Cleaning tool and cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning tool and a cleaning method. The cleaning tool (100) of the present invention includes: a tool body (10); an insertion portion (20) that is movable relative to the tool body (10) in a predetermined direction and holds a head unit (30) that presses a cleaning body (3) against a cleaning target in a retractable manner; a recovery mechanism that recovers the cleaning body (3) by relative movement of the tool body (10) and the insertion portion (20) in the predetermined direction; and a rotation mechanism (60) that rotates the head unit (30) after the recovery mechanism recovers the cleaning body (3) by relative movement of the tool body (10) and the insertion portion (20) in the predetermined direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to cleaning tools and cleaning methods. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that cleaning tools are used to clean the connection surfaces of optical connectors in order to reduce connection losses between optical connectors. Such cleaning tools often include mechanisms that allow the head to be pressed backward and mechanisms that rotate the head (cleaning shaft) during cleaning (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-206733

[0004] When the head is pressed against the connection end face of the optical connector and then retracted, the cleaning body may sometimes become loose inside the cleaning tool. Furthermore, if the head is rotated while the cleaning body is loose, the loose cleaning body may become entangled inside the cleaning tool. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a way to prevent the cleaning body from becoming entangled inside the cleaning tool.

[0006] The first invention primarily aimed at achieving the aforementioned objective is a cleaning tool comprising: a tool body; an insertion part capable of moving relative to the tool body in a predetermined direction and holding a head unit that presses a cleaning body against a cleaning object in a retractable manner; a retrieval mechanism that retrieves the cleaning body by relative movement between the tool body and the insertion part in the predetermined direction; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the head unit after the retrieval mechanism has retrieved the cleaning body by relative movement between the tool body and the insertion part in the predetermined direction.

[0007] Furthermore, the second invention primarily used to achieve the above objective is a cleaning method comprising the following steps: pressing a cleaning body onto a cleaning object using a head unit; while the cleaning body is pressed onto the cleaning object using the head unit, moving a tool body relative to an insertion portion having the head unit in a predetermined direction; retrieving the cleaning body by the relative movement of the tool body and the insertion portion in the predetermined direction; and rotating the head unit after retrieving the cleaning body by the relative movement of the tool body and the insertion portion in the predetermined direction.

[0008] Other features of the invention will become clear from the description in the following specification and drawings.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the entanglement of the cleaning body inside the cleaning tool. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1AThis is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 100 with the casing 10A removed.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of cleaning tool 100.

[0012] Figure 3 This is another exploded view of cleaning tool 100.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of head unit 30.

[0014] Figure 5A This is an explanatory diagram of a recycling organization. Figure 5B This is an explanatory diagram of ratchet mechanism 72.

[0015] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotating mechanism.

[0016] Figures 7A to 7C are explanatory diagrams showing the relative movement of the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20.

[0017] Figures 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of the surrounding area of ​​the head 31 during cleaning.

[0018] Figure 9A Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of the cam groove portion 621 of this embodiment. Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of the cam groove portion 621 of a comparative example.

[0019] Figures 10A to 10C are operational illustrations of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11A is an explanatory diagram of the rotating cylinder 62 in the first modified example. Figure 11B is an explanatory diagram of the rotating cylinder 62 in the second modified example.

[0021] Figures 12A to 12C are diagrams illustrating the actions of the comparative examples. Detailed Implementation

[0022] An embodiment of the invention described below, as an example, will be described based on the description and accompanying drawings.

[0023] ===This implementation method===

[0024] <Structure>

[0025] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 100 with the housing 10A removed. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of cleaning tool 100. Figure 3 This is another exploded view of cleaning tool 100.

[0026] In the following explanation, such as Figure 2 As shown, each direction is defined. The relative movement direction between the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20 is defined as the "front-back direction," the side of the insertion part 20 extending from the tool body 10 is defined as "front," and the opposite side is defined as "rear." Furthermore, the front-back direction is sometimes also referred to as the "prescribed direction," "movement direction," or "operation direction." Additionally, the side that contacts the object being cleaned by the cleaning tool 100 (the front side) is sometimes also referred to as the "end side," and the opposite side is sometimes referred to as the "base side." The axial direction of the protrusion 14 of the support body 11 is defined as the "up-down direction," the side of the protrusion 14 relative to the rotating cylinder 62 is defined as "up," and the opposite side is defined as "down." The direction perpendicular to the front-back direction and the up-down direction is defined as the "left-right direction," the right side when viewed from the rear is defined as "right," and the opposite side is defined as "left." Furthermore, the left-right direction is sometimes also referred to as the "width direction."

[0027] The cleaning tool 100 is used to clean a cleaning object using the cleaning body 3. The cleaning object is, for example, an optical connector (the optical connector 5 on the plug side or socket side described later; see Figures 8A and 8B), specifically, the connection end face of the optical connector's core. The cleaning body 3 is a long, strip-shaped component used to clean the cleaning object. Here, the cleaning body 3 can be a rope-like component, but it can also be a strip-like component. In the case where the cleaning body 3 is rope-like, compared to the case where the cleaning body is strip-like, the slack cleaning body 3 is more likely to get tangled around other components (described later), making the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment particularly effective. The cleaning tool 100 has a tool body 10 and an insertion portion 20.

[0028] The tool body 10 is the main part that constitutes the cleaning tool 100. The operator of the cleaning tool 100 holds the tool body 10 to clean the optical connector 5 (the object to be cleaned). The tool body 10 has a housing 10A and a support 11.

[0029] The housing 10A is an external component constituting the main body 10 of the tool. The housing 10A serves as the part held by the operator during cleaning. Inside the housing 10A are housed a support body 11, a spool (supply spool 51, take-up spool 52) on which the cleaning body 3 is wound, and the like. The base end of the insertion part 20 (such as the housing 21) and the coil spring 25 are also housed inside the housing 10A.

[0030] The support body 11 is a component that supports the end (base end side) of the helical spring 25. The support body 11 is housed within the housing 10A while being fixed to it. The support body 11 has a support portion 12, a rack 13, and a protrusion 14. The support portion 12 is the portion that supports the end of the helical spring 25. The support portion 12 is located on the base end side of the support body 11. The rack 13 is the portion that constitutes the retrieval mechanism of the retrieval cleaning body 3. The protrusion 14 is the portion that constitutes the rotation mechanism that rotates the head unit 30 by acting on the rotation shaft 60 (described later), and is the portion that constitutes the conversion part 73 that converts linear motion into rotational motion. The rack 13 and the protrusion 14 will be described later.

[0031] The insertion part 20 is a portion that can move in a predetermined direction relative to the tool body 10. The end side of the insertion part 20 extends forward from the tool body 10 toward the object being cleaned. The insertion part 20 has a head unit 30. The head unit 30 is disposed at the front of the insertion part 20 and is held so that it can retract relative to the rotation axis 60 (described later).

[0032] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of head unit 30. Figure 4 The cylinder 40 (particularly the end cylinder 43) of the head unit 30 is not shown in the figure, but the head unit 30 is shown.

[0033] The head unit 30 is a component used to press the cleaning body 3 onto the object being cleaned. The head unit 30 is held in a forward-pressed state by the head spring 35 and is able to retract relative to the rotation axis 60 (described later). Furthermore, the head unit 30 swings about the movement direction (forward and backward direction) as an axis (rotates in the reciprocating direction about the movement direction as an axis). The head unit 30 has a head 31, a base 32, and a flange 33.

[0034] The head 31 is the part that presses the cleaning body 3 onto the object being cleaned. The head 31 is located at the end of the head unit 30. The end face of the head 31 serves as a pressing surface for pressing the cleaning body 3 onto the object being cleaned. The cleaning body 3 is mounted on the end face (pressing surface) of the head 31. In this embodiment, two holes are formed on the end face (pressing surface) of the head 31, and the cleaning body 3 is mounted between the two holes. Unused cleaning bodies 3 are supplied from one hole, and used cleaning bodies 3 are retrieved from the other hole. Alternatively, instead of forming holes on the end face (pressing surface) of the head 31, a groove for holding the cleaning body 3 may be engraved.

[0035] The base 32 is the portion that forms the base end side of the head unit 30. The head unit 30 is held in the base 32 by the rotation axis 60. The base 32 is held by the rotation axis 60 in a state where it can slide relative to the rotation axis 60 in the movement direction (front-back direction). In addition, the base 32 is held by the rotation axis 60 in a state where rotation of the base 32 relative to the rotation axis 60 about the movement direction (front-back direction) is restricted. Thus, the head unit 30 can slide relative to the rotation axis 60 in the movement direction and can rotate together with the rotation axis 60 about the movement direction.

[0036] The flange 33 is a portion that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the base 32. The flange 33 is the portion that contacts the end (front end) of the head spring 35. The head spring 35 is a component that presses the head unit 30 forward; its end (front end) contacts the flange 33, and its end (rear end) contacts the rotation shaft 60. The head unit 30 is pressed forward by the pressure from the head spring 35 through the flange 33. Thus, the cleaning body 3 mounted on the head 31 can be pressed onto the object to be cleaned with a predetermined pressure.

[0037] A receiving body 21 is provided at the base end of the insertion part 20. The receiving body 21 is disposed inside the housing 10A. It is configured such that as the insertion part 20 moves relative to the tool body 10, the receiving body 21 can move relative to the support body 11. The receiving body 21 has a first receiving part 21A, a second receiving part 21B, and a spring holding part 22.

[0038] The first storage section 21A is a portion that stores the supply roll 51 and the take-up roll 52. The first storage section 21A has a roll support portion that supports the supply roll 51 and the take-up roll 52 in a rotatable manner. Here, the supply roll 51 and the take-up roll 52 can rotate about the up-down direction. However, the direction of the rotation axis of the supply roll 51 and the take-up roll 52 is not limited to this direction; other directions (e.g., left-right directions) are also possible as long as it allows the supply roll 51 to supply the cleaning body 3 and the take-up roll 52 to retrieve the cleaning body 3.

[0039] The supply reel 51 is a reel used to supply the cleaning body 3. Unused cleaning bodies 3 are pre-wound on the supply reel 51, and the cleaning bodies 3 are pulled out from the supply reel 51 during cleaning. In this embodiment, when the cleaning body 3 is pulled out from the supply reel 51, the supply reel 51 rotates about the up-down direction as an axis.

[0040] The recovery reel 52 is a reel used to recover the cleaning body 3. The recovery reel 52 winds up the used cleaning body 3. Therefore, the recovery reel 52 is sometimes also called a take-up reel. A gear 53 is provided on the recovery reel 52 for rotating the recovery reel 52. The gear 53 is a component that constitutes the recovery mechanism that rotates the recovery reel 52 by interacting with the rack 13.

[0041] Figure 5A This is an explanatory diagram of a recycling organization. Figure 5B This is an explanatory diagram of a ratchet mechanism. Figure 5B For illustrative purposes, the retrieval reel 52 and gear 53 are shown separated. The cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment includes a retrieval mechanism for retrieving the cleaning body 3. The retrieval mechanism is a mechanism for retrieving the cleaning body 3 by the relative movement of the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10.

[0042] The recycling mechanism of this embodiment includes a rack 13 and a gear 53 on the support body 11, and a ratchet 52A on the reel side of the recycling reel 52 (see reference). Figure 5B In other words, the recycling mechanism of this embodiment has a rack and pinion mechanism 71 and a ratchet mechanism 72. Furthermore, the recycling mechanism is not limited to a mechanism consisting of a rack and pinion mechanism 71 and a ratchet mechanism 72, as long as the relative movement between the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 can rotate the recycling reel 52 in the winding direction.

[0043] The rack and pinion mechanism 71 is a mechanism that converts linear motion into rotary motion, and includes a rack 13 (spur gear) and a pinion 53A. The rack 13 is a plate-shaped or rod-shaped gear. The rack 13 is mounted on the support 11 of the tool body 10. The rack 13 is configured with teeth arranged along the direction of movement. The pinion 53A is a cylindrical pinion. The pinion 53A is mounted on the gear 53.

[0044] Gear 53 is a component that transmits power between rack 13 and reel 52. Gear 53 and reel 52 are coaxially mounted and disposed in the first storage portion 21A of storage body 21 of insertion portion 20. Gear 53 has a pinion 53A and a gear-side ratchet 53B. The pinion 53A constituting rack and pinion mechanism 71 is provided on the upper part of gear 53, and the gear-side ratchet 53B constituting ratchet mechanism 72 is provided on the lower part of gear 53. Gear 53 rotates (oscillates) along the reciprocating direction with the up-down direction as the axis through the relative movement (linear motion) between insertion portion 20 and tool body 10.

[0045] The ratchet mechanism 72 is a mechanism that restricts the direction of motion to one direction. Through the ratchet mechanism 72, even if the gear 53 rotates in the reciprocating direction, the rewinding shaft 52 also rotates in one direction (the winding direction). Figure 5BAs shown, the ratchet mechanism 72 has a gear-side ratchet 53B and a spool-side ratchet 52A. The gear-side ratchet 53B is located at the lower part of the gear 53 (on the side of the take-up spool 52). The spool-side ratchet 52A is located at the upper part of the take-up spool 52 (on the side of the gear 53).

[0046] When gear 53 rotates in the opposite direction to the winding direction, the gear-side ratchet 53B and the spool-side ratchet 52A of the ratchet mechanism 72 idle, and the retrieval spool 52 does not rotate. On the other hand, when gear 53 rotates in the winding direction, the gear-side ratchet 53B and the spool-side ratchet 52A of the ratchet mechanism 72 engage, and the rotation of gear 53 is transmitted to the retrieval spool 52, causing the retrieval spool 52 to rotate in the winding direction. That is, through the ratchet mechanism 72, only one direction of the rotational motion of gear 53 is transmitted to the retrieval spool 52. As a result, the retrieval mechanism can retrieve the cleaning body 3 through the relative movement (linear motion) between the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10.

[0047] The second storage section 21B is a part that can rotatably store the rotating cylinder section 62 of the rotating shaft 60 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 The second storage section 21B is positioned on the side (front side) closer to the head unit 30 than the first storage section 21A. The cam groove 621 of the rotating cylinder section 62 stored in the second storage section 21B engages with the protrusion 14 of the support body 11.

[0048] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotating mechanism. The cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment includes a rotating mechanism that rotates the head unit 30. The rotating mechanism is a mechanism that rotates the head unit 30 in a rotational direction about the direction of movement by means of relative movement between the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10. The rotating mechanism has a rotating shaft 60 and a conversion part 73.

[0049] Rotating shaft 60 is a component that rotates head unit 30 (rotating component) (see reference). Figure 3 The rotating shaft 60 holds the head unit 30 in a manner that allows it to slide along the movement direction and holds the head unit 30 in a state that restricts rotation about the movement direction. The rotating shaft 60 is configured to rotate about the movement direction. The head unit 30 rotates along the rotation shaft 60. An insertion hole (not shown) is formed on the rotating shaft 60 along the movement direction, and the cleaning body 3 is inserted into the insertion hole (not shown).

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotating shaft 60 has a shaft portion 61 and a rotating cylinder portion 62.

[0051] The shaft portion 61 is the part that transmits rotational force to the head unit 30. The shaft portion 61 is a rod-shaped (cylindrical) part that forms the end portion (head unit 30 side) of the rotating shaft 60, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a head unit 30 (specifically, base 32) is held in place. A cleaning body 3 is inserted through a through hole (not shown) inside the shaft portion 61. The cleaning body 3 is conveyed along the moving direction through the through hole of the shaft portion 61. The shaft portion 61 holds the head unit 30 in a state where the head unit 30 can slide along the moving direction and in a state where rotation about the moving direction is restricted. Thus, the head unit 30 is held so that it can retract relative to the rotation axis 60 and can also rotate about the rotation axis 60. In addition, as Figure 4 As shown, the shaft portion 61 holds the end (rear end) of the head spring 35 at its base end. The head spring 35 is disposed between the shaft portion 61 and the head unit 30 (specifically, the flange portion 33), pressing the head unit 30 forward (towards the object being cleaned) relative to the rotation axis 60.

[0052] The rotating cylindrical portion 62 is a cylindrical part that forms part of the rotating shaft 60, and is located on the base end side (support body 11 side) of the shaft portion 61. Figure 2 As shown, the rotating cylinder 62 is housed in the second storage portion 21B of the storage body 21. A cam groove 621 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 62. The cam groove 621 is a groove-shaped portion (groove) that constitutes the conversion portion 73 described later.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the conversion unit 73 is a mechanism that converts linear motion into rotational motion. In this embodiment, the conversion unit 73 is composed of a cylindrical cam mechanism, having a protrusion 14 provided on the support body 11 of the tool body 10, and a cam groove 621 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 62 of the rotation shaft 60. The conversion unit 73 is not limited to a cylindrical cam mechanism as long as it is a mechanism that converts linear motion into rotational motion. The protrusion 14 is provided on the support body 11 of the tool body 10. The cam groove 621 is a groove-shaped portion (groove) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 62 of the rotation shaft 60. Furthermore, details regarding the groove shape of the cam groove 621 will be described later. If the support body 11 moves linearly relative to the rotating cylinder 62 (relative movement), the protrusion 14 and the cam groove 621 are engaged, so the rotating cylinder 62 rotates about the direction of movement along the spiral shape of the cam groove 621. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20 move relative to each other (linear motion), the rotating shaft 60 rotates through the conversion part 73, thereby rotating the head unit 30.

[0054] In this embodiment, the rotating mechanism, through the relative movement (linear motion) between the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10, moves within the retraction mechanism (see reference). Figure 5A After the cleaning body 3 is recovered, the head unit 30 is rotated. The structure of the rotating mechanism (especially the cam groove 621) used for this action will be described later.

[0055] The spring retaining part 22 is the portion that holds the end of the coil spring 25. The spring retaining part 22 is provided at the end of the housing 21. The coil spring 25 is a component that presses the housing 21 forward (towards the object to be cleaned) relative to the support body 11. During cleaning, although the insertion part 20 retracts relative to the tool body 10 (the housing 21 retracts relative to the support body 11), after cleaning, the insertion part 20 advances relative to the tool body 10 using the force of the coil spring 25, enabling the cleaning tool 100 to return to its initial state.

[0056] A cylindrical body 40 is provided at the end of the insertion part 20 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 The cylindrical body 40 is a cylindrical component that extends forward from the housing 21. The cylindrical body 40 has a base cylindrical portion 41, an end cylindrical portion 43, and a cylindrical spring 45.

[0057] The base tube portion 41 is a component constituting the rear part (base end side) of the tube body 40 and is fixed to the housing 21. A shaft portion 61 of the rotating shaft 60 is inserted through the inside of the base tube portion 41. Additionally, a tube spring 45 is disposed inside the base tube portion 41. An abutment portion 42 is disposed inside the base tube portion 41. The abutment portion 42 is the portion that abuts against the end (base end) of the end tube portion 43.

[0058] The end portion 43 is a component constituting the end side of the cylinder body 40. The rear part of the end portion 43 (the end on the tool body 10 side) is disposed inside the base cylinder portion 41. The end side portion of the end portion 43 (the end on the cleaning target side) extends forward beyond the base cylinder portion 41, and houses the shaft portion 61 of the rotating shaft 60, the head unit 30, and the head spring 35. The end portion 43 can slide relative to the base cylinder portion 41 in the moving direction. When the end portion 43 is pressed forward by the cylinder spring 45, it is held by the base cylinder portion 41 in a manner that allows it to retract relative to the base cylinder portion 41.

[0059] The cylindrical spring 45 is a component that presses the end cylindrical portion 43 forward. The cylindrical spring 45 is disposed between the housing 21 and the end cylindrical portion 43. The base end (rear part) of the cylindrical spring 45 is inserted into the cylindrical component that forms the abutment portion 42.

[0060] <The Actions of Cleaning Tool 100>

[0061] Figures 7A to 7C are explanatory diagrams showing the relative movement of the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20. Figure 7A is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20 in the initial state.

[0062] Figure 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20 in a state where the end cylinder 43 and the abutting part 42 are retracted relative to the base cylinder 41. Figure 7C is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20 in a state where the insertion part 20 is retracted relative to the tool body 10.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7A, in the initial state, the receiving body 21 of the insertion part 20 is pressed forward relative to the tool body 10 by the coil spring 25. Additionally, in the initial state, the end tube 43 is pressed forward relative to the receiving body 21 by the tube spring 45. The operator holds the tool body 10 of the cleaning tool 100 in the initial state shown in Figure 7A and presses the head unit 30 of the insertion part 20 of the cleaning tool 100 against the optical connector 5.

[0064] Figures 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of the area surrounding the head 31 during cleaning. Figure 8A is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning process when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the plug side. Figure 8B is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning process when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the socket side.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8A, when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the plug side, the insert of the optical connector 5 is inserted into the front opening of the end cylinder 43. The front opening of the end cylinder 43 functions to guide the insert of the optical connector 5. The insert of the optical connector 5 on the plug side is guided by the front opening of the end cylinder 43, thereby abutting against the head 31 of the head unit 30 (the cleaning body 3 of the head 31 is pressed against the insert). With the head 31 abutting against the insert, if the operator further moves the tool body 10 toward the object to be cleaned and presses the cleaning body 3 against the optical connector 5, the head is compressed and deformed by the spring 35, and the head unit 30 retracts (pushes back) relative to the rotation axis 60. Thus, as shown in Figure 8A, with the head unit 30 retracting relative to the rotation axis 60, the end cylinder 43 comes into contact with the outer shell of the optical connector 5. In the following description, the retraction of the head unit 30 relative to the rotation axis 60 during cleaning is sometimes referred to as "pushing back".

[0066] As shown in Figure 8B, when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the socket side, the end cylinder 43 contacts the outer shell (specifically, the open sleeve 7) of the optical connector 5, and the end cylinder 43 retracts relative to the base cylinder 41. Due to the retraction of the end cylinder 43, the head 31 of the head unit 30 protrudes further forward than the end cylinder 43, and the head 31 is inserted into the outer shell (open sleeve 7) of the optical connector 5. Thus, the head 31 of the head unit 30 is guided by the outer shell (open sleeve 7) of the optical connector 5 on the socket side and abuts against the insert (the cleaning body 3 of the head 31 is pressed against the insert). With the head 31 abutting against the insert, if the operator further moves the tool body 10 toward the object to be cleaned, causing the cleaning body 3 to press against the optical connector 5, the head is compressed and deformed by the spring 35, and the head unit 30 retracts (pushes back) relative to the rotation axis 60. Thus, as shown in Figure 8B, with the head unit 30 retracted relative to the rotation axis 60, the end cylinder 43 is in contact with the outer shell of the optical connector 5.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8A, when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the plug side, the head unit 30 presses the cleaning body 3 against the object to be cleaned inside the insertion portion 20 (end tube portion 43). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8B, when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the socket side, the head unit 30 presses the cleaning body 3 against the object to be cleaned outside the insertion portion 20 (end tube portion 43). Therefore, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the amount of retraction of the head unit 30 relative to the rotation axis 60 during pushback differs depending on whether the optical connector 5 to be cleaned is on the plug side or the socket side.

[0068] As described above, with the head unit 30 pushed back, the end tube 43 is in contact with the housing of the optical connector 5 (see Figures 8A and 8B). With the head unit 30 pushed back, the operator further presses the head unit 30 against the optical connector 5 to move the end tube 43 from contact with the housing of the optical connector 5, causing the optical connector 5 and the tool body 10 to approach each other in the moving direction (pressing the optical connector 5 towards the tool body 10, or pressing the tool body 10 towards the optical connector 5). As a result, the end tube 43 retracts relative to the base tube 41, and as shown in Figure 7B, the end (base end) of the end tube 43 abuts against the abutment portion 42.

[0069] If the operator moves the optical connector 5 and the tool body 10 closer together from the state shown in FIG. 7B (the state where the end tube 43 and the abutment part 42 are in contact), then as shown in FIG. 7C, the receiving body 21, together with the end tube 43 and the base tube 41, retracts relative to the tool body 10 due to the force received from the optical connector 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C, the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 move relative to each other.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7C, if the housing 21 retracts relative to the support 11, the gear 53 will move through the rack and pinion mechanism 71 (see Figure 7C). Figure 5A The gear 53 rotates in the direction of rotation of the storage body 21 relative to the support body 11 when it retracts. The direction of rotation of the gear 53 is the same as that of the ratchet mechanism 72 (see reference). Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B The gear-side ratchet 53B and the spool-side ratchet 52A mesh in the same direction, so the rotation of the gear 53 is transmitted to the recovery spool 52. The recovery spool 52 rotates in the winding direction, and the cleaning body 3 is recovered by the recovery spool 52. In this way, the recovery mechanism can recover the cleaning body 3 by utilizing the relative movement between the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10.

[0071] Furthermore, if the operator pulls the cleaning tool 100 out of the optical connector 5, the insertion part 20 moves forward relative to the tool body 10 using the force of the coil spring 25, and the cleaning tool 100 returns to its initial state. When returning from the state shown in FIG. 7C to the initial state shown in FIG. 7A, the storage body 21 moves forward relative to the support body 11, and the gear 53 rotates in the opposite direction. The rotation direction of the gear 53 when the storage body 21 moves forward is the same as the direction of the ratchet mechanism 72's free rotation, so the rotation of the gear 53 is not transmitted to the retrieval spool 52, and the retrieval spool 52 does not rotate and returns to the initial state shown in FIG. 7A.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7C, if the housing 21 retracts relative to the support 11, the rotating shaft 60 will rotate via the rotating mechanism (see Figure 7C). Figure 6 The head unit 30 rotates about the direction of movement. Specifically, with the protrusion 14 and the cam groove 621 of the conversion part 73 engaged, the head unit 30 rotates about the front-back direction by moving the protrusion 14 and the cam groove 621 relative to each other.

[0073] Figure 9A Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of the cam groove 621 of the rotating cylinder 62. Figure 9A Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of the cam groove portion 621 of this embodiment. Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of the cam groove portion 621 of a comparative example.

[0074] First, the cam groove portion 621 of the comparative example shown in FIG9B will be described. The cam groove portion 621 of the comparative example does not have the dwell groove portion 621B (see Figure 9B). Figure 9A The spiral groove 621A (spiral cam groove 621) is formed to the rear edge of the rotating cylinder 62.

[0075] Figures 12A to 12C are diagrams illustrating the actions of the comparative examples.

[0076] Figure 12A shows the initial state of the retrieval mechanism and the rotating mechanism. In the initial stage shown in Figure 12A, the cleaning body 3 is in a rolled-up state between the rotating shaft 60 and the retrieval reel 52, and is not slack.

[0077] As already explained, before the receiving body 21 retracts relative to the tool body 10 (before the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 move relative to each other), the head unit 30 pushes back (see Figures 8A and 8B). Figure 12B shows the situation of the retrieval mechanism and the rotation mechanism just before the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 move relative to each other. In this stage, the head unit 30 pushes back (the head unit 30 retracts relative to the rotation axis 60), as shown in Figure 12B, thereby the cleaning body 3 is in a relaxed state between the rotation axis 60 and the retrieval reel 52.

[0078] Figure 12C is an explanatory diagram of the comparative example after the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 have just moved relative to each other. In the comparative example, the spiral groove 621A is formed to the rear edge of the rotating cylinder 62, so the rotating shaft 60 immediately begins to rotate as the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 move relative to each other (accompanied by the linear movement of the rotating shaft 60 and the protrusion 14). That is, in the comparative example, the rotation of the rotating shaft 60 begins from the relaxed state of the cleaning body 3. As a result, in the comparative example, as shown in Figure 12C, the relaxed cleaning body 3 swings due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 60, and the cleaning body 3 may become entangled in other components (e.g., the supply spool 51). Furthermore, when the cleaning body 3 is rope-shaped, compared to when the cleaning body is strip-shaped, the relaxed cleaning body 3 is more likely to swing due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 60, and the cleaning body 3 is more likely to become entangled in other components.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, the retraction mechanism (refer to) moves relative to the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 (linear motion). Figure 5A After the cleaning body 3 is retrieved, the head unit 30 rotates. That is, in this embodiment, the retrieval mechanism rolls up the slack cleaning body 3 before the head unit 30 starts to rotate. This point will be explained below.

[0080] like Figure 9A As shown, the cam groove 621 of the rotating cylinder 62 in this embodiment has a spiral groove 621A and a dwell groove 621B.

[0081] The spiral groove 621A is a spiral-shaped cam groove 621. The spiral groove 621A constitutes the section (rotational motion section) in which the rotating cylinder 62 rotates. In the section (rotational motion section) where the spiral groove 621A engages with the protrusion 14, as the protrusion 14 and the rotating cylinder 62 move relative to each other in the moving direction (front-back direction), the protrusion 14 contacts and presses against the side of the spiral groove 621A, thereby causing the rotating cylinder 62 to rotate about the moving direction (front-back direction) as an axis.

[0082] The dwell groove 621B is a cam groove 621 that forms a section (dwelling section) in which the rotating cylinder 62 does not rotate. In the section (dwelling section) where the dwell groove 621B engages with the protrusion 14, even if the protrusion 14 and the rotating cylinder 62 move relative to each other (linear motion), the side surface of the dwell groove 621B does not contact the protrusion 14. Therefore, in the section (dwelling section) where the dwell groove 621B engages with the protrusion 14, since the protrusion 14 does not press against the side surface of the dwell groove 621B, even if the protrusion 14 and the rotating cylinder 62 move relative to each other (linear motion), the rotating cylinder 62 remains in a non-rotating state (dwelling state). In this embodiment, the dwell groove 621B is configured as a cam groove 621 that is wider than the spiral groove 621A. The dwell groove 621B is not limited to this shape as long as it forms a cam groove that forms a section (dwelling section) in which the rotating cylinder 62 does not rotate (for example, see FIG11A; to be described later). The dwell groove 621B is disposed on the base end side of the outer periphery of the rotating cylinder 62 (the part that engages with the protrusion 14 in the initial state), and on the base end side of the spiral groove 621A (the side of the protrusion 14 in the initial state). Since the dwell groove 621B is disposed on the base end side of the spiral groove 621A (the side of the protrusion 14 in the initial state), when the rotating cylinder 62 retracts relative to the support 11 (when the insertion part 20 retracts relative to the tool body 10), the protrusion 14 engages with the spiral groove 621A after engaging with the dwell groove 621B.

[0083] Figures 10A to 10C are operational illustrations of this embodiment.

[0084] Figure 10A shows the initial state of the retrieval mechanism and the rotation mechanism (refer to Figure 7A). A cleaning body 3 is inserted into the through-hole (not shown) of the rotation shaft 60 (rotating cylinder 62), and the used cleaning body 3 is positioned between the opening of the through-hole of the rotation shaft 60 and the retrieval reel 52. During the last cleaning, the retrieval mechanism retrieved the cleaning body 3, so in the initial stage shown in Figure 10A, the cleaning body 3 is in a wound-up state between the head unit 30 and the retrieval reel 52. As a result, as shown in Figure 10A, in the initial stage, the cleaning body 3 is in a wound-up state and is not slack between the rotation shaft 60 and the retrieval reel 52. Furthermore, in this initial stage, the protrusion 14 engages with the dwell groove 621B of the rotating cylinder 62.

[0085] As already explained, the head unit 30 pushes back before the storage body 21 retracts relative to the tool body 10 (before the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 move relative to each other) (see Figures 8A and 8B). Figure 10B shows the situation of the retraction mechanism and the rotation mechanism immediately after the head unit 30 has pushed back and just before the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 have moved relative to each other.

[0086] In the stage shown in Figure 10B, the cleaning body 3 is in a relaxed state between the head unit 30 and the retrieval reel 52 due to the pushback of the head unit 30 (the head unit 30 retracts relative to the rotation axis 60). As a result, as shown in Figure 10B, the cleaning body 3 is in a relaxed state between the opening of the insertion hole (not shown) of the rotating cylinder 62 and the retrieval reel 52. Furthermore, in the stage shown in Figure 10B, similar to the initial stage shown in Figure 10A, the protrusion 14 engages with the dwell groove 621B of the rotating cylinder 62.

[0087] Figure 10C is an explanatory diagram of the situation in this embodiment after the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 have just moved relative to each other. In this embodiment, during the stage immediately after the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 have just moved relative to each other, the dwell groove 621B engages with the protrusion 14. During the interval in which the dwell groove 621B engages with the protrusion 14 (dwelling interval), even if the protrusion 14 and the rotating cylinder 62 move relative to each other, the rotating cylinder 62 remains in a non-rotating state (dwelling state).

[0088] On the other hand, even in the area where the dwell groove 621B engages with the protrusion 14 (dwelling area), the retrieval mechanism retrieves the cleaning body 3 through the relative movement (linear motion) of the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10. That is, as shown in FIG10C, immediately after the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 move relative to each other, in the dwelling state where the rotating cylinder 62 is not rotating, the retrieval mechanism is in the state of retrieving the cleaning body 3. Thus, before the rotating cylinder 62 rotates (before the head unit 30 rotates), the slack cleaning body 3 is rolled up by the retrieval mechanism, reducing the slack of the cleaning body 3.

[0089] If the operator moves the optical connector 5 and the tool body 10 closer together in the moving direction from the state shown in FIG10C, and the insertion part 20 retracts relative to the tool body 10, the protrusion 14 engages with the spiral groove 621A, and the rotation of the rotating cylinder 62 begins. In this embodiment, during the rotation of the rotating cylinder 62 (the rotation of the head unit 30), the slack of the cleaning body 3 is reduced, so compared with the comparative example (see FIG12C), the swaying of the cleaning body 3 can be suppressed, and the situation where the cleaning body 3 gets tangled in other components (e.g., the supply reel 51) can be suppressed.

[0090] As described above, the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment includes: a tool body 10, an insertion part 20 having a head unit 30, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving the cleaning body 3 (see reference). Figure 5A ), and a rotating mechanism for rotating the head unit 30 (see reference). Figure 6 The rotating mechanism rotates the head unit 30 (see Figure 10C) after the retrieval mechanism retrieves the cleaning body 3 by moving the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20 in a predetermined direction. As a result, compared with the comparative example (see Figure 12C), the head unit 30 rotates after reducing the slack of the cleaning body 3, so it can suppress the swaying of the cleaning body 3 and suppress the entanglement of the cleaning body 3.

[0091] Furthermore, in the aforementioned cleaning tool 100, the rotating mechanism includes a rotating shaft 60 and a conversion section 73 (see reference). Figure 6 When the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20 move relative to each other, the rotating shaft 60 rotates via the conversion unit 73, thereby rotating the head unit 30. Thus, the linear motion of the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20 can be converted into rotational motion via the conversion unit 73, and the rotational force is transmitted to the head unit 30 via the rotating shaft 60, enabling the head unit 30 to rotate. Furthermore, the conversion unit 73 is not limited to... Figure 6 As shown in the figure. Alternatively, if the head unit 30 can be rotated by the relative movement of the tool body 10 and the insertion part 20, the rotating mechanism may not have a rotating shaft 60 and a conversion part 73.

[0092] Furthermore, the aforementioned conversion section 73 has a protrusion 14 and a cam groove 621 (equivalent to a groove) having a spiral groove 621A and a dwell groove 621B. When the protrusion 14 engages with the dwell groove 621B, the rotating shaft 60 is not rotated, and the cleaning body 3 is retrieved by the retrieval mechanism (see Figure 10C). Moreover, in this embodiment, after the protrusion 14 engages with the dwell groove 621B, it engages with the spiral groove 621A, thereby causing the rotating shaft 60 to rotate and the head unit 30 to rotate after the retrieval mechanism retrieves the cleaning body 3. As a result, the head unit 30 rotates after reducing the slack of the cleaning body 3, thus suppressing the swaying of the cleaning body 3 and preventing the cleaning body 3 from getting tangled. In addition, as described later, the dwell groove 621B is not limited to... Figure 9A The shape shown is different. In addition, the conversion part 73 may not have the dwell groove part 621B.

[0093] However, the greater the amount of retraction of the head unit 30 relative to the rotation axis 60 during pushback, the greater the relaxation of the cleaning body 3. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous for the head unit 30 to rotate after retrieving the cleaning body 3. As already explained, in this embodiment, when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the plug side (see Figure 8A), the head unit 30 is in a state where the cleaning body 3 is pressed against the object to be cleaned "inside" of the cylinder 40 (end cylinder 43) of the insertion portion 20. In contrast, when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the socket side (see Figure 8B), the head unit 30 is in a state where the cleaning body 3 is pressed against the object to be cleaned "outside" of the cylinder 40. As a result, when the object to be cleaned is the optical connector 5 on the plug side (see Figure 8A), compared to the case of the optical connector 5 on the socket side (see Figure 8B), the amount of retraction of the head unit 30 relative to the rotation axis 60 during pushback is greater, and the relaxation of the cleaning body 3 is greater. In this way, when the cleaning tool 100 is designed to directly clean both the plug side and the socket side of the optical connector 5, the slack of the cleaning body 3 increases when cleaning one optical connector. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous for the head unit 30 to rotate after retrieving the cleaning body 3.

[0094] The cleaning tool 100 is not limited to a structure capable of directly cleaning both the plug and socket sides of the optical connector 5; it can also be a structure capable of cleaning either optical connector 5, or a structure capable of cleaning both the plug and socket sides of the optical connector 5 through the installation and removal of accessories. Even with such a cleaning tool, since the cleaning body 3 loosens during retraction, the head unit 30 rotates after retrieving the cleaning body 3, thereby suppressing the swaying of the cleaning body 3 and preventing the cleaning body 3 from getting tangled.

[0095] ===Transformation Examples===

[0096] <First Variation>

[0097] In the above embodiment, the dwell groove 621B of the rotating cylinder portion 62 is configured as a cam groove 621 that is wider than the spiral groove portion 621A. However, the dwell groove 621B is not limited to the shape of a wide cam groove 621.

[0098] Figure 11A is an explanatory diagram of the rotating cylinder portion 62 in the first modification. In the first modification, the rotating cylinder portion 62 serves as a cam groove portion 621, and also has a helical groove portion 621A and a dwell groove portion 621B. The dwell groove portion 621B in the first modification is configured as a straight cam groove portion 621 (straight groove) with a groove width of the same degree as that of the helical groove portion 621A. The straight dwell groove portion 621B is configured along the moving direction, so even in the first modification, the dwell groove portion 621B becomes a cam groove portion 621 that forms a section (dwelling section) in which the rotating cylinder portion 62 does not rotate. In the section (dwelling section) where the dwell groove portion 621B engages with the protrusion 14, even if the protrusion 14 and the rotating cylinder portion 62 move relative to each other in the front-back direction, the rotating cylinder portion 62 remains in a non-rotating state (dwelling state). In the first modification, the relative movement (linear movement) between the insertion portion 20 and the tool body 10 allows for the recovery mechanism (see reference) to... Figure 5A After the cleaning body 3 is recovered, the rotating cylinder 62 (and the head unit 30) is rotated. Thus, even in the first modified example, compared with the comparative example (see Figure 12C), the swaying of the cleaning body 3 can be suppressed, and the situation where the cleaning body 3 gets tangled in other components (e.g., the supply spool 51) can also be suppressed.

[0099] <Second Variation>

[0100] In the above-described embodiments and the first modified example, a dwell groove 621B is provided in the rotating cylinder portion 62. However, the cam groove portion 621 of the rotating cylinder portion 62 may not have the dwell groove 621B.

[0101] Figure 11B is an explanatory diagram of the rotating cylinder 62 in the second modification. In the second modification, the rotating cylinder 62 does not have a dwell groove 621B in the cam groove 621, but only a helical groove 621A. In the second modification, in the initial state, the protrusion 14 of the support 11 is positioned rearward from the rotating cylinder 62. Therefore, in the second modification, in the stage immediately after the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 have moved relative to each other, the protrusion 14 of the support 11 does not engage with the helical groove 621A of the rotating cylinder 62. The interval from immediately after the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 have moved relative to each other until the protrusion 14 engages with the helical groove 621A of the rotating cylinder 62 becomes the interval during which the rotating cylinder 62 does not rotate (dwelling interval). In the second modification, the relative movement (linear movement) of the insertion part 20 and the tool body 10 also allows for rotational movement in the recovery mechanism (see reference). Figure 5A After the cleaning body 3 is recovered, the rotating drum 62 (and the head unit 30) is rotated. Thus, in the second modified example, compared with the comparative example (see Figure 12C), it is also possible to suppress the swaying of the cleaning body 3 and to suppress the situation where the cleaning body 3 gets tangled in other components (e.g., the supply roll 51).

[0102] On the other hand, in the second variation, if the positional relationship between the support 11 and the rotating cylinder 62 deviates, the protrusion 14 may not engage with the cam groove 621 of the rotating cylinder 62. In contrast, in the above embodiment and the first variation, since the rotating cylinder 62 is provided with a dwell groove 621B, the protrusion 14 of the support 11 can engage with the cam groove 621 (dwell groove 621B) of the rotating cylinder 62 from the initial state.

[0103] ===Other Implementation Methods===

[0104] The above embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit or explain the embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can be modified / improved without departing from its spirit, and the present invention naturally includes its equivalents.

[0105] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0106] 3… Cleaning body; 5… Optical connector; 7… Open sleeve; 10… Tool body; 10A… Housing; 11… Support body; 12… Support part; 13… Rack; 14… Protrusion; 20… Insertion part; 21… Reception body; 21A… First reception part; 21B… Second reception part; 22… Spring retainer; 25… Helical spring; 30… Head unit; 31… Head; 32… Base; 33… Flange; 35… Head spring; 40… Cylinder; 41… Base cylinder ; 42…Abutting part; 43…End cylinder part; 45…Cylinder spring; 51…Supply reel; 52…Retracting reel; 52A…Reel-side ratchet; 53…Gear; 53A…Pinus gear; 53B…Gear-side ratchet; 60…Rotating shaft; 61…Shaft part; 62…Rotating cylinder part; 621…Cam groove part; 621A…Helical groove part; 621B…Dwelling groove part; 71…Rack and pinion mechanism; 72…Ratchet mechanism; 73…Conversion part; 100…Cleaning tool.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool, comprising: Tool body; The insertion part is movable relative to the main body of the tool in a predetermined direction and can hold the head unit that presses the cleaning body against the object being cleaned in a retractable manner; The retrieval mechanism retrieves the cleaning body by relative movement of the tool body and the insertion part in the predetermined direction; and The rotating mechanism, through the relative movement of the tool body and the insertion part in the predetermined direction, causes the head unit to rotate after the retrieval mechanism has retrieved the cleaning body. The rotating mechanism has: A rotating shaft, capable of rotating together with the head unit; and The conversion unit converts the linear motion in the specified direction into rotational motion. The conversion part has a protrusion and a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft and engaging with the protrusion. The groove has a spiral groove. During the phase immediately following the relative movement of the insertion portion and the tool body, the protrusion does not engage with the spiral groove portion, so that the rotating shaft does not rotate and the retrieval mechanism retrieves the cleaning body. Furthermore, after the recycling mechanism recycles the cleaning body, the protrusion engages with the spiral groove to rotate the rotating shaft and thus rotate the head unit.

2. The cleaning tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove also has a dwell groove. When the protrusion engages with the dwell groove, the rotating shaft is not rotated, and the cleaning body is retrieved by the retrieval mechanism. After the protrusion engages with the dwell groove, it engages with the spiral groove, thereby causing the rotating shaft to rotate and the head unit to rotate after the recycling mechanism has retrieved the cleaning body.

3. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotating shaft has an insertion hole through which the cleaning body is inserted. When the head unit presses the cleaning body against the object being cleaned and then retracts, the cleaning body becomes relaxed between the opening of the insertion hole and the recycling mechanism.

4. The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the object to be cleaned is an optical connector on the socket side, the head unit on the outside of the insertion part presses the cleaning body against the object to be cleaned. When the object to be cleaned is an optical connector on the plug side, the head unit presses the cleaning body against the object to be cleaned inside the insertion part.

5. The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cleaning body is a rope-shaped component.

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