A system and control method for optical fiber processing

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of optical fiber processing, in particular to a system and a control method for optical fiber processing, which mainly comprise a workbench, a moving device, a clamping device and a multi-axis moving device, the multi-axis moving device comprises a first circular track, a second circular track and two fixing devices which are respectively slidably connected to the first circular track and the second circular track, a heating device is arranged on the fixing device, and the heating device is used for heating the optical fiber to fuse the optical fiber. When in use, the heating of the optical fiber in the azimuth can be realized through the rotation of the first circular track and the second circular track and the movement of the fixing device on the first circular track and the second circular track, and the heating is as uniform as possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber processing technology, and more specifically, to a system and control method for optical fiber processing. Background Technology

[0002] Fused tapering is a common method for manufacturing fiber optic devices such as fiber optic couplers. The basic process involves bringing two (or more) uncoated single-mode (or multimode) fibers together in a specific manner, heating and melting them at high temperatures, and simultaneously stretching them to both sides to form a bidirectional conical structure, thus manufacturing the fiber optic device. The equipment used for fused tapering of fiber optic devices is a fused tapering machine. Current fused tapering machines typically use combustion gases to generate a high-temperature flame to heat and melt the fiber.

[0003] When optical fibers are heated and melted, temperature differences are inevitable, resulting in uneven heating at the melting points of the two fibers. Since existing heating devices are generally located on either side or one side of the melting points of the two fibers, they can only move in two directions: upward and downward. Spatially, there are other directions where uniform heating is not possible, such as oblique lateral directions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a system and control method for optical fiber processing to solve the problem of limited adjustment freedom of heating devices in the prior art.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A system for optical fiber processing includes;

[0007] A workbench, the workbench including a support frame and a sliding rail, the sliding rail being disposed on the upper part of the support frame;

[0008] A mobile device, comprising two symmetrically arranged mobile units, each mobile unit being connected to the sliding rail, and the mobile unit being used to move laterally left and right on the sliding rail;

[0009] A clamping device, comprising two clamping units respectively disposed on two moving units, wherein the clamping units are used to clamp optical fibers;

[0010] A multi-axis moving device includes a first circular track, a second circular track, and two fixing devices slidably connected to the first and second circular tracks respectively. The bottom inner sides of the first and second circular tracks are coaxially rotatably connected to the bottom of the worktable, and the other ends of the first and second circular tracks are coaxially rotatably connected. The first circular track is located outside the second circular track. A heating device is provided on the fixing device for heating the optical fiber to fuse it.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the moving unit includes a support frame, a support portion, and a first power device disposed on the support portion. The first power device is disposed on both sides of the support frame. A rack is disposed in the sliding track. The first power device includes a first motor and a gear unit. The first motor is connected to the gear unit and is used to provide rotational power to the gear unit. The support frame is connected to the rack through the meshing of the gear unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gear unit includes a gear switching device and a plurality of first gears. The gear switching device includes a second motor and a connecting fork. The middle part of the connecting fork is connected to the output end of the second motor. The connecting fork is rotatably connected to the plurality of first gears. The plurality of first gears have a plurality of different diameters. The tail of the second motor is connected to a first telescopic rod. One of the first gears is connected to the output end of the first motor.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, one side of the support portion is connected to the support frame via a second telescopic rod.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first connecting shaft is further included. The first gear is fixedly connected to the first connecting shaft, and the first connecting shaft is rotatably connected to the connecting fork. An internal spline is provided at the end of the first connecting shaft away from the connecting fork, and an external spline is provided at the output end of the first motor. The first connecting shaft and the output end of the first motor are connected by the internal spline and the external spline.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a second power device is further included. The second power device includes a second connecting shaft, a bushing, a second gear, a third gear, and a third motor. One end of the second connecting shaft is rotatably connected to the bottom of the support frame, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first circular track. A boss is provided at the end of the second connecting shaft near the first circular track. The second gear is disposed on the boss. The bushing is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft and located between the boss and the support frame. The third gear is disposed on the bushing. The third motor is connected to the bottom of the support frame through a third telescopic rod. The third motor is meshed with the second gear or the third gear through a fourth gear.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, a torsion part is provided at the top where the first circular track connects to the second circular track, the torsion part being used to change the orientation of the inner and outer sides of the first circular track.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, two third power devices are further included. Each third power device includes a fourth motor, a chain, and a plurality of first ratchet wheels disposed within a first or second circular track. The inner surfaces of the first and second circular tracks are respectively provided with through slots. The fixing device is connected to the chain via a connecting rod passing through the through slots. The output end of the fourth motor is connected to a second ratchet wheel, and the fourth motor is connected to the chain via the second ratchet wheel. One of the fourth motors is disposed on the outer side of the first circular track, and the other fourth motor is disposed on the inner side of the second circular track and located below the support frame. A fourth telescopic rod is also provided between the fixing device and the heating device.

[0018] The present invention also provides a system control method for optical fiber processing, comprising the above-described system for optical fiber processing, and further comprising;

[0019] The heating temperature of the optical fiber in at least six directions is obtained, and the heating temperatures are compared to determine whether there is a temperature difference. The coordinates of the six directions are then recorded.

[0020] When the two fixed devices are set at the top of the first and second circular tracks, the displacement is zero.

[0021] The coordinate positions of the two fixed devices are determined by the rotation time and direction of the second and third motors.

[0022] Set a temperature difference threshold. When the set temperature difference threshold is reached, obtain the coordinates of the point with the lower temperature. Based on the coordinates of the two fixed devices at this time, determine which fixed device is closest to the coordinates of the point with the lower temperature.

[0023] Start the second and third motors of the fixing device to rotate, and move the fixing device to the coordinate point position;

[0024] The temperature is detected at this time, and the temperature is raised or lowered by controlling the fourth telescopic rod.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes;

[0026] Obtain the distance data of the left and right obstacles of the fixed device set on the first circular track;

[0027] A threshold for obstacle distance data is set. When the second circular track approaches the fixed device set on the first circular track, and the obstacle distance data exceeds the threshold, the power to the second motor is turned off.

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0029] This invention mainly includes a worktable, a moving device, a clamping device, and a multi-axis moving device. The multi-axis moving device includes a first circular track, a second circular track, and two fixing devices slidably connected to the first and second circular tracks, respectively. A heating device is installed on each fixing device to heat the optical fiber and fuse it. In use, the rotation of the first and second circular tracks and the movement of the fixing devices on the first and second circular tracks can achieve directional heating of the optical fiber, ensuring as uniform a heating process as possible. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moving unit of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second power device of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the chain and the first ratchet of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bent part of the present invention.

[0037] Icons: 1-Moving unit, 2-Clamping device, 3-First circular track, 4-Second circular track, 5-Sliding track, 6-Rack, 7-Support frame, 8-Support part, 9-Support frame, 10-First telescopic rod, 11-Second motor, 12-Connecting fork, 13-First gear, 14-First motor, 15-Fourth telescopic rod, 16-Heating device, 17-Second ratchet, 18-Fourth motor, 19-Busset, 20-Second gear, 21-Second connecting shaft, 22-Third gear, 23-Fourth gear, 24-Third motor, 25-Chain, 26-First ratchet, 27-Second telescopic rod, 28-Third telescopic rod, 29-First connecting shaft, 30-Fixing device, 31-Torsion part. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0039] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. The naming or numbering of steps in this application does not imply that the steps in the method flow must be executed in the chronological / logical order indicated by the naming or numbering. The execution order of named or numbered process steps can be changed according to the desired technical objective, as long as the same or similar technical effect is achieved.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1-6 A system for optical fiber processing, comprising:

[0041] The workbench includes a support frame 7 and a sliding rail 5, with the sliding rail 5 located on the upper part of the support frame 7.

[0042] The moving device includes two symmetrically arranged moving units 1, which are connected to the sliding rail 5. The moving units 1 are used to move laterally left and right on the sliding rail 5.

[0043] The clamping device 2 includes two clamping units, which are respectively disposed on two moving units 1. The clamping units are used to clamp optical fibers.

[0044] The multi-axis moving device includes a first circular track 3, a second circular track 4, and two fixing devices 30 that are slidably connected to the first circular track 3 and the second circular track 4, respectively. The bottom inner sides of the first circular track 3 and the second circular track 4 are coaxially rotatably connected to the bottom of the worktable, and the other ends of the first circular track 3 and the second circular track 4 are coaxially rotatably connected. The first circular track 3 is located outside the second circular track 4. A heating device 16 is provided on the fixing device 30, which is used to heat the optical fiber to fuse the optical fiber.

[0045] This invention mainly includes a worktable, a moving device, a clamping device 2, and a multi-axis moving device. The multi-axis moving device includes a first annular track 3, a second annular track 4, and two fixing devices 30 respectively slidably connected to the first annular track 3 and the second annular track 4. A heating device 16 is provided on each fixing device 30, and the heating device 16 is used to heat the optical fiber to fuse it. In use, the rotation of the first annular track 3 and the second annular track 4, and the movement of the fixing devices 30 on the first and second annular tracks 3 and 4, can achieve directional heating of the optical fiber, making the heating as uniform as possible.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the moving unit 1 includes a support frame 9, a support part 8, and a first power device disposed on the support part 8. The first power device is disposed on both sides of the support frame 9. A rack 6 is disposed in the sliding track 5. The first power device includes a first motor 14 and a gear unit. The first motor 14 is connected to the gear unit and is used to provide rotational power to the gear unit. The support frame 9 is connected to the rack 6 through the meshing of the gear unit.

[0047] By turning on the first motor 14, the first motor 14 drives the gear unit to rotate. The gear unit meshes with the rack 6, which is stationary. This causes the entire support frame and support part to move, thus achieving the purpose of moving the clamping device.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gear unit includes a gear switching device and a plurality of first gears 13. The gear switching device includes a second motor 11 and a connecting fork 12. The middle part of the connecting fork 12 is connected to the output end of the second motor 11. The connecting fork 12 is rotatably connected to the plurality of first gears 13. The plurality of first gears 13 have a plurality of different diameters. The tail of the second motor 11 is connected to a first telescopic rod 10. One of the first gears 13 is connected to the output end of the first motor 14.

[0049] In this embodiment, since a slow fine-tuning is required when the two clamping devices are close together, it is necessary to switch the forward speed of the clamping devices. Although the motor used can control its rotation speed, the speed is still too fast during the fine-tuning process. Therefore, this embodiment provides a variety of first gears 13 to switch between, and each first gear 13 has a different number of teeth. When switching, the first telescopic rod 10 is activated to disengage the first gear 13 from the output end of the first motor 14, and then the second motor 11 is activated to rotate the connecting fork 12. It should be noted that the rotation speed of the second motor should be collected first, the angle between the two first gears 13 should be obtained, and the energizing time of the second motor 11 should be calculated. When changing, the other first gear 13 can just reach the top of the first motor 14.

[0050] After the first gear 13 is switched into position, the first telescopic rod 10 is activated again to descend, engaging the first gear 13 with the output end of the first motor 14.

[0051] Furthermore, since the radius of each first gear is different, one side of the support part 8 is connected to the support frame 9 through the second telescopic rod 27. By activating the second telescopic rod 27, the distance between the first gear 13 and the rack can be controlled to make them mesh better, or to replace them. For example, when the large-diameter first gear 13 is switched to the small-diameter first gear 13, the second telescopic rod 27 is shortened when needed, and extended when not needed.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first connecting shaft 29 is further included. A first gear 13 is fixedly connected to the first connecting shaft 29. The first connecting shaft 29 is rotatably connected to the connecting fork 12. An internal spline is provided at the end of the first connecting shaft 29 away from the connecting fork 12. An external spline is provided at the output end of the first motor 14. The first connecting shaft 29 and the output end of the first motor 14 are connected by the internal spline and the external spline.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, a second power device is further included. The second power device includes a second connecting shaft 21, a bushing 19, a second gear 20, a third gear 22, and a third motor 24. One end of the second connecting shaft 21 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the support frame 7, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first annular track 3. A boss is provided at the end of the second connecting shaft 21 near the first annular track 3. The second gear 20 is provided on the boss. The bushing 19 is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft 21 and is located between the boss and the support frame 7. The second annular track 4 is rotatably connected to the bushing 19. The third gear 22 is provided on the bushing 19. The third motor 24 is connected to the bottom of the support frame 7 through a third telescopic rod 28. The third motor 24 is meshed with the second gear 20 or the third gear 22 through a fourth gear 23.

[0054] When the first circular track 3 needs to be rotated, the third telescopic rod 28 is activated, so that the fourth gear 23 of the third motor 24 meshes with the second gear 20, and then the third motor 24 is activated to drive the first circular track 3 to rotate.

[0055] When the second circular track 4 needs to be rotated, the third telescopic rod 28 is shortened, causing the fourth gear 23 and the third gear 22 of the third motor 24 to mesh, and then the third motor 24 is started to drive the second circular track 4 to rotate.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, a torsion part 31 is provided at the top where the first annular track 3 connects to the second annular track 4. The torsion part 31 is used to change the orientation of the inner and outer sides of the first annular track 3.

[0057] Since the second annular track 4 will block the movement path of the fixing device 30 when it moves to the top of the first annular track 3, a torsion part is provided at the top where the first annular track 3 and the second annular track 4 are connected, which can make the first annular track 3 flip.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, two third power devices are also included. The third power devices include a fourth motor 18, a chain 25, and a plurality of first ratchet wheels 26 disposed in the first circular track 3 or the second circular track 4. The inner surfaces of the first circular track 3 and the second circular track 4 are respectively provided with through slots. The fixing device 30 is connected to the chain 25 through the through slots via a connecting rod. The output end of the fourth motor 18 is connected to a second ratchet wheel 17. The fourth motor 18 is connected to the chain 25 through the second ratchet wheel 17. One of the fourth motors 18 is disposed on the outer side of the first circular track, and the other fourth motor 18 is disposed on the inner side of the second circular track and located below the support frame 7. A fourth telescopic rod 15 is also disposed between the fixing device 30 and the heating device 16.

[0059] When it is necessary to move the heating device 16, the fourth motor 18 can be started to drive the second ratchet 17 and drive the chain 25 to move. It should be noted that an opening is provided at the first circular track 3 or the second circular track 4 of the second ratchet 17 so that the second ratchet 17 can enter the first circular track 3 or the second circular track 4 to engage with the chain 25.

[0060] The present invention also provides a system control method for optical fiber processing, comprising the above-described system for optical fiber processing, and further comprising;

[0061] S101: Obtain the heating temperature in at least six directions of the optical fiber, compare the heating temperatures, determine if there is a temperature difference, and record the coordinates of the six directions.

[0062] S102: The two fixing devices 30 are set to have zero displacement when they are on top of the first circular track 3 and the second circular track 4;

[0063] S103: Determine the coordinate positions of the two fixed devices 30 at this time by measuring the rotation time and direction of the second motor 11 and the third motor 24;

[0064] S104: Set a temperature difference threshold. When the set temperature difference threshold is reached, obtain the coordinate point with the lower temperature. Based on the coordinate positions of the two fixed devices 30 at this time, determine which fixed device 30 is closest to the coordinate point with the lower temperature.

[0065] S105: Start the second motor 11 and the third motor 24 of the fixing device 30 to rotate, and move the fixing device 30 to the coordinate point position;

[0066] S106: Detect the current temperature and raise or lower the temperature by controlling the fourth telescopic rod 15.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes;

[0068] Obtain the distance data of the left and right obstacles of the fixing device 30 set on the first circular track 3;

[0069] Set an obstacle distance data threshold. When the second circular track 4 approaches the fixed device 30 set on the first circular track 3 and the obstacle distance data exceeds the threshold, turn off the power to the second motor 11.

[0070] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0071] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. This computer software product, stored in a storage medium, includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0072] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for optical fiber processing, characterized in that, include; The workbench includes a support frame (7) and a sliding rail (5), the sliding rail (5) being disposed on the upper part of the support frame (7); The moving device includes two symmetrically arranged moving units (1), the moving units (1) are connected to the sliding rail (5), and the moving units (1) are used to move laterally left and right on the sliding rail (5); The clamping device (2) includes two clamping units, which are respectively disposed on two moving units (1). The clamping units are used to clamp optical fibers. A multi-axis moving device includes a first circular track (3), a second circular track (4), and two fixing devices (30) that are slidably connected to the first circular track (3) and the second circular track (4), respectively. The bottom inner sides of the first circular track (3) and the second circular track (4) are coaxially rotatably connected to the bottom of the worktable. The other ends of the first circular track (3) and the second circular track (4) are coaxially rotatably connected. The first circular track (3) is located outside the second circular track (4). A heating device (16) is provided on the fixing device (30). The heating device (16) is used to heat the optical fiber to fuse the optical fiber. The moving unit (1) includes a support frame (9), a support part (8), and a first power device disposed on the support part (8). The first power device is disposed on both sides of the support frame (9). A rack (6) is disposed in the sliding track (5). The first power device includes a first motor (14) and a gear unit. The first motor (14) is connected to the gear unit and is used to provide rotational power to the gear unit. The support frame (9) is connected to the rack (6) through the meshing of the gear unit. The gear unit includes a gear switching device and a plurality of first gears (13). The gear switching device includes a second motor (11) and a connecting fork (12). The middle part of the connecting fork (12) is connected to the output end of the second motor (11). The connecting fork (12) is rotatably connected to a plurality of first gears (13). The plurality of first gears (13) have a plurality of different diameters. The tail of the second motor (11) is connected to a first telescopic rod (10). One of the first gears (13) is connected to the output end of the first motor (14).

2. The system for optical fiber processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the support part (8) is connected to the support frame (9) via a second telescopic rod (27).

3. A system for optical fiber processing according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a first connecting shaft (29), the first gear (13) is fixedly connected to the first connecting shaft (29), the first connecting shaft (29) is rotatably connected to the connecting fork (12), the end of the first connecting shaft (29) away from the connecting fork (12) is provided with an internal spline, the output end of the first motor (14) is provided with an external spline, and the first connecting shaft (29) and the output end of the first motor (14) are connected by the internal spline and the external spline.

4. A system for optical fiber processing according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a second power device, which includes a second connecting shaft (21), a bushing (19), a second gear (20), a third gear (22), and a third motor (24). One end of the second connecting shaft (21) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the support frame (7), and the other end is rotatably connected to the first circular track (3). A boss is provided at one end of the second connecting shaft (21) near the first circular track (3). The second gear (20) is provided on the boss. The bushing (19) is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft (21) and located between the boss and the support frame (7). The third gear (22) is provided on the bushing (19). The third motor (24) is connected to the bottom of the support frame (7) through a third telescopic rod (28). The third motor (24) is meshed with the second gear (20) or the third gear (22) through a fourth gear (23).

5. A system for optical fiber processing according to claim 4, characterized in that, A torsion part (31) is provided at the top where the first circular track (3) connects to the second circular track (4). The torsion part (31) is used to change the orientation of the inner and outer sides of the first circular track (3).

6. A system for optical fiber processing according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes two third power devices, each of which includes a fourth motor (18), a chain (25), and a plurality of first ratchet wheels (26) disposed in the first circular track (3) or the second circular track (4). The inner sides of the first circular track (3) and the second circular track (4) are respectively provided with through slots. The fixing device (30) is connected to the chain (25) through the through slots via a connecting rod. The output end of the fourth motor (18) is connected to a second ratchet wheel (17). The fourth motor (18) is connected to the chain (25) through the second ratchet wheel (17). One of the fourth motors (18) is disposed on the outside of the first circular track, and the other fourth motor (18) is disposed on the inside of the second circular track and located below the support frame (7). A fourth telescopic rod (15) is also disposed between the fixing device (30) and the heating device (16).

7. A system control method for optical fiber processing, characterized in that, The system for optical fiber processing as described in claim 6 further includes; The heating temperature of the optical fiber in at least six directions is obtained, and the heating temperatures are compared to determine whether there is a temperature difference. The coordinates of the six directions are then recorded. When two fixing devices (30) are set at the top of the first circular track (3) and the second circular track (4), the displacement is zero. The coordinate positions of the two fixed devices (30) are determined by the rotation time and rotation direction of the second motor (11) and the third motor (24); Set a temperature difference threshold. When the set temperature difference threshold is reached, obtain the coordinate point with the lower temperature. Based on the coordinate positions of the two fixed devices (30) at this time, determine which fixed device (30) is closest to the coordinate point with the lower temperature. The second motor (11) and the third motor (24) of the fixing device (30) are started to rotate, and the fixing device (30) is moved to the coordinate point position; The temperature is detected at this time, and the temperature is raised or lowered by controlling the fourth telescopic rod (15).

8. A system control method for optical fiber processing according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes; Obtain the left and right obstacle distance data of the fixing device (30) set on the first circular track (3); Set an obstacle distance data threshold. When the second circular track (4) approaches the fixed device (30) set on the first circular track (3) and the obstacle distance data exceeds the threshold, turn off the power of the second motor (11).

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