Cleaning tools

Abstract

The present invention provides a cleaning tool. A state in which the pressing surface of a cleaning body and a head is kept charged is suppressed. A cleaning tool is characterized in that it comprises: a tool body (20); and an extension part (30), wherein the extension part (30) has a head (40) for pressing a cleaning body (1) toward a cleaning object (100), and extends from the tool body (20), wherein at least a portion (42) of the head (40) is formed by a conductor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning tool. Background Art

[0002] If dirt or the like adheres to the optical connector, it will cause an increase in the loss of the optical signal, and therefore the optical connector needs to be cleaned. Patent document 1 describes a cleaning tool for cleaning the optical connector. The cleaning tool described in patent document 1 includes a tool body and an extension portion having a head. When the cleaning body is mounted on the optical connector using the pressing surface of the head, the tool body is moved relative to the extension portion, and the optical connector is cleaned using the cleaning body, and the cleaning body is supplied / recovered using the relative movement of the tool body and the extension portion.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5439557

[0004] In the cleaning tool described in Patent Document 1, when supplying / recovering the cleaning body, the cleaning body moves relative to the pressing surface of the head while in contact with the pressing surface of the head. At this time, there is a case where the pressing surface of the head and the cleaning body are charged due to static electricity. If the pressing surface of the head and the cleaning body are kept charged, there is a case where dirt is adsorbed to the charged head and cleaning body, and the dirt is also adsorbed to the optical connector. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of some embodiments of the present invention is to suppress the state in which a cleaning element and a pressing surface of a head are charged is maintained.

[0006] Several embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning tool, characterized in that it comprises: a tool body; and an extension portion, the extension portion having a head for pressing a cleaning body toward a cleaning object and extending from the tool body, wherein at least a portion of the head is formed of a conductor.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the description of the following specification and drawings.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the cleaning element and the pressing surface of the head from being maintained in a charged state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A It is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the internal structure of the tool body 20 .

[0010] Figure 2A It is a side view of the cleaning tool 10 in a normal state. Figure 2B It is a side view of the cleaning tool 10 in the pushed state. Figure 2C This is a diagram illustrating the cleaning action.

[0011] Figure 3A to Figure 3D It is an explanatory diagram showing a cleaning state of the cleaning tool 10 according to the comparative example.

[0012] Figure 4A to Figure 4D It is an explanatory diagram showing a cleaning state of the cleaning tool 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B It is a front view of the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of static elimination from the cleaning tool 10 .

[0016] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of static elimination from the cleaning tool 10 .

[0017] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 10 according to the third embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of a cleaning tool 10 according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the following specification and drawings.

[0021] A cleaning tool is provided, characterized in that it comprises: a tool body; and an extension portion, the extension portion having a head for pressing a cleaning body against a cleaning object, and extending from the tool body, wherein at least a portion of the head is formed by a conductor. According to such a cleaning tool, it is possible to suppress the cleaning body and the pressing surface of the head from being charged.

[0022] Preferably, the head has a conductive portion formed of the conductor, and the conductive portion is disposed on a pressing surface of the head for pressing the cleaning element toward the cleaning object. Thus, electric charges can be easily removed from the cleaning element and the pressing surface of the head.

[0023] Preferably, the cleaning body is mounted on the pressing surface, and when viewed in the direction in which the head presses the cleaning body toward the cleaning object, the conductive portion is disposed in the region of the pressing surface where the cleaning body is mounted. Thus, when the head presses the cleaning body toward the cleaning object, the conductive portion can be prevented from contacting the cleaning object.

[0024] Preferably, the head has a supply port for supplying the cleaning body to the pressing surface and a recovery port for recovering the cleaning body from the pressing surface, and the conductive part is arranged between the supply port and the recovery port. Thus, when the head presses the cleaning body to the cleaning object, the conductive part can be prevented from contacting the cleaning object.

[0025] Preferably, the cleaning body is formed into a rope shape, and the head further has a head body formed of resin. Thus, when the head presses the rope-shaped cleaning body toward the cleaning object, the conductive part can be prevented from contacting the cleaning object, and the cleaning object can be prevented from being damaged due to the contact between the head body and the cleaning object.

[0026] Preferably, the cleaning body is formed in a strip shape, and the head is formed of a conductor. Thus, when the head presses the strip-shaped cleaning body against the cleaning object, it is easier to remove charges from the pressing surface of the cleaning body and the head.

[0027] Preferably, the tool body has an operation portion for an operator to operate, and the conductor of the head is electrically connected to at least a portion of the operation portion. Thus, static electricity can be removed from the cleaning tool.

[0028] Preferably, the tool body has a grounding terminal, and the conductor of the head can be grounded via the grounding terminal. Thus, static electricity can be removed from the cleaning tool.

[0029] Preferably, a feeding mechanism is provided for supplying the cleaning body to the head while the head is pressing the cleaning body against the cleaning object, so that the cleaning body can move relative to the pressing surface of the head while in contact with the pressing surface of the head.

[0030] ===First Embodiment===

[0031] <Overall Structure of Cleaning Tool 10>

[0032] Figure 1A It is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the internal structure of the tool body 20 . Figure 2A It is a side view of the cleaning tool 10 in a normal state. Figure 2B It is a side view of the cleaning tool 10 in the pushed state. Figure 2C This is a diagram illustrating the cleaning action.

[0033] The following is based on Figure 1Aas well as Figure 1B The case where the extension portion 30 is extended from the tool body 20 is described in the direction shown. That is, the direction in which the extension portion 30 extends from the tool body 20 is set as the "front-rear direction", and when viewed from the tool body 20, one side of the extension portion 30 is set as the "front", and the opposite side is set as the "rear". In addition, the front-rear direction is also the direction in which the tool body 20 and the extension portion 30 move relative to each other. The axial direction of the rotation axis of the supply reel 24 (or the winding reel 25) of the tool body 20 is set as the "up-down direction". In addition, the direction orthogonal to the "front-rear direction" and the "up-down direction" is set as the "left-right direction", and the right side when viewing the front side from the rear side is set as the "right", and the left side when viewing the front side from the rear side is set as the "left".

[0034] The cleaning tool 10 is a tool for cleaning the optical connector 100. Specifically, the cleaning tool 10 is a tool for cleaning the connection end face of the ferrule of the optical connector 100 and the end of the optical fiber held by the ferrule. The cleaning tool 10 can also be a tool for cleaning parts other than the connection end face of the ferrule and the end of the optical fiber. The cleaning tool 10 of the first embodiment is used to clean the single-core optical connector 100. In addition, in the cleaning tool 10 of the first embodiment, the cleaning tool 10 is used Figure 5A and Fig. 6A The cleaning tool 10 is a rope-shaped cleaning element 1 as shown. The cleaning tool 10 includes a tool body 20 and an extension portion 30.

[0035] Before describing the details of each structure of the cleaning tool 10 of the present embodiment, the cleaning action when using the cleaning tool 10 to clean the optical connector 100 is described. In the present embodiment, the tool body 20 and the extension 30 can move relative to each other in the front-to-back direction. Moreover, the cleaning tool 10 has a rotating mechanism, which utilizes the relative movement of the tool body 20 and the extension 30 to rotate the head 40 in the rotation direction with the front-to-back direction as the axis. In addition, the cleaning tool 10 has a feeding mechanism, which utilizes the relative movement of the tool body 20 and the extension 30 to rotate the head 40 in the rotation direction with the front-to-back direction as the axis. Figure 1A The pressing surface 40A of the head 40 of the extension portion 30 shown in the figure supplies unused cleaning elements 1 and collects used cleaning elements 1. Hereinafter, the details of each structure of the cleaning tool 10 constituting such a rotating mechanism and a feeding mechanism will be described.

[0036] The tool body 20 is a component constituting the main body of the cleaning tool 10. Figure 1B As shown, the tool body 20 includes a body case 21 , a rotating body 22 , a moving body 23 , a supply reel 24 , a take-up reel 25 , and a coil spring 26 .

[0037] The main body case 21 is a member that accommodates the movable body 23 so as to be able to move backward. An opening is formed on the front side of the main body case 21, and the extension part 30 extends from the opening toward the front side. A part (rear part) of the extension part 30 is accommodated in the main body case 21.

[0038] The rotating body 22 is a component that performs swinging rotation (reciprocating rotation) with the front-to-back direction as an axis. Hereinafter, there is a case where the swinging rotation (reciprocating rotation) is simply referred to as "rotation". The rotating body 22 is connected to the head 40 of the extension portion 30 at the front side. Therefore, if the rotating body 22 rotates with the front-to-back direction as an axis, the head 40 also rotates together with the rotating body 22. In addition, the rotating body 22 is supported by the movable body 23 so as to be able to rotate with the front-to-back direction as an axis, and the movement in the front-to-back direction relative to the movable body 23 is restricted. Therefore, if the rotating body 22 (and the head 40 of the extension portion 30) moves relative to the main body shell 21 in the front-to-back direction, the movable body 23 also moves relative to the main body shell 21 in the front-to-back direction. As Figure 1B As shown, a spiral cam groove 22A is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 22, and an insertion protrusion 27 provided on the inner wall surface of the main body shell 21 is engaged with the cam groove 22A. The main body shell 21 (tool body 20) and the extension portion 30 move relative to each other in the front-to-back direction, whereby the insertion protrusion 27 moves along the spiral cam groove 22A. If viewed from the rotating body 22, the main body shell 21 (tool body 20) and the extension portion 30 move relative to each other in the front-to-back direction, whereby the rotating body 22 rotates relative to the main body shell 21 with the front-to-back direction as the axis. As a result, the head 40 connected to the rotating body 22 is rotated in the rotation direction with the front-to-back direction as the axis. In the present embodiment, the insertion protrusion 27 of the main body shell 21 and the cam groove 22A of the rotating body 22 constitute a rotating mechanism. It is also possible that the cleaning tool 10 does not have a rotating mechanism and the head 40 does not rotate.

[0039] The moving body 23 is a member that moves relative to the main body housing 21 in the front-rear direction together with the extension 30 and the rotating body 22. The moving body 23 supports the supply reel 24 and the take-up reel 25 so that they can rotate. In addition, the moving body 23 supports the rotating body 22 so that it can rotate about the front-rear direction as an axis. A spring seat is provided at the end of the rear side of the moving body 23 to hold one end of the coil spring 26.

[0040] The supply reel 24 is a reel for supplying unused cleaning element 1. The unused cleaning element 1 is wound around the supply reel 24.

[0041] The take-up reel 25 is a reel for taking up and collecting the used cleaning element 1.

[0042] The coil spring 26 is an elastic component for restoring the positional relationship between the tool body 20 and the extension 30. The coil spring 26 is disposed between the main body housing 21 and the movable body 23. Specifically, the front end of the coil spring 26 is held by the spring seat of the movable body 23, and the rear end of the coil spring 26 is held by the spring seat of the main body housing 21. When the extension 30 is moved to the rear side relative to the tool body 20 when cleaning the optical connector 100, the movable body 23 inside the main body housing 21 moves to the rear side relative to the main body housing 21, thereby compressing and deforming the coil spring 26. When the compressed and deformed coil spring 26 is restored, the movable body 23 inside the main body housing 21 moves to the front side relative to the main body housing 21 and returns to the original position, thereby moving the extension 30 to the front side relative to the tool body 20 and returning to the original position.

[0043] The feeding mechanism of the cleaning tool 10 of the present embodiment has a rack-and-pinion mechanism, which is composed of a rack (not shown) fixed to the main body shell 21 and a pinion (not shown) that transmits rotational motion to the take-up reel 25. Thus, the relative linear motion of the tool body 20 and the extension 30 in the front-to-back direction is converted into rotational motion. If the tool body 20 and the extension 30 are relatively moved in the front-to-back direction during cleaning, the moving body 23 and the main body shell 21 are relatively moved in the front-to-back direction, so that the pinion rotates by the relative movement. Thus, the take-up reel 25 rotates in the take-up direction to recover the cleaning body 1, and the unused cleaning body 1 equivalent to the recovery amount of the take-up reel 25 is supplied from the supply reel 24.

[0044] The extension part 30 is a member formed by extending from the tool body 20. The extension part 30 includes a front housing 31 and a head 40.

[0045] The front housing 31 is a cylindrical member that accommodates the head 40. The front housing 31 has a contact portion 31A. The contact portion 31A is a portion that contacts the optical connector 100 (specifically, the connector housing 101) during cleaning. The head 40 is exposed from an opening on the front side of the front housing 31.

[0046] The head 40 is a component for pressing the cleaning element 1 toward the end surface of the optical connector 100. The head 40 is located at the end (the front end) of the extension portion 30. Figure 5A and Fig. 6A As shown, the cleaning body 1 is mounted on the pressing surface 41A of the head 40, and the cleaning body 1 is exposed to the outside so that the cleaning body 1 can be pressed against the optical connector 100. The head 40 is accommodated in the front housing 31 so as to be retractable while being urged forward. The detailed structure of the head 40 will be described later.

[0047] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the extension portion 30 can move in the front-rear direction relative to the tool body 20. Figure 2B In the pushed state shown, Figure 2A Compared to the normal state shown, the extension portion 30 is retracted toward the inside of the tool body 20 .

[0048] When cleaning the optical connector 100, Figure 2C As shown in FIG. 1 , the cleaning body 1 of the head 40 is pressed against the optical connector 100 (specifically, the end face of the ferrule of the optical connector 100), and the contact portion 31A of the extension portion 30 is in contact with the optical connector 100 (specifically, the connector housing 101), and the tool body 20 is moved toward the front side (pushing action). As a result, the cleaning tool 10 is moved from Figure 2A The normal state shown becomes Figure 2B , Figure 2C After the pushing action, when the cleaning tool 10 is removed from the optical connector 100, the tool body 20 is moved toward the rear side (pulling action). Figure 2B , Figure 2C The push state shown becomes Figure 2A The normal state shown.

[0049] In one cleaning action, a pushing action and a pulling action are performed. The pushing action and the pulling action cause the tool body 20 and the extension part 30 to move relative to each other in the front-rear direction. Moreover, the cleaning tool 10 converts the linear motion of the tool body 20 and the extension part 30 into a rotational motion through a gear rack mechanism, and uses the rotational force to supply the cleaning body 1 and reel (recover) the used cleaning body 1.

[0050] <Head 40 of Comparative Example>

[0051] Figure 3A to Figure 3D It is an explanatory diagram showing a cleaning state of the cleaning tool 10 according to the comparative example.

[0052] Hereinafter, before describing the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 of the present embodiment, a description will be given of a cleaning situation when the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 of the comparative example is used. Figure 3A to Figure 3D In FIG. 1 , the rotation of the head 40 about the front-rear direction is omitted, and only the supply and recovery of the cleaning element 1 on the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 is shown.

[0053] The head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 of the comparative example is entirely formed of resin. Figure 3AAs shown, the operator moves the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 toward the optical connector 100 to be cleaned. In addition, before the cleaning body 1 is pressed against the optical connector 100 by the pressing surface 40A, the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A are in a state of being separated from each other without contact. Then, the cleaning body 1 is pressed against the optical connector 100 by the pressing surface 40A (pushing action), whereby the head 40 (extension portion 30) moves backward relative to the tool body 20. Thus, the supply of the cleaning body 1 and the winding (recovery) of the used cleaning body 1 are performed.

[0054] During the supply and recovery of the cleaning element 1, the cleaning element 1 is pressed toward the optical connector 100 by the pressing surface 40A of the head 40, so that the cleaning element 1 and the pressing surface 40A are in contact with each other. Figure 3B In addition, the cleaning body 1 is pressed toward the optical connector 100 by the pressing surface 40A of the head 40, so that the cleaning body 1 and the optical connector 100 are also in contact with each other. Therefore, the cleaning body 1 moves relative to the optical connector 100 while in contact with the optical connector 100. Figure 3B Thus, the optical connector 100 can be cleaned. Figure 3B In the stage, the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A are in contact with each other, and the cleaning body 1 and the optical connector 100 are in contact with each other.

[0055] like Figure 3C As shown, the cleaning body 1 moves in a frictional manner while maintaining the state of contact with the pressing surface 40A of the head 40, thereby generating static electricity, thereby forming a state in which the charge 50 is offset between the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A. Specifically, a state is formed in which the positive charge 50 is offset to the cleaning body 1 side and the negative charge 50 is offset to the pressing surface 40A side. However, depending on the relationship between the material of the cleaning body 1 and the material of the head 40, there is also a situation in which the negative charge 50 is offset to the cleaning body 1 side and the positive charge 50 is offset to the pressing surface 40A side. The following is an example of a situation in which the positive charge 50 is offset to the cleaning body 1 side and the negative charge 50 is offset to the pressing surface 40A side.

[0056] like Figure 3DAs shown, if the cleaning tool 10 is removed from the optical connector 100 (pulling action), the state in which the cleaning body 1 is pressed toward the optical connector 100 by the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 is released, and the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A are again in a state of being separated from each other without contact. At this time, the cleaning body 1 side is positively charged, and the pressing surface 40A side is negatively charged. In the cleaning tool 10 of the comparative example, since the head 40 is formed entirely of resin, there is no escape path for the electric charge 50 in the head 40, resulting in the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A being maintained in a charged state. If the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A are maintained in a charged state, then Figure 3D As shown, the dirt D is easily adsorbed on the charged cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A. In addition, soon after the cleaning tool 10 is removed from the optical connector 100, the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A are close to the optical connector 100, so there is a situation where the dirt D is also attached to the optical connector 100, which causes the loss of the optical signal to increase when the optical connector 100 is connected.

[0057] <Head 40 of the present embodiment>

[0058] Figure 4A to Figure 4D 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the cleaning state of the cleaning tool 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4A to Figure 4D In FIG. 1 , the rotation of the head 40 about the front-rear direction is also omitted, and only the supply and recovery of the cleaning element 1 on the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 is shown.

[0059] In the cleaning tool 10 of this embodiment, the head 40 is not entirely formed of resin, but is partially formed of a conductor. Figure 4A As shown, the head 40 has a conductive portion 42 formed of an electrical conductor.

[0060] As with the cleaning tool 10 of the comparative example, first, Figure 4A As shown, the operator moves the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 toward the optical connector 100 to be cleaned. Then, the cleaning body 1 is pressed toward the optical connector 100 by the pressing surface 40A (pushing action), thereby the head 40 (extension portion 30) moves backward relative to the tool body 20. Thus, even in the cleaning tool 10 of this embodiment, the supply of the cleaning body 1 and the winding (recovery) of the used cleaning body 1 can be performed.

[0061] In addition, in the cleaning tool 10 of the present embodiment, the cleaning body 1 is moved relative to the pressing surface 40A while being in contact with the pressing surface 40A. Figure 4B In addition, the cleaning body 1 moves in the direction of the arrow in the optical connector 100. Figure 4BThus, the optical connector 100 can be cleaned. Figure 4B At this stage, the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A (and the conductor 42) are in contact with each other, and the cleaning body 1 and the optical connector 100 are in contact with each other.

[0062] In addition, even in the cleaning tool 10 of this embodiment, Figure 4C As shown, the cleaning body 1 moves in a frictional manner while maintaining contact with the pressing surface 40A of the head 40, thereby forming a state in which the positive charge 50 is offset to the cleaning body 1 side and the negative charge 50 is offset to the pressing surface 40A side. Figure 4D As shown in FIG. 1 , when the cleaning tool 10 is removed from the optical connector 100 (pulling action), the cleaning body 1 side is temporarily positively charged, and the pressing surface 40A side is temporarily negatively charged. In the cleaning tool 10 of this embodiment, since a portion of the head 40 is formed by a conductor, an escape path for the charge 50 is formed along the conductive portion 42. As a result, Figure 4D As shown, the charge 50 flows along the conductive portion 42, thereby preventing the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 from being maintained in a charged state. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the dirt D from adhering to the cleaning body 1, the pressing surface 40A, and the optical connector 100, thereby preventing the increase in the loss of the optical signal when the optical connector 100 is connected.

[0063] In addition, Figure 4D In FIG. 4 , the negative charge 50 flows along the conductive portion 42, but the positive charge 50 accumulated in the cleaning element 1 also flows along the conductive portion 42. In this case, Figure 4D In the stage, the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A (and the conductor 42) are in a state of separation from each other without contact, but since the cleaning body 1 and the conductor 42 are in a very close state, the positive charge 50 accumulated in the cleaning body 1 can move to the conductive part 42 side.

[0064] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B 1 is a front view of the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5B Shows from Figure 5A The state where the cleaning element 1 is removed. Figure 6B Shows from Fig. 6A The cleaning element 1 is removed.

[0065] As described above, the head 40 is a member that presses the cleaning element 1 against the end surface of the optical connector 100. The head 40 includes a head main body 41 and a conductive portion 42.

[0066] The head main body 41 is a member constituting the main body of the head 40. The head main body 41 is formed of resin.

[0067] The conductive portion 42 is a portion formed by a conductor. A conductor is also called an electrical conductor, or simply a "conductor". Specifically, the conductive portion 42 is formed by metal. The conductive portion 42 may also be formed by a conductor other than metal. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the conductive portion 42 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the conductive portion 42 is located at the center portion of the head 40 when viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0068] When Figure 5B and Figure 6B When the cleaning body 1 is removed and observed, the conductive portion 42 is exposed at the end surface of the front side of the head 40. That is, the conductive portion 42 is arranged on the pressing surface 40A of the head 40. In addition, the pressing surface 40A is a part of the head 40 that presses the cleaning body 1 to the optical connector 100. By arranging the conductive portion 42 on the pressing surface 40A that presses the cleaning body 1 to the optical connector 100, it is easy to remove the electric charge 50 accumulated on the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A of the head 40. However, the conductive portion 42 may not be arranged on the pressing surface 40A of the head 40.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the front end face of the conductive portion 42 is aligned with the front end face of the head body 41 in the front-to-back direction. The front end face of the conductive portion 42 may also be set back from the front end face of the head body 41. Thus, it is possible to prevent the conductive portion 42 formed of metal from contacting the optical connector 100 and damaging the optical connector 100. In addition, it is also possible to configure such that, in normal circumstances, the front end face of the conductive portion 42 is set back from the front end face of the head body 41, and when the cleaning body 1 is pressed against the optical connector 100, the front end face of the conductive portion 42 is aligned with the front end face of the head body 41 in the front-to-back direction. Thus, it is possible to prevent the conductive portion 42 formed of metal from contacting the optical connector 100 and damaging the optical connector 100, and to facilitate the removal of the electric charge 50 accumulated on the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A of the head 40.

[0070] like Figure 5A and Fig. 6A As shown, the cleaning body 1 is mounted on the pressing surface 40A. Fig. 6A and Figure 6BWhen viewed in the front-to-back direction (the direction in which the head 40 presses the cleaning body 1 toward the optical connector 100), the conductive portion 42 is disposed in the region where the pressing surface 40A of the cleaning body 1 is provided. Thus, when the head 40 presses the cleaning body 1 toward the optical connector 100, it is possible to prevent the conductive portion 42 formed of metal from contacting the optical connector 100 and damaging the optical connector 100. However, the conductive portion 42 may not be disposed in the region where the pressing surface 40A of the cleaning body 1 is provided when viewed in the front-to-back direction.

[0071] like Figure 5A to Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , the head 40 is provided with a supply port 45 for supplying the cleaning element 1 to the pressing surface 40A, and a recovery port 46 for recovering the cleaning element 1 from the pressing surface 40A. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the conductive portion 42 is disposed between the supply port 45 and the recovery port 46. Thus, when the head 40 presses the cleaning body 1 toward the optical connector 100, the conductive portion 42 can be prevented from contacting the optical connector 100 and damaging the optical connector 100. The conductive portion 42 may not be disposed between the supply port 45 and the recovery port 46.

[0072] As described above, the cleaning body 1 used in the cleaning tool 10 of the present embodiment is formed into a rope shape. In addition, the head body 41 is formed of resin. Thus, when the head 40 presses the rope-shaped cleaning body 1 to the cleaning object, the conductive part 42 formed of metal can be prevented from contacting the optical connector 100, and the optical connector 100 can also be prevented from being damaged due to the contact between the head body 41 and the optical connector 100.

[0073] <Eliminating static electricity from the cleaning tool 10>

[0074] ·The first example

[0075] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of static elimination from the cleaning tool 10 .

[0076] like Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the tool body 20 has an operating portion 60 for the operator to operate during cleaning operations. In addition, a contact portion 61 is provided at a portion of the operating portion 60. The contact portion 61 is a portion that is electrically connected to the conductive portion 42. Figure 7B As shown, the operator performs the cleaning operation while contacting the contact portion 61, thereby removing the charge 50 flowing along the conductive portion 42 from the cleaning tool 10 through the human body. The contact portion 61 may be provided on the entire operating portion 60 instead of being provided on a part of the operating portion 60. In addition, the contact portion 61 may not be provided.

[0077] ·The second example

[0078] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of static elimination from the cleaning tool 10 .

[0079] like Fig. 8A As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the tool body 20 has a grounding terminal 62. The grounding terminal 62 is a terminal to which a grounding wire 63 can be connected. Figure 8B As shown, by connecting the grounding wire 63 to the grounding terminal 62, the conductive portion 42 can be grounded via the grounding terminal 62. By performing the cleaning operation while connecting the grounding wire 63 to the grounding terminal 62, the electric charge 50 flowing along the conductive portion 42 can be removed from the cleaning tool 10. In addition, the grounding terminal 62 may not be provided (the grounding wire 63 cannot be connected), so that the conductive portion 42 cannot be grounded.

[0080] ===Second Embodiment===

[0081] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0082] In the cleaning tool 10 of the first embodiment described above, the single-core optical connector 100 is used as the cleaning object, and the rope-shaped cleaning body 1 is used. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B As shown, in the cleaning tool of the second embodiment, a belt-shaped cleaning element 1 may be used.

[0083] In the cleaning tool 10 of the present embodiment, the head 40 is formed of the conductive portion 42 as a whole. This is because, unlike the rope-shaped cleaning body 1, in the case of the strip-shaped cleaning body 1, since the cleaning body 1 is wound around the entire surface of the pressing surface 40A of the head 40, when the head 40 presses the cleaning body 1 to the optical connector 100, the conductive portion 42 formed of metal is less likely to contact the optical connector 100. As with the cleaning tool 10 of the first embodiment described above, even in the cleaning tool 10 of the present embodiment, an escape path for the electric charge 50 is formed along the conductive portion 42. Thus, it is possible to suppress the situation where the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 are maintained in a charged state. Moreover, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt D to the cleaning body 1, the pressing surface 40A and the optical connector 100, thereby suppressing the increase in the loss of the optical signal when the optical connector 100 is connected. In the cleaning tool 10 of the present embodiment, the pressing surface 40A of the resin head 40 may be plated with metal to form the conductive portion 42 . That is, the entire head 40 may not be formed of the conductive portion 42 .

[0084] ===Third Embodiment===

[0085] Fig.103 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool 10 according to a third embodiment. Fig.10 In the figure, the cover 21A and the front housing 31 are omitted, and only the outer shape is shown by the dotted line. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The same or equivalent structures, components, and the like of the cleaning tool 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0086] In the third embodiment, a part of the structure of the cleaning tool 10 is changed compared to the first embodiment. Specifically, in the third embodiment, a metal plating layer is formed on the resin head 40 instead of the head 40 having a resin head body 41 and a metal conductive portion 42. In addition, the metal plating layer can be formed on the entire head 40, or only on a part of the head 40, for example, only on the pressing surface 40A. Like this, in the third embodiment, by forming the metal plating layer on the head 40, the head 40 can be made conductive. Thus, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the situation where the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 are maintained in a charged state.

[0087] In addition, in order to make the head 40 conductive, it is not limited to the case where a metal plating layer is formed on the head 40. For example, instead of forming a metal plating layer, the entire head 40 may be formed of a conductive resin. Thus, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 from being maintained in a charged state.

[0088] In the third embodiment, the structure of the cleaning tool 10 other than the head 40 may be made conductive. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The structure not shown in the figure is provided with a head spring 44, a shaft 43 and a fixed body 21B. The head spring 44 is an elastic member for pressing the head 40 to the front side. The shaft 43 is a member provided on the extension part 30 at the rear side of the head 40. The fixed body 21B is provided with an insertion protrusion 27 (see Figure 1B In the third embodiment, at least one of the head spring 44, the shaft 43, and the fixed body 21B may be made conductive in a manner that is connected to the head 40. Thus, it is possible to further suppress the situation in which the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 are maintained in a charged state.

[0089] In addition, the components other than the head spring 44, the shaft 43 and the fixed body 21B may be made conductive. Moreover, a grounding terminal may be provided on the conductive component to enable grounding. Thus, the electric charge can be removed from the cleaning tool 10. In addition, the cover 21A for the operator to contact is also made conductive, thereby enabling the cleaning tool 10 to be charged through the human body.

[0090] ===Fourth Embodiment===

[0091] Fig.11 4 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool 10 according to a fourth embodiment. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Compared with the second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a part of the structure is changed. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B In FIG. 1 , only the vicinity of the head 40 of the cleaning tool 10 is shown, but in FIG. Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , the cleaning tool 10 is shown as a whole. Fig.11 In the figure, the cover 21A and the front housing 31 are omitted, and only the outer shape is shown by dotted lines. In addition, the same reference numerals are marked on the structure of the cleaning tool 10 of the fourth embodiment that are the same or equivalent to the cleaning tool 10 of the first embodiment to the third embodiment, and the description is appropriately omitted.

[0092] The cleaning tool 10 of the fourth embodiment is Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The structure not shown in the figure has a head spring 44, a shaft 43, a rack 47 and a pinion 48. The head spring 44 and the shaft 43 are the same structure as the third embodiment described above. In addition, the rack 47 and the pinion 48 are components of a gear rack mechanism that converts the relative linear motion of the tool body 20 and the extension portion 30 in the front-to-back direction into the rotational motion of the winding reel 25. In the fourth embodiment, at least one of the head spring 44, the shaft 43 and the rack 47 can also be conductive in a manner that is connected to the head 40. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the situation where the cleaning body 1 and the pressing surface 40A of the head 40 are maintained in a charged state. In addition, as in the third embodiment, components other than the head spring 44, the shaft 43 and the rack 47 can also be conductive.

[0093] ===Others===

[0094] The above-mentioned embodiments are used to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the embodiments of the present invention. Of course, the present invention can be changed / improved within the scope of the gist thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0095] Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1…cleaning body; 10…cleaning tool; 20…tool body; 21…body shell; 21A…cover; 21B…fixed body; 22…rotating body; 22A…cam groove; 23…moving body; 24…supply reel; 25…winding reel; 26…coil spring; 27…insertion convex portion; 30…extension portion; 31…front shell; 31A…contact portion; 40…head; 40A…pressing surface; 41…head body; 42…conductive portion; 43…shaft; 44…spring for head; 45…supply port; 46…recovery port; 47…rack; 48…pinion; 50…charge; 60…operating portion; 61…contact portion; 62…grounding terminal; 63…grounding wire; 100…optical connector; 101…connector shell.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool, characterized in that: have: the tool body; and The extension part has a head for pressing the cleaning body toward the cleaning object and extends outward from the tool body. The head has a conductive portion formed of a conductor, The conductive portion is configured to be exposed on a pressing surface of the head that presses the cleaning element toward the cleaning object. The front end surface of the conductive portion is set back from the pressing surface of the head.

2. The cleaning tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: Normally, the front end surface of the conductive portion is set back from the pressing surface of the head. When the cleaning element is pressed toward the cleaning object, the front end surface of the conductive portion is aligned with the pressing surface of the head in the front-rear direction.

3. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cleaning body is mounted on the pressing surface. When viewed in a direction in which the head presses the cleaning element toward the cleaning object, the conductive portion is disposed in a region where the pressing surface of the cleaning element is laid across.

4. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The head has a supply port for supplying the cleaning body to the pressing surface and a recovery port for recovering the cleaning body from the pressing surface. The conductive portion is disposed between the supply port and the recovery port.

5. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cleaning body is formed into a rope shape, The head further has a head main body formed of resin.

6. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tool body has an operating part for the operator to operate. The conductor of the head is electrically connected to at least a portion of the operation portion.

7. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tool body has a grounding terminal. The conductor of the head can be grounded via the ground terminal.

8. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A feeding mechanism is provided for supplying the cleaning element to the head in a state where the head presses the cleaning element against the cleaning object.

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