Optical fiber drawing apparatus and method

Abstract

The application provides a fiber drawing device and method, and a fiber drawing method. The fiber drawing method comprises the following steps: inserting a first end of a preform rod with an equal diameter into a heating furnace; heating a preset region of the preform rod to melt the preform rod in the preset region to form a softened fiber; applying a pulling force to an end of the softened fiber away from the preform rod to uniformly draw the softened fiber at a preset speed in a first direction and form a preform fiber; and applying an acting force to the preform fiber in a second direction to increase the drawing speed of the preform fiber from the preset speed to a target speed to form a tapered region on the preform fiber. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The fiber drawing method provided by the application can quickly increase the drawing speed, thereby improving the quality and production efficiency of the tapered fiber, and the drawing speed can be flexibly controlled according to the size of the applied acting force, and the flexibility is higher.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of optical fiber technology, and more specifically, relates to an optical fiber drawing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Tapered optical fiber refers to an optical fiber with a larger diameter at one end and a smaller diameter at the other, forming a tapered region from the smaller end to the larger end. Tapered optical fibers are widely used because they can maintain the single-mode characteristics of laser light while reducing the impact of the Raman effect on laser output power.

[0003] In related technologies, the drawing method for tapered optical fibers generally involves first drawing a preform into multiple equally spaced tapered sections, and then drawing the preform into an optical fiber at a uniform speed. However, due to the varying diameters of the preforms, the glass viscosity along the axial direction of the preform is uneven during the drawing process, resulting in a large overshoot in the diameter of the drawn optical fiber, making it difficult to obtain a suitable diameter range.

[0004] In light of this, related technologies have also employed the method of drawing preforms of the same diameter into tapered regions by varying the drawing speed. However, this method makes it difficult to reduce the fiber diameter in a very short time, resulting in excessively long tapered regions and minimal improvement on the Raman effect. Furthermore, after each tapered section is drawn, the drawing speed must be reduced back to the original speed, leading to extremely low production efficiency and significant preform waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method for drawing optical fibers, which can rapidly increase the drawing speed and improve the quality and production efficiency of tapered optical fibers.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a method for drawing optical fibers, comprising:

[0007] The first end of a preform of equal diameter is inserted into a heating furnace, and a preset area of ​​the preform is heated to melt the preform in the preset area to form a softened optical fiber.

[0008] A pulling force is applied to the end of the softened optical fiber away from the preform rod so that the softened optical fiber is drawn at a preset speed along a first direction to form a preformed optical fiber.

[0009] A force along a second direction is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber.

[0010] Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the conical region includes a first segment and a second segment connected to the first segment. The diameter of the first segment is the same at any position, and the diameter of the second segment gradually increases in the direction away from the first segment. The force includes a first force and a second force that are different from each other. The target speed includes a first target speed and a second target speed.

[0012] The step of "applying a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber" specifically includes:

[0013] A first force along a second direction is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, causing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber to increase from a preset speed to a first target speed, and the fiber is kept moving at the first target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the first segment;

[0014] A second force along a second direction is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, causing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber to decrease linearly from a first target speed to a second target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms a second segment.

[0015] Furthermore, the target speed also includes a third target speed, which is greater than the first target speed;

[0016] The step of "applying a first force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a first target speed, and maintaining the movement at the first target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the first segment" specifically includes:

[0017] A first force along a second direction is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a third target speed.

[0018] The first force is reduced so that the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber is reduced from the third target speed to the first target speed, and the fiber is kept moving at the first target speed so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the first segment.

[0019] Furthermore, the prefabricated optical fiber includes a third segment connected to the end of the second segment away from the first segment, and the diameter of the third segment is the same at any position.

[0020] The step "applying a second force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, causing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber to decrease linearly from a first target speed to a second target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms a second segment" further includes:

[0021] The drawing speed of the prefabricated optical fiber is maintained at a second target speed so that the prefabricated optical fiber forms a third segment.

[0022] Furthermore, the diameter of the first segment is 125-300um, the diameter of the third segment is 200um-500um, and the length of the second segment is 0.1-0.5m.

[0023] Furthermore, in the step "applying a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber",

[0024] When a force is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber in the second direction, the pre-fabricated optical fiber acquires a force velocity V1 in the second direction, then V = V0 + 2V1, where the preset velocity is V0 and the target velocity is V.

[0025] Furthermore, the applied force velocity V1 is 10-20 times the preset velocity V0.

[0026] Furthermore, the optical fiber drawing method further includes the following steps:

[0027] The prefabricated optical fiber is coated with a first adhesive to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber, and the first coating layer is cured.

[0028] A second adhesive is applied to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer, and the second coating layer is cured.

[0029] Furthermore, the step between the steps of "applying a first adhesive to the prefabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber and curing the first coating layer" and "applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer" further includes the step of monitoring the concentricity of the first coating layer and the prefabricated optical fiber to ensure that the first coating layer and the prefabricated optical fiber are concentric;

[0030] And / or,

[0031] The step of “applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer” further includes the step of: monitoring the concentricity of the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber to ensure that the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber are concentric.

[0032] Furthermore, before the step of "applying a first adhesive to the prefabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber and curing the first coating layer", the method further includes the step of measuring the diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber.

[0033] And / or,

[0034] The step of “applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer” further includes the step of measuring the outer diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber coated with the second coating layer.

[0035] This application also provides an optical fiber drawing apparatus, comprising:

[0036] A heating furnace is used to insert the first end of a preform of equal diameter to heat a predetermined area of ​​the preform to melt the preform in the predetermined area to form a softened optical fiber.

[0037] A traction wheel is used to apply a traction force to the end of the softened optical fiber away from the preform, so that the softened optical fiber is drawn at a preset speed along a first direction to form a preformed optical fiber; and...

[0038] A thrust wheel is used to apply a force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber.

[0039] Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the optical fiber drawing device also includes a fixed pulley, the fixed pulley, the thrust wheel, and the traction wheel are arranged sequentially along the first direction, and the thrust wheel is movably arranged along the second direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the optical fiber drawing equipment also includes:

[0042] A first coating apparatus is used to apply a first adhesive to the prefabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber;

[0043] A first curing device is used to cure the first coating layer;

[0044] A second coating apparatus is configured to apply a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer outside the first coating layer; and,

[0045] The second curing device is used to cure the second coating layer;

[0046] The first coating device, the first curing device, the second coating device, and the second curing device are arranged sequentially along the first direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the optical fiber drawing equipment also includes:

[0048] A first concentricity measuring device is used to monitor the concentricity of the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber, so as to ensure that the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber are concentric.

[0049] The second concentricity measuring device is used to monitor the concentricity of the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber, so as to ensure that the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber are concentric.

[0050] A first diameter measuring instrument is used to measure the diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber; and,

[0051] The second diameter measuring instrument is used to measure the outer diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber coated with the second coating layer;

[0052] The first concentricity measuring device is disposed between the first curing device and the second coating device, and the second concentricity measuring device is disposed below the second curing device; the first diameter measuring instrument is disposed between the heating furnace and the first coating device; and the second diameter measuring instrument is disposed below the second concentricity measuring device.

[0053] Furthermore, the optical fiber drawing device also includes an auxiliary wheel, which is disposed between the heating furnace and the first coating device. The auxiliary wheel is used to pull the softened optical fiber when it extends from the heating furnace, so as to reduce the diameter of the softened optical fiber so that it can pass through the first coating device.

[0054] The beneficial effects of the optical fiber drawing method provided in this application are as follows: by applying a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber is increased from a preset speed to a target speed, thereby forming a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber. Compared with related technologies that use changes in the magnitude of the traction force to control the drawing speed, the drawing method of this application embodiment can quickly increase the drawing speed, thereby improving the quality and production efficiency of the tapered optical fiber. Moreover, the drawing speed can be flexibly controlled according to the magnitude of the applied force, which provides greater flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0055] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating the optical fiber drawing method provided in this application embodiment;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical fiber drawing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber drawn using the optical fiber drawing method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific process of S300 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0060] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0061] 10. Pre-fabricated optical fiber; 11. Third segment; 20. Conical region; 21. First segment; 22. Second segment; 30. Heating furnace; 40. Traction wheel; 50. Thrust wheel; 60. Pre-fabricated rod; 70. Fixed pulley; 80. First coating device; 90. First curing device; 100. Second coating device; 110. Second curing device; 120. First concentricity measuring device; 130. Second concentricity measuring device; 140. First diameter measuring instrument; 150. Second diameter measuring instrument; 160. Auxiliary wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0063] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0064] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0065] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0066] Please see Figure 1 The optical fiber drawing method provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described. The optical fiber drawing method provided in the embodiments of this application includes steps S100, S200, and S300.

[0067] S100. Insert the first end of a preform of equal diameter into a heating furnace and heat the preset area of ​​the preform to melt the preform in the preset area to form a softened optical fiber.

[0068] In step S100, the "preset area of ​​the preform" can be selected according to actual needs. For example, it can be selected at a position near the first end of the preform, such as 5-6 cm away from the first end of the preform. When the preset area is heated, the softened optical fiber will be drawn out from the heating furnace under the gravity of the first end of the preform.

[0069] Specifically, preforms of equal diameter are held by a chuck, with the first end of the preform extending into the heating furnace.

[0070] S200. Apply a pulling force to the end of the softened optical fiber away from the preform to draw the softened optical fiber at a preset speed along the first direction and form a preformed optical fiber.

[0071] In step S200, the magnitude of the traction force remains constant, thereby ensuring that the preset speed is a constant value. This means the softened optical fiber moves at a uniform speed along the preset direction, thus drawing the pre-fabricated optical fiber out at a uniform speed. The diameter of the pre-fabricated optical fiber remains consistent.

[0072] S300. Apply a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber.

[0073] The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0074] In step S300, since a higher drawing speed results in a smaller fiber diameter and a lower drawing speed results in a larger fiber diameter, applying a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated fiber increases the drawing speed from a preset speed to a target speed, thereby reducing the fiber diameter and forming a tapered region on the pre-fabricated fiber. When it is necessary to change the fiber diameter, only the magnitude of the force along the second direction needs to be changed; there is no need to change the traction force.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the "first direction" can be represented by the X-axis direction in the figure, and the "second direction" can be represented by the Y-axis direction in the figure. It is understood that the above definitions are only for the purpose of understanding the relative positional relationship of the components and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0076] The fiber drawing method provided in this application applies a force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated fiber from a preset speed to a target speed, thus forming a tapered region on the pre-fabricated fiber. Compared with related technologies that use changes in the magnitude of the traction force to control the drawing speed, the drawing method in this application can quickly increase the drawing speed, thereby improving the quality and production efficiency of the tapered fiber. Furthermore, the drawing speed can be flexibly controlled according to the magnitude of the applied force, offering greater flexibility.

[0077] Please see Figure 3 The conical region 20 may include a first segment 21 and a second segment 22 connected to the first segment 21. The diameter of the first segment 21 is the same at any position, and the diameter of the second segment 22 gradually increases in the direction away from the first segment. The applied force may include a first applied force and a second applied force that are different from each other. The target velocity may include a first target velocity and a second target velocity.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, step S300, "applying a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber to increase the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber", specifically includes steps S320 and S340.

[0079] S320. Apply a first force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a first target speed, and maintaining the movement at the first target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms a first segment.

[0080] Specifically, by applying a first force along the second direction, the prefabricated optical fiber is increased from a preset speed to a first target speed and maintained at the first target speed, so that the prefabricated optical fiber forms a first segment, and since the prefabricated optical fiber maintains movement at the first target speed, the diameter of the first segment formed is the same everywhere.

[0081] S340. Apply a second force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, so that the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber is linearly reduced from the first target speed to the second target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the second segment.

[0082] In step S340, "linear decrease" refers to deceleration motion with constant acceleration, that is, the second force remains constant and the second force is less than the first force. At this time, when the second force acts on the pre-fiber, the drawing speed of the pre-fiber will gradually decrease from the first target speed to the second target speed, thereby the diameter of the second segment gradually increases.

[0083] The target speed may also include a third target speed, which is greater than the first target speed.

[0084] Step S320, "Applying a first force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a first target speed, and maintaining the movement at the first target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms a first segment", may specifically include steps S321 and S322.

[0085] S321. Apply a first force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a third target speed.

[0086] S322. Reduce the magnitude of the first force so that the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber is reduced from the third target speed to the first target speed, and the fiber is kept moving at the first target speed so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the first segment.

[0087] In this process, the drawing speed of the prefabricated optical fiber is increased from a preset speed to a third target speed, and then the third target speed is reduced to a first target speed. The third target speed is greater than the first target speed, which can increase the drawing speed in a shorter time. This allows the diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber to decrease rapidly, improving work efficiency and saving the optical fiber waste caused by increasing the drawing speed from the preset speed to the first target speed.

[0088] Please see Figure 3 The prefabricated optical fiber 10 may include a third segment 11 connected to the end of the second segment 22 away from the first segment 21, and the diameter of the third segment 11 is the same at any position.

[0089] The step "applying a second force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, causing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber to decrease linearly from the first target speed to the second target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms a second segment" is followed by step S360.

[0090] S360, the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber is maintained at the second target speed so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the third segment.

[0091] In step S360, by maintaining the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber at a second target speed, the pre-fabricated optical fiber can be formed into a third segment. Specifically, the second target speed can be the same as the preset speed.

[0092] The diameter of the first segment is 125-300um, the diameter of the third segment is 200um-500um, and the length of the second segment is 0.1-0.5m.

[0093] In step S300, "applying a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber to increase the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber,"

[0094] When a force is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber in the second direction, the pre-fabricated optical fiber acquires a force velocity V1 in the second direction. Then, V = V0 + 2V1, where the preset velocity is V0 and the target velocity is V.

[0095] That is, the fiber drawing speed is instantly increased from the original preset speed to the target speed, thereby enabling the diameter of the pre-fabricated fiber to be reduced to the target value in a short time.

[0096] Specifically, the applied force velocity V1 can be 10-20 times the preset velocity V0. That is, by increasing the applied force velocity to be much greater than the preset velocity, the diameter can be reduced in a shorter time, thus allowing the diameter of the pre-fabricated optical fiber to decrease rapidly, improving work efficiency, and saving on fiber waste caused by increasing the drawing speed from the preset speed to the first target speed.

[0097] The applied force velocity V1 can be 0.1-1 m / s, for example, 0.1 m / s, 0.5 m / s, or 1 m / s. The preset velocity V0 can be 5-30 m / min, for example, 5 m / min, 20 m / min, or 30 m / min.

[0098] The optical fiber drawing method may also include steps S500 and S700.

[0099] S500. Apply a first adhesive to the prefabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber, and cure the first coating layer.

[0100] S700. Apply a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer, and cure the second coating layer.

[0101] By setting steps S500 and S700, a first coating layer and a second coating layer can be formed on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber.

[0102] The step S500, "applying a first adhesive to the pre-fabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the pre-fabricated optical fiber and curing the first coating layer", and the step S700, "applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer", may further include step S600: monitoring the concentricity of the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber to ensure that the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber are concentric.

[0103] Step S600 allows for real-time monitoring of the concentricity between the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber, preventing misalignment.

[0104] Step S700, “applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer outside the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer”, further includes step S800: monitoring the concentricity of the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber to ensure that the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber are concentric.

[0105] Step S800 allows for real-time monitoring of the concentricity between the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber, preventing misalignment.

[0106] Before step S500, "applying a first adhesive to the prefabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber and curing the first coating layer", step S400, measuring the diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber, may be included.

[0107] The diameter of the prefabricated bare fiber core can be measured through step S400.

[0108] Step S700, “applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer outside the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer”, may further include step S900, measuring the outer diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber coated with the second coating layer.

[0109] In step S900, the outer diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber coated with the second coating layer can be measured.

[0110] Please see Figure 2 This application also provides an optical fiber drawing device, which can be used to implement any of the above-described optical fiber drawing methods.

[0111] The system includes a heating furnace 30, a traction wheel 40, and a thrust wheel 50. The heating furnace 30 is used to insert the first end of a preform 60 of equal diameter to heat a predetermined area of ​​the preform 60, causing the preform 60 in the predetermined area to melt and form a softened optical fiber. The traction wheel 40 is used to apply a traction force to the end of the softened optical fiber away from the preform 60, causing the softened optical fiber to be drawn at a predetermined speed along a first direction to form a pre-fiber 10. The thrust wheel 50 is used to apply a force along a second direction to the pre-fiber 10, increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fiber 10 from a predetermined speed to a target speed, to form a tapered region 20 on the pre-fiber 10, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0112] The optical fiber drawing equipment provided in this application embodiment applies a force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 through a thrust wheel 50, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 from a preset speed to a target speed, thus forming a tapered region 20 on the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10. Compared with related technologies that use traction force to change the magnitude of the traction force to control the drawing speed, the drawing speed of this application embodiment can be increased quickly, thereby improving the quality and production efficiency of the tapered optical fiber. Moreover, the drawing speed can be flexibly controlled according to the magnitude of the applied force, resulting in greater flexibility.

[0113] Please see Figure 2 The optical fiber drawing equipment also includes a fixed pulley 70. The fixed pulley 70, the thrust wheel 50, and the traction wheel 40 are arranged in sequence along the first direction, and the thrust wheel 50 is movably arranged along the second direction. Thus, by pushing the thrust wheel 50, the thrust wheel 50 can be moved along the second direction, thereby changing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10.

[0114] Please see Figure 2 The optical fiber drawing equipment may further include a first coating device 80, a first curing device 90, a second coating device 100, and a second curing device 110. The first coating device 80 is used to apply a first adhesive to the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 to form a first coating layer on the outside of the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10. The first curing device 90 is used to cure the first coating layer. The first curing device 90 may be an ultraviolet lamp. The second coating device 100 is used to apply a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer. The second curing device 110 is used to cure the second coating layer. The second curing device 110 may be an ultraviolet lamp. The first coating device 80, the first curing device 90, the second coating device 100, and the second curing device 110 are arranged sequentially along a first direction. The first coating device 80 and the second coating device 100 can form the first coating layer and the second coating layer on the outside of the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10.

[0115] Please see Figure 2The optical fiber drawing equipment may also include a first concentricity measuring device 120, a second concentricity measuring device 130, a first diameter measuring instrument 140, and a second diameter measuring instrument 150.

[0116] The first concentricity measuring device 120 is used to monitor the concentricity of the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 so that the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 are concentric.

[0117] The second concentricity measuring device 130 is used to monitor the concentricity of the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 so that the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 are concentric.

[0118] The first diameter measuring instrument 140 is used to measure the diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber 10.

[0119] The second diameter measuring instrument 150 is used to measure the outer diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber 10 coated with the second coating layer;

[0120] The first concentricity measuring device 120 is disposed between the first curing device 90 and the second coating device 100, and the second concentricity measuring device 130 is disposed below the second curing device 110; the first diameter measuring instrument 140 is disposed between the heating furnace 30 and the first coating device 80; and the second diameter measuring instrument 150 is disposed below the second concentricity measuring device.

[0121] The first concentricity measuring device 120 can monitor the concentricity of the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 in real time to avoid misalignment. The second concentricity measuring device 130 can monitor the concentricity of the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber 10 in real time to avoid misalignment.

[0122] The diameter of the bare core of the prefabricated optical fiber 10 can be measured by the first diameter measuring instrument 140, and the outer diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber 10 coated with the second coating layer can be measured by the second diameter measuring instrument 150.

[0123] Please see Figure 2 The optical fiber drawing equipment may also include an auxiliary wheel 160, which is disposed between the heating furnace 30 and the first coating device 80. The auxiliary wheel 160 is used to pull the softened optical fiber when it extends from the heating furnace 30, so that the diameter of the softened optical fiber is reduced so that it can pass through the first coating device 80.

[0124] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for drawing optical fibers, applicable to optical fiber drawing equipment, characterized in that: The optical fiber drawing equipment includes: A heating furnace is used to insert the first end of a preform of equal diameter to heat a predetermined area of ​​the preform to melt the preform in the predetermined area to form a softened optical fiber. A traction wheel is used to apply a traction force to the end of the softened optical fiber away from the preform, so that the softened optical fiber is drawn at a preset speed along a first direction to form a preformed optical fiber; and... A thrust wheel is used to apply a force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber. The optical fiber drawing device further includes a fixed pulley, the fixed pulley, the thrust wheel, and the traction wheel are arranged sequentially along the first direction, and the thrust wheel is movably arranged along the second direction; The method for drawing the optical fiber includes: The first end of a preform of equal diameter is inserted into a heating furnace, and a preset area of ​​the preform is heated to melt the preform in the preset area to form a softened optical fiber. A pulling force is applied to the end of the softened optical fiber away from the preform rod so that the softened optical fiber is drawn at a preset speed along a first direction to form a preformed optical fiber. A force along the second direction is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber by a thrust wheel, so that the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber is increased from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered area on the pre-fabricated optical fiber. Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The method for drawing optical fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The conical region includes a first segment and a second segment connected to the first segment. The diameter of the first segment is the same at any position. The diameter of the second segment gradually increases in the direction away from the first segment. The force includes a first force and a second force that are different from each other. The target velocity includes a first target velocity and a second target velocity. The step of "applying a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber" specifically includes: A first force along a second direction is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, causing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber to increase from a preset speed to a first target speed, and the fiber is kept moving at the first target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the first segment; A second force along a second direction is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, causing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber to decrease linearly from a first target speed to a second target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms a second segment.

3. The method for drawing optical fibers as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The target speed also includes a third target speed, which is greater than the first target speed; The step of "applying a first force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a first target speed, and maintaining the movement at the first target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the first segment" specifically includes: A first force along a second direction is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from a preset speed to a third target speed. The first force is reduced so that the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber is reduced from the third target speed to the first target speed, and the fiber is kept moving at the first target speed so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms the first segment.

4. The method for drawing optical fibers as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The prefabricated optical fiber includes a third segment connected to the end of the second segment away from the first segment, and the diameter of the third segment is the same at any position. The step "applying a second force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, causing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber to decrease linearly from a first target speed to a second target speed, so that the pre-fabricated optical fiber forms a second segment" further includes: The drawing speed of the prefabricated optical fiber is maintained at a second target speed so that the prefabricated optical fiber forms a third segment.

5. The method for drawing optical fibers as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The diameter of the first segment is 125-300um, the diameter of the third segment is 200um-500um, and the length of the second segment is 0.1-0.5m.

6. The method for drawing optical fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In the step "applying a force along the second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber", When a force is applied to the pre-fabricated optical fiber in the second direction, the pre-fabricated optical fiber acquires a force velocity V1 in the second direction, then V = V0 + 2V1, where the preset velocity is V0 and the target velocity is V.

7. The method for drawing optical fibers as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The applied force velocity V1 is 10-20 times the preset velocity V0.

8. The method for drawing optical fibers according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The optical fiber drawing method further includes the following steps: The prefabricated optical fiber is coated with a first adhesive to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber, and the first coating layer is cured. A second adhesive is applied to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer, and the second coating layer is cured.

9. The method for drawing optical fibers as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The step between "applying a first adhesive to the prefabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber and curing the first coating layer" and "applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer" further includes the step of: monitoring the concentricity of the first coating layer and the prefabricated optical fiber to ensure that the first coating layer and the prefabricated optical fiber are concentric; And / or, The step "applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer" further includes the step of: monitoring the concentricity of the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber to ensure that the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber are concentric.

10. The method for drawing optical fibers as described in claim 8, characterized in that: Before the step of "applying a first adhesive to the prefabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber and curing the first coating layer", the method further includes the step of measuring the diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber. And / or, The step of "applying a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer on the outside of the first coating layer and curing the second coating layer" further includes the step of measuring the outer diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber coated with the second coating layer.

11. An optical fiber drawing device, characterized in that: include: A heating furnace is used to insert the first end of a preform of equal diameter to heat a predetermined area of ​​the preform to melt the preform in the predetermined area to form a softened optical fiber. A traction wheel is used to apply a traction force to the end of the softened optical fiber away from the preform, so that the softened optical fiber is drawn at a preset speed along a first direction and formed into a preformed optical fiber. as well as, A thrust wheel is used to apply a force along a second direction to the pre-fabricated optical fiber, thereby increasing the drawing speed of the pre-fabricated optical fiber from the preset speed to the target speed, so as to form a tapered region on the pre-fabricated optical fiber. Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; The optical fiber drawing device further includes a fixed pulley, the fixed pulley, the thrust wheel, and the traction wheel are arranged sequentially along the first direction, and the thrust wheel is movably arranged along the second direction.

12. The optical fiber drawing apparatus as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The optical fiber drawing equipment also includes: A first coating apparatus is used to apply a first adhesive to the prefabricated optical fiber to form a first coating layer on the outside of the prefabricated optical fiber; A first curing device is used to cure the first coating layer; A second coating apparatus is configured to apply a second adhesive to the outside of the first coating layer to form a second coating layer outside the first coating layer; and, The second curing device is used to cure the second coating layer; The first coating device, the first curing device, the second coating device, and the second curing device are arranged sequentially along the first direction.

13. The optical fiber drawing apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The optical fiber drawing equipment also includes: A first concentricity measuring device is used to monitor the concentricity of the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber, so as to ensure that the first coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber are concentric. The second concentricity measuring device is used to monitor the concentricity of the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber, so as to ensure that the second coating layer and the pre-fabricated optical fiber are concentric. A first diameter measuring instrument is used to measure the diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber; and, The second diameter measuring instrument is used to measure the outer diameter of the prefabricated optical fiber coated with the second coating layer; The first concentricity measuring device is disposed between the first curing device and the second coating device, and the second concentricity measuring device is disposed below the second curing device; the first diameter measuring instrument is disposed between the heating furnace and the first coating device; and the second diameter measuring instrument is disposed below the second concentricity measuring device.

14. The optical fiber drawing apparatus as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The optical fiber drawing device also includes an auxiliary wheel, which is disposed between the heating furnace and the first coating device. The auxiliary wheel is used to pull the softened optical fiber when it extends from the heating furnace, so that the diameter of the softened optical fiber is reduced so that it can pass through the first coating device.

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