Optical fiber threading device and fiber threading method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fully automated fiber optic connector batch fiber insertion device and fiber insertion method. The fiber insertion device comprises: a fiber insertion holder, which can slide vertically and is used to fix and support a plug fixing strip; an optical fiber line guide clamping assembly, which is used to simultaneously clamp multiple optical fibers transmitted thereto, and comprises a first optical fiber guide clamping device and a second optical fiber guide clamping device; the first optical fiber guide clamping device and the second optical fiber guide clamping device are arranged in sequence from top to bottom; during the clamping action of the clamping assembly, the first optical fiber guide clamping device and the second optical fiber guide clamping device clamp the optical fibers in sequence; during the unclamping action of the guide clamping assembly, the second optical fiber guide clamping device and the first optical fiber guide clamping device unclamp the optical fibers in sequence; wherein the fiber insertion holder can be raised to support the plug fixing strip, so that multiple optical fibers clamped by the optical fiber line guide clamping assembly are simultaneously inserted into the plug fixing strip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical fiber production equipment, and in particular to a fully automated optical fiber connector batch threading device, an optical fiber line threading device, and a fiber threading method. Background Art

[0002] A fiber optic connector, also known as a patch cord, consists of a fiber optic cable and a plug that connects to the end of the cable. During production, a fixed length of the fiber optic cable's coating is typically stripped from the end. The stripped core is then threaded into a pre-applied plug, completing the threading process.

[0003] In existing technology, this fiber threading process is often performed manually by workers, who must hold the fiber cable with one hand and the plug with the other, aligning the holes before threading. This method is inefficient and difficult to operate, leading to eye fatigue after prolonged work, which affects the quality of fiber threading.

[0004] Furthermore, in the process of completing the present invention, the inventors also discovered that in the prior art, the core wire of the optical fiber may be broken or damaged during the fiber threading process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber threading device.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for threading an optical fiber.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an optical fiber threading device includes: a fiber threading holder, which can slide vertically and is used to fix and support a plug fixing strip; an optical fiber guide clamping assembly, which is used to simultaneously clamp multiple optical fibers transmitted thereto, including a first optical fiber guide clamping device and a second optical fiber guide clamping device; the first optical fiber guide clamping device and the second optical fiber guide clamping device are arranged in sequence from top to bottom; in the clamping action of the clamping assembly, the first optical fiber guide clamping device and the second optical fiber guide clamping device clamp the optical fibers in sequence; in the releasing action of the guide clamping assembly, the second optical fiber guide clamping device and the first optical fiber guide clamping device release the clamping of the optical fibers in sequence; wherein, the fiber threading holder can be raised to support the plug fixing strip, so that the multiple optical fibers clamped by the optical fiber guide clamping assembly are inserted into the plug fixing strip at the same time.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber threading device, when the first optical fiber guide clamping device is clamped, the second optical fiber guide clamping device is clamped again; when the second optical fiber guide clamping device is released, the first optical fiber guide clamping device is released again.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber threading device, the optical fiber guide clamping device includes two relatively sliding guide clamping seats, one of which is provided with a clamping groove, and the other is provided with a clamping block.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber threading device, the guide clamping seat on one side of the first optical fiber guide clamping device is provided with the clamping groove, and the guide clamping seat on the other side is provided with the clamping block; the guide clamping seat on one side of the second optical fiber guide clamping device is provided with the clamping block, and the guide clamping seat on the other side of the second optical fiber guide clamping device is provided with the clamping groove.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber threading device, the clamping block includes a plurality of clamping teeth, and the clamping groove includes a plurality of clamping grooves; wherein, for the clamping block and the clamping groove included in the same optical fiber guide clamping device, each of the clamping teeth corresponds to each of the clamping grooves, and the inner contour of the clamping groove is conformal to the outer contour of the clamping teeth and is at the same vertical height; wherein, in the clamping state, the tooth top of the clamping teeth can clamp the optical fiber to the bottom of the clamping groove; the groove top of the clamping groove of the first optical fiber guide clamping device and the tooth top of the clamping teeth of the second optical fiber guide clamping device are aligned on a vertical vertical line, and the tooth top of the clamping teeth of the first optical fiber guide clamping device and the groove top of the clamping groove of the second optical fiber guide clamping device are aligned on a vertical vertical line.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber threading device, the clamping block further includes a first limiting edge provided on both sides of the multiple clamping teeth, and the clamping groove further includes a second limiting edge provided on both sides of the multiple clamping grooves, and the first limiting edge and the second limiting edge cooperate to limit the distance that the tooth top of the clamping teeth squeezes the optical fiber in the clamping groove.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber threading device, an optical fiber delivery device is further included for delivering multiple optical fibers to the optical fiber guide clamping assembly. The optical fiber delivery device includes an automatic connection portion that can automatically connect the threaded plug fixing strip to the optical fiber delivery device.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber threading device, the fiber threading support includes a fiber threading support platform, a fixed bar fiber threading stabilizer and a fiber threading feed driver. The fiber threading support platform is used to support the two ends of the plug fixing bar respectively, the fixed bar fiber threading stabilizer is used to fix the plug fixing bar, and the fiber threading feed driver can drive the fiber threading support to move vertically.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for threading an optical fiber includes: A1. transporting the optical fiber to a position, fixing the suspended optical fiber so that it is clamped at a first height; then clamping the optical fiber at a second height, wherein the second height is less than the first height; A2. moving a plug fixing strip from bottom to top until the core wire of the clamped optical fiber is inserted into the plug of the plug fixing strip; A3. first releasing the clamping of the optical fiber at the second height, and continuing to insert the optical fiber into the plug, and then releasing the clamping of the optical fiber at the first height, and inserting the optical fiber into the plug again.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the optical fiber threading method, the method further includes: A4. the plug fixing strip is sent away together with the optical fiber to enter the next process.

[0017] The present invention also provides a technical solution for a fully automated fiber optic connector batch fiber optic connector threading device:

[0018] A fully automated fiber optic connector batch fiber threading device includes a frame on which a fiber threading holder is vertically slidably mounted, the fiber threading holder is provided with fiber threading platforms corresponding to the two ends of the plug fixing strip respectively, the fiber threading holder is provided with a fixing strip fiber threading stabilizer, and a fiber threading feed drive is provided between the fiber threading holder and the frame; a fiber guide clamping device is provided on the frame above the two fiber threading supports, a fiber transmission device for delivering the optical fiber line to the fiber guide clamping device is provided on the frame, and a fixing strip supply device is provided on one side of the fiber threading holder.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution, two optical fiber guide clamping devices are provided, and the two optical fiber guide clamping devices are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0020] As an optimal technical solution, the fixed strip supply device includes a fixed strip conveyor belt arranged on the frame and located on one side of the fiber threading support seat, and the fixed strip conveyor belt extends to the fiber threading support seat; a device for positioning the strips to be supplied is provided on the frame at the location of the fixed strip conveyor belt, and a device for limiting the delivery of remaining strips is provided on the frame at the side of the device for positioning the strips to be supplied away from the fiber threading support seat.

[0021] As a preferred technical solution, the device for positioning the strip to be fed includes a strip to be fed stopper vertically slidably mounted on the frame, and a stop and release controller is provided between the strip to be fed stopper and the frame.

[0022] As a preferred technical solution, the device for positioning the strip to be fed further comprises a strip to be fed clamping device provided on a side of the strip to be fed block away from the fiber threading support.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution, the excess conveying limiting device includes two conveying limiting clamps relatively slidably mounted on the frame, and a conveying limiting controller is provided between each conveying limiting clamp and the frame.

[0024] As an optimal technical solution, the fixed strip fiber threading stabilizer includes a fiber threading fixed clamp fixedly arranged on one of the fiber threading support platforms, and a fiber threading movable clamp slidably installed on the other fiber threading support platform, and a fiber threading clamping force applicator is provided between the fiber threading movable clamp and the fiber threading support seat.

[0025] As a preferred technical solution, the optical fiber transmission device includes an optical fiber carrier installed on the rack for transverse sliding, and a transmission drive device is provided between the optical fiber carrier and the rack; an optical fiber clamp is provided on the optical fiber carrier, and an automatic connection device is provided between the optical fiber carrier and the plug fixing strip.

[0026] The improved effects of this invention include, but are not limited to, the following: by arranging the first and second optical fiber guide clamping devices sequentially from top to bottom, the optical fiber can be first clamped by the first optical fiber guide clamping device located on the upper layer. The optical fiber located at the lower portion of the first optical fiber guide clamping device is easily initially formed into a vertical state, and then clamped by the second optical fiber guide clamping device located on the lower layer. The length of the optical fiber core exposed at the lower portion of the second optical fiber guide clamping device is shorter and more vertical, thus forming a progressive guide clamping operation. The core portion of the optical fiber extending from the lower portion is very short, and the bending moment it is subjected to during fiber threading is very small, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of breakage. During the fiber threading process, the second optical fiber guide clamping device located on the lower layer can first release the guide clamping effect. At this time, since a portion of the core of the optical fiber has been inserted into the plug of the plug fixing strip, the plug also serves as a guide for the core of the optical fiber. The remaining core portion of the optical fiber is relatively short and still not easily broken, allowing it to be smoothly threaded. Finally, the first optical fiber guide clamping device located on the upper layer releases the guide clamping function, forming a progressive fiber threading operation. The core wire part of the optical fiber with the coating stripped off can be threaded smoothly, realizing the automated batch threading of multiple optical fibers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the drawings are only for illustration and are not drawn to scale, and should not be used to limit the actual scope of protection claimed by the present invention. Among them:

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the present invention, in which the optical fiber transmission device is not shown and the rack connection portion on one side of the optical fiber guide and clamping device is hidden;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional structural diagram in the front view direction;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the top view structure;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the present invention used in conjunction with an optical fiber transmission device. To facilitate illustrating the cooperating structure, the structure on one side of the optical fiber guide clamping device is hidden in the figure.

[0032] Figures 5A to 5F 1 is a schematic structural diagram of various states of an optical fiber guide clamping assembly during a fiber threading process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6A as well as Figure 6B It is a schematic structural diagram of the positional relationship between the fixing strip and the optical fiber transmission device before and after fiber insertion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an optical fiber clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of an optical fiber clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 2 is a schematic front view of an optical fiber clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following discloses various different implementation methods or embodiments of the subject technical solution. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of various components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] In addition, it should be understood that terms such as "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and / or "some embodiments," "one or more embodiments," and "this embodiment" refer to a certain feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," or "one or more embodiments" mentioned twice or more in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present application may be appropriately combined.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 4As shown in the figure, the fully automated fiber optic connector batch fiber insertion device can include a frame 1, a fiber insertion bracket 2, an optical fiber line guide clamping assembly 3, and an optical fiber transmission device 4. The frame 1 can be a combination of aluminum profiles and plates, or other materials and structures, and is not limited to the structure shown in the figure. The fiber insertion bracket 2 is vertically slidably installed on the frame 1. This embodiment shows that the sliding installation of the fiber insertion bracket 2 is achieved by using two sets of guide rail slide groove structures. Figure 3 As shown, the fiber insertion support 2 can be provided with fiber insertion platforms 21 corresponding to the ends of the plug fixing strip 9, respectively. The fiber insertion support 2 is also provided with a fixing strip fiber insertion stabilizer 22. A fiber insertion feed driver 27 is provided between the fiber insertion support 2 and the frame 1. The two fiber insertion platforms 21 can respectively support the ends of the plug fixing strip 9, while the fixing strip fiber insertion stabilizer 22 further secures the plug fixing strip 9, thereby stably securing the plug fixing strip 9 to the fiber insertion support 2. When the fiber insertion feed driver 27 drives the fiber insertion support 2 upward, the plug on the plug fixing strip 9 can be inserted by the optical fiber 43. The fiber insertion feed driver 27 can be implemented using an electric cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0040] Continue to refer Figure 3 As shown, the fiber insertion stabilizer 22 of this embodiment includes a fiber insertion fixed clamp 23 fixedly mounted on one of the fiber insertion support platforms 21, a movable fiber insertion clamp 24 slidably mounted on the other fiber insertion support platform 21, and a fiber insertion clamping force applicator 25 disposed between the movable fiber insertion clamp 24 and the fiber insertion support 2. After the fiber insertion clamping force applicator 25 drives the movable fiber insertion clamp 24 toward the fixed fiber insertion clamp 23, the clamping force between the movable fiber insertion clamp 24 and the fixed fiber insertion clamp 23 stabilizes the plug fixing strip 9. Furthermore, because the fiber insertion clamp 23 is fixedly mounted, it serves as a positioning reference for the plug fixing strip 9, ensuring high positional accuracy of the plug fixing strip 9 after being stabilized, facilitating smooth fiber insertion operations.

[0041] Continue to refer Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, V-shaped clamping slots 91 are provided at each end of the plug fixing strip 9. The fiber insertion fixing block 23 and the fiber insertion movable block 24 are each provided with a clamping block 26 corresponding to the clamping slots 91. The V-shaped clamping block and the slots cooperate to ensure precise positioning of the plug fixing strip 9 in the width direction, further facilitating smooth fiber insertion.

[0042] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 4As shown, a fiber guide and clamping assembly 3 is provided on the frame 1 above the two fiber threading supports 21. A fiber conveying device 4 is also provided on the frame 1 to deliver the optical fiber line 43 to the fiber guide and clamping assembly 3. The fiber conveying device 4 is used to deliver the stripped optical fiber to the fiber guide and clamping assembly 3. The fiber conveying device 4 includes a fiber carrier 41 that is laterally slidably mounted on the frame 1, and a conveying drive device 44 between the fiber carrier 41 and the frame 1. A fiber clamp 42 is provided on the fiber carrier 41, and an automatic connection device 45 is provided between the fiber carrier 41 and the plug fixing strip 9. The conveying drive device 44 includes two conveyor pulleys mounted on the frame 1, with a double-sided toothed belt installed between the two conveyor pulleys. A conveyor toothed plate that meshes with the double-sided toothed belt is fixed to the fiber carrier 41, and a conveying drive motor is provided between one of the conveyor pulleys and the frame 1. When the double-sided toothed belt is driven, the meshing action of the transmission toothed plate drives the optical fiber carrier 41 to move laterally, thereby delivering the optical fiber 43 on the optical fiber clamp 42 to the optical fiber guide clamping assembly 3. The optical fiber clamp 42 can be implemented using two opposing clamping plates with clamping grooves provided on the clamping plates, but is not limited to this structure.

[0043] refer to Figures 5A to 5F As shown, the optical fiber guide clamping assembly 3 is used to guide and clamp a plurality of optical fiber lines 43 delivered here. After guiding and clamping, the portion of the optical fiber line 43 extending downward from the optical fiber guide clamping device 3 can be easily formed into a straight vertical state, which is conducive to inserting into the plug of the plug fixing strip 9.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 as well as Figures 5A to 5F As shown, the optical fiber guide and clamping assembly 3 includes a first optical fiber guide and clamping device 31 and a second optical fiber guide and clamping device 32, which are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The vertical arrangement of the first and second optical fiber guide and clamping devices 31 and 32 allows for the two sections of the optical fiber 43 to be guided and clamped. This reduces the bending moment experienced by the exposed core of the optical fiber 43 after the guide and clamping, preventing core breakage, and facilitates the guide and clamping and progressive fiber threading operations.

[0045] Continue to refer Figures 5A to 5F ,as well as Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B In this embodiment, when inserting the fiber, the fiber feeding driver 27 drives the fiber inserting support 2 to rise, the fiber inserting support 21 holds up the plug fixing strip 9, and the fixing strip fiber inserting stabilizer 22 stabilizes the plug fixing strip 9. Figure 5A As shown, after the optical fiber line 43 is delivered to the optical fiber guide clamping assembly 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 5BAs shown, the optical fiber line 43 is first guided and clamped by the upper first optical fiber guide clamping device 31. After the guidance and clamping, the optical fiber line 43 located at the lower part of the upper first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 is easy to initially form a vertical state. Figure 5C As shown, the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 at the lower layer then guides and clamps, and the length of the core of the optical fiber line 43 exposed at the bottom is shorter and more vertical, forming a progressive guide and clamping operation. After being guided and clamped by the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 and the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32, the core of the optical fiber line 43 extending from the bottom is very short, and the bending moment it can be subjected to during fiber threading is very small, which can effectively avoid the occurrence of breakage and the like. At this time, the vertical position relationship between the plug fixing strip 9, the optical fiber line 43 and the optical fiber carrier 41 can be referred to. Figure 6A As shown. Figure 5B as well as Figure 5C FIG3 shows the clamping action of the optical fiber guide clamping assembly 3, wherein the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 and the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 successively clamp the optical fiber 43. Figure 5D As shown, the fiber feeding driver 27 drives the plug fixing bar 9 to rise, and the core wire portion of the optical fiber 43 stripped of the coating begins to penetrate into the plug on the plug fixing bar 9. Figure 5E As shown, after a certain length of fiber is inserted, the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 on the lower layer first releases its guiding and clamping function. At this time, the core of the optical fiber 43 has partially penetrated the plug, and the plug also plays a guiding role for the core of the optical fiber 43. The remaining core of the optical fiber 43 is relatively short and is not easily broken, so it can continue to be inserted smoothly. Figure 5F As shown, the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 on the upper layer releases the guide clamping function, forming a progressive fiber threading operation. The core portion of the optical fiber 43 with the coating stripped off can be threaded smoothly, thus achieving batch threading of multiple optical fibers 43 at the same time. Figure 5E as well as Figure 5F FIG3 shows the releasing action of the optical fiber guide clamping assembly 3, wherein the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 and the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 release the clamping of the optical fiber 43 in sequence. Figure 6BAs shown, at this time, the plug fixing strip 9 is at the highest end and very close to the optical fiber carrier 41. The plug fixing strip 9 can be automatically connected to the optical fiber carrier 41 by using the automatic connection device 45. The automatic connection device 45 can be implemented by a magnetic structure or a buckle structure. Since the optical fiber guide clamping assembly 3 has released the guide clamping effect, the plug fixing strip 9 can be automatically connected to the optical fiber carrier 41, and the fixing strip fiber threading stabilizer 22 is also released from the stabilizing effect, and the fiber threading feed driver 27 drives the fiber threading support 2 back to its original position. The transmission drive device 44 drives the optical fiber carrier 41 to move away, and the plug fixing strip 9 that has been automatically connected to the optical fiber carrier 41 can be sent away together. The plug on it can maintain the fiber threading connection state with the corresponding multiple optical fiber lines 43 and enter the next process.

[0046] As described above, the method for simultaneously guiding and clamping multiple optical fibers in batches may include the following steps:

[0047] S1. The suspended optical fiber is fixed so that it is clamped at the first height;

[0048] For example, as described above, Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B As shown, the optical fiber carrier 41 moves laterally, and the optical fiber line 43 on the optical fiber clamp 42 can be sent to the optical fiber guide clamping assembly 3 and suspended in the air, and first guided and clamped by the upper first optical fiber guide clamping device 31. After the guidance and clamping, the optical fiber line 43 located at the lower part of the upper first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 can easily form a vertical state.

[0049] S2. Clamp the optical fiber line at a second height, which is smaller than the first height.

[0050] For example, as described above, Figure 5B as well as Figure 5C As shown, the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 at the lower layer then performs guide clamping, and the length of the core wire of the optical fiber line 43 exposed at the lower part is shorter and more vertical, thus forming a progressive guide clamping operation.

[0051] The fiber threading method for batch threading of multiple optical fibers may include the following steps:

[0052] A1. Delivering the optical fiber to a location, securing the suspended optical fiber so that it is clamped at a first height; then clamping the optical fiber at a second height, the second height being less than the first height;

[0053] For example, the method of guiding and clamping multiple optical fibers simultaneously in batches is introduced;

[0054] A2. Move the plug fixing strip from bottom to top until the core of the optical fiber line is guided and clamped into the plug of the plug fixing strip;

[0055] For example, as described above, Figure 5D As shown, the fiber feeding driver 27 drives the plug fixing bar 9 to rise, and the core wire portion of the optical fiber 43 stripped of the coating begins to penetrate into the plug on the plug fixing bar 9. Figure 5E As shown, after a certain length of fiber is inserted, the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 of the lower layer first releases the guide clamping effect. At this time, a part of the core wire of the optical fiber line 43 has been inserted into the plug. The plug also plays a guiding role for the core wire of the optical fiber line 43. The remaining core wire part of the optical fiber line 43 is relatively short and is still not easy to break, so it can be smoothly inserted.

[0056] A3. The optical fiber is first released from the clamping at the second height, and the optical fiber continues to be inserted into the plug. Thereafter, the optical fiber is released from the clamping at the first height, and the optical fiber is inserted into the plug again.

[0057] For example, as described above, Figure 5E As shown, after a certain length of fiber is inserted, the second fiber guide clamping device 32 on the lower layer first releases its guiding and clamping function. At this time, the core of the optical fiber 43 has been partially inserted into the plug, and the plug also plays a guiding role for the core of the optical fiber 43. The remaining core of the optical fiber 43 is relatively short and is not easily broken, so it can be smoothly inserted. Figure 5F As shown, the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 on the last upper layer releases the guide clamping function, forming a progressive fiber threading operation. The core wire portion of the optical fiber 43 with the coating stripped off can be threaded smoothly, realizing batch threading of multiple optical fibers 43 at the same time.

[0058] In some embodiments, the fiber threading method may further include step A4. The plug fixing strip is sent away together with the optical fiber line to enter the next process.

[0059] For example, as described above, Figure 6B As shown, the plug retaining strip 9 is now at the highest end and very close to the fiber carrier 41. The plug retaining strip 9 is automatically connected to the fiber carrier 41 using the automatic connection device 45. The transport drive device 44 drives the fiber carrier 41 away, and the plug retaining strip 9, which has been automatically connected to the fiber carrier 41, is then transported away. The plugs on the plug retaining strip remain connected to the corresponding multiple optical fibers 43 and proceed to the next process.

[0060] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 9As shown, it can be achieved by providing a clamping groove on one of the two relatively sliding guide clamping seats 310 and providing a clamping block on the other guide clamping seat. The clamping effect of the clamping groove and the clamping block and the guiding effect in the length direction form the guiding clamping effect of the optical fiber guide clamping device 3. In some embodiments, the structures of the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 and the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 are similar. Taking the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 as an example, the optical fiber guide clamping device includes two relatively sliding guide clamping seats 310, wherein the guide clamping seat 310 on one side is provided with a clamping groove 311, and the guide clamping seat 310 on the other side is provided with a clamping block 312. Figure 2 As shown, the clamping groove and the clamping block are staggered in the vertical direction. The guide clamping seat 310 on one side of the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 located on the upper layer is provided with a clamping groove 311, and the guide clamping seat 310 on the other side is provided with a clamping block 312. The guide clamping seat 310 on one side of the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 located on the lower layer is provided with a clamping block 312, and the guide clamping seat 310 on the other side is provided with a clamping groove 311. Such staggering in the height direction can achieve a better clamping effect.

[0061] Continue to refer Figure 7 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The specific structure of the clamping groove 311 and the clamping block 312 can be that the clamping block 312 includes a plurality of clamping teeth 312a, and the clamping groove 311 includes a plurality of clamping groove portions 311a; wherein, for the clamping block 312 and the clamping groove 311 included in the same optical fiber guide clamping device, each clamping tooth portion 312a corresponds to each clamping groove portion 311a, and the inner contour of the clamping groove portion 311a is conformal to the outer contour of the clamping tooth portion 312a and is at the same vertical height, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, the first optical fiber clamping device 31 has a clamping groove portion 311a and a clamping tooth portion 312a with the same vertical height, and the second optical fiber clamping device 32 has a clamping groove portion 311a and a clamping tooth portion 312a with the same vertical height. Figure 7As shown, the groove top 3111 of the clamping groove portion 311a of the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 is aligned with the tooth top 3121 of the clamping tooth portion 312a of the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 on a vertical line, and the tooth top 3121 of the clamping tooth portion 312a of the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 is aligned with the groove top 3111 of the clamping groove portion 311a of the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 on a vertical line. The above-mentioned "aligned on a vertical line" means that the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 is aligned with the tooth top 3121 of the clamping tooth portion 312a of the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 on a vertical line. The projection of the tooth tops 3121 of the clamping teeth 312a of the device 31 on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and the projection of the groove tops 3111 of the clamping groove 311a of the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 lie on the same straight line, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. Similarly, the projection of the groove tops 3111 of the clamping groove 311a of the first optical fiber guide clamping device 31 on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and the projection of the tooth tops 3121 of the clamping teeth 312a of the second optical fiber guide clamping device 32 also lie on the same straight line. In the clamped state, the tooth tops of the clamping teeth 312a can clamp the optical fiber to the bottom of the clamping groove 311a. The vertical direction h mentioned above is also the direction in which the optical fiber extends during fiber threading. The horizontal direction a is the lengthwise direction of the clamping block 312 and the clamping groove 311, and is also the direction in which the multiple clamping grooves 311a and the multiple clamping teeth 312a are distributed.

[0062] During the clamping process, the multiple optical fibers to be clamped are suspended, and the clamping groove 311 and the clamping block 312 move relative to each other. Ideally, the multiple optical fibers to be clamped hang downward in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the optical fibers are positioned exactly midway between the tops of the clamping teeth 312a and the bottom of the clamping groove 311a. Simultaneously, the clamping groove 311 and the clamping block 312 move relative to each other at the same constant speed. In this state, the clamping groove 311 and the clamping block 312 can clamp the optical fibers one by one precisely at their respective locations, with the clamped optical fibers positioned between the tops of the clamping teeth 312a and the bottom of the clamping groove 311a.

[0063] While one embodiment of the optical fiber clamping device has been described above, other embodiments of the optical fiber clamping device may include more details than those described above, and at least some of these details may be varied. The following describes at least some of these details and variations using some embodiments.

[0064] In one embodiment of the optical fiber guide clamping device, the clamping block 312 includes a first limiting edge 3122 disposed on both sides of a plurality of clamping teeth 312a, and the clamping groove 311 includes a second limiting edge 3112 disposed on both sides of a plurality of clamping grooves 311a. In the clamping position, the first limiting edge 3122 and the second limiting edge 3112 abut against each other to limit the distance to which the tooth tips of the clamping teeth 312a squeeze the optical fiber in the clamping groove 311a. Because optical fibers sometimes have different layer thicknesses due to errors during production and processing, resulting in different diameters, over-clamping a larger diameter optical fiber may damage or even break the optical fiber. The first limiting edge 3122 and the second limiting edge 3112, which can offset each other, are provided to prevent the first teeth 11 from excessively squeezing the optical fiber in the second groove 20, thereby preventing the optical fiber from breaking. At the same time, the first limiting edge 3122 and the second limiting edge 3112 are respectively provided on either side of the plurality of clamping teeth 312a and the plurality of clamping grooves 311a, so as to facilitate observation and preset spacing between the first limiting edge 3122 and the second limiting edge 3112 when the clamping teeth 312a clamp the optical fiber in the clamping groove 311a. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for a drive guide clamping seat that uses a cylinder 33 as a driving member to drive the clamping block 312 and the clamping groove 311. This is because, with the first limiting edge 3122 and the second limiting edge 3112, even if the preset stroke of the cylinder 33 would result in excessive compression, the first limiting edge 3122 and the second limiting edge 3112 will promptly prevent it.

[0065] In one embodiment of the optical fiber guide clamping device, the clamping teeth 312a are V-shaped teeth, as shown in the figure. The teeth have a V-shaped cross-section, with the tooth crest forming the top of the V. Correspondingly, the clamping groove 311a is a V-shaped groove, also V-shaped in cross-section, with the bottom forming the top of the V. In other embodiments differing from the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the clamping teeth 312a may be modified or altered from that shown, such as a wavy shape, and the clamping groove 311a may have a shape that matches the clamping teeth 312a.

[0066] In one embodiment, the plug fixing strips 9 are further automatically fed to the fiber threading support 2. A fixing strip feeding device is provided on the frame 1 on one side of the fiber threading support 2. The fixing strip feeding device receives the glue-dispensed plug fixing strips 9 and feeds them to the fiber threading support 2 for fiber threading.

[0067] The fixed strip supply device of this embodiment includes a fixed strip conveyor belt 5 mounted on the frame 1 and located on one side of the fiber insertion support 2. The fixed strip conveyor belt 5 extends to the fiber insertion support 2. When the fixed strip conveyor belt 5 is in operation, it delivers the plug fixed strip 9 supported on it to the fiber insertion support 2. This embodiment shows two fixed strip conveyor belts 5. When the plug fixed strip 9 is on the fixed strip conveyor belts 5, its ends extend outward from the outer surfaces of the two fixed strip conveyor belts 5. Thus, the fiber insertion support 2 of this embodiment is arranged in an overall U-shaped structure, with fiber insertion support platforms 21 at each end of the U-shaped structure. In this embodiment, the fiber insertion support 2 is provided with fixed strip stoppers 28. When the fiber insertion support 2 is in its lowest position, the two fiber insertion support platforms 21 are lower than the conveying surface of the fixed strip conveyor belt 5. The fixed strip stoppers 28 block the plug fixed strip 9 from reaching the fiber insertion support 2, thereby directly supporting and stabilizing the plug fixed strip 9. Of course, a conveying drive motor 51 or the like may be provided between the fixed strip conveyor belt 5 and the frame 1.

[0068] On the frame 1, a device for positioning the strips to be supplied 6 is provided at the fixed strip conveyor belt 5. On the frame 1, a device for limiting the conveyance of the remaining strips 7 is provided at the side of the device for positioning the strips to be supplied 6 away from the fiber insertion support 2. After a number of plug fixing strips 9 are placed on the feed end of the fixed strip conveyor belt 5, they can be continuously conveyed by the fixed strip conveyor belt 5 toward the fiber insertion support 2. Among them, the plug fixing strips 9 at the conveying head end are regarded as plug fixing strips 9 waiting to be supplied to the fiber insertion support 2, hereinafter referred to as the strips to be supplied 64, which are limited by the device for positioning the strips to be supplied 6, waiting for a plug fixing strip 9 in front of them to complete fiber insertion. Then, the device for limiting the conveyance of the remaining strips 7 limits one or several plug fixing strips 9 closest to the strip to be supplied 64 among the remaining plug fixing strips 9 conveyed. This embodiment shows that the plug fixing strip 9 closest to the strip to be supplied 64 is limited. After the limitation, all the plug fixing strips 9 behind the plug fixing strip 9 conveyed by the fixed strip conveyor belt 5 can be blocked. After the current fiber threading operation is completed, the device for positioning the strip to be supplied 6 releases the restriction on the strip to be supplied 64, and the strip to be supplied 64 can be sent to the fiber threading support 2 by the fixed strip conveyor belt 5 for fiber threading. The device for positioning the strip to be supplied 6 returns to its original position, and the remaining strip conveying restriction device 7 removes the blocking restriction, and the subsequent plug fixing strip 9 is continued to be conveyed by the fixed strip conveyor belt 5. At this time, the original second plug fixing strip 9 is transformed into the current strip to be supplied 64. Since the device for positioning the strip to be supplied 6 has returned to its original position, the device for positioning the strip to be supplied 6 can restrict the current strip to be supplied 64. The remaining strip conveying restriction device 7 restricts the plug fixing strip 9 that is closest to the strip to be supplied 64 at this time, and blocks the remaining plug fixing strips 9 at the back. This reciprocating process forms an automatic supply operation of the plug fixing strips 9.

[0069] In this embodiment, the waiting strip positioning device 6 includes a waiting strip stopper 61 vertically slidably mounted on the frame 1. A stopper controller 62 is provided between the waiting strip stopper 61 and the frame 1. In this embodiment, the waiting strip stopper 61 is positioned between two fixed strip conveyor belts 5. The stopper controller 62 can be implemented using a pneumatic or electric cylinder, and the waiting strip stopper 61 is directly mounted on the piston rod of the stopper controller 62. When the stopper controller 62 controls the waiting strip stopper 61 to rise, the blocking effect of the waiting strip stopper 61 acts as a restriction on the waiting strip 64.

[0070] The remaining strip conveying limiting device 7 includes two conveying limiting clamps 71 that are relatively slidably mounted on the frame 1, and a conveying limiting controller 72 is provided between each conveying limiting clamp 71 and the frame 1. When the blocking and limiting effect of the strip-to-be-supplied block 61 takes effect, the conveying effect of the fixed strip conveyor belt 5 will cause several plug fixing strips 9 to be arranged at the strip-to-be-supplied block 61. The conveying limiting controller 72 drives the two conveying limiting clamps 71 to clamp and fix the plug fixing strip 9 closest to the strip-to-be-supplied 64, thereby forming a blocking and limiting effect on the remaining plug fixing strips 9. The conveying limiting controller 72 can also be implemented using a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

[0071] In addition, the strip-to-be-fed positioning device 6 of this embodiment also includes a strip-to-be-fed clamping device 63 provided on the side of the strip-to-be-fed block 61 away from the fiber threading support 2. The strip-to-be-fed clamping device 63 includes two strip-to-be-fed clamping blocks relatively slidably mounted on the frame 1, and a strip-to-be-fed clamping force applicator is provided between each strip-to-be-fed clamping block and the frame 1. The setting structure of the strip-to-be-fed clamping device 63 is basically the same as that of the remaining strip conveying limiting device 7, which will not be described in detail here. After the blocking and limiting effect of the strip-to-be-fed block 61 takes effect, the remaining strip conveying limiting device 7 blocks and limits the remaining plug fixing strips 9. At this time, the strip-to-be-fed clamping device 63 can clamp the strip-to-be-fed 64, and the strip-to-be-fed block 61 can be driven down to release the blocking and limiting effect on the strip-to-be-fed 64. When the strip-to-be-fed 64 needs to be sent away for fiber threading, the strip-to-be-fed clamping device 63 can directly release the clamping effect. The arrangement of the strip-to-be-fed clamping device 63, on the one hand, can form a restrictive connection with the strip-to-be-fed stopper 61, so that when the strip-to-be-fed stopper 61 releases the blocking restriction, the conveying posture of the strip-to-be-fed 64 will not be changed due to the friction of the contact surface with the strip-to-be-fed 64. On the other hand, the centering posture of the strip-to-be-fed 64 can also be adjusted. When the strip-to-be-fed clamping device 63 releases the clamping, the strip-to-be-fed 64 can be conveyed to the fiber threading support 2 in the correct posture, the fiber threading support 21 can smoothly lift it up, and the fixed strip fiber threading stabilizer 22 can also smoothly stabilize it.

[0072] During use, the glue-applied plug fixing strips 9 are placed on the fixing strip conveyor belt 5. However, it should be understood that the plug fixing strips 9 stacked on the fixing strip stacking slide 8 can also be un-glueed. Un-glueed strips 64 can be glued while waiting for the restriction to be released. The fixing strip conveyor belt 5 conveys the plug fixing strips 9 to the strip-to-be-supplied positioning device 6. The plug fixing strips 9 at the leading end form the strip-to-be-supplied strip 64. The strip-to-be-supplied strip stopper 61 in the strip-to-be-supplied positioning device 6 blocks the strip-to-be-supplied strip 64. Three plug fixing strips 9 are sequentially arranged at the strip-to-be-supplied strip stopper 61. The remaining strip conveying limiting device 7 clamps the second plug fixing strip 9, and the strip clamping device 63 clamps the strip to be supplied 64. If the strip to be supplied 64 has not been glued at this time, the strip to be supplied 64 can be glued at this time. Since the strip clamping device 63 is used to clamp the strip to be supplied 64, the strip to be supplied is firmly positioned, thereby ensuring that the automatic glue dispensing equipment can accurately glue the strip to be supplied 64, which not only realizes automatic glue dispensing and improves the degree of automation of the production line, but also integrates the glue dispensing station with the strip to be supplied positioning device 6 into one, making the production line structure compact and saving the floor space of the production line. Then the strip to be supplied block 61 is controlled to release the blockage. When a plug fixing strip 9 needs to be conveyed to the fiber threading support 2, the strip clamping device 63 releases the clamping, and the strip to be supplied 64 is conveyed to the fiber threading support 2 by the fixed strip conveyor belt 5. The unsupplied strip block 61 rises again to block it, and the remaining strip conveying restriction device 7 releases the restriction. After the remaining two plug fixing strips 9 are conveyed forward a distance equal to the width of one plug fixing strip 9, they are again blocked by the unsupplied strip block 61. At this point, the remaining strip conveying restriction device 7 and the unsupplied strip clamping device 63 are clamped, and then the unsupplied strip block 61 is released. The unsupplied strip 64 delivered to the fiber insertion support 2 is lifted by the fiber insertion support 21 and stabilized by the fixed strip fiber insertion stabilizer 22 after the fiber insertion support 2 is driven to rise. After the optical fiber transmission device 4 delivers the optical fiber 43 to the optical fiber guide clamping device 3, the two layers of optical fiber guide clamping devices 3 sequentially guide and clamp the optical fiber 43 from top to bottom. After the fiber insertion support 2 is driven to rise further, the two layers of optical fiber guide clamping devices 3 sequentially release the guide clamping from bottom to top, finally completing the insertion of the optical fiber 43. After the fiber insertion is completed, the plug fixing strip 9 is automatically connected to the optical fiber carrier 41, and the conveying drive device 44 drives the optical fiber carrier 41 to transport the plug fixing strip 9. After the fiber insertion support 2 returns to its original position, the next fiber strip 64 is transported here for the next round of fiber insertion operation.

[0073] In summary, the above embodiments achieve fully automated fiber insertion and supply of the plug fixing strip 9, improving fiber insertion efficiency. During fiber insertion, the first fiber guide clamping device 31 and the second fiber guide clamping device 32 cooperate to form a progressive guide clamping and fiber insertion process, respectively, further ensuring fiber insertion quality. Furthermore, two sets of fiber clamps 42 can be provided on the fiber carrier 41, and two corresponding sets of plug fixing strip 9 supply and fiber insertion structures can be provided on the rack 1. This increases the number of fibers that can be inserted at a time and effectively connects with the glue dispensing and fiber stripping processes, facilitating fully automated fiber connector production.

[0074] Although the present invention is disclosed above with reference to the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent variations, and modifications made to the above embodiments in accordance with the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical fiber threading device, characterized in that: include: The fiber support seat can slide vertically and is used to fix the supporting plug fixing strip; An optical fiber guide clamping assembly, for simultaneously clamping multiple optical fibers delivered thereto, comprising a first optical fiber guide clamping device and a second optical fiber guide clamping device; the first optical fiber guide clamping device and the second optical fiber guide clamping device are arranged sequentially from top to bottom; during a clamping operation of the guide clamping assembly, the first optical fiber guide clamping device and the second optical fiber guide clamping device sequentially clamp the optical fibers; during a unclamping operation of the guide clamping assembly, the second optical fiber guide clamping device and the first optical fiber guide clamping device sequentially unclamp the optical fibers; The fiber insertion bracket can be raised to support the plug fixing strip, so that multiple optical fibers clamped by the optical fiber guide clamping assembly are inserted into the plug fixing strip at the same time; The optical fiber can first be clamped by the first optical fiber guide clamping device located on the upper layer, and the optical fiber located at the lower part of the first optical fiber guide clamping device initially forms a vertical state, and then is clamped by the second optical fiber guide clamping device located on the lower layer, forming a progressive guide clamping operation. During the fiber threading process, the second optical fiber guide clamping device located on the lower layer can first release the guide clamping effect. At this time, a part of the core wire of the optical fiber has been inserted into the plug of the plug fixing strip, and the plug also plays a guiding role for the core wire of the optical fiber; finally, the first optical fiber guide clamping device located on the upper layer releases the guide clamping effect again, forming a progressive fiber threading operation, and the core wire part of the optical fiber stripped of the coating realizes the automated batch fiber threading of multiple optical fibers.

2. The optical fiber threading device according to claim 1, wherein: When the first optical fiber guide clamping device is clamped, the second optical fiber guide clamping device is clamped again; when the second optical fiber guide clamping device is released, the first optical fiber guide clamping device is released again.

3. The optical fiber threading device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical fiber guide clamping device comprises two relatively sliding guide clamping seats, one of which is provided with a clamping groove, and the other is provided with a clamping block.

4. The optical fiber threading device according to claim 3, wherein: The guide clamping seat on one side of the first optical fiber guide clamping device is provided with the clamping groove, and the guide clamping seat on the other side is provided with the clamping block; the guide clamping seat on one side of the second optical fiber guide clamping device is provided with the clamping block, and the guide clamping seat on the other side of the second optical fiber guide clamping device is provided with the clamping groove.

5. The optical fiber threading device according to claim 3, wherein: The clamping block includes a plurality of clamping teeth; The clamping groove includes a plurality of clamping groove portions; For the clamping block and clamping groove included in the same optical fiber guide clamping device, each clamping tooth portion corresponds to each clamping groove portion, and the inner contour of the clamping groove portion is conformal to the outer contour of the clamping tooth portion and is at the same vertical height; wherein, in the clamping state, the tooth top of the clamping tooth portion can clamp the optical fiber to the groove bottom of the clamping groove portion; The top of the clamping groove of the first optical fiber guide clamping device is aligned with the top of the clamping tooth of the second optical fiber guide clamping device on a vertical line, and the top of the clamping tooth of the first optical fiber guide clamping device is aligned with the top of the clamping groove of the second optical fiber guide clamping device on a vertical line.

6. The optical fiber threading device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The clamping block also includes a first limiting edge arranged on both sides of the multiple clamping teeth, and the clamping groove also includes a second limiting edge arranged on both sides of the multiple clamping grooves. The first limiting edge and the second limiting edge cooperate to limit the distance that the tooth tops of the clamping teeth squeeze the optical fiber in the clamping groove.

7. The optical fiber threading device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes an optical fiber delivery device for delivering multiple optical fibers to the optical fiber guide and clamping assembly. The optical fiber delivery device includes an automatic connecting portion that can automatically connect the plug fixing strip that has been threaded with fibers to the optical fiber delivery device.

8. The optical fiber threading device according to claim 1, wherein: The fiber insertion support includes a fiber insertion support platform, a fixed bar fiber insertion stabilizer and a fiber insertion feed driver. The fiber insertion support platform is used to support the two ends of the plug fixing bar respectively, the fixed bar fiber insertion stabilizer is used to fix the plug fixing bar, and the fiber insertion feed driver can drive the fiber insertion support to move vertically.

9. A method for threading an optical fiber, characterized in that: The optical fiber threading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises: A1. Delivering the optical fiber to a location, securing the suspended optical fiber so that it is clamped at a first height; then clamping the optical fiber at a second height, the second height being less than the first height; A2. Move the plug fixing strip from bottom to top until the core of the clamped optical fiber line is inserted into the plug of the plug fixing strip; A3. The optical fiber is first released from the clamping at the second height, and the optical fiber continues to be inserted into the plug. Thereafter, the optical fiber is released from the clamping at the first height, and the optical fiber is inserted into the plug again.

10. The fiber threading method according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: A4. The plug fixing strip is sent along with the optical fiber line to the next process.

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