Optical connector cleaning tool

Abstract

An optical connector cleaning tool (1) is provided with: a cleaning shaft (10) having a pressing surface (111) for pressing a cleaning body (5) against a connection end surface (811) of an optical connector (80), and around which the cleaning body (5) is wound so as to be folded back on the pressing surface (111); and a cylindrical member (30) that accommodates the cleaning shaft (10), the cylindrical member (30) being provided with a tip portion (31) having a deformable inner diameter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an optical connector cleaning tool that cleans a connection end face of an optical connector.

[0002] In the light of the fact that the designated state admits the introduction based on the document reference, the content described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-072526 filed in Japan on April 26, 2023 is introduced into the present specification by reference as part of the description of the present specification. BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known that an optical connector cleaning tool capable of cleaning both in the case of directly cleaning an optical connector plug and in the case of cleaning an optical connector plug mounted to an adapter (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0004] In the case of using the optical connector cleaning tool, a cylindrical cover is mounted to the front end of the optical connector cleaning tool, and an optical connector plug is inserted into the cover, whereby the optical connector plug can be directly cleaned. On the other hand, by inserting the front end of the optical connector cleaning tool in a state where the cover is removed into an adapter, an optical connector plug mounted to the adapter can be cleaned.

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-191465

[0006] In the cleaning work using the above-described optical connector cleaning tool, the work of attaching and detaching the cover occurs depending on the state of the optical connector, and there is a problem that the work efficiency of the cleaning work of the optical connector is affected. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application aims to provide an optical connector cleaning tool capable of achieving an improvement in the efficiency of the cleaning work of an optical connector.

[0008] [1] The present application mode 1 is an optical connector cleaning tool that cleans a connection end face of an optical connector, wherein a cleaning shaft having a pressing surface that presses a cleaning body against the connection end face and having the cleaning body hung around in a manner of turning back at the pressing surface, and a cylindrical member that houses the cleaning shaft, the cylindrical member having a front end portion having an inner diameter that is deformable.

[0009] [2] The present application mode 2 can be an optical connector cleaning tool completed on the basis of the optical connector cleaning tool of mode 1, wherein the inner diameter is expanded by elastic deformation of the front end portion.

[0010] [3] The optical connector cleaning tool according to Mode 3 can be the optical connector cleaning tool according to Mode 1 or 2, wherein the inner diameter in the normal state has a size capable of being inserted into a ferrule of the optical connector, and the inner diameter in the expanded state has a size capable of being inserted into a barrel portion that holds the ferrule.

[0011] [4] The optical connector cleaning tool according to Mode 4 can be the optical connector cleaning tool according to Mode 3, wherein the barrel portion is disposed in a housing member that can accept a mating optical connector.

[0012] [5] The optical connector cleaning tool according to Mode 5 can be the optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of Modes 1 to 4, wherein the front end portion is divided into a plurality of movable pieces, and the plurality of movable pieces are elastically deformed toward the radial outside of the barrel member, whereby the inner diameter is expanded.

[0013] [6] The optical connector cleaning tool according to Mode 6 can be the optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of Modes 1 to 5, wherein the front end portion has a slit that extends in the length direction of the barrel member, and the front end portion is elastically deformed so as to be widened by the width of the slit, whereby the inner diameter is expanded.

[0014] [7] The optical connector cleaning tool according to Mode 7 can be the optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of Modes 1 to 6, wherein the barrel member has a main body portion to which the front end portion is connected, and the front end portion is composed of an elastic material having a Young's modulus that is smaller than the Young's modulus of a material that constitutes the main body portion.

[0015] [8] The optical connector cleaning tool according to Mode 8 can be the optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of Modes 1 to 7, wherein the front end portion has a tapered surface at the opening of the barrel member, and a barrel portion that holds a ferrule of the optical connector abuts against the tapered surface, whereby the inner diameter of the front end portion is expanded.

[0016] In the present application, the front end portion of the barrel member that houses the cleaning shaft has a deformable inner diameter, so that the dismounting work of the cover is not required, and the improvement of the efficiency of the cleaning work of the optical connector can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a front view showing an optical connector that is a cleaning target of an optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of an optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 3(a) is a front view showing the cleaning shaft and the front end portion of the guide nozzle of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 (b) is along Figure 3 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the front end portion of the guide nozzle according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is a diagram for explaining a method of directly cleaning a single-unit optical connector plug using the optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing a state before the optical connector cleaning tool is inserted into the optical connector plug, Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the optical connector cleaning tool is inserted into the optical connector plug.

[0022] Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) is a diagram for explaining a method of cleaning an optical connector plug mounted on an adapter using the optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing the state before the optical connector cleaning tool is inserted into the adapter, Figure 6 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the optical connector cleaning tool is inserted into the adapter.

[0023] Figure 7 (a) means Figure 5 A perspective view of the front end portion of the guide nozzle in the state (b), Figure 7 (b) means Figure 6 A perspective view of the front end portion of the guide nozzle in state (b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] An optical connector cleaning tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a cleaner for cleaning a connection end surface of an optical connector that connects optical fibers. Figure 1 1 is a front view showing an optical connector plug 80 to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The optical connector plug 80 corresponds to an example of the "optical connector" in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the cleaning object of the optical connector cleaning tool 1, i.e., the optical connector plug 80, is provided with a ferrule 81 having a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter Dl. The ferrule 81 is composed of, for example, zirconia. The ferrule 81 has an optical fiber holding hole (see Figure 5 (a) of FIG. 1 and Figure 5 (b) of FIG. 1) that penetrates the ferrule 81 in the length direction thereof. An optical fiber 82 is inserted into the optical fiber holding hole, and the optical fiber 82 is fixed to the ferrule 81 by an adhesive or the like. The optical fiber 82 is exposed from a circular end surface 811 of the ferrule 81. The ferrule 81 is held by a housing 83. The housing 83 is composed of, for example, a resin material.

[0027] Although not particularly limited, as a specific example of such an optical connector plug 80, for example, a single-core optical connector such as an SC (Single-fiber Coupling) connector specified in JIS C5973, an FC (Fiber Connector) connector specified in JIS C5970, an MU (Miniature Universal) connector specified in JIS C5983, and an LC connector (Lucent Connector) can be exemplified.

[0028] The pair of optical connector plugs 80 provided with the above-described ferrule 81 are connected to each other using an adapter 90 (see Figure 6 (a) of FIG. 1 and Figure 6 (b) of FIG. 1) having a sleeve (barrel portion) 92 that can be inserted through the ferrule 81.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6 , the adapter 90 is provided with a housing 91 and the barrel portion 92. The barrel portion 92 is disposed inside the housing 91 and is joined to the housing 91. The barrel portion 92 has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter D2, and the inner hole thereof has an inner diameter D3 (D2 > D3). The inner diameter D3 is slightly larger than the outer diameter Dl of the ferrule 81 (D3 > Dl), and the ferrule 81 can be fitted into the barrel portion 92. The barrel portion 92 has two openings that are opposed to each other, and is configured to be able to abut the ferrules to each other by inserting the ferrules into the two openings, respectively. In addition, although not particularly shown, the barrel portion 92 is provided with an inner peripheral portion that contacts the ferrule 81 and an outer peripheral portion that covers the inner peripheral portion. The inner peripheral portion is composed of, for example, zirconia, and the outer peripheral portion is composed of, for example, a resin material. The housing 91 of the adapter 90 corresponds to one example of the "accommodation member" of the present application.

[0030] When the pair of optical connector plugs 80 are inserted into the openings 911 and 912 on both sides of the housing 91 of the adapter 90, the respective ferrules 81 enter the barrel 92. Then, the end faces 811 of the ferrules 81 of the pair of optical connector plugs 80 are butted against each other in the barrel 92, whereby the optical fibers 82 exposed from the end faces 811 of the ferrules 81 are optically connected to each other.

[0031] During this docking, if dirt such as dust, dirt, and oil adheres to the end surface 811 of the ferrule 81, it may cause damage during assembly and disassembly, increase transmission loss, etc. Therefore, before connecting the optical connector plugs 80, the end surface 811 of the ferrule 81 is cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below.

[0032] The optical connector cleaning tool 1 of this embodiment can also directly clean the optical connector plug 80 in a standalone state (not attached to the adapter 90) without the aforementioned cover attachment and detachment operation. Furthermore, it can also clean the optical connector plug 80 attached to the adapter 90. In other words, regardless of the state of the optical connector plug 80, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 can clean the connection end surface 811 of the optical connector plug 80 without using a cover.

[0033] Specifically, when directly cleaning the optical connector plug 80 in a single state, the end surface 811 of the ferrule 81 of the optical connector plug 80 is cleaned by inserting the front end of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 into the opening 831 of the optical connector plug 80 (see FIG. Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b)). On the other hand, when cleaning the optical connector plug 80 mounted on the adapter 90, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is inserted into the other opening 912 of the adapter 90 with the optical connector plug 80 inserted into the opening 911 on one side to clean the end surface 811 of the ferrule 81 of the optical connector plug 80 (see Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b)).

[0034] Furthermore, the optical connector plug 80 is an optical connector plug used in a plug-adapter-plug combination. However, in an optical connector receptacle used in a plug-receptacle combination, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below can also be used to clean the end face of the ferrule.

[0035] Although not specifically shown, this optical connector receptacle also includes a housing and a barrel, similar to the adapter 90 described above. The barrel is disposed within the housing and connected to the housing. In this optical connector receptacle, the ferrule mounted on the front end of the optical fiber is assembled into the barrel.

[0036] The cylindrical portion has the same shape as the cylindrical portion 92 of the adapter 90 described above, has the same outer diameter D2 as the outer diameter D2 of the cylindrical portion 92, and has the same inner diameter D3 as the inner diameter D3 of the cylindrical portion 92. Therefore, the ferrule of the mating optical connector plug can be fitted with the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion has an inner peripheral portion that contacts the ferrule 81 and an outer peripheral portion that covers the inner peripheral portion. The inner peripheral portion is composed of, for example, zirconia, and the outer peripheral portion is composed of, for example, a resin material. The optical connector socket corresponds to an example of the "optical connector" of the aspect of the present disclosure, and the housing of the optical connector socket corresponds to an example of the "accommodation member" of the aspect of the present disclosure.

[0037] Hereinafter, the structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2-3

[0038] Figure 2 is a brief cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment, Figure 3 Figure 3 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB of (a).

[0039] As shown in Figure 2 , the optical connector cleaning tool 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "cleaner 1") of the present embodiment has a cleaning shaft 10, a feeding bobbin 21, a take-up bobbin 22, a guide nozzle 30, a support body 40, a housing 50, and a first urging member 60. The optical connector cleaning tool 1 cleans the optical connector plug 80 by pressing the cleaning body 5 hung on the cleaning shaft 10 to the connection end surface 811 of the ferrule 81 of the optical connector plug 80 with the pressing surface 111 (described later) of the cleaning shaft 10.

[0040] The cleaning body 5 is a continuous body in which a cleaning cloth is processed into a filament or a string. As a specific example of the cleaning cloth, for example, a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric composed of an extremely fine fiber such as polyester or nylon can be exemplified. The cleaning body 5 of the present embodiment has a circular cross-sectional shape, but is not particularly limited thereto, and for example, the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning body 5 can also be a polygonal shape. In addition, although not particularly limited, the cleaning body 5 has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, and preferably has a diameter of 0.2 to 0.3 mm. In addition, a narrow belt-shaped continuous body formed by processing a cleaning cloth into a belt shape can also be used as the cleaning body 5.

[0041] ​​​The cleaning shaft 10 is a long member for pressing the cleaning bodies 5 against the connecting end face 811 of the optical connector plug 80. The cleaning bodies 5 are hung around the cleaning shaft 10 in a manner that the pressing face 111 is folded back. The unused cleaning bodies 5 are supplied to the cleaning shaft 10 from the feeding bobbin 21. Then, the used cleaning bodies 5 are collected to the winding bobbin 22 while the pressing face 111 is folded back. The cleaning shaft 10 is provided with a cleaning head (head member) 11, a second force applying member 12, and a shaft main body 13.

[0042] Further, in the present embodiment, the cleaning shaft 10 is configured by a plurality of members 11 to 13, but the number of members configuring the cleaning shaft 10 is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the cleaning shaft 10 can be configured by a single member by integrally molding the cleaning head 11, the second force applying member 12, and the shaft main body 13 from a resin material.

[0043] The cleaning head 11 is a member configuring the front end portion of the cleaning shaft 10. As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 1, the cleaning head 11 has the pressing face 111 that presses the cleaning bodies 5 against the connecting end face 811 of the optical connector plug 80 at the front end thereof. Figure 3 Figure 3 The cleaning head 11 has the pressing face 111 that presses the cleaning bodies 5 against the connecting end face 811 of the optical connector plug 80 at the front end thereof. The pressing face 111 has a circular shape in a manner corresponding to the shape of the connecting end face 811 of the ferrule 81 of the optical connector plug 80 that is the cleaning target.

[0044] A pair of guide holes 112, 113 are formed in the pressing face 111, and the cleaning bodies 5 can pass through the inside of the cleaning shaft 10. The unused cleaning bodies 5 sent out from the feeding bobbin 21 are supplied to the pressing face 111 through the inside of the cleaning shaft 10 and the one guide hole 112. The cleaning bodies 5 supplied to the pressing face 111 move on the pressing face 111 through the center thereof and toward the other guide hole 113. Then, the used cleaning bodies 5 pass through the other guide hole 113 and the inside of the cleaning shaft 10 and are wound on the winding bobbin 22. Further, instead of the above-described guide holes 112, 113, a pair of guide grooves can be formed in the side surface of the cleaning head 11, and the cleaning bodies 5 can be supplied and collected with respect to the pressing face 111 via the guide grooves.

[0045] As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 1, Figure 2 ​As shown, the cleaning head 11 is supported by the cleaning shaft 13 so as to be relatively movable in the first direction. Here, the first direction refers to the direction of insertion and extraction of the cleaner 1 with respect to the optical connector plug 80, the adapter 90, or the optical connector receptacle during cleaning, and also refers to the axial direction (lengthwise direction) of the cleaning shaft 10. The second force applying member 12 is interposed between the cleaning head 11 and the cleaning shaft 13. The cleaning head 11 is urged forward by the second force applying member 12 with respect to the shaft body 13, and the pressing surface 111 of the cleaning head 11 is able to press the cleaning body 5 against the connecting end surface 811 of the optical connector plug 80 with an appropriate pressing force. As a specific example of the second force applying member 12, an elastic body such as a spring, rubber, or the like can be exemplified, and as a specific example of the spring, a coil spring or the like can be exemplified. Furthermore, although not particularly shown, the cleaning shaft 10 is provided with a guide mechanism that guides the relative movement of the cleaning head 11 in the first direction with respect to the shaft body 13.

[0046] The guide spout 30 is a tubular member that houses the above-described cleaning shaft 10. The opening 301 on the front end side of the guide spout 30 is inserted into the ferrule 81 of the optical connector plug 80, the tubular portion 92 of the adapter 90, or the tubular portion of the optical connector receptacle. As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6, the guide spout 30 is provided with a front end portion 31 having the opening 301, and a main body portion 32 connected to the front end portion 31. Figure 3 Figure 3 As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6, the guide spout 30 is provided with a front end portion 31 having the opening 301, and a main body portion 32 connected to the front end portion 31.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the front end portion 31 is divided into a plurality of (four in the present example) movable pieces 311, and slits 312 are formed between the movable pieces 311. The slits 312 extend in the first direction, and open at the end portion on the front end side. Each of the movable pieces 311 is supported by the main body portion 32, and is elastically deformable with the connecting portion to the main body portion 32 as a fixed end. The movable pieces 311 are elastically deformed toward the radial outer side of the guide spout 30, whereby the inner diameter of the front end portion 31 is expanded. In other words, the front end portion 31 is elastically deformed so as to widen the width of each of the slits 312, whereby the inner diameter of the front end portion 31 is expanded.

[0048] The front end portion 31 has an inner diameter D4 that is slightly larger than the outer diameter D1 of the ferrule 81 of the optical connector plug 80 in the normal state (unexpanded state), and is able to be fitted with the ferrule 81. The inner diameter D4 of the front end portion 31 in the normal state is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the tubular portion 92 of the adapter 90 described above (refer to (a) of FIG. 6) (D4 < D2). In addition, although not particularly limited, the inner diameter D4 of the front end portion 31 in the normal state is substantially the same as the inner diameter D3 of the tubular portion of the optical connector receptacle described above (refer to (a) of FIG. 6) (D4 = D3). Figure 6 Figure 6

[0049] ​​​On the other hand, the inner diameter D5 (see (b) of FIG. 6) of the front end portion 31 at the time of the expansion of the diameter is slightly larger (D5 > D2) than the outer diameter D2 (see (a) of FIG. 6) of the barrel portion 92 of the adapter 90 and the barrel portion of the optical connector socket. Therefore, the front end portion 31 after the expansion of the diameter can be inserted into the barrel portion 92 of the adapter 90 and the barrel portion of the optical connector socket. The inner diameter D5 of the front end portion 31 at the time of the expansion of the diameter is larger than the inner diameter D4 (D5 > D4) of the front end portion 31 at the time of the normal use. Figure 7 On the other hand, the inner diameter D5 (see (b) of FIG. 6) of the front end portion 31 at the time of the expansion of the diameter is slightly larger (D5 > D2) than the outer diameter D2 (see (a) of FIG. 6) of the barrel portion 92 of the adapter 90 and the barrel portion of the optical connector socket. Therefore, the front end portion 31 after the expansion of the diameter can be inserted into the barrel portion 92 of the adapter 90 and the barrel portion of the optical connector socket. The inner diameter D5 of the front end portion 31 at the time of the expansion of the diameter is larger than the inner diameter D4 (D5 > D4) of the front end portion 31 at the time of the normal use. Figure 6

[0050] Further, the number of the movable pieces 311 provided to the front end portion 31 is not particularly limited to the above. In the present embodiment, the front end portion 31 has four slits 312, but the number of the slits 312 is not particularly limited to this, but is set according to the number of the movable pieces 311. Further, the slits 312 having the width can not be formed between the movable pieces 311, and for example, the end portions of the movable pieces 311 adjacent to each other can be overlapped with each other.

[0051] Further, the structure of the front end portion 31 is not particularly limited to the above as long as the inner diameter of the front end portion 31 can be expanded by the elastic deformation of the front end portion 31. For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 7, the front end portion 31 can not have the slits 312, but can be composed of an elastic material having a Young's modulus smaller than that of the material composing the main body portion 32. Although not particularly limited, for example, the front end portion 31 can be composed of a rubber which is more easily elastically deformed than the resin material composing the main body portion 32. Figure 4 Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a modification example of the front end portion 31 of the guide nozzle 30 of the present embodiment. Further, as shown in (a) of FIG. 8, the front end portion 31 can be divided into a plurality of movable pieces, and the slits can be formed between the plurality of movable pieces. Figure 4

[0052] Further, the inner diameter of the front end portion 31 can be deformed without using the elastic deformation. For example, the front end portion 31 can be composed of an iris mechanism used in a camera or the like. Although not particularly shown, the iris mechanism makes a plurality of blades which can be rotated about a rotation axis, respectively, rotate in synchronization by a cam, and thereby can expand an opening divided by the blades without using the elastic deformation.

[0053] As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 9, the front end portion 31 can be composed of a material having a Young's modulus smaller than that of the material composing the main body portion 32. Figure 3 Figure 3 ​​​​As shown in (b), the front end portion 31 has a tapered surface 313 at the opening 301 of the guide port 30. The tapered surface 313 is formed at the front end of the inner side surface of the front end portion 31. The tapered surface 313 is inclined toward the inner side of the guide port 30 as it goes from the front end toward the rear end of the guide port 30. In the case of cleaning the optical connector plug 80 in the state of being mounted to the adapter 90, the front end portion 31 is pushed away by the cylindrical portion 92 of the adapter 90 imitating the tapered surface 313, whereby the inner diameter of the front end portion 31 easily expands.

[0054] Returning to Figure 2 , the guide port 30 is supported by the support body 40 so as to be relatively movable along the first direction. Thereby, the cleaning shaft 10 is relatively movable along the first direction with respect to the guide port 30, and the front end portion of the cleaning shaft 10 is able to protrude from the guide port 30 or retreat into the guide port 30. The portion of the cleaning shaft 10 housed on the rear end side of the guide port 30 is located in the support body 40. In addition, the third biasing member 35 is interposed between the guide port 30 and the support body 40. As a specific example of the third biasing member 35, an elastic body such as a spring, rubber, or the like can be exemplified, and as a specific example of the spring, a coil spring or the like can be exemplified. Furthermore, although not particularly illustrated, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is provided with a guide mechanism that guides the relative movement of the guide port 30 with respect to the support body 40 along the first direction.

[0055] In addition, the cleaning shaft 10 is supported by the support body 40 so as to be rotatable about the first direction. Furthermore, although not particularly illustrated, the cleaning shaft 10 is provided with a locking structure that inhibits the relative rotation of the cleaning head 11 with respect to the shaft body 13.

[0056] The aforementioned feeding tube 21 and the take-up tube 22 are also housed in the support body 40. These tubes 21, 22 are supported by the support body 40 so as to be rotatable. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 , either of the tubes 21, 22 is able to rotate only in the clockwise direction in the drawing, and rotation in the counterclockwise direction is restricted by a ratchet mechanism that is not particularly illustrated. Furthermore, the direction of rotation of these tubes 21, 22 can be in only one direction, and it is also possible to make the tubes 21, 22 able to rotate only in the counterclockwise direction, and restrict the rotation of the tubes 21, 22 in the clockwise direction.

[0057] The support body 40 is housed in the housing 50 so as to be relatively movable along the first direction. An opening 51 is formed in the housing 50, and the guide port 30 and the third biasing member 35 protrude forward from the housing 50 via the opening 51. Furthermore, although not particularly illustrated, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is provided with a guide mechanism that guides the relative movement of the support body 40 with respect to the housing 50 along the first direction.

[0058] Further, a first force applying member 60 is interposed between the support body 40 and the housing 50. This first force applying member 60 applies a force to the support body 40 in the forward direction with respect to the housing 50. As a specific example of this first force applying member 60, an elastic body such as a spring, rubber, or the like can be exemplified, and as a specific example of the spring, a coil spring or the like can be exemplified.

[0059] The take-up bobbin 22 supported by the support body 40 has a pinion 23. Further, the housing 50 has a rack 52 that engages with this pinion 23. Therefore, if the support body 40 is relatively moved with respect to the housing 50 in the first direction, the linear motion is converted to rotational motion by the rack 52 and the pinion 23, and the take-up bobbin 22 rotates, so the used cleaning body 5 is wound on this take-up bobbin 22 at the pressing surface 111 of the cleaning shaft 10. Further, a tension force acts on the cleaning body 5 in conjunction with this take-up operation, so the feed-out bobbin 21 rotates, and thus the unused cleaning body 5 is fed out from this feed-out bobbin 21 to the pressing surface 111 of the cleaning shaft 10.

[0060] Further, a helical cam groove 131 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the shaft main body 13 of the cleaning shaft 10. On the other hand, the housing 50 has a cam pin 53 that is inserted into this cam groove 131. Therefore, if the support body 40 is relatively moved with respect to the housing 50 in the first direction, the cam pin 53 relatively slides and moves within the cam groove 131, so the cleaning shaft 10 rotates with the rotational axis in the first direction as the center.

[0061] Next, the use method of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described above will be described with reference to Figure 5 (a) to Figure 7 of FIG. 10.

[0062] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) of FIG. 11 are diagrams for explaining a method of directly cleaning the optical connector plug 80 in a single body state using the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment, Figure 5 (a) of FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state before the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is inserted into the optical connector plug 80, Figure 5 (b) of FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is inserted into the optical connector plug 80. On the other hand, Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) of FIG. 12 are diagrams for explaining a method of cleaning the optical connector plug 80 in a state of being mounted to the adapter 90 using the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present embodiment, Figure 6 (a) of FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state before the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is inserted into the adapter 90, Figure 6 (b) of FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is inserted into the adapter 90. Further, Figure 7(a) means Figure 5 A perspective view of the front end portion 31 of the guide nozzle 30 in the state (b), Figure 7 (b) means Figure 6 A perspective view of the front end portion 31 of the guide nozzle 30 in the state of (b). Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 6 In (b), the cleaning element 5 is not shown.

[0063] When directly cleaning the optical connector plug 80 in a single state, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 As shown in (b), first, the operator inserts the front end portion 31 of the guide nozzle 30 of the cleaner 1 into the opening 831 of the housing 83 of the optical connector plug 80, and inserts the ferrule 81 into the inner hole 314 of the front end portion 31 of the guide nozzle 30. As a result, the inner diameter of the front end portion 31 of the guide nozzle 30 is fitted with the outer diameter of the ferrule 81, and the pressing surface 111 of the cleaning shaft 10 is positioned relative to the connecting end surface 811 of the ferrule 81. At this time, as described above, the front end portion 31 has an inner diameter D4 that is slightly larger than the outer diameter D1 of the ferrule 81 of the optical connector plug 80, so as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the front end portion 31 is not enlarged in diameter.

[0064] The operator then presses the front end 31 of the guide nozzle 30 of the cleaner 1 into the opening 831 of the optical connector plug 80. The pressing surface 111 of the cleaning shaft 10 presses the cleaning element 5 against the connection end surface 811 of the optical connector plug 80. At this point, the cleaning head 11 is pressed by the reaction force from the connection end surface 811 of the optical connector plug 80. As a result, the cleaning head 11 approaches the shaft body 13, compressing the second force-applying member 12 and pressing the cleaning element 5 against the connection end surface 811 with an appropriate pressing force.

[0065] Next, if the operator presses the housing 50 in the first direction relative to the guide tube opening 30, the first force-applying member 60 contracts, and the rack 52 and pinion 23 rotate the take-up bobbin 22. Consequently, the used cleaning element 5 is retrieved from the pressing surface 111 of the cleaning shaft 10 onto the take-up bobbin 22, while the unused cleaning element 5 is supplied from the delivery bobbin 21 to the pressing surface 111. As a result, the cleaning element 5 slides while being pressed against the connecting end surface 811 of the optical connector plug 80, thereby wiping off any dirt adhering to the connecting end surface 811.

[0066] At this time, by the pressing-in operation of the housing 50 relative to the guide spout 30 by the operator as described above, the cam pin 53 of the housing 50 relatively slides and moves within the cam groove 131 of the cleaning shaft 10, whereby the cleaning shaft 10 rotates with the rotational axis in the first direction as the center. Therefore, even if the width of the cleaning body 5 in a filament or string form is narrower than the connecting end surface 811 as the cleaning target, it is possible to wipe off dirt from the entire area of the connecting end surface 811. Further, although not particularly limited, it is preferable that the rotation angle of the cleaning shaft 10 be 180 degrees or more.

[0067] Next, if the operator releases the pressing-in of the housing 50 relative to the guide spout 30, the housing 50 is retracted relative to the guide spout 30 by the elastic force of the first biasing member 60. At this time, by a ratchet mechanism not particularly shown, either of the bobbin tubes 21, 22 is restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing, and thus does not rotate.

[0068] On the other hand, by the pressing-in release by the operator, the cam pin 53 of the housing 50 relatively slides and moves within the cam groove 131 of the cleaning shaft 10, and the cleaning shaft 10 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotational direction at the time of the pressing-in operation as described above.

[0069] After the cleaning is completed, the operator pulls out the front end portion 31 of the guide spout 30 of the cleaner 1 from the optical connector plug 80, whereby the cleaner 1 is detached from the optical connector plug 80.

[0070] In contrast, in the case where the optical connector plug 80 in the state of being cleaned is mounted to the adapter 90, as shown in Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b), first, the operator inserts the front end portion 31 of the guide spout 30 of the cleaner 1 into the opening 912 of the housing 91 of the adapter 90. At this time, as described above, the inner diameter D4 of the front end portion 31 of the guide spout 30 at the normal time is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the cylindrical portion 92 of the adapter 90, and thus the end portion of the cylindrical portion 92 abuts against the tapered surface 313 which is a part of the inner wall of the guide spout 30.

[0071] Then, if the operator presses in the front end portion 31 of the guide spout 30 of the cleaner 1, the movable piece 311 elastically deforms toward the radial outside of the guide spout 30 by the tapered surface 313 through the cylindrical portion 92 of the adapter 90. That is, while the inner diameter of the front end portion 31 is pushed open, the cylindrical portion 92 is inserted into the inner hole 314 of the front end portion 31. In Figure 7 (b) shown is the front end portion 31 whose inner diameter is expanded.

[0072] If the operator further presses the front end portion 31 of the guide port 30 from this state, the third urging member 35 is compressed, whereby the cleaning head 11 protrudes from the guide port 30. Then, the cleaning head 11 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 92 of the adapter 90, and after the pressing surface 111 of the cleaning shaft 10 is positioned with respect to the connecting end surface 811 of the ferrule 81 positioned inside the cylindrical portion 92, the cleaning shaft 10 presses the cleaning body 5 against the connecting end surface 811. At this time, the cleaning head 11 approaches the shaft body 13 by the reaction force from the connecting end surface 811 of the optical connector plug 80, and the second urging member 12 is compressed, whereby the cleaning body 5 is pressed against the connecting end surface 811 with an appropriate pressing force.

[0073] Next, if the operator presses the housing 50 with respect to the guide port 30 in the first direction, as in the case of the optical connector plug 80 in the single body state described above, the cleaning body 5 is pressed against the connecting end surface 811 of the optical connector plug 80 while sliding to wipe off dirt adhering to the connecting end surface 811. At this time, the cleaning shaft 10 rotates with the rotational axis in the first direction as the center. Then, after the pressing of the housing 50 with respect to the guide port 30 is released, the operator pulls out the front end portion 31 of the guide port 30 of the cleaner 1 from the optical connector plug 80, whereby the cleaner 1 is removed from the optical connector plug 80.

[0074] Further, although not particularly illustrated, in the case of cleaning the connecting end surface of the ferrule provided in the optical connector jack, the connecting end surface can be cleaned with the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in the same manner as the above-described essentials explained with reference to Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) of FIG. 6.

[0075] As described above, in the present embodiment, the front end portion 31 of the guide port 30 that houses the cleaning shaft 10 has a deformable inner diameter, and thus the connecting end surface 811 of the optical connector plug 80 can be cleaned without using a cap regardless of the state of the optical connector plug 80. Therefore, the dismounting work of the cap is not required, and thus the efficiency of the cleaning work of the optical connector plug 80 can be improved.

[0076] Further, the embodiments described above are described for easy understanding of the present application, and are not described for limiting the present application. Therefore, it should be understood that each element disclosed in the above-described embodiments also includes all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present application.

[0077] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1… optical connector cleaning tool; 5… cleaning body; 10… cleaning shaft; 11… cleaning head; 111… pressing surface; 112, 113… guide hole; 12… second urging member; 13… shaft main body; 131… cam groove; 21… feeding bobbin; 22… take-up bobbin; 23… pinion; 30… guide nozzle; 301… opening; 31… front end portion; 311… movable piece; 312… slit; 313… tapered surface; 32… main body portion; 35… third urging member; 40… support body; 50… housing; 51… opening; 52… rack; 53… cam pin; 60… first urging member; 80… optical connector plug; 81… ferrule; 811… connecting end surface; 82… optical fiber; 83… housing; 831… opening; 90… adapter; 91… housing; 911, 912… opening; 92… cylindrical portion.

Claims

1. An optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector, characterized in that: have: a cleaning shaft having a pressing surface for pressing a cleaning element against the connection end surface, and having the cleaning element hung around the shaft in a manner folded back on the pressing surface; and a cylindrical member for accommodating the cleaning shaft; The cylindrical member has a front end portion having a deformable inner diameter.

2. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein The inner diameter is expanded by elastic deformation of the front end portion.

3. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Normally, the inner diameter has a size that can be inserted into the ferrule of the optical connector. The inner diameter when expanded has a size capable of inserting and holding the cylindrical portion of the ferrule.

4. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The front end portion is divided into a plurality of movable pieces. The plurality of movable pieces are elastically deformed toward the radially outer side of the tubular member, whereby the inner diameter is expanded.

5. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The front end portion includes a slit extending along the longitudinal direction of the tubular member. The front end portion is elastically deformed so that the width of the slit increases, thereby expanding the inner diameter.

6. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The cylindrical member includes a main body connected to the front end portion. The front end portion is formed of an elastic material having a Young's modulus smaller than that of a material forming the main body portion.

7. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The front end portion has a tapered surface at the opening of the cylindrical member, The inner diameter of the front end portion is increased by causing the cylindrical portion holding the ferrule of the optical connector to abut against the tapered surface.

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