EP3288878A1 - Optical fiber manufacturing machine, and method for positioning the optical fiber in a machine of said type - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine (100) for manufacturing an optical fiber (200), characterized in that the machine comprises: - at least one capstan (20, 21) and at least one pulley (22) which define a run of the optical fiber in a main area (2) of the machine; - an optical fiber guiding system comprising a transmission member (25) and a clamping element (26) that is rigidly connected to the transmission member (25) and is able to retain an end of the optical fiber (200), the transmission member (25) being arranged parallel to the run of the optical fiber; and - a device (5) for having the clamping element (26) automatically grip the optical fiber (200), said device (5) comprising: - means (53) for placing the optical fiber in a starting position in which the optical fiber runs at a distance from the clamping element in a direction extending substantially perpendicularly to the clamping element (26); - a fiber-spacing finger (51) that can move between a neutral position at a distance from the optical fiber located in the starting position and a position in which the finger (51) keeps the optical fiber at a distance from the starting position in such a way as to bring the optical fiber into an intermediate position opposite the clamping element (26); - means for opening and closing the clamping element (26), said means being designed to open the clamping element when the finger (51) has brought the optical fiber (200) into the intermediate position and close the clamping element again when the finger (51) has returned to the neutral position thereof.

Description

 OPTICAL FIBER PRODUCTION MACHINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE OPTICAL FIBER IN SUCH A MACHINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

 The present invention relates to a machine for producing an optical fiber and a method of placing the optical fiber in such a machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

 During the production of an optical fiber, it is known to scroll the optical fiber in a machine in which the optical fiber is guided on its path. The production may comprise in particular a mechanical test of the optical fiber, and / or a winding of the optical fiber (that is to say the repackaging of a coil of optical fiber of great length into a plurality of coils having a greater short length of optical fiber).

 In such production operations, a machine is used comprising a plurality of pulleys along which the optical fiber travels.

 Upstream of the machine, the optical fiber is provided in the form of a coil typically having several kilometers of optical fiber.

 At the output of the machine, the optical fiber is wound in the form of coils which are generally of smaller size.

 Figure 1 schematically illustrates such a machine.

 At present, the introduction of the optical fiber on all the pulleys is performed manually by an operator.

 The optical fiber has a small diameter, it is fragile and its handling is delicate.

 Consequently, the time spent by the operator to set up the optical fiber, either at the beginning of a production campaign, or after a break in the optical fiber during its travel through the machine, is relatively long, who strike the cost of producing fiber optics.

EP 0 514 858 discloses a machine for producing an optical fiber comprising a clamp mounted on a rail extending along the machine to install the optical fiber on all pulleys while said pulleys are alternately arranged both sides of the path of the optical fiber carried in the clamp. The pulleys are then moved to a position in which they define the path of the optical fiber during normal operation of the machine. However, no means to facilitate the gripping of the optical fiber by the clamp is disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

 An object of the invention is to design a production machine on which the introduction of the optical fiber is automated.

 According to the invention, there is provided a machine for producing an optical fiber comprising:

 at least one capstan and at least one pulley, said capstan (s) and pulley (s) defining a trajectory of the optical fiber in a main zone of said machine,

a system for guiding the optical fiber comprising a transmission member and a clamp rigidly connected to said member adapted to hold one end of the optical fiber, said transmission member being arranged parallel to the path of the optical fiber,

an automatic device for gripping the optical fiber by the clamp, comprising:

 means for positioning the optical fiber in an initial position where the optical fiber extends away from the clamp in a direction substantially perpendicular to said clamp,

 a spreading finger of the fiber, movable between a rest position remote from the optical fiber in its initial position and a position where said finger moves the optical fiber away from said initial position so as to bring it into an intermediate position; look at the clamp,

 - An opening and closing means of the clamp, configured to open the clamp when the optical fiber has been brought by the finger in said intermediate position, and to close said clamp when the finger is returned to its rest position.

 By "production" is meant in the present text any step implemented between the manufacture of an optical fiber and its use. This term covers in particular the mechanical test of the optical fiber, as well as its eventual winding.

 According to one embodiment, the device for automatically gripping the optical fiber by the clamp further comprises a cutting tool of the optical fiber.

 According to one embodiment, the spacer finger is secured to a pivoting support.

 Advantageously, the spacer finger has a curved profile with its concavity oriented towards the optical fiber.

 According to one embodiment, the automatic gripping device of the optical fiber comprises means for retaining an end of the optical fiber.

 Advantageously, said retaining means comprises a slot configured to wedge the optical fiber.

According to one embodiment of the invention for the mechanical test of the optical fiber, the main zone of the machine comprises an input capstan arranged in an upstream portion of the main zone on the path of the optical fiber and an output capstan arranged in a downstream portion of the main zone on the path of the optical fiber, the rotational speed of said capstans being adjustable so as to generate a voltage mechanical fiber optic between said capstans.

 Another object of the invention relates to a method of placing the optical fiber in a machine as described above.

 Said method comprises:

 the engagement of the optical fiber on the positioning means, the finger being in its rest position,

 actuating the finger towards its spacing position so as to move the optical fiber towards its intermediate position,

 the actuation of the means for opening and closing the clamp to open the clamp,

 releasing the finger towards its rest position so as to release the optical fiber in the opening of the clamp,

 - Actuating the opening and closing means of the clamp to close the clamp so as to exert a clamping force on the optical fiber.

 Advantageously, said method comprises, after closing the clamp, cutting the optical fiber between the clamp and the positioning means on which the fiber is engaged.

 After cutting the optical fiber, the method advantageously comprises the scrolling of the transmission member to set up the optical fiber held by the clamp on said at least one capstan and said at least one pulley on the path of the optical fiber in the machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

 Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

 FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of a machine for producing an optical fiber according to one embodiment of the invention,

 Figures 2 to 6 are perspective views of a device for gripping the optical fiber in the various stages of its use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

 Figure 1 is an overview of the production machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

The machine 100 comprises, from upstream to downstream on the path of the optical fiber, a unwinder 1, a main zone 2 and a winder 3. The unwinder 1 is adapted to receive a coil (not shown) of optical fiber for scrolling in the main area of the machine.

 The winder 3 is designed to receive a vacuum coil on which the optical fiber is wound at the output of the main zone 2.

 In the case illustrated in FIG. 1, where the machine is intended for the mechanical test of the optical fiber, the main zone 2 comprises a frame 23 on which are fitted an input capstan 20, an output capstan 21, and a plurality of pulleys 22 arranged between the capstans, the drums of the capstans 20, 21 and pulleys 22 being in the same vertical plane. The respective speed of rotation of the capstans 20, 21 is chosen to apply a determined mechanical tension to the optical fiber. In other applications, including winding, a single capstan (generally corresponding to the input capstan 20 of Figure 1) may be sufficient, said capstan having the function of driving the optical fiber. Likewise, the number of pulleys illustrated in FIG. 1 is only indicative, the machine possibly comprising one or more pulleys.

 In order to transfer the optical fiber from the unwinder to the reel, the end of the unwound optical fiber of the reel 10 is inserted into the main zone upstream of the input capstan 20, and then it is guided between the different pulleys. 22 to the output capstan 21. Downstream of the output capstan 21, the optical fiber is guided to the coil 30 for winding on said coil.

 To automatically insert the optical fiber in the main zone and then in the coil 30, said machine 100 comprises a system for guiding the optical fiber, comprising a transmission member 25 (for example a chain or a belt) and a clamp 26 (visible in Figures 2 to 6) integral with said transmission member 25 and comprising two jaws adapted to clamp the optical fiber when they are tightened. As will be seen below, the guidance system of the optical fiber comprises a device 5 for automatic gripping of the optical fiber by the clamp.

 The transmission member 25 is arranged in the form of a continuous loop on the same face of the frame 23 as the capstans 20, 21 and the pulleys 22, traveling a path parallel to that of the optical fiber between said capstans and pulleys.

When a new length of optical fiber is to be transferred from the unwinder to the reel, an operator positions the optical fiber at the entrance of the main zone 2 and the gripping device 5 of the optical fiber is actuated so that the clamp comes pinching a portion of the optical fiber near its end (for example just upstream of the input capstan 20). Then, the transmission member 25 drives the optical fiber held by the clamp at the input capstan 20, all the pulleys 22 and the output capstan 21, to the coil 30. For this purpose, the clamp holds the optical fiber at a determined distance from the transmission member, selected to allow the engagement of the fiber on each of the pulleys. Once the optical fiber has been guided to the coil, the clamp is returned to the entrance of the main zone and the transmission member is stopped.

 Figures 2 to 6 illustrate an embodiment of the device 5 for automatic gripping of the optical fiber by the clamp.

 Said device 5 is advantageously located at the entrance to the main zone 2, before the input capstan 20.

 The device 5 comprises a pulley 53 around which an operator passes the optical fiber 200 from the unwinder 1. This is essentially the only manual operation performed to set up the optical fiber in the machine.

 According to an advantageous embodiment, the device 5 further comprises a retaining means of the end 201 of the optical fiber. For example, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, said retaining means comprises a stud 54 provided with a slot 54a at the bottom of which the optical fiber is likely to be stuck when it is put in place by an operator. Preferably, the slot 54a extends in a direction tangent to the drum of the pulley 53.

 However, the device 5 could include any other means of mechanical retention of the end of the optical fiber, for example by pinching, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

 The device 5 further comprises a cutting tool 55 shaped scissors, for cutting the optical fiber after gripping by the clamp. The tool 55 is advantageously arranged between the pulley 53 and the clamp 26 during the implementation of the process for gripping the optical fiber.

 Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of the device 5 after the operator has wedged the end of the optical fiber in the slot 54a.

 In this configuration, the clip 26 is in the closed position and the optical fiber extends in a substantially vertical direction away from said clip. This configuration is called the initial position of the optical fiber. The cutting tool 55 is in the open position, the optical fiber passing through the opening between the blades of said tool 55.

 To enable the optical fiber to be introduced between the jaws of the clamp 26, the device 5 comprises a finger 51 adapted to temporarily remove the optical fiber in order to bring it between the jaws of the clamp in the open position.

 As best seen in Figure 3, the finger 51 has a curved profile.

The finger 51 is secured to a support 50 adapted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis, between a rest position (see in particular Figure 2) where the finger 51 is kept at a distance from the optical fiber and a spacer position of the optical fiber (see in particular Figure 3). The support 50 is pivotally driven by a jack whose end is secured to the frame and the opposite end is secured to a portion of the support remote from its pivot axis. During this pivoting trajectory, the finger 51 contacts the optical fiber and moves the optical fiber locally. The fact that the profile of the finger 51 is curved, with its concavity oriented towards the optical fiber, prevents the optical fiber from escaping during the movement of the finger.

 The shape, the dimensions of the finger and its amplitude of pivoting are chosen so that, in the position of separation, the optical fiber is opposite the end of the clamp 26, which at this stage is always in the closed position. This position is called the intermediate position of the optical fiber.

 In a subsequent step, illustrated in FIG. 4, the opening of the clamp 26 is controlled: the jaws 26a, 26b are spaced apart and form an opening for the optical fiber 200 situated opposite this opening.

 Referring to Figure 5, the support 50 is returned to its rest position.

 The finger 51 then releases the optical fiber that it had spread but, in its path back to its initial position, the optical fiber is retained by a jaw 26a of the clamp. The optical fiber 200 is thus introduced between the jaws 26a, 26b of the clamp.

 Referring to Figure 6, the clamp 26 is then closed, ensuring a maintenance of the optical fiber by pinching.

 The cutting tool 55 is then actuated so as to cut the optical fiber in a region between the end 201 and the clip 26. The portion 202 of optical fiber that has been cut is intended to be discarded. The end 203 resulting from cutting is the end that will be fed to the coil 30 by the transmission member 25.

 The device 5 comprises a control system of the finger 51, the clamp 26 and the cutting tool 55, configured to synchronize the actuation of these elements in order to implement the sequence described with reference to FIGS. .

 Such a machine can find application in different stages of the production of an optical fiber. The path of the optical fiber, and the arrangement of the input and output capstans and pulleys that result, are defined according to the constraints of each respective step.

 For example, when the machine is intended for the mechanical test of the optical fiber, the main zone is designed so that the optical fiber to test scrolls undergoing a determined traction force between the input and output capstans.

 Another application relates to a winding machine, for delivering the optical fiber of a coil located in the unwinder in a plurality of optical fibers of shorter length on coils placed successively in the winder. REFERENCES

EP 0 514 858

Claims

1. A machine (100) for producing an optical fiber (200), comprising:  at least one capstan (20, 21) and at least one pulley (22), said capstan (s) and pulley (s) defining a trajectory of the optical fiber in a main zone (2) of said machine,  said machine being characterized in that it further comprises:  a system for guiding the optical fiber comprising a transmission member (25) and a clamp (26) rigidly connected to said member (25) adapted to hold one end of the optical fiber (200), said transmission member (25) being arranged parallel to the path of the optical fiber,  a device (5) for automatically gripping the optical fiber (200) by the clamp (26), comprising:  means (53) for positioning the optical fiber in an initial position where the optical fiber extends away from the clamp in a direction substantially perpendicular to said clamp (26),  a finger (51) for spacing the fiber, movable between a rest position remote from the optical fiber in its initial position and a position where said finger (51) separates the optical fiber from said initial position so as to bring in an intermediate position opposite the clamp (26),  - A means for opening and closing the clamp (26), configured to open the clamp when the optical fiber (200) has been brought by the finger (51) in said intermediate position, and to close said clamp when the finger (51) returned to his rest position. 2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (5) for automatically gripping the optical fiber by the clamp further comprises a tool (55) for cutting the optical fiber (200). 3. Machine according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacer finger (51) is integral with a pivoting support (50). 4. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spacer finger (51) has a curved profile with its concavity oriented towards the optical fiber (200). 5. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device (5) for automatic gripping of the optical fiber comprises a means for retaining one end (201) of the optical fiber. 6. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that said retaining means comprises a slot (54a) configured to wedge the optical fiber (200). 7. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main zone (2) of the machine comprises an input capstan (20) arranged in an upstream portion of the main zone on the path of the fiber optical and an output capstan (21) arranged in a downstream part of the main zone on the path of the optical fiber, the rotational speed of said capstans (20, 21) being adjustable so as to generate a mechanical tension of the optical fiber between said capstans. 8. Method for placing an optical fiber in a production machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises:  the engagement of the optical fiber (200) on the positioning means, the finger (51) being in its rest position,  actuating the finger (51) towards its position of separation so as to move the optical fiber (200) towards its intermediate position,  actuating the means for opening and closing the clamp to open the clamp (26),  - releasing the finger (51) towards its rest position so as to release the optical fiber (200) in the opening of the clamp (26),  - Actuating the opening and closing means of the clamp to close the clamp (26) so as to exert a clamping force on the optical fiber (200). 9. The method of claim 8, characterized in that it comprises, after closing the clamp (26), the section of the optical fiber (200) between the clamp and the positioning means on which the fiber is engaged. 10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises, after cutting the optical fiber (200), the scrolling of the transmission member (25) to set up the optical fiber held by the clamp ( 26) on said at least one capstan and said at least one pulley on the path of the optical fiber in the machine.