Optical fiber manufacturing apparatus and process for making same

Abstract

The application relates to the field of optical fiber manufacturing, in particular to an optical fiber manufacturing device and a preparation process thereof. The optical fiber manufacturing device comprises a heating cylinder, the inner side of the heating cylinder is provided with an electric heating wire, the lower side of the heating cylinder is provided with a pressing plate, the middle part of the pressing plate is provided with a through hole, the pressing plate is divided into left and right parts, and the pressing plate can be lifted and lowered relative to the heating cylinder. Both sides of the pressing plate are fixed with square columns two, and the two square columns two are respectively slidably connected to the left and right ends of a half ring. The outer ends of the two square columns two are fixed with side sheets, the side sheets are fixed with handles, one end of a tension spring is fixed on the side sheet, and the other end of the tension spring is fixed on the half ring. The pressing plate can be sleeved on a drawing part, and the pressing plate is placed on the upper part of a drawing head, so that the preform rod can be quickly elongated, and surface scratches or microcracks are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber manufacturing, and more specifically to an optical fiber manufacturing apparatus and its preparation process. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of optical fibers, the elongation of the preform is a crucial step determining the uniformity of fiber diameter and production efficiency. Currently, the mainstream mechanical elongation technology in the industry mainly relies on external traction equipment, such as tracked traction wheels or rotating reels, to apply tension to the heated and molten preform, gradually reducing its diameter to the target size. However, this traditional mechanical elongation method has revealed the following significant drawbacks in practical applications: existing mechanical elongation devices typically transmit tension through direct contact between friction wheels and the preform surface. This method easily generates localized stress concentrations on the preform surface, especially at high tensile rates, which can easily lead to surface scratches or microcracks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an optical fiber manufacturing device and its preparation process, which has the advantage that the pressure plate can be sleeved on the drawing part and placed on the upper part of the drawing head to assist the preform in being quickly drawn and avoid causing surface scratches or microcracks.

[0004] An optical fiber manufacturing apparatus includes a heating cylinder, an electric heating wire disposed on the inner side of the heating cylinder, a pressure plate disposed below the heating cylinder, a through hole disposed in the middle of the pressure plate, the pressure plate being divided into left and right parts, and the pressure plate being able to move up and down relative to the heating cylinder.

[0005] Two square columns are fixed on both sides of the pressure plate, and the two square columns are slidably connected to the left and right ends of the semi-ring respectively.

[0006] Both of the two square columns are fixed with side plates at their outer ends. A handle is fixed on the side plate, and one end of a tension spring is fixed on the side plate. The other end of the tension spring is fixed on the semi-ring.

[0007] A convex plate is fixed to the rear side of the semi-ring, and two round rods are fixed to the upper side of the convex plate. A baffle is fixed to the upper part of each round rod. A flat plate is vertically slidably connected to the two round rods. A compression spring is sleeved on each round rod, and the compression spring is located between the flat plate and the convex plate.

[0008] An optical fiber manufacturing apparatus, used for a fabrication process of manufacturing optical fibers, includes the following steps:

[0009] S1: Fix the preformed rod on the heating cylinder, and heat the preformed rod with an electric heating wire so that the preformed rod melts and drips down to form a wire drawing head and a wire drawing section;

[0010] S2: Place the pressure plate on the wire drawing section and position the pressure plate on top of the wire drawing head;

[0011] S3: The drawing head is pressed down by the pressure plate, which drives the drawing part to be quickly stretched;

[0012] S4: After the drawing section is stretched, the drawing section is wound onto a spool. The optical fiber drawn out is continuously wound onto the spool by the rotation of the spool. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber manufacturing device. Figure 1 ;

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber manufacturing device. Figure 2 ;

[0016] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber manufacturing device. Figure 3 ;

[0017] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the heating cylinder Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heating cylinder.

[0019] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a ring. Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a semi-ring structure;

[0021] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the T-shaped frame Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the T-shaped frame Figure 2 ;

[0023] In the diagram: heating cylinder 101; side frame 102; heating wire 103; boss 104; gear 105; motor 106; rack 107; vertical bar 108;

[0024] 201 preform; 202 drawing section; 203 drawing head;

[0025] Circular ring 301; Side seat 302; Cylinder 1 303; Vertical rod 304; Square column 1 305; Cylinder 2 306; Clamping plate 307;

[0026] 401. Semi-ring; 402. Side piece; 403. Handle; 404. Square column 2; 405. Pressure plate; 406. Convex plate; 407. Round rod; 408. Baffle plate; 409. Flat piece;

[0027] T-shaped frame 501; cylinder 3 502; slide bar 503; funnel 504; cylinder 505; feed pipe 506; crank handle 507; horizontal shaft 508; drum 509; U-shaped frame 510. Detailed Implementation

[0028] like Figure 4-5 As shown in Figure 7;

[0029] The optical fiber manufacturing device includes a heating cylinder 101, with a heating wire 103 installed inside. A pressure plate 405 is located below the heating cylinder 101, with a through hole in its center. The pressure plate 405 is divided into left and right parts and can move up and down relative to the heating cylinder 101. When the heating wire 103 inside the heating cylinder 101 is energized, it generates high temperature, causing the end of the preform 201 inserted into the heating cylinder to melt. The molten material hangs down naturally under gravity, forming the initial drawing head 203 and the continuous drawing section 202. The pressure plate 405 is located below the heating cylinder, with its central through hole having a diameter slightly larger than that of the drawing section 202, allowing it to pass through freely. The pressure plate 405 is divided into left and right parts for easy opening and closing as it fits onto the drawing section 202. When the pressure plate descends, its bottom surface contacts the top of the drawing head 203, applying additional pressure to assist in stretching, significantly improving the drawing rate and diameter uniformity, and preventing surface scratches or microcracks.

[0030] like Figure 7 As shown;

[0031] Since square posts 404 are fixed on both sides of the pressure plate 405, and the two square posts 404 are slidably connected to the left and right ends of the semi-ring 401 respectively, a transverse sliding pair is formed. This structure makes it easy for the pressure plate 405 to open and close, and keeps the pressure plate 405 stable during lifting and lowering, avoiding deviation or shaking.

[0032] like Figure 7 As shown;

[0033] Since side plates 402 are fixed to the outer ends of both square columns 404, and handles 403 are fixed to the side plates 402, one end of a tension spring is fixed to the side plates 402, and the other end of the tension spring is fixed to the semi-ring 401. The tension spring provides inward pulling force to ensure that the left and right parts of the pressure plate fit tightly together, preventing separation due to vibration or uneven force during wire drawing. The handles 403 are used for manual operation of the pressure plate opening and closing, making it easy to remove the pressure plate 405 from the wire drawing part 202.

[0034] like Figure 7 As shown;

[0035] A protruding plate 406 is fixed to the rear side of the semi-ring 401, and two round rods 407 are fixed to the upper side of the protruding plate 406. A baffle 408 is fixed to the upper part of each round rod 407. A flat plate 409 is vertically slidably connected to the two round rods 407. A compression spring is sleeved on each round rod 407. The compression spring is located between the flat plate 409 and the protruding plate 406. When the flat plate 409 descends, it presses the two compression springs, transmitting the force to the protruding plate 406 and the semi-ring 401, ultimately driving the pressure plate 405 to press down. The function of the compression spring is to buffer the impact force during the pressing process and avoid damage to the wire drawing head 203.

[0036] like Figure 4-5 As shown in Figure 7;

[0037] A boss 104 is fixed to the rear side of the heating cylinder 101, and a vertical strip 108 is vertically slidably connected to the boss 104. The lower end of the vertical strip 108 is fixed to the flat plate 409, and a rack 107 is fixed to the rear side of the vertical strip 108. A motor 106 is fixed to the boss 104, and a gear 105 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 106. The gear 105 meshes with the rack 107 for transmission. The motor 106 is fixed to the boss 104 on the rear side of the heating cylinder 101, and the gear 105 on its output shaft meshes with the rack 107 on the rear side of the vertical strip 108. When the motor 106 rotates, the rotational motion is converted into the linear motion of the vertical strip 108 through the gear and rack transmission, thereby precisely controlling the lifting height and speed of the pressure plate 405. This transmission method has the characteristics of high precision and large driving force, and can adjust the pressure plate pressure in real time according to the requirements of the fiber drawing process to optimize the uniformity of the fiber diameter.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown;

[0039] Since side seats 302 are fixed on both sides of the heating cylinder 101, vertical rods 304 are vertically slidably connected to both side seats 302, and a ring 301 is fixed between the upper ends of the two vertical rods 304. A cylinder 303 is fixed on the side seat 302, and the movable end of the cylinder 303 is fixed to the vertical rod 304. Square columns 305 are horizontally slidably connected to both ends of the ring 301, and clamping pieces 307 are fixed to the opposite ends of the two square columns 305. A cylinder 306 is fixed to both ends of the ring 301, and the movable ends of the two cylinders 306 are respectively fixed to the two square columns 305. The side seats 302 on both sides of the heating cylinder 101 drive the vertical rods 304 to rise and fall through the cylinders 303, and the ring 301 at the top of the vertical rods 304 can move up and down accordingly. The square columns 305 at both ends of the ring 301 slide horizontally through the cylinders 306, which drives the clamping pieces 307 to open and close. Initially, the ring 301 is raised to facilitate the insertion of the preform 201 between the two clamps 307. After insertion, the two cylinders 306 push the two clamps 307 to close, clamping the preform 201 and ensuring its vertical positioning. As the preform 201 continues to melt and consume, it is driven to move downward continuously, continuously heating the lower end of the preform 201, so that the preform 201 continuously melts and supplies material.

[0040] like Figure 4-5 As shown in Figures 8-9;

[0041] Since side frames 102 are fixed on both sides of the heating cylinder 101, and the two side frames 102 are respectively fixed on the upper part of the two T-shaped frames 501, and a sliding rod 503 is laterally slidably connected to the middle of each T-shaped frame 501, the funnel 504 is divided into left and right parts, and the opposite ends of the two sliding rods 503 are respectively fixed to the left and right parts of the funnel 504. A cylinder 505 is fixed on the lower side of the funnel 504, and multiple bristles are evenly distributed on the inner side of the cylinder 505. The cylinder 505 is divided into left and right parts, and a cylinder 3 502 is fixed on each T-shaped frame 501. The movable ends of the two cylinders 3 502 are respectively fixed on the two sliding rods 503. The two cylinders 3 502 drive the two sliding rods 503 to slide laterally, so that the left and right parts of the funnel 504 and the cylinder 505 can open and close. When the drawing part 202 passes through the funnel, the external coating source injects UV-curable coating (such as acrylic ester) into the funnel through the feeding pipe 506. The coating material coats the drawing section under the influence of gravity and capillary action. Then, as it passes through the cylinder 505, the inner bristles scrape off excess coating material, ensuring a uniform coating thickness. The closable design of the cylinder 505 facilitates maintenance and cleaning, preventing coating residue from affecting fiber quality. Furthermore, the ability of the funnel 504 and cylinder 505 to open and close from left to right also makes it easy to fit onto the drawing section 202.

[0042] like Figure 8-9 As shown;

[0043] A feed pipe 506 is fixed to one of the slide bars 503, with one end of the feed pipe 506 positioned above the funnel 504. The feed pipe 506 is connected to an external paint source. When the funnel is closed, the feed pipe 506 precisely delivers paint into the funnel 504, ensuring that the paint evenly covers the surface of the drawing section 202, preventing paint leakage and waste, and improving coating efficiency.

[0044] like Figure 8-9 As shown;

[0045] Since both T-shaped frames 501 have U-shaped frames 510 fixed to their lower ends, and both ends of the drum 509 have horizontal shafts 508 fixed to them, with the two horizontal shafts 508 resting on the two U-shaped frames 510 respectively, and a crank 507 fixed to the end of one of the horizontal shafts 508. The U-shaped frames 510 at the lower end of the T-shaped frames 501 support the horizontal shafts 508 at both ends of the drum 509, forming a rotatable support structure. The crank 507 at the end of one of the horizontal shafts is used to drive the drum to rotate. After drawing, the fiber end is fixed to the surface of the drum, and the fiber is wound up by rotating the drum. The open design of the U-shaped frames allows for quick disassembly and replacement of the drum, adapting to the production needs of optical fibers of different lengths and specifications.

[0046] The aforementioned optical fiber manufacturing apparatus, used in the fabrication process of optical fibers, includes the following steps:

[0047] S1: Fix the preform 201 on the heating cylinder 101, and heat the preform 201 by the heating wire 103, so that the preform 201 melts and drips down to form the wire drawing head 203 and the wire drawing part 202.

[0048] S2: Place the pressure plate 405 onto the wire drawing section 202 and position the pressure plate 405 on top of the wire drawing head 203;

[0049] S3: The drawing head 203 is pressed down by the pressure plate 405, which drives the drawing part 202 to be quickly stretched;

[0050] S4: After the drawing section 202 is stretched, the drawing section 202 is wound onto the spool 509. The optical fiber drawn out is continuously wound onto the spool 509 by the rotation of the spool 509.

Claims

1. An optical fiber manufacturing apparatus, comprising a heating cylinder (101), characterized in that: The heating cylinder (101) is provided with an electric heating wire (103) on its inner side, and a pressure plate (405) is provided below the heating cylinder (101). The pressure plate (405) has a through hole in the middle and is divided into left and right parts. The pressure plate (405) can be raised and lowered relative to the heating cylinder (101). Both sides of the pressure plate (405) are fixed with two square columns (404), and the two square columns (404) are slidably connected to the left and right ends of the semi-ring (401); The outer ends of the two square columns (404) are each fixed with a side plate (402), a handle (403) is fixed on the side plate (402), one end of a tension spring is fixed on the side plate (402), and the other end of the tension spring is fixed on the semi-ring (401). A protruding plate (406) is fixed to the rear side of the semi-ring (401), and two round rods (407) are fixed to the upper side of the protruding plate (406). A baffle (408) is fixed to the upper part of each round rod (407). A flat plate (409) is vertically slidably connected to the two round rods (407). A compression spring is sleeved on each round rod (407). The compression spring is located between the flat plate (409) and the protruding plate (406). A boss (104) is fixed to the rear side of the heating cylinder (101). A vertical strip (108) is vertically slidably connected to the boss (104). The lower end of the vertical strip (108) is fixed to the flat plate (409). A rack (107) is fixed to the rear side of the vertical strip (108). A motor (106) is fixed to the boss (104). A gear (105) is fixed to the output shaft of the motor (106). The gear (105) meshes with the rack (107) for transmission.

2. The optical fiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating cylinder (101) is fixed with side seats (302) on both the left and right sides. Vertical rods (304) are vertically slidably connected to both side seats (302). A ring (301) is fixed between the upper ends of the two vertical rods (304). A cylinder (303) is fixed on the side seat (302). The movable end of the cylinder (303) is fixed on the vertical rod (304). Square columns (305) are horizontally slidably connected to both the left and right ends of the ring (301). Clips (307) are fixed to the opposite ends of the two square columns (305). Cylinders (306) are fixed to both the left and right ends of the ring (301). The movable ends of the two cylinders (306) are respectively fixed on the two square columns (305).

3. The optical fiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating cylinder (101) is fixed with side frames (102) on both the left and right sides. The two side frames (102) are fixed on the upper part of the two T-shaped frames (501). Each T-shaped frame (501) is slidably connected with a sliding rod (503) in the middle. The funnel (504) is divided into left and right parts. The opposite ends of the two sliding rods (503) are fixed to the left and right parts of the funnel (504). A cylinder (505) is fixed on the lower side of the funnel (504). Multiple bristles are evenly distributed on the inner side of the cylinder (505). The cylinder (505) is divided into left and right parts. Each T-shaped frame (501) is fixed with a cylinder three (502). The movable ends of the two cylinder threes (502) are fixed on the two sliding rods (503).

4. The optical fiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: One of the slide bars (503) is fixed with a feed pipe (506), one end of which is located above the funnel (504).

5. The optical fiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower ends of the two T-shaped frames (501) are fixed with U-shaped frames (510), and the left and right ends of the drum (509) are fixed with horizontal shafts (508). The two horizontal shafts (508) are respectively placed on the two U-shaped frames (510), and a crank (507) is fixed to the end of one of the horizontal shafts (508).

6. The optical fiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, and the preparation process for manufacturing optical fibers, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Fix the preform (201) on the heating cylinder (101) and heat the preform (201) by the heating wire (103) so that the preform (201) melts and drips down to form a wire drawing head (203) and a wire drawing part (202). S2: Place the pressure plate (405) onto the wire drawing section (202) and position the pressure plate (405) on the upper part of the wire drawing head (203); S3: Press down the wire drawing head (203) with the pressure plate (405) to drive the wire drawing part (202) to quickly stretch; S4: After the drawing part (202) is stretched, the drawing part (202) is wound onto the spool (509). The optical fiber pulled out by the rotation of the spool (509) is continuously wound onto the spool (509).

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