Lighting optical fiber forming apparatus and lighting optical fiber manufacturing method

Abstract

The application discloses a lighting optical fiber forming device and a lighting optical fiber manufacturing method. The lighting optical fiber forming device comprises a workbench, a C-shaped optical fiber forming mechanism and an O-shaped optical fiber forming mechanism. The C-shaped optical fiber forming mechanism comprises a first base connected to the top surface of the workbench and a first top cover detachably connected to the top surface of the first base. The first base and the first top cover form a C-shaped optical fiber groove with a semicircular cross section. The first top cover is provided with a first glue injection hole communicating with the C-shaped optical fiber groove. The O-shaped optical fiber forming mechanism comprises a second base and a fixed seat connected to the top surface of the workbench, a second top cover detachably connected to the top surface of the second base and a guide column. The second base, the second top cover and the guide column form an O-shaped optical fiber groove with a circular cross section. The second top cover is provided with a second glue injection hole communicating with the O-shaped optical fiber groove. The lighting optical fiber forming device and the lighting optical fiber manufacturing method can guarantee the shape precision and size requirement of the lighting optical fiber forming and facilitate the assembly of the lighting optical fiber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical fiber manufacturing, and more specifically, to an apparatus for forming an illumination optical fiber and a method for manufacturing an illumination optical fiber. Background Technology

[0002] Rigid endoscopes are a type of endoscope, mainly composed of an optical imaging system and an illumination system. The illumination system consists of a bundle of illumination optical fibers with a diameter of micrometers. An external light source is transmitted through the illumination optical fibers to the front of the endoscope lens to illuminate the object being observed.

[0003] Due to the structural limitations of rigid endoscopes, optical fibers must be inserted simultaneously with the inner tube. However, since the inner and outer tubes of rigid endoscopes are long and thin, especially those with small diameters, the illumination fiber is prone to scratching and breakage during insertion, resulting in insufficient light intensity. Furthermore, if the illumination fiber is not constrained between the inner and outer tubes, it cannot be guaranteed that the inner tube is centered on the outer tube, causing the illumination fiber to form a crescent shape between the inner and outer tubes, resulting in uneven illumination.

[0004] Current rigid endoscope manufacturing processes typically involve attaching auxiliary structural components to the inner tube to ensure its centering and the positioning of the auxiliary illumination fiber. However, this method cannot resolve the issue of scratching between the illumination fiber and the structural components, and fiber breakage still occurs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an illumination fiber forming device and an illumination fiber manufacturing method, which can ensure the shape accuracy and size requirements of the illumination fiber forming and facilitate the assembly of the illumination fiber.

[0006] This application is implemented as follows:

[0007] This application provides a lighting fiber forming device, which includes a worktable, a C-shaped fiber forming mechanism, and an O-shaped fiber forming mechanism. The C-shaped fiber forming mechanism includes a first base detachably connected to the top surface of the worktable and a first top cover detachably connected to the top surface of the first base. The top surface of the first base and the bottom surface of the first top cover are respectively provided with a first groove and a first protrusion. When the first top cover is placed on the top surface of the first base, the first groove and the first protrusion surround to form a C-shaped fiber groove with a semi-circular cross-section. The top of the first top cover is provided with a plurality of first injection holes communicating with the C-shaped fiber groove. The O-shaped fiber forming mechanism includes a second base and a fixed seat detachably connected to the top surface of the worktable, a second top cover and a guide post detachably connected to the top surface of the second base. The top surface of the second base and the bottom surface of the second top cover are respectively provided with a second groove and a second protrusion. One end of the guide post is connected to the fixed seat, and the other end extends above the second groove. When the second top cover is placed on the top surface of the second base, the second groove, the guide post and the second protrusion surround to form an O-shaped fiber groove with a circular cross-section. The top of the second top cover is provided with a plurality of second injection holes communicating with the O-shaped fiber groove.

[0008] In some alternative implementations, the top surface of the first base is provided with first grooves on both sides, and the bottom surface of the first top cover is provided with first sliders that are slidably disposed in the two first grooves on both sides.

[0009] In some alternative implementations, the top surface of the first base is provided with second sliders located on both sides of the first groove, and the bottom surface of the first top cover is provided with second sliding grooves that are slidably sleeved on the second sliders.

[0010] In some alternative implementations, the top of the first top cover is provided with at least one first observation hole communicating with a C-shaped fiber optic slot, and / or the top of the second top cover is provided with at least one second observation hole communicating with an O-shaped fiber optic slot.

[0011] In some alternative implementations, at least one optical axis parallel to the guide post is connected between the second base and the fixed base.

[0012] In some alternative implementations, a uniform light source and a microscope imaging module are arranged opposite to each other at both ends of the top surface of the worktable; the uniform light source is used to provide illumination to one end of the optical fiber in the C-shaped fiber groove, and the microscope imaging module is used to take pictures of the other end of the optical fiber in the C-shaped fiber groove.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the outer walls of the first groove and the first protrusion are each provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene layer.

[0014] In some alternative implementations, the outer walls of the second groove, guide post, and second protrusion are each provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene layer.

[0015] This application also provides a method for manufacturing an optical fiber for illumination, which includes the following steps:

[0016] Multiple optical fibers are placed in a C-shaped fiber groove with a semi-circular cross-section and connected with glue to obtain a C-shaped optical fiber with a semi-circular cross-section.

[0017] Two C-shaped optical fibers are symmetrically placed inside an O-shaped optical fiber groove with a circular cross-section and connected with glue to obtain an illumination optical fiber with a circular cross-section.

[0018] In some alternative implementations, a C-shaped optical fiber is placed before an O-shaped optical fiber slot, one end of the C-shaped optical fiber is illuminated by a uniform light source, and the other end of the C-shaped optical fiber is photographed using a microscope imaging module to confirm the light transmission status of the C-shaped optical fiber.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this application are: the lighting fiber forming device and lighting fiber manufacturing method provided by this application form a C-shaped fiber groove by setting a C-shaped fiber forming mechanism to form a C-shaped fiber groove, and then bond the half bundle of optical fibers to prepare a C-shaped fiber with a semi-circular cross-section. The O-shaped fiber forming mechanism forms an O-shaped fiber groove to form two C-shaped optical fibers and then bond them to prepare a lighting fiber with a circular cross-section. This can ensure the shape accuracy and size requirements of the lighting fiber forming and facilitate the assembly of the lighting fiber. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, 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 this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the illumination fiber forming apparatus provided in this application, showing the connection between the worktable, uniform light source, microscope camera module and C-shaped fiber forming mechanism for processing C-shaped optical fibers.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the C-shaped fiber forming mechanism in the lighting fiber forming apparatus provided in this application for processing C-shaped optical fibers;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first base in the lighting fiber forming device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the C-shaped fiber forming mechanism in the lighting fiber forming apparatus provided in this application embodiment, showing the processing of C-shaped fibers;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the O-shaped fiber forming mechanism in the lighting fiber forming apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the O-shaped fiber forming mechanism in the lighting fiber forming apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application, which processes lighting fibers.

[0027] In the diagram: 100, worktable; 110, uniform light source; 120, microscope camera module; 200, C-shaped fiber forming mechanism; 210, first base; 220, first top cover; 221, first observation hole; 230, first bolt; 240, first groove; 250, first protrusion; 260, C-shaped fiber groove; 270, first injection hole; 280, first slide; 281, first slider; 290, second slider; 291, second slide; 300, O-shaped fiber forming mechanism; 310, second base; 320, fixed seat; 330, second top cover; 331, second observation hole; 340, guide post; 350, second bolt; 360, second groove; 370, second protrusion; 380, O-shaped fiber groove; 390, second injection hole; 400, optical axis; 500, C-shaped fiber; 600, illumination fiber. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0029] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] The features and performance of the lighting fiber forming apparatus and lighting fiber manufacturing method of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, this application provides an illumination fiber forming device, which includes a worktable 100, a uniform light source 110, a microscope imaging module 120, a C-shaped fiber forming mechanism 200 and an O-shaped fiber forming mechanism 300. The uniform light source 110 and the microscope imaging module 120 are respectively connected to the two ends of the top surface of the worktable 100 by bolts and are arranged opposite to each other.

[0037] The C-shaped fiber forming mechanism 200 includes a first base 210, a first top cover 220 that can be placed on the top surface of the first base 210, and four first bolts 230 that are threaded through and connect the first top cover 220 and the first base 210. The first base 210 is detachably connected to the center of the top surface of the workbench 100 by three pairs of bolts. The top surface of the first base 210 and the bottom surface of the first top cover 220 are respectively provided with a first groove 240 and a first protrusion 250. When the first top cover 220 is placed on the top surface of the first base 210, the first groove 240 and the first protrusion 250 surround and form a C-shaped fiber groove 260 with a semi-circular cross-section. The C-shaped fiber groove 260 extends along the length of the workbench 100. The top of the first top cover 220 is provided with three first bolts 230. The first top cover 220 has one glue injection hole 270 and three first observation holes 221. The first glue injection hole 270 and the first observation holes 221 are arranged alternately along the length of the first top cover 220. The first glue injection hole 270 and the first observation holes 221 are respectively connected to the C-shaped fiber optic groove 260. The top surface of the first base 210 is provided with first sliding grooves 280 on both sides. The bottom surface of the first top cover 220 is provided with first sliders 281 that are slidably disposed in the two first sliding grooves 280 on both sides. The top surface of the first base 210 is provided with second sliders 290 located on both sides of the first groove 240 on both sides. The bottom surface of the first top cover 220 is provided with second sliding grooves 291 that are slidably sleeved on the second sliders 290 on both sides. The outer walls of the first groove 240 and the first protrusion 250 are respectively provided with polytetrafluoroethylene layers.

[0038] The O-shaped fiber forming mechanism 300 includes a second base 310, a fixed seat 320, a second top cover 330 that can be placed on the top surface of the second base 310, a guide post 340, and four second bolts 350 that are threaded through and connect the second top cover 330 and the second base 310. The second base 310 is detachably connected to the center of the top surface of the workbench 100 by three pairs of bolts, and the fixed seat 320 is detachably connected to the center of the top surface of the workbench 100 by one pair of bolts. The top surface of the second base 310 and the bottom surface of the second top cover 330 are respectively provided with a second groove 360 ​​and a second protrusion 370. One end of the guide post 340 is connected to the fixed seat 320, and the other end extends above the second groove 360. When the second base 310 is placed on the top surface, the second groove 360, guide post 340 and second protrusion 370 enclose and form an O-shaped fiber optic groove 380 with a circular cross-section. The top of the second top cover 330 is provided with four second glue injection holes 390 and three second observation holes 331 arranged at intervals along its length. The second glue injection holes 390 and the second observation holes 331 are respectively connected to the O-shaped fiber optic groove 380. Two optical axes 400 parallel to the guide post 340 are connected between the second base 310 and the fixed base 320. The guide post 340 is located between the two optical axes 400. The outer walls of the second groove 360, guide post 340 and second protrusion 370 are respectively provided with polytetrafluoroethylene layers.

[0039] The uniform light source 110 is used to provide illumination to one end of the C-shaped fiber 500 in the C-shaped fiber groove 260, and the microscopic imaging module 120 is used to take pictures and images of the other end of the C-shaped fiber 500 in the C-shaped fiber groove 260.

[0040] This application also provides a method for manufacturing an illumination optical fiber, which is carried out using the above-mentioned illumination optical fiber forming apparatus, and mainly includes the following steps:

[0041] The first base 210 of the C-shaped fiber forming mechanism 200 is connected to the center of the top surface of the workbench 100 by six bolts. Then, the first bolt 230 is rotated to detach it from the first base 210, separating the first top cover 220 from the first base 210. A predetermined bundle of optical fibers is divided into two equal parts. The half bundle of optical fibers is placed evenly in the first groove 240 on the top surface of the first base 210. Then, the first top cover 220 is placed on the first base 210, so that the first sliders 281 on both sides of the bottom surface of the first top cover 220 are slidably disposed in the first sliding grooves 280 on both sides of the top surface of the first base 210, and the second sliders 281 on both sides of the top surface of the first base 210 are also slidably disposed in the first sliding grooves 280 on both sides of the top surface of the first base 210. The second sliding grooves 291, respectively provided on both sides of the bottom surface of the first top cover 220, are fixed at 90. The first protrusion 250 on the bottom surface of the first top cover 220 and the first groove 240 on the top surface of the first base 210 form a C-shaped fiber groove 260 with a semi-circular cross-section to shape the half bundle of optical fibers. At this time, the first bolt 230 can be rotated to re-insert it into the first base 210 to reconnect the first top cover 220 and the first base 210. Epoxy glue is injected into the C-shaped fiber groove 260 through the first glue injection hole 270 to bond the half bundle of optical fibers to form a C-shaped optical fiber 500 with a semi-circular cross-section. The bonding and forming of the C-shaped optical fiber 500 is observed through the three first observation holes 221.

[0042] After the C-shaped optical fiber 500 is fully formed, the uniform light source 110 is turned on to provide illumination to one end of the C-shaped optical fiber 500 in the C-shaped optical fiber slot 260, and the microscopic imaging module 120 is used to take pictures of the other end of the C-shaped optical fiber 500 in the C-shaped optical fiber slot 260. The uniformity of illumination of the C-shaped optical fiber 500 is confirmed by the image acquired by the microscopic imaging module 120. Since the microscopic imaging module 120 can image the end of each optical fiber, if the image of the end of an optical fiber is bright, it indicates that the optical fiber transmission is normal. If the image is dark, it indicates that the optical fiber transmission is blocked and there is a fiber break. This ensures the overall pass rate of the C-shaped optical fiber 500 and removes unqualified C-shaped optical fibers 500. Then, the first bolt 230 is rotated to detach it from the first base 210. After separating the first top cover 220 and the first base 210, the C-shaped optical fiber 500 is taken out.

[0043] After preparing a pair of C-shaped optical fibers 500 using the above method, the first base 210 of the C-shaped optical fiber forming mechanism 200 is separated from the middle of the top surface of the worktable 100. The second base 310 and the fixing seat 320 of the O-shaped optical fiber forming mechanism 300 are respectively bolted to the middle of the top surface of the worktable 100. Then, the second bolt 350 is rotated to disengage it from the second base 310, separating the second top cover 330 from the second base 310. One of the pair of C-shaped optical fibers 500 is placed in the second groove 360 ​​opened on the top surface of the second base 310 and its position is defined by the guide post 340. Then, the other of the pair of C-shaped optical fibers 500 is sleeved on the guide post 340, so that the pair of C-shaped optical fibers 500 form a circular whole. Finally, the second top cover 330 is placed on top of the worktable 100. On the second base 310, the second groove 360 ​​on the top surface of the second base 310, the guide post 340, and the second protrusion 370 on the bottom surface of the second top cover 330 form an O-shaped fiber groove 380 with a circular cross-section to shape a pair of C-shaped optical fibers 500. The second bolt 350 is rotated to reconnect the second base 310, and the second top cover 330 and the second base 310 are connected. Epoxy glue is injected into the O-shaped fiber groove 380 through the second glue injection hole 390 to bond the pair of C-shaped optical fibers 500 to form an illumination fiber 600 with a circular cross-section. The bonding and forming of the illumination fiber 600 is observed through the second observation hole 331. After the illumination fiber 600 is completely formed, the second top cover 330 and the second base 310 are separated and the illumination fiber 600 is removed.

[0044] The lighting fiber forming apparatus and lighting fiber manufacturing method provided in this application embodiment connect a bundle of optical fibers into two semi-circular C-shaped optical fibers 500 with glue for optical fiber transmission detection. Then, the two semi-circular C-shaped optical fibers 500 are connected with glue into a circular lighting fiber 600. This can ensure the shape accuracy and size requirements of the lighting fiber outer forming, facilitate the assembly of the lighting fiber 600, and avoid fiber breakage during the assembly process of the lighting fiber 600.

[0045] The outer walls of the first groove 240 and the first protrusion 250 are respectively provided with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layers, as are the outer walls of the second groove 360, the guide post 340, and the second protrusion 370. These PTFE layers on the inner walls of the C-shaped fiber groove 260 and the O-shaped fiber groove 380 isolate the epoxy adhesive, preventing it from adhering to the surfaces of the first groove 240, the first protrusion 250, the second groove 360, the guide post 340, and the second protrusion 370, thus ensuring proper decoupling after fiber optic molding. By placing the guide post 340 between the second groove 360 ​​and the second protrusion 370, the O-shaped fiber groove 380 formed by the guide post 340, the second groove 360, and the second protrusion 370 ensures that the mating of a pair of C-shaped optical fibers 500 will not result in radial misalignment, while also preventing epoxy adhesive from dripping into the internal cavity during injection.

[0046] The embodiments described above are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The detailed description of the embodiments of this application is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A device for forming lighting optical fibers, characterized in that, It includes a workbench, a C-shaped fiber forming mechanism, and an O-shaped fiber forming mechanism. The C-shaped fiber forming mechanism includes a first base detachably connected to the top surface of the workbench and a first top cover detachably connected to the top surface of the first base. The top surface of the first base and the bottom surface of the first top cover are respectively provided with a first groove and a first protrusion. When the first top cover is placed on the top surface of the first base, the first groove and the first protrusion surround and form a C-shaped fiber groove with a semi-circular cross-section. The top of the first top cover is provided with a plurality of first glue injection holes communicating with the C-shaped fiber groove. The O-shaped fiber forming mechanism includes a second base and a fixed seat detachably connected to the top surface of the workbench, a second top cover and a guide post detachably connected to the top surface of the second base. The top surface of the second base and the bottom surface of the second top cover are respectively provided with a second groove and a second protrusion. One end of the guide post is connected to the fixed seat, and the other end extends above the second groove. When the second top cover is placed on the top surface of the second base, the second groove, the guide post and the second protrusion surround and form an O-shaped fiber groove with a circular cross-section. The top of the second top cover is provided with a plurality of second glue injection holes communicating with the O-shaped fiber groove.

2. The illumination fiber forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first base has a first sliding groove on each side of its top surface, and the first top cover has a first slider on each side of its bottom surface that is slidably disposed in the two first sliding grooves.

3. The illumination fiber forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first base has a second slider on each side of the top surface located on both sides of the first groove, and the first top cover has a second groove on each side of the bottom surface that is slidably fitted onto the second slider.

4. The illumination fiber forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the first top cover is provided with at least one first observation hole communicating with the C-shaped fiber optic slot, and / or the top of the second top cover is provided with at least one second observation hole communicating with the O-shaped fiber optic slot.

5. The lighting fiber forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one optical axis parallel to the guide post is connected between the second base and the fixed base.

6. The lighting fiber forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface of the worktable is provided with a uniform light source and a microscope imaging module arranged opposite to each other at both ends; the uniform light source is used to provide illumination to one end of the optical fiber in the C-shaped optical fiber slot, and the microscope imaging module is used to take pictures of the other end of the optical fiber in the C-shaped optical fiber slot.

7. The illumination fiber forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer walls of the first groove and the first protrusion are respectively provided with polytetrafluoroethylene layers.

8. The lighting fiber forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer walls of the second groove, the guide post, and the second protrusion are each provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene layer.

9. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber for illumination, characterized in that, It is performed using the lighting fiber forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and includes the following steps: Multiple optical fibers are placed in a C-shaped fiber groove with a semi-circular cross-section and connected with glue to obtain a C-shaped optical fiber with a semi-circular cross-section. Two C-shaped optical fibers are symmetrically placed in an O-shaped optical fiber groove with a circular cross-section and connected with glue to obtain an illumination optical fiber with a circular cross-section.

10. The method for manufacturing an illumination optical fiber according to claim 9, characterized in that, The C-shaped optical fiber is placed in front of the O-shaped optical fiber slot. A uniform light source is used to illuminate one end of the C-shaped optical fiber, and a microscope imaging module is used to take pictures of the other end of the C-shaped optical fiber to confirm the light transmission of the C-shaped optical fiber.

Images