Optical connector cleaning tool

Abstract

An optical connector cleaning tool (1) is provided with: a cleaning shaft (20) having a pressing surface (211) for pressing a cleaning body (5) against a connection end surface (111) of an optical connector (100); a housing (60) that holds the cleaning shaft (20) so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction of the cleaning shaft (20); a delivery bobbin (33) housed in the housing (60) and supplying the cleaning body (5) to the pressing surface (211); a take-up bobbin (31) housed in the housing (60) and collecting the cleaning body (5) from the pressing surface (211); and a fixing mechanism (94) that fixes the delivery bobbin (33) when the relative position of the cleaning shaft (20) with respect to the housing (60) is displaced in the + Y direction, and releases the fixation of the delivery bobbin (33) when the relative position of the cleaning shaft (20) with respect to the housing (60) is displaced in the-Y direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For the designated countries that recognize the inclusion based on documentary reference, the contents described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-142518 filed in Japan on September 1, 2023, are incorporated into this specification by reference as part of the description in this specification. Background Technology

[0003] A known cleaning tool for optical connectors includes: a feeding mechanism that extracts a certain amount of cleaning medium from a feed-side tube in conjunction with the movement of a moving body; and a winding mechanism that winds the cleaning medium onto a winding-side tube (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The winding mechanism includes a sliding mechanism that, if the load on the drive plate pressing the engaging protrusion of the rotating body of the winding tube reaches a predetermined load, the drive plate slides relative to the rotating body.

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 170539

[0005] As the number of cleaning cycles increases, the amount of cleaning medium wound around the take-up side tube increases, thus increasing the radius of the cleaning medium and the amount of cleaning medium wound up with each cycle of the take-up mechanism. In contrast, the aforementioned sliding mechanism prevents a certain amount of cleaning medium from being wound up further by the take-up side tube, but fine-tuning this sliding mechanism is difficult. Therefore, the following problem exists: if the number of cleaning cycles increases, a certain amount is wound up by the take-up tube, limiting the number of times the optical connector can be cleaned. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning tool for optical connectors that can achieve an increase in the number of cleaning cycles.

[0007] [1] Embodiment 1 of the present invention is an optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector, comprising: a cleaning shaft having a pressing surface for pressing a cleaning body against the connection end face, the cleaning body being wrapped around the pressing surface; a housing holding the cleaning shaft so as to be movable relative to it along the axial direction of the cleaning shaft; a first tube housed in the housing and supplying the cleaning body to the pressing surface; a second tube housed in the housing and retrieving the cleaning body from the pressing surface; and a fixing mechanism fixing the first tube when the cleaning shaft is displaced in a first direction relative to the housing, and releasing the fixing of the first tube when the cleaning shaft is displaced in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the housing.

[0008] [2] Embodiment 2 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool completed based on the optical connector cleaning tool of Embodiment 1, wherein the optical connector cleaning tool comprises: a supply mechanism that supplies the cleaning body from the first tube to the pressing surface as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing in the second direction; and a recovery mechanism that rotates the second tube to recover the cleaning body from the pressing surface as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing in the first direction.

[0009] [3] Embodiment 3 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool completed based on the optical connector cleaning tool of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the optical connector cleaning tool is provided with a rotation limiting mechanism, which limits the rotation of the second tube when a tension of more than a predetermined value is applied to the second tube via the cleaning body.

[0010] [4] Embodiment 4 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool completed based on any of the optical connector cleaning tools in Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises: a first engaging portion capable of approaching and moving away from the first tube; a second engaging portion capable of engaging with the first engaging portion and provided by the first tube; and a guiding member capable of moving relative to the first engaging portion as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing. When the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing in the first direction, the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion. When the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing in the second direction, the first engaging portion is guided by the guiding member, causing the first engaging portion to move away from the first tube.

[0011] [5] Embodiment 5 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool completed based on the optical connector cleaning tool of Embodiment 2, wherein the cleaning shaft has a passage for the cleaning body that is recovered from the pressing surface to the second tube to pass through, and the supply mechanism includes: a first contact portion that can move relative to the cleaning shaft as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing and makes contact with a portion between the rear end of the cleaning shaft and the second tube in the cleaning body; and a second contact portion that can move relative to the housing as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing and makes contact with a portion between the first contact portion and the second tube in the cleaning body.

[0012] [6] Embodiment 6 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool completed based on the optical connector cleaning tool of Embodiment 2, wherein the optical connector cleaning tool includes a rotating body mounted on the second tube, and the recycling mechanism includes: a pinion gear portion provided by the rotating body; and a rack that can move relative to the rotating body as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the outer casing, and engages with the pinion gear portion.

[0013] [7] Embodiment 7 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool completed based on the optical connector cleaning tool of Embodiment 3, wherein the optical connector cleaning tool includes a rotating body mounted on the second tube, and the rotation limiting mechanism includes: a third engaging portion having a first inclined surface provided by the rotating body; and a fourth engaging portion having a second inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface provided by the second tube. When the second tube is subjected to a tension of more than the specified value via the cleaning body, the engagement of the third engaging portion and the fourth engaging portion is released, thereby allowing the rotating body to idle relative to the second tube.

[0014] According to the present invention, the fixing mechanism fixes the first tube when the relative position of the cleaning shaft relative to the housing is displaced in a first direction, and releases the fixing of the first tube when the relative position of the cleaning shaft relative to the housing is displaced in a second direction, thereby enabling the optical connector cleaning tool to increase the number of times the optical connector can be cleaned. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view of the optical connector being cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention, i.e., the optical connector itself.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 (a) is a front view showing the front end portion of the cleaning head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 (b) is along Figure 5 (a) A sectional view of the VB-VB line.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the rotation limiting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a winding bobbin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the recycling mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the supply mechanism and fixing mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the support body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along line XI-XI.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the adjustment component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 13 (a) ~ Figure 13 (c) is a diagram illustrating the internal operation of the optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 (a) is a diagram showing the state relative to the cleaning unit before it is pressed into the housing. Figure 13 (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the cleaning unit is pressed into the outer casing. Figure 13 (c) is a diagram showing the state where the outer casing has been released from pressure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The optical connector cleaning tool 1 of the present invention is a cleaner for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector that connects optical fibers to each other. Figure 1 This is a front view showing the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment, namely the optical connector 100.

[0030] The object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 1, namely the optical connector 100, is not particularly limited; it is a single-core connection type optical connector plug. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the optical connector 100 includes: a ferrule 110 having a cylindrical shape; and a housing 130 that stores the ferrule 110 internally. The ferrule 110 has an optical fiber retaining hole extending through it in its length direction (see reference). Figure 5 (b) An optical fiber 120 is inserted into the optical fiber holding hole and is fixed to the ferrule 110 by adhesive or the like. The optical fiber 120 protrudes from the circular connecting end face 111 of the ferrule 110.

[0031] While not specifically limited, specific examples of such optical connectors 100 include, for example, the SC (Single-fiber Coupling) connector specified in JIS C5973, the FC (Fiber Connector) connector specified in JIS C5970, the MU (Miniature Universal) connector specified in JIS C 5983, and the LC connector (Lucent Connector), etc., which are single-core optical connectors.

[0032] When connecting a pair of optical connectors 100, each equipped with the aforementioned ferrule 110, an adapter is used. Specifically, the pair of optical connectors 100 are inserted into the openings on both sides of the adapter, and the adapter's sleeve 150 (see reference) is used. Figure 5 Insert the ferrule 110 into the openings on both sides of (b) respectively. Then, in the sleeve 150, mate the connecting end faces 111 of the pair of ferrules 110 with each other, thereby optically connecting the optical fibers 120 exposed from the connecting end faces 111 of the ferrules 110 with each other.

[0033] During the connection process, if dust, dirt, oil, or other contaminants adhere to the connection end face 111 of the ferrule 110, it may cause damage during assembly and disassembly, or increase transmission loss. Therefore, before connecting the optical connectors 100 to each other, use the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below to clean the connection end face 111 of the ferrule 110.

[0034] Furthermore, while the aforementioned optical connector 100 is a plug-adapter-plug type optical connector plug, in a plug-receptacle type optical connector receptacle, the connection end face of the ferrule can be cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below. Specifically, the optical connector receptacle inserts the ferrule mounted at the front end of the optical fiber into the housing into which the optical connector plug is inserted.

[0035] Alternatively, a cover with an inner hole of the same shape as the inner hole of the adapter can be installed at the front end of the optical connector cleaning tool 1, and the optical connector plug can be inserted into the cover, thereby cleaning the connection end face of the optical connector plug individual that is not inserted into the adapter.

[0036] The following is for reference Figures 2-8 The structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of this embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 of this embodiment. Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning unit 10 of this embodiment. Figure 5 (a) is a front view showing the front end portion of the cleaning head 21 in this embodiment. Figure 5 (b) is along Figure 5 (a) A sectional view of the VB-VB line. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the rotation limiting mechanism 91 of this embodiment. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the winding bobbin 31 of this embodiment. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the recycling mechanism 92 of this embodiment. Figure 9 This is a top view showing the supply mechanism 93 and the fixing mechanism 94 of this embodiment. Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the support body 40 of this embodiment. Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along line XI-XI. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the adjustment component 62 of this embodiment. Figure 13 (a) ~ Figure 13 (c) is a diagram showing the internal operation of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "cleaner 1") of this embodiment includes a cleaning unit 10, a housing 60, and a first force-applying member 70. The cleaning unit 10 is housed in the housing 60 such that it can move relative to the housing 60 along the Y-axis direction in the figure. The first force-applying member 70 is sandwiched between the cleaning unit 10 and the housing 60 and applies force to the cleaning unit 10 forward (in the +Y direction in the figure). The cleaning unit 10 includes: a cleaning shaft 20, a take-up tube 31 for taking up the cleaning body 5, a rotating body 32, a delivery tube 33 for delivering the cleaning body 5, a support body 40, and a guide port 50. The cleaner 1 cleans the optical connector 100 by pressing the cleaning body 5, which is wrapped around the cleaning shaft 20, against the connection end face 111 of the ferrule 110 of the optical connector 100 using the pressing surface 211 (described later) of the cleaning shaft 20.

[0039] The cleaning body 5 is a continuous body obtained by processing the cleaning cloth into filaments or ropes. Specific examples of the cleaning cloth include nonwoven or woven fabrics made of extremely fine fibers such as polyester or nylon. The cleaning body 5 of this embodiment has a circular cross-sectional shape, but is not particularly limited thereto; for example, the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning body 5 can also be polygonal. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the cleaning body 5 has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. Alternatively, a narrow strip-shaped continuous body formed by processing the cleaning cloth into a strip shape can also be used as the cleaning body 5.

[0040] The cleaning shaft 20 is an elongated component used to press the cleaning body 5 against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100. The cleaning body 5 is wound around the cleaning shaft 20 in a manner that folds back at the pressing surface 211. Unused cleaning bodies 5 are wound onto the delivery tube 33. Unused cleaning bodies 5 are supplied to the cleaning shaft 20 from the delivery tube 33. Furthermore, cleaning bodies 5 used on the pressing surface 211 are retrieved to the take-up tube 31. The cleaning shaft 20 includes a cleaning head (head component) 21, a second force-applying component 22, and a shaft component 23.

[0041] The cleaning head 21 is a component that forms the front end portion of the cleaning shaft 20. For example... Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 As shown in (b), the cleaning head 21 has a pressing surface 211 at its front end for pressing the cleaning body 5 against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100. The pressing surface 211 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection end face 111 of the ferrule 110 of the optical connector 100 (in this embodiment, it is a circular shape).

[0042] A pair of guide holes 212 and 213 are formed on the pressing surface 211, allowing the cleaning body 5 to pass through the interior of the cleaning shaft 20. Unused cleaning bodies 5, delivered from the delivery tube 33, are supplied to the pressing surface 211 through the interior of the cleaning shaft 20 and one of the guide holes 212. The cleaning bodies 5 supplied to the pressing surface 211 pass through the center of the pressing surface 211 and move towards the other guide hole 213 on the pressing surface 211. Then, the used cleaning bodies 5 pass through the other guide hole 213 and the interior of the cleaning shaft 20 and are wound up and retrieved by the take-up tube 31. Alternatively, instead of the aforementioned guide holes 212 and 213, a pair of guide grooves may be formed on the side of the cleaning head 21, through which the cleaning bodies 5 are supplied and retrieved relative to the pressing surface 211.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the shaft component 23 includes a shaft body 24 and an expanded diameter portion 25. Both the shaft body 24 and the expanded diameter portion 25 are cylindrical, and the expanded diameter portion 25 is connected to the rear end of the shaft body 24. Although not particularly limited, the shaft component 23 is, for example, made of resin material, and the shaft body 24 and the expanded diameter portion 25 are integrally formed.

[0044] The aforementioned cleaning head 21 is disposed on the front end side of the shaft body 24. The cleaning head 21 is supported by the shaft body 24 such that it can move relative to the shaft body 24 along the Y-axis direction shown in the figure. Here, the Y-axis direction in the figure refers to the insertion / removal direction of the cleaner 1 relative to the adapter during cleaning, and is also the axial direction (length direction) of the cleaning shaft 20, as well as the pressing direction of the cleaning head 21 pressing against the pressing surface 211 via the cleaning body 5. Furthermore, although not specifically shown, the cleaning shaft 20 has a locking mechanism that inhibits the relative rotation of the cleaning head 21 relative to the shaft body 24 about the rotation axis RA.

[0045] The second force-applying component 22 is clamped between the cleaning head 21 and the shaft body 24. Through this second force-applying component 22, the cleaning head 21 is subjected to a forward force relative to the shaft body 24 (in the +Y direction in the figure), and the pressing surface 211 of the cleaning head 21 can press the cleaning body 5 against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 with an appropriate pressing force. Specific examples of this second force-applying component 22 include elastic bodies such as springs and rubber; specific examples of springs include coil springs.

[0046] A helical cam groove 251 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the expanded diameter portion 25. The cam groove 251 and the cam pin 63 of the housing 60 (described later) realize a rotation mechanism that rotates the cleaning shaft 20. This rotation mechanism, along with the relative movement of the support body 40 relative to the housing 60, causes the cleaning shaft 20 to rotate around a rotation axis RA that is parallel to the length direction of the cleaning shaft 20.

[0047] Additionally, the shaft component 23 has a passageway 26 extending along the length of the shaft component 23 (see reference). Figure 9 The cleaning body 5 delivered from the delivery tube 33 passes through the passage 26 of the shaft component 23 and is supplied to the pressing surface 211 of the cleaning head 21. On the other hand, the cleaning body 5 recovered from the pressing surface 211 of the cleaning head 21 passes through the passage 26 of the shaft body 24 and is wound up by the winding tube 31.

[0048] The take-up bobbin 31 is the bobbin that winds up the cleaning body 5 used on the pressing surface 211 of the cleaning head 21, and is the bobbin that is retrieved from the pressing surface 211 of the cleaning body 5. This take-up bobbin 31 corresponds to an example of the "second bobbin" in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the winding bobbin 31 has a main body 311 and a pair of flanges 312 and 313. The winding bobbin 31 is made of, for example, resin material, and the main body 311 and the flanges 312 and 313 are integrally formed.

[0049] The used cleaning body 5 is wound around the main body 311. The main body 311 has a cylindrical shape and a first shaft 43 (described later) is inserted into the support body 40. A pair of flanges 312 and 313 have a circular plate shape with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the main body 311 and are provided at both ends of the main body 311.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of recesses 314 are formed on the outer surface of the flange portion 312 on the lower side (the -Z direction side in the figure) of the winding bobbin 31. These recesses 314 are intermittently arranged along the circumference of the flange portion 312. The claw portion 411 of the support body 40, described later (see...) Figure 11 The claw 411 can engage with the recess 314. The claw 411 allows the winding of the bobbin 31 in one direction (in...) Figure 9 The rotation is right-handed (clockwise), and in contrast, the other direction of winding the bobbin 31 is prohibited (in...). Figure 9 The rotation in the middle is left-handed (counter-clockwise).

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, a gear portion 315 is formed on the outer surface of the flange portion 313 on the upper side (+Z direction side in the figure) of the winding bobbin 31. Each tooth 316 constituting the gear portion 315 has inclined surfaces 316a and 316b on both sides. The tooth 316 of the gear portion 315 corresponds to an example of the "fourth engagement portion" in the embodiment of the present invention, and the inclined surface 316a of the tooth 316 corresponds to an example of the "second inclined surface" in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The rotating body 32 is a gear component mounted on the take-up spool 31. Specifically, the first shaft portion 43 of the support body 40, which is inserted into the inner hole of the take-up spool 31, is also inserted into the inner hole of the rotating body 32. As a result, the rotating body 32 is adjacent to the outer surface of the take-up spool 31 and is coaxially arranged with the take-up spool 31. The rotating body 32 includes a gear portion 321 and a pinion portion 323. The rotating body 32 is made of, for example, resin material, and the gear portion 321 and the pinion portion 323 are formed integrally.

[0053] The gear portion 321 is formed on the lower surface of the rotating body 32 (the surface on the -Z direction side in the figure) opposite to the gear portion 315 of the winding bobbin 31. Each tooth 322 constituting the gear portion 321 also has inclined surfaces 322a and 322b on both sides. The inclined surface 316a of the winding bobbin 31 engages with the inclined surface 322a of the rotating body 32, and the inclined surface 316b of the winding bobbin 31 engages with the inclined surface 322b of the rotating body 32. The tooth 322 of the gear portion 321 corresponds to an example of the "third engaging portion" in the embodiment of the present invention, and the inclined surface 322a of the tooth 322 corresponds to an example of the "first inclined surface" in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] When the rotating body 32 moves in one direction (in) Figure 9 When the rotation is clockwise (right-handed), if the force transmitted from the rotating body 32 to the winding bobbin 31 is less than a predetermined value, the gears 315 and 321 engage, and the winding bobbin 31 rotates together with the rotating body 32. Conversely, if the force transmitted from the rotating body 32 to the winding bobbin 31 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the teeth 322 of the rotating body 32 pass over the teeth 316 of the winding bobbin 31 by means of the inclined surfaces 316a and 322a, and the engagement of the gears 315 and 321 is released.

[0055] That is, the rotation limiting mechanism 91 is realized by the gear portion 315 of the take-up spool 31 and the gear portion 321 of the rotating body 32. When a tension of more than a predetermined value is applied to the take-up spool 31 via the cleaning body 5, the rotation limiting mechanism 91 restricts the rotation of the take-up spool 31 by allowing the rotating body 32 to idle relative to the take-up spool 31.

[0056] Here, "prescribed tension" refers to a tension greater than that required to wind the cleaning body 5 extracted by the supply mechanism 93 (described later) onto the take-up spool 31, and less than the tension required to extract the cleaning body 5 from the delivery spool 33 by rotating the take-up spool 31. In this embodiment, as described later, the delivery spool 33 is forcibly fixed by the fixing mechanism 94, thus widening the upper limit of this "prescribed tension" and simplifying the design of the rotation limiting mechanism 91.

[0057] On the other hand, as described above, the claw portion 411 of the support body 40 prevents the winding bobbin 31 from being wound in another direction (in Figure 9 The rotation is left-handed (counter-clockwise). Therefore, when the rotating body 32 moves in the other direction (in... Figure 9 When the rotating body 32 rotates counterclockwise (to the left), the teeth 322 of the rotating body 32 pass over the teeth 316 of the winding tube 31 by means of the inclined surfaces 316b and 322b, and the rotating body 32 rotates idly relative to the winding tube 31.

[0058] A pinion portion 323 is formed on the upper surface of the rotating body 32 (the surface on the +Z direction side in the figure). For example... Figure 8 As shown, the rack portion 64 of the outer casing 60 (described later) engages with the pinion portion 323. The pinion portion 323 and the rack portion 64 together form a recovery mechanism 92, which rotates the take-up spool 31 to recover the cleaning body 5 from the pressing surface 211. The recovery mechanism 92 drives the take-up spool 31 to rotate in tandem with the relative movement of the cleaning shaft 20 relative to the outer casing 60, thereby winding the cleaning body 5 around the take-up spool 31 and recovering the cleaning body 5 from the pressing surface 221 to the take-up spool 31.

[0059] The delivery tube 33 is a tube that delivers the cleaning body 5 used on the pressing surface 211 of the cleaning head 21, and supplies the cleaning body 5 to the pressing surface 211. This delivery tube 33 corresponds to an example of the "first tube" in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, similar to the winding tube 31 described above, the delivery tube 33 has a main body 331 and a pair of flanges 332 and 333. Unused cleaning body 5 is pre-wound on the main body 331 of the delivery tube 33.

[0060] Additionally, although not specifically illustrated, similar to the recess 314 of the winding bobbin 31 described above, a plurality of recesses are also formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 332 on the lower side (the -Z direction side in the figure) of the delivery bobbin 33. These recesses are intermittently arranged along the circumference of the flange portion 332. The claw portion of the support body 40, described later, can engage with these recesses. Through this claw portion, one direction of delivery of the bobbin 33 (in...) is permitted. Figure 9 The rotation is right-handed (clockwise), and in contrast, the other direction of the tube 33 is prohibited (in...). Figure 9 The rotation in the middle is left-handed (counter-clockwise).

[0061] like Figure 9 As shown, a ratchet portion 334 is formed on the outer periphery of the flange portion 333 on the upper side (+Z direction side in the figure). The claw portion 461 of the cantilever 46 of the support body 40, described later, can engage with this ratchet portion 334. When the claw portion 461 of the cantilever 46 engages with the ratchet portion 334, one direction of the delivery of the tube 33 is prohibited (in... Figure 9 The rotation is clockwise (right-handed). In contrast, the rotation of the ejector tube 33 is permitted when the claw 461 is not engaged with the ratchet 334.

[0062] The support body 40 is a component that supports the aforementioned cleaning shaft 20, winding bobbin 31, rotating body 32, and delivery bobbin 33. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the support body 40 includes a base portion 41, a support wall 42, shaft portions 43 and 44, guide pins 45a to 45c, a cantilever 46, a cylindrical portion 47, and a protrusion 48.

[0063] Support wall 42, shaft portions 43 and 44, and guide pins 45a-45c are supported by base portion 41. Cantilever 46 is supported by the side wall of support body 40 (the side wall on the -X side in the figure). Cylinder portion 47 protrudes from the wall on the front end side (the side on the +Y direction in the figure) of support body 40 in the +Y direction in the figure. Protrusion 48 protrudes from the wall on the rear end side (the side on the -Y direction in the figure) of support body 40 in the -Y direction in the figure. The support body 40 is made of resin material, for example, and the base portion 41, support wall 42, shaft portions 43 and 44, guide pins 45a-45c, cantilever 46, cylinder portion 47, and protrusion 48 are formed as a single unit.

[0064] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cleaning shaft 20 is supported by the support body 40 so that it can rotate about the rotation axis RA. Specifically, as Figure 10 As shown, the plurality of support walls 42 of the support body 40 each have an arc-shaped recess corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 25 of the cleaning shaft 20. The enlarged diameter portion 25 is held by the recess of the support wall 42, thereby enabling the cleaning shaft 20 to be rotatably supported by the support body 40. On the other hand, the shaft body 24 of the cleaning shaft 20 protrudes from the support body 40 in the +Y direction (as shown in the figure) via the cylindrical portion 47 of the support body 40.

[0065] like Figure 9 As shown, a first shaft portion 43 is inserted into the inner hole of a take-up bobbin 31, which is supported by a support body 40 and is rotatable. Additionally, the first shaft portion 43 is also inserted into the inner hole of a rotating body 32, which is supported by the support body 40 and is rotatable coaxially with the take-up bobbin 31. Furthermore, a second shaft portion 44 is inserted into the inner hole of a delivery bobbin 33, which is supported by the support body 40 and is rotatable. The cleaning body 5, which enters the support body 40 through the passage 26 of the cleaning shaft 20, is guided to the take-up bobbin 31 by multiple guide pins 45a-45c. Guide pin 45a partially contacts the rear end of the cleaning shaft 20 (the end on the -Y direction side in the figure) in the cleaning body 5 between the cleaning body 5 and the take-up bobbin 31, and guide pin 45b partially contacts the guide pin 45a in the cleaning body 5 between the guide pin 45a and the take-up bobbin 31. When the amount of cleaning body 5 wound by the winding tube 31 is small, the guide pin 45c contacts the portion between the guide pin 45b and the winding tube 31 in the cleaning body 5.

[0066] like Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the base portion 41 of the support body 40 has a claw portion 411 positioned opposite the winding bobbin 31. This claw portion 411 is capable of elastic deformation along the normal direction of the base portion 41. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the claw portion 411 has an inclined surface 412 and a vertical surface 413 at its front end. The claw portion 411 can disengage from the recess 314 by means of the inclined surface 412, so the winding spool 31 can be wound in one direction (in Figure 9 The rotation is clockwise (right-handed). Conversely, if the vertical surface 413 abuts against the inner wall of the recess 314, the claw 411 cannot disengage from the recess 314, therefore the winding tube 31 cannot rotate in the other direction (in...). Figure 9 The center rotates counterclockwise (left-handed).

[0067] Additionally, although not specifically illustrated, the base portion 41 of the support body 40 also has a claw portion similar to the claw portion 411 described above, located opposite the delivery tube 33. With the aid of this claw portion and the recess in the delivery tube 33, the delivery tube 33 can be directed in one direction (in... Figure 9 The center rotates clockwise (to the right), and in contrast, it cannot rotate in the other direction (in...). Figure 9 The center rotates counterclockwise (left-handed).

[0068] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the cantilever 46 is supported by the side wall of the support body 40 (the side wall on the -X side in the figure) and faces the flange 333 on the upper side (the +Z direction side in the figure) of the delivery tube 33, which is supported by the second shaft portion 44 of the support body 40. The cantilever 46 is supported by this side wall, and the free end of the cantilever 46 can move closer to and further away from the delivery tube 33 by the elastic deformation of the cantilever 46 itself.

[0069] The cantilever 46 has a claw 461 at its front end. When the cantilever 46 is in its normal state (without elastic deformation), the claw 461 is away from the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33, allowing rotation of the delivery tube 33. On the other hand, if the cantilever 46 elastically deforms in a manner close to the delivery tube 33, the claw 461 engages with the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33, and the delivery tube 33 is fixed.

[0070] Furthermore, the cantilever 46 has a protrusion 462 protruding upward from the claw portion 461 (in the +Z direction in the figure). This protrusion 462 functions as a cam follower guided by the cam portion 66 of the adjustment member 62, which will be described later. If the protrusion 462 is pressed towards the delivery tube 33 by the cam portion 66, the cantilever 46 elastically deforms in a manner that brings it closer to the delivery tube 33. On the other hand, if the pressure of the cam portion 66 on the protrusion 462 is released, the cantilever 46 moves away from the delivery tube 33 due to its elasticity.

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the guide port 50 includes a first cylindrical body 51, a second cylindrical body 52, and a third force-applying component 53. The guide port 50 is disposed on the front end side of the support body 40. The guide port 50 is supported by the support body 40 such that the first cylindrical body 51 can move relative to the support body 40 along the Y-axis direction shown in the figure.

[0072] Both the first cylindrical body 51 and the second cylindrical body 52 are cylindrical in shape. The first cylindrical body 51 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical body 52 and is inserted into the second cylindrical body 52. ​​The first cylindrical body 51 is inserted into the second cylindrical body 52 in a manner that allows relative movement along the Y-axis direction shown in the figure. Furthermore, a stepped portion 511 located approximately at the center of the first cylindrical body 51 engages with a protrusion (not shown) formed on the inner circumference of the front end of the inner hole of the second cylindrical body 52, thereby restricting the forward movement of the first cylindrical body 51 (in the +Y direction shown in the figure).

[0073] The third force-applying component 53 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 47 of the support body 40. The rear end (-Y direction side in the figure) of the third force-applying component 53 contacts the wall of the front end (+Y direction side in the figure) of the support body 40. On the other hand, the rear end (-Y direction side in the figure) of the first cylindrical body 51 contacts the front end (+Y direction side in the figure) of the third force-applying component 53. That is, the third force-applying component 53 is sandwiched between the first cylindrical body 51 and the support body 40. As a specific example of the third force-applying component 53, an elastic body such as a spring or rubber can be exemplified, and as a specific example of a spring, a coil spring can be exemplified.

[0074] The third force-applying component 53 is inserted into the second cylinder 52 together with the first cylinder 51. Additionally, the cylindrical portion 47 of the support body 40 is also inserted into the second cylinder 52. Furthermore, a protrusion 471 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 47 of the support body 40, and a window portion 521 is formed at the rear end of the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder 52. The protrusion 471 is inserted into the window portion 521, thereby fixing the second cylinder 52 to the support body 40. In this state, the third force-applying component 53 applies force to the first cylinder 51 forward (in the +Y direction in the figure).

[0075] The portion of the cleaning shaft 20 that protrudes from the support body 40 is inserted into the guide port 50. The portion of the cleaning shaft 20 that protrudes from the support body 40 refers to the portion of the cleaning shaft 20 that is closer to the front end (the +Y direction side in the figure) than the expanded diameter portion 25, specifically the cleaning head 21, the second force-applying component 22, and the shaft body 24.

[0076] Furthermore, in the normal state (when the cleaner 1 is not used (when the front end of the guide tube 50 is not inserted into the adapter)), the front end of the cleaning shaft 20 does not protrude from the guide tube 50 and is located within the guide tube 50. Moreover, when cleaning the optical connector 100 using the cleaner 1, the front end of the guide tube 50 is inserted into the adapter, and the front end of the guide tube 50 is aligned with the end face 151 of the sleeve 150 (refer to...). Figure 5 When (b) comes into contact, the first cylinder 51 moves backward relative to the second cylinder 52, and the front end of the cleaning shaft 20 protrudes from the guide port 50.

[0077] The outer casing 60 houses a portion of the cleaning unit 10 and the first force-applying component 70. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 60 includes a housing body 61 and an adjustment member 62. The housing body 61 has two cutouts 612 and 613, and an opening 611 is formed at its front end. The cleaning unit 10 is housed within the housing body 61 such that its front end protrudes from the housing body 61 through the opening 611. The cleaning unit 10 is housed within the housing body 61 such that it can move relative to the housing body 61 along the Y-axis direction shown in the figure.

[0078] like Figure 12 As shown, the adjusting component 62 includes a cam pin 63, a rack portion 64, a movable pin 65, and a cam portion 66. (As...) Figure 3 As shown, the adjustment member 62 covers the support 40 in such a way that the cleaning unit 10 can move relative to the adjustment member 62 along the Y-axis direction in the figure.

[0079] The cam pin 63 of the adjusting component 62 is inserted into the cam groove 251 of the shaft component 23. Therefore, if the cleaning unit 10 moves relative to the housing 60, the cleaning shaft 20 rotates around the rotation axis RA via the rotation mechanism formed by the cam pin 63 and the cam groove 251.

[0080] Furthermore, the rack portion 64 of the adjusting component 62 engages with the pinion portion 323 of the rotating body 32. Therefore, if the cleaning unit 10 moves relative to the housing 60, the winding tube 31 rotates through the recycling mechanism 92 formed by the rack portion 64 and the pinion portion 323.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, the movable pin 65 is in partial contact with the guide pin 45a of the support body 40 and the winding tube 31 in the cleaning body 5. As the support body 40 moves relative to the housing 60, the movable pin 65 can move relative to the guide pin 45a of the support body 40.

[0082] With the support 40 positioned in the front (+Y direction) relative to the outer casing 60 (the first force-applying component 70 is not compressed), as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 13 As shown in (a), the movable pin 65 is positioned rearward (on the -Y direction side) of the guide pin 45a of the support body 40 in the axial direction (Y direction in the figure) of the optical connector cleaning tool 1. Furthermore, if the support body 40 moves rearward (on the -Y direction in the figure) relative to the housing 60, then as... Figure 13As shown in (b), in the axial direction (Y direction in the figure) of the optical connector cleaning tool 1, the movable pin 65 moves forward (towards the +Y direction in the figure) than the guide pin 45a, thereby pulling the cleaning body 5 out of the delivery tube 33 and causing the delivery tube 33 to rotate.

[0083] That is, the movable pin 65 and the guide pin 45a constitute a supply mechanism 93 that draws the cleaning body 5 from the delivery tube 33 to the pressing surface 221 and supplies the cleaning body 5 from the delivery tube 33 to the pressing surface 221. Accompanying the relative movement of the support body 40 relative to the housing 60, the supply mechanism 93 draws the cleaning body 5 to the pressing surface 221 and rotates the delivery tube 33. The movable pin 65 corresponds to an example of a "second contact portion" in the embodiment of the invention, and the guide pin 45a corresponds to an example of a "first contact portion" in the embodiment of the invention.

[0084] As the support 40 moves relative to the housing 60, the cam portion 66 can approach and move away from the cantilever 46 of the support 40. The cam portion 66 has an outer first cam surface 661 and an inner second cam surface 662.

[0085] With the support 40 positioned in the front (+Y direction) relative to the outer casing 60 (the first force-applying component 70 is not compressed), as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 13 As shown in (a), the cam portion 66 is located away from the cantilever 46.

[0086] Furthermore, if the support 40 moves rearward relative to the outer casing 60 (in the -Y direction in the figure), then as Figure 13 As shown in (b), the protrusion 462 of the cantilever 46 climbs onto the first cam surface 661 of the cam portion 66. As a result, the cantilever 46 elastically deforms outward and moves away from the delivery tube 33. In this state, the claw portion 461 of the cantilever 46 moves away from the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33, and the fixation of the delivery tube 33 is released.

[0087] Next, if the support 40 moves forward relative to the outer casing 60 (in the +Y direction in the figure), then as Figure 13 As shown in (c), the protrusion 462 of the cantilever 46 is pressed by the second cam surface 662 of the cam portion 66. As a result, the cantilever 46 elastically deforms inward and approaches the delivery tube 33. In this state, the claw portion 461 engages with the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33, and the delivery tube 33 is fixed.

[0088] That is, the fixing mechanism 94, which fixes or releases the delivery tube 33, is realized by the cam portion 66, the cantilever 46 of the support body 40, and the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33. In other words, the fixing mechanism 94 prevents the rotation of the delivery tube 33 or releases the restriction (allows the rotation of the delivery tube 33). The fixing mechanism 94 fixes the rotation of the delivery tube 33 when the support body 40 is displaced in a first direction (+Y direction in the figure) relative to the housing 60, and releases the fixation of the rotation of the delivery tube 33 when the support body 40 is displaced in a second direction (-Y direction in the figure) relative to the housing 60. The cam portion 66 corresponds to an example of a "guide member" in the embodiment of the present invention, the cantilever 46 of the support body 40 corresponds to an example of a "first engaging portion" in the embodiment of the present invention, and the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33 corresponds to an example of a "second engaging portion" in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the first force-applying component 70 is inserted into the protrusion 48 of the support body 40, and is sandwiched between the rear end wall (-Y direction side in the figure) of the support body 40 and the rear end wall 67 of the adjusting component 62. The first force-applying component 70 applies force to the cleaning unit 10 towards the front end (+Y direction in the figure). As a specific example of the first force-applying component 70, an elastic body such as a spring or rubber can be exemplified, and as a specific example of a spring, a coil spring can be exemplified.

[0090] The adjusting component 62 and the first force-applying component 70 are housed together with the cleaning unit 10 within the outer casing 61. The adjusting component 62 is fixed to the outer casing 61 by engaging its locking tab 68 with the cutout 612 of the outer casing 61.

[0091] Furthermore, advancing the adjusting member 62 relative to the housing body 61 causes the engaging tab 68 to engage with another cutout 613, thereby enabling the cleaning unit 10 to advance relative to the housing body 61. That is, by engaging the engaging tab 68 with either cutout 612 or 613, the amount of protrusion of the cleaning unit 10 from the housing body 61 can be adjusted. Moreover, this adjustment of the protrusion of the cleaning unit 10 is performed before the cleaning operation of the optical connector 100, during which the adjusting member 62 will not move relative to the housing body 61.

[0092] The internal operation of the cleaner 1 during the cleaning operation of the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100 using the cleaner 1 described above will be explained.

[0093] First, the operator inserts the front end of the guide tube 50 of the cleaner 1 into the opening of the adapter. This causes the front end of the guide tube 50 to abut against the end face 151 of the sleeve 150. Then, if the operator presses the cleaner 1 towards the adapter, the third force-applying component 53 retracts, the first cylinder 51 retracts relative to the second cylinder 52, and the cleaning head 21 of the cleaning shaft 20 protrudes from the front end of the guide tube 50. The cleaning head 21 then enters the sleeve 150 (see reference). Figure 5 (b) The cleaning head 21 makes the cleaning body 5 contact the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100.

[0094] Next, if the operator presses the housing 60 into the guide tube 50 relative to the +Y direction side in the figure, the cleaning unit 10 retracts relative to the housing 60, the first force-applying component 70 retracts, and the second force-applying component 22 also retracts. Through the retraction of the second force-applying component 22, the cleaning head 21 presses the cleaning body 5 against the connecting end face 111 of the insert 110 with appropriate pressing force.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 13 (a) and Figure 13 As shown in (b), by the operator's pressing action, the movable pin 65 moves forward of the guide pin 45a of the support body 40 (on the +Y direction side in the figure), pulling out the cleaning body 5 and causing the delivery tube 33 to move in one direction (in the... Figure 9 The cleaning body 5 is supplied from the delivery tube 33 to the pressing surface 211 by rotating clockwise (right-hand rotation). As a result, the cleaning body 5 slides while being pressed against the connection end face 111 of the optical connector 100, wiping away dirt adhering to the connection end face 111. The supply mechanism 93, implemented by the movable pin 65 and the guide pin 45a, can supply a certain amount of cleaning body 5 from the delivery tube 33 to the pressing surface 211 for each pressing action.

[0096] At this time, the protrusion 462 of the cantilever 46 climbs onto the first cam surface 661 of the cam portion 66, and the cantilever 46 elastically deforms outward and moves away from the delivery tube 33. Therefore, the claw portion 461 moves away from the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33, and the rotation of the delivery tube 33 is allowed.

[0097] Furthermore, if the cleaning unit 10 retracts relative to the housing 60, the cam pin 63 slides relative to it within the cam groove 251, thereby causing the cleaning shaft 20 to rotate around the rotation axis RA. Therefore, even if the width of the filamentous or rope-like cleaning body 5 is narrower than the connecting end face 111 that is the object to be cleaned, dirt can be wiped away from the entire area of ​​the connecting end face 111. While not particularly limited, it is preferable that the rotation angle of the cleaning shaft 20 is 180 degrees or more.

[0098] Furthermore, as described above, the claw portion 411 of the support body 40 prevents the winding of the bobbin 31 in the other direction (in Figure 9 The rotation is counterclockwise (left-handed), and the gear portions 315 and 321 of the take-up spool 31 and the rotating body 32 have inclined surfaces 316b and 322b. Therefore, even if the cleaning unit 10 moves backward relative to the housing 60 due to the operator's pressing action, the rotating body 32 will idle relative to the take-up spool 31, and the take-up spool 31 will not rotate.

[0099] Next, if the operator releases the pressure of the outer casing 60 relative to the guide port 50, then as follows Figure 13 As shown in (c), the cleaning unit 10 moves forward relative to the housing 60 due to the elastic force of the first force-applying member 70. The linear motion of the cleaning unit 10 relative to the housing 60 is converted into the rotational motion of the rotating body 32 by the rack portion 64 and the pinion portion 323. Furthermore, the gear portions 321 and 315 of the rotating body 32 and the take-up spool 31 engage, and the rotation of the rotating body 32 is transmitted to the take-up spool 31. As a result, the take-up spool 31 is driven to rotate, and a certain amount of cleaning body 5 extracted by the supply mechanism 93 is taken up by the take-up spool 31, and the cleaning body 5 is recovered into the take-up spool 31.

[0100] At this time, as described above, when a tension of a predetermined value or higher is applied to the take-up bobbin 31 via the cleaning body 5, the rotating body 32 is made to idle relative to the take-up bobbin 31 by means of the rotation limiting mechanism 91 (gear portion 315 of the take-up bobbin 31 and gear portion 321 of the rotating body 32). Therefore, even if the radius of the cleaning body 5 wound around the take-up bobbin 31 increases with the number of cleaning cycles, it is possible to prevent the situation where a larger amount of cleaning body 5 than the certain amount extracted by the supply mechanism 93 is extracted from the delivery bobbin 33 due to the rotation of the take-up bobbin 31 can be prevented.

[0101] Furthermore, if the cleaning unit 10 moves forward relative to the housing 60, the protrusion 462 of the cantilever 46 is pressed by the second cam surface 662 of the cam portion 66, and the cantilever 46 elastically deforms inward to approach the delivery tube 33. As a result, the claw portion 461 engages with the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33, and the delivery tube 33 is forcibly fixed, thus improving the reliability of suppressing the extraction of the cleaning body 5 from the delivery tube 33 due to the rotation of the winding tube 31.

[0102] Once cleaning is complete, the operator pulls the front end of the guide port 50 of the cleaner 1 out of the optical connector 100, thereby removing the cleaner 1 from the optical connector 100.

[0103] As described above, in this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 94 fixes the delivery tube 33 when the relative position of the cleaning shaft 20 with respect to the housing 60 is displaced in the first direction (+Y direction in the figure), and releases the fixing of the delivery tube 33 when the relative position of the cleaning shaft 20 with respect to the housing 60 is displaced in the second direction (-Y direction in the figure). This suppresses the extraction of more cleaning bodies 5 than a certain amount due to the rotation of the winding tube 31, thus increasing the number of times the optical connector cleaning tool 1 can clean the optical connector 100.

[0104] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are provided for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the essence of the elements disclosed in the above embodiments also includes all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0105] Although not specifically illustrated, for example, the cantilever 46 can be tilted inwards, and with the support 40 positioned in front of the housing 60 (in the +Y direction in the figure) (without compression of the first force-applying member 70), the pawl 461 can be kept engaged with the ratchet portion 334. Furthermore, the engagement between the pawl 461 of the cantilever 46 and the ratchet portion 334 of the delivery tube 33 can be released only when the protrusion 462 of the cantilever 46 climbs onto the first cam surface 661 of the cam portion 66. Thus, when the rotational fixation of the delivery tube 33 is released, it is possible to prevent unwanted tension from being applied to the delivery tube 33 via the cleaning body 5, which could lead to the unnecessary removal of the cleaning body 5 from the delivery tube 33.

[0106] 1…Optical connector cleaning tool; 5…Cleaning body; 10…Cleaning unit; 20…Cleaning shaft; 21…Cleaning head; 211…Pressing surface; 212, 213…Guide hole; 22…Second force application component; 23…Shaft component; 24…Shaft body; 25…Expanded diameter section; 251…Cam groove; 26…Passway; 31…Take-up tube; 311…Main body section; 312, 313…Flange section; 314…Recess; 315…Gear section; 316…Gear ; 316a, 316b… Inclined surface; 32… Rotating body; 321… Gear section; 322… Tooth; 322a, 322b… Inclined surface; 323… Pinion section; 33… Feed tube; 331… Main body section; 332, 333… Flange section; 334… Ratchet section; 40… Support body; 41… Base section; 411… Claw section; 412… Inclined surface; 413… Vertical surface; 42… Support wall; 43… First shaft section; 44… Second shaft section ; 45a~45c…guide pin; 46…cantilever; 461…paw; 462…protrusion; 47…cylinder; 471…protrusion; 48…convex part; 50…guide tube opening; 51…first cylinder; 511…step; 52…second cylinder; 521…window; 53…third force-applying component; 60…outer shell; 61…outer shell body; 611…opening; 612, 613…cutout; 62…adjusting component; 63…cam pin; 64…rack; 65…Modible pin; 66…Cam part; 661…First cam surface; 662…Second cam surface; 67…Rear end wall; 68…Clamping piece; 70…First force-applying component; 91…Rotation limiting mechanism; 92…Retraction mechanism; 93…Supply mechanism; 94…Fixing mechanism; 100…Optical connector; 110…Flange; 111…Connecting end face; 120…Optical fiber; 130…Housing; 131…Opening; 150…Sleeve; 151…End face.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for optical connectors, used to clean the connection end face of optical connectors, characterized in that, have: The cleaning shaft has a pressing surface for pressing the cleaning body against the connecting end face, and the cleaning body is wrapped around the pressing surface; The housing holds the cleaning shaft so that it can move relative to the cleaning shaft along its axial direction; A first tube, housed in the outer casing, supplies the cleaning body to the pressing surface; The second tube, housed in the outer casing, retracts the cleaning body from the pressing surface; as well as The fixing mechanism fixes the first tube when the relative position of the cleaning shaft with respect to the outer casing is displaced in a first direction, and releases the fixing of the first tube when the relative position of the cleaning shaft with respect to the outer casing is displaced in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical connector cleaning tool includes: The supply mechanism supplies the cleaning body from the first tube to the pressing surface as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing in the second direction; and The recovery mechanism rotates the second tube to recover the cleaning body from the pressing surface, as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing in the first direction.

3. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The optical connector cleaning tool has a rotation limiting mechanism that restricts the rotation of the second tube when a tension of more than a specified value is applied to the second tube via the cleaning body.

4. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism includes: The first engaging portion can approach and move away from the first tube; The second engaging portion, capable of engaging with the first engaging portion, is provided by the first tube; and The guide component is movable relative to the first engaging portion as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing. When the cleaning shaft moves in the first direction relative to the housing, the first engaging part engages with the second engaging part. When the cleaning shaft is displaced in the second direction relative to the housing, the first engaging portion is guided by the guiding member, causing the first engaging portion to move away from the first tube.

5. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cleaning shaft has a passageway through which the cleaning body, retracted from the pressing surface to the second cylinder, passes. The supply organization possesses: The first contact portion is capable of moving relative to the cleaning shaft along with the relative movement of the cleaning shaft relative to the outer casing, and makes contact with the portion between the rear end of the cleaning shaft and the second tube in the cleaning body; and The second contact portion is capable of moving relative to the housing along with the relative movement of the cleaning shaft relative to the housing, and makes contact with the portion between the first contact portion and the second tube in the cleaning body.

6. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical connector cleaning tool has a rotating body mounted on the second tube. The recycling facility has: The pinion section is provided by the rotating body; and The rack is capable of moving relative to the rotating body as the cleaning shaft moves relative to the housing, and engages with the pinion gear.

7. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 3, characterized in that, The optical connector cleaning tool has a rotating body mounted on the second tube. The rotation limiting mechanism includes: The third engaging portion has a first inclined surface, which is provided by the rotating body; and The fourth engaging portion has a second inclined surface corresponding to the first inclined surface, and is provided by the second tube. When the cleaning body applies a tension of more than the specified value to the second tube, the engagement between the third engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion is released, thereby allowing the rotating body to idle relative to the second tube.

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