An optical fiber coating stripper

Abstract

The application provides a fiber coating stripping device and a coating stripping method thereof, which comprises a cutting assembly and two fiber rotating assemblies arranged along an X horizontal direction, and a cutting station is arranged between the two fiber rotating assemblies. The fiber rotating assembly comprises a rotating module and a tensioning module. Two ends of the fiber to be stripped are fixed on the fiber clamping devices on the two sides respectively. During stripping, the position of one side of the sliding block is limited by the rotating block, while the sliding block on the other side is not limited. The elastic element is used to keep the fiber to be stripped tight. Then, the coating is cut by the blade under the condition of keeping the appropriate tension tight. Through the movement along the X horizontal direction and the change of the cutting angle, bidirectional feeding is realized. Through the rotation of the fiber clamping device, the fiber is stripped for multiple times without re-clamping. Then, the two end cutting surfaces can be processed into regular conical or polygonal conical shapes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber processing equipment, and more particularly to an optical fiber coating stripping device and a coating stripping method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of producing fiber Bragg gratings, it is necessary to remove the coating layer in the middle section of the fiber and perform optical writing on the bare fiber part. After the writing is completed, the bare fiber part is recoated. In order to ensure the quality of the subsequent recoating, the cut surfaces at both ends of the bare fiber need to be processed into regular conical shapes before the fiber is recoated.

[0003] Existing stripping devices can only cut one side of the coating layer at a time. They need to rotate and adjust the position of the fiber coating layer before re-clamping it to perform the next stripping step. This process needs to be repeated multiple times to process the cut surfaces at both ends of the fiber into regular conical or polygonal conical shapes. The above processing method not only requires multiple clamping steps, but also cannot be positioned correctly due to inconsistent clamping positions. Consequently, it is impossible to guarantee the cutting position each time, which makes it impossible to guarantee the consistency of the opening length, affecting the yield of the fiber and the processing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to provide an efficient and precise fiber coating stripping device.

[0005] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a coating stripping method for the above-mentioned optical fiber coating stripping device.

[0006] To achieve the first objective of this invention, the present invention provides an optical fiber coating stripping device, comprising a cutting assembly and two optical fiber rotating assemblies. The two optical fiber rotating assemblies are arranged along the X-axis horizontal direction, and a cutting station is provided between the two optical fiber rotating assemblies. Each optical fiber rotating assembly includes a rotating module and a tensioning module. The rotating module includes a fiber clamping device and a rotating drive device. The fiber clamping device has an optical fiber groove extending along the X-axis horizontal direction, and the rotating drive device is connected to the fiber clamping device and drives the optical fiber groove to rotate around the X-axis horizontal direction. The tensioning module includes a slider, a fixed base, an elastic element, a rotating block, and a locking drive device. The rotating module is mounted on the slider, and the slider is connected to the fixed base and can move along the X-axis horizontal direction. The slider is equipped with a positioning slot. A locking drive device is connected to the rotating block. The locking drive device drives the rotating block to engage or disengage with the positioning slot. When the rotating block engages with the positioning slot, the rotating block restricts the movement of the slider in the X-axis horizontal direction. An elastic element is connected between the slider and the fixed seat. The elastic element applies a tension force to the slider in the X-axis horizontal direction away from the cutting station. The tension forces applied by the elastic elements of the two fiber optic rotating assemblies are arranged in opposite directions. The cutting assembly includes a cutter, an X-axis drive device, and a Z-axis drive device. The X-axis drive device is connected to the cutter and drives the cutter to move in the X-axis horizontal direction at the cutting station. The Z-axis drive device is connected to the cutter and drives the cutter to move in the Z-axis vertical direction.

[0007] A further improvement is that the positioning slot has guide ramps on both sides in the X-direction, and the rotating block slides in conjunction with the guide ramps.

[0008] A further solution is that the tensioning module also includes rollers and a shaft. The shaft axis is perpendicular to the X horizontal direction. The shaft is fixedly connected to the rotating block and rotates with the rotating block. The roller is sleeved outside the shaft and can rotate around the shaft axis. The roller rolls in cooperation with the guide ramp. The roller restricts the movement of the slider in the X horizontal direction.

[0009] A further solution is to include a position detection plate and a position sensor in the tensioning module. The position detection plate is fixedly connected to the rotating block and rotates with the rotating block, while the position sensor is used to detect the rotational position of the position detection plate.

[0010] A further proposed solution is that the tensioning module includes a slide rail extending in the X-direction and connecting the slide rail between the slider and the fixed base; the slider is provided with a first fixed block, the fixed base is provided with a second fixed block, and the elastic element is a spring extending in the X-direction and connecting the first fixed block and the second fixed block.

[0011] A further proposed solution is that the tensioning module includes an adjusting screw, the second fixing block has an adjusting screw hole along the X horizontal direction, the fixing seat has a positioning hole on the outside of the second fixing block, the adjusting screw passes through the positioning hole and connects to the adjusting screw hole, and the adjusting screw is used to adjust the position of the second fixing block in the X horizontal direction.

[0012] A further proposed solution is that the cutting assembly also includes an angle adjustment drive device, which is connected to the Z-axis drive device and connected to the cutter to drive the cutter to rotate around the Y-axis horizontal direction.

[0013] A further proposed solution is to have the cutting edge of the cutter parallel to the Y-axis, and to have the cutter rotate around the cutting edge.

[0014] A further proposed solution is that the cutting assembly includes a Y-axis drive unit, which is connected to the cutter and drives the cutter to move along the Y-axis horizontal direction.

[0015] To achieve the second objective of this invention, this invention provides a coating removal method for an optical fiber cleaning device applied to the above-described scheme. The coating removal method includes:

[0016] The first end of the optical fiber to be stripped is fixed on the fiber clamping device on the first side;

[0017] The second end of the optical fiber to be stripped is fixed on the fiber clamping device on the second side;

[0018] The first rotating block engages with the positioning slot, the second rotating block separates from the positioning slot, and the elastic element on the second side keeps the fiber to be stripped taut.

[0019] The cutter cuts the optical fiber to be stripped along the X-axis from the second side toward the first side.

[0020] As can be seen from the above scheme, the two ends of the optical fiber to be stripped are fixed on the fiber clamping devices on both sides. During stripping, the position of the slider on one side can be restricted by the rotating block, while the slider on the other side is released. The elastic element keeps the optical fiber to be stripped taut. Then, under appropriate tension, the coating layer is cut by the blade. By moving along the X horizontal direction and changing the cutting angle, bidirectional cutting is achieved. Furthermore, by rotating the fiber clamping device, multiple stripping of the optical fiber can be achieved without re-clamping. The cut surfaces at both ends can be processed into regular conical or polygonal conical shapes. The Z-axis drive device controls the position of each cut, thus enabling the entire coating stripping process to be completed in one clamping, and ensuring the consistency of the opening length. This solution not only improves production efficiency and reduces the risk of damaging the optical fiber, but also allows for convenient adjustment of relevant process parameters. Furthermore, the rotating block and rollers cooperate with the guide ramp to better engage with the positioning slot, and the position can be detected by a position sensor. In addition, the position of the second fixing block can be adjusted by adjusting the screw, thereby adjusting the spring tension. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the optical fiber coating removal device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an internal structural diagram of an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the optical fiber rotating assembly in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the rotating module and the tensioning module in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the rotating module and the tensioning module in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the rotating module in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the rotating module and tensioning module from another perspective in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the cutting component in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the loading step of an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking step on the right side of an embodiment of the optical fiber coating removal device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the stripping step on the right side of an embodiment of the optical fiber coating stripping device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber coating stripping device embodiment of the present invention during the reversing step.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking step on the left side of an embodiment of the optical fiber coating removal device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber coating stripping device embodiment of the present invention during the stripping step on the left.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber coating stripping device embodiment of the present invention during the fiber transfer step.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the optical fiber after one cutting operation in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating removal device of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the optical fiber after four cutting operations in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating removal device of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the optical fiber after eight cutting operations in an embodiment of the optical fiber coating removal device of the present invention.

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 8The optical fiber coating stripping device includes a housing 111, an outer cover 112, a cutting assembly 2, and two optical fiber rotating assemblies 3. The cutting assembly 2 and the two optical fiber rotating assemblies 3 are mounted on the housing 111. The two optical fiber rotating assemblies 3 are arranged along the X-axis horizontal direction and are symmetrically arranged around the center. A cutting station 10 is provided between the two optical fiber rotating assemblies 3. The outer cover 112 covers the cutting station 10 and is connected to the housing 111. A waste bin 113 is provided below the cutting station 10 on the housing 111. The waste bin 113 is detachably arranged and used to collect coating waste.

[0041] The fiber optic rotating assembly 3 includes a rotating module and a tensioning module. The rotating module includes a fiber clamping device 321 and a rotating drive device 324. The fiber clamping device 321 is provided with a fiber groove 322 extending in the X horizontal direction. A clamping plate 323 is provided at the end of the fiber groove 322 in the X horizontal direction near the cutting station 10. The fiber clamping device 321 is provided with an outer peripheral gear on the outer periphery of the fiber groove 322, and the fiber clamping device 321 is provided with a V-shaped opening above the fiber groove 322 to facilitate the installation and removal of optical fibers. In this embodiment, the rotary drive device 324 includes a drive gear, a transmission belt, and two transmission gears 325. The drive gear is connected to the drive motor 30 via a transmission shaft 301. Under the drive of the drive motor 30, the drive gear rotates. The transmission belt is connected between the drive gear and the two transmission gears 325. Tensioning wheels 315 are also provided on both sides of the transmission belt. The two transmission gears 325 are respectively connected to the outer peripheral gears of the fiber clamping device 321. Then, the rotary drive device 324 drives the fiber clamping device 321 and the fiber optic groove 322 to rotate around the X horizontal direction.

[0042] The tensioning module includes a slider 319, a fixed base 311, an elastic element 34, a rotating block 316, and a locking drive device 313. The rotation module is mounted on the slider 319. The fiber clamping device 321 and the rotation drive device 324 are rotatably mounted on the slider 319. The slide rail 312 extends along the X horizontal direction and connects the slider 319 and the fixed base 311. The slider 319 is connected to the fixed base 311 through the slide rail 312 and can move along the X horizontal direction.

[0043] The slider 319 has a positioning block 326 on its horizontal side in the X horizontal direction. The positioning block 326 has a positioning groove 327. The extension direction of the groove 327 is perpendicular to the X horizontal direction. The positioning groove 327 has guide slopes 328 on both sides in the X horizontal direction. The locking drive device 313 is fixedly mounted on the fixed base 311. The locking drive device 313 can be a motor. The locking drive device 313 is connected to the rotating block 316 and drives the rotating block 316 to rotate around the X horizontal direction. The tensioning module also includes a roller 317, a roller 318, a position detection plate 334 and two position sensors 314. The axis of the roller 318 is perpendicular to the X horizontal direction. The roller 318 is fixedly connected to the rotating block 316 and rotates with the rotating block 316. The roller 317 is sleeved on the outside of the roller 318 and can rotate around the axis of the roller 318. The roller 317 is used to roll and cooperate with the guide inclined surface 328. Then the locking drive device 313 drives the rotating block 316 to engage or disengage from the positioning slot 327. When the rotating block 316 and the roller 317 are engaged with the positioning slot 327, the rotating block 316 and the roller 317 restrict the movement of the slider 319 in the X horizontal direction.

[0044] The position detection piece 334 is fixedly connected to the rotating block 316 and rotates with the rotating block 316. The two position sensors 31 are located on both sides of the locking drive device 313. When the rotating block 316 rotates to the engaging position or the disengaging position, the corresponding position detection piece rotates to two different positions. Then, the position sensor 314 is used to detect the different rotation positions of the position detection piece 334.

[0045] The slider 319 is provided with a first fixing block 329, the fixing seat 311 is provided with a second fixing block 331, the elastic element 34 is a spring, the spring extends along the X horizontal direction and connects between the first fixing block 329 and the second fixing block 331, and the first fixing block 329 and the second fixing block 331 are respectively provided with hooks.

[0046] The fixing base 311 has a fixing plate 333 on the outer side of the second fixing block 331 in the X horizontal direction. The tensioning module includes an adjusting screw 332. The second fixing block 331 has an adjusting screw hole 335 in the X horizontal direction. The fixing plate 333 of the fixing base 311 has a positioning hole on the outer side of the second fixing block 331. The adjusting screw 332 passes through the positioning hole and connects to the adjusting screw hole 335. The fixing plate 333 has a sliding groove extending in the X horizontal direction. The second fixing block 331 is slidably disposed in the sliding groove. By rotating the adjusting screw 332, the position of the second fixing block 331 in the X horizontal direction can be adjusted. Then, by adjusting the position of the second fixing block 331, the elastic force of the elastic element 34 can be adjusted. An elastic element 34 is connected between the slider 319 and the fixed seat 311. The elastic element 34 applies a tension force to the slider 319 in the X horizontal direction away from the cutting station 10, and the tension forces applied by the elastic elements 34 of the two optical fiber rotating assemblies 3 are arranged in opposite directions, thereby keeping the optical fiber taut.

[0047] The cutting assembly 2 includes a cutter 211, an X-axis drive device 215, a Y-axis drive device 216, a Z-axis drive device 214, and an angle adjustment drive device 213. The X-axis drive device 215 is mounted on the Y-axis drive device 216, and the Y-axis drive device 216 drives the X-axis drive device 215 to move along the Y-axis horizontal direction. The Z-axis drive device 214 is mounted on the X-axis drive device 215, and the X-axis drive device 215 drives the Z-axis drive device 214 to move along the X-axis horizontal direction. The angle adjustment drive device 213 is mounted on the Z-axis drive device 214, and the Z-axis drive device 214 drives the angle adjustment drive device 213 to move along the Z-axis vertical direction. The angle adjustment drive device 213 is connected to the cutter 211 via a tool holder 212, and the angle adjustment drive device 213 drives the cutter 211 to rotate around the Y-axis horizontal direction. Furthermore, the cutting edge 2111 of the cutter 211 is parallel to the Y-axis horizontal direction. The cutter 211 rotates around the cutting edge 2111, thereby improving the accuracy of the cutting position.

[0048] By driving the cutter 211 through the X-axis drive device 215, Y-axis drive device 216, Z-axis drive device 214 and angle adjustment drive device 213, the cutter 211 can not only move along the X-axis horizontal direction, Y-axis horizontal direction and Z-axis vertical direction on the cutting station 10, but also adjust the cutting angle through the rotation of the cutter 211. This enables bidirectional cutting. The movement of the cutter 211 in the Y-axis horizontal direction can make full use of the cutting edge at different positions and improve the durability of the cutter.

[0049] Reference Figure 9The coating removal method applied to the above-mentioned optical fiber cleaning equipment includes first fixing the first end of the optical fiber to be stripped on the first side of the fiber clamping device 321, and then fixing the second end of the optical fiber to be stripped on the second side of the fiber clamping device 321. At this time, the rollers 317 of the rotating blocks 316 on both sides engage with the positioning slots 327.

[0050] Reference Figure 10 Then, the roller 317 of the first rotating block 316 is engaged with the positioning slot 327, while the roller 317 of the second rotating block 316 is separated from the positioning slot 327. The elastic member 34 applies a tensioning force to the slider 319 in the X horizontal direction away from the cutting station 10. Then, the elastic member 34 on the second side keeps the optical fiber to be stripped taut. At the same time, the cutter 211 moves to the lower cutting position on the right and adjusts the corresponding cutting angle.

[0051] Reference Figure 11 After the cutter 211 cuts into the coating layer to a certain depth, the cutter 211 cuts the optical fiber to be stripped from the second side to the first side along the X horizontal direction.

[0052] Reference Figure 12 After the cutter 211 cuts the predetermined position on the left, the cutter 211 is lifted and the corresponding cutter angle is readjusted and reversed. The roller 317 of the first side rotating block 316 is separated from the positioning slot 327, while the roller 317 of the second side rotating block 316 is engaged with the positioning slot 327. The elastic member 34 applies a tensioning force to the slider 319 in the X horizontal direction away from the cutting station 10, and then the elastic member 34 on the first side keeps the optical fiber to be stripped taut.

[0053] Reference Figure 13 The cutting blade 211 moves to the lower cutting position on the right, as shown in the image. Figure 14 After the cutter 211 cuts into the coating layer to the same depth, the cutter 211 cuts the optical fiber to be stripped from the first side to the second side along the X horizontal direction.

[0054] Reference Figure 15 After completing the above steps, the fiber is rotated by the fiber clamping device 321 to rotate the fiber by a preset angle, and the above steps are repeated to remove the fiber coating. Then the rollers 317 on both sides engage with the positioning slots 327, and the fiber can be removed.

[0055] Reference Figure 16 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the optical fiber after one cutting operation. The cutting angle can be adjusted according to the cutting angle. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the optical fiber after four cutting processes. Figure 18This is a schematic diagram of the state of an optical fiber after eight cutting processes. As can be seen, after multiple cutting processes, the cut surfaces at both ends of the optical fiber are processed into regular conical or polygonal conical shapes.

[0056] Of course, the above embodiments are only preferred embodiments of this case, and there can be more variations in specific applications. For example, a rotating block can be directly connected to the guide ramp, and the guide ramp can also be driven to move closer to the cutting station through the rotating block. Alternatively, elastic elements such as torsion springs and tension springs can be used to apply tension to the optical fiber. In addition, regarding the arrangement of the rotary drive device, the above embodiment uses a unified drive source to drive motor 30 to transmit power to two rotary drive devices, while the rotary drive device can also be a device that generates its own driving force, such as a motor, which can also drive the fiber clamping device to rotate.

[0057] Furthermore, the cutting components can be adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, a fixed angle or manual angle adjustment can be used, or a single-sided cutting and stripping method can be used, which can also achieve the purpose of the present invention. All of the above-mentioned changes are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0058] As can be seen above, the two ends of the fiber to be stripped are fixed on the fiber clamping devices on both sides. During stripping, the position of the slider on one side can be restricted by the rotating block, while the slider on the other side is released. The elastic element keeps the fiber to be stripped taut. Then, under appropriate tension, the coating layer is cut by the blade. By moving along the X horizontal direction and changing the angle of the cutter, bidirectional cutting is achieved. Furthermore, by rotating the fiber clamping device, the fiber can be stripped multiple times without re-clamping. The cut surfaces at both ends can then be processed into regular conical or polygonal conical shapes.

Claims

1. An optical fiber coating stripper comprising: The cutting assembly and two optical fiber rotating assemblies are arranged along the X horizontal direction, and a cutting station is arranged between the two optical fiber rotating assemblies; The optical fiber rotating assembly comprises a rotating module and a tensioning module, the rotating module comprises a fiber clamping device and a rotating driving device, the fiber clamping device is provided with an optical fiber slot extending along the X horizontal direction, and the rotating driving device is connected with the fiber clamping device and drives the optical fiber slot to rotate around the X horizontal direction; The tensioning module comprises a sliding block, a fixed seat, an elastic element, a rotating block and a locking driving device, the rotating module is arranged on the sliding block, the sliding block is connected with the fixed seat and can move along the X horizontal direction, a positioning clamping groove is arranged on the sliding block, the locking driving device is connected with the rotating block, the locking driving device drives the rotating block to be clamped or separated from the positioning clamping groove, when the rotating block is clamped with the positioning clamping groove, the rotating block limits the movement of the sliding block in the X horizontal direction, the elastic element is connected between the sliding block and the fixed seat, the elastic element applies a tight force to the sliding block away from the cutting station along the X horizontal direction, and the tight forces applied by the elastic elements of the two optical fiber rotating assemblies are arranged in opposite directions; The cutting assembly comprises a cutter, an X-axis driving device and a Z-axis driving device, the X-axis driving device is connected with the cutter and drives the cutter to move along the X horizontal direction on the cutting station, and the Z-axis driving device is connected with the cutter and drives the cutter to move along the Z vertical direction; The cutting assembly further comprises an angle adjusting driving device, the angle adjusting driving device is connected with the Z-axis driving device, the angle adjusting driving device is connected with the cutter and drives the cutter to rotate around the Y horizontal direction; The cutting edge of the cutter is parallel to the Y horizontal direction, and the cutter rotates around the cutting edge; The X horizontal direction, the Y horizontal direction and the Z vertical direction are perpendicular to each other.

2. The optical fiber coating stripping device according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning clamping groove is provided with a guide inclined surface on both sides in the X horizontal direction, and the rotating block is in sliding fit with the guide inclined surface.

3. The optical fiber coating stripping device according to claim 2, wherein: The tensioning module further comprises a roller and a roller shaft, the roller shaft is perpendicular to the X horizontal direction in the axial direction, the roller shaft is fixedly connected with the rotating block and rotates with the rotating block, the roller is sleeved outside the roller shaft and can rotate around the roller shaft in the axial direction, the roller is in rolling fit with the guide inclined surface, and the roller limits the movement of the sliding block in the X horizontal direction.

4. The optical fiber coating stripping device according to claim 3, wherein: The tensioning module further comprises a position detection sheet and a position sensor, the position detection sheet is fixedly connected with the rotating block and rotates with the rotating block, and the position sensor is used to detect the rotating position of the position detection sheet.

5. The optical fiber coating stripping device according to claim 1, wherein: The tensioning module comprises a sliding rail extending along the X horizontal direction, and the sliding rail is connected between the sliding block and the fixed seat; The sliding block is provided with a first fixed block, the fixed seat is provided with a second fixed block, the elastic member is a spring, and the spring extends along the X horizontal direction and is connected between the first fixed block and the second fixed block.

6. The optical fiber coating stripping device according to claim 5, wherein: The tensioning module comprises an adjusting screw, the second fixed block is provided with an adjusting screw hole along the X horizontal direction, the fixed seat is provided with a positioning hole outside the second fixed block, the adjusting screw is connected with the adjusting screw hole through the positioning hole, and the adjusting screw is used for adjusting the position of the second fixed block in the X horizontal direction.

7. The optical fiber coating stripping device according to claim 1, wherein: The cutting assembly comprises a Y-axis driving device connected with the cutter and driving the cutter to move along the Y horizontal direction.

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