Displacement of fluid bearings during optical fiber draw processes

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an optical fiber, the method comprising drawing a bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform along a draw path. The method further comprises: during the drawing step, a first fluid bearing moving from a first position to a second position, the first position being removed from the draw path and the second position being arranged in the draw path, such that the moving of the first fluid bearing to the second position causes at least a first portion of the draw path to change direction.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Dutch Patent Application No. 2026551, filed September 28, 2020, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 075,983, filed September 9, 2020, the contents of which are based and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to displacing a fluid bearing during the optical fiber drawing process, and more specifically, to systems and methods for displacing a fluid bearing during the optical fiber drawing process to increase the optical fiber drawing path. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, optical fibers are drawn from fiber preforms along a longitudinal linear path, extending from top to bottom. Therefore, the fiber preforms are positioned at the top, and the fibers are drawn downwards from the top. However, such longitudinal linear drawing paths make it difficult to add or modify the drawing process without increasing the overall system height. In some cases, the fiber drawing tower is already located at or near the ceiling of the building. Therefore, adding components to the linear drawing path (e.g., making improvements to the system) requires additional construction that increases the building's height, which can be very costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Non-strictly longitudinal fiber drawing processes significantly reduce the cost of modifying or upgrading systems. For example, horizontally extending drawing paths along a portion of the system allow for convenient and cost-effective system modifications (including the addition of components). With such horizontally extending drawing paths, adding new components to the system does not require increasing the height of the building housing the system.

[0005] Furthermore, the drawing path, extending at least partially in the horizontal direction, advantageously provides an increased fiber cooling time before the fiber is coated with a polymer coating. Therefore, such a drawing path can eliminate or reduce the need for costly cooling mechanisms along the path. The drawing path disclosed herein provides a more efficient processing path that enables the use of lower-cost polymer coatings, higher coating speeds, and improved fiber cooling technology.

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein provide an optical fiber drawing system and process, wherein the drawing path extends in both longitudinal and non-longitudinal directions. Furthermore, the drawing path can change direction during the drawing process, thereby increasing the system's adaptability.

[0007] In the first aspect, a method for manufacturing optical fibers is disclosed. The method includes drawing bare optical fibers from an optical fiber preform along a drawing path. During the drawing step, a first fluid bearing moves from a first position to a second position, the first position is removed from the drawing path, and the second position is arranged in the drawing path, such that the movement of the first fluid bearing to the second position causes at least a first portion of the drawing path to change direction.

[0008] In a second aspect, an optical fiber manufacturing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a drawing mechanism configured to draw bare optical fibers from an optical fiber preform along a drawing path. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a first fluid bearing configured to move from a first position to a second position during the fiber drawing process, the first position being removed from the drawing path and the second position being arranged within the drawing path, such that the movement of the first fluid bearing to the second position causes at least a first portion of the drawing path to change direction.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the processes and systems described herein are set forth in the following detailed description, some of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description both depict various embodiments and are intended to provide an overall overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The included drawings provide a further understanding of the various embodiments and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. A detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood by reading the following drawings, in conjunction with which the same structures are indicated by the same reference numerals, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1A and 1B This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber production system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0013] Figure 2A and 2B This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber production system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0014] Figures 3A-3C This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber production system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0015] Figures 4A-4D This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber production system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0016] Figure 5A and 5B This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber production system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0017] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a fluid bearing for an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0018] Figure 7 It is based on one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 6 Partial side view of the fluid bearing; and

[0019] Figure 8 It is based on one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 6 A side view of another portion of the fluid bearing having a guide groove attached thereto. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Additional features and advantages of this disclosure are set forth in the following detailed description, some of which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the description, or will be recognized by practicing this disclosure as described below and in the claims and drawings.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will understand that the construction of the disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Unless otherwise stated herein, other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein can be formed from a wide range of materials.

[0022] Importantly, it should be noted that the construction and arrangement of the elements of this disclosure shown in the exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary. While only some embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, scale, structure, shape, and proportion of various elements, as well as parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novelty and non-obvious teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied; the length or width of structures, and / or elements or connectors or other components of the system may be varied; and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may be altered. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from an arbitrarily wide range of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability with an arbitrarily wide range of colors, textures, and combinations thereof. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, other substitutions, improvements, changes, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of various required and other exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in all the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0024] See now Figure 1A and 1B The diagram schematically illustrates an optical fiber production system 100 configured to produce optical fibers. The optical fiber production system 100 includes: a drawing furnace 110, an optical fiber cooling mechanism 115, one or more fluid bearings 120, an optical fiber coating unit 130, and an optical fiber collection unit 140. Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the drawing path 102 extends from the drawing furnace 110 to the optical fiber collection unit 140 and is the path along which the optical fiber 10 moves during the production process. The drawing path 102 includes one or more drawing path sections, as discussed in more detail below.

[0025] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the optical fiber preform 12 is placed in the drawing furnace 110 and drawn from it to obtain the optical fiber 10. The optical fiber 10 is a bare fiber before reaching the optical fiber coating unit 130. The optical fiber preform 12 may contain any glass or material suitable for optical fiber manufacturing.

[0026] As it passes through the fiber cooling mechanism 115 (which can be any mechanism known in the art for cooling optical fibers), the optical fiber 10 is cooled. For example, the fiber cooling mechanism 115 may be filled with a gas that promotes cooling of the optical fiber 10, thereby cooling the optical fiber 10 at a rate faster or slower than in ambient air. For example, the fiber cooling mechanism 115 is a slow cooling device. In some embodiments, the fiber cooling mechanism 115 uses an air cooling pipe or a helium jet cooling pipe to cool the optical fiber 10. It is also contemplated in some embodiments that the system 100 does not include the fiber cooling mechanism 115.

[0027] The fiber coating unit 130 can apply one or more coatings to the fiber 10. For example... Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the fiber coating unit 130 may include a primary coating unit 134 and a secondary coating unit 136. The primary coating unit 134 may apply a primary coating to the fiber 10, and the secondary coating unit 136 may apply a secondary coating to the fiber 10. The primary coating unit 134 and / or the secondary coating unit 136 may apply a protective polymer-based coating, such as an acrylate coating, to the fiber 10.

[0028] The fluid bearing 120 can be used to guide and transport the optical fiber 10 (when it is drawn along the drawing path 102). As discussed further below, the fluid bearing 120 guides and transports the optical fiber 10 through the system 100 such that the optical fiber 10 does not make mechanical contact with any surface until after the fiber coating unit 130 applies a coating layer to the optical fiber 10 (thus forming the coated optical fiber 15). Figure 1A and 1B As shown, in the first embodiment, system 100 includes three fluid bearings: 121, 122, and 123. However, it is also contemplated that more or fewer fluid bearings may be used.

[0029] The fluid bearing 120 can be arranged along the drawing path 102 between the drawing furnace 110 and the optical fiber coating unit 130. Although Figure 1A and 1B The fluid bearing 120 is shown to be arranged downstream of the fiber cooling mechanism 115, but it is also contemplated that one or more fluid bearings 120 may be arranged upstream of the fiber cooling mechanism 115 along the drawing path 120.

[0030] During operation, optical fiber 10 is drawn from optical fiber preform 12, exits drawing furnace 110, and moves along drawing path 102 until it reaches optical fiber cooling mechanism 115, which cools optical fiber 10 (before it is coated in optical fiber coating unit 130). Before reaching optical fiber coating unit 30, optical fiber 10 is a bare fiber. After optical fiber 10 is coated in optical fiber coating unit 130 and becomes coated optical fiber 15, the fiber undergoes various other processing stages (not shown) within system 100 before reaching optical fiber collection unit 140.

[0031] The fiber collection unit 140 includes one or more pulling mechanisms 142 for applying tension to the fiber 10, thereby providing the required tension on the fiber 10 (when it is pulled throughout the system 100). The fiber collection unit 140 also includes a fiber storage roll 144, which allows coated fiber 15 to be wound onto the fiber storage roll 144.

[0032] Figure 1A The first configuration of the display system 100 includes a drawing path 102 that is a straight (or substantially straight) longitudinal line. For example... Figure 1A As shown, the first configuration of this system 100 depicts the situation after the fiber 10 drawing process has begun. Therefore, Figure 1A This shows the first configuration of system 100 during the drawing process.

[0033] During the drawing process, one or a fluid bearing 120 can be drawn from... Figure 1A The first construction moves to Figure 1B The second construction. For example, the first fluid bearing 121 can be from, as... Figure 1A The first position shown is moved to the position shown in the figure. Figure 1B The second position shown. In Figure 1A and 1B In one embodiment, the first fluid bearing 121 moves to the left, thus moving from its first position to its second position. For example... Figure 1A As shown, the first position of the first fluid bearing 121 is removed from the drawing path 102, so that the fluid bearing is not arranged along the path and is not engaged with the optical fiber 10. Figure 1B As shown, the second position of the first fluid bearing 121 is arranged in the drawing path 102, such that the fluid bearing engages with the optical fiber 10 (when it is drawn along the drawing path 102). Thus, the movement of the first fluid bearing 121 from its first position to its second position causes at least a first portion 104 of the drawing path 102 to change direction.

[0034] like Figure 1AAs shown, when the first fluid bearing 121 is in its first position, the first portion 104 of the drawing path 102 moves in a first longitudinal (or substantially longitudinal) direction. The movement of the first fluid bearing 121 from its first position to its second position causes the first portion 104 of the drawing path 102 to change direction: from the first direction to the second direction. Figure 1A and 1B In this implementation, the second direction is horizontal (or substantially horizontal), and therefore the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0035] The movement of the first fluid bearing 121 from its first position to its second position causes a change in the orientation of the first portion 104 of the drawing path 102 by approximately 90 degrees. However, it is also possible that the movement of the first fluid bearing 121 from its first position to its second position causes a change in the orientation of the first portion 104 of the drawing path 102 as follows: approximately 90 degrees or less, or about 60 degrees or less, or about 45 degrees or less, or about 30 degrees or less, or about 15 degrees or less, or about 10 degrees or less, or about 5 degrees or less, or about 90 degrees or more, or about 100 degrees or more, or about 120 degrees or more.

[0036] In addition, as in Figure 1A and 1B The second fluid bearing 122 and the third fluid bearing 123 can be moved from a first position to a second position, respectively. Similar to the first fluid bearing 121, the first positions of the second and third fluid bearings 122 and 123 can be removed from the drawing path 102, and the second positions of the second and third fluid bearings 122 and 123 can be arranged within the drawing path 102. Figure 1A and 1B In this embodiment, the second fluid bearing 122 moves to the right, thus moving from its first position to its second position, and the third fluid bearing 123 moves to the left, thus moving from its first position to its second position. Therefore, the movement of the second and third fluid bearings 122 and 123 from their first positions to their second positions causes at least a portion of the drawing path 102 to change direction.

[0037] For example, the movement of the second fluid bearing 122 from its first position to its second position causes the second portion 106 of the drawing path 102 to change direction: from the first direction to the second direction. Figure 1A and 1BIn this embodiment, the first direction of the second portion 106 of the drawing path 102 (when the second fluid bearing 122 is in its first position) is longitudinal (or substantially longitudinal). Furthermore, the second direction of the second portion 106 of the drawing path 102 (when the second fluid bearing 122 is in its second position) is horizontal (or substantially horizontal). Therefore, the second direction of the second portion 106 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction of the second portion 106.

[0038] It is also noted that the first directions of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 of the drawing path 102 are parallel (or substantially parallel) and oriented in the same direction. However, in Figure 1B In the construction, the second direction of the first part 104 is opposite to the second direction of the second part 106. Furthermore, after the fluid bearings 121, 122, and 123 move from their first positions to their second positions, the outlet (point A) of the drawing path 102 from the fiber cooling mechanism 115 is axially aligned with the inlet (point B) of the drawing path 102 entering the fiber coating unit 130, as shown below. Figure 1B As shown.

[0039] The first part 104 and the second part 106 may be different and separate portions of the drawing path 102. However, it is also considered that the first part 104 and the second part 106 at least partially overlap in length along the drawing path 102.

[0040] The fluid bearings 120 in system 100 can all move simultaneously, or one or more fluid bearings can move after one or more other fluid bearings have moved. For example, the first and third fluid bearings 121, 123 can move to their respective second positions before the second fluid bearing 122 moves to its second position. In another embodiment, the second fluid bearing 122 moves to its second position before the first and third fluid bearings 121, 123 move.

[0041] In some implementations, it may be necessary to move more than one fluid bearing 120 to provide a change in orientation for a portion of the drawing path 102. For example, it may be necessary to move the first, second, and third fluid bearings 121, 122, and 123 from their first positions to their second positions, thereby moving the first and second portions 104 and 106 to a horizontal position and axially aligning points A and B of the drawing path 102.

[0042] After determining that one or more process conditions have been met, the fluid bearings 120 can be moved from their first positions to their second positions, respectively. Process conditions may include, for example, a predetermined drawing speed of the optical fiber 10, a predetermined optical fiber diameter of the optical fiber 10, a predetermined optical fiber tension of the optical fiber 10, or determining that the system 100 is in an open position. The fluid bearings 20 may remain stationary until one or more process conditions have been met during the drawing process of the optical fiber 10. In some embodiments, the predetermined optical fiber diameter may be approximately + / - 1 micrometer of the target optical fiber diameter. In one example, the target optical fiber diameter is approximately 125 micrometers, thus the predetermined optical fiber diameter is approximately 124 micrometers to approximately 126 micrometers. Furthermore, the predetermined optical fiber tension may be approximately + / - 50% of the target optical fiber tension.

[0043] As discussed above, a first configuration of system 100 can exist after the drawing process has begun. Figure 1A Therefore, during the drawing operation of the optical fiber 10, the fluid bearings 120 move from their first positions to their second positions, respectively. However, it is also considered that both the first and second configurations of the system 100 may exist before the drawing process begins. Therefore, one or more fluid bearings 120 may move from their first positions to their second positions before the drawing operation begins.

[0044] In some embodiments, the fiber coating unit 130 may coat the fiber 10 with paint only after one or more fluid bearings 120 have been displaced. For example, the fiber coating unit 130 may not apply paint to the fiber 10 until the first, second, and third fluid bearings 121, 122, and 123 have all presented their second positions.

[0045] A displacement mechanism 150 can be employed to move the fluid bearings 120 from their first positions to their second positions. This displacement mechanism 150 can enable the fluid bearings 120 to move in any direction and / or orientation before engaging with the optical fiber 10. For example, the displacement mechanism 150 can cause each fluid bearing 120 to move along a linear path, an arc path, an S-shaped path, a lateral path, or an inclined path relative to the optical fiber drawing path 102. It is also contemplated that the displacement mechanism 150 move one or more fluid bearings 120 in combinations of one or more of the paths disclosed above. However, it should be noted that after engagement with the optical fiber 10, the direction of movement of the fluid bearings 120 should be sufficient to receive the optical fiber 10 (e.g., an orientation such that the opening of the fluid bearing 120 is axially aligned with the optical fiber 10). In some embodiments, the displacement mechanism 150 is a linear slider or an air-driven slider.

[0046] The fluid bearings 120 can be moved from their first position to their second position within a single plane, allowing, for example, the fluid bearings 120 to move back and forth or up and down within that single plane. Alternatively, when moving from the first position to the second position, the fluid bearings 120 can move in an arc within a single plane. It should also be noted that the movement of one or more fluid bearings 120 and the mechanism used may differ from that of one or more other fluid bearings 120.

[0047] Figure 1B The diagram shows the configuration of the system 100 after the fluid bearings 120 have been displaced to their second positions. Due to the displacement of the fluid bearings 120, the optical fiber 10 extends along a tortuous path 102. More specifically, the optical fiber 10 moves along the drawing path 102 in both longitudinal and non-longitudinal (e.g., horizontal) directions. Alternatively, the optical fiber 10 may extend along the drawing path 102 in a transverse or diagonal direction.

[0048] Provide an optical fiber production system with one or more non-longitudinal path sections (e.g., ... Figure 1A and 1B The fiber production system (as shown) offers numerous advantages. For example, in conventional linear fiber manufacturing systems, adding new or additional components (e.g., additional coating units or additional cooling mechanisms) before the fiber coating unit requires all such components to be arranged longitudinally, often necessitating an increase in overall system height. With the fiber manufacturing system 100 described herein, the fiber 10 can be routed, for example, horizontally or diagonally (e.g., non-longitudinally), before the coating layer is applied by the fiber coating unit 130. This provides greater flexibility not only for facility setup but also for future improvements, additions, and upgrades in existing manufacturing plants without increasing the overall system height.

[0049] Furthermore, providing an optical fiber production system with one or more non-longitudinal paths increases the path length of the drawing path 102, thereby increasing the ambient cooling of the optical fiber 10 before it enters the optical fiber coating unit 130. This eliminates the need for the optical fiber cooling mechanism 115, resulting in manufacturing cost savings. In addition, as discussed further below, the fluid bearings 120 themselves can provide additional cooling for the optical fiber 10 (as it is drawn along the drawing path 102). This additional cooling from the fluid bearings 120 can provide a significantly higher cooling rate during the drawing process than conventional systems. This allows the system 100 to operate faster than conventional systems while still maintaining an acceptable temperature for the optical fiber 10 before it enters the optical fiber coating unit 130. The additional cooling provided by the system 100 also allows for the use of lower-cost polymer coatings and higher coating speeds in the optical fiber coating unit 130.

[0050] Figure 2A and 2B This shows an optical fiber manufacturing system 200 configured to produce optical fibers. Similar to... Figure 1A and 1B In one implementation, system 200 includes: a drawing furnace 110, an optical fiber cooling mechanism 115, an optical fiber coating unit 130, and an optical fiber collection unit 140. For example... Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the drawing path 202 extends from the drawing furnace 110 to the optical fiber collection unit 140, and is the path along which the optical fiber 10 moves during the production process.

[0051] System 200 also includes a fluid bearing 220 for guiding and transporting the optical fiber 10 (as it is drawn along the drawing path 202). Figure 2A and 2B In one implementation, system 200 includes five fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225.

[0052] Similar to Figure 1A and 1B In this implementation, fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 move from a first position to a second position, causing one or more portions of the drawing path 202 to change direction. For example, the movement of one or more fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 causes the first portion 204, the second portion 206, the third portion 208, and the fourth portion 210 of the drawing path 202 to change from a first direction to a second direction. The first fluid bearing 221, the third fluid bearing 223, and the fifth fluid bearing move to the left, thus moving from their first position to their second position. The second fluid bearing 222 and the fourth fluid bearing 224 move to the right, thus moving from their first position to their second position.

[0053] like Figure 2A As shown, the first positions of fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 are removed from the drawing path 202, thus ensuring that the fluid bearings are not arranged along the path and are not engaged with the optical fiber 10. Figure 2B As shown, the second positions of fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 are arranged in the drawing path 202, thereby enabling the fluid bearings to engage with the optical fiber 10 (when it is drawn along the drawing path 202).

[0054] Figures 3A-3C This shows an optical fiber manufacturing system 300 configured to produce optical fibers. Similar to... Figure 1A and 1BIn one implementation, system 300 includes: a drawing furnace 110, an optical fiber cooling mechanism 115, an optical fiber coating unit 130, and an optical fiber collection unit 140. For example... Figures 3A-3C As shown, the drawing path 302 extends from the drawing furnace 110 to the optical fiber collection unit 140, and is the path along which the optical fiber 10 moves during the production process.

[0055] System 300 also includes a fluid bearing 320 for guiding and transporting the optical fiber 10 (as it is drawn along the drawing path 302). Figures 3A-3C In one embodiment, system 300 includes six fluid bearings 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326.

[0056] Similar to Figure 1A and 1B In this implementation, fluid bearings 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326 move from a first position to a second position, causing one or more portions of the drawing path 202 to change direction. However, in Figures 3A-3C In this implementation, the fluid bearings move in stages, such that a first group of fluid bearings moves in a first stage, a second group of fluid bearings moves in a second stage, and a third group of fluid bearings moves in a third stage. For example, as... Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the first, second, and third fluid bearings 321, 322, and 323 respectively move from their first positions to their second positions during the first stage. The first fluid bearing 321 and the third fluid bearing 323 move to the left, thus moving from their first positions to their second positions. The second fluid bearing 322 moves to the right, thus moving from its first position to its second position. Figure 3B As shown, the second position of the second fluid bearing 322 can be placed to the right of the first position of the fifth fluid bearing 325.

[0057] Next, during the second phase, the sixth fluid bearing 326 can move from a position away from system 300 to its first position. For example... Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the first position of the sixth fluid bearing 326 can be position C.

[0058] After the sixth fluid bearing 326 has moved to its first position, the fourth, fifth, and sixth fluid bearings 124, 125, and 126 can respectively move from their first positions to their second positions during the third stage. Figure 3B and 3CAs shown, the fourth fluid bearing 324 and the fifth fluid bearing 325 move downwards, thus moving from their first position to their second position. The sixth fluid bearing 326 moves upwards, thus moving from its first position to its second position. Figure 3C As shown, the second position of the sixth fluid bearing 326 can be a position higher than that of the first, fourth, and fifth fluid bearings 321, 324, and 325.

[0059] It should be noted that the first, second and third phases can occur in any order, and each phase can be performed after the previous phase is completed, or the timing of the phases can overlap (partially or completely).

[0060] like Figures 3A-3C As shown, the first positions of fluid bearings 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326 are removed from the drawing path 302, so that the fluid bearings are not arranged along the path and are not engaged with the optical fiber 10. In addition, the second positions of fluid bearings 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326 are arranged in the drawing path 302, so that the fluid bearings are engaged with the optical fiber 10 (when it is drawn along the drawing path 302).

[0061] It is also contemplated in the various embodiments disclosed herein that one or more fluid bearings may move to a third position after moving to their second position. For example, after the sixth fluid bearing 326 moves to its second position (as... Figure 3C As shown), the sixth fluid bearing 326 can be moved to a third position, which is located to the left or right of its second position. For example, after the third fluid bearing 323 has moved to its second position (as shown...), Figure 3B and 3C As shown), the third fluid bearing 323 can be moved to a third position, thereby aligning the optical fiber 10 with the inlet axis of the optical fiber coating unit 130.

[0062] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the furnace 110, the fiber cooling mechanism 115, the fiber coating unit 130, and / or the fiber collecting unit 140 may also be displaced from a first position to a second position. The movement of these components may occur before, after, or simultaneously with the movement of the fluid bearing. For example, the fiber cooling mechanism 115 may be displaced to a second position so that its optimized arrangement is used to cool the fiber 10. As another example, the fiber coating unit 130 may be displaced to a second position so that it is axially aligned with the drawing path 102. Examples of these embodiments are described below. Figures 4A-4D Further discussion.

[0063] Figures 4A-4D This shows an optical fiber manufacturing system 400 configured to produce optical fibers. Similar to... Figure 1A and1B In one implementation, system 400 includes: a drawing furnace 110, an optical fiber cooling mechanism 115, an optical fiber coating unit 130, and an optical fiber collection unit 140. For example... Figures 4A-4D As shown, the drawing path 402 extends from the drawing furnace 110 to the optical fiber collection unit 140, and is the path along which the optical fiber 10 moves during the production process.

[0064] System 400 also includes a fluid bearing 420 for guiding and transporting the optical fiber 10 (as it is drawn along the drawing path 402). Figures 4A-4D In one embodiment, system 400 includes four fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424.

[0065] Similar to Figure 1A and 1B In this implementation, fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424 move from a first position to a second position, causing one or more portions of the drawing path 402 to change direction. However, in Figures 4A-4D In this implementation, the fluid bearings move in stages, such that the first group of fluid bearings moves in the first stage, the second group of fluid bearings moves in the second stage, the third group of fluid bearings moves in the third stage, and the fourth group of fluid bearings moves in the fourth stage. Furthermore, the fiber coating unit 130 and the fiber cooling mechanism 115 are displaced from a first position to a second position during each stage.

[0066] For example, such as Figure 4A and 4B As shown, the first, second, and third fluid bearings 421, 422, and 423 respectively move from their first positions to their second positions during the first stage. The first fluid bearing 421 and the third fluid bearing 423 move to the left, thus moving from their first positions to their second positions. The second fluid bearing 422 moves to the right, thus moving from its first position to its second position.

[0067] Next, during the second stage, the fiber coating unit 130 is as follows: Figure 4B The first position shown is shifted to, as... Figure 4C The second position is shown. The fiber coating unit 130 moves to the right, thus moving from its first position to its second position. By moving to its second position, the fiber coating unit 130 is no longer axially aligned with the fiber cooling mechanism 115. During this second phase, one or more components of the fiber collecting unit 140 may also be displaced along with the fiber coating unit 130. Furthermore, during this second phase, the third fluid bearing 423 moves from its second position to its third position. Figure 4B and 4CAs shown, the third fluid bearing 423 moves to the right (relatively closer to the second fluid bearing 422) and thus moves from its second position to its third position.

[0068] After the fiber coating unit 130 is displaced and during the third stage, the fourth fluid bearing 424 can move from a position away from the system 400 to its first position. Figure 4C and 4D As shown, the first position of the fourth fluid bearing 424 can be position D.

[0069] During the fourth stage, the first fluid bearing 421 moves from its second position to its third position, as... Figure 4D As shown. The first fluid bearing 421 moves downwards, thus moving from its second position to its third position. Figures 4A-4D In this embodiment, the first fluid bearing 421 moves to its third position, causing the fiber optic cooling mechanism 115 to also move from such a position. Figure 4C The first position shown is moved to the position shown in the figure. Figure 4D The second position is shown. The fiber optic cooling mechanism 115 moves downwards, thus moving from its first position to its second position. (As shown) Figure 4D As shown, the third position of the first fluid bearing 421 can be axially aligned with the optical fiber collection unit 140.

[0070] System 400 can advantageously achieve fiber 10 cooling via ambient air before entering fiber cooling mechanism 115. This allows system 400 to operate at higher drawing speeds while reducing the temperature of fiber 10 entering fiber cooling mechanism 115.

[0071] It should be noted that the first, second, third and fourth stages can occur in any order, and each stage can be performed after the previous stage is completed, or the timing of the stages can overlap (partially or completely).

[0072] like Figures 4A-4D As shown, the first positions of fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424 are removed from the drawing path 402, so that the fluid bearings are not arranged along the path and are not engaged with the optical fiber 10. In addition, the second positions of fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424 are arranged in the drawing path 402, so that the fluid bearings are engaged with the optical fiber 10 (when it is drawn along the drawing path 402).

[0073] Figure 5A and 5B Showing a fiber optic production system 500 similar to System 400, but including additional fluid bearings. System 500 is configured to produce optical fibers and is similar to... Figure 1A and 1BIn one implementation, system 500 includes: a drawing furnace 110, an optical fiber cooling mechanism 115, an optical fiber coating unit 130, and an optical fiber collection unit 140. For example... Figure 5A and 5B As shown, the drawing path 502 extends from the drawing furnace 110 to the optical fiber collection unit 140, and is the path along which the optical fiber 10 moves during the production process.

[0074] System 500 includes fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424, as described above. Figures 4A-4D As discussed. Furthermore, system 500 also includes a fifth fluid bearing 525, a sixth fluid bearing 526, and a seventh fluid bearing 527 for guiding and transporting the optical fiber 10 (when it is drawn along the drawing path 502). In system presentation Figure 4D After the construction, the fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 can be moved from a position away from the system to their first positions, respectively. Figure 5A The fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 are shown in their first positions, respectively.

[0075] Next, fluid bearings 525, 5266, and 527 move from their first positions to their second positions, as follows: Figure 5A and 5B As shown. The fifth fluid bearing 525 and the seventh fluid bearing 527 move downwards, thus moving from their first position to their second position. The sixth fluid bearing 526 moves upwards, thus moving from its first position to its second position.

[0076] The fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 being moved to their second positions advantageously provide additional cooling of the optical fiber 10 via ambient air before it enters the optical fiber coating unit 130. This allows the system 500 to operate at higher drawing speeds while reducing the temperature of the optical fiber 10 as it enters the optical fiber coating unit 130.

[0077] like Figure 5A and 5B As shown, the first positions of fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 are removed from the drawing path 502, so that the fluid bearings are not arranged along the path and are not engaged with the optical fiber 10. In addition, the second positions of fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 are arranged in the drawing path 502, so that the fluid bearings are engaged with the optical fiber 10 (when it is drawn along the drawing path 502).

[0078] although Figure 1A-5B The illustration shows fluid bearings arranged in a single plane, but it is also possible to consider one or more fluid bearings arranged in a plane different from one or more other fluid bearings. For example, see... Figure 1A and 1BIn one implementation, for example, when the fluid bearings are in their first positions, the first and third fluid bearings 121, 123 may be arranged in different planes (e.g., in front of or behind the second fluid bearing 122). Moving the fluid bearings from their first positions to their second positions can result in all the fluid bearings being aligned in the same plane when they are in their respective second positions. In another implementation, for example, when the fluid bearings are in their second positions, the first and second fluid bearings 121, 122 may be arranged in different planes (e.g., in front of or behind the third fluid bearing 123).

[0079] As discussed above, the fluid bearing method disclosed herein transports bare optical fibers 10 through an optical fiber production system such that the fiber 10 does not come into mechanical contact with any surface until after a coating layer is applied to the fiber 10 (thus forming a coated optical fiber 15). During operation, the fluid bearing provides a fluid region over which the bare optical fiber 10 can move without mechanical contact with the fluid bearing (e.g., with a fluid that is non-reactive relative to the bare optical fiber 10, such as air or helium). As used herein, mechanical contact refers to contact with a solid component during the drawing process. This absence of mechanical contact is important for maintaining the quality and integrity of fragile bare optical fibers (especially those moving through non-longitudinal paths before coating by the fiber coating unit 130). Note that the mechanical contact provided by the fiber collection unit 140 is acceptable because when the fiber arrives at the fiber collection unit 140, it has already been coated with a protective coating layer, and thus mechanical contact with the coated surface does not significantly affect the quality or integrity of the fiber in the same way as if the fiber were uncoated. However, it should be understood that although this document primarily describes fluid bearings as facilitating the movement of bare optical fiber 10 along drawing paths 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, fluid bearings can be used for any optical fiber (e.g., coated optical fiber 15).

[0080] In some embodiments, the fluid bearing can also cool the optical fiber 10 while providing a fluid buffer region thereon on which the optical fiber 10 moves. For example, in embodiments without an optical fiber cooling mechanism 115, the fluid bearing can perform the cooling function of the optical fiber cooling mechanism 115. Specifically, because the fluid bearing uses a moving fluid stream supporting the optical fiber 10, the optical fiber cools at a faster rate than it would in still ambient air. The greater the temperature difference between the optical fiber 10 and the fluid in the fluid bearing, the greater the cooling capacity of the fluid bearing for the optical fiber 10. It should also be noted that the cooling of the fluid bearing can be used in conjunction with the optical fiber cooling mechanism 115.

[0081] Figure 6This diagram shows a detailed view of a fluid bearing 1120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fluid bearing 1120 includes a first plate 1130, a second plate 1132, an inner element 1136, and at least one opening 1134 in at least one of the first and second plates 1130, 1132. The first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132 each include arcuate outer surfaces 1138, 1139, located on opposite sides of each other. The arcuate outer surfaces 1138, 1139 are located along the circumference of each respective plate 1130, 1132 and are substantially aligned with each other. Furthermore, the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132 are connected by fasteners (e.g., bolts 1140), connecting the first and second plates 1130, 1132 together so that fluid can pass through the fluid bearing 1120.

[0082] The first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132 each have their own inner surfaces 1142 and 1144, and outer surfaces 1143 and 1145. The inner surface 1142 of the first plate 1130 faces the inner surface 1144 of the second plate 132, thus forming (e.g.) Figure 7 The fiber optic support channel 1150 (shown) is located between the inner surfaces 1142, 1144 and extends radially inward from the arcuate outer surfaces 1138, 1139 of the respective plates 1130, 1132. The fiber optic support channel 1150 provides a platform for fluid flow and is configured to receive the fiber optic cable 10 (or any other fiber optic cable), allowing the fiber optic cable 10 to move along the fiber optic support channel 1150 without mechanical contact between the fiber optic cable 10 and the fluid bearing 1120, allowing the fiber optic cable 10 to rotate.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, an inner element 1136 is located between the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132. The inner element 136 (e.g., a gasket 1137) is configured to help guide fluid from the at least one opening 1134 into the fiber optic support channel 1150, and then out of the fiber optic support channel 1150, having a predetermined flow direction. The inner element 1136 is arranged between the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132 to provide a gap therebetween. In some embodiments, the inner element 1136 may include a plurality of fingers (not shown) to further control fluid flow by suppressing non-radial flow. Furthermore, the inner element 1136 acts as a sealing portion to provide clear contact between the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132.

[0084] See now Figure 7 The fiber optic support channel 1150 is shown in more detail. For example... Figure 7As shown, the fiber optic support channel 1150 includes a fiber optic groove 1152 and a fluid groove 1154. The fiber optic groove 1152 extends radially inward from the arcuate outer surfaces 1138, 1139 of the plates 1130, 1132 (e.g., starting from an opening 1160 between the arcuate outer surfaces 1138, 1139 of the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132) and terminates at the fiber optic support channel boundary 1155. In this document, the radially inward direction is also referred to as the depth direction, where depth relates to the position of the optical fiber within the fiber optic support channel.

[0085] The fluid channel 1154 extends radially inward from the fiber support channel boundary 1155 and terminates at the inner element 1136. During operation, fluid can flow radially outward from the inner element 1136 through the fluid channel 1154 and the fiber channel 1152, thereby providing fluid buffering for the optical fiber 10 arranged in the fiber channel 1152, allowing it to flow along the drawing path 102. Figure 1A and 1B The optical fiber 10 is guided without making mechanical contact with the fluid bearing 1120.

[0086] The fiber optic support channel 1150 extends between the inner surface 1142 of the first plate 1130 and the inner surface 1144 of the second plate 1132, and is supported by the channel width W. C Separated. In Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the fiber optic support channel 1150 is tapered, resulting in a channel width W at the opening 1160. C Greater than the channel width W at the fiber support channel boundary 1155. C and the channel width W of the fiber optic support channel 1150 C It varies radially (e.g., depending on the longitudinal position of the optical fiber in the optical fiber support channel 1150).

[0087] also, Figure 7The image shows an optical fiber 10 arranged in an optical fiber slot 1152 of an optical fiber support channel 1150, and a fluid 1151 (e.g., air) flowing from a fluid channel 1154 through the optical fiber slot 1152 (e.g., fluid flow originating from at least one opening 1134 in the first and / or second plates 1130, 1132), which contacts the optical fiber 10 (as it is transported through the fluid bearing 1120). This fluid flow results in a positive pressure under the optical fiber 10, which acts to support the bottom of the optical fiber 10 by providing an upward (radial outward) force, thereby buoying the optical fiber 10 and preventing significant mechanical contact between the optical fiber 10 and the fluid bearing 1120. The pressure can be optimized so that the optical fiber 10 is positioned and longitudinally maintained in the optical fiber slot 1152 of the optical fiber support channel 1150, thereby holding the optical fiber 10 between the optical fiber support channel boundary 1155 and the opening 1160 of the optical fiber support channel 1150. For example, the fluid 1151 passing through the fiber support channel 1150 can have a constant fluid flow rate, which can maintain or support the fiber 10 in the fiber groove 1152 when the fiber 10 moves through the fluid bearing 1120.

[0088] In some embodiments, the portions of the inner surfaces 1142, 1144 within the fiber groove 1152 of the fiber support channel 1150 may be tapered or inclined, thereby increasing the channel width W at the fiber support channel boundary 1155 (i.e., within the arcuate path formed by the fluid bearing 1120 when the fiber 10 passes through it) included in the fiber groove 1152. C It is narrower than the opening 1160 of the fiber support channel 1150. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces 1142 and 1144 are inclined, for example, at an angle greater than 0 and less than 10°, or about 0.3° to about 7°, or about 0.4° to about 3°, etc. Furthermore, the fiber support channel 1150 and the fiber slot 1152 can include any depth and any channel width W. C In different embodiments, the depth of the fiber optic channel 1152 is: greater than 0.25 inches, or greater than 0.40 inches, or greater than 0.55 inches, or greater than 0.70 inches, or greater than 0.85 inches, or ranges from 0.25 inches to 1.25 inches, or ranges from 0.35 inches to 1.05 inches, or ranges from 0.45 inches to 0.90 inches, or ranges from 0.55 inches to 0.85 inches, or ranges from 0.60 inches to 0.80 inches, or approximately 0.65 inches, or approximately 0.75 inches. This is achieved by employing a tapered fiber optic support channel 1150 (e.g., as...). Figure 7(as shown) and injecting fluid 1151 into the fiber support channel 1150, so that the fluid enters the narrower interior of the fiber support channel 1150 and leaves the wider outer region of the fiber support channel 1150. The buffering effect of the fluid 1151 emitted by the fiber support channel 1150 causes the fiber 10 to automatically be located in the depth of the fiber support channel 1150.

[0089] In some embodiments, the fluid bearing disclosed herein includes a guide groove 2000 for assisting in aligning the optical fiber 10 within the optical fiber support channel 1150. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the guide groove 2000 is arranged outward relative to the fluid bearing 1120 and includes an inclined surface 2010 and a longitudinal surface 2020, which assist in the movement and centering of the optical fiber 10 in the channel 1150. The orientation of the inclined surface 2010 can be at various angles relative to the longitudinal surface 2020, such as approximately 100 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, or approximately 160 degrees. Furthermore, the guide groove 2000 can be attached to the fluid bearing 1120 by any known attachment method (e.g., clamps, bolts, fasteners, or adhesives). After the optical fiber 10 is properly arranged relative to the fluid bearing 1120, the guide groove 2000 can be removed from the fluid bearing 1120.

[0090] In this document, a range can be expressed as a range from "about" one specific value and / or to "about" another specific value. When expressing such a range, another implementation includes starting from and / or ending at the one specific value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent "about," it should be understood that the specific value constitutes another implementation. It will also be understood that the endpoint values ​​of each range are meaningful both in relation to and unrelated to another endpoint value.

[0091] The directional terms used in this article, such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, and bottom, are only for reference to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0092] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method described herein should be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a specific order or requiring any device to have a particular orientation. Therefore, if a method claim does not actually describe the order in which its steps are to be followed, or any device claim does not actually describe the order or orientation of the components, or the claims or description do not otherwise specifically state that the steps are limited to a specific order, or do not describe a specific order or orientation of the device components, then in no way should the order or orientation be inferred. This also applies to any possible unexpressed basis for interpretation, including: the logic regarding setup steps, operational flow, component order, or component orientation; the general meaning obtained from grammatical structures or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0093] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein include plural references. Thus, for example, a “a” component may include aspects having two or more such components, unless otherwise explicitly stated in the text.

[0094] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, provided that such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber, the method comprising: Bare optical fibers are drawn from optical fiber preforms along the drawing path; During the drawing process, the first fluid bearing is moved from its first position to its second position. The first position of the first fluid bearing is removed from the drawing path and the second position of the first fluid bearing is arranged in the drawing path, such that the first fluid bearing moves to the second position of the first fluid bearing, causing at least a first portion of the drawing path to change direction. as well as During the drawing process, the second fluid bearing is moved from its first position to its second position. The removal of the first position of the second fluid bearing from the drawing path and the arrangement of the second position of the second fluid bearing in the drawing path cause the second fluid bearing to move to the second position, resulting in a change of direction of at least a second portion of the drawing path. Wherein, after the first fluid bearing moves to the second position of the first fluid bearing, the second fluid bearing moves to the second position of the second fluid bearing.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising coating the bare optical fiber with a coating layer after moving the first fluid bearing to a second position of the first fluid bearing.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Determine whether one or more process conditions are met; as well as After determining that one or more of the process conditions are met, the first fluid bearing is moved from a first position to a second position.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The one or more process conditions include: minimum drawing speed, predetermined fiber diameter, predetermined fiber tension, or determining that the coating system is in the on position.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising moving the first fluid bearing from a first position to a second position in at least one of the following ways: a linear path, an arc path, an S-shaped path, a transverse path, or a path inclined relative to a drawing path.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The movement of the first fluid bearing to the second position of the first fluid bearing causes at least the direction of the first portion of the drawing path to change from the first direction to the second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the first part of the drawing path overlaps with a portion of the second part of the drawing path in length.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The movement of the second fluid bearing to the second position of the second fluid bearing causes at least the second portion of the drawing path to change direction from the first direction of the second portion to the second direction of the second portion, the first direction of the second portion being substantially perpendicular to the second direction of the second portion.

9. A system for manufacturing optical fibers, the system comprising: A drawing mechanism configured to draw bare optical fibers from optical fiber preforms along a drawing path; A first fluid bearing is configured to move from a first position to a second position during the drawing process of an optical fiber, wherein the first position of the first fluid bearing is removed from the drawing path and the second position of the first fluid bearing is arranged in the drawing path, such that the movement of the first fluid bearing to the second position causes at least a first portion of the drawing path to change direction. as well as A second fluid bearing is configured to move from a first position to a second position during the fiber drawing process. The first position of the second fluid bearing is removed from the drawing path, and the second position of the second fluid bearing is arranged in the drawing path. This movement of the second fluid bearing to the second position causes at least a second portion of the drawing path to change direction. Wherein, after the first fluid bearing moves to the second position of the first fluid bearing, the second fluid bearing is configured to move to the second position of the second fluid bearing.

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