An automatic taper cutting device for an optical fiber preform

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automatic taper cutting device for an optical fiber preform. The automatic taper cutting device includes a first automatic taper cutting device, which includes a detection device, a cutting device, and a first PLC. The detection device and the cutting device are respectively communicatively connected to the first PLC. After the detection device detects the optical fiber preform, it sends a first feedback signal. After receiving the first feedback signal, the first PLC sends a cutting signal to the cutting device after a first delay. After receiving the cutting signal, the cutting device cuts the thin glass rod of the optical fiber preform. The automatic taper cutting device of the present invention realizes two automatic taper cuttings of the optical fiber preform through the first automatic taper cutting device and the second automatic taper cutting device. Replacing manual operation with an automated system can effectively reduce the number of employees. A single employee can also operate multiple devices simultaneously, greatly improving production efficiency. In addition, using mechanical equipment to replace manual operation can avoid the damage caused by misoperation to the workers and effectively reduce safety accidents for people.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic taper cutting device for an optical fiber preform, and more particularly to an efficient and safe automatic taper cutting device for an optical fiber preform. Background Art

[0002] In the process of manufacturing an optical fiber preform, the optical fiber preform after the cladding degassing treatment needs to be subjected to taper cutting. At present, the taper cutting is mostly carried out manually, which is time-consuming and there are safety hazards in cutting the high-temperature preform.

[0003] Specifically, in the current manual taper cutting method, the employee needs to operate a single device, and it is impossible to effectively operate other devices during the operation. For a single optical fiber preform, the employee needs to cut twice. The first time is when the target rod falls under the action of gravity in a molten state, and the second time is to cut the taper at the un-fused area (with a diameter of about 2 cm) at the tip of the rod. Manual taper cutting uses a vice and a cutter, and the employee needs to wear protective equipment. Moreover, the second taper cutting can only be operated when the preform is in a cooled state, and the temperature of the dropped head of the preform is relatively high, and improper operation by personnel may cause personal injury.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose an efficient and safe taper cutting device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to improve the low efficiency and danger problems during manual taper cutting.

[0006] To achieve one of the above-mentioned invention purposes, an embodiment of the present invention provides an automatic taper cutting device for an optical fiber preform.

[0007] The above-mentioned automatic taper cutting device includes a first automatic taper cutting device, and the first automatic taper cutting device includes a detection device, a cutting device, and a first PLC. The detection device and the cutting device are respectively communicatively connected to the first PLC. Among them, after the detection device detects the optical fiber preform, it sends a first feedback signal. After the first PLC receives the first feedback signal, it sends a cutting signal to the cutting device after a first delay. After the cutting device receives the cutting signal, it cuts the thin glass rod of the optical fiber preform.

[0008] As an optional technical solution, the detection device includes a laser detector and a laser receiver. The laser detector and the laser receiver are arranged opposite to each other. The falling path of the optical fiber preform under the action of gravity in a molten state passes between the laser detector and the laser receiver. The laser receiver is communicatively connected to the first PLC. If the laser receiver does not receive the laser signal emitted by the laser detector, it sends the first feedback signal to the first PLC.

[0009] As an alternative technical solution, the cutting device includes a first cutter head group arranged oppositely, a first cylinder group correspondingly connecting two cutter heads in the first cutter head group, and a pneumatic valve group for controlling each cylinder. The pneumatic valve group is communicatively connected to the first PLC to receive the cutting signal.

[0010] As an alternative technical solution, the falling path sequentially passes between the laser detector and the laser receiver, and between the first cutter head groups.

[0011] As an alternative technical solution, the height difference between the first cutter head group and the core rod of the optical fiber preform is 600 mm.

[0012] As an alternative technical solution, after the cutting is completed, the first PLC sends a completion signal to the main system, and the main system lifts the optical fiber preform.

[0013] As an alternative technical solution, the automatic cone cutting device further includes a second automatic cone cutting device, which includes a diameter measuring device, a rotary sliding cutting device, and a second PLC. The diameter measuring device and the rotary sliding cutting device are respectively communicatively connected to the second PLC. Among them, when the diameter measuring device detects that the diameter of the optical fiber preform changes to a first value, it sends a second feedback signal to the second PLC. After receiving the second feedback signal, the second PLC sends a rotary sliding cutting signal to the rotary sliding cutting device after a second delay, and the rotary sliding cutting device rotary-slides the unfused part of the optical fiber preform.

[0014] As an alternative technical solution, the first value is 2 cm.

[0015] As an alternative technical solution, the first PLC and the second PLC are integrated in one PLC.

[0016] As an alternative technical solution, the diameter measuring device is a laser diameter gauge, and the lifting path of the optical fiber preform passes between the laser diameter gauges.

[0017] As an alternative technical solution, the rotary sliding cutting device includes a second cutter head group arranged oppositely, a second cylinder group connected to each cutter head in the second cutter head group, a striker and a striker cylinder, a second pneumatic valve group for controlling the second cylinder group and the striker cylinder, a rotary platform, and a rotary motor for controlling the rotation of the rotary platform. The second cutter head group and the corresponding cylinders are relatively arranged on the oppositely arranged rotary platforms. The pneumatic valve group and the rotary motor are communicatively connected to the second PLC to receive the rotary sliding cutting signal. Wherein, upon receiving the rotary sliding cutting signal, the pneumatic valve group first controls the second cylinder group to push the second cutter head group to abut against the optical fiber preform, secondly the rotary motor drives the rotary platform to rotate reciprocally by 90 degrees, and finally the striker cylinder pushes the striker to remove the unfused part of the optical fiber preform.

[0018] As an alternative technical solution, the lifting path sequentially passes between the laser diameter gauges and between the second cutter head groups.

[0019] The present invention also provides an automatic cone cutting device for an optical fiber preform. The automatic cone cutting device includes a second automatic cone cutting device, and the second automatic cone cutting device includes a diameter measuring device, a rotary sliding cutting device, and a second PLC. The diameter measuring device and the rotary sliding cutting device are communicatively connected to the second PLC respectively. Wherein, when the diameter measuring device detects that the diameter of the optical fiber preform changes to a first value, it sends a second feedback signal to the second PLC. After receiving the second feedback signal, the second PLC sends a rotary sliding cutting signal to the rotary sliding cutting device after a second delay, and the rotary sliding cutting device rotary slides the unfused part of the optical fiber preform.

[0020] As an alternative technical solution, the diameter measuring device is a laser diameter gauge, and the lifting path of the optical fiber preform passes between the laser diameter gauges.

[0021] As an alternative technical solution, the rotary sliding cutting device includes a second cutter head group arranged oppositely, a second cylinder group connected to each cutter head in the second cutter head group, a striker and a striker cylinder, a second pneumatic valve group for controlling the second cylinder group and the striker cylinder, a rotary platform, and a rotary motor for controlling the rotation of the rotary platform. The second cutter head group and the corresponding cylinders are relatively arranged on the oppositely arranged rotary platforms. The pneumatic valve group and the rotary motor are communicatively connected to the second PLC to receive the rotary sliding cutting signal. Wherein, upon receiving the rotary sliding cutting signal, the pneumatic valve group first controls the second cylinder group to push the second cutter head group to abut against the optical fiber preform, secondly the rotary motor drives the rotary platform to rotate reciprocally by 90 degrees, and finally the striker cylinder pushes the striker to remove the unfused part of the optical fiber preform.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the automatic cone cutting device of the present invention realizes the automatic cone cutting of the optical fiber preform through the first automatic cone cutting device and / or the second automatic cone cutting device. Replacing manual operation with an automated system can effectively reduce the number of employees. A single employee can also operate multiple devices simultaneously, greatly improving production efficiency. In addition, using mechanical equipment to replace manual operation can avoid the damage caused by misoperation to humans and effectively reduce safety accidents involving people. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the working state of the first automatic cone cutting device in the automatic cone cutting device of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the working state of the second automatic cone cutting device in the automatic cone cutting device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Apparently, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0027] For ease of description, terms representing relative spatial positions are used in this article, such as "upper", "lower", "rear", "front", etc., to describe the relationship of one unit or feature shown in the drawings relative to another unit or feature. The terms of relative spatial positions may include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientations shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawing is flipped, the unit described as being "below" or "above" other units or features will be located "below" or "above" other units or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both the lower and upper spatial orientations.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the working state of the first automatic cone cutting device in the automatic cone cutting device of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the working state of the second automatic cone cutting device in the automatic cone cutting device of the present invention. Please refer to Figure 1 andFigure 2 。

[0029] The automatic cone cutting device of the present invention is used for cone cutting of an optical fiber preform, and includes a first automatic cone cutting device 1 and a second automatic cone cutting device 2.

[0030] The structure and working principle of the first automatic cone cutting device 1 will be specifically described below.

[0031] The first automatic cone cutting device 1 includes a detection device 11, a cutting device 12, and a first PLC 13. The detection device 11 and the cutting device 12 are respectively communicatively connected to the first PLC 13. After the detection device 11 detects the optical fiber preform, it sends a first feedback signal. After receiving the first feedback signal, the first PLC 13 delays for a first time and then sends a cutting signal to the cutting device 12. After receiving the cutting signal, the cutting device 12 cuts the thin glass rod 31 of the optical fiber preform 3. That is, after the detection device 11 detects the presence of the optical fiber preform 3 and sends a first feedback signal to the first PLC 13, the PLC delays for a first time and then notifies the cutting device 12 to perform a cutting action, so as to realize the automatic cutting of the thin glass rod 31 of the optical fiber preform 3. Generally, the first automatic cone cutting device 1 is arranged below the heating furnace 4, that is, on the falling direction D1 of the optical fiber preform 3. Therefore, the first automatic cone cutting device 1 can also be called the lower automatic cone cutting device.

[0032] Specifically, the detection device 11 includes a laser detector 112 and a laser receiver 111. The laser detector 112 and the laser receiver 111 are arranged opposite to each other. The falling path of the optical fiber preform due to the action of gravity in the molten state (the falling direction is D1) passes between the laser detector 112 and the laser receiver 111. The laser receiver 111 is communicatively connected to the first PLC 13. If the laser receiver 111 does not receive the laser signal emitted by the laser detector 112, it sends a first feedback signal to the first PLC. In this embodiment, the detection device 11 is an optical detection instrument. Of course, in other embodiments, the detection device 11 can also be other detection methods, such as acoustic, etc. The detection method is not limited, as long as it meets the requirement of detecting without affecting the formation of the optical fiber preform.

[0033] The cutting device 12 includes a first cutter head group 121 arranged opposite to each other, a first cylinder group 122 correspondingly connecting two cutter heads in the first cutter head group 121, and a pneumatic valve group 123 for controlling each cylinder. The pneumatic valve group 123 is communicatively connected to the first PLC 13 to receive the cutting signal.

[0034] The falling path of the optical fiber preform passes between the laser detector 112 and the laser receiver 111, and between the first cutter head group 121 in sequence, that is, as Figure 1As shown, the thin glass rod 31 of the optical fiber preform first passes between the laser detector 112 and the laser receiver 111, and then passes between the first cutter head group 121. The setting factors for the first delay time include the height difference between the detection device 11 and the first cutter head group 121, the moving speed of the first cutter head group 121, the moving distance, and so on.

[0035] Generally speaking, the height difference H between the first cutter head group 121 and the core rod 32 of the optical fiber preform 3 is 600 mm.

[0036] After the cutting is completed, the first PLC 13 sends a completion signal to the main system 5, and the main system 5 lifts the optical fiber preform.

[0037] The working principle of the first automatic taper cutting device 1 is as follows:

[0038] When the temperature in the heating furnace 4 reaches the preset temperature, the optical fiber preform 3 is in a molten state and will fall downward under the action of gravity. Initially, the laser receiver 111 can receive the laser signal. When the optical fiber preform 3 melts and falls, it blocks part of the laser signal. At this time, the first PLC 13 receives the first feedback signal from the laser receiver 111, and after delaying for the first time (this time is N seconds, set according to the actual situation), it transmits the cutting signal to the pneumatic valve assembly 123, and drives the cylinder through the solenoid valve to push the first cutter head group 121 (such as a stainless steel chuck) to act, cutting the thin glass rod 31. At the same time, it feeds back the completion signal to the main system 5, and the main system 5 feeds back the signal to the driving device (not shown) to lift the optical fiber preform 3.

[0039] During the process of lifting the optical fiber preform 3, secondary taper cutting is also required, which requires the second automatic taper cutting device 2 to complete the secondary automatic taper cutting.

[0040] The second automatic taper cutting device 2 includes a diameter measuring device 21, a rotary sliding cutting device 22 and a second PLC 23. The diameter measuring device 21 and the rotary sliding cutting device 22 are respectively communicatively connected to the second PLC 23. Among them, when the diameter measuring device 21 detects that the diameter of the optical fiber preform 3 changes to a first value (such as 2 cm), it sends a second feedback signal to the second PLC 23. After receiving the second feedback signal, the second PLC 23 delays for the second time and then sends a rotary sliding cutting signal to the rotary sliding cutting device 22, and the rotary sliding cutting device 22 rotary slides the unfused part 33 of the optical fiber preform 3. Generally speaking, the second automatic taper cutting device 2 is arranged above the heating furnace 4, that is, on the lifting direction D2 of the optical fiber preform 3, so the second automatic taper cutting device 2 can also be called the upper automatic taper cutting device.

[0041] The rotary sliding cutting device 22 includes a second cutter head group 221 arranged oppositely, a second cylinder group 222 connected to each cutter head in the second cutter head group 221, a striker 223 and a striker cylinder 224, a second pneumatic valve group 225 for controlling the second cylinder group 222 and the striker cylinder 224, a rotary platform 226 and a rotary motor 227 for controlling the rotation of the rotary platform. The second cutter head group 221 and the corresponding cylinders 222 are oppositely arranged on the oppositely arranged rotary platforms. The pneumatic valve group 225 and the rotary motor 227 are communicatively connected to the second PLC 23 to receive the rotary sliding cutting signal. Wherein, after receiving the rotary sliding cutting signal, the pneumatic valve group 225 first controls the second cylinder group 222 to push the second cutter head group 221 to abut against the optical fiber preform 3. Secondly, the rotary motor 227 drives the rotary platform 226 to perform a reciprocating rotation of 90 degrees. Finally, the striker cylinder 224 pushes the striker 223 to remove the unfused part 33 of the optical fiber preform 3. Here, the cutting device for the unfused part 33 selects the rotary sliding cutting device 22 instead of a simple cutting device 12 similar to the first automatic cone cutting device 1 because the diameter of the unfused part 33 is larger than that of the thin glass rod 31, and the unfused part 33 has also been cooled and solidified for a certain period of time (lifting process), and its degree of solidification is also significantly higher than that of the thin glass rod 31. The cutting difficulty is greater than that of the thin glass rod 31, so the second automatic cone cutting device 2 uses the rotary sliding cutting method for cutting.

[0042] The working principle of the second automatic cone cutting device 2 is as follows:

[0043] During the upward lifting process of the optical fiber preform 3, the laser diameter gauge real-time feedbacks the diameter change of the optical fiber preform 3. When it is detected that the diameter of the preform changes to 2 cm, the laser diameter gauge feeds back the signal to the second PLC 23. At this time, the second PLC 23 delays for a second time and then sends a signal to the pneumatic valve group (the delay time is determined according to the position of the cutter head and the diameter gauge / the moving speed of the platform, and the moving speed of the platform can be determined by the rotation speed and lead of the lead screw). The solenoid valve drives the cylinder to push the cutter head to clamp the optical fiber preform (the clamping installation position can be determined according to the furnace temperature zone situation). The second PLC 23 sends a signal to the rotary motor 227, and the rotary motor 227 drives the rotary platform 226 to perform a reciprocating rotation of 90 degrees multiple times. Finally, the solenoid valve drives the striker cylinder 224 to push the striker 223 to remove the unfused area 33 of the optical fiber preform 3, thereby realizing the second automatic cone cutting of the optical fiber preform 3.

[0044] Here, the diameter measuring device 21 is a laser diameter gauge, and the lifting path (lifting direction is D2) of the optical fiber preform 3 passes between the laser diameter gauges. More specifically, the lifting path of the optical fiber preform 3 sequentially passes between the laser diameter gauges and between the second cutter head groups 221

[0045] Although, in Figure 1 、 Figure 2As shown, the first PLC 13 and the second PLC 23 are marked separately. However, in actual operation, the first PLC 13 and the second PLC 23 can also be integrated into one PLC.

[0046] Of course, in some embodiments, the automatic cone cutting of the first automatic cone cutting device 1 and the second automatic cone cutting device 2 can also be carried out separately, that is, the automatic cone cutting device only includes the first automatic cone cutting device 1 or only includes the second automatic cone cutting device 2.

[0047] In summary, the automatic cone cutting device of the present invention realizes the automatic cone cutting of the optical fiber preform through the first automatic cone cutting device and / or the second automatic cone cutting device. Replacing manual operation with an automated system can effectively reduce the number of employees. A single employee can also operate multiple devices simultaneously, greatly improving production efficiency. In addition, using mechanical equipment to replace manual operation can avoid the damage caused by misoperation to humans and effectively reduce safety accidents to humans.

[0048] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative way of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0049] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of the feasible embodiments of the present invention, and they are not used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic taper cutting device for an optical fiber preform, characterized in that, The automatic fiber preform cutting device includes a first automatic fiber preform cutting device, which includes a detection device, a cutting device, and a first PLC. The detection device and the cutting device are respectively communicatively connected to the first PLC. Among them, after the detection device detects the fiber preform, it sends a first feedback signal. After receiving the first feedback signal, the first PLC sends a cutting signal to the cutting device after a first delay. After receiving the cutting signal, the cutting device cuts the thin glass rod of the fiber preform; the automatic fiber preform cutting device further includes a second automatic fiber preform cutting device, which includes a diameter measuring device, a rotary sliding cutting device, and a second PLC. The diameter measuring device and the rotary sliding cutting device are respectively communicatively connected to the second PLC. Among them, when the diameter measuring device detects that the diameter of the fiber preform changes to a first value, it sends a second feedback signal to the second PLC. After receiving the second feedback signal, the second PLC sends a rotary sliding cutting signal to the rotary sliding cutting device after a second delay. The rotary sliding cutting device rotary slides the unfused part of the fiber preform.

2. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection device includes a laser detector and a laser receiver, which are oppositely arranged. The falling path of the fiber preform due to gravity in the molten state passes between the laser detector and the laser receiver. The laser receiver is communicatively connected to the first PLC. If the laser receiver does not receive the laser signal emitted by the laser detector, it sends the first feedback signal to the first PLC.

3. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cutting device includes a first cutter head group arranged oppositely, a first cylinder group correspondingly connecting two cutter heads in the first cutter head group, and a pneumatic valve group for controlling each cylinder. The pneumatic valve group is communicatively connected to the first PLC to receive the cutting signal.

4. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The falling path sequentially passes between the laser detector and the laser receiver, and between the first cutter head groups.

5. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 3, wherein, The height difference between the first cutter head group and the core rod of the fiber preform is 600 mm.

6. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, After the cutting is completed, the first PLC sends a completion signal to the main system, and the main system lifts the fiber preform.

7. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first value is 2 cm.

8. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The first PLC and the second PLC are integrated in one PLC.

9. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The diameter measuring device is a laser diameter gauge.

10. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 9, wherein, The rotary sliding cutting device includes a second cutter head group arranged oppositely, a second cylinder group connected to each cutter head in the second cutter head group, a striker and a striker cylinder, a second pneumatic valve group for controlling the second cylinder group and the striker cylinder, a rotary platform, and a rotary motor for controlling the rotation of the rotary platform. The second cutter head group and the corresponding cylinders are relatively arranged on the oppositely arranged rotary platforms. The pneumatic valve group and the rotary motor are communicatively connected to the second PLC to receive the rotary sliding cutting signal. Wherein, upon receiving the rotary sliding cutting signal, the pneumatic valve group first controls the second cylinder group to push the second cutter head group to abut against the optical fiber preform, secondly the rotary motor drives the rotary platform to rotate reciprocally by 90 degrees, and finally the striker cylinder pushes the striker to remove the unfused part of the optical fiber preform.

11. The automatic cone cutting device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The lifting path of the optical fiber preform sequentially passes between the detection devices and between the second cutter head groups.

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