Optical connector cleaning tool

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing an optical connector cleaning tool capable of reducing missed wiping on a connection end surface of an optical connector. An optical connector cleaning tool (1) is provided with: a first cleaning body (10) which is provided with a plurality of wire-shaped members (11) arranged so as to extend in the same direction, and through which guide pins (112) of an optical connector (100) can pass; a first cleaning shaft (30) having an insertion hole (314) into which the guide pin (112) can be inserted in the first direction; and a pressing surface (311) in which an insertion hole (314) is opened and which presses the first cleaning body (10) against a connection end surface (111) of the optical connector (100). And a rotation mechanism that rotates the first cleaning shaft (30) about the first direction as an axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector.

[0002] For designated countries that recognize the introduction based on reference to documents, the content described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-19026 filed in Japan on February 10, 2023 is introduced into this specification by reference as a part of the description of this specification. Background Art

[0003] There is known an optical connector end face cleaner that cleans an area around a pin in the end face of an optical connector by bringing a thread-like cleaning member into contact with the area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-159304

[0005] In the above cleaner, when the cleaning member passes around the pin, the threads constituting the cleaning member are pushed apart by the pin, so areas where the cleaning member cannot face the end face of the optical connector are inevitably generated on the upstream side and the downstream side of the pin. Therefore, there is a problem that sometimes missed wiping occurs around the pin and sufficient cleaning quality cannot be ensured. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an optical connector cleaning tool capable of reducing missed wiping on the connection end face of an optical connector.

[0007] [1] A mode 1 of the present invention is an optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector having a connection end face and guide pins provided on the connection end face, comprising: a first cleaning body having a plurality of thread-like members arranged to extend in the same direction and allowing the guide pins to pass therethrough; a first pressing member having an insertion hole into which the guide pins can be inserted along a first direction and a first pressing surface that has the insertion hole and presses the first cleaning body against the connection end face; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the first pressing member about the first direction as an axis.

[0008] [2] A mode 2 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool completed on the basis of the optical connector cleaning tool of mode 1, wherein the optical connector cleaning tool includes a supply and recovery mechanism that supplies the first cleaning body to the first pressing surface and recovers the first cleaning body from the first pressing surface.

[0009] [3] The method 3 of the present invention can be an optical connector cleaning tool completed on the basis of the optical connector cleaning tool of method 1 or 2. Among them, the above-mentioned optical connector cleaning tool has two above-mentioned first pressing members into which two above-mentioned guide pins of the above-mentioned optical connector can be respectively inserted. The above-mentioned first pressing members respectively have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and the above-mentioned rotation mechanism rotates the above-mentioned first pressing members in a state where the postures with respect to the above-mentioned connection end face are different in accordance with the above-mentioned cross-sectional shape.

[0010] [4] The method 4 of the present invention can be an optical connector cleaning tool completed on the basis of the optical connector cleaning tool of method 3. Among them, the above-mentioned optical connector cleaning tool has a second pressing member, which has a second pressing surface for pressing the second cleaning body against the above-mentioned connection end face and is arranged between the above-mentioned first pressing members.

[0011] [5] The method 5 of the present invention can be an optical connector cleaning tool completed on the basis of the optical connector cleaning tool of method 4. Among them, the above-mentioned optical connector cleaning tool has a moving mechanism, which moves the above-mentioned second pressing member between the above-mentioned first pressing members along the arrangement direction of the above-mentioned first pressing members.

[0012] [6] The method 6 of the present invention can be an optical connector cleaning tool completed on the basis of the optical connector cleaning tool of method 5. Among them, the above-mentioned moving mechanism moves the above-mentioned second pressing member to the side of the above-mentioned first pressing member where the short side direction of the above-mentioned cross-sectional shape is consistent with the above-mentioned arrangement direction in linkage with the rotation of the above-mentioned first pressing member based on the above-mentioned rotation mechanism.

[0013] [7] The method 7 of the present invention can be an optical connector cleaning tool completed on the basis of the optical connector cleaning tool of method 5 or 6. Among them, the above-mentioned moving mechanism presses the above-mentioned second pressing member along the above-mentioned arrangement direction by one of the above-mentioned first pressing members along with the rotation of the above-mentioned first pressing member based on the above-mentioned rotation mechanism, thereby moving the above-mentioned second pressing member to the side of the other above-mentioned first pressing member.

[0014] In the present invention, the rotation mechanism rotates the first pressing member around the guide pin in the area where the first cleaning body is pressing against the connection end face of the optical connector. Thus, in the present invention, it is possible to bring the first cleaning body into contact with the entire circumferential area around the guide pin of the connection end face of the optical connector, thereby reducing the omission of wiping on the connection end face. Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 It is a front view of the optical connector, which is the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 (a) of is a top view showing the first cleaning body according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 and (b) of is a top view showing the state where the guide pin penetrates through the first cleaning body.

[0018] Figure 4 (a) of and Figure 4 (b) of are a front view and a top view showing the front end portions of the first cleaning shaft and the second cleaning shaft according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first supply and recovery mechanism and the rotation mechanism provided in the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second supply and recovery mechanism provided in the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 (a) of and Figure 7 (b) of are a front view and a top view showing the front end portions of the first cleaning shaft and the second cleaning shaft according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of Figure 7 (a) of.

[0023] Figure 9 (a) of and Figure 9 (b) of are a front view and a top view showing the state where the first cleaning shaft is rotated by 45 degrees from the state shown in Figure 7 (a) of and Figure 7 (b) of.

[0024] Figure 10 (a) of and Figure 10 (b) of are a front view and a top view showing the state where the first cleaning shaft is further rotated by 45 degrees from the state shown in Figure 9 (a) of and Figure 9 (b) of. Detailed Embodiments

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0026] <<First Embodiment>>

[0027] The optical connector cleaning tool 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a cleaner for cleaning the connection end faces of optical connectors that connect optical fibers to each other. Figure 1 It is a front view showing the optical connector 100 which is the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment.

[0028] The optical connector 100 which is the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is not particularly limited. For example, it is a multi-core integrated connection type optical connector plug that simultaneously connects multiple optical fibers.

[0029] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the optical connector 100 includes a ferrule 110 having a flat (rectangular) cross-sectional shape (end face shape). The ferrule 110 is a so-called MT (Mechanical Transferable) ferrule and has a plurality of (for example, 12) optical fiber holding holes arranged along the cross-sectional length direction of the ferrule 110. Moreover, optical fibers 120 are respectively inserted into the plurality of optical fiber holding holes, and the optical fibers 120 are fixed to the ferrule 110 by an adhesive. The plurality of optical fibers 120 respectively protrude from the end face 111 of the ferrule 110. The ferrule 110 is held by a housing 130.

[0030] In addition, the number of optical fibers 120 held by the ferrule 110 is not particularly limited, and it may be less than 12 or more than 12. In addition, the optical fibers 120 may be arranged in multiple rows (for example, 2 rows) along the cross-sectional length direction of the ferrule 110. As the above-mentioned ferrule 110, an MT ferrule specified in JIS C5981 and JIS C 5982 may also be used.

[0031] When connecting a pair of optical connectors 100 having the above-mentioned ferrule 110, the pair of optical connectors 100 are inserted into the insertion ports 141 on both sides of a sleeve-shaped adapter 140. Then, the end faces 111 of the ferrules 110 of the pair of optical connectors 100 are butted against each other, so that the optical fibers 120 respectively protruding from the end faces 111 of the ferrules 110 are optically connected to each other. At this time, a guide pin 112 provided on one ferrule 110 is inserted into a guide hole (not shown) of the other ferrule 110, whereby the optical connectors 100 are accurately positioned with respect to each other. The guide pin 112 is a cylindrical pin and has a tapered front end portion for easy insertion into the guide hole (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0032] At the time of this docking, if dirt such as dust, dust, and oil adheres to the end face 111 of the ferrule 110, it may cause damage during disassembly and assembly, an increase in transmission loss, etc. Therefore, before connecting the optical connector 100, the end face 111 of the ferrule 110 is cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below. At the time of this cleaning, the optical connector 100 to be cleaned is inserted into one insertion port 141 of the adapter 140, and the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is inserted into the other insertion port 141 of the adapter 140, thereby cleaning the end face 111 of the ferrule 110 of the optical connector 100 (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0033] In addition, the above-mentioned optical connector 100 is an optical connector plug used in the plug-adapter-plug connection method, but in the optical connector socket used in the plug-socket connection method, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below can also be used to clean the end face of the ferrule. Specifically, this optical connector socket is formed by inserting a ferrule mounted at the front end of an optical fiber into a housing into which an optical connector plug is inserted.

[0034] Alternatively, a cover having an inner hole with the same shape as the inner hole of the adapter may be attached to the front end of the optical connector cleaning tool 1, and the optical connector plug may be inserted into this cover, thereby cleaning the connection end face of the optical connector plug alone in a state where it is not inserted into the adapter.

[0035] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 2 to 6 the structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment. Figure 3 (a) of is a top view showing the first cleaning body 10 of the present embodiment, Figure 3 (b) of is a top view showing a state in which the guide pin 112 of the optical connector 100 penetrates through the first cleaning body 10. Figure 4 (a) of and Figure 4 (b) of are a front view and a top view showing the front end portions of the first cleaning shaft and the second cleaning shafts 30 and 40 of the present embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first supply and recovery mechanism and the rotation mechanism provided in the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment, Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the second supply and recovery mechanism provided in the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment.

[0037] In addition, Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6FIG. 0 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 1. Therefore, the moving directions of the cleaning bodies 10 and 20 relative to the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 in this figure do not match the actual moving directions. The actual moving directions of the cleaning bodies 10 and 20 relative to the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 are as shown by the straight arrows in (a) of Figure 4 and Figure 4 (b) of

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "cleaner 1") uses two cleaning bodies 10 and 20 to clean the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100. The first cleaning body 10 is responsible for cleaning the area AR1 (refer to the single-dashed line frame in Figure 1 ) around the guide pin 112 of the connection end face 111. On the other hand, the second cleaning body 20 is responsible for cleaning the area AR2 (refer to the double-dashed line frame in Figure 1 ) between the two guide pins 112 on the connection end face 111.

[0039] As Figure 3 (a) of Figure 3 shown, the first cleaning body 10 is composed of a plurality of thread-like members 11 arranged to extend in the same direction (the up-down direction in the figure). Although not particularly limited, as a specific example of each thread-like member 11, for example, extremely fine fibers made of polyester, nylon, etc. can be exemplified. The first cleaning body 10 does not have other thread-like members that cross the plurality of thread-like members 11. Therefore, as Figure 3 (b) of Figure 3 shown, even in a state where the guide pin 112 of the optical connector 100 penetrates the first cleaning body 10, the first cleaning body 10 can relatively move along the same direction as the extending direction of the thread-like members 11 (the up-down direction in the figure) relative to the guide pin 112. In addition, the plurality of thread-like members 11 are arranged at equal intervals, and the interval (pitch) between them is smaller than the diameter of the guide pin 112. Although not particularly limited, it is preferable that the interval (pitch) between the plurality of thread-like members 11 is one-fifth or less of the outer diameter of the guide pin 112. Further, the interval (pitch) between the plurality of thread-like members 11 may be the same as the thickness of the thread-like members 11, and the thread-like members 11 are arranged in contact with each other without gaps.

[0040] In contrast, as Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) of Figure 4 shown, the second cleaning body 20 is composed of a wide strip-shaped belt and can wipe off the area AR2 between the guide pins 112 of the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 at one time. Although not particularly limited, as a specific example of such a strip-shaped second cleaning body 20, a woven fabric made of polyester, nylon, etc. can be exemplified.

[0041] As shown Figure 2 in FIG. Figure 2 , the cleaner 1 of the present embodiment includes a pair of first cleaning shafts 30, second cleaning shafts 40, supply tube reels 51, 52, take-up tube reels 53, 54, guide nozzle 60, support 70, housing 80, and biasing member 90.

[0042] As shown Figure 2 and Figure 5 in FIGS. Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the first cleaning shaft 30 has a pressing surface 311 at its front end that presses the first cleaning body 10 against the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100. The first cleaning body 10 is wound around the first cleaning shaft 30 so as to fold back at the pressing surface 311. The unused first cleaning body 10 is supplied to the first cleaning shaft 30 from the supply tube reel 51. Then, the used first cleaning body 10 at the pressing surface 311 is recovered into the take-up tube reel 53. The optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment includes two first cleaning shafts 30 corresponding to the number of guide pins 112 of the optical connector 100, and these two first cleaning shafts 30 have the same structure.

[0043] Specifically, as shown Figure 4 in (a) of FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 4 in (b) of FIG. Figure 4 , the first cleaning shaft 30 has a front end portion with a circular cross-sectional shape. In addition, the first cleaning body 10 can pass through the inside of the first cleaning shaft 30, and a pair of guide holes 312, 313 are formed in the pressing surface 311. As shown Figure 4 in (a) to Figure 5 in FIG. Figure 5 , the unused first cleaning body 10 sent out from the supply tube reel 51 is supplied to the pressing surface 311 through the inside of the first cleaning shaft 30 and one of the guide holes 312. Then, the used first cleaning body 10 is taken up by the take-up tube reel 53 from the pressing surface 311 through the other guide hole 313 and the inside of the first cleaning shaft 30.

[0044] In addition, an insertion hole 314 is formed in the pressing surface 311. The insertion hole 314 has a circular cross-sectional shape and opens at the center of the pressing surface 311. The guide pin 112 of the optical connector 100 can be inserted into the insertion hole 314. The center of the insertion hole 314 substantially coincides with the rotation axis of the first cleaning shaft 30 described later.

[0045] In addition, the first cleaning shaft 30 may be composed of multiple components. For example, as in the second embodiment described later, the first cleaning shaft 30 may include: a cleaning head having a pressing surface; and a shaft body that supports the cleaning head. In addition, the first cleaning shaft 30 may include a biasing member (such as a coil spring, etc.) that biases the cleaning head forward.

[0046] As shown Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, the second cleaning shaft 40 also has a pressing surface 411 at its front end that presses the second cleaning body 20 against the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100. The second cleaning body 20 is wound around the second cleaning shaft 40 so as to fold back at the pressing surface 411. The unused second cleaning body 20 is supplied from the supply bobbin 52 to the second cleaning shaft 40. Then, the used second cleaning body 20 at the pressing surface 411 is recovered into the take-up bobbin 54.

[0047] Specifically, as shown in (a) of Figure 4 and (b) of Figure 4 , the second cleaning shaft 40 has a front end portion with a flat rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the second cleaning body 20 supplied and recovered relative to the pressing surface 411 can pass above and below the second cleaning shaft 40. As shown in (a) of Figure 4 , (b) of Figure 4 and (c) of Figure 6 , the unused second cleaning body 20 sent out from the supply bobbin 52 is supplied to the pressing surface 311 through below the second cleaning shaft 40. Then, the used first cleaning body 10 is taken up by the take-up bobbin 54 from above the second cleaning shaft 40 through the pressing surface 411.

[0048] In addition, like the first cleaning shaft 30 described above, the second cleaning shaft 40 can also be configured such that the second cleaning body 20 passes through the inside of the second cleaning shaft 40. Also, the second cleaning shaft 40 can be composed of multiple components. For example, the second cleaning shaft 40 can also include: a cleaning head having a pressing surface; and a shaft body that supports the cleaning head. Additionally, the second cleaning shaft 40 can also include a biasing member (such as a helical spring, etc.) that biases the cleaning head forward.

[0049] The second cleaning shaft 40 is arranged between a pair of first cleaning shafts 30 in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of the above-mentioned regions AR1 and AR2 (refer to Figure 1 ). Moreover, as shown in Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the first cleaning shaft 30 and the second cleaning shaft 40 are housed in the guide nozzle 60 with the front end portions of the first cleaning shaft 30 and the second cleaning shaft 40 protruding.

[0050] The front end portion of the guide nozzle 60 has an outer shape that can be fitted into the insertion port 141 of the adapter 140 of the optical connector 100. When the front end portion of the guide nozzle 60 is fitted into the insertion port 141 of the adapter 140, the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30 and the pressing surface 411 of the second cleaning shaft 40 are positioned relative to the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100, and the insertion hole 314 of the first cleaning shaft 30 is positioned relative to the guide pin 112 of the optical connector 100.

[0051] The guide nozzle 60 is connected to the support body 70, and the rear end sides of the first cleaning shaft 30 and the second cleaning shaft 40 enter the support body 70. The pair of first cleaning shafts 30 are respectively supported by the support body 70 so as to be rotatable about the first direction as an axis. In contrast, the second cleaning shaft 40 is fixed to the support body 70 and cannot rotate relative to the support body 70. Here, the first direction refers to the insertion and extraction direction of the cleaner 1 relative to the adapter 140 when cleaning the optical fiber connector 100, and is also the axial direction (long side direction) of the first cleaning shaft 30. Also, the first direction is the pressing direction in which the pressing surface 311 or the pressing surface 411 presses the connection end surface 111.

[0052] The above-mentioned delivery tubes 51, 52 and the take-up tubes 53, 54 are all housed in the support body 70. These tubes 51 to 54 are supported by the support body 70 so as to be rotatable. In addition, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, any of the tubes 51 to 54 can only rotate clockwise in the figure, and the rotation counterclockwise is restricted by a ratchet mechanism (not particularly shown). In addition, as long as the rotation direction of the tubes 51 to 54 can only rotate in one direction, it can also be opposite to the present embodiment, so that the tubes 51 to 54 can only rotate counterclockwise and the clockwise rotation is restricted.

[0053] The support body 70 is housed in the housing 80 so as to be relatively movable along the first direction. An opening 81 is formed in the housing 80, and the guide nozzle 60 protrudes forward from the housing 80 through the opening 81.

[0054] In addition, a biasing member 90 is interposed between the support body 70 and the housing 80. The biasing member 90 biases the support body 70 forward with respect to the housing 80. As a specific example of such a biasing member 90, although not particularly limited, for example, a helical spring can be exemplified.

[0055] As Figure 5 shown, the take-up tube 53 supported by the support body 70 has a pinion 55. In addition, the housing 80 has a rack gear 82 that meshes with the pinion 55. Therefore, if the support body 70 relatively moves along the first direction with respect to the housing 80, the linear motion is converted into a rotational motion by the rack gear 82 and the pinion 55, and the take-up tube 53 rotates. Thus, the first cleaning body 10 that has used the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30 is taken up by the take-up tube 53. In addition, along with this taking-up action, a tensile force acts on the first cleaning body 10 to rotate the delivery tube 51, so that the unused first cleaning body 10 is sent from the delivery tube 51 to the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30.

[0056] That is, in the present embodiment, the "first supply and recovery mechanism" for supplying and recovering the first cleaning body 10 with respect to the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30 is achieved by two bobbin tubes 51 and 53, a rack and pinion mechanism composed of a rack gear 82 and a pinion 55, and the relative movement of the support body 70 with respect to the housing 80. In addition, the structure of the first supply and recovery mechanism only needs to have the function of supplying the first cleaning body 10 to the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30 and recovering the first cleaning body 10 from the pressing surface 311, and is not particularly limited to the above structure.

[0057] Similarly, as Figure 6 shown, the take-up bobbin tube 54 held by the support body 70 has a pinion 56. In addition, the housing 80 has a rack gear 83 that meshes with the pinion 56. Therefore, if the support body 70 moves relative to the housing 80, the linear motion is converted into rotational motion by the rack gear 83 and the pinion 56, and the take-up bobbin tube 54 rotates. Thus, the second cleaning body 20 that has been used on the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30 is wound up by the take-up bobbin tube 54. In addition, along with this winding operation, a tensile force acts on the second cleaning body 20 to rotate the feed bobbin tube 52. Therefore, the second cleaning body 20 is fed from the feed bobbin tube 52 to the pressing surface 411 of the second cleaning shaft 40.

[0058] That is, in the present embodiment, the "second supply and recovery mechanism" for supplying and recovering the second cleaning body 20 with respect to the pressing surface 411 of the second cleaning shaft 40 is achieved by two bobbin tubes 53 and 54, a rack and pinion mechanism composed of a rack gear 83 and a pinion 56, and the relative movement of the support body 70 with respect to the housing 80. In addition, the structure of the second supply and recovery mechanism only needs to have the function of supplying the second cleaning body 20 to the pressing surface 411 of the second cleaning shaft 40 and recovering the second cleaning body 20 from the pressing surface 411, and is not particularly limited to the above structure.

[0059] And, as Figure 5 shown, a spiral cam groove 321 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a part on the rear end side of the first cleaning shaft 30. In addition, the housing 80 has a cam pin 84 that is inserted into the cam groove 321. Therefore, if the support body 70 moves relative to the housing 80 along the first direction, the cam pin 84 relatively slides in the cam groove 321. Thus, the first cleaning shaft 30 rotates about an axis parallel to the first direction. In other words, the first cleaning shaft 30 rotates about an axis on an imaginary line extending parallel to the first direction.

[0060] That is, in the present embodiment, the "rotation mechanism" that rotates the first cleaning shaft 30 about the first direction is achieved by a cam mechanism composed of a cam pin 84 and a cam groove 321 and the relative movement of the support body 70 with respect to the housing 80. In addition, the structure of this rotation mechanism only needs to have the function of rotating the first cleaning shaft 30 about the first direction, and is not particularly limited to the above structure.

[0061] Next, an example of the usage method of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described above will be described.

[0062] When using the optical connector cleaning tool 1 to clean the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100, as Figure 2 shown, first, the operator inserts the front end portion of the cleaner 1 into the insertion port 141 of the adapter 140. At this time, the front end portion of the guide nozzle 60 is engaged with the insertion port 141, whereby the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30 and the pressing surface 411 of the second cleaning shaft 40 are positioned with respect to the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100, and the insertion hole 314 of the first cleaning shaft 30 is positioned with respect to the guide pin 112 of the optical connector 100.

[0063] Then, if the operator further inserts the front end portion of the cleaner 1 into the insertion port 141 of the adapter 140, the guide pin 112 of the optical connector 100 penetrates through the first cleaning body 10 and is inserted into the insertion hole 314 of the first cleaning shaft 30, and the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30 and the pressing surface 411 of the second cleaning shaft 40 press the first cleaning body 10 and the second cleaning body 20 against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100, respectively.

[0064] Next, if the operator presses the housing 80 relative to the guide nozzle 60 in the first direction, the biasing member 90 contracts, and the rack gear 82 and the pinion 55 rotate the take-up bobbin 53. Therefore, the used first cleaning body 10 is recovered from the pressing surface 311 to the take-up bobbin 53, and the unused first cleaning body 10 is supplied from the feed bobbin 51 to the pressing surface 311 of the first cleaning shaft 30. Thereby, the first cleaning body 10 slides while being pressed against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 to wipe off the dirt adhering to the area AR1 around the guide pin 112 in the connection end face 111.

[0065] At this time, in the present embodiment, by the above-described pressing operation of the housing 80 by the operator with respect to the guide nozzle 60, the cam pin 84 of the housing 80 relatively slides in the cam groove 321 of the first cleaning shaft 30, and the first cleaning shaft 30 rotates about the first direction as the rotation axis (rotation center). By the rotation of this rotation mechanism, as Figure 3As shown by the dashed line in (b), the first cleaning body 10 pressed against the connection end face 111 by the first cleaning shaft 30 rotates about the guide pin 112. Therefore, even if the first cleaning body 10 is pushed apart by the guide pin 112 of the optical connector 100, no area where the first cleaning body 10 is not opposed will be generated around the guide pin 112, and dirt can be wiped off from the entire circumferential area around the guide pin 112 of the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100. In addition, in Figure 3 In (b), the first cleaning body 10 rotates 90 degrees by the rotation mechanism, but the rotation angle of the first cleaning shaft 30 based on the rotation mechanism is not limited to 90 degrees.

[0066] In addition, along with the pressing action of the housing 80 relative to the guide nozzle 60 performed by the operator as described above, the rack gear 83 and the pinion 56 rotate the take-up bobbin 54. Therefore, the used second cleaning body 20 is recovered from the pressing surface 411 to the take-up bobbin 54, and the unused second cleaning body 20 is supplied from the feed bobbin 52 to the pressing surface 411 of the second cleaning shaft 40. Thus, the second cleaning body 20 slides while being pressed against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 to wipe off the dirt adhering to the area AR2 between the two guide pins 112 on the end face 111.

[0067] Next, if the operator releases the pressing of the housing 80 relative to the guide nozzle 60, the housing 80 retreats relative to the guide nozzle 60 by the elastic force of the biasing member 90. At this time, any of the bobbins 51 to 54 is also restricted from rotating counterclockwise in the figure by a ratchet mechanism (not particularly shown), so they do not rotate.

[0068] On the other hand, by this release action of the operator, the cam pin 84 of the housing 80 relatively slides within the cam groove 321 of the first cleaning shaft 30, and the first cleaning shaft 30 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction during the above pressing action.

[0069] When the cleaning is completed, the operator pulls out the front end portion of the cleaner 1 from the insertion port 141 of the adapter 140, thereby removing the cleaner 1 from the adapter 140.

[0070] As described above, in the present embodiment, the first cleaning shaft 30 pressing the first cleaning body 10 against the area AR1 around the guide pin 112 of the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 rotates by the Figure 5 rotation mechanism shown. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first cleaning body 10 can be brought into contact with the entire circumferential area around the guide pin 112 of the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100, thereby reducing missed wiping on the connection end face 111.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, while rotating the first cleaning body 10 pressed against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 by the rotation mechanism, the first cleaning body 10 is slid on the connection end face 111 by the first supply and recovery mechanism. Therefore, it is also possible to reduce the reattachment of dirt.

[0072] <<Second Embodiment>>

[0073] Figure 7 (a) of Figure 7 and (b) of are the front views and top views of the front end portions of the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B and the second cleaning shaft 40 of the second embodiment of the present invention, and are the same as those of the above Figure 4 of (a) and Figure 4 corresponding to (b) of. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of (a) of Figure 7 . Figure 9 (a) of Figure 9 and (b) of show the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B from Figure 7 of (a) and Figure 7 rotated 45 degrees from the state shown in (b) of, and the front views and top views of the state Figure 10 (a) of Figure 10 and (b) of show the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B from Figure 9 of (a) and Figure 9 rotated further 45 degrees from the state shown in (b) of, and the front views and top views of the state.

[0074] In the present embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that (1) the cross-sectional shape of the front end portion of the first cleaning shaft is an elliptical shape and (2) the cleaner is provided with a moving mechanism for laterally moving the cleaning head of the second cleaning shaft. Except for this, the structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the differences from the first embodiment of the cleaner of the second embodiment will be described, and the parts having the same structure as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0075] As Figure 7 (a) of Figure 7As shown in (b) thereof, the first cleaning shaft 30A of one side includes a cleaning head 31 having a pressing surface 311 at the front end and a shaft body 32 that supports the cleaning head 31. The cleaning head 31 has a cross-sectional shape different from that of the front end portion of the first cleaning shaft 30 of the first embodiment described above, and has an elliptical cross-sectional shape. The guide holes 312 and 313 formed in the pressing surface 311 of the cleaning head 31 are arranged near both ends of the major axis of the ellipse. The insertion hole 314 opens at the center of the pressing surface 311 of the cleaning head 31. The center of the insertion hole 314 substantially coincides with the rotation axis of the first cleaning shaft 30A described later. Although not particularly illustrated, a cam groove 321 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a portion on the rear end side of the shaft body 32. The first cleaning shaft 30B of the other side also has the same structure as the first cleaning shaft 30A of one side.

[0076] In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning head 31 of the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B only needs to be a non-circular shape, and is not particularly limited to the above shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning head 31 of the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B may also be an oblong (a shape formed by connecting semi-circles with a pair of straight lines), a polygon, or a polygon having arcuate corners. In addition, although not particularly illustrated, the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B may also include a biasing member (such as a coil spring) that biases the cleaning head 31 forward.

[0077] Similar to the first cleaning shaft 30 of the first embodiment described above, this pair of first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B are supported by the support body 70 so as to be rotatable about the first direction as an axis. However, in the present embodiment, the two first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B are supported by the support body 70 in a posture in which the major axes of the ellipses are in different directions.

[0078] For example Figure 7 as shown in (a) of Figure 7 and (b) thereof, the first cleaning shaft 30A of one side is supported by the support body 70 in a posture in which the direction of its major axis is along the left-right direction in the figure. In contrast, the first cleaning shaft 30B of the other side is supported by the support body 70 in a posture in which the direction of its major axis is along the up-down direction in the figure. That is, the two first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B are supported by the support body 70 in such a manner that the orientations of their major axes are offset by 90 degrees.

[0079] Moreover, these two first cleaning shafts 30 and 40 can rotate through the same rotation mechanism as in the first embodiment while maintaining the state in which the directions of their major axes are offset from each other by 90 degrees. That is, in the present embodiment, this rotation mechanism can rotate the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B in a state where the postures of the cleaning heads 31 with respect to the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100 are different from each other. In addition, the offset angle of the directions of the major axes of the two first cleaning shafts 30 and 40 only needs to be offset from each other, and is not particularly limited to the above angle.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7 (a) to Figure 8 shown in the figure, the second cleaning shaft 40 includes a cleaning head 41 having a pressing surface 411 at the front end and a shaft body 42 supporting the cleaning head 41. The cleaning head 41 has an engaging protrusion 412 extending in the width direction of the cleaning head 41 at its rear end portion. In addition, the shaft body 42 also has an engaging groove 421 extending in the width direction of the shaft body 42 at its front end portion. Moreover, the engaging protrusion 412 engages with the engaging groove 421, and the cleaning head 41 can slide relative to the shaft body 42 in a second direction. That is, through the engaging protrusion 412 and the engaging groove 421, a "sliding mechanism" that allows the cleaning head 41 to slide relative to the shaft body 42 in the second direction is realized. Here, the second direction refers to the arrangement direction of the pair of first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B. In addition, the second cleaning shaft 40 may include a biasing member (such as a coil spring, etc.) that biases the cleaning head 41 forward.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 (b) shown in the figure, the second cleaning shaft 40 is disposed between the pair of first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B. Moreover, since the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning heads 31 of the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B is non-circular, as the pair of first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B rotate, the cleaning head 41 of the second cleaning shaft 40 can move relative to the shaft body 42 in the second direction.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 (b) shown in the figure, in a state where the long axis direction (long side direction) of one of the first cleaning shafts 30A and the short axis direction (short side direction) of the other cleaning shaft 30B are aligned with the second direction (left-right direction in the figure), the cleaning head 41 of the second cleaning shaft 40 is pressed to the left in the figure by one of the first cleaning shafts 30A, and the cleaning head 41 is located on the side of the other first cleaning shaft 30B in the second direction.

[0083] Moreover, if the support body 70 moves relative to the housing 80, as shown in Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b) shown in the figure, the cleaning heads 31 of the two first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B rotate counterclockwise in the figure by 45 degrees. Through this rotation, one of the first cleaning shafts 30A assumes a posture in which the direction of its long axis is inclined 45 degrees to the right with respect to the up-down direction in the figure. In contrast, the other cleaning shaft 30B assumes a posture in which the direction of its long axis is inclined 45 degrees to the left with respect to the up-down direction in the figure.

[0084] In addition, as the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B rotate, the cleaning head 41 of the second cleaning shaft 40 is pressed rightward in the figure by the other first cleaning shaft 30B, and the cleaning head 41 moves toward the first cleaning shaft 30A in the second direction.

[0085] Furthermore, if the support body 70 is Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 The state shown in (b) is further moved relative to the housing 80, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 As shown in (b), the cleaning heads 31 of the two first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B further rotate 45 degrees counterclockwise in the figure. Through this rotation, the first cleaning shaft 30A of one side becomes a posture in which the direction of its long axis is along the up-down direction in the figure. In contrast, the cleaning shaft 30B of the other side becomes a posture in which the direction of its long axis is along the left-right direction in the figure.

[0086] In addition, as the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B rotate, the cleaning head 41 of the second cleaning shaft 40 is pressed further rightward in the figure by the other first cleaning shaft 30B, and the cleaning head 41 moves further toward the first cleaning shaft 30A in the second direction.

[0087] That is, in the present embodiment, the "moving mechanism" that moves the cleaning head 41 of the second cleaning shaft 40 along the second direction between a pair of first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B is realized by the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B, the sliding mechanism formed by the engaging protrusion 412 and the engaging groove 421 of the second cleaning shaft 40, and the rotational movement of the above-mentioned rotating mechanism.

[0088] As described above, in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first cleaning shaft 30 that is pressing the first cleaning body 10 against the area AR1 around the guide pin 112 of the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100 is rotated by the rotating mechanism. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first cleaning body 10 can be brought into contact with the entire circumference of the area around the guide pin 112 of the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100, thereby reducing the leakage of the connection end surface 111.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first cleaning body 10 pressed against the connection end surface 111 of the optical connector 100 is rotated while the first cleaning body 10 is slid on the connection end surface 111 by the first supply and recovery mechanism, thereby reducing the re-adhesion of dirt.

[0090] Further, in the present embodiment, the cleaning heads 31 of the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and the cleaning head 41 of the second cleaning shaft 40 can be moved along the second direction by a moving mechanism. Thus, in the present embodiment, the area AR1 cleaned by the first cleaning body 10 and the area AR2 cleaned by the second cleaning body 20 overlap, and thus the missed cleaning on the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 can be further reduced.

[0091] In addition, the embodiments described above are described for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not described for the purpose of limiting the present invention. Therefore, the gist of each element disclosed in the above embodiments includes all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0092] The above-described cleaner includes the second cleaning shaft 40 between the pair of first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B, but the cleaner may not include the second cleaning shaft 40. For example, when the front end portions of the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B have a non-circular cross-sectional shape and the first cleaning shafts 30A and 30B can rotate in a state where the postures of the cross-sectional shapes are different from each other, the two areas AR1 cleaned by the first cleaning body 10 may overlap each other.

[0093] In addition, in the second embodiment described above, the moving mechanism moves the cleaning head 41 of the second cleaning shaft 40 by using the rotational movement of the rotating mechanism, but the moving mechanism may move the cleaning head 41 by using an action different from the rotational movement of the rotating mechanism. Alternatively, the moving mechanism may independently include an actuator for moving the cleaning head 41 of the second cleaning shaft 40.

[0094] Further, the object to be cleaned by the above-described cleaner 1 is not limited to the optical connector 100 having the guide pin 112. The above-described cleaner 1 may also be used for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector having a guide hole into which the guide pin can be inserted instead of the guide pin.

[0095] Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1... Optical connector cleaning tool; 10... First cleaning body; 11... Thread-like component; 20... Second cleaning body; 30, 30A, 30B... First cleaning shaft; 31... Cleaning head; 311... Pressing surface; 312, 313... Guide holes; 314... Insertion hole; 32... Shaft body; 321... Cam groove; 40... First cleaning shaft; 41... Cleaning head; 411... Pressing surface; 412... Engaging projection; 42... Shaft body; 421... Engaging groove; 51, 52... Feeding bobbin; 53, 54... Winding bobbin; 55, 56... Pinion; 60... Guide pipe opening; 70... Support body; 80... Housing; 81... Opening; 82, 83... Rack gear; 84... Cam pin; 90... Biasing member; 100... Optical connector; 110... Ferrule; 111... Connection end face; 112... Guide pin; 120... Optical fiber; 130... Housing; 140... Adapter; 141... Insertion port.

Claims

1. An optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector having a connection end face and a guide pin provided on the connection end face, characterized in that, Comprising: A first cleaning body having a plurality of wire-like members arranged to extend in the same direction and through which the guide pins can pass; A first pressing member having an insertion hole into which the guide pin can be inserted along a first direction, and a first pressing surface that is provided with the insertion hole and presses the first cleaning body against the connection end surface; and A rotation mechanism that rotates the first pressing member about the first direction as an axis.

2. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein The optical connector cleaning tool is provided with a supply and recovery mechanism that supplies the first cleaning body to the first pressing surface and recovers the first cleaning body from the first pressing surface.

3. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The optical connector cleaning tool is provided with two first pressing members into which the two guide pins of the optical connector can be inserted respectively, The first pressing members each have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, The rotation mechanism rotates the first pressing members in a state where the postures of the cross-sectional shapes with respect to the connection end surface are different from each other.

4. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 3, wherein The optical connector cleaning tool is provided with a second pressing member that has a second pressing surface for pressing a second cleaning body against the connection end surface and is disposed between the first pressing members.

5. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 4, wherein The optical connector cleaning tool is provided with a moving mechanism that moves the second pressing member between the first pressing members along the arrangement direction of the first pressing members.

6. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 5, wherein The moving mechanism is linked to the rotation of the first pressing member by the rotation mechanism to move the second pressing member toward the first pressing member side where the short side direction of the cross-sectional shape coincides with the arrangement direction.

7. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 5 or 6, wherein The moving mechanism presses the second pressing member along the arrangement direction by one of the first pressing members as the first pressing member rotates by the rotation mechanism, thereby moving the second pressing member toward the other first pressing member side.

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