Multifunctional optical cable welding box

Abstract

The invention discloses a multifunctional optical cable fusion splicing box, and aims to solve the problems that existing optical fiber fusion splicing operation tools are complicated and are easily polluted by the environment. The welding box comprises a box body, a positive pressure cleaning system, an optical cable clamping and conveying module, and an outer skin stripping and cleaning module, an optical cable cutting module, an optical cable steering and butting module and an optical cable welding machine which are arranged in sequence. The positive-pressure cleaning system forms a micro-positive-pressure dust-free environment in the box body through a positive-pressure fan and a filter. The optical cable clamping and conveying module automatically and sequentially conveys optical cables to all the processing modules, and the whole-process operation of peeling, cleaning, cutting, aligning and welding is completed. All procedures are integrated in the clean and closed box body, automatic operation is achieved, the welding quality, efficiency and environmental adaptability are remarkably improved, and the skill requirement for operators is lowered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical communication engineering technology, specifically relating to an optical fiber fusion splicing device for the production, construction and maintenance of optical cable lines, and in particular an automated optical cable fusion splicing box that integrates optical fiber preparation, splicing, protection and has a positive pressure dust-free environment. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic fusion splicing is a key technology that permanently connects two optical fibers together by melting them at high temperatures. The quality of the splicing directly affects the performance and reliability of the entire optical communication network.

[0003] Existing fiber optic fusion splicing procedures typically have the following problems: 1. Complex tools and fragmented operation process: Traditional fusion splicing requires operators to carry and use multiple independent tools in sequence, including Miller pliers, fiber optic cleavers, anhydrous alcohol, lint-free paper, and a fiber optic fusion splicer. The numerous steps not only increase the burden on workers but also reduce work efficiency.

[0004] 2. Significant environmental impact limits splicing success rate: Fiber optic splicing requires extremely high environmental cleanliness. If the bare fiber end face is contaminated by tiny dust particles or moisture in the air, it will lead to splicing failure or defects such as bubbles and cracks. In dusty or damp construction sites such as outdoors or manholes, it is difficult to create an ideal dust-free operating environment, which seriously affects the success rate and long-term reliability of splicing.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of optical cable splicing equipment that can integrate and automate the complex splicing process and fundamentally solve the problem of environmental pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art and provide a multifunctional optical fiber splicing box, which integrates multiple key steps of optical fiber splicing into a sealed box with a positive pressure dust-free environment, and completes the operation through an automated process, thereby significantly improving splicing quality, efficiency and environmental adaptability.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A multifunctional optical cable splicing box includes: a box body, a positive pressure clean system, an optical cable clamping and conveying module, and multiple processing modules arranged sequentially on the optical cable conveying path.

[0008] The enclosure forms a sealed working chamber for fiber optic cable splicing. The enclosure has an openable transparent cover for easy observation of the internal work process. One side of the enclosure has a fiber optic cable insertion hole for the fiber optic cable to be spliced ​​to enter the enclosure.

[0009] The positive pressure cleanroom system is used to create and maintain a dust-free environment within a sealed working chamber. It includes a positive pressure fan and a filter mounted on the chamber. During operation, the positive pressure fan draws air from the outside. After the air passes through a high-efficiency filter to remove dust particles, it is delivered into the sealed working chamber, creating a slight positive pressure within the chamber relative to the external environment. This effectively prevents dusty air from entering through gaps, ensuring the cleanliness of the welding process from the source.

[0010] The optical cable clamping and conveying module is used to precisely clamp optical cables within a sealed working chamber and move them sequentially to the positions of various processing modules according to a preset program. This module is suspended from the bottom surface of the enclosure cover to make efficient use of the internal space. Its specific structure includes a linear guide rail set along a predetermined path and a linear slider that can slide on the guide rail. The linear slider is equipped with a multi-degree-of-freedom miniature clamping robotic arm capable of flexibly gripping and releasing optical fibers. A drive belt, driven by a motor, pulls the linear slider to achieve precise linear displacement.

[0011] Multiple automated processing modules are units that sequentially perform fiber preparation and fusion splicing functions, including: Outer Sheath Stripping and Cleaning Module: This module removes the outer sheath of the optical cable and simultaneously cleans the bare fiber. It combines stripping and cleaning functions into one. It includes two pairs of openable Miller clamp-type left and right clamps, with cutting edges for stripping the outer sheath. Specifically, a semi-cylinder is provided on the end face of the clamp, with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs lined the inner wall, moistened with a cleaning solvent (such as anhydrous alcohol). When the clamp closes and cuts the sheath, a miniature gripping robotic arm pulls the optical cable backward, removing the outer sheath. The bare fiber is then wiped clean by the alcohol-soaked cotton swabs as it passes through the semi-cylinder. The module may also include an optical cable support slider, one end connected to the inside of the left clamp and the other end passing through the right clamp, for precise height positioning of the optical cable when the clamp is open, ensuring it falls precisely into the clamp jaws.

[0012] Fiber optic cable cutting module: Used to cut cleaned bare fibers to obtain flat, vertical end faces. This module is similar to a miniature automatic guillotine, including a placement platform and a cutter that can be driven to move vertically. The placement platform has positioning grooves for precise positioning of the fiber optic cable. After the fiber optic cable is fed into the positioning grooves, the cutter descends to complete the cut.

[0013] Fiber Optic Cable Alignment and Assembly Module: This module adjusts the orientation of two originally parallel fiber optic cables, ensuring their end faces are precisely aligned within the V-groove of the fiber optic fusion splicer. It comprises two synchronously rotating counter-rotating tables, each with a slot on its upper surface to accommodate the fiber optic cables. Once the two processed cables are placed in their respective slots on the rotating tables, a drive mechanism (rack and pinion) rotates the two tables synchronously, causing the ends of the two cables to meet and ultimately assemble within the fiber optic fusion splicer located between the two rotating tables.

[0014] Fiber optic fusion splicer: Utilizes existing mature technology to perform arc discharge splicing on fiber optic cables after alignment with the fiber optic cable switching and docking modules. Notably, the top cover of the fiber optic fusion splicer can open and close automatically.

[0015] In addition, for ease of operation, the enclosure can be equipped with two fiber optic cable insertion holes, with a horizontal fiber optic cable branch pipe fixedly connected to the inside. This branch pipe provides initial support and guidance after the fiber optic cable is inserted into the enclosure, and is used for docking with the miniature gripping robotic arm. To facilitate the smooth removal of the fiber optic cable formed as a single piece after splicing, the cross-section of the horizontal fiber optic cable branch pipe is designed to be a non-completely closed shape (such as a 3 / 4 circle), and the two fiber optic cable insertion holes are connected by a perforated connecting groove.

[0016] The enclosure also integrates a power module to provide stable power to all electrical components inside, such as the positive pressure fan, the drive motors of each module, and the fiber optic cable splicer. The power module can be an external power adapter or a built-in rechargeable battery pack to adapt to different operating conditions.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. Improve splicing quality and success rate: The built-in positive pressure clean system fundamentally eliminates the interference of external dust and moisture on the splicing process, providing an ideal ultra-clean environment for fiber optic splicing, thereby significantly improving the splicing success rate and joint quality.

[0018] 2. Highly integrated, simple and efficient operation: It integrates multiple steps such as peeling, cleaning, cutting and welding into one, eliminating complicated tool switching and manual operation, and greatly improving work efficiency.

[0019] 3. Strong environmental adaptability and wide range of applications: Due to its built-in cleanroom system, this invention is almost unaffected by the external construction environment. Whether in a clean room or in a harsh field, it can ensure high-quality welding operations and has extremely strong environmental adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the external structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the external structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is one of the internal structural diagrams of the present invention; Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the middle; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part B in the middle; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the concealed box cover of the present invention; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of part C in the middle; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of part D in the middle; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the outer skin removal process; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of part E in the middle; Figure 12 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the optical cable switching and splicing process; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of part F in the middle; Figure 14 This is the second schematic diagram of the optical cable switching and splicing process; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of the central G region; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the fiber optic cable removed after splicing.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Cabinet; 2. Cabinet cover; 3. Optical cable insertion hole; 4. Filter; 5. Optical cable clamping and conveying module; 6. Linear guide rail; 7. Horizontal optical cable branch pipe; 8. Outer sheath stripping and cleaning module; 9. Optical cable cutting module; 10. Optical cable turning and docking module; 11. Optical cable fusion splicer; 12. Power supply module; 13. Positive pressure fan; 31. Connecting slot; 51. Miniature gripping robotic arm; 52. Linear slider; 53. Drive belt; 81. Left clamp head; 82. Right clamp head; 83. Semi-cylinder; 84. Alcohol swab; 85. Optical cable support slider; 86. Telescopic rod; 91. Cutting blade; 92. Placement platform; 93. Positioning groove; 101. Rotary table; 102. Placement slot. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0023] The description of the present invention is merely a structural or even functional description of the embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described herein.

[0024] like Figures 1-16 As shown, this embodiment is achieved through the following technical solution: A multifunctional optical fiber splicing box, comprising: The housing 1 contains a sealed working chamber for optical cable splicing. The housing 1 has a cover 2 and optical cable insertion holes 3. The cover 2 is made of transparent material for easy real-time monitoring. The housing 1 has two optical cable insertion holes 3, and a horizontal optical cable branch pipe 7 is fixedly connected to the inside of each insertion hole 3. The cross-section of the horizontal optical cable branch pipe 7 is not completely closed. The two insertion holes 3 are connected by a connecting groove 31, which corresponds to the opening direction of the horizontal optical cable branch pipe 7, allowing the spliced ​​optical cable to be removed from the branch pipe.

[0025] The positive pressure clean system includes a positive pressure fan 13 and a filter 4 installed on the housing 1. The positive pressure fan 13 delivers clean air to the sealed working chamber through the filter 4 to form a micro-positive pressure environment in the chamber, which effectively prevents dust from entering and creates a miniature "clean room" for welding.

[0026] The optical cable clamping and conveying module 5 is used to clamp and convey optical cables along a predetermined path within the sealed working chamber. The optical cable clamping and conveying module 5 is suspended from the bottom surface of the cover 2, and includes a linear guide rail 6 arranged along the predetermined path, and a linear slider 52 that can slide on the linear guide rail 6; the linear slider 52 is equipped with a miniature clamping robotic arm 51 for clamping the optical cable, and also includes a transmission belt 53 for driving the linear slider 52 to move along the linear guide rail 6.

[0027] And sequentially arranged on the predetermined path: The outer sheath stripping and cleaning module 8 is used to strip the outer sheath of the optical cable and clean the bare fiber. The module includes two pairs of openable Miller clamps, each pair comprising a left clamp 81 and a right clamp 82. A semi-cylinder 83 is provided on the end face of both the left and right clamps 81 and 82. An alcohol swab 84 for cleaning the bare fiber is attached to the inner wall of the semi-cylinder 83. Each pair of Miller clamps also includes an optical cable support slider 85, which is positioned between the left and right clamps 81 and 82. One end of the slider is connected to the inside of the left clamp 81, and the other end passes through the right clamp 82, used to position the inserted optical cable at a specific height when the clamps are open.

[0028] The optical cable cutting module 9 is used to cut the end face of the cleaned bare fiber; the optical cable cutting module 9 includes a placement platform 92 and a cutter 91 that can be raised and lowered under drive, and the placement platform 92 is provided with a positioning groove 93 for positioning the optical cable.

[0029] The optical cable reversing and docking module 10 is used to adjust the posture of two optical cables to be fused and align them. The optical cable reversing and docking module 10 includes two rotating tables 101 that can rotate synchronously in opposite directions. The upper surface of each rotating table 101 is provided with a placement slot 102 for accommodating optical cables. The optical cable fusion splicer 11 is located between the two rotating tables 101.

[0030] The optical fiber fusion splicer 11 is used to splice optical fibers that have been aligned by the optical fiber switching and docking module 10.

[0031] The housing 1 is also equipped with a power supply module 12 that provides power to the positive pressure fan 13 and each module.

[0032] The workflow of this invention is as follows: Start the equipment. The positive pressure clean system begins operation, supplying clean air into the chamber to create a slight positive pressure. The operator inserts two optical cables to be spliced ​​through the optical cable insertion hole 3 and places them on the horizontal optical cable branch pipe 7. The miniature clamping robotic arm 51 clamps the two optical cables respectively, and driven by the transmission belt 53, sequentially delivers the optical cables to each processing module along the linear guide rail 6.

[0033] The optical cable first passes through the outer sheath stripping and cleaning module 8. This module includes an optical cable support slider 85, one end of which is connected to the inside of the left clamp 81, and the other end passes through the right clamp 82. This slider is used to precisely position the optical cable at a certain height when the clamps are open, ensuring that it falls exactly into the clamp jaws. When the telescopic rod 86 of its drive device drives the clamps to close via a linkage mechanism, the miniature gripping robotic arm pulls the optical cable backward, and the outer sheath is removed. Additionally, the bare fiber is wiped clean with an alcohol swab as it passes through the semi-cylinder.

[0034] Subsequently, the optical cable is sent to the optical cable cutting module 9 to complete the end face cutting, so as to obtain a flat and vertical end face.

[0035] The two processed optical cables are placed on the two rotating platforms 101 of the optical cable turning and docking module 10. The rotating platforms 101 rotate synchronously, aligning the ends of the two parallel optical cables in the optical cable fusion splicer 11. The top cover of the optical cable fusion splicer 11 closes and executes the splicing procedure.

[0036] After the fusion splicing is completed, the operator can open the box cover 2 and take out the spliced ​​optical cable through the openings in the connecting slot 31 and the horizontal optical cable branch pipe 7. Heat shrink the protective sleeve at the fusion joint outside the box.

[0037] Of course, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is also not limited to the above examples, and all equivalent changes and improvements made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should fall within the patent coverage of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional optical cable splicing box, characterized in that, include: The box (1) forms a sealed working chamber for optical cable splicing operations. The box (1) is provided with a box cover (2) and an optical cable insertion hole (3). The positive pressure clean system includes a positive pressure fan (13) and a filter (4) installed on the housing (1). The positive pressure fan (13) delivers clean air to the sealed working chamber through the filter (4) to form a micro-positive pressure environment in the chamber. The optical cable clamping and conveying module (5) is used to clamp and convey the optical cable along a predetermined path within the sealed working cavity. And sequentially arranged on the predetermined path: The outer sheath stripping and cleaning module (8) is used to strip the outer sheath of the optical cable and clean the bare fiber; The optical fiber cutting module (9) is used to cut the end face of the cleaned bare fiber. The optical cable reversing and docking module (10) is used to adjust the posture of the two optical cables to be spliced ​​so that they are aligned. The optical fiber fusion splicer (11) is used to splice optical fibers that have been aligned by the optical fiber turning and docking module (10).

2. The multifunctional optical cable splice box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical cable clamping and conveying module (5) is suspended on the bottom surface of the box cover (2), and includes a linear guide rail (6) arranged along the predetermined path, and a linear slider (52) that can slide on the linear guide rail (6); the linear slider (52) is provided with a miniature clamping robotic arm (51) for clamping the optical cable.

3. The multifunctional optical cable splicing box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical cable clamping and conveying module (5) also includes a transmission belt (53) for driving the linear slider (52) to move along the linear guide rail (6).

4. The multifunctional optical cable splicing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) has two optical cable insertion holes (3), and a horizontal optical cable branch pipe (7) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the optical cable insertion hole (3). The cross-section of the horizontal optical cable branch pipe (7) is not completely closed. The two optical cable insertion holes (3) are connected by a connecting groove (31). The connecting groove (31) corresponds to the opening direction of the horizontal optical cable branch pipe (7) so as to allow the fused optical cable to be taken out from the branch pipe.

5. The multifunctional optical cable splice box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer skin removal and cleaning module (8) includes two pairs of openable Miller pliers, each pair of Miller pliers including a left plier (81) and a right plier (82), and a semi-cylinder (83) is provided on the end face of the left plier (81) and the right plier (82), and an alcohol cotton (84) for cleaning the bare fibers is attached to the inner wall of the semi-cylinder (83).

6. The multifunctional optical cable splice box according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each pair of Miller clamps also includes a fiber optic cable support slider (85), which is disposed between the left clamp (81) and the right clamp (82), with one end connected to the inside of the left clamp (81) and the other end passing through the right clamp (82), for positioning the inserted fiber optic cable at a certain height when the clamps are opened.

7. The multifunctional optical cable splice box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical cable cutting module (9) includes a placement platform (92) and a cutter (91) that can be raised and lowered under drive. The placement platform (92) is provided with a positioning groove (93) for positioning the optical cable.

8. The multifunctional optical cable splice box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical cable turning and docking module (10) includes two rotating platforms (101) that can rotate synchronously in opposite directions. Each rotating platform (101) has a placement slot (102) on its upper surface for accommodating optical cables. The optical cable fusion splicer (11) is located between the two rotating platforms (101).

9. The multifunctional optical cable splice box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is also equipped with a power supply module (12) that provides power to the positive pressure fan (13) and each module.

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