Tube Melt-Stretch Coating Fiber Preparation Apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of optical fiber protection technology and discloses a tubular fusion-stretching cladding optical fiber preparation apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame, a clamping device for positioning the cladding tubing at the top of the frame, and a winding device located directly below the clamping device at the bottom of the frame. The optical fiber, clad in the tubing, extends from below the clamping device, passes through a heating device, and is wound inside the winding device. The heating device is movable vertically. This tubular fusion-stretching cladding optical fiber preparation apparatus allows for flexible control of the cladding thickness and length, is suitable for processing various cladding materials, and has low preparation costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber protection technology, specifically to a device for preparing optical fiber by molten stretching and coating of tubular materials. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of communication and sensing technologies, optical fibers, due to their high transmission rate, low loss, and resistance to electromagnetic interference, have been widely used in communication networks, sensors, and other fields. In certain special environments, such as under high voltage, electromagnetic interference, and extreme temperature conditions, optical fibers need to be encased in protective tubing to ensure their normal operation under harsh conditions.

[0003] In the existing technology, the cladding methods for optical fibers usually adopt coating cladding and melt extrusion cladding. However, this preparation method often requires the use of special molds, and the equipment is complex and inflexible. Only a single thickness of optical fiber cladding layer can be prepared in each preparation process, and the preparation length is long, which often leads to waste of optical fiber in the cladding process and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the above-mentioned technologies by providing a tube-based melt-stretching cladding optical fiber preparation device, which can flexibly control the thickness and length of the cladding layer, is suitable for processing various cladding materials, and has low preparation costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention relates to a tubular fusion stretching and fiber coating preparation apparatus, comprising a frame, a clamping device for positioning the coating tubing at the top of the frame, and a winding device at the bottom of the frame, the winding device being located directly below the clamping device, so that the entire apparatus is placed vertically for longitudinal fusion stretching, avoiding the influence of gravity on the stretching effect. The fiber coated with the coating tubing extends from below the clamping device, passes through a heating device, and is wound inside the winding device. The heating device can move up and down, and the winding device fixes the coating tubing, ensuring that the coating tubing and fiber remain vertical throughout the preparation process, preventing the coating tubing from sticking to the inside of the heating device, and making the coating more uniform.

[0006] Preferably, the relationship between the moving speed of the optical fiber and the size of the prepared cladding layer satisfies: Where R0 is the initial outer radius of the coated tube, r0 is the initial inner radius of the coated tube, R1 is the outer radius of the coated tube after molten forming, r1 is the inner radius of the coated tube after molten forming, v0 is the moving speed of the heating device, v1 is the moving speed of the optical fiber, and the coated tube is in a stable molten tensile state. The melting length of the initial end of the coated tube within time t is taken as L0, and the tensile forming length is taken as L1. The speed of the heating device and the winding speed of the winding device can be calculated in advance before preparation in order to prepare a coating layer that meets the processing requirements.

[0007] Preferably, the winding device is connected to a first servo motor that drives its rotation, and a speed reduction device is provided between the first servo motor and the winding device.

[0008] Preferably, the reduction device includes a first reduction gear set mounted on the first servo motor and a second reduction gear set mounted on the winding device, with a reduction ratio of 10 to 100. The first reduction gear set and the second reduction gear set are connected by a transmission rod mounted on a bearing to avoid uneven rotation speed caused by the first servo motor being too slow, ensuring that the winding device can smoothly wind up the optical fiber and improve the stability of the system.

[0009] Preferably, the heating device is equipped with a ceramic heating tube inside, with a heating range of room temperature to 400°C. The ceramic heating tube is fitted with a heat-conducting tube, which is 80 to 100 mm long. The heat-conducting tube is wrapped with a heat-insulating felt to reduce heat loss.

[0010] Preferably, both ends of the heat pipe are provided with glass tubes. The glass tubes can reduce thermal shock, thereby improving the yield of optical fiber coating. One end of each glass tube is fixedly bonded to the heat pipe with graphite adhesive, and the other end is provided with a shrink nozzle, which can keep the optical fiber and coating material in the center of the heating device, achieve centering, and prevent them from being too close to the inner wall of the heating device.

[0011] Preferably, the side of the frame is provided with a slide frame, the heating device is mounted on the slide via a bracket, the slide is mounted on a vertical lead screw, the lead screw is mounted on the slide frame, and a second servo motor that drives the lead screw to rotate is provided on the slide frame.

[0012] Preferably, a diameter detection device is provided below the heating device to detect the diameter of the fiber optic coated tube. This device can detect the coating thickness in real time and feed it back to the controller, thereby controlling the coating thickness by adjusting the motor speed, so that the finished product can better meet the processing requirements.

[0013] Preferably, the frame is equipped with a tension detection device for measuring the tension of the optical fiber covered by the tube on the winding device. The tension of the optical fiber is measured in real time to keep the tension of the optical fiber constant. When there is a defect in the cladding layer of the optical fiber, the tension will change, and the equipment will issue an alarm notification in time, so that the operator can deal with the problem in time.

[0014] Preferably, the frame is equipped with a power supply and control device for driving and regulating various devices, including a driver, controller and encoder, and a servo motor for driving and regulating.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0016] 1. By using melt stretching technology, optical fibers are directly wrapped in a molten tube, which is applicable to the processing of various coating materials and has low manufacturing cost;

[0017] 2. The thickness and length of the cladding layer can be flexibly controlled, and the materials are easy to obtain, effectively reducing the preparation cost of optical fiber cladding. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tube melt stretching and coating optical fiber preparation device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the intermediate speed reduction device;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the melt-stretch coating process for the pipe material.

[0021] The components in the diagram are labeled as follows:

[0022] 1. Frame; 2. Covered pipe; 3. Clamping device; 4. Winding device; 5. Optical fiber; 6. Heating device; 7. First servo motor; 8. Reduction device; 9. First reduction gear set; 10. Second reduction gear set; 11. Bearing; 12. Transmission rod; 13. Slide frame; 14. Support; 15. Slide table; 16. Lead screw; 17. Second servo motor; 18. Diameter detection device; 19. Tension detection device; 20. Driver; 21. Controller; 22. Encoder; 23. Power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a tube-based melt-stretching optical fiber preparation apparatus includes a frame 1. The top of the frame 1 is provided with a clamping device 3 for positioning the coated tube 2, and the bottom of the frame 1 is provided with a winding device 4. The winding device 4 is located directly below the clamping device 3. The optical fiber 5 covered with the coated tube 2 extends from below the clamping device 3, passes through a heating device 6, and is wound inside the winding device 4. The heating device 6 can move up and down.

[0026] Combination Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the relationship between the moving speed of the optical fiber 5 and the size of the prepared cladding layer satisfies: Where R0 is the initial outer radius of the coated tube 2, r0 is the initial inner radius of the coated tube 2, R1 is the outer radius of the coated tube 2 after molten forming, r1 is the inner radius of the coated tube 2 after molten forming, v0 is the moving speed of the heating device 6, v1 is the moving speed of the optical fiber 5, and the coated tube 2 is in a stable molten tensile state. The melting length of the initial end of the coated tube 2 within time t is taken as L0, and the tensile forming length is taken as L1. By calculating the speed of the heating device 6 and the winding speed of the winding device 4 in advance before preparation, a coating layer that meets the processing requirements can be prepared.

[0027] Example 2

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a tube-based melt-stretching optical fiber preparation apparatus includes a frame 1. The top of the frame 1 is provided with a clamping device 3 for positioning the coated tube 2, and the bottom of the frame 1 is provided with a winding device 4. The winding device 4 is located directly below the clamping device 3. The optical fiber 5 covered with the coated tube 2 extends from below the clamping device 3, passes through a heating device 6, and is wound inside the winding device 4. The heating device 6 can move up and down.

[0029] Combination Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the relationship between the moving speed of the optical fiber 5 and the size of the prepared cladding layer satisfies: Where R0 is the initial outer radius of the coated tube 2, r0 is the initial inner radius of the coated tube 2, R1 is the outer radius of the coated tube 2 after molten forming, r1 is the inner radius of the coated tube 2 after molten forming, v0 is the moving speed of the heating device 6, v1 is the moving speed of the optical fiber 5, and the coated tube 2 is in a stable molten tensile state. The melting length of the initial end of the coated tube 2 within time t is taken as L0, and the tensile forming length is taken as L1. By calculating the speed of the heating device 6 and the winding speed of the winding device 4 in advance before preparation, a coating layer that meets the processing requirements can be prepared.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the winding device 4 is connected to a first servo motor 7 that drives its rotation. A speed reduction device 8 is provided between the first servo motor 7 and the winding device 4. The speed reduction device 8 includes a first speed reduction gear set 9 mounted on the first servo motor 7 and a second speed reduction gear set 10 mounted on the winding device 4. The speed reduction ratio is 10 to 100. The first speed reduction gear set 9 and the second speed reduction gear set 10 are connected by a transmission rod 12 mounted on the bearing 11.

[0031] Example 3

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, a tube-based melt-stretching optical fiber preparation apparatus includes a frame 1. The top of the frame 1 is provided with a clamping device 3 for positioning the coated tube 2, and the bottom of the frame 1 is provided with a winding device 4. The winding device 4 is located directly below the clamping device 3. The optical fiber 5 covered with the coated tube 2 extends from below the clamping device 3, passes through a heating device 6, and is wound inside the winding device 4. The heating device 6 can move up and down.

[0033] Combination Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the relationship between the moving speed of the optical fiber 5 and the size of the prepared cladding layer satisfies: Where R0 is the initial outer radius of the coated tube 2, r0 is the initial inner radius of the coated tube 2, R1 is the outer radius of the coated tube 2 after molten forming, r1 is the inner radius of the coated tube 2 after molten forming, v0 is the moving speed of the heating device 6, v1 is the moving speed of the optical fiber 5, and the coated tube 2 is in a stable molten tensile state. The melting length of the initial end of the coated tube 2 within time t is taken as L0, and the tensile forming length is taken as L1. By calculating the speed of the heating device 6 and the winding speed of the winding device 4 in advance before preparation, a coating layer that meets the processing requirements can be prepared.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the winding device 4 is connected to a first servo motor 7 that drives its rotation. A speed reduction device 8 is provided between the first servo motor 7 and the winding device 4. The speed reduction device 8 includes a first speed reduction gear set 9 mounted on the first servo motor 7 and a second speed reduction gear set 10 mounted on the winding device 4. The speed reduction ratio is 10 to 100. The first speed reduction gear set 9 and the second speed reduction gear set 10 are connected by a transmission rod 12 mounted on the bearing 11.

[0035] In this embodiment, the heating device 6 is equipped with a ceramic heating tube with a heating range of room temperature to 400°C. The ceramic heating tube is fitted with a heat-conducting tube with a length of 80 to 100 mm. The heat-conducting tube is wrapped with a heat-insulating felt. Both ends of the heat-conducting tube are provided with glass tubes. One end of the glass tube is fixedly bonded to the heat-conducting tube with graphite adhesive, and the other end is provided with a shrink nozzle.

[0036] Example 4

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, a tube-based melt-stretching optical fiber preparation apparatus includes a frame 1. The top of the frame 1 is provided with a clamping device 3 for positioning the coated tube 2, and the bottom of the frame 1 is provided with a winding device 4. The winding device 4 is located directly below the clamping device 3. The optical fiber 5 covered with the coated tube 2 extends from below the clamping device 3, passes through a heating device 6, and is wound inside the winding device 4. The heating device 6 can move up and down.

[0038] Combination Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the relationship between the moving speed of the optical fiber 5 and the size of the prepared cladding layer satisfies: Where R0 is the initial outer radius of the coated tube 2, r0 is the initial inner radius of the coated tube 2, R1 is the outer radius of the coated tube 2 after molten forming, r1 is the inner radius of the coated tube 2 after molten forming, v0 is the moving speed of the heating device 6, v1 is the moving speed of the optical fiber 5, and the coated tube 2 is in a stable molten tensile state. The melting length of the initial end of the coated tube 2 within time t is taken as L0, and the tensile forming length is taken as L1. By calculating the speed of the heating device 6 and the winding speed of the winding device 4 in advance before preparation, a coating layer that meets the processing requirements can be prepared.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the winding device 4 is connected to a first servo motor 7 that drives its rotation. A speed reduction device 8 is provided between the first servo motor 7 and the winding device 4. The speed reduction device 8 includes a first speed reduction gear set 9 mounted on the first servo motor 7 and a second speed reduction gear set 10 mounted on the winding device 4. The speed reduction ratio is 10 to 100. The first speed reduction gear set 9 and the second speed reduction gear set 10 are connected by a transmission rod 12 mounted on the bearing 11.

[0040] In this embodiment, the heating device 6 is equipped with a ceramic heating tube with a heating range of room temperature to 400°C. The ceramic heating tube is fitted with a heat-conducting tube with a length of 80 to 100 mm. The heat-conducting tube is wrapped with a heat-insulating felt. Both ends of the heat-conducting tube are provided with glass tubes. One end of the glass tube is fixedly bonded to the heat-conducting tube with graphite adhesive, and the other end is provided with a shrink nozzle.

[0041] In addition, the heating element is equipped with a platinum resistance thermometer, which can transmit temperature information back to the temperature controller for temperature monitoring and control.

[0042] In this embodiment, a slide frame 13 is provided on the side of the frame 1, and the heating device 6 is mounted on the slide 15 via a bracket 14. The slide 15 is mounted on a vertical lead screw 16, and the lead screw 16 is mounted on the slide frame 13. A second servo motor 17 for driving the lead screw 16 to rotate is provided on the slide frame 13.

[0043] In the above embodiments, a diameter detection device 18 for detecting the diameter of the optical fiber covered with the tube can also be provided below the heating device 6, and a tension detection device 19 for measuring the tension of the optical fiber 5 covered with the tube on the winding device 4 can be provided on the frame 1.

[0044] Finally, the rack 1 is equipped with a power supply 23 to drive and regulate the control devices of each device, including a driver 20, a controller 21 and an encoder 22, to control the operation of each device.

[0045] The tube-based melt-stretching optical fiber preparation device of the present invention is used for the cladding tube 2 for melt-cladding optical fiber 5. The cladding tube 2 is including but not limited to slender tubes composed of materials such as polyether ether ketone, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyarylether ketone with an outer diameter of less than 2 mm. It can clad optical fibers including but not limited to quartz optical fibers, composite optical fibers, and plastic optical fibers.

[0046] The present invention relates to a tube molten stretching cladding optical fiber preparation device, which uses molten stretching technology to directly clad the optical fiber 5 into a molten tube. It is applicable to the processing of various cladding materials, has low preparation cost, can flexibly control the thickness and length of the cladding layer, and the materials are easy to obtain, effectively reducing the preparation cost of optical fiber cladding.

[0047] It should be noted that the above description of the technical solutions is exemplary, and this specification may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limiting it to the technical solutions set forth herein. Rather, providing these descriptions will ensure that the disclosure of this invention is thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical solutions of this invention are defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0048] For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the above structures should all be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers, comprising a frame (1), characterized in that: The frame (1) is provided with a clamping device (3) for positioning the cladding tube (2) at the top, and a winding device (4) is provided at the bottom of the frame (1). The winding device (4) is located directly below the clamping device (3). The optical fiber (5) covered with the cladding tube (2) extends from below the clamping device (3), passes through the heating device (6), and is wound inside the winding device (4). The heating device (6) can move up and down. The relationship between the moving speed of the optical fiber (5) and the size of the prepared cladding layer satisfies: ,in The outer diameter radius of the initial coated pipe (2) The inner radius of the initial coated pipe (2) is... The outer diameter radius of the pipe (2) is to be covered after molten forming. The inner diameter radius of the pipe (2) is to be covered after molten forming. The moving speed of the heating device (6) The moving speed of the optical fiber (5) is taken as the initial end of the coated tube (2) in the molten stable tensile state at a time when the coated tube (2) is in the moving speed state. Internal melting length is The stretching length is ,Right now .

2. The apparatus for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The winding device (4) is connected to a first servo motor (7) that drives its rotation, and a speed reduction device (8) is provided between the first servo motor (7) and the winding device (4).

3. The apparatus for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The speed reduction device (8) includes a first speed reduction gear set (9) mounted on the first servo motor (7) and a second speed reduction gear set (10) mounted on the winding device (4), with a speed reduction ratio of 10 to 100. The first speed reduction gear set (9) and the second speed reduction gear set (10) are connected by a transmission rod (12) mounted on a bearing (11).

4. The apparatus for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device (6) is equipped with a ceramic heating tube inside, with a heating range of room temperature to 400°C. The ceramic heating tube is fitted with a heat-conducting tube, which is 80 to 100 mm long, and the heat-conducting tube is wrapped with a heat-insulating felt.

5. The apparatus for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Both ends of the heat-conducting pipe are provided with glass tubes. One end of each glass tube is fixedly bonded to the heat-conducting pipe with graphite adhesive, and the other end is provided with a shrink nozzle.

6. The apparatus for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the frame (1) is provided with a slide frame (13), the heating device (6) is mounted on the slide (15) by a bracket (14), the slide (15) is mounted on a vertical lead screw (16), the lead screw (16) is mounted on the slide frame (13), and the slide frame (13) is provided with a second servo motor (17) that drives the lead screw (16) to rotate.

7. The apparatus for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A diameter detection device (18) for detecting the diameter of the fiber-coated tube is provided below the heating device (6).

8. The apparatus for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) is equipped with a tension detection device (19) for measuring the tension of the optical fiber (5) covered with tubing on the winding device (4).

9. The apparatus for preparing tube-based melt-stretched cladding optical fibers as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) is equipped with a power supply (23) and control devices for driving and regulating various devices, including a driver (20), a controller (21) and an encoder (22).

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