CN111542502A

CN111542502A - Apparatus and method for tensioning and threading optical fibers

Info

Publication number: CN111542502A
Application number: CN201880084761.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·P·本加内; B·C·法勒; J·T·弗拉林; K·恩古延; A·D·佩里提
Original assignee: Corning Inc
Current assignee: Corning Inc
Priority date: 2017-12-27
Filing date: 2018-12-16
Publication date: 2020-08-14
Also published as: JP2021509389A; RU2020124600A3; RU2020124600A; JP7342003B2

Abstract

An apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber includes a first roller, a second roller, a ribbon wrapped around the first roller and the second roller, and a third roller. The belt may be in direct physical contact with the first roller and the second roller. The third roller is movable relative to the belt between engaged and disengaged configurations. Alternatively, the first roller, the second roller and the belt are movable relative to the third roller between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. Actuation from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration captures the optical fiber between the third roller and the ribbon.

Description

Apparatus and method for tensioning and threading optical fibers

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of priority from dutch patent application No. 2020822 filed on 25.4.2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes in accordance with 35u.s.c. § 119 claiming the benefit of priority from us provisional application No. 62/639,616 filed on 3.7.3.2018, and us provisional application No. 62/610,722 filed on 27.12.27.2017.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fibers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for tensioning and threading optical fibers.

Background

In the optical fiber manufacturing industry, long lengths of optical fiber are wound at high speeds on machine-rotating take-up reels for transportation and handling. As the optical fiber is wound on the spool, the optical fiber is laid onto the spool in a continuous layer. In an optical fiber manufacturing facility, fiber winding typically occurs in the draw tower from which the fiber was originally drawn.

Some fiber tensioning and threading systems use suction machines to thread and rethread the optical fiber. The aspirator uses a vacuum to draw the fiber traveling at a certain speed from a draw tower (not shown). The suction machine tensions the optical fiber by applying high pressure air to the optical fiber. The pattern of high pressure air causes the fiber to spin, which provides a large surface area for the high pressure air to exert a force on the fiber, thereby creating tension. The high velocity air flow, which may be provided by a hose connected to a suction machine, transports the optical fibers into a fiber collection canister for processing.

The aspirator is capable of taking and accumulating fiber at typical draw speeds. However, the aspirator may not be able to create and maintain a constant tension on the fiber. The spin pattern induced in the fiber by the high pressure air may cause the fiber to contact equipment in the path of the fiber during threading. Equipment that may be in the path of the fiber and that may accidentally contact the fiber as it spins includes process pulleys on the winder and inlet nozzles on the aspirator. Contact between the optical fiber and various devices can cause the optical fiber to lose tension and break. Thus, the extractor system has reached its maximum capacity at the current draw speed. In addition, the high pressure air required to tension the fiber is expensive and noisy.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one embodiment, an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber includes a first roller, a second roller, a ribbon wrapped around the first roller and the second roller, and a third roller. The belt may be in direct physical contact with the first roller and the second roller. At least one of the first, second, and third rollers is actuatable to capture the optical fiber between the ribbon and the third roller. The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the ribbon are sized and positioned to move the optical fiber through the apparatus for tensioning and threading the optical fiber at a speed of at least about 30 m/s.

According to a second embodiment, an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber includes a first roller, a second roller, a ribbon wrapped around the first roller and the second roller, and a third roller. The belt is in direct physical contact with the first roller and the second roller. The third roller is movable relative to the belt between engaged and disengaged configurations. Actuation of the third roller from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration captures the optical fiber between the third roller and the ribbon. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber further comprises an inlet nozzle having a guide structure. The guide structure is generally teardrop shaped. The guide structure facilitates positioning the optical fiber relative to the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the ribbon to capture the optical fiber between the third roller and the ribbon by actuating the third roller into an engaged configuration.

According to a third embodiment, an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber includes a first coating roll coated with a first material that increases the coefficient of friction of a surface of the first coating roll, a second coating roll coated with a second material that increases the coefficient of friction of the second coating roll, and a pinch roll. The second coating roller is located upstream of the first coating roller. The pinch roller is adjacent to the first coating roller. The pinch rollers are operable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. Actuation of the pinch roller from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration is configured to capture the optical fiber between the pinch roller and the first coating roller.

Embodiments of the fiber tensioning and threading devices described herein may be located downstream of the fiber draw system and advantageously are capable of winding long lengths of drawn fiber at high speeds onto a machine rotating take-up spool for transport and handling. According to some embodiments, the optical fiber is drawn, coated, and then enters the fiber tensioning and threading device at a high speed of at least 30 meters per second (e.g., 30-100 meters per second), thereby enabling winding of long lengths of drawn optical fiber at high speeds onto machine-rotating take-up reels for transport and handling.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber illustrating a roller assembly in a disengaged configuration according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber illustrating the roller assembly in a splicing configuration according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a cutting mechanism illustrating internal components in phantom, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a portion of the roller assembly illustrating a plurality of biasing members and power lines connected to a motor according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a vent assembly that may be used on the device, illustrating a valve in a closed position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the vent assembly illustrating the valve in an open position;

FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of a guide structure according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a front view of a guide structure according to one embodiment; and

figure 7 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a roller assembly.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. One or more examples of apparatus for tensioning and threading optical fibers are shown in fig. 1-7 and are generally referred to by the reference numeral 20 throughout the drawings.

Referring to fig. 1-7, in various embodiments, the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of the present disclosure is configured to provide tension to an optical fiber 24. The tension provided to the optical fiber 24 is not intended to refer to the tension provided to the optical fiber 24 during the process of drawing the optical fiber 24 on a draw tower or draw tower assembly in general. More specifically, in the present disclosure, the tension provided to the optical fiber 24 refers to the tension provided after the optical fiber 24 is fully formed (e.g., drawn, coated, etc.). The optical fiber 24 may be wound onto a fiber winding spool (not shown) at a relatively high speed, such as a draw speed of greater than about 20m/s, greater than about 30m/s, greater than about 40m/s, greater than about 50m/s, greater than about 60m/s, greater than about 70m/s, greater than about 80m/s, greater than about 90m/s, or greater than about 100 m/s. In some exemplary embodiments, the draw speed may be from about 20m/s to about 30m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 40m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 50m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 60m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 70m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 80m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 90m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 100m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 110m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 120m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 130m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 140m/s, or from about 20m/s to about 150 m/s. The fiber 24 is also maintained at a relatively high tension to ensure successful threading onto the fiber winding spool. The optical fiber 24 may be supplied directly from any known type of drawing equipment (not shown), known type of fiber drawing, screening device (not shown), or any other source.

With particular reference to fig. 1 and 2, the apparatus 20 of the present disclosure is a mechanical apparatus designed to transport a moving length of optical fiber 24 to a processing tank and/or spool. The apparatus 20 may utilize vacuum to access the optical fiber 24 in a manner similar to an aspirator-type device. Unlike aspirator-type devices, in the apparatus disclosed herein, high pressure air is not used as a means to create tension or transport the optical fiber 24 to a collection canister or spool. In other words, the apparatus 20 of the present disclosure operates without the use of high pressure air. In contrast, the apparatus 20 of the present disclosure tensions the optical fiber 24 by capturing the optical fiber 24 in the roller assembly 28. Roller assembly 28 includes a plurality of rollers 32. At least one of the rollers 32 may be connected to a motor. The roller assembly 28 tensions the optical fiber 24 such that an increase in motor torque causes an increase in tension in the optical fiber 24. In various examples, the motor torque may be adjusted or varied to maintain or change the tension provided by the apparatus 20 to the optical fiber 24. The apparatus 20 of the present disclosure can be used to provide tension to a section of optical fiber 24 located between a draw tractor 34 and a roller assembly 28 of an optical fiber draw tower. Draw pullers 34 are typically used to provide tension to the optical fiber 24 as the fiber 24 is drawn from the draw tower. Draw tractor 34 draws optical fiber 24 from a preform of optical fiber 24 (which is heated, e.g., by a furnace). The apparatus 20 is located downstream of the draw tractor 34.

In some examples, apparatus 20 relies solely on vacuum or negative pressure as a means of transporting the optical fiber 24 to a collection tank after the optical fiber 24 exits the roller assembly 28. Fig. 1 shows one example of an apparatus 20 of the present disclosure. The optical fiber 24 enters the apparatus 20 through an inlet nozzle 36, which inlet nozzle 36 is connected to a negative pressure to create a low pressure at the inlet nozzle 36. Thus, the low pressure at the inlet nozzle 36 collects or captures the optical fiber 24. The optical fiber 24 then enters the device 20 and exits through the opposite end of the device 20. In some examples, apparatus 20 may be equipped with an exhaust assembly 40. Vent assembly 40 may take various forms including, but not limited to, various valve assemblies. Additionally, vent assembly 40 may be located at various locations on apparatus 20 so long as vent assembly 40 is in fluid connection with apparatus 20 [ i.e., a path is provided for the transport of fluid (i.e., liquid and/or gas) between components ]. Finally, the fiber 24 passes through the exhaust assembly 40 to the collection canister.

While some examples may rely solely on vacuum or negative pressure, it is contemplated that the high pressure air injection system may be used in conjunction with one or more of the possible roller configurations (see, e.g., configurations 1 and 2 below) of roller assemblies 28 disclosed herein to create additional tension within apparatus 20, if desired. When the roller assembly 28 is in the disengaged configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the optical fiber 24 can be transported to a treatment or collection tank via the vent assembly 40 by vacuum or negative pressure. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to process a portion of the optical fiber 24 prior to winding. For example, when fiber draw is first initiated, and the fiber 24 drawn from the draw tower does not meet the desired specifications for the target fiber 24, the portion of the fiber 24 that does not meet the desired specifications may be discarded. Once the winding spool is filled with a quantity of optical fiber 24, the splicing configuration of the roller assembly 28 can be used to transport the optical fiber 24 to the next spool for winding. The splice configuration of the roller assembly 28 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be used to quickly and efficiently transport the optical fiber 24 from the draw tower to the winding spool. In addition, the splicing configuration of the roller assembly 28 can maintain tension on the optical fiber 24 as the optical fiber 24 exits the draw tower.

The rollers 32 may be arranged in two main configurations, a first configuration may be referred to as a belt roller, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, and a second configuration may be referred to as a coating roller or a nip roller, as shown in fig. 7. Each configuration will be described in further detail below. In addition, each configuration may utilize a vacuum or negative pressure to initially collect or retrieve the free end of the optical fiber 24, which is moved from the draw tower assembly at a certain speed. Further, both configurations employ a collection canister (not shown) and/or a spool for the optical fiber 24. In various examples, the optical fiber 24 is transported from the apparatus 20 to a collection canister and/or spool by vacuum or negative pressure.

Roller structure 1: belt roller

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, configuration 1 includes a plurality of rollers 32. In the example shown, three rollers 32 are used, wherein at least two of the rollers 32 are motor driven and at least one belt 44 is driven by one of the motor driven rollers 32. While three rollers 32 are employed in the illustrated example, it is contemplated that more than three rollers 32 may be employed without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Roller assembly 28 may be enclosed in compartment 48, as shown in FIG. 1. The compartment 48 may be sealed, for example, with a hermetic seal. Regardless of the embodiment or example, the compartment 48 contains a system configured to isolate the tensioned fiber 24 from the untensioned fiber 24. Optical fiber 24 enters compartment 48 through inlet nozzle 36 and exits compartment 48, for example, through exhaust assembly 40, which exhaust assembly 40 may be connected to compartment 48 downstream of roller assembly 28. Roller assembly 28 can have at least two configurations. The first configuration is the disengaged configuration (fig. 1). In the disengaged configuration, the rollers 32 are positioned such that the optical fiber 24 is free to move in the space between the rollers 32 without physically contacting any of the rollers 32. The second configuration is the engaged configuration (fig. 2). In the spliced configuration, the roller 32 contacts the optical fiber 24 and applies tension to the stranded optical fiber 24.

Fig. 2 shows one example of an engagement configuration in which the belt 44 is directly connected to the first roller 52 and the second roller 56. In the example shown, one of the first and

second rollers

52, 56 is motor driven, while the other of the first and

second rollers

52, 56 is freely rotatable. The term freely rotatable as used herein is intended to convey that the motor driven roller imparts rotation to the freely rotatable roller through the belt 44 with minimal drag or obstruction to the rotation by the freely rotatable roller. In some examples, the ribbon 44 may be made of a material that is capable of generating a significant amount of friction against the outer surface of the optical fiber 24. For example, the high friction material from which the belt 44 may be made may be neoprene. In addition, the material from which the belt 44 is made may have high wear resistance and allow the following wrap angle θ: at least about 25 degrees (25 °), at least about 50 degrees (50 °), at least about 75 degrees (75 °), at least about 100 degrees (100 °), at least about 125 degrees (125 °), and/or combinations or ranges thereof. In this example, the third roller 60 may be operated independent of whether the first and

second rollers

52, 56 are activated or operable. In various examples, the third roller 60 may be motor driven. The third roller 60 is independently operable between a first position representing a disengaged configuration and a second position representing an engaged configuration. The third roller 60 may travel in a third roller travel track 62. In various examples and configurations, the outer diameters of the first, second, and

third rollers

52, 56, 60 may range from about 10mm to about 80 mm. For example, the outer diameters of the first, second, and

third rollers

52, 56, 60 may be about 10mm, about 20mm, about 30mm, about 40mm, about 50mm, about 60mm, about 65mm, about 70mm, about 80mm, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. During the ramp up or warm up phase, the first, second, and/or

third rollers

52, 56, 60 may operate at a roller rotational speed of about 0 to 40,000 RPM. For example, during the ramp up or warm up phase, the first, second, and/or

third rollers

52, 56, 60 may operate at a roller rotational speed of about 0RPM, about 5,000RPM, about 10,000RPM, about 15,000RPM, about 20,000RPM, about 25,000RPM, about 30,000RPM, about 35,000RPM, about 40,000RPM, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. The first, second, and/or

third rollers

52, 56, 60 may maintain a rotational speed of about 20,000 to about 60,000RPM during the threading phase onto the spool. For example, the first, second, and/or

third rollers

52, 56, 60 may maintain a rotational speed of about 20,000RPM, about 30,000RPM, about 40,0000RPM, about 50,000RPM, about 60,000RPM, and/or combinations or ranges thereof during the threading phase onto the spool.

The transition between the engaged and disengaged configurations may be achieved by an actuator which moves the third roller 60 between the engaged and disengaged configurations. Alternatively, the actuator may move the first and

second rollers

52, 56 connected by the belt 44 between the engaged and disengaged configurations such that the third roller 60 is rotatable but not translatable or movable (i.e., the third roller 60 does not travel in the third roller travel track 62). FIG. 1 shows the disengaged configuration with the third roller 60 positioned below the path of travel of the optical fiber 24 and the first and

second rollers

52, 56 positioned above the path of travel of the optical fiber 24. Fig. 2 shows the engaged configuration in which the optical fiber 24 is directly engaged by the third roller 60 and the ribbon 44. By positioning the optical fiber 24 in the spliced configuration in this manner, a sufficient clamping force may be provided to create tension on the portion of the optical fiber 24 located upstream of the roller assembly 28. In other words, the clamping force creates a tension on the portion of the optical fiber 24 that travels to the apparatus 20 and into the inlet nozzle 36. The tension provided to the optical fiber 24 prepares the optical fiber 24 for threading a fiber-winding machine, which may facilitate placement of the optical fiber 24 onto a spool. When in the engaged configuration, as the optical fiber 24 exits the second roller 56, the optical fiber 24 may be transported through the exhaust assembly 40 to a collection canister by vacuum or negative pressure.

It may be beneficial to operate the apparatus 20 to provide precise and precise control of one or more motors of the drive roller assembly 28. A method of controlling one or more electric motors comprising: any motor is stabilized at a speed of about 1m/s greater than the speed of fiber 24, about 3m/s greater than the speed of fiber 24, about 5m/s greater than the speed of fiber 24, about 7m/s greater than the speed of fiber 24, about 9m/s greater than the speed of fiber 24, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. After the first, second, and/or

third rollers

52, 56, 60 have transitioned from the disengaged configuration (fig. 1) to the engaged configuration (fig. 2), and the optical fiber 24 is successfully captured or retrieved, the one or more motors may transition from maintaining a constant speed (e.g., approximately 5m/s greater than the speed of the optical fiber 24) to a constant torque mode in which the one or more motors supply a constant torque to the first, second, and/or

third rollers

52, 56, 60. In the constant torque mode, one or more motors tension the optical fiber 24.

For configurations similar to that shown in FIG. 2, a tension of about 2.65 newtons (N), 2.84N, 3.04N, 3.24N, and/or combinations or ranges thereof may be achieved over a segment of the optical fiber 24 traveling at "speed". As used herein, "at speed" is intended to mean the speed of the optical fiber 24 as the optical fiber 24 travels or moves through the roller assembly 28. The optical fiber 24 may be moved through the roller assembly 28 at a speed of about 20m/s to about 120m/s or more. For example, the optical fiber 24 may be moved through the roller assembly 28 at a rate or speed of about 20m/s, about 30m/s, about 40m/s, about 50m/s, about 60m/s, about 70m/s, about 80m/s, about 90m/s, about 100m/s, about 110m/s, about 120m/s, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. Exemplary ranges can include at least about 20m/s to less than about 120m/s, at least about 20m/s to less than about 100m/s, at least about 20m/s to less than about 80m/s, at least about 20m/s to less than about 60m/s, at least about 20m/s to less than about 40m/s, at least about 40m/s to less than about 120m/s, at least about 60m/s to less than about 120m/s, at least about 80m/s to less than about 120m/s, at least about 100m/s to less than about 120m/s, and/or combinations thereof. A minimum tension of about 0.50N may be desirable for the threading process of the optical fiber 24 onto the spool. However, providing tension to the optical fiber 24 in excess of 0.50N may provide further stability to the optical fiber 24 and improve the success rate of threading. For example, the tension provided to the optical fiber 24 may be about 0.50N, about 1N, about 3N, about 5N, about 7N, about 9N, about 11N, about 13N, about 15N, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. The term "threading" as used herein refers to the process of transferring the optical fiber 24 from the apparatus 20 to a spool.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 4, the belt 44 may be maintained in tension by the second roller 56. The second roller 56 may provide a constant and configurable force to the belt 44 to affect the tension state. For example, the second roller 56 may be biased or forced into the extended position along the second roller travel track 64 by one or more biasing members 68 (fig. 4). The biasing member 68 may be a spring, a cylinder, a gas piston, or the like. In the example shown in fig. 4, the second roller 56 may be driven to provide a torque to the second roller 56. For example, the second roller 56 may be driven by an Electronically Commutated (EC) motor with torque control. Alternatively, the second roller 56 may be driven by an air motor, a constant speed motor including a clutch that can control the torque provided, or any other suitable method of imparting a driving motion to the second roller 56. In some examples, the first roller 52 may be free to rotate. In such an example, power may be provided to the rear side of the second roller 56, which may be located or connected by one or more power lines 70. In various examples, biasing member 68 maintains a constant force on second roller 56 of roller assembly 28 regardless of whether roller assembly 28 is in the engaged or disengaged configuration. The biasing member 68 provides a biasing force that biases the second roller 56 to an extended position in the second roller travel track 64 (e.g., when the roller assembly 28 is in the disengaged configuration). When the third roller 60 is actuated to cause the roller assembly 28 to assume the engaged configuration, then the biasing member 68 is compressed by the interaction caused by the third roller 60 in the belt 44, causing the second roller 56 to be actuated to a retracted position within the second roller travel track 64. In embodiments where the third roller 60 does not travel in the third roller travel track 62, the biasing member 68 may be configured in a similar manner as described above. The large arrow in fig. 4 indicates the travel direction of the second roller 56 in the second roller travel track 64. Finally, the biasing member 68 provides tension to the belt 44.

To ensure that the optical fiber 24 reaches the correct position in the apparatus 20 and remains sandwiched between the belt 44 and the third roller 60 when in the engaged configuration, a guide structure 72 may be placed at the opening of the inlet nozzle 36. Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary profiles of the guide structure 72. As the third roller 60 transitions between the engaged and disengaged configurations, the optical fiber 24 is forced to follow the shape or contour of the guide structure 72. In the example shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the guide structure 72 is larger at the base 76 and narrows as it approaches the upper portion 80 of the guide structure 72, such that the guide structure 72 has a generally teardrop shape. The upper portion 80 of the guide structure 72 is closer to the belt 44 than the base 76. In other words, upper portion 80 is vertically above base 76 and belt 44 is vertically above guide structure 72.

In some embodiments, the guide structure 72 is no wider than the band 44 at the narrowest point of the guide structure 72. The upper portion 80 of the guide structure 72 may include a guide channel 74 having a width 78, the width 78 ranging from greater than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 24 to less than the width of the ribbon 44. When the apparatus 20 is in the engaged configuration, the guide structure 72 ensures that the optical fiber 24 remains sandwiched between the belt 44 and the third roller 60 if the entry angle β at which the optical fiber 24 enters the entry nozzle 36 changes. In other words, the guide structure 72 prevents the optical fiber 24 from becoming disengaged from the ribbon 44 and/or the third roller 60 when the roller assembly 28 is in the engaged configuration (fig. 2). The geometry of the guide structure 72 may additionally serve to reduce air flow, particularly air flow fluctuations that may disturb the behavior of the ribbon 44 and/or the optical fibers 24. In addition, the guide structure 72 limits movement of the optical fiber 24 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the optical fiber 24 is tensioned, so the optical fiber 24 may be substantially or substantially centered across the width of the ribbon 44.

In an alternative configuration, the compartment 48 surrounding the first, second, and

third rollers

52, 56, 60 may be removed such that the first, second, and

third rollers

52, 56, 60 are not constrained and are not susceptible to vacuum or negative pressure. One advantage of this alternative configuration is that the effect of the vacuum or negative pressure on the belt 44 and the first, second and

third rollers

52, 56, 60 is reduced. The vacuum or negative pressure may adversely affect the ribbon 44 by deforming the ribbon 44. The vacuum or negative pressure may cause the first, second, and/or

third rollers

52, 56, 60 to stall more easily. While some advantages may be present for removing the vacuum or negative pressure in the area where the ribbon 44 and

rollers

52, 56, 60 are located, by utilizing alternative configurations of the present disclosure, complications may be introduced in acquiring and centering the optical fiber 24 by the roller assembly 28.

In another alternative configuration, the apparatus 20 may be equipped with a venting mechanism, such as the venting assembly 40 shown in fig. 5A and 5B. The vent assembly 40 may be located at the outlet of the compartment 48. The exhaust assembly 40 may be used to reduce the effect of vacuum or negative pressure on the belt 44 and

rollers

52, 56, 60. Fig. 5A and 5B represent one example of an exhaust assembly 40. The vent assembly 40 includes a valve 84 that is operable between open and closed positions. The valve 84 may be actuated between open and closed positions, for example, by an actuator 88. The actuator 88 may be a rotary actuator, a screw-driven actuator, or a linear actuator. When the actuator 88 is in the retracted position, the valve 84 is in one of an open or closed position. After the actuator 88 is extended to the extended position, the valve 84 is actuated to the other of the open or closed position. When the valve 84 is in the open position, the magnitude of the vacuum or negative pressure inside the compartment 48 is reduced (i.e., the air pressure is increased). Reducing the magnitude of the vacuum or negative pressure inside the compartment 48 may be beneficial in reducing the forces exerted or experienced inside the compartment 48, which are the forces experienced by the belt 44 and the

rollers

52, 56, 60. In general, whether or not a particular embodiment or example employs an exhaust assembly 40, it may be beneficial to precisely and/or precisely control the vacuum or negative pressure to avoid damaging the belt 44 or stalling of the

rollers

52, 56, 60. It is contemplated that alternative ways of reducing the force inside the compartment 48 may be employed without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. For example, rather than exhausting some vacuum or negative pressure, the tension on the belt 44 may be increased.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, and 4, a cleaving mechanism 92 may be positioned between inlet nozzle 36 and compartment 48 to cleave optical fiber 24, thereby disengaging optical fiber 24 from apparatus 20 and/or roller assembly 28. The cleaving mechanism 92 is configured to rapidly cleave the optical fiber 24 as the optical fiber 24 travels at speed. The term at speed as used herein is intended to mean the progress or speed at which the optical fiber 24 travels as the fiber 24 is wound onto a spool and/or guided to a processing tank. That is, the speed of the optical fiber 24 is not reduced prior to activating the cutting mechanism 92. Operating the cleaving mechanism 92 while the optical fiber 24 is traveling at speed is beneficial because in most embodiments and examples, once the drawing process begins, the drawing process of the optical fiber 24 at the draw tower is not interrupted. Fig. 3 shows the cutting mechanism 92 with an air cylinder 96, which air cylinder 96 moves a cutting knife 98. Actuation of the cylinder 96 translates the cutting blade 98 to push the fiber 24 into the channel 100. The cutting blade 98 is connected to the air cylinder 96 by a floating joint 102, which floating joint 102 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by the air cylinder 96. The cleaver 98 and the channel 100 cooperate to cleave or substantially break the optical fiber 24 at a desired location of the optical fiber 24. Additionally or alternatively, the cutting mechanism 92 may be between the compartment 48 and the vent assembly 40 and located at the outlet of the compartment 48. Although the cutting knife 98 is described as being actuated by the air cylinder 96, the present disclosure is not so limited. It is contemplated that alternative methods of actuating the cutting knife 98 may be employed without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.

In another configuration, the first, second, and/or

third rollers

52, 56, 60 may remain in the engaged configuration during accumulation of the optical fiber 24 downstream of the apparatus 20, and during tensioning of the optical fiber 24, beginning with the optical fiber 24 being drawn into the inlet nozzle 36. As used herein, the term "tensioning" refers to maintaining tension on the optical fiber 24 upstream of the roller assembly 28 and downstream of the draw tower assembly. In other words, the term "tension" as used herein refers to the post-formation tension of the optical fiber 24 between a pulling machine, such as a draw tower assembly, and the roller assembly 28. In this configuration, the complexity of the apparatus 20 is reduced by eliminating the step of actuating the third roller 60 between the engaged and disengaged configurations. However, because the roller assembly 28 is brought into a constantly engaged configuration, the disadvantages of operating with an apparatus 20 so configured are introduced. These disadvantages include, but are not limited to, not being able to preferentially tension only the optical fiber 24 without defects (e.g., coating defects) that may damage the ribbon 44 or the

rollers

52, 56, 60, as well as introducing complex geometries necessary to properly position the

rollers

52, 56, 60 at the inlet nozzle 36 and at the outlet.

As outlined in configuration 1, the performance of the apparatus 20 can be tested in a laboratory environment and on a draw tower. For example, high speed video may be used to evaluate the behavior of the optical fiber 24. Configuration 1 of apparatus 20 enables access to optical fiber 24, tensioning of optical fiber 24, positioning of optical fiber 24, and switching of optical fiber 24 when the speed exceeds the current production speed, wherein the system using the suction machine begins to fail. Switching of the optical fiber 24 as used herein refers to the transfer of the optical fiber 24 from the apparatus 20 to the spool. During the taking of the optical fiber 24, the apparatus 20 is operated with vacuum or negative pressure, which can be measured at the collection tank. According to various embodiments, table 1 below lists exemplary parameters. The ranges disclosed in table 1 are exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way. It is contemplated that example parameter values outside the provided ranges may be employed without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.

Table 1: exemplary parameters

Parameter(s)	Numerical value
		Fiber speed (m/s)	20-120
Belt tension (N)	1-20
		Belt width (mm)	10-40
With wrap angle (degree)	1-180
		Pressure at the collection pot (mmHg)	-100 to-300

The roller structure 2: coating roller

Referring to fig. 7, configuration 2 of apparatus 20 includes at least two rollers 32, wherein at least one roller 32 is treated or surface treated with a coating 104 (e.g., diamond impregnated nickel, grit blasting, or other process that roughens the surface of roller 32). In the example shown, three rollers 32 are used. In various examples, the coating may be neoprene, urethane, or similar material that increases the coefficient of friction between the optical fiber 24 and the surface of the coated roller 32. Fig. 7 shows one possible arrangement of the rollers 32. Such an arrangement of rollers 32 may be configured such that the wrap angle θ about at least one roller 32 is at least about 60 degrees (60 °), at least about 90 degrees (90 °), at least about 120 degrees (120 °), at least about 150 degrees (150 °), at least about 180 degrees (180 °), and/or combinations or ranges thereof. The roller 32 equipped with the above-described wrap angle θ may be located upstream of a pair of rollers in which the optical fiber 24 is pinched or gripped. The roller 32 configured to pinch or pinch the optical fiber 24 may be referred to as a pinch roller 108. Of the two pinch rollers 108, one roller may be coated with neoprene or a similar material that increases the coefficient of friction during the pinching of the optical fiber 24 so that the optical fiber 24 does not slip past the two pinch rollers 108. A coating 104 or surface treatment is applied to the outer or contact surface that interacts with the optical fiber 24. The coated pinch roller 108 may be referred to as a first coating roller 112. The coated rollers 32 in this configuration may be directly connected to a motor so that the rollers 32 are motor driven. Unlike configuration 1, roller assembly 28 in configuration 2 does not isolate tensioned fiber 24 at the entrance to the left of FIG. 7 from fiber 24 at the exit to the right of FIG. 7. Instead, the arrangement in configuration 2 utilizes an amount of tension at the exit of the roller assembly 28 to maintain tension at the entrance of the roller assembly 28.

The arrangement of the coating rollers may be determined by the desired tension of the optical fiber 24 and the process used to thread the optical fiber 24 onto the roller 32. The increase in the wrap angle θ around the second coating roller 116 increases the tension of the optical fiber 24. Additional coating rollers may also cause the tension of the optical fiber 24 to increase. The process may be similar to the example described above with respect to the ribbon roll in configuration 1 for threading the optical fiber 24 onto the roll 32. The first coating roller 112 and the second coating roller 116 may be enclosed in the compartment 48. The pinch rollers 108 may be configured to actuate between a fiber-pinching position and a fiber-releasing position to initially pass the optical fiber 24 through the compartment 48 without contacting one or more of the pinch rollers 108. When a tensioned fiber 24 is desired for a given process, the pinch roller 108 may be actuated to directly engage the fiber 24, and then the pinch roller 108 may be rotated to provide a desired wrap angle θ about one of the upstream rollers (e.g., the second coating roller 116). For example, the pinch rollers 108 may rotate about an axis defined by the contact points between the pinch rollers 108 to provide a desired wrap angle θ about one of the upstream rollers. FIG. 7 illustrates a fiber clamping position.

The pinch roller or coating roller configuration (i.e., configuration 2), while capable of tensioning the optical fiber 24, may have several disadvantages when compared to the ribbon roller of configuration 1. A first disadvantage is that the materials used to coat the first coating roller 112 and the second coating roller 116 may be susceptible to wear and tear during contact with the optical fiber 24. While the belt 44 in a belt system is also prone to wear, the belt 44 is easily removed and replaced from the

rollers

52, 56, and the first and

second coating rollers

112, 116 require removal of the entire motor assembly on which the first and

second coating rollers

112, 116 are mounted. A second disadvantage is that the coating roller system needs to maintain a certain amount of tension on the exit side of the roller assembly 28 to create and/or maintain traction in the apparatus 20. This is because the coating roller system is heavily dependent on the capstan equation, where tension is a function of the wrap angle θ and the coefficient of friction around the associated roller (e.g., first coating roller 112 and/or second coating roller 116). In configuration 2, the pinch roller 108 provides a retention force that keeps the optical fiber 24 from slipping or substantially becoming disengaged from the roller assembly 28.

Various embodiments, examples and configurations of the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading optical fibers of the present disclosure provide technical and competitive advantages by improving performance and saving cost. For example, the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading an optical fiber can tension an optical fiber 24 that moves at a speed that is greater than the speeds currently used in production processes, which can enable faster drawing and winding speeds. Although the precursors of the apparatus 20 of the present disclosure, such as the suction machine, are limited by drag and friction, the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading optical fibers disclosed herein are not limited by drag and friction. However, the capabilities for the motor of the present disclosure are considered and may play a role in achieving the best results in the configurations disclosed herein. That is, motor technology can provide sufficient speed and torque to operate the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading optical fibers.

In addition, the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading an optical fiber delivers a constant, configurable tension to the optical fiber 24 by clamping the optical fiber 24 inside the roller assembly 28. The roller assembly 28 can provide a constant torque with or without the belt 44. The application of a constant torque at the draw speeds currently used, and at draw speeds greater than those currently used, results in an increased success rate in threading the optical fiber 24. When the tension fluctuates or deviates during the automated threading process disclosed herein, the optical fiber 24 may come into contact with a fixed surface, which may create flaws in the optical fiber 24, break the optical fiber 24, and cause the optical fiber 24 to fail to be sold to consumers. The apparatus 20 of the present disclosure provides consistent tension to the optical fiber 24 such that tension fluctuations are significantly reduced when compared to alternative methods.

Further, the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading an optical fiber delivers the fiber 24 to a stable position, which improves the success rate of threading the optical fiber 24 by reducing the interaction between the tensioned length of the optical fiber 24 and stationary and/or moving objects on the fiber winding machine.

Still further, the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading an optical fiber provides isolation between the tensioned length of the optical fiber 24 and the area of the optical fiber 24 that is handled or rolled up during the threading process. Unlike processes that rely on compressed air or high pressure air to tension the optical fiber 24, the apparatus 20 of the present disclosure is capable of providing tension regardless of whether the length of the optical fiber 24 exiting the apparatus 20 and traveling to a collection tank and/or spool is stable.

In addition, the apparatus 20 for tensioning and threading optical fibers reduces the cost of operating the apparatus 20 by at least eliminating high pressure air as a process input.

The embodiments described herein are preferred and/or illustrative, but not restrictive. Various modifications are within the purview and scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber, comprising:

a plurality of rollers configured to maintain the optical fiber under tension; and

a compartment containing the plurality of rollers, the compartment being maintained under negative pressure.

2. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 1, further comprising:

a belt adjacent to and in contact with at least one of the plurality of rollers.

3. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 1, further comprising:

a belt adjacent to and in contact with the plurality of rollers.

4. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 1, further comprising:

a ribbon positioned adjacent to the plurality of rollers, wherein the ribbon and the plurality of rollers are positioned such that at least one of the rollers does not engage the optical fiber.

5. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 1, further comprising:

a ribbon positioned adjacent to the plurality of rollers, wherein the ribbon and the plurality of rollers are positioned such that at least one of the rollers contacts the optical fiber.

6. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of any of the preceding claims, wherein the negative pressure within the plurality of rollers, the ribbon, and the compartment housing the plurality of rollers provides a tension of about 0.50N to about 15N to the optical fiber within the compartment.

7. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the rollers is driven by a motor.

8. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 7, wherein the motor is configured to provide an adjustable torque.

9. An apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber, comprising:

a first roller;

a second roller;

a third roller;

a ribbon wrapped around the first and second rollers, wherein the ribbon is in direct physical contact with the first and second rollers, and wherein at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is actuatable to capture the optical fiber between the ribbon and the third roller, and wherein the first, second, third rollers, and the ribbon are sized and positioned to move the optical fiber through the apparatus for tensioning and threading the optical fiber at a speed of at least about 30 m/s.

10. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 9, wherein the optical fiber is captured between the third roller and the ribbon to provide tension to the optical fiber downstream of the draw tractor.

11. Apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fibre as claimed in claim 9 or 10 in which the third roller is movable relative to the band between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration.

12. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 11, wherein actuation of the third roller from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration captures the optical fiber between the third roller and the ribbon.

13. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of any of claims 9-12, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is driven to provide torque to the associated roller.

14. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of any of claims 9-13, further comprising:

a compartment housing the first, second and third rollers and the belt, wherein the compartment is maintained under negative pressure.

15. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 14, further comprising:

an inlet nozzle located upstream of the compartment and directly connected to the compartment, wherein the inlet nozzle comprises a guiding structure.

16. The apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 15, wherein the guiding structure further comprises:

a substrate;

an upper portion; and

a guide channel, wherein the guide channel has a width greater than an outer diameter of an optical fiber connected thereto.

17. A method of operating an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber, the method comprising the steps of:

acquiring an optical fiber through an inlet nozzle;

capturing the optical fiber between a plurality of rollers; and

tensioning the optical fiber by rotating at least one of the plurality of rollers.

18. The method of operating an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber of claim 17 wherein the step of capturing the optical fiber between a plurality of rollers further comprises the steps of:

actuating at least one of the rollers from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration.

19. Method of operating an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fibre according to one of claims 17-18, further comprising the steps of:

a negative pressure is provided to a compartment of the apparatus for tensioning and threading the optical fiber.

20. Method of operating an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fibre according to one of claims 17-19, further comprising the steps of:

the cutting mechanism is actuated.