Acid dissolution device for microstructure optical fiber bundle

Abstract

The utility model discloses an acid dissolution device for a microstructure optical fiber bundle, and belongs to the technical field of optical fiber preparation. Comprising a soaking device used for soaking the microstructure optical fiber bundle and a lifting device used for lifting and falling the microstructure optical fiber bundle. The soaking device is arranged below the lifting device and comprises a first soaking device, a second soaking device and a third soaking device which are movably arranged in parallel; the first soaking device, the second soaking device and the third soaking device are respectively filled with an acid soaking solution, a pure water soaking solution and an impregnating compound soaking solution; the lifting device comprises a hanging bracket, a fixed pulley arranged on the hanging bracket, a steel wire rope, a hook and a rope disc, one end of the steel wire rope is wound on the rope disc, and the other end bypasses the fixed pulley to be connected with the hook. The acid dissolution quality and the production efficiency can be improved, and the problem of high rejection rate caused by manual taking is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical fiber fabrication technology, specifically to an acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles. Background Technology

[0002] Microstructured fiber bundles are widely used in medical, industrial, defense, and scientific research fields. The main manufacturing methods for microstructured fiber bundles are the lamination method and the acid dissolution method. The acid dissolution method can overcome the single-filament diameter limit of the lamination method, improve the resolution of the image bundle, and is widely used due to its simple operation, advanced technology, and low cost. The single optical fiber used in a microstructured fiber bundle consists of a core glass, a cladding glass, and an acid-soluble glass layer, from the core to the outer layer. A certain number of single optical fibers are orderly bundled and drawn into a composite filament, thus forming a rigid microstructured fiber bundle. During the acid dissolution process, the two ends of the rigid microstructured fiber bundle are protected with acid-resistant material and immersed in an acid solution of a certain concentration. After a period of time, the acid solution dissolves the unprotected acid-soluble glass in the middle part, forming discrete single filaments, thus transforming the rigid microstructured fiber bundle into a flexible microstructured fiber bundle.

[0003] In traditional acid dissolution processes, microstructured fiber bundles are manually held at both ends and placed into wide tanks containing various immersion solutions. This process is inefficient. Furthermore, uneven force applied by the hands often leads to fiber breakage, resulting in scrap and low yield rates. Simultaneously, the large opening of the immersion tank causes rapid solvent evaporation during acid dissolution, resulting in uneven concentrations in the upper and lower layers of the solution and causing the immersion solution to become ineffective. Additionally, when multiple microstructured fiber bundles are placed in the wide tank, the acid-dissolved flexible microstructured fiber bundles become entangled and cannot be separated. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:

[0006] An acid-soluble device for microstructured optical fiber bundles includes an immersion device for soaking the microstructured optical fiber bundle and a lifting device for raising and lowering the microstructured optical fiber bundle. The immersion device is located below the lifting device and includes a first immersion device, a second immersion device, and a third immersion device that are movably arranged side by side. The first immersion device, the second immersion device, and the third immersion device are respectively filled with an acid immersion solution, a pure water immersion solution, and a wetting agent immersion solution. The lifting device includes a hanger, a fixed pulley mounted on the hanger, a steel wire rope, a hook, and a rope reel. One end of the steel wire rope is wound around the rope reel, and the other end passes around the fixed pulley and connects to the hook.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes corrosion-resistant glass tubes, of which there are several, bundled together, and each glass tube can be fitted with a microstructured optical fiber bundle, with one end of the corrosion-resistant glass tube connected to a hook.

[0008] During the transfer and soaking process in the first, second, and third soaking devices, the texture of the microstructured fiber bundle changes from rigid to flexible. Each microstructured fiber bundle is threaded into an independent corrosion-resistant glass tube for acid dissolution. Each microstructured fiber bundle is separated from each other and does not entangle, effectively avoiding the breakage caused by the flexible microstructured fiber bundles entangled after acid dissolution. This greatly improves production efficiency and ensures the quality of the image bundle.

[0009] Furthermore, the soaking device also includes a movable frame and a track. The first soaking device, the second soaking device, and the third soaking device are fixed inside the movable frame. The bottom of the movable frame has rollers that roll in conjunction with the track.

[0010] By using rollers and tracks in a rolling motion, each immersion device can be moved directly below the microstructured fiber bundle for immersion, thereby effectively reducing the travel distance of the microstructured fiber bundle and minimizing damage caused by excessive swaying.

[0011] Furthermore, the first soaking device, the second soaking device, and the third soaking device are all barrel-shaped containers with their openings facing upwards. A cover plate is provided at the opening, and a drain valve is provided at the bottom of the barrel-shaped container.

[0012] Compared to existing wide-trough containers, the barrel-shaped container reduces the evaporation area; furthermore, the use of a cover plate further reduces the evaporation rate of the soaking solution, extending its shelf life. The drain valve facilitates quick replacement of the soaking solution.

[0013] Furthermore, the first soaking device is externally equipped with a pumping temperature control circulation device, which includes a circulation pump for driving the flow of the soaking solution and a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of the soaking solution.

[0014] During the acid dissolution process, the concentration of the soaking solution in the soaking device often becomes uneven between the upper and lower layers due to evaporation. Furthermore, temperature changes in the soaking solution can lead to variations in the acid dissolution rate and effect. Circulating the soaking solution with a circulation pump can effectively ensure uniform concentration within the soaking device. Adjusting the temperature of the soaking solution with a temperature control device can keep the temperature within a controlled range, thereby ensuring the quality of acid dissolution of the microstructured optical fiber bundle.

[0015] Furthermore, the temperature control device includes a temperature sensor disposed inside the first soaking device and a water bath temperature regulating device disposed outside the first soaking device; the temperature sensor is respectively disposed at the upper, middle and lower parts of the soaking device.

[0016] Temperature sensors measure the temperature of the soaking solution at the bottom, middle, and top of the soaking device. When there is a large temperature difference, the circulation pump is turned on to circulate the solution and ensure that the temperature of the soaking solution is uniform.

[0017] Furthermore, the water bath temperature regulating device includes a water bath tank and a spiral heat exchange tube. The water bath tank is used to introduce the heat exchange medium, and the spiral heat exchange tube is immersed in the water bath tank. One end of the spiral heat exchange tube is connected to the first immersion device, and the other end is connected to the circulating pump.

[0018] The spiral heat exchange tube design simplifies the structure and improves heat exchange efficiency. Water bath heat exchange facilitates stable temperature control of the immersion solution, improving the quality of acid dissolution.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a control switch and a motor; the motor is used to drive the rope reel to rotate, and the control switch is used to turn the motor on and off.

[0020] The control device can effectively control the speed of the wire rope's rise and fall, and also automate the production process, saving labor costs and improving production efficiency.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By coordinating a lifting device with an immersion device, a hook is used to suspend the microstructured fiber bundle, and a fixed pulley controls the speed of the steel wire rope, allowing the microstructured fiber bundle to be slowly and evenly immersed in the immersion device for acid dissolution. This improves the quality of acid dissolution and production efficiency, and effectively avoids the high scrap rate caused by manual handling. Furthermore, by setting up movable first, second, and third immersion devices, the movement distance of the microstructured fiber bundle can be effectively reduced, minimizing damage to the microstructured fiber bundle caused by excessive swaying. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pumping temperature control circulation device of this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. First soaking device, 2. Second soaking device, 3. Third soaking device, 4. Fixed pulley, 5. Steel wire rope, 6. Hook, 7. Corrosion-resistant glass tube, 8. Roller, 9. Track, 10. Valve, 11. Cover plate, 12. Circulation pump, 13. Temperature sensor, 14. Water bath temperature regulating device, 15. Control switch, 16. Motor, 17. Rope reel. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides an acid dissolution device for microstructured fiber bundles, including an immersion device for immersing the microstructured fiber bundle, a lifting device for raising and lowering the microstructured fiber bundle, and corrosion-resistant glass for protecting the microstructured fiber bundle and preventing it from tangling together during the immersion process.

[0028] The soaking device includes a movable frame, a track, a first soaking device 1, a second soaking device 2, and a third soaking device 3. The first, second, and third soaking devices are fixedly arranged side by side within a frame. A roller 8 is provided at the bottom of the frame, and the roller 8 rolls linearly on the track 9. Specifically, the roller surface of the roller 8 is provided with an annular groove, which rolls in cooperation with the track to limit the direction of travel of the roller and reduce frictional resistance.

[0029] The first soaking device 1, the second soaking device 2, and the third soaking device 3 are all barrel-shaped containers with their openings facing upwards. A cover plate 11 is provided at the opening to prevent the soaking solution from evaporating. A valve 10 is provided at the bottom of the barrel-shaped container to discharge the soaking waste solution.

[0030] The lifting device includes a frame, two fixed pulleys 4 on the frame, a wire rope 5, a hook 6 and a rope reel 17. One end of the wire rope 5 is wound around the rope reel 17, and the other end is connected to the hook 6 through the two fixed pulleys 4. The hook 6 is suspended above the soaking device.

[0031] In this embodiment, there are several corrosion-resistant glass tubes 7, which are bundled together, and a microstructure optical fiber bundle can be inserted into each glass tube.

[0032] When the above-mentioned device is in use;

[0033] Acid solution, pure water, and wetting agent are respectively placed in the first soaking device 1, the second soaking device 2, and the third soaking device 3. Rigid microstructure fiber bundles, with both ends protected by acid-resistant materials, are threaded one by one through corrosion-resistant glass 7, and the upper end of each fiber bundle is fixed to a corresponding glass tube. The corrosion-resistant glass 7, bundled into tubes, is then vertically suspended from hooks 6 by ropes. The microstructure fiber bundles are raised and lowered by traction steel wire ropes 5, and the first soaking device 1, the second soaking device 2, and the third soaking device 3 are propelled linearly on track 9 by rollers 8. This allows the microstructure fiber bundles to be transferred in different soaking solutions, achieving acid dissolution, water washing, and wetting, thereby transforming the rigid microstructure fiber bundles into flexible microstructure fiber bundles.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] Compared with Example 1, this example adds a pumping temperature control circulation device to the outside of the first soaking device 1, see reference. Figure 2 The pumping temperature control circulation device includes a circulation pump 12, temperature sensors 13, and a water bath temperature regulating device 14. There are three temperature sensors 13, respectively located on the upper, middle, and lower parts of the inner wall of the first soaking device 1. The circulation pump 12 and the water bath temperature regulating device 14 are located outside the first soaking device 1. The inlet of the circulation pump 12 communicates with the inner cavity of the first soaking device 1, and its outlet is connected to the water bath temperature regulating device 14.

[0036] In this embodiment, the water bath temperature regulating device 14 includes a cylindrical water bath tank and a spiral heat exchange tube. The water bath tank is vertically disposed on the outer wall of the first soaking device 1, with inlets and outlets for the heat exchange medium at its upper and lower ends, respectively. The spiral heat exchange tube is disposed in the water bath tank, with its upper end connected to the inner cavity of the first soaking device and its other end connected to the outlet of the circulating pump. The heat exchange medium inlet can be supplied with either a hot medium or a cold medium.

[0037] The above structure can reduce the floor space occupied by the water bath temperature regulating device 14, reduce the distance between two adjacent soaking tanks, and thus reduce the lateral movement distance of the microstructure fiber bundle.

[0038] In other embodiments, a pumping temperature control circulation device may also be provided outside the second soaking device 2 and the third soaking device 3, and its function is the same as that in embodiment 1.

[0039] The working principle of the pump temperature control circulation device is as follows: During the acid dissolution process, when the concentration of the soaking solution in the soaking device becomes uneven due to evaporation, the circulation pump 12 is turned on to circulate the soaking solution and make the concentration of the soaking solution uniform. When the temperature of the soaking solution in the soaking device is affected by the ambient temperature and exceeds the range required by the process, the circulation pump 12 is turned on, and hot or cold medium is introduced into the water bath as appropriate to circulate and heat or cool the soaking solution, thereby controlling the temperature of the soaking solution within the range required by the process. When the temperature difference of the three temperature sensors 13 located at the top, middle and bottom of the soaking tank exceeds the range required by the process, the circulation pump 12 is turned on to circulate the soaking solution and make the temperature of the soaking solution in the soaking tank uniform.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] Compared with Embodiment 1, this embodiment adds a control device, which includes a control switch 15 and a motor 16; the motor 16 is used to drive the rope disc 17 to rotate, and the control switch 15 is used to turn the motor 16 on and off.

[0042] The motor 16 controls the rotation of the rope reel 17, thereby controlling the raising and lowering of the wire rope 5. The control device not only further ensures the control of the raising and lowering speed of the wire rope 5, but also realizes the automation of production, saves labor costs, and effectively improves production efficiency.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An acid dissolution apparatus for a microstructured fiber bundle, comprising: It includes an immersion device for immersing microstructured fiber bundles and a lifting device for raising and lowering microstructured fiber bundles. The soaking device is located below the lifting device and includes a first soaking device, a second soaking device, and a third soaking device that are movably arranged side by side; the first soaking device, the second soaking device, and the third soaking device are respectively filled with acid soaking solution, pure water soaking solution, and wetting agent soaking solution; The lifting device includes a frame, a fixed pulley mounted on the frame, a wire rope, a hook, and a rope reel. One end of the wire rope is wound around the rope reel, and the other end passes over the fixed pulley and connects to the hook.

2. The acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes corrosion-resistant glass tubes, which consist of several tubes bundled together, and each tube can contain a microstructured optical fiber bundle.

3. The acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soaking device also includes a movable frame and a track. The first soaking device, the second soaking device and the third soaking device are fixed inside the movable frame. The bottom of the movable frame has rollers that roll in conjunction with the track.

4. The acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first soaking device, the second soaking device, and the third soaking device are all barrel-shaped containers with their openings facing upwards. A cover plate is installed at the opening, and a drain valve is installed at the bottom of the barrel-shaped container.

5. The acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first soaking device is externally equipped with a pumping and temperature-controlled circulation device, which includes a circulation pump for driving the flow of the soaking solution and a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of the soaking solution.

6. The acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles according to claim 5, characterized in that: The temperature control device includes a temperature sensor installed inside the first soaking device and a water bath temperature regulating device installed outside the first soaking device; the temperature sensor is respectively installed at the upper, middle and lower parts of the soaking device.

7. The acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water bath temperature regulating device includes a water bath tank and a spiral heat exchange tube. The water bath tank is used to introduce the heat exchange medium. The spiral heat exchange tube is immersed in the water bath tank. One end of the spiral heat exchange tube is connected to the first immersion device, and the other end is connected to the circulating pump.

8. The acid dissolution device for microstructured optical fiber bundles according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control switch and a motor; the motor is used to drive the rope reel to rotate, and the control switch is used to turn the motor on and off.

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