JP2021509389A - Equipment and methods for applying tension to optical fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for tensioning and passing the optical fiber includes a first roller, a second roller, a belt wrapping the first and second rollers, and a third roller. The belt can be in direct physical contact with the first and second rollers. The third roller can be made movable between the engaged and non-engaged configurations with respect to the belt. Alternatively, the first roller, the second roller, and the belt can be made movable between the engaged and non-engaged configurations with respect to the third roller. By operating from the non-engaged configuration to the engaged configuration, the optical fiber is trapped between the third roller and the belt.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

This application is of US Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 639,616 filed on March 7, 2018 and filed on December 27, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 610,722 Claims the benefit of priority under US Code 35, Patent Law Article 119, Claims the benefit of Dutch Patent Application No. 202822 filed April 25, 2018 To do.

The present disclosure is generally directed to optical fibers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for tensioning and passing optical fibers.

In the optical fiber manufacturing industry, long fibers are wound around a mechanically rotating take-up spool at high speed for transportation and handling. When the fiber is wound onto a spool, the fiber is stored in a continuous layer on the spool. In fiber optic manufacturing facilities, fiber winding is typically performed in a drawing tower where the fibers are originally drawn.

Some systems that tension the fiber through it use an aspirator to thread or replace the optical fiber. The aspirator uses a vacuum to obtain an optical fiber moving at a certain speed from a drawing tower (not shown). The aspirator tensions the fiber by applying high pressure air to the fiber. The pattern of high-pressure air swirls the fiber, which causes the high-pressure air to apply force to the optical fiber, increasing the surface area where tension is generated. The high-speed airflow provided by the hose connected to the aspirator transports the fiber to a fiber collection can for disposal.

The aspirator is capable of acquiring and accumulating fibers at commonly used drawing speeds. However, the aspirator may not be able to generate and maintain a constant tension on the fiber. The swirl pattern induced in the fiber by high pressure air can come into contact with equipment in the fiber path while passing through the fiber. Equipment in the fiber path that may experience unintended contact with the fiber as it swirls includes the processing pulley of the winder and the inlet nozzle of the aspirator. Contact between the fiber and various devices can cause the fiber to lose tension and break. Therefore, the aspirator system has reached its maximum capacity at current drawing speeds. In addition, the high pressure air required to tension the fiber is expensive and noisy.

According to one embodiment, the device for tensioning and passing the optical fiber includes a first roller, a second roller, a belt wrapping the first and second rollers, and a third roller. .. The belt can be in direct physical contact with the first and second rollers. At least one of the first, second, and third rollers can be operated so that the optical fiber is trapped between the belt and the third roller. The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the belt are sized so that the optical fiber moves through a device for tensioning and passing the optical fiber at a speed of at least about 30 m / sec. And be positioned.

According to the second embodiment, the device for tensioning and passing the optical fiber includes a first roller, a second roller, a belt wrapping the first and second rollers, and a third roller. ing. The belt is in direct physical contact with the first and second rollers. The third roller is movable between the engaged and non-engaged configurations with respect to the belt. The operation of the third roller from the non-engaged configuration to the engaged configuration traps the optical fiber between the third roller and the belt. The device for tensioning and passing the optical fiber further comprises an inlet nozzle having a guide structure. The guide structure is generally teardrop-shaped. The guide structure positions the optical fiber with respect to the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the belt, and the operation of the third roller captures the optical fiber between the third roller and the belt. And useful for engaging configurations.

According to a third embodiment, the device for tensioning and passing the optical fiber is a first coated roller, a second coated roller, coated with a first material that increases the friction coefficient of the first coated roller. It includes a second coated roller coated with a second material that increases the friction coefficient of the coated roller, and a pinch roller. The second coated roller is positioned upstream of the first coated roller. The pinch roller is positioned close to the first coated roller. The pinch roller can operate between the engaged and non-engaged configurations. The operation of the pinch roller from the non-engaged configuration to the engaged configuration is configured to capture the optical fiber between the pinch roller and the first coated roller.

Embodiments of the device of tensioning and threading the fibers described herein can be located downstream of a fiber drawing system, advantageously transporting and handling long drawn optical fibers. Therefore, it can be wound around a mechanical rotary take-up spool at high speed. According to some embodiments, the fiber is drawn, coated, and then entered into a device that tensions the fiber through at a high speed of at least 30 m / sec (eg, 30-100 m / sec) and is elongated. Allows the drawn fiber optics to be wound at high speed around a mechanical rotating take-up spool for transport and handling.

Side view of a device for tensioning and threading an optical fiber showing a roller assembly in a non-engaged configuration according to one embodiment. A side view of a device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber, showing a roller assembly in an engaging configuration, according to one embodiment. Front view of the cutting mechanism according to one embodiment, the internal components are shown by broken lines. Rear view of a portion of a roller assembly assembly showing a plurality of urging members and power lines connected to a motor according to one embodiment. Side perspective view of one embodiment of a ventilation assembly that can be used on the device, according to one embodiment, showing a valve in a closed position. Side view of the ventilation assembly showing the valve in the open position Side perspective view of the guide structure according to one embodiment Front view of guide structure according to one embodiment Side view of an alternative embodiment of a roller assembly

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention, the examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, will be referred to in detail. Wherever possible, references to the same or similar parts use the same reference numbers throughout the drawing. One or more embodiments of the device for tensioning and threading an optical fiber are shown in FIGS. 1-7, with reference number 20 throughout.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in various embodiments, the device 20 for tensioning and passing the optical fiber of the present disclosure is configured to provide tension to the optical fiber 24. The tension provided to the fiber optic 24 is not intended to refer to the tension normally provided to the fiber optic 24 during the process of drawing the fiber optic 24 on a wire drawing tower or wire drawing tower assembly. Rather, the tension provided to the optical fiber 24 in the present disclosure refers to the tension provided after the optical fiber 24 is fully formed (eg, drawing, coating, etc.). The optical fiber 24 has a relatively high speed, for example, about 20 m / sec or more, about 30 m / sec or more, about 40 m / sec or more, about 50 m / sec or more, about 60 m / sec or more, about 70 m / sec or more, about 80 m. It can be wound around a fiber take-up spool (not shown) at a draw speed of over / sec, over about 90 m / sec, or over about 100 m / sec. In some exemplary embodiments, the drawing speed is from about 20 m / sec to about 30 m / sec, or from about 20 m / sec to about 40 m / sec, or from about 20 m / sec to about 50 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec. Seconds to about 60 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec to about 70 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec to about 80 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec to about 90 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec to about 100 m / sec. , Or about 20 m / sec to about 110 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec to about 120 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec to about 130 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec to about 140 m / sec, or about 20 m / sec. It can be ~ about 150 m / sec. The fiber 24 is also maintained under relatively high tension to ensure successful threading through the fiber take-up spool. Fiber 24 is fed directly from any known type of drawing device (not shown), known type of fiber optic pulling, screening device (not shown), or any other source. be able to.

In particular, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 20 of the present disclosure is a mechanical device designed to transport a moving length optical fiber 24 to a disposal can and / or spool. The device 20 can use vacuum to obtain the optical fiber 24 in the same manner as a suction device type device. Unlike aspirator-type devices, the devices disclosed herein do not utilize high pressure air as a method of generating tension or transporting the fiber 24 to a collection can or spool. In other words, the device 20 of the present disclosure operates without the use of high pressure air. Instead, the apparatus 20 of the present disclosure tensions the optical fiber 24 by capturing the fiber 24 within the roller assembly 28. The roller assembly 28 includes a plurality of rollers 32. At least one of the rollers 32 can be connected to the motor. The roller assembly 28 tensions the optical fiber 24 so that the increase in motor torque causes an increase in the tension of the fiber 24. In various examples, the motor torque can be adjusted or modified to maintain or alter the tension provided by the device 20 to the optical fiber 24. The apparatus 20 of the present disclosure can be used to provide tension to a portion of the fiber 24 located between the drawing tractor 34 of the fiber drawing tower and the roller assembly 28. The draw tractor 34 is typically used to provide tension to the fiber 24 as it is drawn from the draw tower. The drawing tractor 34 pulls the fiber 24 from, for example, a preform of the fiber 24 heated by a furnace. The device 20 is downstream of the delineated tractor 34.

In some examples, the device 20 relies solely on vacuum or negative pressure as a method of transporting the fiber 24 to the collection can after leaving the roller assembly 28. FIG. 1 shows an example of the apparatus 20 of the present disclosure. The optical fiber 24 enters the device 20 through an inlet nozzle 36 connected to a negative pressure so that a low voltage is generated at the inlet nozzle 36. Therefore, the fiber 24 is collected or acquired by the low pressure at the inlet nozzle 36. The fiber 24 then enters device 20 and exits through the opposite end of device 20. In some examples, the device 20 can be equipped with a ventilation assembly 40. The ventilation assembly 40 can take various forms, including but not limited to various valve assemblies. In addition, the vent assembly 40 provides a pathway for the fluid (ie, liquid and / or gas) to be transferred between the components) as long as the vent assembly 40 is fluidly coupled (ie, provides a pathway for transferring fluid (ie, liquid and / or gas)). The 40 can be placed at various positions on the device 20. Finally, the fiber 24 passes through the ventilation assembly 40 to the collection can.

Some examples may rely solely on vacuum or negative pressure, but in conjunction with one or more possible roller configurations of the roller assembly 28 disclosed herein (see, eg, configurations 1 and 2 below). It is believed that the use of a high pressure air injection system can generate additional tension inside the device 20 as needed. When the roller assembly 28 is in a non-engaged configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the fiber 24 can be transported through the vent assembly 40 to a waste or collection can by vacuum or negative pressure. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to discard a portion of the fiber 24 prior to winding. For example, if the drawing of the fiber has just begun and the fiber 24 pulled from the drawing tower does not yet meet the desired specifications of the desired fiber 24, the portion of the fiber 24 outside the desired specifications is discarded. .. Once the take-up spool is filled with a certain amount of fiber 24, the engagement configuration of the roller assembly 28 can be used to transport the fiber 24 to the next spool for take-up. The engagement configuration of the roller assembly 28 shown in FIG. 2 can be used to quickly and efficiently transport the fiber 24 from the draw tower to the take-up spool. In addition, the engagement configuration of the roller assembly 28 can maintain tension in the optical fiber 24 as the fiber 24 leaves the drawing tower.

The rollers 32 can be arranged in two main configurations, the first configuration can be referred to as the belted rollers shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, while the second configuration is shown in FIG. It can be called a coated roller or a pinch roller. Each configuration is described in more detail below. In addition, each configuration can utilize vacuum or negative pressure to first collect or obtain the free end of the optical fiber 24 moving at a certain speed from the drawn tower assembly. Furthermore, both configurations utilize collection cans (not shown) and / or spools for the fiber 24. In various examples, the fiber 24 is transported from the device 20 to the collection can and / or spool by vacuum or negative pressure.

Roller Configuration 1: Belted Rollers With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, configuration 1 includes a plurality of rollers 32. In the illustrated example, three rollers 32 are utilized, where at least two rollers 32 are motor driven and at least one belt 44 is driven by one of the motor driven rollers 32. Although three rollers 32 are used in the illustrated example, it is believed that more than three rollers 32 can be used without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. The roller assembly 28 can be enclosed by a compartment 48, as shown in FIG. The compartment 48 can be sealed, for example, with an airtight seal. Regardless of the embodiment or example, the compartment 48 includes a system configured to separate the tensioned optical fiber 24 from the untensioned optical fiber 24. The optical fiber 24 enters the compartment 48 through the inlet nozzle 36 and exits the compartment 48 through, for example, a vent assembly 40 that can be connected to the compartment 48 downstream of the roller assembly 28. The roller assembly 28 can have at least two configurations. The first configuration is a non-engaged configuration (FIG. 1). In the non-engaged configuration, the rollers 32 are positioned so that the fibers 24 move freely in the space between the rollers 32 without physical contact with any of the rollers 32. The second configuration is an engagement configuration (FIG. 2). In the engagement configuration, the roller 32 contacts the fiber 24 and applies tension to the strands of the optical fiber 24.

FIG. 2 shows an 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 driven by a motor and the other of the first and second rollers 52, 56 is freely rotatable. The term free-rotating, as used herein, allows a motor-driven roller to give rotation to a free-rotating roller by a belt 44, and the free-rotating roller provides the minimum resistance or obstacle to rotation. It is intended to convey what it brings. In some examples, the belt 44 may be made of a material that can generate large friction against the outer surface of the fiber 24. For example, the high friction material that makes the belt 44 can be neoprene. In addition, the material making the belt 44 can have high wear resistance, 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 a combination or range of winding angles θ. The third roller 60 may be operational in this example regardless of whether the first and second rollers 52, 56 are operational or operational. In various examples, the third roller 60 can be driven by a motor. The third roller 60 can operate independently between the first position representing the non-engaged configuration and the second position representing the engaged configuration. The third roller 60 can move the third roller moving track 62. In various examples and configurations, the first, second, and third rollers 52, 56, 60 can have an outer diameter in the range of 10 mm to about 80 mm. For example, the outer diameters of the first, second, and third rollers 52, 56, 60 are about 10 mm, about 20 mm, about 30 mm, about 40 mm, about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, And / or a combination or range thereof. The first, second, and / or third rollers 52, 56, 60 can be operated at roller speeds in the range of about 0-40,000 RPM during the ramp-up or warm-up period. For example, the first, second, and / or third rollers 52, 56, 60 have about 0 RPM, about 5,000 RPM, about 10,000 RPM, about 15,000 RPM, about 15,000 RPM during the ramp-up or warm-up period. It can be operated at roller speeds of 20,000 RPM, about 25,000 RPM, about 30,000 RPM, about 35,000 RPM, about 40,000 RPM, and / or combinations or ranges thereof. The first, second, and / or third rollers 52, 56, 60 can be maintained at rotational speeds in the range of about 20,000 to about 60,000 RPM during the spooling period. For example, the first, second, and / or third rollers 52, 56, 60 may have about 20,000 RPM, about 30,000 RPM, about 40,000 RPM, about 50,000 RPM, about 50,000 RPM during the spooling period. It can be maintained at a rotational speed of 60,000 RPM and / or a combination or range thereof.

The transition between the engaged and disengaged configurations can be achieved by an actuator that moves the third roller 60 between the engaged and disengaged configurations. Alternatively, the actuator can rotate the belt 44 so that the third roller 60 is translatable or non-movable (ie, the third roller 60 does not move the third roller moving track 62). The first and second rollers 52, 56 coupled by can be moved between the engaged and non-engaged configurations. FIG. 1 shows a non-engaged configuration in which the third roller 60 is positioned below the moving path of the fiber 24 and the first and second rollers 52, 56 are positioned above the moving path of the fiber 24. Shown. FIG. 2 shows an engagement configuration in which the third roller 60 and the belt 44 are both directly engaged. Positioning the fiber 24 in such an engaging configuration can provide sufficient pinch force to generate tension in the portion of the optical fiber 24 upstream of the roller assembly 28. In other words, the pinch force creates tension in the portion of the optical fiber 24 that moves to the device 20 and enters the inlet nozzle 36. The tension provided to the fiber optic 24 prepares the fiber optic 24 to pass through a fiber optic winder that can help place the fiber optic 24 on the spool. Since the fiber 24 leaves the second roller 56 while in the engaging configuration, the fiber 24 can be transported to the collection can through the ventilation assembly 40 by vacuum or negative pressure.

Providing accurate and precise control of one or more motors driving the roller assembly 28 may be beneficial to the operation of the device 20. One way to control the motor (s) is about 1 m / sec faster than the speed of the optical fiber 24, about 3 m / sec faster than the speed of the optical fiber, about 5 m / sec faster than the speed of the optical fiber 24, Includes stabilizing the motor at speeds of about 7 m / sec faster than the speed of the optical fiber 24, about 9 m / sec faster than the speed of the optical fiber 24, and / or a combination or range thereof. After the first, second, and / or third rollers 52, 56, 60 have transitioned from the non-engaged configuration (FIG. 1) to the engaged configuration (FIG. 2) and successfully captured or acquired the fiber 24, The motors (s) maintain a constant speed (eg, about 5 m / sec faster than the speed of the fiber 24), and the motors (s) are first, second, and / or. It is possible to shift to a constant torque mode in which a constant torque is supplied to the third rollers 52, 56, 60. In constant torque mode, the motor (s) can provide the tension of the optical fiber 24.

In a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 2, approximately 2.65 Newtons (N), 2.84N, 3.04N, 3.24N, and / or on a section of fiber optic 24 moving "at speed". Or a combination or range of tensions thereof can be achieved. As used herein, "at speed" is intended to refer to the speed of the optical fiber 24 as it travels or moves through the roller assembly 28. The optical fiber 24 can move through the roller assembly 28 at speeds in the range of about 20 m / sec to about 120 m / sec or higher. For example, the optical fiber 24 has about 20 m / sec, about 30 m / sec, about 40 m / sec, about 50 m / sec, about 60 m / sec, about 70 m / sec, about 80 m / sec, about 90 m / sec, about 100 m / sec. It can travel through the roller assembly 28 at speeds or speeds of seconds, about 110 m / sec, about 120 m / sec, and / or combinations or ranges thereof. An exemplary range includes at least about 20 m / sec to less than about 120 m / sec, at least about 20 m / sec to less than about 100 m / sec, at least about 20 m / sec to less than about 80 m / sec, and at least about 20 m / sec to about. Less than 60 m / sec, at least about 20 m / sec to less than 40 m / sec, at least about 40 m / sec to less than 120 m / sec, at least about 60 m / sec to less than 120 m / sec, at least about 80 m / sec to about 120 m / sec Includes less than seconds, at least from about 100 m / sec to less than about 120 m / sec, and / or combinations thereof. A minimum tension of about 0.50 N may be desirable for the threading process in which the fiber 24 is threaded through the spool. However, providing a tension greater than 0.50 N to the fiber 24 can provide additional stability to the fiber 24 and increase the success rate of threading. For example, the tension provided to the fiber 24 is about 0.50N, about 1N, about 3N, about 5N, about 7N, about 9N, about 11N, about 13N, about 15N, and / or a combination or range thereof. sell. As used herein, the term "through" refers to the process of transfer from device 20 to the spool.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the belt 44 can be maintained in a tensioned state by the second roller 56. The second roller 56 can provide a constant configurable force to the belt 44 to influence the tension state. For example, the second roller 56 can be urged or forced to a delineated position along the second roller moving track 64 by one or more urging members 68 (FIG. 4). The urging member 68 can be a spring, an air cylinder, a gas piston, or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second roller 56 can be driven so that torque is provided to the second roller 56. For example, the second roller 56 can be driven by an electronically rectified (EC) motor with torque control. Alternatively, the second roller 56 is driven by an air motor, a constant speed motor including a clutch capable of controlling the torque provided, or another suitable method for imparting driven motion to the second roller 56. be able to. In some examples, the first roller 52 may be freely rotatable. In such an example, power can be supplied to the back side of the second roller 56 and the motors can be arranged or coupled by one or more power lines 70. In various examples, the urging member 68 maintains a constant force on the second roller 56 of the roller assembly 28 regardless of whether the roller assembly 28 is in the engaged or non-engaged configuration. The urging member 68 provides an urging force that urges the second roller 56 (eg, when the roller assembly 28 is in a non-engaged configuration) to a delineated position within the second roller moving track 64. When the third roller 60 is actuated so that the roller assembly 28 is engaged, the interaction induced in the belt 44 by the third roller 60 causes the second roller 56 to be in the second roller moving track 64. The urging member 68 is compressed so as to operate to the retracted position of. In the embodiment in which the third roller 60 does not move in the third roller moving track 62, the urging member 68 can be configured in the same manner as described above. The large arrow shown in FIG. 4 indicates the moving direction of the second roller 56 on the second roller moving track 64. Ultimately, the urging member 68 provides tension to the belt 44.

The inlet nozzle 36 to ensure that the fiber 24 achieves the correct position within the apparatus 20 and remains sandwiched between the belt 44 and the third roller 60 when in the engaging configuration. The guide structure 72 can be arranged in the opening of the. An exemplary profile for the guide structure 72 is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As the third roller 60 transitions between the engaged and non-engaged configurations, the fiber 24 is forced to follow the shape or contour of the guide structure 72. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the guide structure 72 is large at the base 76 and narrows as it approaches the upper 80 of the guide structure 72, whereby the guide structure 72 has a generally teardrop shape. The upper 80 of the guide structure 72 is closer to the belt 44 than the base 76. In other words, the top 80 is perpendicular to the base 76 and the belt 44 is perpendicular to the guide structure 72.

In some embodiments, the guide structure 72 is not wider than the belt 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 in a range larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber 24 and smaller than the width of the belt 44. In the guide structure 72, the fiber 24 is sandwiched between the belt 44 and the third roller 60 when the inlet angle β at which the fiber 24 enters the inlet nozzle 36 changes when the device 20 is in the engaging configuration. Make sure it stays the same. In other words, the guide structure 72 disengages the optical fiber 24 from the belt 44 and / or the third roller 60 when the roller assembly 28 is in the engaging configuration (FIG. 2). prevent. Further utilization of the geometry of the guide structure 72 can be used to reduce airflow and, in particular, to reduce fluctuations in airflow that can interfere with the behavior of the belt 44 and / or fiber 24. Further, the guide structure 72 limits the movement of the fiber 24 in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the fiber 24 is tensioned, whereby the fiber 24 is substantially or substantially centered on the width of the belt 44. Can be maintained at.

In the alternative configuration, the compartment 48 surrounding the first, second, and third rollers 52, 56, 60 does not limit the first, second, and third rollers 52, 56, 60, and is vacuum or negative. It can be removed to avoid being affected by pressure. The advantage of this alternative configuration is to reduce the effects of vacuum or negative pressure on the belt 44 and the first, second and third rollers 52, 56, 60. Vacuum or negative pressure can adversely affect the belt 44 by causing deformation of the belt 44. Vacuum or negative pressure can make the first, second and / or third rollers 52, 56, 60 more likely to stall. Although some advantages can be offered with respect to removing the presence of vacuum or negative pressure from the region where the belt 44 and rollers 52, 56, 60 are located, by utilizing the alternative configuration according to the present invention. The complexity of acquiring and centering the fiber 24 through the roller assembly 28 may be introduced.

In another alternative configuration, the device 20 may include a ventilation mechanism such as the ventilation assembly 40 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The ventilation assembly 40 can be located at the outlet of the compartment 48. The ventilation assembly 40 can be utilized to reduce the effects of vacuum or negative pressure on the belt 44 and rollers 52, 56, 60. 5A and 5B show an example of the ventilation assembly 40. The ventilation assembly 40 includes a valve 84 that can be operated between an open position and a closed position. The valve 84 can be operated between the open position and the closed position by, for example, the actuator 88. The actuator 88 can 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 placed in either the open or closed position. When the actuator 88 is extended to the drawn position, the valve 84 activates either the open position or the closed position. When the valve 84 is in the open position, the magnitude of the vacuum or negative pressure in the compartment 48 decreases (ie, the air pressure increases). Reducing the magnitude of the vacuum or negative pressure inside the compartment 48 can be beneficial to reduce the force exerted on or experienced by the belt 44 and rollers 52, 56, 60 inside the compartment 48. .. In general, vacuum or negative pressure is accurate and / or precise to avoid damage to the belt 44 or stall of the rollers 52, 56, 60, regardless of whether a particular embodiment or example utilizes the ventilation assembly 40. It can be beneficial to control. It is believed that alternative methods for reducing force within compartment 48 can be utilized without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. For example, the tension of the belt 44 can be increased rather than evacuating a portion of the vacuum or negative pressure.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, a cutting mechanism 92 is placed between the inlet nozzle 36 and the compartment 48 for the purpose of cutting the optical fiber 24 and removing the fiber 24 from the device 20 and / or the roller assembly 28. be able to. The cutting mechanism 92 is configured to quickly cut the fiber 24 while the fiber 24 is moving at a certain speed. As used herein, the term at a certain speed is intended to refer to the speed or speed at which the fiber 24 moves when it is wound on a spool and / or directed at a disposal can. .. That is, the speed of the fiber 24 is not reduced before the cutting mechanism 92 is activated. In most embodiments and examples, the drawing process of the fiber 24 in the drawing tower is not stopped after the drawing process is started, so that the cutting mechanism 92 is operated while the fiber 24 is moving at a certain speed. That is beneficial. FIG. 3 shows a cutting mechanism 92 including an air cylinder 96 that moves the cutting blade 98. The operation of the air cylinder 96 translates the cutting blade 98 so that the fiber 24 is pushed into the channel 100. The cutting blade 98 is coupled to the air cylinder 96 by a floating joint 102 configured to be vertically movable by the air cylinder 96. The cutting blade 98 and the channel 100 work together to cut or generally cut the fiber 24 at the desired location on the fiber 24. Additional or alternative, the cutting mechanism 92 can be located at the outlet of the compartment 48 between the compartment 48 and the ventilation assembly 40. The cutting blade 98 is described as being actuated by an air cylinder 96, but the present disclosure is not so limited. It is believed that alternative methods of operating the cutting blade 98 can be used without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.

In another configuration, the first, second, and / or third rollers 52, 56, 60 are accumulating the optical fiber 24 downstream of the apparatus 20 and while tensioning the fiber 24. In addition, in the acquisition of the fiber 24 into the inlet nozzle 36, the engaged configuration can be maintained. As used herein, the term "tensioning" refers to maintaining tension in the optical fibers 24 upstream of the roller assembly 28 and downstream of the drawing tower assembly. In other words, as used herein, the term "tensioning" refers, for example, the post-molding tension of the fiber 24 between the tractor of the drawn tower assembly and the roller assembly 28. In this configuration, the complexity of the device 20 is reduced by eliminating the step of operating the third roller 60 between the engaged and non-engaged configurations. However, the drawback of operating with such a configured device 20 is brought about by having the roller assembly 28 always engaged. These drawbacks include the inability to preferentially tension only the fiber 24, which is free of defects (eg, coating defects) that can damage the belt 44 or rollers 52, 56, 60, as well as the inlet. It includes, but is not limited to, introducing complex geometries that may be necessary to properly position the rollers 52, 56, 60 at the nozzle 36 and outlet.

The performance of the device 20 as outlined in Configuration 1 can be tested in both lab settings and drawing towers. For example, high speed video can be used to evaluate the behavior of the fiber 24. Configuration 1 of the apparatus 20 can acquire the fiber 24, tension the fiber 24, position the fiber 24, and perform hand-off of the fiber 24 at a speed exceeding the current production rate. Yes, where the system using the aspirator begins to fail. As used herein, delivery of the fiber 24 refers to the transfer of the fiber 24 from the device 20 to the spool. During acquisition of the fiber 24, the device 20 operates in vacuum or negative pressure, which can be measured in a collection can. Illustrative parameters for the various embodiments are outlined in Table 1 below. The scope disclosed in Table 1 is exemplary in nature and is by no means intended to limit this disclosure. It is contemplated that exemplary parameter values may be used outside the scope provided, without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.

Roller Configuration 2: Coated Rollers With reference to FIG. 7, configuration 2 of the apparatus 20 includes at least two rollers 32, at least one of the rollers 32 being treated with a coating 104 or having a surface treatment (eg, for example). It has nickel impregnated with diamonds, bead blasting, or other process of roughening the surface of the rollers 32). In the example shown, three rollers 32 are used. In various examples, the coating can be neoprene, urethane, or a 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. The placement of the rollers 32 is at least about 60 degrees (60 °), at least about 90 degrees (90 °), at least about 120 degrees (120 °), at least about about one of the rollers 32. It can be configured to have a winding angle θ of 150 degrees (150 °), at least about 180 degrees (180 °), and / or a combination or range thereof. The roller 32 provided with the winding angle θ described above can be positioned upstream of the pair of rollers pinching or sandwiching the fiber 24. The roller 32 configured to pinch or sandwich the fiber 24 can 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 pinching of the fiber 24 so that the optical fiber 24 does not slip off the two pinch rollers 108. .. The coating 104 or surface treatment is applied to the outer or contact surfaces that interact with the fiber 24. The coated pinch roller 108 is sometimes referred to as a first coated roller 112. The rollers 32 coated with this configuration can be directly connected to the motor so that these rollers 32 are driven by the motor. Unlike configuration 1, the roller assembly 28 of configuration 2 does not separate the tensioned fiber 24 at the left inlet of FIG. 7 from the fiber 24 at the right outlet of FIG. Instead, the configuration of configuration 2 utilizes a certain amount of tension at the outlet of the roller assembly 28 to maintain tension at the inlet of the roller assembly 28.

The placement of the coated rollers can be determined by the desired tension of the fibers 24 and the process utilized to pass the fibers 24 through the rollers 32. An increase in the winding angle θ around the second coated roller 116 results in an increase in the tension of the fiber 24. Additional coated rollers can also result in increased tension in the fiber 24. With respect to passing the fiber 24 through the rollers 32, the process may be similar to the example described above with reference to the belted rollers of configuration 1. The first and second coated rollers 112, 116 may be surrounded by a compartment 48. The pinch roller 108 can be configured to operate between the fiber pinch position and the fiber release position so that the fiber 24 passes through the compartment 48 without first contacting one or more of the pinch rollers 108. .. If a tensioned fiber 24 is desired for a given process, the pinch roller 108 may be actuated to engage the fiber 24 directly, and then the pinch roller 108 is rotated to one of the upstream rollers (eg, for example. , A desired winding angle θ can be provided around the second coated roller 116). For example, the pinch roller 108 can rotate around an axis defined by the contact points between the pinch rollers 108 to provide the desired winding angle θ around one of the upstream rollers. FIG. 7 shows the fiber-pinch position.

The pinch roller or coated roller configuration (ie, configuration 2) can tension the optical fiber 24, but may exhibit some drawbacks when compared to the belted roller of configuration 1. The first drawback is that the material used to coat the first and second coated rollers 112, 116 may be prone to wear and tear during contact with the optical fiber 24. The belt 44 of the belted system is also prone to wear, but the belt 44 is easily removed from the rollers 52, 56 and replaced, whereas the first and second coated rollers 112, 116 are the first and second. It is necessary to remove the entire motor assembly to which the coated rollers 112, 116 are attached. The second drawback is that the coated roller system requires some tension to be maintained on the outlet side of the roller assembly 28 in order to generate and / or maintain the traction of the device 20. This is due to the coating roller system, which relies heavily on the capstan equation, where the tension is the winding angle θ and the associated rollers (eg, first and / or second coating roller 112). , 116) is a function of the coefficient of friction. In configuration 2, the pinch roller 108 provides a holding force that prevents the optical fiber 24 from slipping or generally coming off the roller assembly 28.

Various embodiments, examples, and configurations of the device 20 for tensioning and threading the optical fibers of the present disclosure provide technical and competitive advantages through improved performance and cost savings. For example, the device 20 for tensioning and passing an optical fiber can tension an optical fiber 24 moving at a speed faster than that currently used in the manufacturing process, resulting in faster drawing speeds and winding speeds. Allows for speed. The predecessor of the device 20 of the present disclosure, such as an aspirator, is limited by drag and friction, whereas the device 20 for tensioning and passing an optical fiber disclosed herein is not limited by drag and friction. However, the capabilities of the motors utilized in this disclosure are taken into account and can play a role in achieving optimal results in the configurations disclosed herein. However, motor technology can provide sufficient speed and torque to operate the device 20 for tensioning and passing optical fibers.

In addition, the device 20 for tensioning and passing the optical fiber supplies the fiber 24 with a constant configurable tension by pinning the fiber 24 inside the roller assembly 28. The roller assembly 28 can provide a constant torque with or without the belt 44. By applying a constant torque, the success rate of passing through the fiber 24 is improved at the currently used drawing speed and at a drawing speed higher than the currently used drawing speed. If the tension fluctuates or deviates during the automatic threading process disclosed herein, the fiber 24 can lead to contact with a fixed surface, thereby causing defects in the fiber 24 and destroying the fiber 24. However, it may result in an optical fiber 24 that cannot be sold to consumers. The apparatus 20 of the present disclosure provides a consistent tension in the optical fiber 24 such that tension fluctuations are substantially reduced when compared to alternative methods.

Further, the device 20 for tensioning and passing the optical fiber sends out the fiber 24 at a stable position, and the tensioned length of the optical fiber 24 and the stationary object on the optical fiber winder and / Alternatively, the success rate of threading the fiber 24 is improved by reducing the interaction with the moving object.

Further, the device 20 for tensioning and threading the optical fiber provides separation between the tensioned length of the optical fiber 24 and the region of the optical fiber 24 that is discarded or spooled during the threading process. To do. Unlike the process of tensioning an optical fiber 24 depending on compressed air or high pressure air, the device 20 of the present disclosure has a stable length of fiber 24 moving out of the device 20 to a collection can and / or spool. Tension can be provided whether or not it is.

Further, the device 20 for tensioning and passing the optical fiber reduces the cost of operating the device 20 by eliminating at least high pressure air as a process input.

The embodiments described are preferred and / or exemplified, but not limited. Various amendments are conceivable within the authority and scope of the attached claims.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in terms of terms.

Embodiment 1
It is a device for applying tension to an optical fiber and passing it through.
With multiple rollers configured to maintain the optical fiber under tension,
A device comprising a compartment held under negative pressure that accommodates the plurality of rollers.

Embodiment 2
The device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to embodiment 1, further comprising a belt arranged adjacent to and in contact with at least one of the plurality of rollers.

Embodiment 3
The device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to the first embodiment, further comprising belts arranged adjacent to and in contact with the plurality of rollers.

Embodiment 4
Further comprising a belt arranged adjacent to the plurality of rollers, the belt and the plurality of rollers are positioned such that at least one of the rollers does not engage the optical fiber. A device for applying tension to the optical fiber according to the first embodiment.

Embodiment 5
An embodiment further comprising a belt arranged adjacent to the plurality of rollers, wherein the belt and the plurality of rollers are positioned such that at least one of the rollers is in contact with the optical fiber. A device for applying tension to the optical fiber according to 1.

Embodiment 6
Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of rollers, the belt, and the negative pressure in the compartment accommodating the rollers provide tension of about 0.50 N to about 15 N to the optical fiber in the compartment. A device for applying tension to the optical fiber according to any one of 5.

Embodiment 7
A device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the rollers is driven by a motor.

8th Embodiment
A device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to embodiment 7, wherein the motor is configured to provide adjustable torque.

Embodiment 9
It is a device for applying tension to an optical fiber and passing it through.
First roller;
Second roller;
Third roller;
A belt for wrapping the first and second rollers is provided.
The belt is in direct physical contact with the first and second rollers, and at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is the optical fiber of the belt and the third. The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the belt can be actuated to be trapped between the rollers and the optical fiber at a speed of at least about 30 m / sec. A device that is sized and positioned to move through a device for tensioning and passing through the optical fiber.

Embodiment 10
Tension is applied to the optical fiber according to embodiment 9, wherein the optical fiber is trapped between the third roller and the belt so that tension is provided to the optical fiber downstream of the drawing tractor. A device for passing.

Embodiment 11
The device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the third roller is movable with respect to the belt between an engaged configuration and a non-engaged configuration.

Embodiment 12
The optical fiber according to embodiment 11, wherein the operation of the third roller from the non-engaged configuration to the engaged configuration captures the optical fiber between the third roller and the belt. A device for passing through.

Embodiment 13
Tension on the optical fiber according to any of embodiments 9-12, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is driven to provide torque to the associated roller. A device for passing through.

Embodiment 14
The optical fiber according to any one of embodiments 9 to 13, further comprising a compartment for accommodating the first, second, and third rollers, and the belt, the compartment being held under negative pressure. A device for applying tension to an optical fiber.

Embodiment 15
For tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to embodiment 14, further comprising an inlet nozzle located upstream of the compartment and directly connected to the compartment, the inlet nozzle comprising a guide structure. apparatus.

Embodiment 16
The guide structure
base;
Top; and with additional guide channels
The guide channel has a width larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber connected to it.
A device for applying tension to the optical fiber according to the fifteenth embodiment.

Embodiment 17
It is a method of operating a device for applying tension to an optical fiber to pass it through.
The process of acquiring the optical fiber from the inlet nozzle;
A method comprising capturing the optical fiber between a plurality of rollers; and applying tension to the optical fiber by rotating at least one of the plurality of rollers.

Embodiment 18
The step of capturing the optical fiber between a plurality of rollers is
The method of operating a device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to embodiment 17, further comprising the step of operating at least one of the rollers from a non-engaged configuration to an engaged configuration.

Embodiment 19
The method of operating an apparatus for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to embodiment 17 or 18, further comprising providing a negative pressure to the compartment of the apparatus for tensioning and passing the optical fiber.

20th embodiment
The method of operating an apparatus for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to any one of embodiments 17 to 19, further comprising a step of operating a cutting mechanism.

20 Equipment for applying tension to the optical fiber 24 Optical fiber 28 Roller assembly 32 Roller 34 Draw tractor 36 Inlet nozzle 40 Ventilation assembly 44 Belt 48 Compartment 52 First roller 56 Second roller 60 Third roller 62 No. 3 Roller Moving Track 642 2 Roller Moving Track 72 Guide Structure 76 Base 78 Width 80 Top 84 Valve 88 Actuator 92 Cutting Mechanism 96 Air Cylinder 98 Cutting Blade 100 Channel 102 Floating Joint 104 Coating 108 Pinch Roller 112 First Coated Roller 116 Second coated roller

Claims (15)

It is a device for applying tension to an optical fiber and passing it through.
With multiple rollers configured to maintain the optical fiber under tension,
A device comprising a compartment held under negative pressure that accommodates the plurality of rollers. The device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to claim 1, further comprising a belt arranged adjacent to and in contact with at least one of the plurality of rollers. A claim that further comprises a belt arranged adjacent to the plurality of rollers, wherein the belt and the plurality of rollers are positioned so that at least one of the rollers does not engage the optical fiber. A device for applying tension to the optical fiber according to item 1. A claim that further comprises a belt arranged adjacent to the plurality of rollers, wherein the belt and the plurality of rollers are positioned such that at least one of the rollers is in contact with the optical fiber. A device for applying tension to the optical fiber according to 1. Claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of rollers, the belt, and the negative pressure in the compartment accommodating the rollers provide tension of about 0.50 N to about 15 N to the optical fiber in the compartment. A device for applying tension to the optical fiber according to any one of 4. It is a device for applying tension to an optical fiber and passing it through.
First roller;
Second roller;
Third roller;
A belt for wrapping the first and second rollers is provided.
The belt is in direct physical contact with the first and second rollers, and at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is the optical fiber of the belt and the third. The first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the belt can be actuated to be trapped between the rollers and the optical fiber at a speed of at least about 30 m / sec. A device that is sized and positioned to move through a device for tensioning and passing through the optical fiber. The optical fiber according to claim 6, wherein the optical fiber is trapped between the third roller and the belt so that tension is provided to the optical fiber downstream of the drawing tractor. A device for passing. The device for tensioning and passing an optical fiber according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the third roller is movable with respect to the belt between an engaged configuration and a non-engaged configuration. The optical fiber according to claim 8, wherein the operation of the third roller from the non-engaged configuration to the engaged configuration captures the optical fiber between the third roller and the belt. A device for passing through. The optical fiber according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is driven to provide torque to the associated roller. A device for passing. The optical fiber according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising the first, second, and third rollers, and a compartment for accommodating the belt, the compartment being held under negative pressure. A device for passing through. The optical fiber of claim 11, further comprising an inlet nozzle located upstream of the compartment and directly connected to the compartment, the inlet nozzle comprising a guide structure for tensioning and passing through the optical fiber of claim 11. apparatus. The guide structure
base;
Top; and with additional guide channels
The guide channel has a width larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber connected to it.
A device for applying tension to the optical fiber according to claim 12. It is a method of operating a device for applying tension to an optical fiber to pass it through.
The process of acquiring the optical fiber from the inlet nozzle;
A method comprising capturing the optical fiber between a plurality of rollers; and applying tension to the optical fiber by rotating at least one of the plurality of rollers. The step of capturing the optical fiber between a plurality of rollers is
The claim further comprises the step of operating at least one of the rollers from a non-engaged configuration to an engaged configuration; and providing negative pressure to the compartment of the device for tensioning and passing the optical fiber. Item 14. The method of operating an apparatus for applying tension to the optical fiber according to item 14.

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