Optical fiber manufacturing equipment and manufacturing method

By designing optical fiber manufacturing equipment and methods, the problem of short glass tubes was solved, and the stable fixing and fusion of glass tubes were achieved to form the inner core and outer shell of the optical fiber, thus meeting the fiber drawing requirements of optical fiber manufacturing.

CN121948826APending Publication Date: 2026-05-01杨春花
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
杨春花
Filing Date
2024-01-04
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, the glass tubes are too short to meet the fiber drawing requirements in the optical fiber manufacturing process.

Method used

An optical fiber manufacturing device was designed. Two glass tubes were fixed at both ends of the device and driven to rotate relative to each other to fuse them together. Liquid silicon and germanium chemical gases were injected into the glass tubes, followed by heating and sealing to form a silica inner core and a glass tube outer shell.

Benefits of technology

It achieves stable fixation and fusion of the glass tube, enabling the formation of the inner core and outer shell of the optical fiber, thus meeting the needs of optical fiber manufacturing.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the field of optical fiber manufacturing, in particular to optical fiber manufacturing equipment and a manufacturing method. The method comprises the following steps: S1, soaking two glass tubes in hydrofluoric acid to remove residual oil; s2, the two glass tubes are fixed to the two ends of optical fiber manufacturing equipment respectively, and the ends of the two glass tubes are driven to rotate relatively, so that the ends of the two glass tubes are fused; s3, liquid silicon and germanium chemical gases are injected into the two glass tubes; and S4, heating the outer ends of the two glass tubes, pressing and sealing the outer ends of the two glass tubes, and sealing the chemical gas in the two glass tubes. The optical fiber manufacturing equipment comprises side seats, the two side seats are arranged left and right, two fixing sleeves are fixed on the side seats, each fixing sleeve is slidably connected with a side column, conical cylinders are fixed on the two side columns, a through hole is formed in the center of each side seat, a folding rod is fixed on the outer side of each side seat, and an abutting seat is fixed on each folding rod. And the end parts of the two glass tubes can be driven to rotate, so that the end parts of the two glass tubes are fused.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber manufacturing, and more specifically to an optical fiber manufacturing equipment and manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Optical fiber is composed of highly transparent glass fibers and a cladding material. It's short for optical fiber, a thin, flexible transmission medium consisting of a group of optical fibers used to propagate light beams. The structure of an optical fiber generally consists of a coating, a cladding, and a core. It is a flexible filament drawn from quartz glass or a special plastic, with a diameter ranging from a few μm to 120 μm. Like water flowing through a pipe, light energy propagates along this filament. Manufacturing optical fibers requires creating long glass tubes, which are then drawn into optical fibers. However, current technology may use glass tubes that are too short to meet the drawing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an optical fiber manufacturing device and manufacturing method, which has the advantage of being able to conveniently fix two glass tubes at both ends of the optical fiber manufacturing device, drive the ends of the two glass tubes to rotate relative to each other, so that the ends of the two glass tubes are fused together.

[0004] A method for manufacturing optical fibers includes the following steps:

[0005] S1: Immerse the two glass tubes in hydrofluoric acid to remove residual oil;

[0006] S2: Fix the two glass tubes to the two ends of the optical fiber manufacturing equipment respectively, and drive the ends of the two glass tubes to rotate relative to each other, so that the ends of the two glass tubes are fused together;

[0007] S3: Inject liquid silicon and germanium chemical gases into the two glass tubes;

[0008] S4: Heat the outer ends of the two glass tubes, press and seal the outer ends of the two glass tubes, and seal the chemical gas inside the two glass tubes;

[0009] S5: After removing the two glass tubes, heat them. Chemical gases form silica inside the glass tubes. The silica melts at high temperature and forms the inner core of the optical fiber. The glass tubes themselves become the outer shell of the optical fiber.

[0010] An optical fiber manufacturing device includes side seats, two side seats are arranged left and right, two fixed sleeves are fixed on the side seats, a side column is slidably connected to each fixed sleeve, a cone is fixed on each of the two side columns, a through hole is provided in the center of the side seat, a folding rod is fixed on the outer side of the side seat, and a stop is fixed on the folding rod. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0012] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing optical fibers;

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber manufacturing device. Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber manufacturing device. Figure 2 ;

[0015] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber manufacturing device. Figure 3 ;

[0016] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the side seat and the abutment. Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the side seat and the abutment. Figure 2 ;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure;

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the T-shaped frame.

[0021] In the diagram: Side seat 101; Cone cylinder 102; Fixing sleeve 103; Side column 104; Hinge rod 105; Lifting seat 106; Middle column 107; Screw 108;

[0022] 201; L-shaped hole 202; folding rod 203; rubber plug 204; protruding rib 205; stop 206; rhomboid seat 207; connecting rod 208; rectangular piece 209; fixed shaft 210;

[0023] Base 301; Side rail 302; Side frame 303; Motor 304; Center rail 305;

[0024] Support 401; Vertical rod 402; Round plate 403; Pressing plate 404;

[0025] 501 T-shaped bracket; 502 U-shaped seat; 503 triangular plate; 504 heating wire; 505 slider; 506 slot; 507 hollow seat. Detailed Implementation

[0026] A method for manufacturing optical fibers includes the following steps:

[0027] S1: Immerse the two glass tubes in hydrofluoric acid to remove residual oil;

[0028] S2: Fix the two glass tubes to the two ends of the optical fiber manufacturing equipment respectively, and drive the ends of the two glass tubes to rotate relative to each other, so that the ends of the two glass tubes are fused together;

[0029] S3: Inject liquid silicon and germanium chemical gases into the two glass tubes;

[0030] S4: Heat the outer ends of the two glass tubes, press and seal the outer ends of the two glass tubes, and seal the chemical gas inside the two glass tubes;

[0031] S5: After removing the two glass tubes, heat them. Chemical gases form silica inside the glass tubes. The silica melts at high temperature and forms the inner core of the optical fiber. The glass tubes themselves become the outer shell of the optical fiber.

[0032] The fusion temperature of the ends of the two glass tubes is 2000℃.

[0033] After S5, proceed to S6: In S6, place the glass tube into the drawing tower for drawing to form an optical fiber filament.

[0034] like Figure 5-6 As shown, this example can achieve the effect of stabilizing the glass tube.

[0035] The optical fiber manufacturing equipment includes two side seats 101 arranged side to side. Two fixing sleeves 103 are welded to each side seat 101, and a side post 104 is slidably connected to each fixing sleeve 103. A tapered cylinder 102 is welded to each of the two side posts 104. A through hole is located in the center of each side seat 101, and a bending rod 203 is welded to the outer side of each side seat 101. A stop 201 is welded to the bending rod 203. Two glass tubes can be inserted into the through holes on the two side seats 101 respectively. Then, the two side posts 104 are driven to slide closer to each other on the two fixing sleeves 103, thereby driving the two tapered cylinders 102 to move closer together, thus fixing the glass tubes onto the side seats 101. The outer end of the glass tube needs to rest against the stop 201 to ensure stable placement of the glass tube. The proximity of the two side seats 101 facilitates the connection of the ends of the two glass tubes.

[0036] like Figure 5-6 As shown, this example can achieve the effect of driving two cones 102 to move closer together and clamp the end of the glass tube.

[0037] Since a central column 107 is welded onto the side seat 101, and a lifting seat 106 is slidably connected to the central column 107, and two hinge rods 105 are hinged to the lifting seat 106, the other ends of the two hinge rods 105 are respectively hinged to the outer ends of the two side columns 104, and a screw 108 is threaded onto the lifting seat 106. The end of the screw 108 abuts against the side seat 101. Rotating the screw 108 can drive the lifting seat 106 to slide upward on the central column 107, thereby driving the two side columns 104 to move closer to each other through the two hinge rods 105, and then driving the two cones 102 to move closer to each other to clamp the end of the glass tube.

[0038] like Figure 5-6 As shown, this example can achieve the effect of injecting liquid silicon and germanium chemical gases into the two glass tubes through the L-shaped hole 202.

[0039] Because the abutment 201 is provided with an L-shaped hole 202, one end of the L-shaped hole 202 is located at the center of the abutment 201, and the other end of the L-shaped hole 202 is located on the side of the abutment 201. A rubber stopper 204 is inserted into the side end of the L-shaped hole 202. After the two glass tubes are joined and fused together, the rubber stopper 204 can be removed, and liquid silicon and germanium chemical gases can be injected into the two glass tubes through the L-shaped hole 202.

[0040] like Figure 5-6 As shown, this example demonstrates how to easily weld two glass tubes together.

[0041] Because a fixed shaft 210 is welded to the outside of the abutment 201, and a protruding rib 205 is provided on the fixed shaft 210, a stop 206 is welded to the outer end of the abutment 201, a rectangular piece 209 is slidably connected to the fixed shaft 210, and a compression spring is sleeved on the fixed shaft 210. The compression spring is located between the abutment 201 and the rectangular piece 209. The compression spring on the fixed shaft 210 gives the abutment 201 an elastic force to move inward, so that the two side seats 101 always tend to move closer to each other, and thus the two glass tubes always tend to move closer to each other, so that the ends of the two glass tubes are pressed against each other, which facilitates the welding between the two glass tubes.

[0042] like Figure 7 As shown, this example demonstrates how to fuse two glass tubes together.

[0043] Since side rails 302 are provided at both ends of the base 301, and a side frame 303 is slidably connected to each side rail 302, a motor 304 is connected to the upper part of each side frame 303 by screws, and a rhomboid seat 207 is connected to the output shaft of each motor 304 by screws. Each rhomboid seat 207 is connected to the corresponding rectangular piece 209 by two connecting rods 208. The side frame 303 is driven to slide by a hydraulic cylinder. The two motors 304 drive the two rhomboid seats 207 to rotate, which in turn drives the two rectangular pieces 209 to rotate about the axes of the two abutments 201, which in turn drives the two side seats 101 to rotate about the axes of the two abutments 201, which in turn drives the two glass tubes to rotate about the axes of the two abutments 201. The two glass tubes rotate in opposite directions, and thus, through friction, the two glass tubes are fused together at high temperature. Then, chemical gas is filled between the two glass tubes.

[0044] like Figure 7-8 As shown, this example demonstrates how two pressure plates 404 can smooth the weld between two glass tubes using their elasticity.

[0045] A central rail 305 is provided in the middle of the base 301, and a bracket 401 is slidably connected to the central rail 305. A fastening screw is threaded to the lower end of the bracket 401. A vertically arranged vertical rod 402 is fixed to the upper part of the bracket 401. Both ends of the vertical rod 402 are slidably connected to other vertical rods 402. Both ends of the vertical rod 402 are connected to circular plates 403 by screws. Both ends of the vertical rod 402 are slidably connected to pressure plates 404. Compression springs are sleeved on both ends of the vertical rod 402, with the two compression springs located on the outer sides of the two pressure plates 404 respectively. When the two glass tubes are fused at high temperature, the two pressure plates 404 are pressed onto the upper and lower sides of the glass tubes respectively. Then, as the two glass tubes rotate, the two pressure plates 404 smooth the fusion joint between the two glass tubes through their elasticity.

[0046] like Figure 7-9 As shown, this example can achieve the effect of sealing chemical gases in a glass tube.

[0047] A hollow base 507 is connected to the middle of the base 301 by screws. A T-shaped frame 501 is vertically slidably connected to the hollow base 507. The T-shaped frame 501 is driven to lift by a hydraulic cylinder. Slider 505 is slidably connected to both ends of the T-shaped frame 501. Each slider 505 is driven to slide by a hydraulic cylinder. A U-shaped base 502 is welded to the upper part of the slider 505. A heating wire 504 is provided at the bottom of the U-shaped base 502. A slot 506 is provided on the U-shaped base 502. A triangular plate 503 is slidably connected to the base in the front-back direction. The triangular plate 503 can be inserted into the slot 506. The triangular plate 503 is driven to slide by a hydraulic cylinder. The T-shaped bracket 501 slides upward on the hollow base 507, which drives the two sliders 505 and the two U-shaped bases 502 to rise, so that the two U-shaped bases 502 are inserted into the glass tube. Then, the sliders 505 are driven to move left and right on the T-shaped bracket 501 to adjust the left and right positions of the two U-shaped bases 502. Then, the heating wires 504 on the two U-shaped bases 502 heat both ends of the glass tube, making the heated parts of the glass tube soft. Then, the heating wires 504 are driven to insert into the slots 506 to flatten the heated parts of the glass tube, thereby sealing the chemical gas in the glass tube. This makes it easier to remove the two glass tubes and heat them in the next step. The chemical gas forms silica in the glass tube. The silica that melts at high temperature forms the inner core of the optical fiber, and the glass tube itself becomes the outer shell of the optical fiber.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing optical fibers, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Immerse the two glass tubes in hydrofluoric acid to remove residual oil; S2: Fix the two glass tubes to the two ends of the optical fiber manufacturing equipment respectively, and drive the ends of the two glass tubes to rotate relative to each other, so that the ends of the two glass tubes are fused together; S3: Inject liquid silicon and germanium chemical gases into the two glass tubes; S4: Heat the outer ends of the two glass tubes, press and seal the outer ends of the two glass tubes, and seal the chemical gas inside the two glass tubes; S5: After removing the two glass tubes, heat them. Chemical gases form silica inside the glass tubes. The silica melts at high temperature and forms the inner core of the optical fiber. The glass tubes themselves become the outer shell of the optical fiber.

2. The optical fiber manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fusion temperature of the ends of the two glass tubes is 2000℃.

3. The optical fiber manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After S5, proceed to S6: In S6, place the glass tube into the drawing tower for drawing to form an optical fiber filament.

4. An optical fiber manufacturing apparatus, comprising a side mount (101), characterized in that: Two side seats (101) are arranged on the left and right sides. Two fixing sleeves (103) are fixed on the side seats (101). A side column (104) is slidably connected to each fixing sleeve (103). A cone (102) is fixed on each of the two side columns (104). A through hole is provided in the center of the side seat (101). A folding rod (203) is fixed on the outside of the side seat (101). A stop (201) is fixed on the folding rod (203).

5. The optical fiber manufacturing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: A central column (107) is fixed on the side seat (101), and a lifting seat (106) is slidably connected on the central column (107). Two hinge rods (105) are hinged on the lifting seat (106), and the other ends of the two hinge rods (105) are respectively hinged to the outer ends of the two side columns (104). A screw (108) is threadedly connected to the lifting seat (106), and the end of the screw (108) rests on the side seat (101).

6. The optical fiber manufacturing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The abutment (201) is provided with an L-shaped hole (202), one end of the L-shaped hole (202) is located at the center of the abutment (201), and the other end of the L-shaped hole (202) is located on the side of the abutment (201). A rubber plug (204) is inserted into the side end of the L-shaped hole (202).

7. The optical fiber manufacturing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: A fixed shaft (210) is fixed to the outside of the abutment (201). A protruding rib (205) is provided on the fixed shaft (210). A stop (206) is fixed to the outer end of the abutment (201). A rectangular piece (209) is slidably connected to the fixed shaft (210). A compression spring is sleeved on the fixed shaft (210). The compression spring is located between the abutment (201) and the rectangular piece (209).

8. The optical fiber manufacturing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The base (301) is provided with side rails (302) at both the left and right ends. Each side rail (302) is slidably connected to a side frame (303). Each side frame (303) is fixed with a motor (304) at its upper part. Each motor (304) has a rhomboid seat (207) fixed on its output shaft. Each rhomboid seat (207) is connected to the corresponding rectangular piece (209) by two connecting rods (208). The side frame (303) is driven to slide by a hydraulic cylinder.

9. The optical fiber manufacturing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: A central rail (305) is provided in the middle of the base (301), and a bracket (401) is slidably connected to the central rail (305). A fastening screw is threaded to the lower end of the bracket (401). A vertically arranged vertical rod (402) is fixed to the upper part of the bracket (401). Both the upper and lower ends of the vertical rod (402) are slidably connected to the vertical rod (402). Both the upper and lower ends of the vertical rod (402) are fixed with circular plates (403). Both the upper and lower ends of the vertical rod (402) are slidably connected with pressure plates (404). Both the upper and lower ends of the vertical rod (402) are sleeved with compression springs. The two compression springs are located on the outside of the two pressure plates (404).

10. The optical fiber manufacturing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: A hollow seat (507) is fixed in the middle of the base (301). A T-shaped frame (501) is vertically slidably connected to the hollow seat (507). The T-shaped frame (501) is driven to lift by a hydraulic cylinder. Sliders (505) are slidably connected to both ends of the T-shaped frame (501). Each slider (505) is driven to slide by a hydraulic cylinder. A U-shaped seat (502) is fixed on the upper part of the slider (505). A heating wire (504) is provided at the bottom of the U-shaped seat (502). A slot (506) is provided on the U-shaped seat (502). A triangular plate (503) is slidably connected to the triangular plate (503) in the front-back direction. The triangular plate (503) can be inserted into the slot (506). The triangular plate (503) is driven to slide by a hydraulic cylinder.