A fusion coating device and method for optical fiber end cap

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fusion coating device and method for optical fiber end caps, which belongs to the field of optical communication technology. The fusion coating device includes a base, an end cap clamping module, an optical fiber clamping module, a fusion splicing module and a coating module; the base is provided with a bracket, the end cap clamping module is used to clamp the end cap, the fusion splicing module is used to fusion splice the end cap and the optical fiber, and the optical fiber clamping module is used to clamp the optical fiber; the coating module includes two coating blocks, each of which has a groove, and the two coating blocks are equipped with inflatable sealing rubber rings to clamp the optical fiber after inflation, at least one coating block is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp and a transparent partition, and each coating block has a plurality of glue injection holes and a plurality of vacuum adsorption holes, and each glue injection hole is connected to the groove. A fusion coating device for optical fiber end caps provided by an embodiment of the present invention can not only realize the fusion of the end cap and the optical fiber, but also realize convenient coating of the melting point and bare optical fiber part of the optical fiber end cap after fusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of optical communications, and in particular relates to a fusion coating device and method for optical fiber end caps. Background Art

[0002] Fiber end caps are high-power devices designed for processing the output end faces of high-power fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers. They reduce the optical power density at the output end by expanding the output beam. Fiber end caps are typically manufactured by fusing a larger end cap (made of quartz) onto the end face of the optical fiber. At the same time, an anti-reflection coating is applied to the output surface of the end cap to ensure safe output of high-power fiber lasers. The most critical step in the fiber end cap production process is fusing the end cap to the fiber with the outer cladding removed from one end.

[0003] However, existing fiber end caps often need to perform high-frequency, large-range deflection under the action of a motion mechanism after fusion splicing, which causes the fiber end cap to be easily damaged or even broken at the melting point and bare fiber part, ultimately causing damage to the fiber end cap. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the prior art, the present invention provides a fusion coating device and method for optical fiber end caps, the purpose of which is not only to achieve fusion splicing of the end cap and the optical fiber, but also to achieve convenient coating of the melting point and bare optical fiber part of the optical fiber end cap after fusion splicing, thereby avoiding the problem that the optical fiber end cap is easily damaged at the melting point and bare optical fiber part when high-frequency and large-range deflection is implemented after the end cap is fused.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a fusion splicing and coating device for an optical fiber end cap, the fusion splicing and coating device comprising a base, an end cap clamping module, an optical fiber clamping module, a fusion splicing module, and a coating module;

[0006] The base is provided with a bracket, the end cap clamping module is located on the base, the end cap clamping module is used to clamp the end cap, the fusion module and the optical fiber clamping module are located on the bracket, the fusion module is used to fuse the end cap and the optical fiber, the optical fiber clamping module is located above the end cap clamping module, the optical fiber clamping module can be raised and lowered along the bracket, and the optical fiber clamping module is used to clamp the optical fiber;

[0007] The coating module includes two detachably connected coating blocks, one of which is slidably arranged on the bracket in the horizontal direction and can be raised and lowered along the bracket. Each coating block has a groove arranged in the vertical direction so that the two grooves form glue holes that can penetrate the optical fiber and inject glue. Inflatable sealing rubber rings are detachably inserted above the corresponding glue holes on the two coating blocks to clamp the optical fiber after inflation. An ultraviolet lamp and a transparent partition are sequentially inserted from the outside to the inside on one side of at least one coating block facing the groove to isolate the ultraviolet lamp and the groove. Each coating block has multiple glue injection holes and multiple vacuum adsorption holes, each of which is connected to the corresponding groove, and one end of the multiple vacuum adsorption holes faces the base to adsorb the top surface of the rear end cap of the fusion splicing.

[0008] Optionally, the end cap clamping module includes an adjustment plate and a plurality of clamping units for clamping the end caps, the adjustment plate is movably arranged on the base along a horizontal direction, and the plurality of clamping units are located on the adjustment plate.

[0009] Optionally, each clamping unit includes a movable block and a clamping plate, one end of the clamping plate extends out of the movable block, and the other end of the clamping plate is movably inserted into the movable block to swing and rise and fall relative to the movable block, and multiple clamping plates are used to clamp end caps.

[0010] Optionally, the optical fiber clamping module includes a mounting plate and a movable plate, the mounting plate can be raised and lowered along the bracket, the mounting plate is provided with an optical fiber positioning groove, and the movable plate can be movably arranged on the mounting plate to clamp the light in the optical fiber positioning groove.

[0011] Optionally, the bottom of the mounting plate has a plurality of guide rods arranged at intervals, and the top of a coating block has a plurality of guide grooves arranged at intervals, each of the guide rods and the guide grooves are arranged vertically, and one end of each guide rod can be slidably inserted in the corresponding guide groove.

[0012] Optionally, the welding coating device further includes an observation module, which includes a microscope and a mounting frame. The microscope is arranged on the mounting frame in a liftable manner, and the mounting frame is located on the base.

[0013] Optionally, the base is provided with a guide rail, and the mounting bracket can be slidably inserted into the guide rail to adjust the position of the mounting bracket on the base.

[0014] Optionally, a transparent glass is inserted into the other coating block, one side of the transparent glass extends out of the coating block, and the other side of the transparent glass is inserted into the groove.

[0015] Optionally, a tension sensor is provided on the optical fiber clamping module to monitor the tension applied to the optical fiber clamping module.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a fusion coating method for an optical fiber end cap, the fusion coating method being based on the fusion coating device described in the first aspect, the fusion coating method comprising:

[0017] Removing the outer cladding of one end of the optical fiber, and clamping the end cap and the other end of the optical fiber respectively by the end cap clamping module and the optical fiber clamping module;

[0018] Slide the optical fiber clamping module downward so that one end of the optical fiber contacts the end cap, and use a fusion splicing module to fusion splice the end cap and one end of the optical fiber to obtain an optical fiber end cap;

[0019] Move one coating block horizontally on the bracket so that the optical fiber passes through the corresponding groove, install another coating block on one coating block, and slide the two coating blocks downward until they are moved above the end cap after fusion;

[0020] Inserting an inflatable sealing rubber ring, inflating the inflatable sealing rubber ring until the optical fiber is clamped, and then releasing the clamping of the optical fiber by the optical fiber clamping module;

[0021] The fused end cap is sucked upward through the vacuum suction hole, and the inflatable sealing rubber ring is gradually deflated until the end cap is sucked onto the coating block so that the inflatable sealing rubber ring is re-inflated to clamp the optical fiber;

[0022] Glue is injected into the glue injection hole, and the glue is irradiated by the ultraviolet lamp to solidify the glue, thereby achieving coating of the optical fiber end cap at the melting point and the bare optical fiber part.

[0023] The above-mentioned improved technical features can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] In general, the above technical solutions conceived by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0025] In a fusion splicing and coating device for optical fiber end caps provided in an embodiment of the present invention, during fusion splicing, the outer coating at one end of the optical fiber is first removed, and the end cap and the other end of the optical fiber are clamped by an end cap clamping module and a fiber clamping module, respectively. Then, the fiber clamping module is slid downward, so that one end of the optical fiber contacts the end cap, and the end cap and the optical fiber end are fusion-spliced ​​using the fusion splicing module, thereby forming a fiber end cap. At this point, the length above the top surface of the end cap after fusion splicing is the melting point and bare fiber portion.

[0026] On the other hand, when coating (i.e., coating the fiber end cap), first, move one coating block horizontally within the bracket so that the fiber passes through the corresponding groove. Then, install another coating block on one coating block. At this point, the fiber passes through the adhesive hole and is separated from the inner wall of the adhesive hole. Slide the two coating blocks downward until they are above the fused end cap. At this point, there is a slight gap between the top surface of the fused end cap and the two coating blocks, ensuring that the subsequent coating blocks can absorb and move the fused end cap upward. Next, insert the inflatable sealing rubber ring and inflate it until it clamps the fiber, thereby clamping and securing the fiber. The fiber clamping module then releases its grip on the fiber, securing the fiber only with the inflatable sealing rubber ring. Then, the fused end cap is sucked upward through the vacuum suction hole, while the inflatable sealing rubber ring is gradually deflated. The end cap can now be moved toward the coating block by suction (moving the end cap upwards and the fiber moving upwards simultaneously). The entire fiber end cap is considered to be in a critical fixed state. And until the end cap is adsorbed onto the coating block, the inflatable sealing rubber ring is re-inflated to clamp the optical fiber, so that the top surface of the end cap after welding is adsorbed on the bottom surface of the coating block (i.e., the adsorption surface) to achieve sealing, and the optical fiber (non-exposed part) is fixed and sealed by the inflatable sealing rubber ring. At this time, under the combined effect of the adsorption surface, the upper and lower sealing of the inflatable sealing rubber ring, and the circumferential surrounding of the melting point and the bare optical fiber by the two coating blocks, the optical fiber end cap is completely sealed at the melting point and the bare optical fiber. Finally, glue is injected into the glue injection hole, and the glue is irradiated with ultraviolet light and solidified, so that a coating layer is formed on the melting point and the bare optical fiber end cap, thereby finally achieving protection for the melting point and the bare optical fiber part, and avoiding the problem that the optical fiber end cap is easily damaged at the melting point and the bare optical fiber part when high-frequency and large-scale deflection is implemented after the end cap is welded.

[0027] That is to say, the embodiment of the present invention provides a fusion coating device for optical fiber end caps, which can not only realize the fusion of the end cap and the optical fiber, but also realize convenient coating of the melting point and bare optical fiber part of the optical fiber end cap after fusion, thereby avoiding the problem that the optical fiber end cap is easily damaged at the melting point and bare optical fiber part when high-frequency and large-range deflection is implemented after the end cap is fused. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a fusion coating device for an optical fiber end cap provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a coating block provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is a first view of another coating block provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4is a second view of another coating block provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of an end cap clamping module provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a fiber clamping module provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of a method for fusion coating of an optical fiber end cap provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In all the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same technical features, specifically:

[0036] 1. Base; 11. Bracket; 2. End cap clamping module; 21. Adjustment plate; 211. Slide rail; 22. Clamping unit; 221. Movable block; 222. Clamping plate; 3. Fiber clamping module; 31. Mounting plate; 311. Fiber positioning groove; 312. Guide rod; 32. Movable plate; 4. Fusion splicing module; 5. Coating module; 51. Coating block; 511. Groove; 512. Inflatable sealing rubber ring; 513. UV lamp; 514. Glue injection hole; 515. Vacuum adsorption hole; 516. Guide groove; 517. Transparent glass; 518. Rubber pad; 6. Observation module; 61. Microscope; 62. Mounting frame; 63. Guide rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only intended to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below may be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0040] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0041] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0042] Example:

[0043] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a fusion coating device for an optical fiber end cap provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fusion splicing and coating device includes a base 1 , an end cap clamping module 2 , an optical fiber clamping module 3 , a fusion splicing module 4 and a coating module 5 .

[0044] The base 1 has a bracket 11, and the end cap clamping module 2 is located on the base 1. The end cap clamping module 2 is used to clamp the end cap. The fusion module 4 and the optical fiber clamping module 3 are located on the bracket 11. The fusion module 4 is used to fuse the end cap and the optical fiber. The optical fiber clamping module 3 is located above the end cap clamping module 2. The optical fiber clamping module 3 can be raised and lowered along the bracket 11. The optical fiber clamping module 3 is used to clamp the optical fiber.

[0045] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a coating block provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a first view of another coating block provided by an embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the coating module 5 includes two detachably connected coating blocks 51, one coating block 51 is slidably arranged on the bracket 11 in the horizontal direction and can be raised and lowered along the bracket 11, each coating block 51 has a groove 511 arranged along the vertical direction, so that the two grooves 511 form a glue hole that can penetrate the optical fiber and can be injected with glue, and an inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 is detachably inserted above the corresponding glue holes on the two coating blocks 51 to clamp the optical fiber after inflation, and an ultraviolet lamp 513 and a transparent partition (not shown) are sequentially inserted from the outside to the inside on one side facing the groove 511 of at least one coating block 51 to isolate the ultraviolet lamp 513 and the groove 511, each coating block 51 has a plurality of glue injection holes 514 and a plurality of vacuum adsorption holes 515, each glue injection hole 514 is connected to the corresponding groove 511, and one end of the plurality of vacuum adsorption holes 515 faces the base 1 to adsorb the top surface of the rear end cap of the fusion.

[0046] In the fusion splicing and coating device for optical fiber end caps provided in an embodiment of the present invention, during fusion splicing, the outer cladding at one end of the optical fiber is first removed, and the end cap and the other end of the optical fiber are clamped by end cap clamping module 2 and optical fiber clamping module 3, respectively. Then, optical fiber clamping module 3 is slid downward, so that one end of the optical fiber contacts the end cap, and the end cap and one end of the optical fiber are fusion-spliced ​​using fusion splicing module 4, thereby forming a fiber end cap. At this point, the length above the top surface of the end cap after fusion splicing is the melting point and bare fiber portion.

[0047] On the other hand, for coating (i.e. coating the optical fiber end cap), first, move a coating block 51 horizontally on the bracket 11 so that the optical fiber passes through the corresponding groove 511, and install another coating block 51 on one coating block 51. At this time, the optical fiber passes through the glue hole and is spaced from the inner wall of the glue hole. Slide the two coating blocks 51 downward until they are moved above the end cap after welding. At this time, there is a small gap (usually 0.1-0.5mm) between the top surface of the end cap after welding and the two coating blocks 51, ensuring that the subsequent coating block 51 can adsorb and move the end cap after welding. Next, insert the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512, and inflate the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 until the optical fiber is clamped, thereby clamping and fixing the optical fiber through the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512. Then release the clamping of the optical fiber by the optical fiber clamping module 3. At this time, the optical fiber is only fixed by the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512. Then, the fused end cap is sucked upward through the vacuum suction hole 515, and the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 is gradually deflated at the same time. At this time, the end cap can be moved toward the coating block 51 by suction (the end cap moves upward while the optical fiber moves upward), and the entire optical fiber end cap is considered to be in a fixed critical state. And until the end cap is sucked onto the coating block 51, the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 is re-inflated to clamp the optical fiber. In this way, the top surface of the fused end cap is sucked onto the bottom surface (i.e., the suction surface) of the coating block 51 to achieve sealing, and the optical fiber (non-exposed part) is fixed and sealed by the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512. At this time, under the combined action of the suction surface, the upper and lower sealing of the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512, and the circumferential surrounding of the melting point and bare optical fiber parts by the two coating blocks 51, the optical fiber end cap is completely sealed at the melting point and bare optical fiber parts. Finally, glue is injected into the glue injection hole 514, and the glue is irradiated by the ultraviolet lamp 513 to solidify the glue, so that a coating layer is formed at the melting point and the bare optical fiber part of the optical fiber end cap, thereby ultimately achieving protection for the melting point and the bare optical fiber part, and avoiding the problem that the optical fiber end cap is easily damaged at the melting point and the bare optical fiber part when high-frequency and large-range deflection is implemented after the end cap is fused.

[0048] That is to say, the embodiment of the present invention provides a fusion coating device for optical fiber end caps, which can not only realize the fusion of the end cap and the optical fiber, but also realize convenient coating of the melting point and bare optical fiber part of the optical fiber end cap after fusion, thereby avoiding the problem that the optical fiber end cap is easily damaged at the melting point and bare optical fiber part when high-frequency and large-range deflection is implemented after the end cap is fused.

[0049] It should be noted that in the vertical direction, the length of the two coating blocks 51 is greater than the length of the fiber end cap at the melting point and the bare fiber portion, so that the top of the coating block 51 can completely surround the bare fiber portion. The glue can be ultraviolet optical glue that can be cured under the irradiation of the ultraviolet lamp 513.

[0050] For example, after the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 is inflated, the inner ring expands to fix the optical fiber, and the outer ring expands to contact the pressure sensor, which is used to obtain feedback and adjust the inflation uniformity, the inner ring fixation condition, etc. in the pressure sensor signal.

[0051] It is easy to understand that before the two coating blocks 51 surround the melting point and bare fiber portion of the fiber end cap, one coating block 51 is horizontally offset from the fiber and end cap to prevent the coating block 51 from interfering with the fusion splicing of the end cap and fiber by the fusion splicing module 4. After the fusion splicing is completed, one coating block 51 is horizontally moved on the bracket 11 until the fiber passes through the corresponding groove 511. The other coating block 51 is then installed on this basis, thus circumferentially surrounding the fiber end cap around the melting point and bare fiber portion.

[0052] For example, the fusion splicing module 4 may be an orthogonal CO2 laser device, the end cap may be a QBH quartz end cap, and the optical fiber may be a 20 / 400 optical fiber.

[0053] For example, the bracket 11 is provided with an X-axis slide and a Z-axis slide, with one end of the X-axis slide connected to the Z-axis slide. The X-axis slide allows a coating block 51 to slide horizontally, while the Z-axis slide allows a coating block 51 to be raised and lowered. During welding, a coating block 51 is retracted via the X-axis slide. When coating is required, a coating block 51 slides onto the Z-axis slide via the X-axis slide, then slides out, and is subsequently raised and lowered vertically via the Z-axis slide.

[0054] In addition, the bottom of the groove 511 is a trumpet-shaped structure, which can increase the width of the adhesive layer after coating in the horizontal direction and enhance the coating effect.

[0055] For example, the transparent partition may be made of quartz glass.

[0056] Figure 4 1 is a second view of another coating block provided by an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the other coating block 51 has a positioning groove, into which a rubber pad 518 is inserted. The rubber pad 518 has multiple through holes, each of which is connected to a corresponding vacuum adsorption hole 515. The elasticity of the rubber pad 518 ensures that the welded end cap and the rubber pad 518 are parallel during subsequent adsorption, ensuring the adsorption effect and preventing air leakage. Similarly, the rubber pad 518 is also provided on the coating block 51.

[0057] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an end cap clamping module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5As shown, in one implementation of the present invention, the end cap clamping module 2 includes an adjustment plate 21 and a plurality of clamping units 22 for clamping the end caps. The adjustment plate 21 is movably arranged on the base 1 along the horizontal direction, and the plurality of clamping units 22 are located on the adjustment plate 21.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the adjustment plate 21 can be brought to the multiple clamping units 22 on the base 1 to move, thereby adjusting the position of the end cap in the horizontal direction to ensure that the end cap and the optical fiber can be initially aligned, which is regarded as a coarse adjustment.

[0059] For example, the number of the clamping units 22 may be four.

[0060] Furthermore, each clamping unit 22 includes a movable block 221 and a clamping plate 222, one end of the clamping plate 222 extends out of the movable block 221, and the other end of the clamping plate 222 is movably inserted into the movable block 221 to swing and rise and fall relative to the movable block 221. Multiple clamping plates 222 are used to clamp end caps.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the movable block 221 supports the splint 222, and the splint 222 can swing and rotate relative to the movable block 221, thereby adjusting the height and inclination of the splint 222, and precisely adjusting the end cap to achieve precise alignment of the end cap and the optical fiber, which is regarded as fine adjustment.

[0062] For example, the adjustment plate 21 has a cross-shaped slide rail 211, and the four movable plates 32 are respectively arranged on the corresponding slide rails 211 to realize the gathering and separation of multiple clamping plates 222, thereby facilitating the loading and unloading of end caps, and at the same time, can realize the clamping of end caps of different sizes.

[0063] In addition, the bottom end of the clamping plate 222 can be driven by movably arranged gears or rollers inside the movable block 221 to achieve lifting and deflection.

[0064] In another implementation of the present invention, the end cap clamping module 2 may also be a six-axis platform, which is not limited by the present invention.

[0065] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a fiber clamping module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the optical fiber clamping module 3 includes a mounting plate 31 and a movable plate 32. The mounting plate 31 can be raised and lowered along the bracket 11. A optical fiber positioning groove 311 is provided on the mounting plate 31. The movable plate 32 can be movably provided on the mounting plate 31 to clamp the light in the optical fiber positioning groove 311.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the optical fiber positioning groove 311 on the mounting plate 31 can realize the positioning of the optical fiber, and the movable plate 32 can conveniently realize the clamping of the optical fiber.

[0067] For example, one side of the movable panel 32 is hinged to the mounting plate 31 , and the other end of the movable panel 32 is electromagnetically engaged and disengaged.

[0068] Furthermore, the bottom of the mounting plate 31 has a plurality of guide rods 312 arranged at intervals, and the top of a coating block 51 has a plurality of guide grooves 516 arranged at intervals. Each guide rod 312 and guide groove 516 is arranged vertically, and one end of each guide rod 312 can be slidably inserted into the corresponding guide groove 516.

[0069] It is easy to understand that through the cooperation of the guide rod 312 and the guide groove 516, the two coating blocks 51 and the mounting plate 31 can be precisely positioned vertically, ensuring the vertical arrangement of the optical fiber and avoiding the horizontal misalignment of the two and causing lateral stress on the optical fiber.

[0070] See again Figure 1 The welding and coating device further includes an observation module 6 , which includes a microscope 61 and a mounting frame 62 . The microscope 61 is movably arranged on the mounting frame 62 , and the mounting frame 62 is located on the base 1 .

[0071] In the above embodiment, the mounting frame 62 supports and elevates the microscope 61, and the microscope 61 can observe the height difference and alignment of the optical fiber and the end cap, so as to facilitate the installation or adjustment of the optical fiber and the end cap.

[0072] Furthermore, the base 1 has a guide rail 63, and the mounting frame 62 can be slidably inserted in the guide rail 63 to adjust the position of the mounting frame 62 on the base 1. This not only can adjust the distance between the mounting frame 62 and the bracket 11, but also can prevent the mounting frame 62 from interfering with the installation of the optical fiber or end cap.

[0073] In this embodiment, a transparent glass 517 is inserted into another coating block 51. One side of the transparent glass 517 extends out of the coating block 51, and the other side of the transparent glass 517 is inserted into the groove 511. The curing status of the glue in the glue hole can be observed through the transparent glass 517.

[0074] In addition, a tension sensor is provided on the optical fiber clamping module 3 to monitor the tension applied to the optical fiber clamping module 3 .

[0075] It is easy to understand that the tension sensor is pulled by the external tension, and the tension sensor can directly read and determine the tension transmitted to the optical fiber clamping module 3, thereby realizing the judgment of the welding strength after welding.

[0076] Figure 7 Flowchart of a method for fusion splicing and coating an optical fiber end cap provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 7As shown, the fusion coating method is based on the above-mentioned fusion coating device, and the fusion coating method includes:

[0077] S1. Remove the outer cladding of one end of the optical fiber, and clamp the end cap and the other end of the optical fiber respectively by the end cap clamping module 2 and the optical fiber clamping module 3.

[0078] Exemplarily, the exposed length of one end of the optical fiber may be 15 mm.

[0079] S2. Slide the optical fiber clamping module 3 downward so that one end of the optical fiber contacts the end cap, and use the fusion splicing module 4 to fusion splice the end cap and one end of the optical fiber to obtain an optical fiber end cap.

[0080] S3. Move a coating block 51 horizontally on the bracket 11 so that the optical fiber passes through the corresponding groove 511, install another coating block 51 on the coating block 51, and slide the two coating blocks 51 downward until they move to above the end cap after fusion.

[0081] S4, inserting the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512, and inflating the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 until the optical fiber is clamped, and then releasing the clamping of the optical fiber clamping module 3 on the optical fiber.

[0082] S5. The fused end cap is sucked upward through the vacuum suction hole 515, and the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 is gradually deflated until the end cap is sucked onto the coating block 51 so that the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 is re-inflated to clamp the optical fiber.

[0083] S6. Glue is injected into the glue injection hole 514, and the glue is irradiated by the ultraviolet lamp 513 to solidify the glue, thereby coating the optical fiber end cap at the melting point and the bare optical fiber part.

[0084] The embodiment of the present invention provides a fusion coating method for optical fiber end caps, which can not only realize the fusion splicing of the end cap and the optical fiber, but also realize convenient coating of the melting point and bare optical fiber parts of the optical fiber end cap after fusion splicing, thereby avoiding the problem that the optical fiber end cap is easily damaged at the melting point and bare optical fiber parts when high-frequency and large-range deflection is implemented after the end cap is fused.

[0085] It should be noted that after the coating is completed, the adsorption of the end cap is released, the inflatable sealing rubber ring 512 is deflated, the two coating blocks 51 are separated, and the coated optical fiber end cap is removed.

[0086] It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fusion coating device for optical fiber end caps, characterized in that: The fusion splicing and coating device comprises a base (1), an end cap clamping module (2), an optical fiber clamping module (3), a fusion splicing module (4) and a coating module (5); The base (1) is provided with a bracket (11), the end cap clamping module (2) is located on the base (1), the end cap clamping module (2) is used to clamp the end cap, the fusion module (4) and the optical fiber clamping module (3) are located on the bracket (11), the fusion module (4) is used to fusion-splice the end cap and the optical fiber, the optical fiber clamping module (3) is located above the end cap clamping module (2), the optical fiber clamping module (3) can be raised and lowered along the bracket (11), and the optical fiber clamping module (3) is used to clamp the optical fiber; The coating module (5) comprises two detachably connected coating blocks (51), one of the coating blocks (51) being slidably arranged on the bracket (11) in the horizontal direction and being able to be lifted and lowered along the bracket (11), each of the coating blocks (51) having a groove (511) penetrating in the vertical direction, so that the two grooves (511) form glue holes that can penetrate the optical fiber and can be injected with glue, and an inflatable sealing rubber ring (512) is detachably inserted above the corresponding glue holes on the two coating blocks (51) to clamp the optical fiber after inflation. An optical fiber, wherein a UV lamp (513) and a transparent partition are sequentially inserted from the outside to the inside on a side of at least one coating block (51) facing the groove (511) to isolate the UV lamp (513) and the groove (511), and each coating block (51) has a plurality of glue injection holes (514) and a plurality of vacuum adsorption holes (515), each of the glue injection holes (514) is connected to the corresponding groove (511), and one end of the plurality of vacuum adsorption holes (515) faces the base (1) to adsorb the top surface of the rear end cap of the fusion splicing.

2. A fusion coating device for an optical fiber end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap clamping module (2) comprises an adjustment plate (21) and a plurality of clamping units (22) for clamping the end caps; the adjustment plate (21) is movably arranged on the base (1) in a horizontal direction; and the plurality of clamping units (22) are located on the adjustment plate (21).

3. The fusion coating device for an optical fiber end cap according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each clamping unit (22) comprises a movable block (221) and a clamping plate (222), one end of the clamping plate (222) extends out of the movable block (221), and the other end of the clamping plate (222) is movably inserted into the movable block (221) so as to be able to swing and rise and fall relative to the movable block (221), and a plurality of clamping plates (222) are used for clamping end caps.

4. The fusion coating device for optical fiber end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber clamping module (3) comprises a mounting plate (31) and a movable plate (32); the mounting plate (31) can be raised and lowered along the bracket (11); an optical fiber positioning groove (311) is provided on the mounting plate (31); and the movable plate (32) can be movably arranged on the mounting plate (31) to clamp light in the optical fiber positioning groove (311).

5. The fusion coating device for optical fiber end cap according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the mounting plate (31) is provided with a plurality of guide rods (312) arranged at intervals, and the top of one coating block (51) is provided with a plurality of guide grooves (516) arranged at intervals. Each of the guide rods (312) and the guide grooves (516) are arranged vertically, and one end of each guide rod (312) can be slidably inserted into the corresponding guide groove (516).

6. The fusion coating device for optical fiber end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The welding coating device further comprises an observation module (6), wherein the observation module (6) comprises a microscope (61) and a mounting frame (62), wherein the microscope (61) is arranged on the mounting frame (62) in a liftable manner, and the mounting frame (62) is located on the base (1).

7. The fusion coating device for optical fiber end cap according to claim 6, characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with a guide rail (63), and the mounting frame (62) can be slidably inserted into the guide rail (63) to adjust the position of the mounting frame (62) on the base (1).

8. A fusion coating device for an optical fiber end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A transparent glass (517) is inserted into the other coating block (51), one side of the transparent glass (517) extends out of the coating block (51), and the other side of the transparent glass (517) is inserted into the groove (511).

9. A fusion coating device for an optical fiber end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The optical fiber clamping module (3) is provided with a tension sensor to monitor the tension applied to the optical fiber clamping module (3).

10. A method for fusion coating of an optical fiber end cap, characterized in that: The welding coating method is based on the welding coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the welding coating method includes: The outer cladding of one end of the optical fiber is removed, and the end cap and the other end of the optical fiber are clamped respectively by the end cap clamping module (2) and the optical fiber clamping module (3); Sliding the optical fiber clamping module (3) downwards so that one end of the optical fiber contacts the end cap, and using the fusion splicing module (4) to fusion splice the end cap and one end of the optical fiber to obtain an optical fiber end cap; One coating block (51) is horizontally moved on the bracket (11) so that the optical fiber passes through the corresponding groove (511), and another coating block (51) is installed on the coating block (51), and the two coating blocks (51) are slid downward until they are moved above the end cap after fusion; Inserting an inflatable sealing rubber ring (512), and inflating the inflatable sealing rubber ring (512) until the optical fiber is clamped, and then releasing the clamping of the optical fiber clamping module (3) on the optical fiber; The fused end cap is sucked upward through the vacuum suction hole (515), and the inflatable sealing rubber ring (512) is gradually deflated until the end cap is sucked onto the coating block (51), so that the inflatable sealing rubber ring (512) is re-inflated to clamp the optical fiber; Glue is injected into the glue injection hole (514), and the glue is irradiated by the ultraviolet lamp (513) to solidify the glue, thereby achieving coating of the optical fiber end cap at the melting point and the bare optical fiber portion.

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