Optical fiber vacuum coating process

Abstract

The application discloses a fiber vacuum coating process and relates to the technical field of fiber coating, which comprises the following steps: S1, fiber surface pretreatment, S2, coating, S3, post-treatment, and S4, fusion treatment.The fiber pretreatment cylinder is internally integrated with a pretreatment unit, a fiber roughening assembly and an activation treatment unit, the cylinder is rotated by a driving motor, and the fiber surface is uniformly treated at 360 degrees; the modular roughening assembly is provided with replaceable roughening parts, the contact pressure is adjusted by cooperating with a T driving screw rod, different sizes and multiple fibers can be synchronously treated, the adjustable driving roller adjusts the spacing through worm-gear transmission, and the fiber is stably conveyed; and the final treatment unit realizes surface residue-free drying through a nano cleaning block and a hot air box.The application cooperatively enhances the coating adhesion by mechanical roughening and chemical activation, combines multi-stage cleaning and modular design, significantly improves the process efficiency, surface quality and equipment adaptability, and is suitable for high-precision fiber coating production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber coating technology, specifically to optical fiber vacuum coating process. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic coating technology is a key process for improving the optical performance of fiber optics and is widely used in communication, sensing, and laser devices. Traditional coating processes typically employ chemical plating or vacuum coating methods to deposit optical thin films such as reflective and antireflective films on the fiber surface to achieve specific functions. However, existing technologies have the following limitations:

[0003] 1. Insufficient pretreatment: Conventional cleaning and roughening processes often rely on manual operation or a single processing unit, making it difficult to achieve uniform cleanliness and roughness on the fiber surface, resulting in poor coating adhesion and easy peeling.

[0004] 2. Poor equipment adaptability: Existing equipment is difficult to adjust flexibly to adapt to different diameter optical fibers or batch processing requirements, resulting in low process efficiency and limited applicability.

[0005] 3. Low level of automation: The process relies on multiple equipment for segmented operation, lacks integrated design, requires a lot of manual intervention, and has high production costs;

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a vacuum coating process for optical fibers to solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a vacuum coating process for optical fibers to solve the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution, including the following steps:

[0011] S1 fiber surface pretreatment involves transporting the fiber to the fiber pretreatment cylinder to clean, roughen, sensitize, and activate the fiber surface, thereby enhancing the adhesion of metal atoms during the coating process.

[0012] S2: Fiber coating, using chemical plating / vacuum coating technology to deposit reflective films, antireflective films or semi-reflective and semi-transparent films on the surface of optical fibers.

[0013] S3: Post-treatment, which removes residual chemicals from the coating process through cleaning and drying to ensure the cleanliness and stability of the fiber surface;

[0014] S4: Fusion splicing. For fiber optics with end-face coating, the coated fiber is fused to the fiber to be used to ensure the continuity of optical performance.

[0015] Preferably, based on S1, the pretreatment unit removes dirt and impurities from the fiber surface to ensure the cleanliness of the fiber coating substrate, the fiber roughening component increases the surface roughness of the fiber to improve the adhesion of metal or optical films, and the activation treatment unit makes the fiber surface reactive to enhance the adhesion of metal atoms during the coating process.

[0016] Preferably, the fiber pretreatment cylinder is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket. The fiber pretreatment cylinder is equipped with a pretreatment unit, a fiber roughening component and an activation treatment unit in sequence along the fiber processing order. The mounting bracket is fixed on the top of the support base. Two sets of L-shaped brackets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fiber pretreatment cylinder, and the horizontal section of each set of L-shaped brackets extends into the guide groove opened in the support base.

[0017] Preferably, each set of L-shaped brackets has two sets of drive rollers installed on its vertical section, and each set of drive rollers is rotatably connected to the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket through the same drive shaft. The outer wall of the drive rollers is provided with several sets of fiber optic guide grooves. A bidirectional threaded rod is installed inside the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket. Two sets of drive guides are movably sleeved on the outer wall of the bidirectional threaded rod, and the drive guides are connected to the bidirectional threaded rod through threads. The top of the bidirectional threaded rod is rotatably connected to the top of the inner wall of the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket, and a worm gear is fixedly sleeved on the bottom of the bidirectional threaded rod.

[0018] Preferably, the two ends of the drive rod respectively movably pass through the vertical sections of the two sets of L-shaped brackets, and one end of the drive rod is equipped with a handle wheel. The outer wall of the drive rod located in the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket is fixedly sleeved with the same worm gear, and the worm gear meshes with the worm wheel.

[0019] Preferably, a drive gear one is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the fiber pretreatment cylinder, the drive motor is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting bracket, and a drive gear two is fixedly sleeved on the output shaft of the drive motor. The drive gear two meshes with the drive gear one. Several sets of T-drive screws are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the fiber pretreatment cylinder, and each set of T-drive screws extends movably into the fiber pretreatment cylinder. The T-drive screws are connected to the fiber pretreatment cylinder by threads.

[0020] Preferably, the fiber roughening assembly consists of two sets of U-shaped mounting brackets and roughening components arranged symmetrically at the top and bottom. Each set of roughening components is slidably disposed within one set of U-shaped mounting brackets. Each set of U-shaped mounting brackets and roughening components is connected by a locking unit. The U-shaped mounting brackets are provided with guide grooves. One end of the T-drive screw extends into the fiber pretreatment cylinder and is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the U-shaped mounting bracket. The outer wall of the roughening component is fixedly disposed on a limiting rod that matches the guide groove. The two sets of roughening components are provided with the same roughening groove on the side that is close to each other. The outer wall of the roughening groove is frosted.

[0021] Preferably, the locking unit includes: an L-shaped fixing plate, which is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the U-shaped mounting bracket; a snap-fit ​​component is slidably connected to the L-shaped fixing plate; a T-shaped connecting rod is fixedly connected to the L-shaped fixing plate, and the snap-fit ​​component is slidably connected to the T-shaped connecting rod; a return spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the T-shaped connecting rod, and one end of the return spring is fixedly connected to the end of the T-shaped connecting rod, and the other end of the return spring is fixedly connected to the snap-fit ​​component; and a slot that mates with the snap-fit ​​component is provided on the outer wall of the roughened component.

[0022] Preferably, the pretreatment unit has the same structure as the activation treatment unit. The pretreatment unit includes: an annular component, with a support liquid tank symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the annular component, and the annular component is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder through the support liquid tank. Several sets of nozzles are arranged on the inner ring wall of the annular component. A connecting pipe is arranged outside the support liquid tank, and the connecting pipe extends out of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder. A liquid pump is installed in the support liquid tank. A hot air box is fixedly arranged on the top of the inner wall of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder near the activation treatment unit, and a hot air pipe is arranged on the top of the hot air box.

[0023] Preferably, a final treatment unit is installed on the vertical section of one of the L-shaped brackets. The final treatment unit includes: an electric push rod, the fixed end of which is fixedly connected to the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket, a fixed housing fixedly installed at the output end of the electric push rod, a fixed rod fixedly installed at the bottom of the fixed housing, and a lower pressure plate fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed rod. A drive motor is installed in the fixed housing on one side, and the bottom of the threaded rod extends movably into the fixed housing and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor. A guide rod is fixedly installed at the top of the fixed housing on the other side, and an upper pressure plate is movably sleeved on the outer wall of the threaded rod and the guide rod. The upper pressure plate and the threaded rod are connected by threads. Identical nano-cleaning blocks are installed on the sides of the upper and lower pressure plates that are close to each other.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] This invention significantly improves process efficiency through end-to-end high-efficiency processing and automated integration. The continuous process of pretreatment, coating, post-treatment, and splicing is combined with the synchronous rotation of the fiber pretreatment cylinder. The 360° coverage design of the nozzle and roughening tank ensures uniform cleaning, roughening, and activation of the fiber surface. Simultaneously, the synergistic action of the drive motor, pay-off unit, and take-up unit enables automated continuous production. Regarding coating adhesion and optical performance enhancement, the dual effects of mechanical roughening of the roughening tank's abrasive surface and chemical activation in the activation unit greatly improve the adhesion of metal or optical films, providing a stable optical performance foundation for subsequent splicing. Furthermore, the device's multi-size and multi-fiber adaptability design adjusts the drive roller spacing via a worm gear-worm drive and employs modular roughening components, supporting single or parallel processing of fibers of different diameters, significantly expanding the process's applicability. Cleanliness and surface quality are ensured through a multi-stage cleaning and drying mechanism, including cleaning solution spraying in the pretreatment unit, reciprocating wiping with nano-cleaning blocks in the final treatment unit, and rapid drying in a hot air box. Combined with independent liquid tanks and solenoid valve control, cross-contamination is effectively avoided. In terms of ease of operation, the locking unit's snap-fit ​​mechanism and reset spring enable quick assembly and disassembly of the roughening components. The T-drive screw precisely adjusts the roughening contact pressure. Combined with external liquid tank replenishment and modular design, maintenance efficiency is greatly improved, ensuring process stability and economy. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a side view of the drive roller structure in this invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fiber pretreatment cylinder in this invention;

[0029] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the optical fiber coarsening component in this invention;

[0031] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pretreatment unit and activation unit in this invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the final processing unit structure in this invention.

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Support base; 2. Guide groove; 3. L-shaped bracket; 4. Drive roller; 5. Optical fiber; 6. Bidirectional threaded rod; 7. Drive guide component; 8. Pre-treatment unit; 9. Drive rod; 10. Mounting bracket; 11. Optical fiber pre-treatment cylinder; 12. Drive gear one; 13. Operation port; 14. Optical fiber roughening component; 15. Locking unit; 16. Activation treatment unit; 17. Final treatment unit; 18. Handwheel; 19. Worm gear; 20. Worm; 21. Optical fiber guide groove; 22. Drive shaft; 23. T-drive screw; 24. Drive motor; 25. Drive gear II; 26. U-shaped mounting bracket; 27. Guide groove; 28. Roughening component; 29. ​​Roughening groove; 30. Limiting rod; 31. Slot; 32. L-shaped fixing plate; 33. Snap-fit ​​component; 34. T-shaped connecting rod; 35. Return spring; 36. Support liquid tank; 37. Connecting pipe; 38. Ring component; 39. Nozzle; 40. Hot air duct; 41. Hot air box; 42. Electric push rod; 43. Fixed box; 44. Fixing rod; 45. Threaded rod; 46. Upper pressure plate; 47. Lower pressure plate; 48. Nano cleaning block; 49. Guide rod. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and do not specifically refer to any order or sequence, nor are they intended to limit the invention. They are merely used to distinguish protective components or operations described using the same technical terms, and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Furthermore, the technical solutions and features of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides a technical means comprising the following steps:

[0038] S1 Fiber surface pretreatment involves transporting the fiber to the fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 to clean, roughen, sensitize, and activate the fiber surface, thereby enhancing the adhesion of metal atoms during the coating process.

[0039] S2: Fiber coating, using chemical plating / vacuum coating technology to deposit reflective films, antireflective films or semi-reflective and semi-transparent films on the surface of optical fibers.

[0040] S3: Post-treatment, which removes residual chemicals from the coating process through cleaning and drying to ensure the cleanliness and stability of the fiber surface;

[0041] S4: Fusion splicing. For fiber optics with end-face coating, the coated fiber is fused to the fiber to be used to ensure the continuity of optical performance.

[0042] Preferably, based on S1, the pretreatment unit 8 removes dirt and impurities from the fiber surface to ensure the cleanliness of the fiber coating substrate, the fiber roughening component 14 increases the roughness of the fiber surface to improve the adhesion of metal or optical films, and the activation treatment unit 16 makes the fiber surface reactive to enhance the adhesion of metal atoms during the coating process.

[0043] The working principle of the above scheme is as follows: the optical fiber surface undergoes cleaning, roughening, sensitization, and activation treatment S1 within the pretreatment cylinder 11. The pretreatment unit 8 sprays cleaning fluid to remove impurities, the roughening component 14 increases surface roughness through the abrasive roughening tank 29, and the activation unit 16 sprays chemical solution to enhance reaction activity. Subsequently, the optical fiber is coated with an optical thin film using chemical plating / vacuum coating technology S2.

[0044] During the process, the optical fiber is input by the feeder, and after the spacing is adjusted by the drive roller 4, it enters the rotating pretreatment cylinder 11. The cylinder rotates synchronously under the drive motor 24, so that the surface of the optical fiber is uniformly treated. The modular design of the roughening component 14 allows for the parallel processing of multiple optical fibers by replacing the roughening parts 28 of different sizes. The locking unit 15 ensures that the roughening parts are reliably fixed. The final treatment unit 17 drives the nano-cleaning block 48 to further wipe the surface through the electric push rod 42.

[0045] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above scheme are as follows:

[0046] 1. Highly efficient processing throughout the entire process: The integrated process of pretreatment, coating, post-treatment and splicing significantly improves process efficiency. The rotating cylinder 11, in conjunction with multi-unit synchronous processing, achieves 360° uniform cleaning and roughening of the optical fiber surface.

[0047] 2. Adhesion enhancement: Through the dual effects of mechanical roughening of the roughened surface of the roughening tank 29 and chemical activation of the activation treatment 16, the adhesion of metal / optical films is greatly improved, reducing the risk of coating peeling.

[0048] 3. Multi-size adaptability: The adjustable drive roller 4 spacing, modular roughening part 28 and locking unit 15 design support flexible handling of optical fibers of different diameters, expanding the range of applicable processes.

[0049] 4. Cleanliness Guarantee: The pretreatment unit 8 and the final treatment unit 17 use nano-cleaning blocks 48 together to ensure that there are no residual impurities on the surface of the optical fiber and avoid coating defects.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Based on Example 1, please refer to Figures 1-5 The fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 10. The fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 is equipped with a pretreatment unit 8, a fiber roughening component 14 and an activation treatment unit 16 in sequence along the fiber processing order. The mounting bracket 10 is fixedly installed on the top of the support base 1. Two sets of L-shaped brackets 3 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fiber pretreatment cylinder 11, and the horizontal section of each set of L-shaped brackets 3 extends movably into the guide groove 2 opened in the support base 1.

[0052] Preferably, each set of L-shaped brackets 3 has two sets of drive rollers 4 installed on its vertical section, and each set of drive rollers 4 is rotatably connected to the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket 3 through the same drive shaft 22. The outer wall of the drive rollers 4 is provided with several sets of fiber optic guide grooves 21. A bidirectional threaded rod 6 is installed in the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket 3. Two sets of drive guides 7 are movably sleeved on the outer wall of the bidirectional threaded rod 6, and the drive guides 7 and the bidirectional threaded rod 6 are connected by threads. The top of the bidirectional threaded rod 6 is rotatably connected to the top of the inner wall of the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket 3, and a worm gear 19 is fixedly sleeved on the bottom of the bidirectional threaded rod 6.

[0053] Preferably, the two ends of the drive rod 9 respectively movably pass through the vertical sections of the two sets of L-shaped brackets 3, and one end of the drive rod 9 is equipped with a handle wheel 18. The same worm 20 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the drive rod 9 within the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket 3, and the worm 20 meshes with the worm wheel 19.

[0054] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above scheme are as follows: By rotating the drive rod 9 through the handwheel 18, the worm gear 20 drives the worm wheel 19 to rotate. At this time, the worm wheel 19 synchronously drives the bidirectional threaded rod 6 to rotate, which in turn causes the two sets of drive guides 7 to move in opposite directions, thereby adjusting the distance between the two sets of drive rollers 4 to facilitate the use of optical fibers 5 of different sizes. By controlling the horizontal section of the L-shaped bracket 3 to move within the guide groove 2 opened in the support base 1, the installation of the optical fiber 5 can be facilitated.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] Based on any one of Examples 1-2, please refer to Figures 5-6A drive gear 12 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the fiber pretreatment cylinder 11. The drive motor 24 is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting bracket 10, and a drive gear 25 is fixedly sleeved on the output shaft of the drive motor 24. The drive gear 25 meshes with the drive gear 12. Several sets of T-drive screws 23 are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the fiber pretreatment cylinder 11, and each set of T-drive screws 23 extends movably into the fiber pretreatment cylinder 11. The T-drive screws 23 are connected to the fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 by threads.

[0057] Preferably, the fiber roughening assembly 14 consists of two sets of U-shaped mounting brackets 26 and roughening components 28 arranged symmetrically at the top and bottom. Each set of roughening components 28 is slidably disposed within one set of U-shaped mounting brackets 26. Each set of U-shaped mounting brackets 26 and roughening components 28 are connected by a locking unit 15. The U-shaped mounting bracket 26 is provided with a guide groove 27. One end of the T-drive screw 23 extends into the fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 and is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the U-shaped mounting bracket 26. The outer wall of the roughening component 28 is fixedly disposed on a limiting rod 30 that matches the guide groove 27. The two sets of roughening components 28 are provided with the same roughening groove 29 on the side that is close to each other. The outer wall of the roughening groove 29 is frosted.

[0058] Preferably, the drive roller 4 has a built-in motor that can rotate on its own.

[0059] Preferably, a wire feeder and a wire take-up device need to be installed at the front and rear of the device to facilitate the feeding and taking-up of the optical fiber 5.

[0060] Preferably, the number of roughening elements 28 on the roughening element 28 is several groups. When using it, it is necessary to select the roughening element 28 with the corresponding number of roughening grooves 29 according to the number of optical fibers 5 for installation.

[0061] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above scheme are as follows: When processing the surface of optical fiber 5, by placing optical fiber 5 into... Figure 1 Between the two sets of drive rollers 4 on the left side, and after passing through the pretreatment unit 8, the fiber roughening component 14 and the activation treatment unit 16 in sequence along the fiber pretreatment cylinder 11, it passes between the two sets of drive rollers 4 on the right side and is wound onto the take-up device. Then, by selecting a roughening component 28 of appropriate size (the roughening groove 29 on the roughening component 28 needs to match the size of the fiber 5), the roughening component 28 is inserted into the U-shaped mounting bracket 26 and then the locking unit 15 is used to fix the two to prevent the roughening component 28 from slipping off. After both sets of roughening components 28 are installed, the several sets of T drive screws 23 set on the upper and lower sides are rotated to move the two sets of U-shaped mounting brackets 26 toward each other, so that the outer wall of the fiber 5 just contacts the roughening groove 29.

[0062] After the installation of optical fiber 5 is completed in the above manner, the take-up device can be synchronously controlled to wind up optical fiber 5, while the drive motor 24 drives the drive gear 25 to rotate. Thus, the drive gear 12 can drive the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 to rotate as a whole. At this time, after the optical fiber 5 is cleaned by the pretreatment unit 8, it can move horizontally along the roughening groove 29 while the entire optical fiber roughening assembly 14 rotates synchronously, thereby increasing the surface roughness of optical fiber 5 to improve the adhesion of metal or optical films. Then, it can pass through the activation treatment unit 16 and the final treatment unit 17 for drying, and finally be wound up by the take-up device to wait for the next process.

[0063] In this invention, one or more groups of optical fibers 5 can be processed synchronously at a time, simply by selecting a roughening element 28 with a corresponding number of roughening grooves 29.

[0064] Example 4

[0065] Based on any one of Examples 1-3, please refer to Figures 5-8 The locking unit 15 includes: an L-shaped fixing plate 32, which is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the U-shaped mounting bracket 26; a snap-fit ​​member 33 is slidably connected to the L-shaped fixing plate 32; a T-shaped connecting rod 34 is fixedly connected to the L-shaped fixing plate 32, and the snap-fit ​​member 33 is slidably connected to the T-shaped connecting rod 34; a return spring 35 is sleeved on the outer wall of the T-shaped connecting rod 34, and one end of the return spring 35 is fixedly connected to the end of the T-shaped connecting rod 34, and the other end of the return spring 35 is fixedly connected to the snap-fit ​​member 33; and a slot 31 that mates with the snap-fit ​​member 33 is provided on the outer wall of the roughened part 28.

[0066] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above scheme are as follows: Before installing the roughening part 28 into the roughening groove 29, the snap-fit ​​part 33 needs to be manually pushed upwards (here, it is taken as...). Figure 5 and 6 (Described as shown in the middle direction) This compresses the return spring 35, and then the roughening part 28 is installed into the roughening groove 29, so that the slot 31 and the snap-fit ​​part 33 are exactly on the same axis. Then the snap-fit ​​part 33 is released, and the snap-fit ​​part 33 automatically resets under the action of the return spring 35 and is inserted into the slot 31, thereby preventing the roughening part 28 from slipping out.

[0067] Example 5

[0068] Based on any one of Examples 1-3, please refer to Figure 7The pretreatment unit 8 has the same structure as the activation treatment unit 16. The pretreatment unit 8 includes: an annular part 38, a support liquid tank 36 symmetrically provided on the outer wall of the annular part 38, and the annular part 38 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 through the support liquid tank 36. Several sets of nozzles 39 are provided on the inner annular wall of the annular part 38. A connecting pipe 37 is provided outside the support liquid tank 36 and extends out of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder 11. A liquid pump is installed inside the support liquid tank 36. A hot air box 41 is fixedly provided on the top of the inner wall of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 near the activation treatment unit 16. A hot air pipe 40 is provided on the top of the hot air box 41.

[0069] Preferably, a solenoid valve is provided on the connecting pipe 37.

[0070] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above scheme are as follows: The pretreatment unit 8 and the activation treatment unit 16 have the same structure, but the liquids loaded in the two sets of support liquid tanks 36 are different. The pretreatment unit 8 is filled with cleaning liquid to remove dirt and impurities from the surface of the optical fiber to ensure the cleanliness of the optical fiber coating substrate, while the activation treatment unit 16 is filled with chemical liquid to make the surface of the optical fiber reactive and enhance the adhesion of metal atoms during the coating process. When the liquid in the support liquid tank 36 is used up, the required liquid can be pumped into the support liquid tank 36 through the connecting pipe 37. In use, the liquid pump in the support liquid tank 36 sprays the liquid in it onto the surface of the optical fiber 5 through the nozzle 39. In combination with the rotation of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder 11, the surface of the optical fiber 5 can be sprayed 360°, which greatly improves the treatment effect of the outer surface of the optical fiber 5.

[0071] When the optical fiber 5 passes through the final activation unit 16, the hot air box 41 set on the top of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder 11 blows hot air onto the optical fiber 5 through the hot air pipe 40, thereby quickly drying the optical fiber 5.

[0072] Example 6

[0073] Based on any one of Examples 1-5, please refer to Figure 8One of the L-shaped brackets 3 has a final treatment unit 17 installed on its vertical section. The final treatment unit 17 includes an electric push rod 42. The fixed end of the electric push rod 42 is fixedly connected to the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket 3. The output end of the electric push rod 42 is fixedly provided with a fixed housing 43. The bottom of the fixed housing 43 is fixedly provided with a fixed rod 44, and the lower pressure plate 47 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed rod 44. A drive motor is installed in the fixed housing 43 on one side. The bottom of the threaded rod 45 extends movably into the fixed housing 43 and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor. A guide rod 49 is fixedly provided on the top of the fixed housing 43 on the other side. An upper pressure plate 46 is movably sleeved on the outer wall of the threaded rod 45 and the guide rod 49, and the upper pressure plate 46 and the threaded rod 45 are connected by threads. The same nano cleaning block 48 is installed on the side of the upper pressure plate 46 and the lower pressure plate 47 that are close to each other.

[0074] The working principle and beneficial effects of the above scheme are as follows: After a series of processes in the above embodiments 1-5, when the final optical fiber 5 passes through the right drive roller 4 and is wound into the take-up device, it needs to undergo the final process. By controlling the drive motor in one of the fixed housings 43 to start, the upper pressure plate 46 can be driven to move up and down through the threaded rod 45. After adapting to different sizes of optical fibers 5, the electric push rod 42 is started to perform a reciprocating retraction motion, thereby controlling the upper pressure plate 46 and the lower pressure plate 47 to move left and right as a whole. Then, the liquid that may remain on the surface of the optical fiber 5 can be wiped off by the nano cleaning block 48. The setting of the nano cleaning block 48 can avoid scratching the outer surface of the optical fiber 5.

[0075] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vacuum coating process for optical fibers, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1 Fiber surface pretreatment: The fiber is transported to the fiber pretreatment cylinder (11) to clean, roughen, sensitize and activate the fiber surface, thereby enhancing the adhesion of metal atoms during the coating process. S2: Fiber coating, using chemical plating / vacuum coating technology to deposit reflective films, antireflective films or semi-reflective and semi-transparent films on the surface of optical fibers. S3: Post-treatment, which removes residual chemicals from the coating process through cleaning and drying to ensure the cleanliness and stability of the fiber surface; S4: Fusion splicing. For fiber optics with end-face coating, the coated fiber is fused to the fiber to be used to ensure the continuity of optical performance. Based on S1, the dirt and impurities on the fiber surface are removed by the pretreatment unit (8) to ensure the cleanliness of the fiber coating substrate. The roughness of the fiber surface is increased by the fiber roughening component (14) to improve the adhesion of metal or optical films. The fiber surface is made reactive by the activation treatment unit (16) to enhance the adhesion of metal atoms during the coating process. The fiber pretreatment cylinder (11) is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket (10). The fiber pretreatment cylinder (11) is installed with the pretreatment unit (8), fiber roughening component (14) and activation treatment unit (16) in sequence along the fiber processing order. The mounting bracket (10) is fixedly installed on the top of the support base (1). Two sets of L-shaped brackets (3) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fiber pretreatment cylinder (11), and the horizontal section of each set of L-shaped brackets (3) extends movably into the guide groove (2) opened in the support base (1). A drive gear 1 (12) is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the fiber pretreatment cylinder (11). The drive motor (24) is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting bracket (10). A drive gear 2 (25) is fixedly sleeved on the output shaft of the drive motor (24). The drive gear 2 (25) meshes with the drive gear 1 (12). Several sets of T drive screws (23) are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the fiber pretreatment cylinder (11). Each set of T drive screws (23) extends movably into the fiber pretreatment cylinder (11). The T drive screws (23) are connected to the fiber pretreatment cylinder (11) by threads. The fiber roughening assembly (14) consists of two sets of U-shaped mounting brackets (26) and roughening parts (28) arranged symmetrically on the upper and lower sides. Each set of roughening parts (28) is slidably installed in one of the U-shaped mounting brackets (26). Each set of U-shaped mounting brackets (26) and roughening parts (28) are connected by a locking unit (15). The U-shaped mounting bracket (26) is provided with a guide groove (27). One end of the T-drive screw (23) extends into the fiber pretreatment cylinder (11) and is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the U-shaped mounting bracket (26). The outer wall of the roughening part (28) is fixedly installed on a limiting rod (30) that matches the guide groove (27). The same roughening groove (29) is opened on the side of the two sets of roughening parts (28) that are close to each other. The outer wall of the roughening groove (29) is frosted. The locking unit (15) includes: an L-shaped fixing plate (32), which is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the U-shaped mounting bracket (26); a snap-fit ​​piece (33) is slidably connected to the L-shaped fixing plate (32); a T-shaped connecting rod (34) is fixedly connected to the L-shaped fixing plate (32), and the snap-fit ​​piece (33) is slidably connected to the T-shaped connecting rod (34); a return spring (35) is sleeved on the outer wall of the T-shaped connecting rod (34), and one end of the return spring (35) is fixedly connected to the end of the T-shaped connecting rod (34), and the other end of the return spring (35) is fixedly connected to the snap-fit ​​piece (33); and a slot (31) that mates with the snap-fit ​​piece (33) is provided on the outer wall of the roughened part (28).

2. The optical fiber vacuum coating process according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two sets of drive rollers (4) are installed on the vertical section of each L-shaped bracket (3), and each set of drive rollers (4) is rotatably connected to the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket (3) through the same drive shaft (22). Several sets of fiber guide grooves (21) are provided on the outer wall of the drive roller (4). A bidirectional threaded rod (6) is installed in the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket (3). Two sets of drive guides (7) are movably sleeved on the outer wall of the bidirectional threaded rod (6), and the drive guides (7) are connected to the bidirectional threaded rod (6) by threads. The top of the bidirectional threaded rod (6) is rotatably connected to the top of the inner wall of the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket (3). A worm gear (19) is fixedly sleeved on the bottom of the bidirectional threaded rod (6).

3. The optical fiber vacuum coating process according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two ends of the drive rod (9) respectively move through the vertical sections of the two sets of L-shaped brackets (3), and a handle wheel (18) is installed at one end of the drive rod (9). The same worm (20) is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the drive rod (9) located in the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket (3), and the worm (20) meshes with the worm wheel (19).

4. The optical fiber vacuum coating process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pretreatment unit (8) has the same structure as the activation treatment unit (16). The pretreatment unit (8) includes: an annular part (38), a support liquid tank (36) symmetrically provided on the outer wall of the annular part (38), and the annular part (38) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder (11) through the support liquid tank (36). Several sets of nozzles (39) are provided on the inner ring wall of the annular part (38). A connecting pipe (37) is provided outside the support liquid tank (36), and the connecting pipe (37) extends out of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder (11). A liquid pump is installed inside the support liquid tank (36). A hot air box (41) is fixedly provided on the top of the inner wall of the optical fiber pretreatment cylinder (11) near the activation treatment unit (16), and a hot air pipe (40) is provided on the top of the hot air box (41).

5. The optical fiber vacuum coating process according to claim 1, characterized in that, A final processing unit (17) is installed on the vertical section of one side of the L-shaped bracket (3). The final processing unit (17) includes: an electric push rod (42), the fixed end of which is fixedly connected to the vertical section of the L-shaped bracket (3), and a fixed housing (43) is fixedly installed at the output end of the electric push rod (42). A fixed rod (44) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the fixed housing (43), and a lower pressure plate (47) is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed rod (44). A final processing unit (17) is installed inside the fixed housing (43) on one side. The drive motor has a threaded rod (45) that extends movably into the fixed housing (43) and is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor. A guide rod (49) is fixedly provided on the top of the fixed housing (43) on the other side. The upper pressure plate (46) is movably sleeved on the outer wall of the threaded rod (45) and the guide rod (49), and the upper pressure plate (46) and the threaded rod (45) are connected by threads. The same nano cleaning block (48) is installed on the side of the upper pressure plate (46) and the lower pressure plate (47) that are close to each other.

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