter, the pressing means 50 is lowered to clamp the pressure-receiving portion 31 of the fixing disk 30 and is then lifted. The arm is pivoted to a working position so that the fixing disk 30 can be mounted above the polishing disk 20.

[42] The pressing means 50 is configured to clamp the pressure-receiving portion 31 of the fixing disk 30 as well as to uniformly pressing end surfaces of the plurality of optical fiber connectors fixed to the fixing disk. A head body 51 of the pressing means 50 includes a first cylinder 51a formed therein to extend from one end surface of the head body, and a second cylinder 51b communicating with the first cylinder and having the substantially same centerline as the first cylinder 51a and an inner diameter smaller than that of the first cylinder as shown in the figures. A pressing piston 52 is inserted into and in hermetic contact with the second cylinder 51b, and has a pressing portion 52a extending from an end surface thereof facing the first cylinder 51a. In addition, a guide cylinder 53 has a hollow cylindrical shape and has a flange 53a formed at one end thereof. The pressing unit 52a of the pressing piston is inserted into the hollow of the guide cylinder 53, and an outer periphery of the other end of the guide cylinder 53 is inserted into the second cylinder 51b. In addition, a plurality of through-holes 53b are formed in a radial direction at predetermined positions on the circumference of the guide cylinder 53. The flange 53a formed on the one end of the guide cylinder 53 is secured to the head body 51. A plurality of steel balls 55 are inserted into the through-holes 53b of the guide cylinder 53 so as to move in the radial direction.

[43] A clamping piston 54 has a hollow cylinder shape and is fitted around the one end of the guide cylinder such that the clamping piston can move in a state where outer and inner peripheries of the clamping piston are in hermetic contact with the first cylinder 51a and the outer periphery of the guide cylinder 53, respectively. Thus, the clamping piston can vertically move within a space defined by the guide cylinder 53 and the first cylinder 51a. In particular, an annular groove 54a is circumferentially formed at a predetermined position on the inner periphery of the clamping piston 54 so as to accommodate portions of the balls therein. An elastic member 58 such as a compression coil spring is installed between the flange 53a and the clamping piston 54. To ensure that the plurality of balls 55 performs the clamping function by being inserted into the annular groove formed in the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk, the thickness between the inner and outer diameters of the guide cylinder 53 is smaller than the diameter of each of the balls 55, and the annular groove 54a of the clamping piston 54 has a depth such that a portion of each of the balls 55 does not protrude beyond the inner diameter of the guide cylinder when accommodated therein. In addition, the annular groove 32 circumferentially formed at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk also has the same depth as the annular groove 54a of the clamping piston. In addition, as shown in Fig. 6, the annular groove 32 of the fixing disk has a width greater than the diameter of each of the balls 55 so that the polishing process can be performed in a state where the balls are positioned in the vicinity of the center of the groove. This is made in consideration of changes in the height of the fixing disk depending on using environments.

[44] Figs. 4 to 6 show an operating relationship in the pressing means during the clamping and pressing processes. Before high-pressure compressed air is supplied to the first cylinder 51a through a pipe 56a, the clamping piston 54 is maintained in a raised state toward the second cylinder by the elastic member 58. Thus, the balls 55 are pushed by the clamping piston 54 and maintained in a state where they partially protrude into the guide cylinder. When high-pressure air is supplied to the first cylinder 51a through the high-pressure pipe 56a, as shown in Fig. 4, the clamping piston 54 is lowered far away from the second cylinder so that the balls can be partially accommodated in the annular groove 54a of the clamping piston 54. At this time, when the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk is inserted and the high-pressure air in the first cylinder is removed, the clamping piston 54 is lifted toward the second cylinder 51b, the balls are partially accommodated in the annular groove of the pressure-receiving portion of the fixing disk, and the clamping piston is maintained in close contact with the outer periphery of the guide cylinder, thereby clamping the fixing disk, as shown in Fig. 5. Then, the fixing disk is moved to the working position, and air of predetermined pressure is supplied to the first cylinder 51b through a low- pressure pipe 56b so as to press the fixing disk 30 as shown in Fig. 6 so that end surfaces of the optical fiber connectors can be polished while being uniformly pressed against the polishing film 90 attached to the polishing disk 20.

[45] In the polishing apparatus of this embodiment, the hemispherical recess 33 is formed in the end surface of the pressure-receiving portion 31 of the fixing disk 30, and an end of the pressing portion 52a of the pressing piston is formed to have a hemispherical shape so that uniform pressure can be applied regardless of rotation of the polishing disk during the polishing process. Even though the center of the pressing portion is not coincided with the center of the pressure-receiving portion due to variations in the heights of ends of the optical fiber connectors fixed to the fixing disk, any damage to a contact portion can be prevented by means of surface contact rather than point contact.

[46] Fig. 8 is a perspective sectional view of a power transmission means of the polishing apparatus shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing a power transmission relationship in the power transmission means of Fig. 8.

[47] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the driving means 80 of this embodiment installed below the polishing disk 20 includes a motor 80A, and a power transmission means 80B for receiving a rotational force of the motor 80A and transmitting the rotational force to the polishing disk 20 so that the polishing disk 20 can simultaneously rotate and revolve at a constant ratio of rotation and revolution.

[48] A first pulley 82 is fixed to a shaft of the motor 80A. A second pulley 84 connected to the first pulley 82 through a belt 83 is fixed to one end of a first power transmission shaft 85, and a first power transmission gear 86 is fixed to the other end of the first power transmission shaft. In addition, a worm 85a is formed on a certain portion of an outer periphery of the first power transmission shaft. The first power transmission gear 86 is engaged with a gear formed on an outer periphery of a revolution shaft 87. The revolution shaft 87 is rotatably supported to a housing 99 by a bearing 98, and a gear to be engaged with the first power transmission gear 86 is formed on an outer periphery of the revolution shaft. In addition, a through-hole is formed in the revolution shaft to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance e from and in parallel to a central axis X of revolution. A rotation shaft 88 has one end fixed to the polishing disk 20, and is rotatably supported by a bearing 98 installed in the through-hole of the revolution shaft. In addition, a worm gear 94 is engaged with the worm 85a of the first power transmission shaft 85. The second power transmission shaft 93 has one end fixed to the center of the worm gear 94, and the other end with a second power transmission gear 92 fixed thereto. The first power transmission shaft 85 and the second power transmission shaft 93 are orthogonal to each other at a skew position as shown in the figures. In addition, a third power transmission gear 91 perpendicularly engaged with the second power transmission gear 92 is fixed to one end of the third power transmission shaft 89, and the third power transmission shaft 89 is installed to have the same rotation axis as the central axis X of the revolution shaft 87, as shown in the figures. Thus, as shown in the figures, the rotation shaft 88 is positioned to be parallel at positions offset by the predetermined distance e from the center axis of the revolution shaft 87 and the third power transmission shaft 89.

[49] In this embodiment, an Oldham coupling shown in Fig. 10 is employed to connect the third power transmission shaft 89 and the rotation shaft 88 spaced apart by the predetermined distance and to transmit a rotational force therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The Oldham coupling has an advantage that it can transmit a rotational force without any change in angular speed even though central axes are slightly misaligned. The Oldham coupling of this embodiment includes a first circular plate 95 fixed to the other end of the third power transmission shaft 89, a second rotating circular plate 97 fixed to the other end of the rotation shaft, and a sliding circular plate 96 coupled to the first rotating circular plate 95 and the second rotating circular plate 97 to make sliding motions in directions perpendicular thereto. In this embodiment, grooves 96a and 96b of which longitudinal directions are orthogonal to each other are respectively formed in both end surfaces of the sliding circular plate 96, and protrusions 95a and 97a corresponding to the grooves are respectively formed on the rotating circular plates 95 and 97. However, the positions of the grooves and protrusions may be interchanged, if necessary.

[50] With the power transmission device in this embodiment, the rotation and revolution of the polishing disk can be made at a ratio defined by the gears when the motor rotates. When the motor rotates, the rotational force of the motor is transmitted on a path defined by the belt 83, the worm 85a of the first power transmission shaft, the worm gear (or worm wheel) 94, the second power transmission shaft 93, the second power transmission gear 92, the third power transmission gear 91, the third power transmission shaft 89, the Oldham coupling, and the rotation shaft. In addition, a rotational force for the revolution of the revolution shaft 87 is transmitted from the first power transmission shaft 85 through the first power transmission gear 86 and the gear formed on the outer periphery of the revolution shaft 87. The polishing disk 20 fixed to the rotation shaft 88 simultaneously makes rotation and revolution. Since the revolution shaft and the rotation shaft are restricted by the gears, a speed ratio of rotation and revolution is always constant. Thus, traces drawn by the ends of the optical fiber connectors on the polishing disk 20 always have the same shape and pitch regardless of speed. Industrial Applicability

[51] According to the present invention, there is provided a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, which can polish the optical fiber connector while constantly maintaining a ratio of rotation and revolution of a polishing disk by synchronizing rates of rotation and revolution of the polishing disk using a single motor. Thus, the size of the polishing apparatus can be reduced, and a polishing rate can be maintained uniform such that traces drawn by the optical fiber connector on the polishing disk always have the same shape and pitch.

[52] In addition, according to the present invention, there is provided a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, which includes a pressing means that is fixed to a pivotable arm, can grasp a fixing disk with the optical fiber connector fixed thereto so as to mount or demount the fixing disk on or from a polishing disk, and can press the fixing disk with constant pressure during a polishing process. Thus, it is possible to avoid damage to the optical fiber connector, which may be caused if a user mounts the fixing disk or removes it after completion of the polishing process. Further, the fixing disk can be pressed with uniform pressure during the polishing process, resulting in improvement of polishing precision.

[53] In addition, according to the present invention, there is provided a polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, which is provided with a means for easily discharging foreign substances generated between a polishing disk and a fixing disk during a polishing process. Thus, polishing quality can be improved.

[54] The embodiment of the present invention described above and illustrated in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the technical spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, and various changes and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention by those skilled in the art. Thus, such changes and modifications will fall within the scope of the present invention so far as they are apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

[1] An apparatus for driving a polishing disk of a polishing apparatus such that the polishing disk can rotate and revolve, comprising: a motor; and a power transmission device for receiving a rotational force of the motor and transmitting the rotational force to the polishing disk so that the polishing disk can simultaneously rotate and revolve at a constant ratio of rotation and revolution.

[2] The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the power transmission device includes: a first power transmission shaft having one end connected to the motor and having a worm formed on an outer periphery thereof; a first power transmission gear fixed to the other end of the first power transmission shaft; a revolution shaft having a gear formed on an outer periphery thereof to be engaged with the first power transmission gear and having a through-hole formed therein at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a revolution axis; a rotation shaft having one end fixed to the polishing disk and installed to be rotatably supported in the through-hole of the revolution shaft; a worm gear engaged with the worm of the first power transmission shaft; a second power transmission shaft having one end fixed to the center of the worm gear and having a second power transmission gear formed on the other end thereof; a third power transmission shaft having a third power transmission gear formed on one end thereof to be perpendicularly engaged with the second power transmission gear, and having the same axis as the revolution axis; and an eccentric coupling connected to the other end of the third power transmission shaft to receive the rotational force of the motor and to transmit the rotational force to the other end of the rotation shaft.

[3] The apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the eccentric coupling is an Oldham coupling.

[4] A power transmission device for receiving a rotational force of the motor and rotating and revolving a polishing disk of a polishing apparatus at a constant ratio of rotation and revolution, the power transmission device comprising: a first power transmission shaft having one end connected to the motor and having a worm formed on an outer periphery thereof; a first power transmission gear fixed to the other end of the first power transmission shaft; a revolution shaft having a gear formed on an outer periphery thereof to be engaged with the first power transmission gear and having a through-hole formed therein at a position spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a revolution axis; a rotation shaft having one end fixed to the polishing disk and installed to be rotatably supported in the through-hole of the revolution shaft; a worm gear engaged with the worm of the first power transmission shaft; a second power transmission shaft having one end fixed to the center of the worm gear and having a second power transmission gear formed on the other end thereof; a third power transmission shaft having a third power transmission gear formed on one end thereof to be perpendicularly engaged with the second power transmission gear, and having the same axis as the revolution axis; and an eccentric coupling connected to the other end of the third power transmission shaft to receive the rotational force of the motor and to transmit the rotational force to the other end of the rotation shaft.

[5] The power transmission device according to Claim 4, wherein the eccentric coupling is an Oldham coupling.

[6] A polishing apparatus for an optical fiber connector, comprising: a polishing disk; a driving means for rotating and revolving the polishing disk; a fixing disk for detachably fixing a plurality of optical fiber connectors thereto, the fixing disk having a cylindrical pressure-receiving portion extending upward from the center thereof; and a pressing and supporting unit for clamping and supporting the pressure- receiving portion of the fixing disk, the pressing and supporting unit having a pressing means for pressing end surfaces of the plurality of optical fiber connectors against the polishing disk.

[7] The polishing apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the pressing and supporting unit includes: a support shaft spaced apart by a predetermined distance from and in parallel to a revolution axis; and an arm installed above the polishing disk such that one end thereof is pivotably coupled to the support shaft, wherein the pressing means is fixed to the other end of the arm so as to move in a vertical direction.

[8] The polishing apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein an annular groove with a predetermined depth is circumferentially formed at a predetermined position on an outer periphery of the pressure- receiving portion of the fixing disk, and wherein the pressing means includes: a head body including a first cylinder formed therein at one end thereof, and a second cylinder having the substantially same centerline as the first cylinder and having an inner diameter smaller than that of the first cylinder; a pressing piston having one end movably inserted into and in hermetic contact with the second cylinder and having a pressing portion extending from the other end thereof; a guide cylinder having a hollow cylindrical shape and having one end inserted into the second cylinder so that the pressing portion of the pressing piston can be inserted into the hollow, the guide cylinder having a plurality of through-holes formed radially at predetermined positions on a periphery thereof, and a flange formed on the other end thereof to be fixedly installed in the head body; a plurality of balls installed in the through-holes of the guide cylinder; a clamping piston having a hollow cylindrical shape and installed within a space defined by the guide cylinder and the first cylinder while being fitted around the one end of the guide cylinder such that the clamping piston can move in a state where outer and inner peripheries of the clamping piston are in hermetic contact with the first cylinder and the outer periphery of the guide cylinder, respectively, the clamping piston having an annular groove circumferentially formed at a predetermined position on the inner periphery so as to accommodate portions of the balls therein; an elastic member installed between the flange and the clamping piston; and pipes for supplying compressed air to the first and second cylinders, respectively, wherein the thickness between the inner and outer diameters of the guide cylinder is smaller than the diameter of each of the balls, and the annular groove of the clamping piston has a depth such that a portion of each of the balls does not protrude beyond the inner diameter of the guide cylinder when accommodated therein.

[9] The polishing apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein a through-hole is formed in the fixing disk so as to supply cooling water therethrough, and the polishing apparatus further comprises a cooling water supplying means including a tube with one end installed to an upper portion of the through-hole so as to supply the cooling water.

[10] The polishing apparatus according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein a through-hole is formed in the fixing disk so as to supply cooling water therethrough, and the polishing apparatus further comprises a cooling water supplying means including a tube with one end installed to an upper portion of the through-hole so as to supply the cooling water.

[11] The polishing apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein a hemispherical recess is formed in an end surface of the pressure- receiving portion of the fixing disk, and an end of the pressing portion of the pressing piston has a hemispherical shape.