Optical connector cleaning tool

Abstract

An optical connector cleaning tool (1) comprises: a housing (20); a support member (80) supported by the housing (20) so as to be movable relative to the housing (20); a cleaning shaft (70) provided with a pressing surface (711) that presses a cleaning body (5) against a connection end surface (111) of an optical connector (100), the cleaning shaft (70) being rotatably supported by the support member (80); a first rotation mechanism (41, 751) that is provided with a cam pin (41) that moves relative to a cleaning shaft (70) in conjunction with a first relative movement of the cleaning shaft (70) with respect to the housing (20), the first rotation mechanism (41, 751) rotating the cleaning shaft (70) in conjunction with a second relative movement of the cam pin (41) with respect to the cleaning shaft (70); and a movement amount change mechanism (40, 42, 331, 841) that makes the amount of the second relative movement different from the amount of the first relative movement.

Description

Optical connector cleaning tool

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector. For designated countries where incorporation by reference of literature is permitted, the content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-143342 filed in Japan on August 23, 2024 is incorporated by reference into this specification and made a part of the description of this specification.

[0002] An optical connector cleaning tool that cleans the connection end face of an optical connector using a cleaning body is known in which the cleaning body is pressed against the connection end face by a head member and the tool body is moved relative to the insertion portion, thereby rotating the head member around its axis while the cleaning body is in contact with the connection end face (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2010-191465 A

[0004] In the above-mentioned optical connector cleaning tool, if the amount of movement of the insertion part relative to the tool body is reduced, there is a problem in that it is not possible to ensure a sufficient amount of rotation of the head member, and it may not be possible to properly clean the connection end face of the optical connector.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector cleaning tool that can effectively clean the connection end face of an optical connector.

[0006] [1] Aspect 1 of the present invention is an optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector, comprising: a first support; a second support supported on the first support so as to be movable relative to the first support; a cleaning shaft having a pressing surface that presses a cleaning body against the connection end face and rotatably supported on the second support; a first rotation mechanism having a relative movement part that moves relative to the cleaning shaft in accordance with a first relative movement of the cleaning shaft relative to the first support, and that rotates the cleaning shaft in accordance with a second relative movement of the relative movement part relative to the cleaning shaft; and a movement amount change mechanism that changes the amount of the second relative movement to a magnitude different from the amount of the first relative movement.

[0007] [2] Aspect 2 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to aspect 1, wherein the movement amount change mechanism makes the amount of the second relative movement greater than the amount of the first relative movement.

[0008] [3] Aspect 3 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the movement amount change mechanism moves the relative movement part relative to the first support body in a direction opposite to the direction of the first relative movement in response to the first relative movement.

[0009] [4] Aspect 4 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the first rotation mechanism comprises a cam groove provided in the cleaning shaft and a cam pin that is the relative movement part and slides within the cam groove, and the movement amount change mechanism comprises a third support that supports the cam pin and is movable relative to the first support, and a relative movement mechanism that moves the third support relative to the first support in accordance with the first relative movement.

[0010] [5] A fifth aspect of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to the fourth aspect, wherein the relative movement mechanism includes a first rack gear provided on the second support, a second rack gear provided on the third support, and a first pinion gear rotatably supported on the first support, meshing with the first rack gear and meshing with the second rack gear.

[0011] [6] Aspect 6 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, comprising: a first bobbin rotatably supported on the first support body, which feeds out the cleaning body before use; and a supply mechanism which supplies a fixed amount of the cleaning body to the pressing surface in accordance with the first relative movement.

[0012] [7] Aspect 7 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to aspect 5, further comprising: a second bobbin rotatably supported on the first support body and configured to wind up the used cleaning body; and a second rotation mechanism configured to rotate the second bobbin in accordance with the first relative movement, wherein the second rotation mechanism comprises a third rack gear provided on the second support body, and a second pinion gear attached to the second bobbin and meshing with the third rack gear, wherein the first rack gear and the third rack gear are the same rack gear, and the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear are the same pinion gear.

[0013] [8] Aspect 8 of the present invention is an optical connector cleaning tool according to aspect 7, which may be an optical connector cleaning tool equipped with a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation of the second bobbin by the second rotation mechanism when tension greater than a predetermined value is applied to the second bobbin via the cleaning body.

[0014] According to the present invention, the optical connector cleaning tool includes a movement amount change mechanism that sets the second amount of relative movement of the relative moving part with respect to the cleaning shaft to a magnitude different from the first amount of relative movement of the cleaning shaft with respect to the first support body. This allows the amount of rotation of the cleaning shaft to be set independently of the amount of the first relative movement, thereby enabling the connection end face of the optical connector to be cleaned well.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an optical connector to be cleaned by an optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a first housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the first housing with a bobbin and a roll attached according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention with the case and the first housing removed. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a relative movement mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper view showing a state before the moving member moves forward relative to the housing, and the lower view showing a state after the moving member moves forward relative to the housing. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an extension member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the extension member according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 3. Fig. 10(a) is a front view showing the tip portion of the cleaning head in an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XB-XB in Fig. 10(a). Figs. 11(a) and 11(b) are diagrams for explaining a method for directly cleaning a standalone optical connector plug using an optical connector cleaning tool in an embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 11(a) showing a state before the optical connector cleaning tool is inserted into the optical connector plug, and Fig. 11(b) showing a state after the optical connector cleaning tool is inserted into the optical connector plug. Figs. 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams for explaining a method for cleaning an optical connector plug attached to an adapter using an optical connector cleaning tool in an embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 12(a) showing a state before the optical connector cleaning tool is inserted into the adapter, and Fig. 12(b) showing a state after the optical connector cleaning tool is inserted into the adapter. Figures 13(a) and 13(b) are side views showing the state in which an optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention is in use, with Figure 13(a) showing the state in which the housing is advanced toward the cleaning shaft, and Figure 13(b) showing the state in which the housing is retracted from the cleaning shaft.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] An optical connector cleaning tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a cleaner for cleaning the connection end faces of optical connectors that connect optical fibers together. Fig. 1 is a front view showing an optical connector plug 100 that is the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 1 according to this embodiment. This optical connector plug 100 corresponds to an example of an "optical connector" according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0018] An optical connector plug 100, which is the object to be cleaned by this optical connector cleaning tool 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "cleaner 1"), includes a ferrule 110, an optical fiber 120, and a housing 130, as shown in FIG.

[0019] The ferrule 110 has an outer diameter D １ 11( a), which will be described later, the ferrule 110 has a fiber holding hole that passes through the ferrule 110 in the longitudinal direction. An optical fiber 120 is inserted into the fiber holding hole, and the optical fiber 120 is fixed to the ferrule 110 with an adhesive or the like. The optical fiber 120 is exposed from a circular end face 111 of the ferrule 110.

[0020] The connecting end face 111 of the ferrule 110 is a flat polished end face that is not inclined. However, the connecting end face 111 may be an inclined, obliquely polished end face. Although not particularly limited, in this case, the connecting end face 111 has an inclination angle of 8 degrees with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical fiber 120, for example.

[0021] The ferrule 110 is held in a housing 130. As shown in FIG. ３ The housing 130 has a rectangular column shape and is molded from, for example, a resin material. ２ 11A, the ferrule 110 protrudes from the bottom surface of the recess 131 and extends to the outside of the recess 131.

[0022] Although not particularly limited, specific examples of such an optical connector plug 100 include a single-fiber optical connector such as an SC (Single-fiber Coupling) connector defined in JIS C5973, an FC (Fiber Connector) connector defined in JIS C5970, an MU (Miniature Universal) connector defined in JIS C 5983, and an LC (Lucent Connector) connector.

[0023] A pair of optical connector plugs 100 each having the above-described ferrules 110 are connected to each other using an adapter 150. As shown in Fig. 12(a) described below, this adapter 150 includes a housing (outer cylindrical portion) 151, a support wall 152, and a sleeve (inner cylindrical portion) 155.

[0024] The housing 151 has an inner diameter D ６ The inner diameter D ６ is the outer diameter D of the housing 130 of the optical connector plug 100 ３ It is larger than (D ６ >D ３ ), the optical connector plug 100 can be inserted into a housing 151 of the adapter 150. A support wall 152 is provided within the housing 151 at approximately the center in the axial direction of the housing 151. The support wall 152 divides the inner hole of the housing 151 into two, and the housing 151 has a pair of recesses 153 and 154. The recess 153 opens at one end of the housing 151, while the recess 154 opens at the other end of the housing 151.

[0025] The sleeve 155 is supported by the support wall 152 and positioned within the housing 151, and is connected to the housing 151 via the support wall 152. The sleeve 155 has an outer diameter D ５ The inner hole has an inner diameter D ４ (D ５ >D ４ This inner diameter D ４ is the outer diameter D of the ferrule 110１ (D ４ >D １ ) Therefore, the ferrule 110 can be fitted with the sleeve 155 .

[0026] This sleeve 155 has openings on both ends, and by inserting the ferrules 110 into the sleeve 155 through each of the pair of openings, the ferrules 110 can be brought into contact with each other. When a pair of optical connector plugs 100 are inserted into the recesses 153, 154 on both sides of the housing 151 of this adapter 150, each ferrule 110 enters the sleeve 155. Then, by butting the end faces 111 of the ferrules 110 of the pair of optical connector plugs 100 against each other inside the sleeve 155, the optical fibers 120 exposed from the end faces 111 of the ferrules 110 are optically connected to each other.

[0027] If foreign matter (dirt) such as dirt, dust, or oil adheres to the end face 111 of the ferrule 110 during this butting, it may cause damage during connection and disconnection, an increase in transmission loss, etc. Therefore, before connecting the optical connector plugs 100 together, the end face 111 of the ferrule 110 is cleaned using a cleaner 1 described below.

[0028] The cleaner 1 of this embodiment can directly clean the optical connector plug 100 in a standalone state (when not attached to the adapter 150) without using any accessory parts such as a cap (see FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b)), and can also clean the optical connector plug 100 in a state attached to the adapter 150 (see FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)). In other words, the cleaner 1 can clean the connection end face 111 of the optical connector plug 100 without using a cap, regardless of the state of the optical connector plug 100.

[0029] The optical connector plug 100 described above is an optical connector plug used in a plug-adapter-plug coupling system, but the cleaner 1 described below may also be used to clean the end face of the ferrule in an optical connector receptacle used in a plug-receptacle coupling system. Although not specifically shown, this optical connector receptacle, like the adapter 150 described above, also includes a housing, a support wall, and a sleeve. The sleeve is supported by the support wall and is positioned within the housing, and is connected to the housing via the support wall. In this optical connector receptacle, a ferrule attached to the tip of an optical fiber is incorporated into the sleeve.

[0030] The configuration of the cleaner 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0031] First, the overall configuration of the cleaner 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the cleaner 1 in this embodiment, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaner 1 in this embodiment.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cleaner 1 in this embodiment includes a tool body 10 and an extension member 60 extending from the tool body 10 .

[0033] The extension member 60 protrudes forward (toward the +Y side in the figure) from the opening 51 of the case 50 of the tool body 10. The extension member 60 has a pressing surface 711 (see FIGS. 8 to 10(b) described below) at its tip that presses the cleaning body 5 against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100. The tool body 10 is equipped with bobbins 31, 32 that supply and collect the cleaning body 5 to the pressing surface 711. The extension member 60 is capable of moving relative to the tool body 10 along the axial direction of the extension member 60 (the Y direction in the figure).

[0034] As the cleaning body 5 moves on the pressing surface 711 in accordance with the relative movement between the tool body 10 and the extension member 60 (the movement of the tool body 10 advancing relative to the extension member 60), the cleaning body 5 slides while being pressed against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100, making it possible to efficiently wipe off foreign matter adhering to the connection end face 111. Furthermore, as the tool body 10 moves backward relative to the extension member 60, it is possible to collect the used cleaning body 5 from the pressing surface 711 onto the take-up bobbin 32 and supply an unused cleaning body 5 from the delivery bobbin 31 to the pressing surface 711.

[0035] The cleaning element 5 is a continuous piece of cleaning cloth processed into a thread or string shape (see FIGS. 10( a) and 10(b)). Specific examples of cleaning cloth include nonwoven or woven fabrics made of ultrafine fibers such as polyester or nylon. The cleaning element 5 in this embodiment has a circular cross-sectional shape, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning element 5 may be polygonal. Furthermore, although not particularly limited thereto, the cleaning element 5 has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. Note that a narrow, tape-like continuous piece formed by processing the cleaning cloth into a strip shape may also be used as the cleaning element 5.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the tool body 10 of the cleaner 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a side view showing the first housing 21 in this embodiment, and Fig. 5 is a side view showing the first housing 21 in a state in which the bobbins 31, 32, the transmission member 33, and the rolls 341 to 343 in this embodiment are attached. Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the cleaner 1 in a state in which the case 50 and the first housing 21 in this embodiment are removed. Fig. 7 is a side view showing the relative movement mechanism in this embodiment, where the upper diagram shows a state before the moving member 40 moves forward relative to the housing 20, and the lower diagram shows a state after the moving member 40 has moved forward relative to the housing 20.

[0038] 3 to 5, the tool body 10 includes a housing 20, a delivery bobbin 31, a take-up bobbin 32, a transmission member 33, rolls 341 to 343, a moving member 40, and a case 50. The housing 20 corresponds to an example of a "first support" in this aspect of the present invention, and the moving member 40 corresponds to an example of a "third support" in this aspect of the present invention.

[0039] The housing 20 is composed of a first housing 21 and a second housing 22. A delivery bobbin 31, a take-up bobbin 32, a transmission member 33, and rolls 341 to 343 are housed inside the housing 20. A fixing pin formed on the second housing 22 is fitted into a fixing hole formed in the first housing 21, thereby fixing the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 together.

[0040] Although not particularly limited, for example, the first and second housings 21, 22 are formed from a resin material. Both the first and second housings 21, 22 are formed with engagement pieces 211, 212, a step portion 213, a window 214, and a notch 215. In addition to these, the first housing 21 is formed with support shaft portions 216, 217.

[0041] The feed bobbin 31 is a reel (cylindrical winding frame) for supplying the cleaning element 5. An unused cleaning element 5 is wound around this feed bobbin 31. This feed bobbin 31 is rotatably supported by the support shaft portion 216 of the first housing 21. As the tool body 10 moves backward relative to the extension member 60, an unused cleaning element 5 is pulled out from this feed bobbin 31 to the pressing surface 711.

[0042] A plurality of engagement grooves 311 are formed on both side surfaces of the feed bobbin 31 and are arranged at equal intervals around the circumference. The first and second housings 21 and 22 are provided with the aforementioned engagement pieces 211 facing the engagement grooves 311, with the tips of the engagement pieces 211 protruding toward the inside of the housings 21 and 22. One surface 211a of the tip of the engagement piece 211 is inclined, while the other surface 211b of the tip is upright. Therefore, the engagement pieces 211 allow the feed bobbin 31 to rotate in the direction in which the cleaning element 5 is fed out (the feed direction) (counterclockwise in FIG. 5). However, the engagement pieces 211 engage with the engagement grooves 311, thereby prohibiting the feed bobbin 31 from rotating in the direction opposite the feed direction (clockwise in FIG. 5).

[0043] The take-up bobbin 32 is a reel for winding up the used cleaning element 5. The take-up bobbin 32 is rotatably supported on the support shaft portion 217 of the first housing 21. When the tool body 10 moves backward relative to the extension member 60, the take-up bobbin 32 rotates, and the used cleaning element 5 that has been used on the pressing surface 711 is wound onto the take-up bobbin 32.

[0044] A plurality of engagement grooves 321 are also formed on both side surfaces of the take-up bobbin 32. Meanwhile, the first and second housings 21, 22 are provided with the above-mentioned engagement pieces 212 facing the engagement grooves 321, with the tips of the engagement pieces 212 protruding toward the inside of the housings 21, 22. As with the above-mentioned supply bobbin 31, the engagement pieces 212 allow the take-up bobbin 32 to rotate in the direction in which the cleaning element 5 is wound up (the winding direction) (counterclockwise in FIG. 5), but prohibit the take-up bobbin 32 from rotating in the direction opposite to the winding direction (clockwise in FIG. 5).

[0045] In addition, ring portions 322 are formed on both side surfaces of the winding bobbin 32. The ring portions 322 have an annular shape that protrudes laterally (in the X direction in the drawing) from the side surfaces of the winding bobbin 32, and are arranged concentrically around the axial hole of the winding bobbin 32. The inner peripheral surface of the ring portions 322 functions as a friction surface 323 with which the leaf spring portion 332 of the transmission member 33 comes into contact.

[0046] The transmission members 33 are disposed inside both ring portions 322 of the take-up bobbin 32. Each transmission member 33 is rotatably supported by the support shaft portion 217 of the first housing 21 that supports the take-up bobbin 32, and is rotatable relative to the take-up bobbin 32. That is, the support shaft portion 217 of the first housing 21 supports the two transmission members 33 in addition to the take-up bobbin 32, and the take-up bobbin 32 and the transmission members 33 are disposed coaxially.

[0047] Each transmission member 33 includes a pinion gear 331 and a pair of leaf spring portions 332. The pinion gear 331 protrudes laterally (in the X direction in the drawing) beyond the ring portion 322 of the take-up bobbin 32.

[0048] 6 and 7 , a rack gear 841 of the support member 80 of the cleaning shaft 70 meshes with the pinion gear 331 from below (the −Z side in the figures). The pinion gear 331 and the rack gear 841 constitute a “first rack-and-pinion mechanism.” The first rack-and-pinion mechanisms 331 and 841 convert the linear motion of the cleaning shaft 70 relative to the housing 20 into rotational motion of the pinion gear 331, which then rotates the take-up bobbin 32. In other words, the first rack-and-pinion mechanisms 331 and 841 realize a “second rotation mechanism” that rotates the take-up bobbin 32 in accordance with the relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 relative to the housing 20.

[0049] Furthermore, the rack gear 42 of the moving member 40 meshes with the pinion gear 331 from above (the +Z side in the figure). The pinion gear 331 and the rack gear 42 constitute a "second rack-and-pinion mechanism." The second rack-and-pinion mechanisms 331, 42 convert the rotational motion of the pinion gear 331 into linear motion of the moving member 40, causing the cam pin 41 supported by the moving member 40 to move relative to the cleaning shaft 70. Therefore, the first rack-and-pinion mechanisms 331, 841 and the second rack-and-pinion mechanisms 331, 42 form a "relative movement mechanism" that moves the cam pin 41 relative to the housing 20 in accordance with the relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 with respect to the housing 20.

[0050] In this embodiment, the cleaning shaft 70 moves relative to the housing 20 (for example, relative movement toward the −Y side in the figure). In response to this relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 (for example, relative movement toward the −Y side in the figure), the relative movement mechanisms 331, 841, 42 move the cam pin 41 relative to the housing 20 in the direction opposite to the direction of the relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 (for example, +Y side in the figure). Therefore, the relative movement mechanisms 331, 841, 42 make the amount of relative movement of the cam pin 41 with respect to the cleaning shaft 70 (second relative movement) greater than the amount of relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 with respect to the housing 20 (first relative movement).

[0051] 7, for example, when the housing 20 is pushed against the cleaning shaft 70, the cleaning shaft 70 moves rearward (toward the -Y side in the figure) by a relative movement amount RM1 relative to the housing 20. Furthermore, in conjunction with this relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 with respect to the housing 20, the cleaning shaft 70 moves rearward (toward the -Y side in the figure) by a relative movement amount RM2 relative to the initial position of the cam pin 41.

[0052] This relative linear motion of the cleaning shaft 70 with respect to the housing 20 is transmitted from the rack gear 841 of the cleaning shaft 70 to the rack gear 42 of the moving member 40 via the pinion gear 331 of the transmission member 33. As a result, the cam pin 41 moves forward (toward the +Y side in the drawing) by a relative movement amount RM3 with respect to the housing 20.

[0053] As a result, the cam pin 41 is moved by the relative movement mechanism 331, 841, 42 relative to the cleaning shaft 70 by a relative movement amount RM4 (RM4 = RM2 + RM3). Here, the relative movement amounts R2 and R3 are both equal to the relative movement amount R1 (RM1 = RM2 = RM3). Therefore, the relative movement mechanism 331, 841, 42 makes the relative movement amount RM4 of the cam pin 41 relative to the cleaning shaft 70 twice the relative movement amount RM1 of the cleaning shaft 70 relative to the housing 20 (RM4 = 2 × RM1).

[0054] The amount of the second relative movement (the relative movement of the cam pin 41 with respect to the cleaning shaft 70) is not limited to being twice the amount of the first relative movement (the relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 with respect to the housing 20). The amount of the second relative movement may be arbitrarily large compared to the amount of the first relative movement.

[0055] For example, instead of the pinion gear 331, the transmission member 33 may be provided with two pinion gears that mesh with the rack gears 841 and 842, respectively, and the diameters of these two pinion gears may be made different. This allows the amount of the second relative movement to be arbitrarily large relative to the amount of the first relative movement.

[0056] 5, the pair of leaf spring portions 332 are arranged rotationally symmetrically around the axis of the transmission member 33. With the central portions of the leaf spring portions 332 elastically deformed inward, the transmission member 33 is fitted inside the ring portion 322 of the take-up bobbin 32. Therefore, a friction force acts between each leaf spring portion 332 and the friction surface 323 of the ring portion 322, and the leaf spring portions 332 and the friction surface 323 constitute a "friction transmission mechanism."

[0057] The rotational motion of the pinion gear 331 converted by the first rack and pinion mechanism described above is transmitted to the take-up bobbin 32 via this friction transmission mechanism, causing the take-up bobbin 32 to rotate. This friction transmission mechanism transmits the rotational motion of the pinion gear 331 to the take-up bobbin 32 when the force transmitted from the pinion gear 331 to the take-up bobbin 32 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In contrast, when the force transmitted from the pinion gear 331 to the take-up bobbin 32 is greater than the predetermined value, the leaf spring portion 332 slips against the friction surface 323, causing the pinion gear 331 to rotate but the take-up bobbin 32 not to rotate.

[0058] That is, a "rotation limiting mechanism" is realized by the friction surface 323 of the take-up bobbin 32 and the leaf spring portion 332 of the transmission member 33. When tension greater than a predetermined value is applied to the take-up bobbin 32 via the cleaning body 5, the rotation limiting mechanisms 332, 323 cause the transmission member 33 to rotate freely relative to the take-up bobbin 32, thereby limiting the rotation of the take-up bobbin 32 by the second rotation mechanisms 331, 841. Here, the "predetermined value of tension" is a tension less than the tension that causes the rotation of the take-up bobbin 32 to rotate the delivery bobbin 31 and pull out the cleaning body 5 from the delivery bobbin 31. Furthermore, this "predetermined value of tension" is a tension greater than or equal to the tension that causes a certain amount of cleaning body 5 pulled out from the delivery bobbin 31 to be wound onto the take-up bobbin 32.

[0059] 5, the rolls 341 to 343 are rotatably held by pins 351 to 353 held in the housing 20. The roll 341 guides an unused cleaning element 5 supplied from the delivery bobbin 31 to the pressing surface 711 of the extension member 60. On the other hand, the rolls 342 and 343 guide a used cleaning element 5 to be collected from the pressing surface 711 of the extension member 60 to the take-up bobbin 32. At this time, the cleaning element 5 is folded back by the roll 343, and the cleaning element 5 is hooked on the roll 343.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the moving member 40 is movably supported by the housing 20. The moving member 40 is movable relative to the housing 20 in the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70 (the Y direction in the drawings). Specifically, a step 213 extending in the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70 (the Y direction in the drawings) is formed on the outer surfaces of the first and second housings 21, 22 (see FIG. 3 ). The moving member 40 is held by the step 213 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70 (the Y direction in the drawings). The moving member 40 has a cam pin 41 and a rack gear 42. The cam pin 41 is inserted into a cam groove 751 of the cleaning shaft 70. The rack gear 42 meshes with the pinion gear 331 of the transmission member 33 described above.

[0061] The housing 20 described above accommodates the feed bobbin 31, the take-up bobbin 32, the transmission member 33, and the rolls 341-343, and supports the moving member 40. The housing 20 is housed in the case 50 through an opening 52 at the rear end of the case 50 (see FIG. 3). The extension member 60 protrudes forward (toward the +Y side in the figure) from an opening 51 at the front end of the case 50 (see FIG. 2). The housing 20 is fixed to the case 50. Meanwhile, the moving member 40 and the extension member 60 are not fixed to the case 50, and are capable of moving relative to the housing 20 and the case 50. Note that the moving member 40 may be fixed to the case 50 without fixing the housing 20 to the case 50. An operator who cleans the optical connector 100 with the cleaner 1 operates the cleaner 1 by gripping the case 50 with his or her hand.

[0062] Next, the configuration of the extension member 60 of the cleaner 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11(b).

[0063] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the extension member 60 in this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the extension member 60 in this embodiment, taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 3. Fig. 10(a) is a front view showing the tip portion of the cleaning head 71 in this embodiment, and Fig. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XB-XB in Fig. 10(a).

[0064] 8 and 9, the extension member 60 includes a cleaning shaft 70, a support member 80, a guide nozzle 90, and coil springs 95 and 96. The support member 80 corresponds to an example of a "second support" in this aspect of the present invention. Note that the coil springs 95 and 96 are not shown in FIG.

[0065] The cleaning shaft 70 is a member (pressing member) for pressing the cleaning element 5 against the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100. The cleaning element 5 is wound around the cleaning shaft 70 so as to be folded back at a pressing surface 711. An unused cleaning element 5 fed from the feed bobbin 31 moves along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning shaft 70 and is supplied to the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning shaft 70. The cleaning element 5 used on the pressing surface 711 then moves along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning shaft 70 and is collected by the take-up bobbin 32. The cleaning shaft 70 is an elongated member extending along the longitudinal direction of the extension member 60 (the Y direction in the figure), and includes a cleaning head (head member) 71, a coil spring 72, and a shaft member 73.

[0066] The cleaning head 71 is a member that constitutes the tip portion of the cleaning shaft 70. As shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the cleaning head 71 has a pressing surface 711 at its tip that presses the cleaning body 5 against the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100. The pressing surface 711 has a shape (circular in this embodiment) that corresponds to the shape of the connection end surface 111 of the ferrule 110 of the optical connector 100 to be cleaned.

[0067] A pair of guide holes 712, 713 are formed in this pressing surface 711, allowing the cleaning element 5 to pass through the inside of the cleaning shaft 70. An unused cleaning element 5 fed from the feed bobbin 31 passes through the inside of the cleaning shaft 70 and one of the guide holes 712, and is supplied to the pressing surface 711. The cleaning element 5 supplied to this pressing surface 711 passes over the center of the pressing surface 711 and moves on the pressing surface 711 toward the other guide hole 713. A used cleaning element 5 passes through the other guide hole 713 and the inside of the cleaning shaft 70, and is wound onto the take-up bobbin 32 and collected. Note that instead of the above-mentioned guide holes 712, 713, a pair of guide grooves may be formed on the side surface of the cleaning head 71, and the cleaning element 5 may be supplied to and collected from the pressing surface 711 via these guide grooves.

[0068] 8 and 9, the shaft member 73 includes a shaft main body 74 and an expanded diameter portion 75. Both the shaft main body 74 and the expanded diameter portion 75 have a cylindrical shape, and the expanded diameter portion 75 is connected to the rear end of the shaft main body 74. Although not particularly limited, the shaft member 73 is made of, for example, a resin material, and the shaft main body 74 and the expanded diameter portion 75 are integrally formed.

[0069] The cleaning head 71 is disposed at the tip end of the shaft body 74. The cleaning head 71 is supported by the shaft body 74 so that the cleaning head 71 is movable in the Y direction relative to the shaft body 74. Although not specifically shown, the cleaning shaft 70 is provided with an engagement structure that prevents the cleaning head 71 from rotating relative to the shaft body 74 around the rotation axis RA.

[0070] The coil spring 72 is interposed between the cleaning head 71 and the shaft body 74. This coil spring 72 urges the cleaning head 71 forward (toward the +Y side in the figure) relative to the shaft body 74, allowing the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning head 71 to press the cleaning body 5 with an appropriate pressing force against the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100. Although not specifically shown, the cleaning shaft 70 is provided with a locking structure that prevents the cleaning head 71, urged by the coil spring 72, from falling off.

[0071] A spiral cam groove 751 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the expanded diameter portion 75. This cam groove 751 and the cam pin 41 of the moving member 40 described above form a "first rotation mechanism" that rotates the cleaning shaft 70. This first rotation mechanism 751, 41 rotates the cleaning shaft 70 about a rotation axis RA that is parallel to the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70 as the cleaning shaft 70 moves relative to the housing 20.

[0072] The support member 80 includes a first support portion 81, a second support portion 82, a shoulder portion 83, and an arm portion 84. The support member 80 is made of a resin material, and the first support portion 81, the second support portion 82, the shoulder portion 83, and the arm portion 84 are integrally formed. The support member 80 is supported by the housing 20 so as to be movable relative to the cleaning shaft 70 in the axial direction.

[0073] The first support portion 81 rotatably supports the rear end portion of the shaft body 74 of the cleaning shaft 70 around the rotation axis RA. The second support portion 82 is connected to the rear end of the first support portion 81. The second support portion 82 rotatably supports the enlarged diameter portion 75 of the cleaning shaft 70 around the rotation axis RA. Therefore, the cleaning shaft 70 is rotatably supported by the support member 80 around the rotation axis RA. The cleaning shaft 70 is also supported by the housing 20 via the support member 80 so as to be relatively movable along the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70. The tip portion of the shaft body 74 of the cleaning shaft 70 protrudes forward (toward the +Y direction in the figure) from the support member 80. A protrusion 821 protruding laterally (in the X direction in the figure) is formed on the side surface of the second support portion 82. The protrusion 821 is fitted into a window (opening) 926 of the guide nozzle 90 (described later) (see FIG. 6 ).

[0074] The pair of shoulders 83 are connected to the rear end of the second support part 82. A protrusion 831 is formed on the shoulder 83 and protrudes laterally (toward the X side in the figure). The protrusion 831 is inserted into a window 214 (opening) of the housing 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The protrusion 831 is movable relative to the window 214 along the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70.

[0075] Furthermore, retaining holes 832 are formed in the pair of shoulder portions 83. A pin 85 is inserted into the retaining hole 832, and a roll 86 is rotatably supported by the pin 85. The used cleaning body 5 that has passed through the inside of the cleaning shaft 70 is guided toward the take-up bobbin 32 by the roll 86 and the rolls 342 and 343 of the tool body 10. At this time, the cleaning body 5 is folded back by the roll 86 and is hooked onto the roll 86. As described above, the cleaning body 5 is also folded back by the roll 343 of the tool body 10, and as a result, the cleaning body 5 is hung between the rolls 86 and 343.

[0076] As will be described later, the rolls 86, 343 provide a "supply mechanism" that supplies a constant amount of cleaning elements 5 to the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning shaft 70. The supply mechanisms 86, 343 supply a constant amount of cleaning elements 5 to the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning shaft 70 as the cleaning shaft 70 moves relative to the housing 20.

[0077] The pair of arms 84 are connected to the rear end of the shoulder 83. The arms 84 extend rearward (toward the -Y direction in the figure) from the shoulder 83. A rack gear 841 is formed on the rear portion of each arm 84. The take-up bobbin 32 is disposed between the pair of rack gears 841. As described above, the pinion gear 331 of the transmission member 33 meshes with the rack gear 841, thereby forming a "first rack and pinion mechanism."

[0078] The second support portion 82, shoulder portion 83, and arm portion 84 of the support member 80 are disposed within the housing 20 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the expanded diameter portion 75 of the cleaning shaft 70, which is supported by the second support portion 82, is also disposed within the housing 20. Meanwhile, the first support portion 81 of the support member 80 extends forward (toward the +Y direction in the drawing) from the housing 20. Therefore, the portion of the cleaning shaft 70 that is distal to the expanded diameter portion 75 also extends forward from the housing 20.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the guide nozzle 90 includes an inner cylinder 91 and an outer cylinder 92 .

[0080] The inner tube 91 is a cylindrical member into which the cleaning shaft 70 is inserted. The cleaning shaft 70 is inserted into the inner tube 91 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning shaft 70 (the Y direction in the figure). A coil spring 95 is interposed between a rear end surface 911 of the inner tube 91 and a step 811 at the tip of the support member 80. Because the cleaner 1 is equipped with the inner tube 91 and the coil spring 95, it is possible to directly clean the optical connector plug 100 in a standalone state (when not attached to the adapter 150) using a single cleaner 1 without using a cap, and it is also possible to clean the optical connector plug 100 when attached to the adapter 150.

[0081] The outer cylinder 92 includes a cylinder portion 921 and a plate portion 925. Although not particularly limited, for example, the outer cylinder 92 is made of a resin material, and the cylinder portion 921 and the plate portion 925 are integrally formed. The cylinder portion 921 houses an inner cylinder 91 into which the cleaning shaft 70 is inserted. The inner cylinder 91 is housed in the cylinder portion 921 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70 (Y direction in the figure).

[0082] The cylindrical portion 921 has an expanded diameter portion 922 at its rear end. A coil spring 96 is interposed between a step 923 on the inside of the expanded diameter portion 922 and the front surface 218 of the housing 20. The coil spring 96 biases the outer cylinder 92 in a direction away from the housing 20 (toward the +Y side in the drawing).

[0083] The pair of plate portions 925 are connected to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 921. The plate portions 925 extend rearward (toward the -Y side in the figure) from the cylindrical portion 921. Furthermore, the second support portion 82, shoulder portion 83, and arm portion 84 of the support member 80 protrude rearward (toward the -Y side in the figure) from an opening 924 on the rear side of the cylindrical portion 921.

[0084] The protrusion 821 of the second support portion 82 of the support member 80 fits into a window 926 formed in a plate portion 925 of the outer cylinder 92 (see FIG. 6 ). This fixes the support member 80 and the outer cylinder 92 to each other. Therefore, the coil spring 96 also biases the cleaning shaft 70 and the support member 80 forward (toward the +Y side in the drawing) relative to the housing 20.

[0085] The plate portion 925 of the outer cylinder 92 is inserted into a notch (opening) 215 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) in the housing 20. The plate portion 925 is capable of moving relative to the notch 215 along the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70. As described above, the protrusion 831 of the shoulder portion 83 of the support member 80 is also capable of moving relative to the window 214 along the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70. Therefore, the guide nozzle 90, the support member 80, and the cleaning shaft 70 are capable of moving relative to the housing 20 along the axial direction of the cleaning shaft 70 (direction Y in the drawings).

[0086] Next, an example of how to use the cleaner 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 11(a) to 13(b).

[0087] 11(a) and 11(b) are diagrams for explaining a method of directly cleaning a standalone optical connector plug 100 using the cleaner 1 of this embodiment, where FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing a state before the cleaner 1 is inserted into the optical connector plug 100, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing a state after the cleaner 1 is inserted into the optical connector plug 100. 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams for explaining a method of cleaning an optical connector plug 100 attached to an adapter 150 using the cleaner 1 of this embodiment, where FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing a state before the cleaner 1 is inserted into the adapter 150, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing a state after the cleaner 1 is inserted into the adapter 150. 13(a) and 13(b) are side views showing a usage state of the cleaner 1 of this embodiment, where FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing a state after the housing 20 has been advanced toward the cleaning shaft 70, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing a state after the housing 20 has been retracted from the cleaning shaft 70.

[0088] When directly cleaning the optical connector plug 100 in a stand-alone state, the worker inserts the tip of the cleaner 1 into the recess 131 of the optical connector plug 100 as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b).

[0089] Here, the opening 912 at the tip of the inner cylinder 91 has an outer diameter D １ The inner diameter D is slightly larger than ７ (D ７ >D １ ). The outer diameter D of the tip of the inner cylinder 91 is ８ is the inner diameter D of the recess 131 of the housing 130 of the optical connector plug 100 ２ is smaller than (D ８ <D ２ ).

[0090] Therefore, the ferrule 110 of the optical connector plug 100 is inserted into the opening 912 of the inner tube 91, and the tip of the inner tube 91 is inserted into the recess 131 of the housing 130 of the optical connector plug 100. This positions the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning head 71 with respect to the connecting end surface 111 of the ferrule 110. Then, as shown in Figure 11 (b) , inside the inner tube 91, the cleaning head 71 presses the cleaning body 5 against the connecting end surface 111 of the ferrule 110.

[0091] On the other hand, when cleaning the optical connector plug 100 attached to the adapter 150, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the tip of the cleaner 1 is inserted into one recess 153 of the adapter 150, in which the optical connector plug 100 is inserted into the other recess 154.

[0092] Here, the inner diameter D of the tip of the inner cylinder 91 ７ is the outer diameter D of the sleeve 155 of the adapter 150 ５ is smaller than (D ７ <D ５ ). The outer diameter D of the tip of the inner cylinder 91 is ８ is the inner diameter D of the sleeve 155 ４ (D ８ >D ４ ). The outer diameter D of the outer cylinder 92 ９ is the outer diameter D of the tip of the inner cylinder 91 ８ (D ９ >D ８ ) The outer diameter D of the outer cylinder 92 ９ is the inner diameter D of the recess 154 of the housing 151 of the adapter 150 ６ (D ９ <D ６ ).

[0093] Therefore, the outer tube 92 fits into the recess 154 of the housing 151 of the adapter 150, and the tip of the inner tube 91 abuts against the sleeve 155 of the adapter 150. This positions the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning head 71 with respect to the connection end surface 111 of the ferrule 110. When the cleaning shaft 70 is pushed forward from this state, as shown in FIG. 12( b), the coil spring 95 contracts, causing the inner tube 91 to retract, and the cleaning head 71 protrudes from the inner tube 91 and enters the sleeve 155. Then, inside the sleeve 155, the cleaning head 71 presses the cleaning element 5 against the connection end surface 111 of the ferrule 110.

[0094] Next, in either case of directly cleaning the optical connector plug 100 in a standalone state or cleaning the optical connector plug 100 in a state attached to the adapter 150, the worker presses the tool body 10 against the extension member 60 while the cleaning head 71 is pressing the cleaning body 5 against the connection end face 111 of the ferrule 110. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13( a), the coil spring 96 contracts and the interval between the roll 86 of the extension member 60 and the roll 343 of the tool body 10 (the interval along the Y direction in the drawing) becomes the length L ０ (See FIG. 13(b)) to obtain the length L １ (L １ >L ０ ).

[0095] Therefore, the length of the portion of the cleaning element 5 existing between the supply-side roll 341 and the roll 86 of the extension member 60 becomes shorter, while the length of the portion of the cleaning element 5 existing between the rolls 343, 86 becomes longer. As a result, the cleaning element 5 on the pressing surface 711 is pulled toward the take-up bobbin 32, and the cleaning element 5 slides while being pressed against the connection end surface 111 of the ferrule 110, wiping away dirt adhering to the connection end surface 111. At this time, the cleaning element 5 is pulled by widening the gap between the rolls 343, 86, so that a constant amount of cleaning element 5 is supplied to the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning shaft 70. By keeping the amount of cleaning element 5 supplied to the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning shaft 70 constant, the number of cleanings performed by the cleaner 1 can be increased.

[0096] 13A, when the operator pushes the tool body 10 in, the rack gear 841 of the extension member 60 rotates the pinion gear 331. However, because the engagement pieces 211, 212 of the housing 20 prohibit rotation of the take-up bobbin 32 in the direction opposite to the winding direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 13A), slippage occurs between the leaf spring portion 332 of the transmission member 33 and the friction surface 323 of the ring portion 322. Therefore, in this case, the transmission member 33 rotates freely, and the take-up bobbin 32 does not rotate.

[0097] Furthermore, the above-described pushing action by the operator causes the cam pin 41 supported by the moving member 40 to slide relatively within the cam groove 751 of the cleaning shaft 70, causing the cleaning shaft 70 to rotate about the rotation axis RA. Therefore, even if the width of the thread-like or string-like cleaning element 5 is narrower than the connection end surface 111 to be cleaned, it is possible to wipe away dirt from the entire area of ​​the connection end surface 111. Although not particularly limited, the rotation angle of the cleaning shaft 70 is preferably 180 degrees or greater.

[0098] At this time, in this embodiment, the rack gear 42 meshing with the pinion gear 331 moves toward the +Y side in the figure due to the rotation of the pinion gear 331. As a result, the amount of the second relative movement (the relative movement of the cam pin 41 with respect to the cleaning shaft 70) is twice the amount of the first relative movement (the relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 with respect to the housing 20) (see FIG. 7 above). Therefore, the amount of rotation of the cleaning shaft 70 about the rotation axis RA can be increased, and a sufficient amount of rotation of the cleaning shaft 70 can be ensured even if the amount of the first relative movement is reduced.

[0099] 13B, the elastic force of the coil spring 96 causes the tool body 10 to move backward relative to the extension member 60, shortening the distance between the roll 86 of the tool body 10 and the roll 343 of the extension member 60. At the same time, the rack gear 841 of the extension member 60 rotates the pinion gear 331. The rotational force of the pinion gear 331 is transmitted to the take-up bobbin 32 via the leaf spring portion 332 of the transmission member 33 and the friction surface 323 of the ring portion 322, causing the take-up bobbin 32 to rotate and wind the used cleaning element 5 onto the take-up bobbin 32.

[0100] Even if the amount of cleaning body 5 wound around the take-up bobbin 32 increases and a large tension is applied to the take-up bobbin 32 that would rotate the delivery bobbin 31 via the cleaning body 5, the rotation limiting mechanisms 332, 323 cause the take-up bobbin 32 to rotate freely relative to the take-up bobbin 32, thereby limiting the rotation of the take-up bobbin 32 by the second rotation mechanisms 331, 841. Therefore, even if the radius of the cleaning body 5 wound around the take-up bobbin 32 increases as the number of cleaning cycles increases, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a cleaning body 5 longer than the fixed amount supplied by the above-mentioned supply mechanisms 86, 343 is pulled out from the delivery bobbin 31 by the rotation of the take-up bobbin 32, and the number of cleaning cycles of the cleaner 1 can be further increased.

[0101] At the same time, the length of the portion of the cleaning element 5 existing between the supply-side roll 341 and the roll 86 of the extension member 60 increases. At this time, the distance between the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning head 71 and the roll 86 is constant, and the cleaning element 5 is folded back at the pressing surface 711 of the cleaning head 71, so that an unused cleaning element 5 is sent out from the delivery bobbin 31.

[0102] When cleaning is complete, the worker removes the cleaner 1 from the optical connector 100 (or the adapter 150) by pulling out the tip of the cleaner 1 from the optical connector 100 (or the adapter 150).

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaner 1 is provided with the movement amount change mechanism 40, 42, 331, 841 that sets the amount of the second relative movement (the relative movement of the cam pin 41 with respect to the cleaning shaft 70) to a magnitude different from the amount of the first relative movement (the relative movement of the cleaning shaft 70 with respect to the support member 80). This makes it possible to set the amount of rotation of the cleaning shaft 70 independently of the amount of the first relative movement, so that even if the amount of the first relative movement is small, a sufficient amount of rotation of the cleaning shaft 70 can be ensured, and the optical connector 100 can be cleaned satisfactorily.

[0104] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments have been described to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the elements disclosed in the above embodiments are intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0105] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the pinion gear 331 of the transmission member 33 is used as the relative movement mechanism and also as the first rotation mechanism, but the cleaner 1 may also be provided with a pinion gear of the relative movement mechanism independent of the pinion gear of the first rotation mechanism.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the relative movement mechanism is configured by the pinion gear 331 and the pair of rack gears 841, 842 that mesh with the pinion gear 331, but the configuration of the relative movement mechanism is not particularly limited to this. The relative movement mechanism that makes the amount of the second relative movement greater than the amount of the first relative movement may be configured by a conversion mechanism other than a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the direction of the second relative movement is opposite to the direction of the first relative movement, but the direction of the second relative movement is not limited to this. The direction of the second relative movement may be the same as the direction of the first relative movement, and the amount of the second relative movement may be smaller than the amount of the first relative movement.

[0108] Although not particularly limited, for example, instead of pinion gear 331, transmission member 33 may be provided with two pinion gears of different diameters, with rack gear 841 of support member 80 meshing with one of the pinion gears from the underside (-Z side in the figure), and rack gear 42 of moving member 40 meshing with the other pinion gear from the underside (-Z side in the figure), thereby making the amount of second relative movement smaller than the amount of first relative movement.

[0109] As described above, the cleaner 1 is provided with the movement amount change mechanism 40, 42, 331, 841, so that the rotation amount of the cleaning shaft 70 can be set independently of the amount of the first relative movement. Therefore, regardless of the amount of the first relative movement, the movement amount change mechanism 40, 42, 331, 841 may be used to increase or decrease the rotation amount of the cleaning shaft 70, thereby satisfactorily cleaning the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100.

[0110] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Optical connector cleaning tool 5...Cleaning body 10...Tool body 20...Housing 31...Feed bobbin 32...Take-up bobbin 322...Ring portion 33...Transmission member 331...Pinion gear 332...Leaf spring portion 341-343...Roll 40...Moving member 41...Cam pin 42...Rack gear 50...Case 60...Extension member 70...Cleaning shaft 711...Pressing surface 751...Cam groove 80...Support member 841...Rack gear 86...Roll 100...Optical connector 110...Ferrule 111...Connection end surface 150...Adapter

Claims

1. An optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector, comprising: a first support; a second support supported on the first support so as to be movable relative to it; a cleaning shaft rotatably supported on the second support and having a pressing surface that presses a cleaning body against the connection end face; a first rotation mechanism having a relative movement part that moves relative to the cleaning shaft in accordance with a first relative movement of the cleaning shaft relative to the first support, and that rotates the cleaning shaft in accordance with a second relative movement of the relative movement part relative to the cleaning shaft; and a movement amount change mechanism that changes the amount of the second relative movement to a magnitude different from the amount of the first relative movement.

2. An optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the movement amount change mechanism makes the amount of the second relative movement greater than the amount of the first relative movement.

3. An optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement amount change mechanism moves the relative movement part relative to the first support body in a direction opposite to the direction of the first relative movement in response to the first relative movement.

4. An optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first rotation mechanism comprises: a cam groove provided in the cleaning shaft; and a cam pin that is the relative movement part and slides within the cam groove; and the movement amount change mechanism comprises: a third support body that supports the cam pin and is movable relative to the first support body; and a relative movement mechanism that moves the third support body relative to the first support body in accordance with the first relative movement.

5. An optical connector cleaning tool as claimed in claim 4, wherein the relative movement mechanism comprises: a first rack gear provided on the second support; a second rack gear provided on the third support; and a first pinion gear rotatably supported on the first support, meshing with the first rack gear and meshing with the second rack gear.

6. An optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a first bobbin rotatably supported on the first support body, which feeds out the cleaning body before use; and a supply mechanism which supplies a fixed amount of the cleaning body to the pressing surface in accordance with the first relative movement.

7. An optical connector cleaning tool as described in claim 5, comprising: a second bobbin rotatably supported on the first support body and winding up the used cleaning body; and a second rotation mechanism that rotates the second bobbin in accordance with the first relative movement, wherein the second rotation mechanism comprises: a third rack gear provided on the second support body; and a second pinion gear attached to the second bobbin and meshing with the third rack gear, wherein the first rack gear and the third rack gear are the same rack gear, and the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear are the same pinion gear.

8. An optical connector cleaning tool as described in claim 7, comprising a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation of the second bobbin by the second rotation mechanism when a tension greater than a predetermined value is applied to the second bobbin via the cleaning body.

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