Optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus

Abstract

This application provides an optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus, comprising: an annealing tube having a first axial cavity for the optical fiber to pass through; a gas-sealing structure having a second axial cavity for the optical fiber to pass through, the diameter of the second axial cavity gradually decreasing, and the first axial cavity being connected to the larger diameter end of the second axial cavity; and a protective housing having an air inlet. The annealing tube and the gas-sealing structure are both disposed within the protective housing, and the annealing tube, the gas-sealing structure, and the protective housing together form a gas channel communicating with the air inlet. The gas-sealing structure has multiple air holes, and the second axial cavity communicates with the gas channel through these air holes, with gas in the gas channel flowing to the optical fiber through the air holes. This application can optimize the optical fiber annealing effect and improve the quality of the optical fiber while reducing the production cost and energy consumption of the optical fiber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical fiber drawing technology, and in particular to an optical fiber drawing annealing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the fiber drawing process becoming increasingly mature, and the market demand for long-distance, high-capacity communication optical fibers increasing, many manufacturers are optimizing their annealing equipment to improve the quality of their optical fibers.

[0003] In related technologies, the temperature inside the annealing apparatus is slowly reduced by manufacturing a vacuum interlayer or installing a holding furnace, thereby improving the quality of optical fibers. However, manufacturing a vacuum interlayer places high demands on the processing of the annealing apparatus and increases production costs; installing a holding furnace requires significant investment in the annealing apparatus and consumes substantial energy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides an optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus that can optimize the optical fiber annealing effect and improve the quality of the optical fiber while reducing the production cost and energy consumption of the optical fiber.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides an optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus, comprising: an annealing tube having a first axial cavity for inserting an optical fiber; a gas-sealing structure fixedly connected to the annealing tube, the gas-sealing structure having a second axial cavity for inserting an optical fiber, the diameter of the second axial cavity gradually decreasing, and the first axial cavity being connected to the larger diameter end of the second axial cavity; and a protective housing having an air inlet, the annealing tube and the gas-sealing structure both being disposed within the protective housing, the annealing tube, the gas-sealing structure, and the protective housing together forming a gas channel communicating with the air inlet; wherein the gas-sealing structure has a plurality of air holes, the second axial cavity communicating with the gas channel through the air holes, and gas in the gas channel flowing to the optical fiber through the air holes.

[0006] Compared with related technologies, the embodiments of this application have at least the following advantages:

[0007] The annealing tube, gas sealing structure, and protective shell together form a gas channel communicating with the air inlet. The gas sealing structure has multiple pores, and the second axial cavity of the gas sealing structure is connected to the gas channel through the pores. This allows heat overflowing from the annealing tube to enter the gas channel during fiber annealing. By introducing inert gas into the air inlet, the inert gas can transfer the heat in the gas channel to the second axial cavity through the pores, thus slowing down the temperature drop inside the annealing tube. Furthermore, because the diameter of the second axial cavity gradually decreases, and the large-diameter ends of the first and second axial cavities are connected, the inert gas can flow towards the optical fiber through the pores instead of flowing directly to the outside, further slowing down the temperature drop rate inside the annealing tube. This optimizes the fiber annealing effect and improves the fiber quality. In addition, the gas sealing structure has minimal impact on the overall structure of the annealing device, and its low cost means it does not incur additional energy consumption during fiber annealing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the gas sealing structure is conical, and the end of the gas sealing structure with a larger bottom area is fixed to the annealing tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, the gas sealing structure includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other; the first sidewall and the second sidewall together enclose the second axial cavity, and a plurality of air holes are provided on both the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0010] In some embodiments, the vents on the first sidewall are spaced at equal intervals.

[0011] In some embodiments, the vents on the second sidewall are spaced at equal intervals.

[0012] In some embodiments, the number of vents on the first sidewall is the same as the number of vents on the second sidewall; and the vents on the first sidewall are directly opposite the vents on the second sidewall.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gas sealing structure is made of metal or ceramic.

[0014] In some embodiments, a graphite layer is further included, which is disposed on the cavity wall of the first axial cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, an insulating felt layer is further included, which is disposed on the outside of the graphite layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the protective housing is made of quartz. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0020] The following description sets forth many specific details to provide a full understanding of this application. The described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application.

[0022] It should be further noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0023] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, according to A and / or B, it can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0024] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "based on" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "based on" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "based on" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus provided in this embodiment. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100 includes: an annealing tube 1, which has a first axial cavity 10 for the optical fiber 1000 to pass through; a gas sealing structure 2, which is fixedly connected to the annealing tube 1 and has a second axial cavity 20 for the optical fiber 1000 to pass through, the diameter of the second axial cavity 20 gradually decreasing, and the first axial cavity 10 is connected to the large-diameter end of the second axial cavity 20; and a protective housing 3, which has an air inlet 30. The annealing tube 1 and the gas sealing structure 2 are both disposed in the protective housing 3, and the annealing tube 1, the gas sealing structure 2, and the protective housing 3 together form a gas channel 40 communicating with the air inlet 30; wherein, the gas sealing structure 2 has a plurality of air holes 50, the second axial cavity 20 is connected to the gas channel 40 through the air holes 50, and the gas in the gas channel 40 flows to the optical fiber 1000 through the air holes 50.

[0026] Specifically, the protective housing 3 includes a housing base plate 31 and a housing side wall 32. The housing base plate 31 and the housing side wall 32 together enclose a receiving space. The annealing tube 1 and the gas sealing structure 2 are both located in the receiving space. The annealing tube 1 is fixed to the housing base plate 31, and the gas sealing structure 2 is fixed to the end of the annealing tube 1 away from the housing base plate 31.

[0027] More specifically, Figure 1 There are two air inlets 30 shown. The two air inlets 30 are respectively opened on the left and right sides of the bottom plate 31 of the housing. The air inlets 30 have an L-shaped structure. This structure can ensure the structural strength of the bottom plate 31 of the housing while ensuring that the air inlets 30 are connected to the gas channel 40.

[0028] Compared with related technologies, the embodiments of this application have at least the following advantages: the annealing tube 1, the gas sealing structure 2, and the protective shell 3 together form a gas channel 40 communicating with the air inlet 30, and the gas sealing structure 2 is provided with a plurality of air holes 50. The second axial cavity 20 of the gas sealing structure 2 is connected to the gas channel 40 through the air holes 50, so that during the annealing process of the optical fiber 1000, the heat overflowing from the annealing tube 1 enters the gas channel 40. By introducing inert gas into the air inlet 30, the inert gas can transfer the heat in the gas channel 40 to the second axial cavity 20 through the air holes 50, thereby making the annealing tube... The temperature inside the annealing tube 1 decreases slowly. Furthermore, because the diameter of the second axial cavity 20 gradually decreases, and the first axial cavity 10 is connected to the large-diameter end of the second axial cavity 20, the inert gas can flow through the vent 50 to the optical fiber 1000 instead of directly to the outside, further slowing down the temperature decrease rate inside the annealing tube 1. This optimizes the annealing effect of the optical fiber 1000 and improves its quality. In addition, the gas sealing structure 2 has minimal impact on the overall structure of the annealing device, and its low cost means it does not incur additional energy consumption during the annealing process of the optical fiber 1000.

[0029] In some embodiments, the number of pores 50 is not specifically limited and can be set according to actual needs.

[0030] In some embodiments, the type of inert gas introduced into the gas channel 40 is not specifically limited, and can be nitrogen, argon, etc., and can be set according to actual needs.

[0031] Please see again Figure 1 The gas-sealed structure 2 includes a first sidewall 21 and a second sidewall 22 arranged opposite to each other; the first sidewall 21 and the second sidewall 22 together form a second axial cavity 20, and multiple air holes 50 are opened on both the first sidewall 21 and the second sidewall 22. With this structure, after the inert gas in the gas channel 40 is heated by the heat overflowing from the annealing tube 1, the inert gas can be evenly dispersed and injected into the second axial cavity 20, which prevents the heat in the annealing tube 1 from flowing downward and reduces the heat loss in the optical fiber drawing annealing device 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, the air holes 50 on the first sidewall 21 are evenly spaced. This structure allows inert gas to be injected more uniformly into the second axial cavity 20, further reducing heat loss within the optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100.

[0033] In some embodiments, the air holes 50 on the second sidewall 22 are evenly spaced. This structure allows inert gas to be injected more evenly into the second axial cavity 20, further reducing heat loss within the optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100.

[0034] In some embodiments, the number of vents 50 on the first sidewall 21 is the same as the number of vents 50 on the second sidewall 22; and the vents 50 on the first sidewall 21 are directly opposite the vents 50 on the second sidewall 22. This structural arrangement allows inert gas to be injected more evenly into the second axial cavity 20, further reducing heat loss within the optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100.

[0035] Please see further. Figure 1 The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100 also includes a graphite layer 4, which is disposed on the cavity wall of the first axial cavity 10. By providing the graphite layer 4, heat leakage from the annealing tube 1 can be slowed down, thereby further reducing heat loss within the optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100.

[0036] Please see further. Figure 1 The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100 also includes an insulation felt layer 5, which is disposed on the outside of the graphite layer 4. By providing the insulation felt layer 5, heat leakage from the annealing tube 1 can be further slowed down, thereby further reducing heat loss within the optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100.

[0037] In some embodiments, the thermal insulation felt layer 5 is a layered paper-like graphite, and this structure can improve the thermal insulation effect of the thermal insulation felt layer 5.

[0038] In some embodiments, the gas sealing structure 2 is made of metal or ceramic. This type of material provides good thermal conductivity, reducing heat loss when the heated inert gas passes through the vent 50.

[0039] In some embodiments, the protective housing 3 is made of quartz. This type of protective housing 3 can prevent heat from escaping from the gas channel 40, thereby further reducing heat loss within the optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus 100.

[0040] Please see again Figure 1 The optical fiber drawing and annealing device 100 also includes an opening and closing shutter 6, which is installed on the gas-sealed structure 2 to facilitate the operation of the optical fiber 1000 by the operator.

[0041] It is understood that the opening and closing shutter 6 is provided with a through hole for the optical fiber 1000 to pass through. The shape of the through hole can be circular, rhomboid, square, etc. This embodiment does not specifically limit the shape of the through hole.

[0042] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus characterized by comprising: include: An annealing tube, wherein the annealing tube is provided with a first axial cavity for optical fiber to pass through; A gas-sealed structure is fixedly connected to the annealing tube. The gas-sealed structure has a second axial cavity for optical fiber to pass through. The diameter of the second axial cavity gradually decreases, and the first axial cavity is connected to the large-diameter end of the second axial cavity. A protective housing having an air inlet, wherein the annealing tube and the gas sealing structure are both disposed within the protective housing, and the annealing tube, the gas sealing structure, and the protective housing together form a gas channel communicating with the air inlet; The gas sealing structure is provided with multiple air holes, and the second axial cavity is connected to the gas channel through the air holes. The gas in the gas channel flows to the optical fiber through the air holes.

2. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The gas sealing structure is conical, and the end with the larger bottom area of ​​the gas sealing structure is fixed to the annealing tube.

3. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas sealing structure includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other; The first sidewall and the second sidewall together form the second axial cavity, and multiple air holes are provided on both the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

4. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air holes on the first sidewall are evenly spaced.

5. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air holes on the second sidewall are evenly spaced.

6. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of pores opened on the first sidewall is the same as the number of pores opened on the second sidewall; Furthermore, the air hole on the first sidewall is directly opposite the air hole on the second sidewall.

7. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas sealing structure can be made of metal or ceramic.

8. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a graphite layer disposed on the cavity wall of the first axial cavity.

9. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes an insulating felt layer, which is disposed on the outside of the graphite layer.

10. The optical fiber drawing and annealing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective housing is made of quartz.

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