Foreign substance removing apparatus, optical fiber manufacturing apparatus and optical fiber manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a foreign substance removing apparatus which can more surely remove a foreign substance from the surface of an optical fiber.SOLUTION: A foreign substance removing apparatus includes: a pair of contact parts which are arranged so as to opposite to each other while sandwiching an optical fiber on a travel route of the optical fiber, are moved in a direction at which a distance therebetween approaches each other and are brought into contact with the optical fiber, and remove a foreign substance on the surface of the optical fiber; and a driving source for generating driving force for moving the pair of contact parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foreign matter removal device, an optical fiber manufacturing device, and an optical fiber manufacturing method. [Background technology]

[0002] During the manufacturing process of optical fiber, since optical fiber is also a dielectric material, it is prone to become electrostatically charged and foreign matter such as dirt and dust easily adheres to it. If the next coating or other material is formed on the outside of the optical fiber with foreign matter such as dust adhering to its surface, it may adversely affect the signal transmission characteristics, reduce the strength, or cause the colored layer to peel off.

[0003] To prevent such problems, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a running optical fiber is passed through a tapered nozzle-shaped through hole and gas is sprayed into the through hole to remove foreign matter such as dust adhering to the surface of the optical fiber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-011155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while the technology described in Patent Document 1 may be able to remove foreign matter when it is relatively lightly attached, if the foreign matter becomes more strongly attached to the optical fiber over time, it may not be possible to completely remove the foreign matter from the optical fiber by blowing gas.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a foreign matter removal device capable of more reliably removing foreign matter from the surface of an optical fiber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a foreign matter removal device that includes a pair of contact portions that are arranged opposite each other on a travel path of the optical fiber, sandwiching the optical fiber, and move in a direction in which the distance between them approaches each other to come into contact with the optical fiber and remove foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber, and a driving source that generates a driving force for moving the pair of contact portions. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the foreign matter removal device of the present disclosure, foreign matter can be more reliably removed from the surface of an optical fiber. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a screening test device, which is an example of an optical fiber manufacturing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cleaning section. <1> (open state). [Diagram 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cleaning section. <2> (closed state). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the schematic shapes of the contact portion and the optical fiber in FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] [1] A foreign matter removal device disclosed herein comprises a pair of contact portions arranged opposite each other on a travel path of the optical fiber, the contact portions moving in a direction approaching each other to come into contact with the optical fiber and remove foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber, and a driving source that generates a driving force for moving the pair of contact portions.

[0012] According to the foreign matter removal device of the present disclosure, foreign matter can be more reliably removed from the surface of an optical fiber.

[0013] [2] In [1], the optical fiber may be a tape fiber, and each of the pair of contact parts may be disposed opposite a main surface of the tape fiber. This is because it is possible to increase the contact area between each contact part and the optical fiber, and to bring each contact part into contact with a uniform pressing force over the entire main surface of the tape fiber shape of the optical fiber, thereby more reliably removing foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber.

[0014] [3] In [1] or [2], each of the pair of contact parts may be movable to approach the optical fiber and may contact the optical fiber with the same pressing force. This is because it is possible to bring each contact part into contact with the optical fiber with a uniform pressing force from both sides in the opposing direction of each contact part, and therefore it is possible to more efficiently remove foreign matter from the contact area between the surface of the optical fiber and each contact part. Note that the same pressing force does not only mean that the pressing forces are completely the same, but also means that the pressing forces are approximately the same.

[0015] [4] In any one of [1] to [3], the driving source may be an air-driven actuator, and the pressing force with which each of the pair of contact parts contacts the optical fiber may be individually changed by the air pressure of the air-driven actuator. This is because it is possible to bring each contact part into contact with the optical fiber with a pressing force appropriate for removing foreign matter according to various conditions such as the type of optical fiber from which foreign matter is to be removed, and therefore it is possible to more efficiently and reliably remove foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber.

[0016] [5] In [4], the air pressure is preferably in the range of 0.3 MPa to 0.5 MPa, because a pressing force for maintaining a contact state of the contact portion that can efficiently remove foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber can be generated.

[0017] [6] In any one of [1] to [5], the pair of contact parts may have a tack cloth disposed on at least the surface of the contact surface that contacts the optical fiber, because the moderate adhesiveness of the tack cloth allows fine dirt, dust, and stains to be easily and completely wiped off, thereby more efficiently and reliably removing foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber.

[0018] [7] In [6], the adhesion rate of the tack cloth is preferably 30% or more and 60% or less, because this is an appropriate range that balances the performance of removing foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber and the load that the optical fiber receives due to contact with the tack cloth.

[0019] [8] In [6] or [7], the pair of contact parts may have elastic parts that are elastically deformable at least on the contact surface, because sudden fluctuations in the driving force of the driving source can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the elastic parts, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the pressing force of the contact parts and therefore suppressing fluctuations in the load that the optical fiber receives from the foreign matter removal device.

[0020] [9] In [8], the elastic portion is preferably made of a material that satisfies the conditions of a resilience of 35% or more, a hardness of 80N to 150N, and a tensile strength of 65kPa or more. This is because the effect of absorbing sudden fluctuations in the driving force of the driving source can be particularly pronounced.

[0021]

[10] In any one of [1] to [9], a detachable part may be provided that can detach the pair of contact parts by applying an external force. This is because it enables off-site setup, and it is possible to significantly reduce the time required to replace the contact parts with other parts when the contact parts become dirty and the foreign matter removal effect decreases.

[0022]

[11] The present disclosure also provides an optical fiber manufacturing apparatus including a foreign matter removal device according to any one of [1] to

[10] above.

[0023] According to the optical fiber manufacturing apparatus of the present disclosure, foreign matter can be more reliably removed from the surface of the optical fiber.

[0024]

[12] In the item

[11] , a screening unit may be provided, and the foreign matter removal device may be installed upstream of the screening unit in the running path of the optical fiber. Since the optical fiber from which foreign matter has been removed by the foreign matter removal device can be supplied to the screening unit, the influence of foreign matter on the screening test can be reduced, and the accuracy of the screening test can be improved.

[0025]

[13] The optical fiber manufacturing method disclosed herein further includes a foreign matter removal step of removing foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber on the travel path using a foreign matter removal device described in any one of [1] to

[10] above.

[0026] According to the optical fiber manufacturing method of the present disclosure, foreign matter can be more reliably removed from the surface of the optical fiber.

[0027] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the foreign matter removal device, optical fiber manufacturing device, and optical fiber manufacturing method of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0028] In addition, in the description of the specification and drawings of each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functions may be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid repetitive explanations. In addition, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale in order to facilitate understanding.

[0029] In the directions of parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, etc., deviations are permitted to the extent that they do not impair the effects of the embodiment. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles and may be rounded in an arch shape. Parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical may include approximately parallel, approximately right angle, approximately orthogonal, approximately horizontal, and approximately vertical.

[0030] For example, "approximately parallel" means that even if two lines or two surfaces are not completely parallel to each other, they can be treated as being parallel to each other within the range allowed in manufacturing. As with "approximately parallel," other terms such as "approximately right angle," "approximately perpendicular," "approximately horizontal," and "approximately vertical" are also intended to be applicable to the above terms as long as the relative positional relationship between the two lines or surfaces is within the range allowed in manufacturing.

[0031] In the following description, an optical fiber screening test apparatus 1 will be described as an example of an optical fiber manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a screening test apparatus 1, which is an example of an optical fiber manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0032] [Overall configuration of screening test equipment] 1, the screening test apparatus 1 includes a supply unit 2, a screening unit 3, and a winding unit 4. The supply unit 2, the screening unit 3, and the winding unit 4 are arranged in this order, and transport the optical fiber 10 from the supply unit 2 to the winding unit 4. In the following description, the region close to the supply unit 2 is also referred to as the upstream of the transport direction A of the optical fiber 10, and the region close to the winding unit 4 is also referred to as the downstream of the transport direction A of the optical fiber 10.

[0033] The supply unit 2 supplies the optical fiber 10 used in the screening test to the screening unit 3. As shown in Fig. 1, for example, the supply unit 2 temporarily winds the optical fiber 10 drawn in the manufacturing process onto a supply reel 21, and supplies the optical fiber 10 unwound from the supply reel 21 to the screening unit 3 via guide rollers 22 and 23.

[0034] The supply unit 2 may be configured to supply the optical fiber manufactured through the drawing process and the coating process directly to the screening unit 3 without winding it on a reel. The number of guide rollers 22, 23 is not limited to two as illustrated in FIG.

[0035] The screening unit 3 performs a screening test on the optical fiber 10 supplied from the supply unit 2. The screening test is a test in which a predetermined tension (screening strain) is applied to the entire length of the manufactured optical fiber to remove weak parts such as scratches, thereby ensuring the strength of the optical fiber over its entire length.

[0036] 1, the screening unit 3 has a capstan 31 and a plurality of guide rollers 32, 33, and 34. The capstan 31 transports (pulls) the optical fiber 10 with a predetermined tension while holding the optical fiber 10 between a belt and the roller. The guide rollers 32, 33, and 34 are provided, for example, downstream of the capstan 31, and apply a screening tension to the optical fiber 10 together with the capstan 31.

[0037] The screening unit 3 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1 as long as it can perform a screening test on the optical fiber 10. For example, the number of guide rollers 32, 33, 34 is not limited to three as shown in Fig. 1. Also, the screening unit 3 may have a configuration having a plurality of pairs of the capstan 31 and the guide rollers 32, 33, 34.

[0038] The winding unit 4 winds the optical fiber 10 after the screening test is performed by the screening unit 3 onto a winding reel 41. A guide roller 42 that guides the optical fiber 10 transported from the screening unit 3 toward the winding reel 41 may be provided further upstream.

[0039] Particularly in this embodiment, the cleaning unit 5 is disposed between the supply unit 2 and the screening unit 3. The cleaning unit 5 has a foreign matter removal device 6. That is, the foreign matter removal device 6 is installed upstream of the screening unit 3 in the running path of the optical fiber 10 in the screening test apparatus 1. The foreign matter removal device 6 removes foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber 10 on the running path. In other words, in the manufacturing method for the optical fiber 10 according to this embodiment, a foreign matter removal step is performed in which foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber 10 on the running path is removed using the foreign matter removal device 6 according to this embodiment. At the end of the foreign matter removal step, the contact state between the foreign matter removal device 6 and the optical fiber is transitioned to a non-contact state.

[0040] By disposing the foreign matter removal device 6 upstream of the screening unit 3 in this manner, the optical fiber 10 from whose surface foreign matter has been removed by the foreign matter removal device 6 can be supplied to the screening unit 3, thereby reducing the influence of foreign matter on the screening test. Details of the configuration of the foreign matter removal device 6 will be described later with reference to Fig. 2 onwards.

[0041] In the cleaning section 5, a dancer roller 51 is provided upstream of the foreign matter remover 6. The dancer roller 51 moves up and down in response to fluctuations in the tension of the optical fiber 10, thereby adjusting the tension of the optical fiber 10. In addition, the dancer roller 51 adjusts the payout speed of the supply reel 21.

[0042] Each part of the screening test apparatus 1 according to this embodiment and a controller 71 of the foreign matter removal apparatus 6 described later are equipped with a computer including a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The arithmetic processing unit such as a microprocessor reads out and executes a computer program including part or all of the operations of each part of the screening test apparatus 1 described with reference to Fig. 1 and the operations of the foreign matter removal apparatus 6 described later with reference to Figs. 2 and 3 from a storage unit such as a ROM or RAM. Each of the computer programs of the multiple devices can be installed from an external server device or the like. Furthermore, each of the computer programs of the multiple devices is distributed in a state of being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0043] [Configuration of the foreign matter removal device] Next, the configuration of the foreign matter removal device 6 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the cleaning unit 5 in Fig. 1. <1> FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cleaning unit 5 in FIG. <2> 2 shows the foreign matter remover 6 in an open state, and FIG 3 shows the foreign matter remover 6 in a closed state. FIG 4 is a perspective view showing the schematic shapes of the contact portion 61 and the optical fiber 10 in FIGS.

[0044] 2 and 3, the optical fiber 10 is supplied from the supply unit 2 to the cleaning unit 5. Thereafter, the optical fiber 10 descends toward the dancer rollers 51 as indicated by arrow B2, is wound around the dancer rollers 51, and then ascends again as indicated by arrow B3. Thereafter, for example, after circling the dancer rollers 51 several times, the optical fiber 10 changes direction to the conveying direction A as indicated by arrow B4 and enters the foreign matter removal device 6.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the foreign matter remover 6 has a pair of contact portions 61 and 62 and a pair of air cylinders 63 and 64.

[0046] The pair of contact portions 61, 62 are disposed opposite to each other on the travel path of the optical fiber 10 with the optical fiber 10 therebetween. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the optical fiber 10 is a tape fiber in which a plurality of core wires are arranged in one direction and collectively coated. In Figs. 1 to 3, the width direction of the tape fiber is the depth direction of the paper. The pair of contact portions 61, 62 are provided with contact surfaces 61A, 62A that face the main surface of the tape fiber, respectively.

[0047] 1 to 3, the optical fiber 10 has a running path in the same direction as the conveying direction A and is horizontal in the portion passing through the foreign matter removal device 6. That is, in the screening test device 1 of this embodiment, the optical fiber 10 is conveyed such that a pair of main surfaces of the tape fiber face vertically upward and downward, respectively, in the portion passing through the foreign matter removal device 6. For this reason, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the pair of contact portions 61, 62 and the contact surfaces 61A, 62A are arranged to face each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal, which is the conveying direction A of the optical fiber 10.

[0048] The facing arrangement of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 can be appropriately set to a direction other than the vertical direction depending on the transport direction A and the shape of the optical fiber 10, etc.

[0049] The contact surfaces 61A, 62A of the pair of contact parts 61, 62 are configured to be able to move in a direction in which the distance between them approaches each other and come into contact with the optical fiber 10, thereby removing foreign matter on the surface of the optical fiber 10. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the contact surfaces 61A, 62A of the pair of contact parts 61, 62 are both separated from the upper and lower main surfaces of the optical fiber 10 (open state). Meanwhile, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the contact surfaces 61A, 62A of the pair of contact parts 61, 62 are both in contact with the upper and lower main surfaces of the optical fiber 10 (closed state). In the example of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the pair of contact parts 61, 62 are both configured to be able to move in a direction in which they approach the optical fiber 10 and in a direction in which they move away from the optical fiber 10 (the direction shown by the arrow C in FIG. 4), thereby making it possible to make the distance between the contact surfaces 61A, 62A approach or move away from each other.

[0050] In this way, by arranging each of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 facing each of the pair of main surfaces of the tape fiber shape of the optical fiber 10, it is possible to increase the contact area between each of the contact portions 61, 62 and the optical fiber 10, and to bring each of the contact portions 61, 62 into contact with the entire main surface of the tape fiber shape of the optical fiber 10 with a uniform pressing force. This makes it possible to more reliably remove foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0051] The pair of air cylinders 63, 64 are an example of a drive source that generates a drive force for moving the pair of contact portions 61, 62. The air cylinder 63 applies a drive force to the contact portion 61, and the air cylinder 64 applies a drive force to the contact portion 62.

[0052] The pair of air cylinders 63, 64 are both electrically connected to the controller 71. The pair of air cylinders 63, 64 operate in response to a control command transmitted from the controller 71, and can generate a driving force.

[0053] The air cylinder 63 is disposed above the contact portion 61, and is installed so that a piston 63A slidably housed inside can be extended vertically downward to the outside. The air cylinder 63 can apply a driving force that moves the contact portion 61 downward by performing an operation to extend the piston 63A outward. The air cylinder 63 can also apply a driving force that moves the contact portion 61 upward by performing an operation to house the piston 63A inward from a state in which the piston 63A is extended outward.

[0054] Similarly, the air cylinder 64 is disposed below the contact portion 62, and is installed so that a piston 64A slidably housed inside can be extended vertically upward to the outside. The air cylinder 64 can apply a driving force that moves the contact portion 62 upward by performing an operation to extend the piston 64A outward. Also, the air cylinder 64 can apply a driving force that moves the contact portion 62 downward by performing an operation to retract the piston 64A from a state in which the piston 64A is extended outward.

[0055] The contact portion 61 is controlled by an air cylinder 63 so that a contact surface 61A presses the optical fiber 10 with a pressing force F1 when in contact with the optical fiber 10. Similarly, the contact portion 62 is controlled by an air cylinder 64 so that a contact surface 62A presses the optical fiber 10 with a pressing force F2 when in contact with the optical fiber 10.

[0056] The pair of air cylinders 63, 64 are air-driven actuators, and the pressing forces F1, F2 of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 can be changed individually by the air pressure of the air-driven actuator. For example, an operator of the screening test device 1 can visually check the state of remaining foreign matter on the surface of the optical fiber 10 after it has passed through the foreign matter removal device 6, and increase or decrease the air pressure according to the state of remaining foreign matter. Alternatively, the operator of the screening test device 1 can adjust the air pressure to suppress the behavior of the dancer roller 51 when it moves up and down.

[0057] In this embodiment, the controller 71 controls the operation of the pair of air cylinders 63, 64 so that the pressing force F1 of the contact portion 61 and the pressing force F2 of the contact portion 62 are substantially equal to each other. This allows the contact surfaces 61A, 62A of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 to come into contact with the optical fiber 10 with substantially the same pressing forces F1, F2.

[0058] In this way, each of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 is movable so as to approach the optical fiber 10, and contacts the optical fiber 10 with approximately the same pressing forces F1, F2, so that each of the contact portions 61, 62 can be brought into contact with the optical fiber 10 with a uniform pressing force from both sides facing each of the contact portions 61, 62. This makes it possible to more efficiently remove foreign matter from the contact portions between the surface of the optical fiber 10 and each of the contact portions 61, 62. This effect is particularly remarkable in a configuration in which the optical fiber 10 is a tape fiber and the pair of contact portions 61, 62 are disposed opposite each of a pair of main surfaces of the tape fiber shape, as in this embodiment.

[0059] Furthermore, by making it possible to individually change the pressure with which each of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 comes into contact with the optical fiber 10 by the air pressure of a pair of air cylinders 63, 64, which are an example of an air-driven actuator, it becomes possible to bring each of the contact portions 61, 62 into contact with the optical fiber 10 with a pressure appropriate for removing foreign matter depending on various conditions such as the type of optical fiber 10 from which foreign matter is to be removed. This makes it possible to more efficiently and reliably remove foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0060] Furthermore, when an air-driven actuator such as air cylinders 63, 64 is used as a driving source for generating a driving force for moving a pair of contact portions 61, 62, it can be realized with a simpler configuration than when a motor gear system or hydraulic driving system is used, and this is advantageous in terms of maintainability and cost efficiency.

[0061] Here, the range of the air pressure output by the air cylinders 63, 64 is 0.3 MPa or more and 0.5 MPa or less. This makes it possible to generate pressing forces F1, F2 for maintaining the contact state of the contact parts 61, 62, which allows foreign matter to be efficiently removed from the surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0062] The pair of contact parts 61, 62 have tack cloths 65, 66 arranged on at least the surfaces of the contact surfaces 61A, 62A that come into contact with the optical fiber 10. Here, the tack cloth can be defined as a dust-removing cloth made of gauze (150 to 1200 mesh) woven with yarns of 10 to 60 count made of synthetic fiber, Tetron, polyester, etc., and permeated with a viscous solution containing resin, oil, and additives. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the tack cloths 65, 66 cover the entire outer surfaces of the contact parts 61, 62 in addition to the contact surfaces 61A, 62A.

[0063] In this manner, by arranging the tack cloths 65, 66 on at least the surfaces of the contact surfaces 61A, 62A of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 that come into contact with the optical fiber 10, the moderate adhesiveness of the tack cloths 65, 66 makes it possible to easily and completely wipe off fine debris, dust, and dirt, thereby making it possible to more efficiently and reliably remove foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0064] Here, the adhesion rate of the tack cloths 65, 66 is 30% or more and 60% or less. Although the load such as frictional force that the optical fiber 10 receives from the tack cloth changes depending on the adhesion rate, this is an appropriate range that balances the performance of removing foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber 10 with the load that the optical fiber 10 receives from contact with the tack cloth. If an adhesion rate of more than 60% is used, the adhesive of the tack cloth will adhere to the surface of the optical fiber 10, increasing the load on the optical fiber 10. Also, if an adhesion rate of less than 30% is used, there may be cases where foreign matter cannot be completely removed from the surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0065] The pair of contact parts 61, 62 have elastically deformable elastic parts 67, 68 at least in the portion including the contact surfaces 61A, 62A. The elastic parts 67, 68 are made of, for example, sponge or urethane. The elastic parts 67, 68 are made of a material that satisfies the following conditions. Rebound elasticity: 35% or more Hardness: 80N to 150N Tensile strength: 65kPa or more

[0066] By providing the elastic parts 67, 68 that satisfy the above conditions, sudden fluctuations in the air pressure (driving force) of the air cylinders 63, 64 can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the elastic parts 67, 68. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the pressing forces F1, F2 of the contact parts 61, 62, and therefore suppress fluctuations in the load that the optical fiber 10 receives from the foreign matter removal device 6, thereby preventing the behavior of the dancer roller 51 of the screening test device 1. Furthermore, when the elastic parts 67, 68 are made of a material that satisfies the above characteristic conditions, the effect of absorbing the above-mentioned sudden fluctuations in the driving force can be particularly pronounced.

[0067] In this embodiment, the contact portion 61 is provided with a base portion 61B made of steel or the like, and an elastic portion 67 is attached below the base portion 61B. On the other hand, the contact portion 62 is provided with a base portion 62B made of steel or the like, and an elastic portion 68 is attached above the base portion 62B.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 4, the base 61B and the elastic portion 67 have substantially the same shape in plan view, for example, a rectangular shape. The base 61B and the elastic portion 67 are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A to integrally form the contact portion 61. The base 61B and the elastic portion 67 are stacked in this order from top to bottom on the paper. The periphery of this contact portion 61 is covered with a tack cloth 65. Although not shown in Fig. 4, the base 62B and the elastic portion 68 of the contact portion 62 also have the same shape as the contact portion 61. The base 61B and the elastic portion 67 are stacked in this order from bottom to top on the paper.

[0069] The foreign matter removal device 6 also includes detachable parts 69, 70. The detachable parts 69, 70 are disposed between the contact parts 61, 62 and the air cylinders 63, 64, respectively. The detachable parts 69, 70 are fixed to the pistons 63A, 64A of the air cylinders 63, 64. The detachable parts 69, 70 can be connected to the contact parts 61, 62, but the contact parts 61, 62 can be detached by applying an external force.

[0070] 2 and 3, the upper and lower end surfaces of the bases 61B and 62B of the contact portions 61 and 62 are provided with recesses 61C and 62C into which the detachable portions 69 and 70 can fit, respectively. As shown in Fig. 4, the detachable portion 69 is, for example, cylindrical, and the shape of the recess 61C of the contact portion 61 into which the detachable portion 69 fits is also cylindrical and slightly larger in diameter than the detachable portion 69. Although not shown in Fig. 4, the detachable portion 70 and the recess 62C of the contact portion 62 also have the same shape.

[0071] The connecting structure between the detachable parts 69, 70 and the recesses 61C, 62C may be such that the contact parts 61, 62 can be detached from the detachable parts 69, 70 by applying an external force. Any structure, such as a ball catch or a magnet, may be used. The shapes of the detachable parts 69, 70 and the recesses 61C, 62C are not limited to the example in FIG. 4 and may be other than cylindrical.

[0072] By configuring the contact parts 61, 62 to be detachable from the air cylinders 63, 64 by the detachable parts 69, 70 in this way, the detachable parts 69, 70 can be replaced even when the optical fiber 10 is being transported while the screening test device 1 is in operation in the open state shown in Fig. 2. That is, since it is possible to replace the detachable parts 69, 70 with replacement detachable parts prepared in an external setup, the work time required to replace the contact parts 61, 62 and the tack cloths 65, 66 wound around the contact parts 61, 62 with other parts can be significantly reduced when the contact surfaces 61A, 62A of the contact parts 61, 62 become dirty and the foreign matter removal effect decreases. The timing for replacing the contact parts 61, 62 and the tack cloths 65, 66 can be, for example, when all the optical fiber 10 wound around one supply reel 21 is wound around the take-up reel 41 in the screening test device 1 shown in Fig. 1, but they may be replaced during winding.

[0073] The foreign matter removal device 6 of this embodiment and a screening test device 1 as an example of an optical fiber manufacturing device equipped with this foreign matter removal device 6 are equipped with a pair of contact portions 61, 62 that are arranged opposite each other on the traveling path of the optical fiber 10, sandwiching the optical fiber 10 therebetween, and move in a direction in which the distance between them approaches each other to come into contact with the optical fiber 10 and remove foreign matter from the surface of the optical fiber 10, and air cylinders 63, 64 as an example of a driving source that generates a driving force for moving the pair of contact portions 61, 62.

[0074] With this configuration, the pair of contact portions 61, 62 can be brought into contact with the optical fiber 10 with predetermined pressing forces F1, F2 by the driving forces generated by the air cylinders 63, 64, so that even if foreign matter is strongly attached to the surface of the optical fiber 10, it is possible to wipe off the foreign matter by the pair of contact portions 61, 62. As a result, in this embodiment, foreign matter can be more reliably removed from the surface of the optical fiber 10.

[0075] The present embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to these specific examples are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they have the features of the present disclosure. The elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples and their arrangements, conditions, shapes, etc. are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. The combination of each of the elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples can be changed as appropriate as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the optical fiber screening test device 1 has been illustrated as an example of an optical fiber manufacturing device to which the foreign matter removal device 6 according to the embodiment is applied, but the invention is also applicable to other optical fiber manufacturing devices.

[0077] For example, the present invention can be applied to an optical fiber rewinding device for rewinding an optical fiber wound on a reel after manufacture onto another reel. In this case, the surface of the optical fiber pulled out from a reel corresponding to the supply reel 21 of this embodiment is subjected to removal of foreign matter by the foreign matter remover 6, and then the optical fiber is wound onto another reel corresponding to the take-up reel 41 of this embodiment. This makes it possible to prevent the optical fiber from being rewound with foreign matter adhering to its surface, and to prevent performance degradation of the optical fiber due to the influence of the foreign matter.

[0078] Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to an optical fiber coloring device for coloring the surface of an optical fiber wound on a reel after manufacture. In this case, the surface of the optical fiber pulled out from a reel corresponding to the supply reel 21 of this embodiment is colored after foreign matter is removed by the foreign matter remover 6. This makes it possible to prevent the optical fiber from being colored with foreign matter adhering to its surface, and to prevent the colored layer from being easily peeled off due to the influence of the foreign matter.

[0079] In the above embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the pressing forces F1, F2 of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 of the foreign matter removal device 6 on the optical fiber 10 are approximately the same. However, since the contact portions 61, 62 can be operated individually by separate air cylinders 63, 64, respectively, the pressing forces F1, F2 may be controlled to be different magnitudes.

[0080] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which both of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 of the foreign matter removal device 6 are movable so as to approach the optical fiber 10, but it is sufficient that the optical fiber 10 is sandwiched between at least the pair of contact portions 61, 62, and a configuration in which only a first contact portion of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 is movable and a second contact portion is fixed is also possible. Note that the above descriptions of "first" and "second" do not indicate a priority order, and may include both the contact portion 61 and the contact portion 62.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the elastic portions 67, 68 are provided on a portion of the pair of contact portions 61, 62 including the contact surfaces 61A, 62A. However, the entire contact portions 61, 62 may be integrally formed from an elastic material.

[0082] In the above embodiment, a configuration was exemplified in which a tape fiber was used as the optical fiber from which foreign matter was to be removed by the foreign matter removal device 6, but it is sufficient that the foreign matter can be removed by at least contacting the surface of the optical fiber with the contact surfaces 61A, 62A of the contact portions 61, 62, and, for example, a single-core optical fiber may be used as the target for foreign matter removal.

[0083] In the above embodiment, a configuration was illustrated in which the pair of contact portions 61, 62 of the foreign matter removal device 6 can be detached from the air cylinders 63, 64 by application of an external force via the detachment portions 69, 70. However, the contact portions 61, 62 may also be connected more firmly to the air cylinders 63, 64, for example by bolt fastening.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the air cylinders 63, 64 are exemplified as the driving source that generates the driving force for moving the pair of contact portions 61, 62, but other air-driven actuators that can control the pressing forces F1, F2 of the contact portions 61, 62 by air pressure may be used as the driving source. Also, a driving source other than air drive, such as a hydraulic cylinder or a motor gear system, may be used.

[0085] Each process (each function) in the above-mentioned embodiment is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured by an integrated circuit or the like in which one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits are combined in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the above processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the above processes according to the programs read from the one or more memories, or may execute each of the above processes according to a logic circuit designed in advance to execute each of the above processes. The processor may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The physically separated processors may execute each of the above processes in cooperation with each other. For example, the processors mounted on each of a plurality of physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc. The program may be installed in the memory from an external server device or the like via the network, or may be distributed in a state stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory, and installed in the memory from the recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Screening test equipment (optical fiber manufacturing equipment) 2 Supply section 21 Supply Reel 22, 23 Guide roller 3. Screening Department 31 Capstan 32, 33, 34 Guide rollers 4 Winding section 41 Take-up reel 42 Guide roller 5 Cleaning Section 51 Dancer Roller 6 Foreign matter removal device 61, 62 Contact part 61A, 62A contact surface 61B, 62B base 61C, 62C recess 63, 64 Air cylinder (drive source) 63A, 64A Piston 65, 66 Tuck Cross 67, 68 Elastic part 69, 70 Detachable part 10 Optical Fiber

Claims

1. a pair of contact parts disposed opposite to each other on a travel path of the optical fiber with the optical fiber therebetween, the pair of contact parts moving in a direction in which the distance between them approaches each other to come into contact with the optical fiber and remove foreign matter from a surface of the optical fiber; A drive source that generates a drive force for moving the pair of contact portions; A foreign object removal device comprising:

2. the optical fiber is a tape fiber, and each of the pair of contact portions is disposed opposite a main surface of the tape fiber; The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 .

3. Each of the pair of contact portions is movable to approach the optical fiber and contacts the optical fiber with the same pressing force. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the driving source is an air-driven actuator, and the pressing force when each of the pair of contact portions contacts the optical fiber can be individually changed by the air pressure of the air-driven actuator. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The air pressure range is 0.3 MPa or more and 0.5 MPa or less. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 4.

6. The pair of contact portions each have a tack cloth disposed on at least a surface of a contact surface that contacts the optical fiber. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The adhesion rate of the tack cloth is 30% or more and 60% or less. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 6.

8. The pair of contact portions have elastic portions that are elastically deformable at least on the contact surfaces. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 6.

9. The elastic portion is formed of a material that satisfies the conditions of a rebound resilience of 35% or more, a hardness of 80N to 150N, and a tensile strength of 65 kPa or more. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 8.

10. A detachable portion is provided that can detach the pair of contact portions by applying an external force. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. 3. An optical fiber manufacturing apparatus comprising the foreign matter removal device according to claim 1.

12. A screening unit is provided, The foreign matter removal device is installed upstream of the screening unit in the traveling path of the optical fiber.

12. The optical fiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 11.

13. a foreign matter removal step of removing foreign matter on a surface of the optical fiber on the travel path by using the foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2, Optical fiber manufacturing methods.

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