A positioning and rotating device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms

Abstract

This invention relates to a positioning and rotating device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms, belonging to the field of optical fiber preform production. It comprises two parts: a support positioning component and a rotating clamping component. The support positioning component includes a slide rail plate with a predetermined working length and supporting force; a sliding plate with a predetermined working size and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the slide rail plate; multiple sliding plates are symmetrically distributed on the working surface of the slide rail plate. The rotating clamping component includes a support unit placed on the working surface of the sliding plate; a connecting positioning unit with a predetermined working length and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the support unit; and a rotating clamping unit movably connected to the connecting positioning unit, having a predetermined working size and accommodating capacity. Multiple rotating clamping components are symmetrically distributed on the working surfaces of the multiple sliding plates. This invention allows for flexible adjustment of the clamping force through the rotating clamping unit to accommodate glass tubes of different wall thicknesses, effectively avoiding slippage during rotation while also preventing damage to the glass tube from excessive clamping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber preform production, and more specifically to a positioning and rotating device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms. Background Technology

[0002] Optical fiber, short for optical waveguide fiber, is a type of fiber made of glass or plastic that serves as a means of light transmission. Its transmission principle is "total internal reflection of light." Optical fiber preforms are the core raw material for manufacturing quartz-based optical fibers. The manufacturing process involves heating and melting two glass tubes of different wall thicknesses, then fusing them together. A chemical gas mixture is then added while the tubes are rotated, and heating continues for subsequent steps.

[0003] Traditional optical fiber preform alignment devices, when clamping glass tubes, cannot accurately control the clamping force due to the different wall thicknesses of the glass tubes being clamped. Over-clamping can easily damage the glass tube, posing a risk of breakage. Loose clamping, on the other hand, can easily lead to slippage during rotation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Objective of the invention: To provide a positioning and rotating device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms, so as to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] Technical solution: A positioning and rotating device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms, comprising two components: a bearing and positioning component and a rotating clamping component.

[0006] The load-bearing positioning component includes a slide rail plate with a predetermined working length and supporting force, capable of performing corresponding load-bearing and limiting operations; a sliding plate with a predetermined working size and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the slide rail plate; and multiple sliding plates symmetrically distributed on the working surface of the slide rail plate, capable of corresponding sliding adjustment operations. The rotary clamping component includes a support unit with a predetermined working height and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the sliding plate; a connecting positioning unit with a predetermined working length and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the support unit; and a rotary clamping unit movably connected to the connecting positioning unit, having a predetermined working size and accommodating capacity, capable of performing corresponding limiting and rotary adjustment operations.

[0007] The rotating clamping components are multiple and symmetrically distributed on the working surfaces of the multiple sliding plates.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the support unit comprises two components: a support frame plate and support columns. The support frame plate is placed on the working surface of the sliding plate, has a predetermined working size and load-bearing space, and can perform corresponding positioning and load-bearing operations. It can also be adjusted to the corresponding working position by sliding the sliding plate. The support columns are placed on the working surface of the support frame plate, have a predetermined working height and supporting force, and are multiple in number, arranged in an array on the working surface of the support frame plate, for supporting and connecting operations.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the connecting positioning unit comprises three components: a connecting plate, a positioning part, and a connecting rotating part. The connecting plate is connected to the support column and has a predetermined working size and supporting force, enabling it to perform corresponding load-bearing and connecting positioning operations. The positioning part is placed on the working surface of the connecting plate and has a predetermined working size and supporting force, enabling it to perform corresponding positioning and load-bearing operations. The connecting rotating part is movably connected to the positioning part and has a predetermined working length and supporting force, enabling it to perform corresponding rotation adjustment and connecting operations.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the positioning plate comprises two components: a positioning seat and a positioning plate. The positioning seat is placed on the working surface of the connecting plate, has a predetermined working length and load-bearing capacity, and can perform corresponding positioning and receiving operations. The positioning plate is placed on the working surface of the positioning seat, has a predetermined working length and bending radius, and can perform corresponding positioning and bearing operations.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the connecting rotating part comprises two components: a connecting rotating column and a linkage plate. The connecting rotating column is rotatably connected to the positioning plate, has a predetermined working length and supporting force, and can perform omnidirectional rotation adjustment. The linkage plate is connected to the connecting rotating column, has a predetermined working dimension, and is arc-shaped, allowing it to perform corresponding rotation adjustment operations following the rotation of the connecting rotating column.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the rotary clamping unit comprises two components: a receiving ring and movable clamping parts. The receiving ring, connected to the connecting positioning unit, has a predetermined operating size and containment capacity, is annular, and has corresponding recessed bearing cavities for receiving and limiting operations. Multiple movable clamping parts are located within the recessed bearing cavities of the receiving ring and are arranged in an array within these cavities, allowing for predetermined range of adjustment and clamping / limiting operations. It is also connected to the connecting positioning unit.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the movable clamping part comprises two components: a connecting plate and a sliding clamping assembly. The connecting plate is placed within the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring and is slidably connected to the inner wall of the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring for corresponding sliding adjustment operations, and is connected to the linkage plate. The sliding clamping assembly is placed on the working surface of the connecting plate, has a predetermined working size, and is slidably connected to the connecting plate, allowing for movable adjustment operations within a predetermined range.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the sliding clamping assembly comprises two components: a rocker arm and a clamping limiting plate. One end of the rocker arm is rotatably connected to the connecting plate, has a predetermined working length, and can perform rotational adjustment within a predetermined range. Multiple rocker arms are arranged in an array on the working surface of the connecting plate. The clamping limiting plate is rotatably connected to the multiple rocker arms, has a predetermined working length and bending radius, and can perform rotational adjustment within a predetermined range.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the receiving ring is connected to the support unit via a clamp; the clamp has a predetermined bending radius and supporting force, and there are multiple clamps.

[0016] Beneficial Effects: This invention relates to a positioning and rotating device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms, relating to the field of optical fiber preform production. It comprises two parts: a load-bearing positioning component and a rotating clamping component. The load-bearing positioning component includes a slide rail plate with a predetermined working length and supporting force, capable of performing corresponding load-bearing and limiting operations; a sliding plate with a predetermined working size and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the slide rail plate; multiple sliding plates symmetrically distributed on the working surface of the slide rail plate, capable of corresponding sliding adjustment operations. The rotating clamping component includes a support unit with a predetermined working height and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the sliding plate; a connecting positioning unit with a predetermined working length and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the support unit; and a rotating clamping unit movably connected to the connecting positioning unit, having a predetermined working size and accommodating capacity, capable of performing corresponding limiting and rotating adjustment operations. Multiple rotating clamping components are symmetrically distributed on the working surfaces of the multiple sliding plates. The present invention allows for flexible adjustment of the clamping force through the designed rotating clamping unit to accommodate glass tubes of different wall thicknesses. This effectively avoids slippage during rotation and also prevents damage to the glass tube caused by excessive clamping. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the entire invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating clamping assembly described in this invention from any angle.

[0019] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram from another perspective of the rotary clamping assembly described in this invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bearing positioning component described in this invention.

[0021] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Slide rail plate; 2. Sliding plate; 3. Rotary clamping assembly; 4. Support frame plate; 5. Support column; 6. Connecting plate; 7. Positioning seat; 8. Positioning plate; 9. Connecting rotating column; 10. Linkage plate; 11. Receiving ring; 12. Clamping plate; 13. Connecting plate; 14. Rocker arm; 15. Clamping limit plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

[0023] The applicant argues that traditional optical fiber preform alignment devices, when clamping glass tubes, cannot accurately control the clamping force due to the varying wall thicknesses of the glass tubes being clamped. Over-clamping can damage the glass tube, posing a risk of breakage. Conversely, loose clamping can lead to slippage during rotation.

[0024] To address this, the applicant designed a positioning and rotating device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms. The rotating clamping unit allows for flexible adjustment of the clamping force to accommodate glass tubes of different wall thicknesses. This effectively avoids slippage during rotation and also prevents damage to the glass tube caused by excessive clamping.

[0025] The optical fiber preform manufacturing alignment and rotation device of the present invention mainly comprises two parts: a bearing and positioning component and a rotation clamping component 3. The bearing and positioning component includes a slide rail plate 1 with a predetermined working length and supporting force, capable of corresponding bearing and limiting operations; and a sliding plate 2 with a predetermined working size and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the slide rail plate 1. Multiple sliding plates 2 are symmetrically distributed on the working surface of the slide rail plate 1, allowing for corresponding sliding adjustment operations. The rotation clamping component 3 includes a support unit with a predetermined working height and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the sliding plate 2; a connecting positioning unit with a predetermined working length and supporting force, placed on the working surface of the support unit; and a rotation clamping unit movably connected to the connecting positioning unit, having a predetermined working size and accommodating capacity, capable of corresponding limiting and rotation adjustment operations. Multiple rotation clamping components 3 are symmetrically distributed on the working surfaces of multiple sliding plates 2. During the later stages of the operation, the sliding plate 2 can be adjusted along the working surface of the slide rail plate 1 to drive the rotating clamping assembly 3 to adjust the working position, thereby enabling multiple rotating clamping assemblies 3 to cooperate with each other to complete the docking and fusion process of the glass tube.

[0026] The support unit comprises two components: a support frame plate 4 and support columns 5. The support frame plate 4 is placed on the working surface of the sliding plate 2, has a predetermined working size and load-bearing space, and can perform corresponding positioning and load-bearing operations. It can also be adjusted to the corresponding working position by sliding the sliding plate 2. The support columns 5 are placed on the working surface of the support frame plate 4, have a predetermined working height and supporting force, and are multiple in number, arranged in an array on the working surface of the support frame plate 4, and can perform corresponding support and connection operations. In a further preferred embodiment, there are at least four support columns 5, respectively distributed at the four corners of the support frame plate 4, and can perform corresponding support, connection, and positioning operations.

[0027] The connecting and positioning unit comprises three parts: a connecting plate 6, a positioning part, and a connecting rotating part. The connecting plate 6 is connected to the support columns 5 and has a predetermined working size and supporting force, enabling it to perform corresponding load-bearing and connecting positioning operations. The positioning part is placed on the working surface of the connecting plate 6 and has a predetermined working size and supporting force, enabling it to perform corresponding positioning and load-bearing operations. The connecting rotating part is movably connected to the positioning part and has a predetermined working length and supporting force, enabling it to perform corresponding rotation adjustment and connecting operations. The overall working size of the connecting plate 6 is greater than or equal to the working size of the support space formed by the multiple support columns 5, meaning that the connecting plate 6 can enclose the multiple support columns 5.

[0028] The positioning plate 8 comprises two parts: a positioning seat 7 and a positioning plate 8. The positioning seat 7 is placed on the working surface of the connecting plate 6, has a predetermined working length and load-bearing capacity, and can perform corresponding positioning and receiving operations. The positioning plate 8 is placed on the working surface of the positioning seat 7, has a predetermined working length and bending radius, and can perform corresponding positioning and load-bearing operations. A receiving cavity with a predetermined receiving size can be formed between the positioning seat 7 and the positioning plate 8, allowing for corresponding load-bearing and receiving operations.

[0029] The connecting rotating part comprises two components: a connecting rotating column 9 and a linkage plate 10. The connecting rotating column 9 is rotatably connected to the positioning plate 8, has a predetermined working length and supporting force, and can perform omnidirectional rotation adjustment. The linkage plate 10 is connected to the connecting rotating column 9, has a predetermined working size, and is circular, allowing for corresponding rotation adjustment as the connecting rotating column 9 rotates. During later operations, the rotation of the connecting rotating column 9 can drive the linkage plate 10 to perform corresponding rotation adjustments. In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting rotating column 9 passes through the receiving cavity formed by the positioning seat 7 and the positioning plate 8, and extends a predetermined distance beyond the positioning plate 8. The portion of the connecting rotating column 9 extending beyond the positioning plate 8 can be further limited and fixed by multiple sets of positioning seats 7 and the positioning plate 8 to enhance the overall stability of the connecting rotating column 9 and the linkage plate 10.

[0030] The rotating clamping unit comprises two parts: a receiving ring 11 and a movable clamping part. The receiving ring 11 is connected to the connecting positioning unit, has a predetermined working size and containment capacity, is annular, and has a corresponding recessed bearing cavity for corresponding containment and limiting operations. Multiple movable clamping parts are placed within the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring 11, arranged in an array within the recessed bearing cavity, and can perform predetermined range of adjustment and clamping limiting operations. It is also connected to the connecting positioning unit. In a further preferred embodiment, the movable clamping part can be slidably connected to the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring 11, or it can be directly fixedly connected to the linkage plate 10, simply by contacting the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring 11. It is recommended to use a slidable connection with the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring 11, which can increase the overall stability of the movable clamping part.

[0031] The movable clamping part comprises two components: a connecting plate 13 and a sliding clamping assembly. The connecting plate 13 is placed within the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring 11 and is slidably connected to the inner wall of the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring 11 for corresponding sliding adjustment operations, and is connected to the linkage plate 10. The sliding clamping assembly is placed on the working surface of the connecting plate 13, has a predetermined working size, and is slidably connected to the connecting plate 13, allowing for movable adjustment operations within a predetermined range. During subsequent operations, the rotation of the linkage plate 10 can drive the connecting plate 13 to perform corresponding rotational adjustments, which in turn can drive the entire sliding clamping assembly to perform corresponding rotational adjustments, and ultimately drive the clamped glass tube to perform corresponding rotational operations.

[0032] The sliding clamping assembly comprises two parts: a rocker arm 14 and a clamping limiting plate 15. One end of the rocker arm 14 is rotatably connected to the connecting plate 13, and it has a predetermined working length, allowing for rotational adjustment within a predetermined range. Multiple rocker arms 14 are arranged in an array on the left and right sides of the working surface of the connecting plate 13. The clamping limiting plate 15 is rotatably connected to the multiple rocker arms 14, has a predetermined working length and bending radius, and allows for rotational adjustment within a predetermined range. During later operations, the rotation of the rocker arms 14 can adjust the overall working position of the clamping limiting plate 15 accordingly. When the rocker arms 14 rotate towards the connecting plate 13, the clamping limiting plate 15 moves towards the connecting plate 13, increasing the clamping space formed by the multiple clamping limiting plates 15. Then, the glass tube to be clamped and limited is inserted into the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring 11. Next, the rocker arm 14 is rotated away from the connecting plate 13, thereby causing the clamping and limiting plates 15 to move towards the glass tube. Thus, multiple clamping and limiting plates 15 can clamp and limit the glass tube. Because the clamping and limiting plates 15 are elongated, they have surface contact with the clamped glass tube, effectively increasing the clamping contact area and preventing slippage.

[0033] The receiving ring 11 is connected to the support unit via a clamping plate 12, which further supports and limits the receiving ring 11 to increase its stability. The clamping plate 12 has a predetermined bending radius and supporting force, and there are multiple clamping plates. In a further preferred embodiment, there are at least two clamping plates 12, and a predetermined working distance is maintained between the two clamping plates 12, which effectively increases the operational stability of the receiving ring 11 and improves the stability of the rotary clamping unit during clamping and rotating operations.

[0034] As described above, although the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should not be construed as limiting the invention itself. Various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A positioning and rotating device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms, characterized in that: include: The load-bearing positioning component includes a slide rail plate with a predetermined working length and supporting force, which can perform corresponding load-bearing and limiting operations; A sliding plate with a predetermined working size and supporting force is placed on the working surface of the slide rail plate; there are multiple sliding plates, which are symmetrically distributed on the working surface of the slide rail plate, and can be used for corresponding sliding adjustment operations; The rotary clamping assembly includes a support unit placed on the working surface of the sliding plate, having a predetermined working height and supporting force; A connecting positioning unit with a predetermined working length and supporting force is placed on the working surface of the support unit; a rotating clamping unit with a predetermined working size and accommodating capacity is movably connected to the connecting positioning unit and can perform corresponding limiting and rotation adjustment operations. The rotary clamping assemblies are multiple and symmetrically distributed on the working surfaces of the multiple sliding plates; the rotary clamping unit includes: The receiving ring, connected to the connecting positioning unit, has a predetermined working size and receiving capacity, and is annular, with a corresponding recessed bearing cavity, which can perform corresponding receiving and limiting operations. Multiple movable clamping parts are placed in the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring and are arranged in an array within the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring. They can be adjusted and clamped within a predetermined range and are connected to the connecting positioning unit.

2. The alignment and rotation device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support unit includes: The support frame plate is placed on the working surface of the sliding plate, has a predetermined working size and bearing space, can perform corresponding positioning and bearing operations, and can be adjusted to the corresponding working position by following the sliding adjustment of the sliding plate; Support columns are placed on the working surface of the support frame plate, have a predetermined working height and supporting force, and there are multiple columns, which are distributed in an array on the working surface of the support frame plate, so as to perform corresponding support and connection operations.

3. The alignment and rotation device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connection positioning unit includes: The connecting plate, connected to the support column, has a predetermined working size and supporting force, and can perform corresponding load-bearing and connection positioning operations; The positioning part, placed on the working surface of the connecting plate, has a predetermined working size and supporting force, and can perform corresponding positioning and bearing operations; The connecting rotating part is movably connected to the positioning part, has a predetermined working length and supporting force, and can perform corresponding rotation adjustment and connection operations.

4. The alignment and rotation device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning unit includes: The positioning seat, placed on the working surface of the connecting plate, has a predetermined working length and load-bearing capacity, and can perform corresponding positioning and receiving operations; The positioning plate, placed on the working surface of the positioning seat, has a predetermined working length and bending radius, and can perform corresponding positioning and bearing operations.

5. The alignment and rotation device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting rotating part includes: The connecting rotating column is rotatably connected to the positioning plate, and has a predetermined working length and supporting force, allowing for omnidirectional rotation and adjustment. The linkage plate, connected to the connecting rotating column, has a predetermined working size and is arc-shaped, and can perform corresponding rotational adjustment operations as the connecting rotating column rotates.

6. The alignment and rotation device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable clamping part includes: The connecting plate is placed inside the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring and is slidably connected to the inner wall of the recessed bearing cavity of the receiving ring to perform corresponding sliding adjustment operations; and is connected to the connecting positioning unit. The sliding clamping assembly is placed on the working surface of the connecting plate, has a predetermined working size, and is slidably connected to the connecting plate, allowing for adjustment within a predetermined range.

7. The alignment and rotation device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sliding clamping assembly includes: A rocker arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting plate, has a predetermined working length and can perform rotational adjustment within a predetermined range; and there are multiple rocker arms, which are arranged in an array on the working surface of the connecting plate. The clamping and limiting plate is rotatably connected to multiple rocker arms, has a predetermined working length and bending arc, and can perform rotational adjustment operations within a predetermined range.

8. The alignment and rotation device for manufacturing optical fiber preforms according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving ring is connected to the support unit via a clamp; the clamp has a predetermined bending arc and support force, and there are multiple clamps.

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