JP3500037B2 - Heat sensitive substance introduction device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a heat-sensitive substance, that is, a substance which is easily deteriorated / denatured or damaged by heat and which does not have a desired property, as compared with a heat-generating position past the heat-generating position. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for introducing the device into a separated position / place (a place in the back), and more particularly, to a device capable of stably installing the introducing device in a position separated from a heat generation position.

A typical example of a heat-sensitive material is an optical fiber,
In the case of the present invention, the optical fiber refers to one or more optical fibers, a bundle of optical fibers, or a general cable (linear body) -like structure including these.

[0003]

[Prior art]

(B) Various methods have been proposed for protecting heat-sensitive substances from thermal influences.

Example 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-288971 In this technique, a metal plate is formed in a tubular shape in its longitudinal direction, and its butt end surface is subjected to laser welding, TiG welding, plasma welding (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-146425). Weld with a welder to make a metal tube. The optical fiber, which is a heat-sensitive substance,
It is supplied into the metal tube being molded through an optical fiber introducing tube. This introduction pipe is inserted into the pipe deeper than the welding position by the welder, and the introduction pipe suppresses the thermal influence on the optical fiber due to welding as much as possible.

Example 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-101713 This technique discloses a technique for manufacturing an electric cable with a corrugated metal armor. The metal tape is formed into a tubular shape, and the seam of the metal tape is welded to form a metal tube. In this process, the cable body is inserted into the metal tube. Then, in the welded portion, a space-filling substance typified by a watertight compound is arranged between the cable and the welded portion by a cable protection tube having a substantially arc cross section which also serves as an injection device.
With this cable protection tube, the thermal influence on the cable can be suppressed as much as possible. And it is clear that the cable protection tube naturally protects the filling and the compound itself from thermal damage, alteration and modification.

(B) The following is an example of loading an optical fiber as an example of a heat-sensitive substance in the longitudinal direction of a metal tube formed by welding using an introduction tube. In that case, the metal tube being formed into a tubular shape is straight and the curved introduction tube that inserts the introduction tube that bends the metal tube is inserted into the tube. There is a type of straight pipe type introduction pipe to be inserted.

Example 3: Japanese Patent No. 2505334 According to this document, the following effects are obtained by elastically pressing the introduction pipe against the inner wall of the metal pipe opposite to the welding surface.

Since the introduction pipe is stably installed on the inner wall side opposite to the welding surface of the metal pipe and the optical fiber is arranged at a position separated from the welding position, the thermal influence can be minimized, and Since the introduction pipe is statically arranged, the above effect can be maintained for a long time.

Since a gap is formed between the welded portion of the metal pipe and the introduction pipe, (i) even if welding spatter is deposited, the sputter deposit does not reach the welded portion for a long time. Therefore, it is possible to operate for a long time (long product). That is, it is possible to obtain the effect that welding defects do not occur for a long time.

(Ii) In addition, a welding atmosphere (inside the outer pipe) is formed, and a gap close to the welding through which the cooling gas of the optical fiber and the introduction pipe flows is secured. Welding soundness is improved,
Enables long-distance operation (further reduces adverse thermal effects)
You also get the effect.

(C) In Example 3, an inert gas such as a cooling gas or an argon gas is used as the gas. Usually, these gases are dried and then passed in order to ensure good welding. Shedding has been well known since ancient times.

(D) Example 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-350808 This document discloses an example in which a straight pipe type introduction pipe is elastically pressed against the inner wall surface of a metal pipe. The above-mentioned Example 3 discloses an example of an introduction pipe in a straight pipe state in which an elastic support mechanism is provided in a portion that constitutes the curved introduction pipe and the introduction pipe in the metal pipe. It is different from the introduction pipe of No. 350808. The straight tube type introduction tube becomes longer than the case where the entire manufacturing apparatus adopts the curved type introduction tube, which causes a problem on the building, but has an advantage that contact between the optical fiber and the introduction tube can be avoided.

(E) Example 5: JP-A-4-335307 The introducing pipe disclosed in this document is basically a straight pipe type introducing pipe similar to that of Example 4, although the cross-sectional shape is special.
However, unlike the case of Example 4, the elasticity of the tube itself is not necessarily used effectively (in this respect, the curved introduction tube of Example 3 is also the same).
It is not necessary to press-contact the inner wall of the metal pipe, and the special elastic support mechanism of Example 3 may be used, but anyway, the support mechanism is provided so as to press-contact the inner wall of the metal pipe on the side opposite to the welding surface in the vicinity of the welded portion. ing. In that case, it suffices to simply press it, and it is not necessary to elastically deform it.

(F) Example 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-335309 When the curved portion of the introduction pipe is excessively pressed against the inner wall of the straight metal pipe, the introduction pipe is introduced into the metal pipe. The tip of the rises and approaches the welding surface side.

This phenomenon occurs due to "over-pressing" of the introduction pipe against the inner wall of the metal pipe, and as a result, the end of the introduction pipe, which is the free end, is directed to the side opposite to the pressing force, that is, to the welding surface side. Go up (approaching) and eventually come into contact. This contact naturally occurs easily when the diameter of the metal tube is small.

Therefore, in this document, in order to suppress the wear of the leading end of the introduction pipe caused by the contact with the inner wall on the contact surface side of the metal pipe as much as possible, the surface of the leading end, particularly the surface in contact with the welding surface is plated with chrome. Hardening treatment such as to improve the durability of the introduction pipe.

(G) Example 7: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-335308 This document discloses an example in which a pipe is manufactured by laser welding, and the outer surface of the introduction pipe is a surface that reflects laser light at a high rate. With this, the introduction tube can be protected from the laser stray light, and therefore the optical fiber and the gel-like filler (heat-sensitive substance) passing through the introduction tube can also be protected from adverse thermal effects.

[0018]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

(B) As a means for protecting heat-sensitive substances such as optical fibers, electric cables, and fillers from adverse thermal effects, loading an introduction pipe or a heat shield into a metal pipe and connecting these members to the welding position and the heat-sensitive substance. Place it in the space (in the metal pipe),
Techniques for suppressing thermal effects are now known.

(B) As one of the methods, the technique (examples 3 to 6) of "pressing and supporting the introduction pipe on the inner wall of the metal pipe opposite to the welding surface" has the following problems. There is a point.

If the force of pressing the introduction pipe against the inner wall of the metal pipe is too large, the tip of the introduction pipe contacts another position on the inner wall of the metal pipe, and the problem of Example 6 occurs. In this case, although it is possible to solve the problem by the method shown in Example 6, it is basically better to avoid contact between the leading end of the introduction pipe and the inner wall on the welding surface side. This is because when an outer tube-coated optical fiber cable having a small metal tube (outer tube) diameter is to be manufactured, the introduction tube diameter also becomes small, and mechanical contact between the tip end of the introduction tube and the optical fiber is likely to occur. , The optical fiber may be mechanically damaged and deteriorate the quality of the finished product.
Such mechanical damage of the optical fiber is likely to occur when the tip of the introduction tube is lifted up, and the smaller the diameter of the metal tube, the higher the possibility.

Therefore, it is desirable that the optical fiber is in a straight pipe state, not to mention the introduction pipe, so that the optical fiber does not come into strong contact with the tip of the introduction pipe so as to cause mechanical damage, at least in the metal pipe. The elastic support mechanism in the metal pipe shown in Example 4 is a method for implementing this straight pipe state. Such a mechanism is easy to adopt when the diameter of the metal pipe is large. It is easily damaged by dynamic contact (sliding contact) with the wall and is generally not general-purpose.

Although the curved introduction tube can make the entire apparatus smaller than the straight tube introduction tube, the curved introduction tube is exaggerated and substantially L-shaped as disclosed in Example 3. Bending is not preferable because it causes mechanical contact at the curved portion between the inner wall of the metal tube and the optical fiber. This is because when the optical fiber is covered with a brittle resin, the resin peels off and deposits in the introduction tube. This deposition is unlikely to cause a great adverse effect when a gas or gel (viscous fluid) is caused to flow into the metal tube through the same introduction passage as the optical fiber. This is because the exfoliated deposit will be washed away into the metal tube.

However, the excessively curved introducing tube controls the extra length of the optical fiber with respect to the metal tube (Example 8: JP-A-7-5).
No. 6064), it is not desirable in that the control becomes more sophisticated and the factors for establishing the operating condition early are increased. The reason for this is that if the degree of curvature is high, the optical fiber and the inner wall of the introduction tube come into contact with each other, and a back tension (a force that works in the opposite direction to the traveling direction) acts on the optical fiber as a frictional force. And to control the extra length,
This is because the control method must be devised in consideration of the magnitude of the back tension, and it takes time to stabilize the operation.

Therefore, it is desirable to use an introduction tube having a small degree of curvature. Then, the problem on the building will be alleviated to some extent, the back tension will not be increased, and the problem that the optical fiber will be rubbed and damaged will be few, especially if the introduction pipe part not inserted into the metal pipe is shortened ( It is preferable for solving the problem (physical constraint).

However, even if the introducing pipe having such a shape is adopted, the above problem cannot be solved if the pushing force of the introducing pipe is adjusted incorrectly. Furthermore, if such an introducing pipe is adopted without taking any measures, the introducing pipe will easily come into contact with the butt opening end face portion of the metal tape. In order to prevent this, the fixing device of the introduction pipe is improved so that a stronger force is applied to the introduction pipe and the trajectory of the introduction pipe is curved into a substantially L-shape as disclosed in Example 3. It should be in a state close to the orbit traced by. However, simply increasing the force applied to the input section may damage the introduction tube. or,
In fact, the possibility is high because the diameter of the introduction pipe is small. Moreover, in order to ensure elasticity, the wall must be thin, and there is a problem in applying an excessively large force to one place. Moreover, it is not always easy to optimize the trajectory of the introduction pipe by adjusting only the direction and the fixing force at the inlet portion.

Another object of the present invention is to add a device for finely adjusting the orbit of the introduction pipe in a region outside the metal pipe, in addition to the conventional fixing device.

[0027]

[0028]

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an introducing device and an introducing pipe for a heat-sensitive substance suitable for long-term operation.

[0030]

[0031]

According to the present invention, the above object is to provide a heat-sensitive material through an introduction passage formed by a second member in a space formed by a first member having a portion to be thermally treated. A device for introducing a substance, wherein the introduction passage comprises:
An inlet arranged at a fixed position outside the space, and an outlet arranged in the space separated from the portion to be subjected to the thermal treatment, wherein the second member is provided between the inlet and the outlet. An elastic contact region which is disposed in the first member and elastically contacts the first member, and an elastic deformation region which is disposed between the elastic contact region and the inlet and generates a supporting force required for contact with the first member, and a non-resilient contact regions arranged to be spaced in the inelastically and first member contact from the portion for receiving said thermal treatment between the resiliently embodied contact region and the outlet, the second member upper <br / > In the direction of weakening the supporting force, the second in the above elastic deformation region
Initial deflection before contact with the first member at the fixed support position of the member
This is achieved by the fact that only the deformation is applied .

[0032]

[0033]

[0034]

[0035]

[0036]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment> In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1
The first is the insertion and filling of heat sensitive substances such as optical fibers.
Figure 3 shows a part of a metal tube as a member, into which a lead-in tube 2 as a curved second member for the heat-sensitive substance 2
The exit side is located at the entrance.

The metal tube 1 is subjected to thermal treatment at position 3. For example, the running metal tape is formed into a tubular shape, and its abutting side edges are welded at the position 3 to form a complete metal tube and run to the left.

The introduction pipe 2 is supported at a position 4 near the inlet 2A outside the metal pipe 1 as shown in the drawing, and after being elastically curved and deformed as an initial deformation in the elastic deformation region 5, the metal pipe 1 is flowed at the subsequent position. Has an elastic contact area 6 that contacts the inner wall surface of
The inelastic contact region 7 has a substantially straight tube shape up to the outlet 2B downstream thereof. In the introduction pipe 2, the non-elastic contact region 7 is hardly or not affected by the supporting force generated in the elastic deformation region 6, so that the outlet portion 2B is pressed by the excessive pressing force against the inner wall surface of the metal pipe 1. It does not show free-end behavior that would lift up. The influence of the supporting force does not extend beyond the elastic contact area 6.

Prior to explaining the elastic contact region of the introducing pipe of the present embodiment, a conventional elastic contact mechanism of the introducing pipe will be described.

Conventionally, the introduction pipe is only fixedly supported at the inlet portion, and gravity is acting in the axial direction of the pipe before insertion into the metal pipe (released state). It had a substantially straight tube-like shape (only the axis is shown in the figure). Alternatively, it was as in the state B in which a slight arc-shaped plastic deformation was given. When the tip end side of such an introduction pipe is inserted into the metal pipe and gradually pressed firmly against the inner wall of the metal pipe, the state A or B is changed to the state C and the state D. Along with that, the contact point also shifts from B1 to C1 and D1.

State C is suitable for long-term operation. This is because the shape follows the inner wall of the metal tube. However, in the state D, the introduction pipe is strongly pressed against the inner wall of the metal pipe, and the tip portion 2C of the introduction pipe is lifted up over a long range.
This is because the self-weight of the leading end side of the introducing pipe is not so large as to suppress the rise of the leading end. Basically, as long as the inlet pipe is pressed against the inner wall of the metal pipe with the inlet fixed, its tip behaves as a free end, so fine adjustment to keep it in state C is an important factor for long-term operation. It was one.

Next, the elastic contact mechanism of the introducing pipe of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the introduction pipe is initially straight pipe as in the state A, and is also straight pipe at the inlet side of the region 6 to be elastically contacted with the metal pipe. Next, the introduction pipe is slightly curved on the inlet portion 2A side to give initial deformation so that the state is A'in the released state. In such a state,
When pressed against the metal tube, the flow position immediately after the inlet portion 2A becomes the elastic contact region 6, and this elastic contact region 6
Is closer to the entrance side than the conventional one. In addition, the range from the elastic contact region 6 to the outlet end on the downstream side is substantially straight pipe in both the state A and the state A ', and is in a state without elastic deformation.

When such an introduction tube is inserted into a metal tube, the form becomes as shown in FIG. That is, the introduction pipe, which has been initially deformed in the portion 2A as in the state A'in FIG. 3, is fixedly supported at the position 4 and comes into contact with the metal pipe at the elastic contact region 6 with a supporting force, and the elastic contact region 6 The elastic deformation region 5 between the position 4 and the position 4 is curved in a substantially arc shape having a large radius R. On the other hand, the inelastic contact region 7 over a longer area on the downstream side than the elastic contact region 6 cannot be said to be free from the influence of the supporting force, but as the tip (outlet) of the introduction pipe rises from the inner wall of the metal pipe. Rather, it is lying on the inner wall of the metal tube.

That is, in FIG. 5, according to the present invention, the state is as in state B. In the present invention, since the initial bending deformation is applied at the inlet, the supporting force in the elastic contact area 6 is small, and since the area 6 is closer to the inlet side, the flow after the elastic contact area 6 is lower. There is no lifting on the side. Of course,
Even in the present invention, if the supporting force is too large, h
_A maximum lift of ₀ occurs, so at welding position 3 h ₁
Only the tip end (outlet) touches the inner wall of the metal tube or rises slightly by h ₂ .

In the present invention, even if there are h ₀ , h ₁ and h ₂ , since the inelastic contact region 7 is long, their values become extremely small due to the self-weight of the introducing pipe in these regions. In addition, it is preferable to perform a hardening treatment on the tip portion, especially on the lower side thereof, in consideration of rubbing of the tip portion (outlet 2B) of the introduction tube with the metal tube.

The state of FIG. 5 will be described in more detail.
The state B is arranged under an appropriate pressing force, but if this is pressed too hard, it becomes like the state C. State C
Then, as a result of over-pressing, the elastic contact region 6 shifts to the inlet side as compared with the state B, and the transition region between the elastic contact region 6 and the inelastic contact region 7 behaves like a free end and has only h _0. Go up. In this case, the tip of the introduction pipe tends to approach the inner wall of the metal pipe (the inner wall on the opposite side of the welding surface, that is, the lower surface) or remains in contact with the inner wall due to the weight of the introduction pipe. Will cause the lower part of the to wear. However, the lifting phenomenon of the above transition region is further suppressed by the self-weight of the introduction pipe in the inelastic contact region, and the change h ₂ occurring at the tip is very small compared to the originally small h ₀ . h ₂ is smaller as the inelastic contact region is longer, and can be ignored.

On the other hand, in the conventional case, even if the above-mentioned h ₀ is a small level change, since it is not the length of the inelastic contact region, the effect due to its own weight cannot be expected, and h ₂ becomes a large value, which is neglected. become unable.

Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, the fine adjustment of the level of the introduction pipe does not have to be performed under such severe conditions. As a result, the probability of a sudden accident is reduced, which is suitable for long-term operation.

In particular, it is more effective when the inelastic contact region is sufficiently longer than the elastic deformation region, and as is clear from the comparison between state B and state C in FIG. Is more effective when it is closer to the inelastic contact area. From the latter meaning, it is desirable to have a structure in which, when the elastic deformation region is arcuate, the elastic contact region is the contact point of the arc, and the inelastic contact region extends in the tangential direction at the contact point. In the former sense, it is concluded that the higher the ratio of the inelastic contact region to the total length of the introduction pipe (the length from the inlet to the outlet), the better. This proportion is preferably 70% or more.

However, the range of "70% or more" is an actual value and is not supported by machine calculation. In order to make an accurate calculation, it is necessary to consider various parameters such as the elastic modulus, the cross-sectional shape and the length of each region forming the introduction pipe.

The lifting amount h ₀ shown in FIG. 5 is
It is usually small compared to the amount of "float" shown by conventional ones. In the conventional method, the introduction tube reaches the abutting end surface of the metal tape in some cases.

Next, the apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the use of the apparatus of this embodiment. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 11 is a metal tube that travels while being formed into a tubular shape. The metal tube 11 is wound around a reel (not shown) located on the right side to form a metal tape into a tubular shape by a forming roll 12 (12A, 12B, 12C), which is guided while being positioned by a guide shoe. The butt portion is welded by the welding means 14 to form a complete metal pipe. At a position immediately before the forming roll 12, a bending introduction pipe 15 is disposed so as to enter the metal pipe 11 being formed.

The introduction pipe 15 has an inlet portion 15A and an outlet portion 1
5B, and heat-sensitive substance such as an optical fiber entering from the inlet portion 15A through the outlet portion 15B.
I am sending it into 1. The introduction pipe 15 has an inlet 15
In the vicinity of A, it is held by a manifold 16 as a deforming means for changing the trajectory of the introducing pipe. The Manuholt 1
The position of 6 can be adjusted by rotating it about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, and as a result, the angle change θ of the pass line of the introduction tube 15 can be adjusted. Inlet tube 15 is the manifold 1
Between the position a held at 6 and the position b where the metal pipe 11 starts contacting is an elastically deformed region (first pipe portion) of the introduction pipe 15. Further, between the position b and the position c on the downstream side,
The introduction pipe 15 is in contact with the metal pipe 11 with an elastic force (supporting force) and forms an elastic contact region (third pipe portion). This elastic force exists only in the elastic contact region, does not exist on the downstream side from the position c, and the introduction pipe 15 is placed in the metal pipe 11 in a stress-free state from the position c to the outlet portion 15B. And forms an inelastic contact area (second tube portion). Therefore, in this non-elastic contact region, it may be made elastically deformable similarly to the upstream side thereof, or may be made highly rigid without being deformed.

Next, the form of the introduction pipe when it is released from the manifold will be described.
As shown in (A), the entrance side is pre-curved,
As shown in FIG. 7B, there is a straight tubular type. In the case of both, the portion (first pipe portion) A that is to be the elastic deformation region on the inlet portion 15A side and the portion (second pipe portion) that is to be the inelastic contact region in the long range on the outlet portion 15B side. B, and a portion (third pipe portion) C which is to be an intermediate elastic contact region. The second pipe portion B is 7 with respect to the total length of the introduction pipe.
It is preferable to occupy 0% or more, but in any case, it is better that the self-weight increases in this portion. Further, a part or more of the second pipe portion may be plastically worked into a straight pipe shape in advance. At that time, it is preferable that the plastically worked portion is adjacent to the third pipe portion.

Next, the material and shape of each part of the introducing pipe will be described.

It is easiest to form all of the introduction pipes with a common material. In this case, one tubular body can be machined to provide the first and third tube sections with a high modulus of elasticity and the second tube section with a high rigidity. For example, first and third
The wall thickness of the pipe of the pipe portion is made smaller than the wall thickness of the second pipe portion. Also, although the wall thickness is the same, it is also a measure to make the pipe diameter larger in the second pipe portion. Alternatively, only the second tube portion of one highly elastic tubular body is machined to give a work hardening phenomenon. Alternatively, the work hardening is applied only to the region of the second pipe portion close to the third pipe portion of one highly elastic tubular body. When joining a plurality of tubular bodies into one introduction tube,
As shown in FIG. 8, the first and third pipe portions are thin pipes 16 having high elasticity, and those having inner and outer diameters enough to fulfill the function of the introduction pipe in the metal pipe,
You may weld with the thick pipe 17 used as the 2nd pipe part whose rigidity is higher than the said thin pipe. In this case, the inner diameters of both the thin tube 16 and the thick tube 17 may be the same or different, but if they are different, they have the same diameter at the joint portion, and the diameters are changed smoothly to obtain the respective diameters. Requires a transition. As illustrated in the upper half portion and the lower half portion of FIG. 8, respectively, in any case, it is preferable that the joint portion is processed so that there is no step in appearance and the diameter changes smoothly.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9 which is a cross section of the thick tube shown in FIGS. 8 and 8, the lower portion of the thick tube 17 is shown as aa, b.
You may scrape off like -b or cc. Even with this, high rigidity can be obtained in the thick portion of the upper portion. Furthermore, the thick tube may be cut off so that it has the same outer diameter as the thin tube over the entire circumference. This is because, in that case, work hardening occurs in the thick pipe (second pipe portion) and the rigidity becomes high.

The material of the introducing pipe is basically preferably metal. This is because it is easy to create the introduction pipe. For example, refractory metals such as copper, copper alloys, stainless steel, and titanium, or compounds thereof. However, the present invention can be realized without using a metal, and a material other than a metal may be used.

As described above, it is preferable that the weight of the second pipe portion is large, but in relation to the first and third pipe portions, it is larger than the weight of the first and third pipe portions. Is good. At that time, the weight of the second pipe portion is preferably larger than the weight of the first pipe portion. The weight relationship of the respective parts is preferably heavy in the order of the second pipe part, the first pipe part, and then the third pipe part.

As described above, it is preferable that the weight of the second pipe portion is large. That is, even with the introduction pipe according to the present invention, when it is pressed too much against the metal pipe, the boundary region between the elastically deformable region (probably the third pipe portion) and the second pipe portion rises (see FIG. 5). The indicated h ₀ occurs).
This effect decreases as the weight of the second pipe portion increases. However, how much self-weight is sufficient to reduce the above h ₀ depends on the magnitude of the upward force that generates h _0, and therefore cannot be determined as an absolute value.

Next, another possible form of the introducing pipe will be described.

In the present invention, JP-A-4-335305
As shown in No. 5, it is possible to make the introduction pipe thick up to the insertion portion into the metal pipe and to have a taper structure in which it gradually tapers as it is inserted into the metal pipe. Therefore, the inner diameter of the outlet of the introduction pipe is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet.

In the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-335305, the seal tube (optical fiber supply tube) and the introduction tube are separate from each other with the manifold portion holding the introduction tube as a boundary. As in this example, the length is defined by the portion not including the seal tube.

When the introduction pipe has a taper structure, FIG.
Forms such as (A) and (B) are possible. It should be noted that the one shown in the figure shows the free state when not in use. In that case, it is already mentioned that not all regions of the second pipe part need to be highly rigid, and likewise, not all regions of the second pipe part need be elastically deformable.

In FIG. 10 (A), the distance between the second pipe portion (C) and the tapered portion (A1) is relatively long, and the third pipe portion (elasticity) is provided in the region (B + A2) located in the middle thereof. A contact area) (B) occurs. This middle area (B + A2)
Therefore, the area (A2) excluding the third pipe portion (B) may be an elastic deformation area, or depending on the properties of the material forming the taper, a "constant area" with a tapered tip (narrow portion). Up to elastic deformation, the area including the "constant area" is elastically deformed (A
2 ') in some cases. This "certain area" (A2 '
It goes without saying that if -A2) is the entire taper, then all of the first tube portion (A) is elastic.

In FIG. 10B, the distance between the second pipe portion (C) and the taper portion (A1) is short, and the third pipe portion (B) and the elastic deformation region (A2) are located in the intermediate region. In some cases, as in the case of FIG. 10A, the elastic deformation area (A2 ′) may extend to the area of the tapered portion (A1).

By the way, when the gel (filling material) is drawn into the metal pipe with the tapered structure, the introduction pipe is broken (has a hole) between the second pipe portion and the tapered portion due to the form of the introduction pipe. easy. This is because the gel is extracted at high pressure. Moreover, this intermediate region includes an elastic deformation region. For this reason, when not in use, a straight pipe type as shown in FIGS.
Bending at the time of use reduces the passage cross-sectional area of the bending part,
Furthermore, high pressure is applied and it becomes easy to break. This is especially dangerous when welding tapered parts, which can break at the weld. Such a tendency becomes particularly remarkable when the elastic deformation region has a small radius of curvature as in the region (A2 ′) shown on the upper side of FIG. 10B. Therefore, even when not in use, as shown in FIG. 11, the second pipe portion (particularly the elastic deformation region) is initially provided.
It is desirable to make the curve curved so that the cross-sectional area of the passage does not change significantly even if it is elastically deformed. It is apparent from the above description that such a design is particularly important in the case of the introduction pipe having the tapered structure.

<Second Embodiment> As described above, the tip portion (outlet portion) of the introduction tube may rub against the metal tube, and as a countermeasure against this, it is desirable to perform processing / treatment for hardening the tip portion. . For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-335309,
Specifically, it is taught to perform a hard chrome plating treatment with a thickness of 30 μm or more. However, such a plating process is actually troublesome and expensive. The present invention provides a simple method to solve this.

First, the first method is shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), the thickness of at least the wear-prone portion of the leading end of the introduction tube is increased to prevent the sharpening of the leading end due to wear and damage to the optical fiber, which is suitable for longer-term operation. And

A second method is to attach another material as a fourth member to at least a wear-prone portion of the leading end of the introduction tube by a bonding method such as fusion, soldering, or welding ( (Refer to the hatched portion in FIGS. 13A to 13D). The fourth member may be made of the same material as the introducing pipe or a different material. This fourth member is preferably a wear resistant material. However, the thick wall contributes to the long-term operation, and is not necessarily a wear-resistant substance.

<Third Embodiment> In welding in which spatter is scattered, which is typified by laser welding when welding a metal pipe, it is necessary to devise a method for enhancing the durability of the introduction pipe.
Particularly in laser welding, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-335308, there is a technique of forming a surface that reflects laser light at a high rate on the outer surface of the introduction tube. However, the specific examples disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-330308 are only the method of improving the reflectance by polishing the surface of the introducing tube and the method of improving the reflectance by applying a special coating to the surface of the introducing tube. .

However, the latter of the above methods tends to be expensive, and even the former results in reducing the thickness of the stray light laser irradiation position and the thickness of the introduction tube in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, the introduction pipe cannot be used many times and the durability is reduced.

Therefore, in the present invention, first, the thickness of the surface of the introduction pipe facing the welded portion (not limited to laser welding) or the welding surface is increased as shown in FIG. 14 so that the introduction pipe is damaged by welding spatter. It was decided to prevent. Even if the thick portion is subjected to a polishing treatment as disclosed in JP-A-4-335308, the adverse effect on the durability of the introduction pipe can be delayed even if the thickness is reduced, and The number of times that one introduction tube can be used also increases. However, if the wall thickness is too thick, when the welding spatter is deposited in a short time, the deposit easily contacts the welding surface. This increase in wall thickness is a matter of degree and is sufficiently effective even if not increased so much.
Moreover, since the generation of welding spatter can be suppressed as much as possible by optimizing the welding conditions, there is no hindrance in the conventional production of long products. The thick portion can be easily formed by forging or cutting.

However, the "thick portion" as described above may be welded as shown in FIGS. 15 (A) and 15 (B) or the welding shown in FIGS. (A),
The mechanical engagement shown in (B) can be easily realized to be attached to the introduction tube. At that time, the third member indicated by diagonal lines is welded at the appropriate joint corner with the introduction pipe in FIGS. 15 (A) and 15 (B), and also in FIGS. 16 (A) and 16 (B).
In this case, it is possible to employ a method in which the hook portion formed at the tip of the arm portion of the third member elastically locks in the locking recess of the introduction tube.

If the above-mentioned separate member is made of a material having a high reflectance of laser light used for laser welding and is in a surface-processed state, when a metal tube is constructed by laser welding, excellent results are obtained. Such a third member is shown in FIGS.
When it is mechanically engaged with the introduction pipe as shown in, it is easy to replace it with a new third member as appropriate,
The same inlet tube can be used many times.

The material of the separate member may be the same as or different from the material of the introduction tube, but it is necessary to select it from various possible materials in correspondence with the laser wavelength. Further, it is basically desirable that the surface of the third member is in a mirror surface state.

<Fourth Embodiment> If the bending rate of the introducing tube is increased too much, the optical fiber and the wall thickness of the introducing tube come into contact with each other, and the back tension (corresponding to the frictional force) generated in the optical fiber due to this contact is excessive. Complicate length control. On the other hand, if a straight pipe type introduction pipe is used, such a problem disappears, but due to the problem of the arrangement of the metal tape supply means in the entire device and the problem of the length of the straight pipe itself, this time in the building where the device is deployed. Layout problems arise. On the other hand, it is first conceivable that it is desirable to use an introduction tube having a low bending rate and a short length of a portion exposed to the outside of the metal tube.

However, when such an introduction pipe is used, the force with which the introduction pipe elastically presses against the surface of the metal tape or the wall thickness of the metal pipe becomes weak.

Therefore, in the present invention, a supporting device having a special mechanism is devised to improve the pressure contact force. Since this support device deforms the introduction pipe so as to bend it into a predetermined shape, it can be said that it is both a deformation means and a trajectory adjustment means.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the principle of this supporting device.
It's like. The device has a manifold 20 and an arm 24 for generating a pressing force. Manifold 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes a rotating body 2 that supports the fixed support portion 21 and the introduction tube 25 and that is itself rotatably supported by the support portion 21 about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
2 and fixing means 23 for fixing the rotating body 22 to the support portion 21 at a desired rotating position.

The arm 24 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, and its position can be set at a right angle to the axis of the introduction tube, that is, in the normal direction of the curved line, and at a suitable position. ing.

According to such a device, the arm 24 is first pressed against the introducing pipe with the fixing means 23 released, and the orbit of the introducing pipe (the locus of the axis of the introducing pipe) is changed from the orbit I to the orbit II as shown in FIG. To change.

Initially, the above trajectory I is the support type arm 24.
Applies the force f at the action point S ₀ ′ to move the introduction pipe to the locus II, and stabilizes at a position (f = fg) where the elastic repulsion force fg of the introduction pipe becomes equal to the force f. Track II is a track suitable for long-term operation, and does not cause problems such as horizontal and vertical movement of the elastic contact area or contact with the metal tape butt end of the introduction pipe.

In the present embodiment, the support mechanism is provided separately from the conventional fixing device for the entrance portion, but it may be physically configured as an integrated device.

In the supporting device of the present embodiment, the supporting force acting on the elastic contact region curved in an arc shape due to the elastic deformation is increased, or the supporting force itself is generated.

The direction of the force urged to the elastic deformation region by this support is basically or in the normal direction which can be placed at the support (not the entrance) position of the elastic deformation region as a component of the force direction. is there. This supporting force is in the longitudinal direction of the metal pipe, in the direction from the outlet of the introduction pipe to the inlet, that is, the component acting in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the metal tape, and in the elastic contact region perpendicular to the component. It is decomposed into a supporting force component for pressing the introduction pipe against the metal pipe or the metal tape. Therefore, the supporting force is generated or increased, and the dragging phenomenon of the introducing pipe and the gripping force at the inlet portion of the introducing pipe (a force larger than the conventional force sufficient to generate sufficient supporting force) are insufficient. Since the amount is compensated for, it is possible to effectively prevent the side slip phenomenon and the lifting phenomenon of the introduction pipe.

According to such a supporting device, even if the introduction pipe is changed to a new form or is an old introduction pipe, the introduction pipe is optimal in terms of the positional relationship with the metal pipe or the metal tape. It will be possible to place it on orbit.

Therefore, the problem of movement of the elastic contact area can be solved. Further, the supporting force acting on the elastic contact area can be adjusted / finely adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to properly arrange the inelastic region of the introduction pipe in the present invention, as well as the "protrusion of the tip portion" as a problem of the conventional introduction pipe.

Since the trajectory of the conventional introduction pipe can be reproduced, even if a new form of the introduction pipe is introduced, it can be installed and operated in the line as it is without correcting the conditions of the conventional manufacturing process.

Furthermore, since the orbit can be finely adjusted, the back tension acting on one of the operating parameters by the contact of the optical fiber with the introduction tube can be controlled, and the manufacturing conditions can be optimized easily.

Next, a concrete configuration example of the arm of the supporting device will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 19, the arm 3 extending in the X direction
The holding body 32 that supports the movable body 1 in the X direction is a base 3
It is movably supported in the vertical direction Y by a pillar 34 that stands upright from the column 3. The holder 32 is internally provided with a setting mechanism operated by handles 35 and 36. The handle 35 fixes the holding body 32 at a selected position in the X direction of the arm 31 with respect to the holding body 32, and the handle 36 fixes the support column 34 at the selected position in the Y direction.

According to this apparatus, the base 33 is attached to the introduction pipe 3
It is arranged at an appropriate position with respect to 0, for example, at a position where the arm is lightly in contact with the introduction tube 30, and together with this, the holder 3 of the arm 31
After adjusting the amount of protrusion from 2 and fixing it by the handle 35, the holding body 32 is moved downward to give the arm 31 a predetermined contact force to the introduction tube 30. When the contact force is adjusted to an appropriate value, the handle 36 is operated to fix it.

Although the supporting device described above has an example in which the arm pushing the introducing pipe is one, it is also possible to correct the orbit of the introducing pipe by providing a plurality of arms. In such a case, an example is shown in FIG.
Shown in. The supporting device of FIG. 20 has four arms 41, 42, 43 and 44. In order to bend the introducing pipe 40 into a predetermined shape, the arm 41 is provided on the lower side of the introducing pipe 40, and the other arms 42, 43, 44 are provided on the introducing pipe 4 side.
It is located above 0. The number and positions of the plurality of arms are appropriately changed / selected according to an appropriate bending curve of the introduction tube.

The device shown in FIG. 20 is basically the same as that shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 except that a plurality of support type arms are installed and the orbits are adjusted at a plurality of positions to form one device. It may be possible to make fine adjustments that could not be achieved with the arm. Thus, the position of the elastic contact region of the introduction pipe does not move and is stable, and the position of the introduction pipe with respect to the inlet of the metal pipe is also stable, so that the introduction pipe is prevented from being pulled in or colliding with the metal pipe.

According to such an apparatus, the orbit of the introducing pipe is corrected at a plurality of points, so that it is possible to accurately set the optimal orbit. Further, if the contact force of the introduction pipe is made too large, it is effective to disperse the stress to a plurality of places when the introduction pipe is overloaded. In particular, it is important to apply an abutting force at a position closer to the surface of the metal pipe or the metal tape in order to arrange the inelastic contact region at a position away from the heat source.

The optimum trajectory of the introduction pipe is measured in advance,
It is also possible to configure this so that the trajectory is reproduced by an arm group (arm row) or by an arm surface.

Such an example is shown in FIGS. 21 (A) and 21 (B).
In this example, the optimum trajectory of the introduction pipe is measured in advance by experiments or the like, and a plurality of guide rolls corresponding to the arms are arranged along this curve as shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), a curved plate along this curve is provided. In both cases, a support wall parallel to the plane containing the optimum curve is provided, and the guide roll is planted or a curved plate is attached to the surface of the support wall to form the guide groove.

<Fifth Embodiment> Next, an example of an introducing pipe suitable for the present invention will be shown.

In the second and third embodiments, the third member is attached to the introduction pipe as a protective member at the tip of the introduction pipe where the tip easily wears or the position where the laser welding means is arranged. FIG. 22 shows the form of the entire introduction pipe having these third members.

In the example of FIG. 22, the introduction pipe 50 is made of stainless steel, and the range of the first pipe portion and the third pipe portion is the tapered portion 51. The range of the non-elastic contact region is a relatively thick straight tube and has higher rigidity than the tapered portion 51.

The fourth member 52 at the tip and the third member 53 at the laser welding site are both made of copper alloy. Copper alloy is not preferable in terms of wear resistance,
This is sufficient if one does not want to scratch the inner wall of the metal tube rather than wear it. In the first place, for example, when operating for 10 hours, it is sufficient to make it for 10 hours without problems.

The introduction tube shown in FIG. 22 has a straight axis line, but the introduction tube in FIG. 23 is preliminarily curved. Figure 2
23 is a state in which the introduction pipe is in the upper side of FIG. 3 when the introduction pipe is not in use and is not in contact with the metal pipe, and is in a free state, FIG.
The one shown on the lower side is in a state of being in pressure contact with the metal tube and being elastically deformed by bending. The third member 53 and the fourth member 52 as the protection members are the same as those in FIG.

In the case of FIG. 23, when the introduction pipe is not used, the portion B which should be the elastic contact area and the portion A which should be the elastic deformation area are tapered so as to gradually widen toward the inlet portion 55A. . The diameter is expanded at the transition portion between the tapered shape and the portion C that should be the inelastic contact region, but the lower surface forms a substantially continuous curve in order to facilitate the guide when introducing an optical fiber or the like, and the upper surface. On the side, a stepped inclined portion is provided to expand the diameter.

In use, the introducing pipe 50 is mainly curved and deformed at a portion having a relatively small diameter in the tapered portion, that is, a portion B and a portion of the portion A closer to the portion B. To do.

[0109]

As described above, in the present invention, the second member is provided with the elastic deformation region between the elastic contact region and the inlet portion, and the second member is fixedly supported and supported in the elastic deformation region . Since the initial deformation is given in advance before the contact with the first member , the supporting force in the elastic contact region becomes small, and the elastic contact region and the outlet portion make inelastic contact with the first member. As a result, there is no behavior such that the outlet part rises, excessive friction with the first member can be prevented, and the thermal effect at the part subjected to the thermal treatment of the first member is minimized. Get the effect of being limited.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a deformation process of a conventional introducing pipe for comparison with the introducing pipe of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an elastic contact mechanism of the introduction pipe of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a deformed state of the introduction pipe of FIG. 1 in a metal pipe.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a lifted state on the distal end side of the introduction tube of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific form of the apparatus of FIG.

7A and 7B show the introduction pipe in a free state of FIG. 6, in which FIG. 7A is a curved type and FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the introduction pipe of the present embodiment.

9 is an enlarged sectional view of a second pipe portion of the introduction pipe of FIG.

FIG. 10 shows another modified example of the introduction pipe of the present embodiment in which the inlet side is tapered, and (A) is a tapered part,
(B) shows that the taper portion is long.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a curved type of a modified example of the introduction tube of FIG.

12A and 12B are views showing a distal end portion of an introduction tube according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 12A shows a reinforced upper portion, and FIG. 12B shows a reinforced upper and lower portions.

FIG. 13 shows a modified example of FIG. 12 in which a third member is attached, (A) projects upward, (B) forms a smooth surface in the top and bottom, and (C) smooths in the upper part. (D) is a view in which the third member is attached so as to form upper and lower recesses.

FIG. 14 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in which a fourth member is integrally formed with the introduction pipe.

FIG. 15 shows a modification of FIG. 14 in which the fourth member is formed as a separate body and is attached to the introduction pipe by welding, (A) is a longitudinal sectional view, and (B) is (A). FIG.

16 shows a modification of FIG. 14 in which the fourth member is formed as a separate body and is attached to the introduction pipe by mechanical attachment, (A) is a longitudinal sectional view, and (B) is ( It is BB sectional drawing of A).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a device of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a force and a trajectory change when the arm of the apparatus of FIG. 17 is pushed to the introduction tube.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a specific example of attachment of an arm of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modification of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another modification of the apparatus of FIG. 17, (A).
Shows a structure composed of arm rows, and (B) shows a structure composed of arm faces.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an introduction pipe as a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a view showing an introduction pipe as a modified example of FIG. 22, and showing the forms of the introduction pipe in use and in nonuse.

[Explanation of symbols]

1st member (metal tube) 2 Second member (introduction pipe) 2A entrance 2B exit 5 Elastic deformation area 6 Elastic contact area 7 Inelastic contact area 11 metal tubes 15 Introductory pipe 15A entrance 15B exit 16 Deformation means (manifold) 20 Deformation means, orbit adjustment means (manifold) 40 introduction tube 50 introduction pipe

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An apparatus for introducing a heat-sensitive substance into a space formed by a first member having a portion subjected to thermal treatment through an introduction passage formed by a second member, wherein the introduction passage comprises: An inlet arranged at a fixed position outside the space, and an outlet arranged in the space separated from the portion to be subjected to the thermal treatment, wherein the second member is provided between the inlet and the outlet. An elastic contact region which is disposed in the first member and elastically contacts the first member, and an elastic deformation region which is disposed between the elastic contact region and the inlet and generates a supporting force required for contact with the first member, The first portion is disposed between the elastic contact area and the outlet and is separated from a portion to be subjected to the thermal treatment.
And a non-resilient contact region members and non-elastic contact, the
2 members are placed in the elastic deformation area in the direction of weakening the supporting force.
In the fixed supporting position of the second member before contacting the first member
An apparatus for introducing a heat-sensitive substance, characterized in that initial bending deformation is given in advance . 2. The apparatus for introducing a heat-sensitive substance according to claim 1, wherein the non-elastic contact region is a region that is not elastically deformed by the influence of a supporting force. 3. The elastic deformation region includes a substantially arc-shaped region that elastically deforms between the elastic contact region and the inlet, and the non-elastic contact region extends from the elastic contact region toward the outlet. The heat-sensitive substance introducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a substantially linear region that extends in a substantially tangential direction of a substantially arc formed by and is arranged in the space. 4. The space formed by the first member having a portion to be subjected to thermal treatment is made of a metal tape formed in a tubular shape, and its butt end surfaces are connected by welding, which is made of a heat-sensitive substance. The heat-sensitive substance introducing device according to claim 1, wherein the device is an outer tube. 5. The heat-sensitive substance introducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat-sensitive substance is an electric wire, an optical fiber or a space filling substance. 6. The heat-sensitive substance introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the introduction passage formed of the second member is a heat-sensitive substance introduction pipe inserted into the space from the outside. 7. The elastic deformation region includes a curved pipe region that is deformed into a substantially arc shape with the inlet and the elastic contact region at both ends by pressing the introduction pipe against the first member, and the non-elastic deformation region is the elastic region. Within the area where the contact area and the outlet are at both ends,
The heat sensitive substance introducing device according to claim 6 , further comprising a straight pipe region extending in a substantially tangential direction of a substantially arc formed by the curved pipe region and disposed in the space. 8. The heat-sensitive substance introducing device according to claim 7 , wherein the straight pipe region is a region that is not elastically deformed by a supporting force generated due to the deformation of the curved pipe region.