Synchronous precise feeding device for multi-fiber-core preform array wire drawing system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of optical fiber manufacturing equipment, in particular to a synchronous precise feeding device for a multi-fiber-core preform array wire drawing system, which comprises a bottom plate, a furnace body, a vertical guide module, a rod body bearing module, a driving module and a safety sensing module, the furnace body is mounted at the top of the bottom plate, the vertical guide module comprises four guide columns and a top plate, a rod hanging plate of the rod bearing module sleeves the guide columns through linear shaft sleeves, and a connector rod and a wire drawing connector are arranged at the bottom. The driving module drives the adjusting worm through gear transmission to drive the rod hanging plate to move vertically, and the safety sensing module achieves return stroke protection. The device is high in synchronization precision, stable in operation, safe and reliable, and meets the requirements of multi-specification array wire drawing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber manufacturing equipment technology, specifically to a synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of data centers, 5G communications, and fiber optic sensing, multi-core optical fibers have become an important development direction for optical communication devices due to their high-density transmission capabilities. The core of their manufacturing lies in the synchronous drawing process of multi-core preform arrays, requiring 25 or more preforms to enter the drawing zone in a high-temperature furnace with completely consistent speed, perpendicularity, and tension. Any slight asynchrony or skew in feeding will lead to core spacing deviations, uneven cladding, or even fiber breakage, severely affecting product yield and optical performance.

[0003] Traditional feeding devices often employ independent feeding for a single bar or a simple cylinder / screw drive structure, making it difficult to achieve high-precision synchronization of multiple bars. Even when some devices use an integral load-bearing platform, they generally suffer from insufficient guiding rigidity and swaying or wobble during lifting. This is especially problematic in high-temperature environments where thermal expansion intensifies, further deteriorating alignment accuracy. Furthermore, conventional transmission mechanisms, such as ordinary screws, lack self-locking functionality. In the event of a power outage or machine shutdown, the precast bars are prone to sliding down due to gravity, causing equipment collisions or bar damage.

[0004] Meanwhile, the machine leveling relies on manual shims, which makes it difficult to quickly adapt to different installation environments, resulting in the furnace body channel not coinciding with the axis of the precast bar, affecting the stability of wire drawing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical problems to be solved To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system of the present invention includes a base plate, a furnace body, a vertical guide module, a rod bearing module, and a drive module. The base plate is fixed to the ground by a foundation leveling module. The furnace body is fixedly installed on the top of the base plate. The vertical guide module is vertically fixed to the four corners of the top of the furnace body. The rod bearing is assembled on the vertical guide module. The vertical guide module includes at least four guide columns and a top plate. The rod bearing module includes a rod hanging plate and a top cover plate. Several joint rods are fixedly installed on the rod hanging plate. The bottom end of each joint rod is equipped with a drawing joint. The drive module includes a worm gear guide sleeve, an adjusting worm, and a drive motor. The drive motor is fixedly installed on the top of the top cover plate. The worm gear guide sleeve is fixedly installed on the top plate. The adjusting worm passes through the guide sleeve and the top plate. The drive motor is connected to the adjusting worm through a transmission assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the basic leveling module includes an adjustment frame and adjustment feet. The adjustment frame is installed on the side of the base plate by a screw structure, and the adjustment feet are provided with connecting rods. The connecting rods pass through the adjustment frame by a threaded structure.

[0008] More preferably, the connecting rod is fitted with two limiting nuts, and the two limiting nuts are located at the top and bottom of the adjusting frame, respectively.

[0009] Preferably, the side of the hanging rod plate is slidably fitted onto the guide post via a linear bushing, a spacer block is provided between the upper cover plate and the hanging rod plate, the bottom end of the adjusting worm gear passes through the upper cover plate, and the adjusting worm gear is connected to the upper cover plate via a bearing, and the output shaft of the drive motor output end passes through the upper cover plate.

[0010] Preferably, the transmission assembly includes a drive gear and a transmission gear. The drive gear is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor, and the transmission gear is fixedly mounted on the bottom end of the adjusting worm. The drive gear meshes with the transmission gear.

[0011] Further preferably, it also includes a safety sensing module, which includes a pressure rod and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is fixedly mounted on the top plate by a screw structure, and the pressure rod is fixedly mounted on the upper cover plate by a screw structure. The detection end of the pressure sensor penetrates through the top plate, and the pressure rod is perpendicular to the detection end of the pressure sensor.

[0012] Preferably, at least 25 connector rods are provided at the bottom of the hanging bar plate and arranged in a 5×5 matrix, and at least 25 bar material channels are provided on the furnace body, with the connector rods being arranged perpendicular to the bar material channels.

[0013] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system, which has the following advantages: The vertical guide module of this technical solution adopts a high-rigidity guide column and top plate structure arranged symmetrically at four corners, and is combined with the linear bushing on the hanging bar plate to ensure that the load-bearing module has no sway or jamming during the lifting process, so as to realize the synchronous and vertical feeding of 25 or more prefabricated bars, such as a 5×5 matrix arrangement, effectively ensuring the consistency and concentricity of multi-fiber core drawing.

[0014] The drive module adopts a worm gear transmission mechanism, which drives the adjusting worm to rotate through the drive motor. Its self-locking characteristic prevents the preforms from sliding down due to gravity when the power is off or the machine stops, thus improving the feeding stability. The meshing design of the transmission gear and the drive gear ensures smooth transmission and low noise. Combined with the spacer block, the distance between the hanging plate and the upper cover plate is precisely controlled, further improving the rigidity of the system.

[0015] The basic leveling module is equipped with a double limit nut structure, which can quickly adjust the level of the whole machine to adapt to different workshop floor conditions, avoid feeding deviation caused by installation tilt, and ensure that the furnace body and the bar material channel are coaxially aligned.

[0016] Integrated safety sensing module: The pressure bar and pressure sensor monitor the stress state of the upper cover plate in real time. Once abnormal resistance or jamming occurs, the system will immediately alarm and stop the machine to prevent the precast bar from breaking or the equipment from being damaged.

[0017] In summary, this device solves the problems of asynchronous feeding, easy deflection, and lack of protection in traditional multi-rod feeding by means of high-precision guidance, self-locking drive, intelligent safety monitoring and modular layout. It significantly improves the yield and production efficiency of multi-core optical fiber preform drawing and is suitable for high-end optical communication manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall device structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the rod-bearing module and the driving module of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drive module structure of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Base plate; 2. Furnace body; 3. Adjusting frame; 4. Adjusting feet; 5. Connecting rod; 6. Limit nut; 7. Guide column; 8. Top plate; 9. Hanging bar plate; 10. Top cover plate; 11. Spacer block; 12. Adjusting worm gear; 13. Worm gear guide bushing; 14. Joint rod; 15. Wire drawing joint; 16. Bar material channel; 17. Drive motor; 18. Pressure sensor; 19. Pressure rod; 20. Linear bushing; 21. Transmission gear; 22. Drive gear. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Please see Figure 1-3 This invention discloses a synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system, comprising a base plate 1, a furnace body 2, a vertical guide module, a rod support module, and a drive module. The base plate 1 is fixed to the ground via a foundation leveling module. The furnace body 2 is fixedly installed on the top of the base plate 1. The vertical guide module is vertically fixed at the four corners of the top of the furnace body 2. The rod support module is assembled on the vertical guide module. The vertical guide module includes at least four guide columns 7 and a top plate 8. The rod support module includes a rod hanging plate 9 and an upper cover plate 10. Several connector rods 14 are fixedly installed on the rod hanging plate 9. The bottom end of each connector rod 14 is equipped with a drawing joint 15. The drive module includes a worm gear guide sleeve 13, an adjusting worm gear 12, and a drive motor 17. The drive motor 17 is fixedly installed on the top of the upper cover plate 10. The worm gear guide sleeve 13 is fixedly installed on the top plate 8. The adjusting worm gear 12 passes through the guide sleeve and the top plate 8. The drive motor 17 is connected to the adjusting worm gear 12 via a transmission assembly.

[0021] The working principle of this technical solution is based on the leveled base plate 1 as a stable foundation. The drive module drives the adjusting worm gear 12 to rotate via gear transmission, which is converted into the vertical linear motion of the hanging bar plate 9. The vertical guide module constrains the motion trajectory, ensuring that the hanging bar plate 9 drives multiple precast bars to descend synchronously along the furnace body 2 channel. The safety sensing module monitors the operating status in real time, achieving dual protection of accurate feeding and safety. The entire solution is based on mature mechanical transmission and guiding technology, with a simple structure and strong feasibility.

[0022] The basic leveling and base plate 1 module achieves horizontal calibration of base plate 1 through adjustable feet, providing a unified benchmark for furnace body 2, guide module and drive module, and solving the problem of feeding deviation caused by uneven installation surface.

[0023] The adjustment frame 3 of the basic leveling module is fixed to the side of the base plate 1 with screws. The connecting rod 5 of the adjustment foot 4 passes through the adjustment frame 3 and is threaded. Rotating the connecting rod 5 can finely adjust the height of the base plate 1, such as the adjustment range of 0-20mm.

[0024] The two limiting nuts 6 on the connecting rod 5 are respectively attached to the top and bottom of the adjusting frame 3. After locking, the position of the connecting rod 5 is fixed to prevent the height from shifting due to vibration during use, and to ensure that the furnace body 2 and the guide column 7 are installed vertically, laying the foundation for subsequent synchronous feeding.

[0025] The base plate 1 is preferably made of Q235 steel plate welded together. The bottom is in close contact with the anti-slip pad of the adjusting foot 4 to enhance the overall stability and prevent the equipment from shifting during the wire drawing process.

[0026] The furnace body module 2 provides a heating environment for the preform melting and drawing. Through the precisely distributed bar material channels 16, the preform is guided vertically into the heating zone, ensuring the consistency of simultaneous melting of multiple bars.

[0027] The furnace body 2 is fixed to the top of the base plate 1 by bolts, and the bottom fits into the positioning groove of the base plate 1 to ensure that the furnace body 2 is perpendicular to the base plate 1. The 25 bar material channels 16 on the furnace body 2 are arranged in a 5×5 matrix. The inner diameter of the channel is adapted to the diameter of the precast bar, and the channel axis corresponds one-to-one with the joint rod 14 of the hanging bar plate 9.

[0028] The inner wall of the rod channel 16 is polished to reduce frictional resistance during the preform feeding process, avoid scratching the surface of the preform, and ensure the quality of the finished optical fiber.

[0029] The vertical guide module, through the cooperation of multiple guide posts 7 and linear bushings 20, constrains the movement trajectory of the hanging bar plate 9, ensuring that it moves only in the vertical direction, eliminating horizontal deviation and torsion, and ensuring the synchronization of multi-bar feeding.

[0030] At least four guide columns 7 are vertically fixed at the four corners of the top of the furnace body 2, preferably made of GCr15 bearing steel; the straight bushings 20 on the side of the hanging bar plate 9 slide with the guide columns 7 to achieve low friction and high precision guidance.

[0031] The top plate 8 is fixed to the top of the guide column 7 by bolts, which not only enhances the structural rigidity of the guide column 7, but also provides an installation reference for the worm gear guide bushing 13; the linear bushing 20 adopts a ball bearing structure to improve the smoothness and accuracy of feeding.

[0032] The rod-bearing module fixes multiple precast rods through a matrix arrangement of joint rods 14, receives power from the drive module, and drives the precast rods to move synchronously, thus achieving unified feeding of multiple rods.

[0033] The hanging bar plate 9 is preferably made of aluminum alloy sheet. The 25 connector rods 14 at the bottom are distributed in a 5×5 matrix and are precisely aligned with the bar material channel 16 of the furnace body 2. The wire-drawing connector 15 at the bottom of the connector rod 14 adopts an elastic clamping structure with built-in silicone anti-slip pads, which can be adapted to different diameters, such as 20-50mm precast bars. The clamping force is uniform and does not damage the surface of the bar.

[0034] The spacer block 11 between the upper cover plate 10 and the hanging rod plate 9 is fixed by bolts to form a rigid connection; the bottom end of the adjusting worm gear 12 is connected to the upper cover plate 10 through a bearing, which not only transmits axial driving force, but also allows the worm gear to rotate, ensuring that the power transmission is smooth.

[0035] The drive module converts the rotational motion of the drive motor 17 into linear drive of the adjusting worm gear 12 through gear transmission, providing a smooth and controllable descent power for the hanging bar plate 9 and ensuring that the feeding speed is accurately adjustable.

[0036] The drive motor 17 is fixed to the top of the upper cover plate 10. The drive gear 22 on the output shaft meshes with the transmission gear 21 at the bottom of the adjusting worm 12. When the motor rotates, it drives the adjusting worm 12 to rotate synchronously through gear transmission.

[0037] The worm gear guide sleeve 13 is fixed to the top plate 8. The worm gear 12 and the guide sleeve are fitted with trapezoidal threads, and the rotational motion is converted into vertical linear motion, which pushes the upper cover plate 10 and the hanging bar plate 9 to descend at a constant speed along the guide column 7. The motor is a stepper motor, and the speed can be adjusted by the control system to achieve stepless adjustment of the feeding speed from 0.1 to 1 mm / s.

[0038] The safety sensing module monitors the running position and force status of the hanging bar plate 9 in real time. When overtravel or abnormal resistance occurs, the machine will stop in time to avoid equipment damage and safety accidents.

[0039] The pressure sensor 18 is fixed to the top plate 8, with its detection end vertically downward aligned with the pressure rod on the upper cover plate 10. When the hanging rod plate 9 rises to its limit position, the pressure rod contacts the detection end of the pressure sensor 18, triggering a signal and controlling the drive motor 17 to stop, preventing the hanging rod plate 9 from hitting the top plate 8.

[0040] In this technical solution, the top plate 8 and the upper cover plate 10 can also be equipped with laser displacement sensors during actual use. The two laser displacement sensors are set vertically and connected to the control system using a conventional circuit structure to sense the displacement stroke of the hanging rod plate 9.

[0041] Detailed Workflow Equipment installation and commissioning Basic leveling: Place the base plate 1 on a flat ground, install the adjustment bracket 3 and adjustment feet 4, rotate the connecting rod 5 to adjust the height of the base plate 1, calibrate with a level to ensure that the levelness error is ≤0.02mm, and tighten the limit nut 6 to fix it.

[0042] Furnace body 2 installation: Hoist the furnace body 2 to the top of the base plate 1. The top of the base plate 1 has a pre-set positioning groove. After the bottom of the furnace body 2 fits into the positioning groove, fix it with bolts. Check whether the bar material channel 16 of the furnace body 2 is unobstructed and clean the impurities in the channel.

[0043] Guide module assembly: Fix the four guide columns 7 vertically to the four corners of the top of the furnace body 2, calibrate the parallelism, and then install the top plate 8; fit the straight bushing 20 of the hanging rod plate 9 onto the guide column 7 and test the smoothness of sliding.

[0044] Assembly of load-bearing and drive modules: Install 25 connector rods 14 and wire-drawing connectors 15 at the bottom of the hanging rod plate 9, and connect the upper cover plate 10 through the spacer block 11; pass the adjusting worm gear 12 through the guide sleeve of the top plate 8 and the bearing of the upper cover plate 10, install the drive motor 17 and mesh the gear; adjust the consistency between the rotation direction of the motor and the movement direction of the hanging rod plate 9.

[0045] Safety module debugging: Adjust the position of pressure sensor 18 to ensure that the pressure rod triggers the sensor when the hanging bar plate 9 rises to the limit; set the pressure threshold and test the shutdown response speed under abnormal resistance.

[0046] Precast bar clamping and parameter setting Feeding operation: Insert 25 optical fiber preforms into the wire drawing joints 15 of the hanging plate 9, tighten the joint locking nuts to ensure that the preforms are firmly fixed and vertical without skewing; check the alignment of the bottom of the preform with the material channel 16 of the furnace body 2 to ensure smooth insertion.

[0047] Parameter settings: Configure the control system, such as an industrial-grade PLC controller, and connect the pressure sensor 18 and drive motor 17 with a circuit structure. Set the feeding speed, such as 0.5 mm / s, and the feeding stroke according to the length of the preform, such as 1500 mm, and wait for the furnace body 2 temperature to rise to the set value, such as 1800℃.

[0048] Synchronous feeding operation Start the drive motor 17, which drives the adjusting worm gear 12 to rotate through gear transmission. The upper cover plate 10 and the hanging bar plate 9 descend vertically along the guide column 7. The wire drawing joint 15 clamps the preformed bar and enters the material channel 16 of the furnace body 2 simultaneously, gradually extending into the heating zone for melting and wire drawing.

[0049] During operation, the vertical guide module constrains the movement trajectory of the hanging bar plate 9 to ensure that multiple precast bars are fed synchronously.

[0050] If the feeding speed needs to be adjusted, the motor speed can be finely adjusted through the control system. During the adjustment process, the feeding action will be smoothly transitioned without impact or jamming.

[0051] Shutdown and unloading After the preformed rods are fed to the set stroke, the control system automatically shuts off the drive motor 17 and adjusts the worm gear 12 to maintain its position due to the self-locking characteristic of the thread, preventing the hanging plate 9 from sliding down; after the furnace body 2 cools down, the wire drawing joint 15 is loosened and the remaining preformed rod head is removed.

[0052] If any abnormalities such as jamming or overtravel occur, the safety sensing module will trigger a shutdown. After troubleshooting, the operator can manually adjust the worm gear 12 to reset the hanging plate 9 and then restart the equipment.

[0053] Equipment cleaning: Clean the residual impurities from the bar material channel 16 and hanging bar plate 9 in the furnace body 2, check the wear of the guide column 7 and linear bushing 20, and apply grease for maintenance.

[0054] This technical solution has four major advantages in terms of feasibility: mature structure, universal components, simple operation, and controllable precision. Core components, such as drive motor 17, gears, bearings, and linear bushings 20, are all industrial standard parts. They have wide procurement channels and controllable costs. The processing technology, such as welding, thread processing, and gear meshing, are conventional processes in the machinery manufacturing industry, and ordinary machinery factories can achieve mass production. All assembly relationships, such as bolted connections, gear meshing, and sliding fits, are mature technologies. The assembly process is simple, and operators can master the installation, commissioning, and maintenance process after one hour of training. By replacing the hanging rods 9 with different hole arrays, such as 3×3 or 4×4, different specifications of array-type wire drawing furnaces can be adapted without large-scale equipment modification, resulting in low replacement costs.

[0055] In summary, this technical solution has no technical obstacles in terms of structural design, component selection, and process implementation, and can be directly put into industrial application, possessing significant practical value and promising prospects for promotion.

[0056] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system, characterized in that, The system includes a base plate (1), a furnace body (2), a vertical guide module, a rod support module, and a drive module. The base plate (1) is fixed to the ground via a foundation leveling module. The furnace body (2) is fixedly installed on the top of the base plate (1). The vertical guide module is vertically fixed to the four top corners of the furnace body (2). The rod support module is assembled on the vertical guide module. The vertical guide module includes at least four guide columns (7) and a top plate (8). The rod support module includes a hanging rod plate (9) and an upper cover plate (10). The hanging rod plate (9) has a top cover plate (10) on it. A number of connector rods (14) are fixedly installed. The bottom end of each connector rod (14) is equipped with a wire drawing connector (15). The drive module includes a worm guide bushing (13), an adjusting worm (12), and a drive motor (17). The drive motor (17) is fixedly installed on the top of the upper cover plate (10). The worm guide bushing (13) is fixedly installed on the top plate (8). The adjusting worm (12) passes through the guide bushing and the top plate (8). The drive motor (17) is connected to the adjusting worm (12) through a transmission assembly.

2. The synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basic leveling module includes an adjustment frame (3) and an adjustment foot (4). The adjustment frame (3) is installed on the side of the base plate (1) by a screw structure. The adjustment foot (4) is provided with a connecting rod (5). The connecting rod (5) passes through the adjustment frame (3) by a threaded structure.

3. The synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two limiting nuts (6) are fitted on the connecting rod (5), and the two limiting nuts (6) are located at the top and bottom of the adjusting frame (3), respectively.

4. The synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the hanging rod plate (9) is slidably mounted on the guide post (7) through the straight shaft sleeve (20). A spacer block (11) is provided between the upper cover plate (10) and the hanging rod plate (9). The bottom end of the adjusting worm (12) passes through the upper cover plate (10), and the adjusting worm (12) is connected to the upper cover plate (10) through the bearing. The output shaft of the drive motor (17) passes through the upper cover plate (10).

5. A synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes a drive gear (22) and a transmission gear (21). The drive gear (22) is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor (17), and the transmission gear (21) is fixedly mounted on the bottom end of the adjusting worm (12). The drive gear (22) meshes with the transmission gear (21).

6. The synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a safety sensing module, which includes a pressure rod and a pressure sensor (18). The pressure sensor (18) is fixedly installed on the top plate (8) by a screw structure, and the pressure rod is fixedly installed on the upper cover plate (10) by a screw structure. The detection end of the pressure sensor (18) penetrates through the top plate (8), and the pressure rod is set perpendicular to the detection end of the pressure sensor (18).

7. A synchronous precision feeding device for a multi-core preform array drawing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least 25 connector rods (14) are provided at the bottom of the hanging bar plate (9) and arranged in a 5×5 matrix. At least 25 bar material channels (16) are provided on the furnace body (2), and the connector rods (14) are set perpendicular to the bar material channels (16).

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