Optical connector cleaning tool

Abstract

This optical connector cleaning tool (100) is provided with: a cleaning shaft (160) around which a cleaning body (105) is wound and which is provided with, at the tip thereof, a cleaning head (170) having a pressing surface (171a) for pressing the cleaning body (105) against a connection end surface (12) of an optical connector (10); a guide nozzle (190) in which the cleaning shaft (160) is housed; and a housing (120) in which the base end portion of the guide nozzle (190) is accommodated in such a manner that the guide nozzle (190) can move relative to each other, the guide nozzle (190) and the housing (120) are electrically conductive, the guide nozzle (190) is provided with a plate spring part (198), the plate spring part (198) is in contact with the housing (120) and presses the housing (120), and the guide nozzle (190) and the housing (120) are electrically connected via the plate spring part (198).

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. 2023-214989 filed in Japan on December 20, 2023, are incorporated into this specification by reference as part of the description in this specification. Background Technology

[0003] A known cleaning mechanism removes deposits from the connection end face of an optical connector by rotating a cleaning rod that contacts the connection end face using a motor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this cleaning mechanism, power to the motor is switched on / off by sliding a shaft to which a fitting embedded in the optical connector housing is fixed relative to a collar fixed to a drive unit equipped with a motor.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-277681

[0005] In the cleaning mechanism described above, static electricity is sometimes generated at the sliding portion where the shaft slides relative to the collar, causing the shaft to become charged. On the other hand, in electrostatic discharge (EPA) controlled areas such as manufacturing processes for electrically sensitive electronic components like semiconductor devices, it is necessary to rapidly diffuse electrostatic discharge (ESD). Therefore, the cleaning mechanism described above cannot always be used in ESD controlled areas. 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 rapidly diffuse static electricity generated by the sliding of the constituent components.

[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 for a cleaning body to be wound around, and a cleaning head at the front end, the cleaning head having a pressing surface for pressing the cleaning body against the connection end face; a cylindrical member for housing the cleaning shaft; and a housing for housing the base end portion of the cylindrical member in a manner that allows relative movement between the cylindrical member and the housing, the cylindrical member and the housing being conductive, the cylindrical member or the housing having an elastic deformation portion that contacts and presses the housing or the cylindrical member, and the cylindrical member and the housing being electrically connected via the elastic deformation portion.

[0008] [2] Embodiment 2 of the present invention can be completed based on the optical connector cleaning tool of Embodiment 1, wherein the elastic deformation part includes the first leaf spring of the cylindrical component, the first leaf spring contacts the inner surface of the housing and presses the inner surface outward.

[0009] [3] The third aspect of the present invention can be completed based on the optical connector cleaning tool of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the elastic deformation part includes the second leaf spring provided by the housing, the second leaf spring contacts the outer surface of the cylindrical component and presses the outer surface toward the inward side.

[0010] [4] Embodiment 4 of the present invention can be completed based on the optical connector cleaning tool of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the pressing force F pressing the elastic deformable portion of the outer shell or the cylindrical component is... a It satisfies the following equation (1).

[0011] 0.5 [N] < F a <12[N] … (1)

[0012] [5] Embodiment 5 of the present invention may be based on the optical connector cleaning tool of any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the housing has a holding part for the operator to hold the optical connector cleaning tool.

[0013] [6] Embodiment 6 of the present invention may be based on the optical connector cleaning tool of any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the cylindrical component and the housing are made of conductive resin material.

[0014] [7] Embodiment 7 of the present invention may be implemented based on the optical connector cleaning tool of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the optical connector cleaning tool includes a supply and recovery mechanism that supplies the cleaning body to the pressing surface of the cleaning head and recovers the cleaning body from the pressing surface as the cylindrical member moves relative to the housing.

[0015] In this invention, the cylindrical component and the outer shell are conductive. The cylindrical component or the outer shell has an elastically deformable portion that contacts and presses against the outer shell or the cylindrical component, thereby electrically connecting the cylindrical component and the outer shell through the elastically deformable portion. Therefore, static electricity generated in the cylindrical component due to sliding with the outer shell can be rapidly diffused through the outer shell. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention, namely, a multi-core optical connector.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the protruding component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the conductive path of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and it is along... Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0021] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view showing a modified example of the outer casing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (b) is along Figure 6 (a) A cross-sectional view of the VIB-VIB optical connector cleaning tool.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention, namely a single-core connection type optical connector.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 (a) is a front view showing the front end portion of the cleaning head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 (b) is along Figure 10 (a) A cross-sectional view of the XB-XB line.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the conductive path of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and it is along... Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along line XI-XI.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a side view showing a modified example of the outer casing according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

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

[0029] <<First Implementation Method>>

[0030] The optical connector cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment is a cleaner that cleans the connection end faces of optical connectors that connect optical fibers to each other. The object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 100 is the optical connector 10, which is a multi-core optical connector plug that connects multiple optical fibers 13 simultaneously. Figure 1 This is a front view showing the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 100 in this embodiment, namely the optical connector 10.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the optical connector 10 includes a ferrule 11 with a flat (rectangular) cross-sectional shape (end face shape). This ferrule 11 is a so-called MT (Mechanical Transferable) ferrule, having a plurality (e.g., 12) fiber optic retaining holes arranged along the cross-sectional length direction of the ferrule 11. Furthermore, optical fibers 13 are inserted into each of these fiber optic retaining holes and are fixed to the ferrule 11 by adhesive. The plurality of optical fibers 13 protrude from the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11. The ferrule 11 is held by a housing 14. The MT ferrule specified in JIS C 5981 and JIS C 5982 can be used as the aforementioned ferrule 11.

[0032] When connecting a pair of optical connectors 10 equipped with the aforementioned ferrule 11, the pair of optical connectors 10 are inserted into the sleeve-shaped adapter 15 (see reference). Figure 5 The insertion ports 16 on both sides of the optical connector 10 are then connected. The connecting end faces 12 of the ferrules 11 of the pair of optical connectors 10 are then mated together, thereby optically connecting the optical fibers 13 exposed from the connecting end faces 12 of the ferrules 11. At this time, the guide pin 17 of one ferrule 11 is inserted into the guide hole (not shown) of the other ferrule 11, thereby positioning the optical connectors 10 with high precision.

[0033] During the connection process, if dust, dirt, oil, or other foreign matter (contaminants) adheres to the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11, it can sometimes cause damage during disassembly and assembly, or increase transmission loss. Therefore, before connecting the optical connector 10, the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 is cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 100 described below. During this cleaning, the optical connector 10 to be cleaned is inserted into one insertion port 16 of the adapter 15, and the optical connector cleaning tool 100 is inserted into the other insertion port 16 of the adapter 15, thereby cleaning the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 of the optical connector 10.

[0034] Furthermore, while the aforementioned optical connector 10 is a plug-adapter-plug type optical connector plug, in the plug-receptacle type optical connector receptacle, the end face of the ferrule can also be cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 100 described below. Specifically, this optical connector receptacle is a component formed by inserting the ferrule mounted at the front end of the optical fiber into a housing into which the optical connector plug is inserted.

[0035] Alternatively, a cover with an inner hole having the same shape as the inner hole of the adapter can be installed at the front end of the optical connector cleaning tool 100, and the optical connector plug can be inserted into the cover, thereby cleaning the connection end face of the optical connector plug individual in a state where it is not inserted into the adapter.

[0036] Hereinafter, the structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] First, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The overall structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the optical connector cleaning tool 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "cleaner 100") of this embodiment includes a tool body 110 and an extension member 150 extending from the tool body 110.

[0039] The protruding member 150 protrudes forward (in the +Y direction in the figure) from the opening 121a of the housing 120 of the tool body 110. The protruding member 150 has a pressing surface 171a (described later) at its front end, which presses the cleaning body 105 against the connection end face 12 of the optical connector 10. The tool body 110 includes tubes 141 and 145 (described later) that supply and retrieve the cleaning body 105 relative to the pressing surface 171a. Furthermore, the protruding member 150 is movable relative to the tool body 110 along its axial direction (in the Y-axis direction in the figure).

[0040] As the tool body 110 moves relative to the extension member 150 (the tool body 110 moves forward relative to the extension member 150), the cleaning body 105 moves on the pressing surface 171a. The cleaning body 105 slides while being pressed against the connection end face 12 of the optical connector 10, thus efficiently removing foreign matter adhering to the connection end face 12. Furthermore, with this relative movement (the tool body 110 retracts relative to the extension member 150), the used cleaning body 105 can be retrieved from the pressing surface 171a to the take-up spool 141, and the unused cleaning body 105 can be supplied from the delivery spool 145 to the pressing surface 171a.

[0041] As described above, the optical connector 10 targeted for cleaning in this embodiment is a multi-core, single-connection type optical connector, and the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 of the optical connector 10 has a flat shape. Therefore, the cleaning body 105 is an elongated, continuous strip (strip). The width of the cleaning body 105 is large enough to wipe the end faces of all the optical fibers 13 exposed on the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 and their surroundings (e.g., the area between the guide pins 17). As an example of such a strip-shaped cleaning body 105, without particular limitation, a fabric made of extremely fine fibers such as polyester or nylon can be exemplified.

[0042] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the tool body 110 of the cleaner 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the tool body 110 includes a housing 120, a shell 130, a take-up spool 141, a pinion 142, a ratchet mechanism 143, a friction drive mechanism 144, and a delivery spool 145. The housing 120 is an example of the "housing" in the present invention.

[0044] The housing 130 is composed of a first housing 131 and a second housing 132. Inside the housing 130 are housed a winding bobbin 141, a pinion 142, a ratchet mechanism 143, a friction drive mechanism 144, and a delivery bobbin 145. The first housing 131 and the second housing 132 are not particularly limited, but are formed of resin material. A retaining pin formed in the second housing 132 engages with a retaining sleeve formed in the first housing 131, thereby fixing the first housing 131 and the second housing 132.

[0045] The take-up spool 141 is a reel (cylindrical reel) for taking up the used cleaning body 105. The take-up spool 141 is supported by a support shaft portion of the first housing 131 and is rotatable. The take-up spool 141 rotates in conjunction with the retraction action of the tool body 110 relative to the extension member 150, thereby taking up the used cleaning body 105 that has been used on the pressing surface 171a.

[0046] The pinion 142 is supported by the aforementioned support shaft portion of the first housing 131 supporting the take-up spool 141, enabling it to rotate. That is, the pinion 142 is supported by the first housing 131 so that it can rotate coaxially with the take-up spool 141. Furthermore, the pinion 142 meshes with the rack and pinion 186 (described later) of the protruding member 150, and the pinion 142 and rack and pinion 186 constitute a rack and pinion mechanism. Using this rack and pinion mechanism, the relative linear motion of the protruding member 150 relative to the tool body 110 is converted into rotational motion.

[0047] The ratchet mechanism 143 allows rotation of the take-up bobbin 141 in one direction (the direction in which the take-up bobbin 141 takes up the cleaning body 105), but prohibits rotation of the take-up bobbin 141 in the other direction. The friction drive mechanism 144 transmits power between the take-up bobbin 141 and the pinion 142 via friction. This friction drive mechanism 144 limits the force that can be transmitted between the take-up bobbin 141 and the pinion 142 to below a specified value.

[0048] The delivery tube 145 is a reel for supplying the cleaning body 105. Unused cleaning bodies 105 are wound on the delivery tube 145. The delivery tube 145 is supported by a support shaft portion of the first housing 131 so that it can rotate. As the tool body 110 retracts relative to the extension member 150, the unused cleaning body 105 is pulled out from the delivery tube 145 toward the pressing surface 171a.

[0049] Additionally, guide tubes 146a to 146c are provided within the housing 130. Guide tube 146a guides unused cleaning bodies 105 supplied from the delivery tube 145 to the pressing surface 171a of the extension member 150. On the other hand, guide tubes 146b and 146c guide used cleaning bodies 105 retracted from the pressing surface 171a of the extension member 150 to the winding tube 141.

[0050] The housing 120 includes a front housing 121 and a rear housing 123. The aforementioned housing 130 is covered by the housing 120 when it houses the take-up spool 141, pinion 142, ratchet mechanism 143, friction drive mechanism 144, and delivery spool 145. The protruding member 150 protrudes forward (in the +Y direction in the figure) from the opening 121a of the front housing 121. The protrusion 136 of the housing 130 engages with the hole 121b of the front housing 121, thereby securing the front housing 121 to the housing 130. Similarly, the protrusion 137 of the housing 130 engages with the hole 123a of the rear housing 123, thereby securing the front housing 121 to the housing 130. The operator cleans the optical connector 100 by hand 300 (see reference 123). Figure 2 The cleaner 100 is operated by holding the housing 120. Therefore, the housing 120 corresponds to an example of a "holding part" in the manner of the present invention.

[0051] In this embodiment, the front housing 121 and the rear housing 123 are formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a conductive resin material in which conductive fillers are dispersed within a resin material can be used as a specific example of a conductive material constituting the front housing 121 and the rear housing 123. That is, the housing 120 is a conductive resin molded part. By constituting the housing 120 with a conductive resin material, conductivity can be stably ensured relative to wear, and the cleaner 100 can be made lighter.

[0052] While not particularly limited, specific examples of the conductive fillers described above can include carbon-based fillers or metal-based fillers. Examples of carbon-based fillers include carbon black, graphite, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Examples of metal-based fillers include silver, copper, nickel, tin, aluminum, and stainless steel. Furthermore, specific shapes of metal-based fillers can include spherical, ellipsoidal, granular, fibrous, flake-like, and dendritic shapes. Alternatively, fillers containing both carbon and metal (e.g., nickel-coated carbon fibers) or fillers containing multiple metals (e.g., silver-plated aluminum powder) can be used as conductive fillers. Additionally, while not particularly limited, examples of the resin materials described above include polyethylene (PE), polyacetal (POM), ABS resin, polycarbonate (PC), and polypropylene (PP).

[0053] Furthermore, the front housing 121 and the rear housing 123 can also be resin molded parts with a metal plating formed on their surfaces. Alternatively, the front housing 121 and the rear housing 123 can also be made of metal material.

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of the protruding part 150 of the cleaner 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the protruding member 150 of this embodiment. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the conductive path 101 of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 in this embodiment, and it is along... Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the protruding part 150 includes a cleaning shaft 160, a first helical spring 165, and a guide port 190. The cleaning shaft 160 corresponds to an example of a "cleaning shaft" in the manner of the present invention, and the guide port 190 corresponds to an example of a "cylindrical part" in the manner of the present invention.

[0056] The cleaning shaft 160 is a component (pressing component) used to press the cleaning body 105 against the connection end face 12 of the optical connector 10. The cleaning shaft 160 is an elongated component extending along the longitudinal axis direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) of the protruding component 150, and includes a cleaning head (head component) 170, a second helical spring 175, and a rack shaft (support component) 180.

[0057] The cleaning head 170 is a component that forms the front end portion of the cleaning shaft 160. The cleaning head 170 includes a pressing part 171, a neck (tilting part) 172, a support part 173, and an insertion part 174. Although not particularly limited, the cleaning head 170 is made of resin material, and the pressing part 171, neck 172, support part 173, and insertion part 174 are integrally formed.

[0058] The pressing part 171 has a pressing surface 171a at its front end, which presses the cleaning body 105 against the connection end face of the optical connector 10. The cleaning body 105, supplied from the delivery tube 145 and retrieved by the winding tube 141, is wound around the cleaning shaft 160 in a manner folded back at the pressing surface 171a. The cleaning body 105, supplied from the delivery tube 145 to the pressing surface 171a, moves downward (in the -Z direction in the figure) on the pressing surface 171a (see reference). Figure 3 (Arrow A). The pressing part 171 is connected to the support part 173 via the neck 172, and the insertion part 174 is connected to the rear end side of the support part 173.

[0059] The insertion portion 174 is the part that is inserted into the front end portion 181 of the rack shaft 180, and has a plate-like shape that is narrower than the support portion 173. A cylindrical shaft portion 174a protruding rearward (in the -Y direction in the figure) is formed at the rear end of the insertion portion 174, and a protrusion 174b protruding laterally (in the X-axis direction in the figure) is formed.

[0060] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the second helical spring 175 is inserted into the shaft portion 174a of the cleaning head 170 and clamped between the cleaning head 170 and the rack shaft 180. Through the second helical spring 175, the cleaning head 170 is subjected to a forward force relative to the rack shaft 180. Therefore, the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170 can press the cleaning body 105 against the connection end face 12 of the optical connector 10 with appropriate pressing force.

[0061] The rack shaft 180 is a component that supports the cleaning head 170 so that it can move in the back-and-forth direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). For example... Figure 4 As shown, the rack shaft 180 has a front end 181, a body 182, a shoulder 183, and an arm 185. Although not particularly limited, for example, the rack shaft 180 is made of resin material, and the front end 181, body 182, shoulder 183, and arm 185 are integrally formed.

[0062] An insertion groove 181a and a window 181b are formed at the front end 181 of the rack shaft 180. The insertion groove 181a is a groove that opens at the front end of the rack shaft 180. The insertion portion 174 of the cleaning head 170 is inserted into the insertion groove 181a in a manner that allows it to move in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction in the figure). In addition, the window 181b opens from the insertion groove 181a to the side of the front end 181. The protrusion 174b of the insertion portion 174 of the cleaning head 170 is inserted into the window 181b. The cleaning head 170 is guided in the front-back direction by the insertion groove 181a, and the window 181b prevents the cleaning head 170, which is subjected to force by the second helical spring 175, from falling out in the forward direction (+Y direction in the figure). Here, the Y-axis direction in the figure is the insertion and removal direction of the cleaner 100 relative to the adapter 15 during cleaning, and is also the direction of relative movement of the protruding part 150 relative to the housing 120, the axial direction (length direction) of the cleaning shaft 160, and the pressing direction of the cleaning head 170 pressing the pressing surface 171a via the cleaning body 105.

[0063] The torso 182 is connected to the rear side of the front end 181. The torso 182 has a columnar shape and is an elongated portion extending along the axial direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) of the protruding member 150. The rear portion of the torso 182 is disposed within the housing 130 of the tool body 110, but the other portion of the torso 182 extends forward (+Y direction in the figure) from the housing 130. The upper and lower surfaces of the torso 182 function as guide surfaces for supplying and recovering the cleaning body 105 relative to the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170.

[0064] A pair of shoulders 183 of the rack shaft 180 are connected to the rear end of the body 182 of the rack shaft 180. Each shoulder 183 protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the figure) from the rear end of the body 182 and is disposed in the window 133 of the first housing 131 and the second housing 132 (see reference). Figure 3 (among them)

[0065] Additionally, a protrusion 184 is formed on the shoulder 183 that protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the figure). When the shoulder 183 is disposed within the window 133 of the housing 131, 132, the protrusion 184 protrudes from the window 133 and is embedded in the window 197 of the guide port 190 (described later).

[0066] A pair of arms 185 are connected to the lower side of a shoulder 183 and extend rearward (in the -Y direction of the figure) from the shoulder 183. The arms 185 are respectively housed in the storage portions 134 of the first housing 131 and the second housing 132 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0067] A retaining hole 185a is formed at the front end of a pair of arms 185. A pin 187 is inserted into the retaining hole 185a, and the roller 188 is supported by the pin 187 to be rotatable. The used cleaning body 105, guided along the lower surface of the body 182, is guided towards the take-up spool 141 by the roller 188 and the guide tubes 146b and 146c of the aforementioned tool body 110. The cleaning body 105 is folded back on the roller 188 and also folded back on the guide tube 146b, and is guided towards the take-up spool 141 in the order of roller 188, guide tube 146b, and guide tube 146c.

[0068] Additionally, a rack and pinion 186 is formed on the rear side of each arm 185. The aforementioned pinion 142 meshes with the rack and pinion 186, thereby forming a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0069] The guide port 190 is a cylindrical component having a cylindrical portion 191, a pair of plate portions 196, and a pair of leaf spring portions 198. The rear end portion (base end portion) of the guide port 190 is housed within the housing 120. Specifically, the rear end portion of the main body portion 195 (described later) of the cylindrical portion 191 of the guide port 190, the plate portions 196, and the leaf spring portions 198 are housed within the aforementioned housing 120. On the other hand, the front end portion of the main body portion 195 of the cylindrical portion 191 of the guide port 190 and the front end portion 192 (described later) protrude forward (in the +Y direction in the figure) from the opening 121a of the housing 120.

[0070] In this embodiment, the guide port 190 is formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a conductive resin material can be cited as a specific example of the conductive material constituting the guide port 190. The same material listed as the conductive resin material constituting the aforementioned housing 120 can be cited as a specific example of this conductive resin material. That is, the guide port 190 is a conductive resin molded part. By constituting the guide port 190 with a conductive resin material, conductivity can be stably ensured relative to wear, and the cleaner 100 can be made lightweight. The cylindrical portion 191, plate portion 196, and leaf spring portion 198 of the guide port 190 are integrally formed. Furthermore, the guide port 190 may also be a resin molded part with a metal plating formed on its surface. Alternatively, the guide port 190 may be constituting a metal material.

[0071] The cylindrical portion 191 includes: a front end portion 192, which is inserted into the adapter 15 when cleaning the optical connector 10; and a main body portion 195, which is connected to the rear side of the front end portion 192. The cylindrical portion 191 has an inner hole that extends through it in its axial direction (Y-axis direction in the figure), and the cleaning shaft 160 and the first helical spring 165 are housed in the inner hole.

[0072] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a support portion 173 for a cleaning head 170 is housed within the inner bore of the front end portion 192 of the cylindrical portion 191. Furthermore, a pressing portion 171 of the cleaning head 170, connected to the support portion 173 via the neck 172, protrudes forward (in the +Y direction in the figure) from the opening 192a of the inner bore of the front end portion 192 of the cylindrical portion 191. In contrast, the shoulder portion 183 and the arm portion 185 of the rack shaft 180 emerge from the opening 195a at the rear side of the main body portion 195 of the guide tube 190 (see reference). Figure 4 It protrudes backward (in the -Y direction of the diagram).

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the main body 195 of the cylindrical portion 191 of the guide port 190 has a tapered portion 195b with an increased inner diameter at its center. This tapered portion 195b intersects with the front surface 135 of the housing 130 (see reference). Figure 3 A first helical spring 165 is sandwiched between the two parts. The first helical spring 165 exerts force on the guide port 190 in a direction away from the tool body 110 (the +Y direction in the figure).

[0074] A pair of plates 196 protrude laterally (in the X-axis direction of the figure) from the rear end of the main body 195. Each plate 196 extends along the length direction (in the Y direction of the figure) of the guide port 190, and the pair of plates 196 extend in parallel. A window 197 is formed in each plate 196. A protrusion 184 of a rack shaft 180 protruding from the housing 130 engages with the window 197, thereby fixing the rack shaft 180 and the guide port 190 to each other.

[0075] In this embodiment, the leaf spring portion 198 extends further rearward (in the -Y direction of the figure) from the rear end of each plate portion 196. Each leaf spring portion 198 extends at an inclination relative to the length direction (Y direction of the figure) of the guide port 190. A pair of leaf spring portions 198 are positioned opposite each other with a gap and are inclined toward opposite sides. The pair of leaf spring portions 198 extend away from each other as they move toward the rear end of the guide port 190, and the gap between the pair of leaf spring portions 198 increases as they move toward the rear end of the guide port 190.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the pair of leaf spring portions 198 are disposed within the housing 120 in an elastically deformable state. Each leaf spring portion 198 is sandwiched between the housing 120 and the casing 130. Furthermore, the pair of leaf spring portions 198 contact the inner surface 121c of the front housing 121, and the leaf spring portions 198 press the housing 120 outwards. The leaf spring portion 198 corresponds to an example of a "first leaf spring" in the present invention. Additionally, the inner surface 121c corresponds to an example of an "inner surface" in the present invention, where "outer side" refers to the direction from the guide port 190 toward the housing 120. Furthermore, the guide port 190 may also have an elastic body other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf spring portion 198, which may also contact and press the housing 120.

[0077] In the cleaner of the comparative example where the guide port does not have the aforementioned leaf spring portion 198, a relatively large gap is ensured between the guide port and the housing in order to allow relative movement of the guide port relative to the housing. Therefore, the electrical contact resistance between the guide port and the housing becomes high, making it difficult to stably form a conductive path between them.

[0078] In contrast, in this embodiment, the guide port 190 and the outer casing 120 are conductive, and the guide port 190 and the outer casing 120 are reliably contacted by the aforementioned leaf spring portion 198. Therefore, the guide port 190 and the outer casing 120 are stably electrically connected via the leaf spring portion 198, and the guide port 190 and the outer casing 120 are stably electrically connected. That is, a stable connection is formed. Figure 5The electrically conductive path 101 extends from the guide port 190 to the housing 120 as shown. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "electrical connection" refers to a resistance value R between contacting components of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶. 3 [Ω] or higher and 1.0 × 10 8 [Ω] and below (1.0×10 3 [Ω] ≤ R ≤ 1.0 × 10 8 [Ω]).

[0079] The pressing force F of the leaf spring portion 198 of the guide port 190 relative to the housing 120 a1 Preferably, equation (2) below is satisfied. If the pressing force F a1 If the pressure is less than 0.5N, the electrical connection between the guide port 190 and the housing 120 may be unstable. On the other hand, if the pressure F... a1 If the contact strength exceeds 12N, the contact between the guide tube 190 and the housing 120 will be too strong, resulting in difficulty in sliding or wear and dust generation due to sliding.

[0080] 0.5 [N] < F a1 <12[N] … (2)

[0081] The cleaning process using the connector 10 of the cleaner 100 described above shall be performed in accordance with the following guidelines.

[0082] First, the operator inserts the front end of the protruding part 150 of the cleaner 100 into the insertion port 16 of the adapter 15. As a result, the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170 presses the cleaning body 105 against the connecting end face 12 of the insert 11. Next, if the operator presses the tool body 110 relative to the protruding part 150, the first helical spring 165 contracts, and the gap between the roller 188 of the protruding part 150 and the guide cylinder 146b of the tool body 110 widens by a predetermined length.

[0083] Therefore, the length of the cleaning body 105 between the guide tube 146a and the roller 188 on the supply side is shortened by a predetermined length, while the length of the cleaning body 105 between the guide tube 146b and the roller 188 is increased by a predetermined length. As a result, the cleaning body 105 on the pressing surface 171a is pulled towards the winding tube 141 side (recovery side), and the cleaning body 105 slides while being pressed against the connecting end face 12 of the insert 11, wiping away foreign matter attached to the connecting end face 12.

[0084] At this time, the housing 120 slides relative to the guide port 190, thus sometimes generating static electricity between them. In contrast, in this embodiment, as... Figure 5As shown, the leaf spring portion 198 of the guide port 190 presses against the inner surface 121c of the outer casing 120, forming an electrically conductive path 101 from the guide port 190 to the outer casing 120. Therefore, static electricity generated in the guide port 190 due to this sliding flows to the outer casing 120 via this conductive path 101. Furthermore, since the operator's hand 300 holds the outer casing 120, static electricity can be discharged from the cleaner 100 to the operator's body. Additionally, a ground wire can be connected to the outer casing 120 to ground it.

[0085] Furthermore, by pressing the tool body 110 in by the operator, the rack and pinion 186 causes the pinion 142 to rotate. However, due to the ratchet mechanism 143 and the friction drive mechanism 144, the pinion 142 idles, and therefore the winding spool 141 does not rotate.

[0086] Next, if the operator releases the pressure of the tool body 110 relative to the protruding member 150, the tool body 110 retracts relative to the protruding member 150 due to the elastic force of the first helical spring 165. The distance between the roller 188 of the protruding member 150 and the guide cylinder 146b of the tool body 110 shortens by a predetermined length, and at the same time, the rack and pinion 186 causes the pinion 142 to rotate. The rotational force of the pinion 142 is transmitted to the take-up spool 141 via the friction drive mechanism 144. The take-up spool 141 rotates, and the used cleaning body 105 is taken up by the take-up spool 141.

[0087] At the same time, the length of the cleaning body 105 existing between the guide tube 146a and the roller 188 on the supply side increases by a predetermined length. At this time, the distance between the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170 and the roller 188 is constant, and the cleaning body 105 is wrapped around the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170, so that an unused cleaning body 105 of a predetermined length is sent out from the delivery tube 145.

[0088] Once cleaning is complete, the operator pulls the protruding part 150 out of the insertion port 16 of the adapter 15, thereby removing the cleaner 100 from the adapter 15.

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, the guide port 190 and the housing 120 are conductive. The guide port 190 includes a leaf spring portion 198, which contacts and presses against the housing 120, thereby electrically connecting the guide port 190 and the housing 120. Therefore, static electricity generated in the guide port 190 due to sliding against the housing 120 can be rapidly diffused via the housing 120.

[0090] Especially in electrostatic discharge (EPA) areas such as manufacturing processes for electrically sensitive electronic components, it is necessary to rapidly diffuse electrostatic discharge (ESD) to prevent damage to the electronic components from static electricity. In contrast, as described above, the optical connector cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment can rapidly diffuse static electricity generated at the guide port 190 due to sliding with the housing 120, and therefore can be used in electrostatic discharge (EPA) areas.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 As shown in (b), a leaf spring 122 may also be provided at the front end of the front housing 121. Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view showing a modified example of the outer casing 120 of this embodiment. Figure 6 (b) is along Figure 6 (a) Cross-sectional view of the VIB-VIB optical connector cleaning tool 100.

[0092] like Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 As shown in (b), a pair of leaf springs 122 are disposed opposite to each other on the side of the front housing 121. A generally U-shaped slit 121d is formed around the leaf springs 122 of the front housing 121, and the leaf springs 122 are elastically deformable. Each leaf spring 122 has a protrusion 122a protruding inward at its front end. The pair of leaf springs 122 are disposed opposite to each other with a gap, and the guide port 190 is sandwiched between the protrusions 122a of the pair of leaf springs 122.

[0093] A pair of leaf springs 122 have protrusions 122a that contact the outer surface 190b of the guide port 190, and the leaf springs 122 press the guide port 190 inward. Therefore, the outer casing 120 is reliably contacted with the guide port 190 by the leaf springs 122, thus stably electrically connecting the outer casing 120 and the guide port 190 via the leaf springs 122, and ensuring stable conductivity between the outer casing 120 and the guide port 190. That is, as... Figure 6 As shown in (b), a stable electrically conductive path 101 is formed via the leaf spring 122 from the guide port 190 to the housing 120. The leaf spring 122 corresponds to an example of a "second leaf spring" in the manner of the present invention. In addition, the outer surface 190b corresponds to an example of an "outer surface" in the manner of the present invention, in which case "inner side" refers to the direction from the housing 120 toward the guide port 190.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown in (b), when the housing 120 is equipped with a leaf spring 122, the guide port 190 may not be equipped with a leaf spring portion 198. Alternatively, the housing 120 may be equipped with an elastic body other than a leaf spring to replace the leaf spring 122, which may also contact and press the guide port 190.

[0095] <<Second Implementation Method>>

[0096] The object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention, namely the optical connector 20, is a single-core connection type optical connector plug. Figure 7 This is a front view showing the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 200 of this embodiment, namely the single-core connection type optical connector 20.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, the optical connector 20 includes: a ferrule 21 having a cylindrical shape; and a housing 24 storing the ferrule 21 inside. The ferrule 21 has an optical fiber holding hole extending through it along its length. An optical fiber 23 is inserted into the optical fiber holding hole and is fixed to the ferrule 21 by an adhesive or the like. The optical fiber 23 protrudes from the circular connecting end face 22 of the ferrule 21.

[0098] While not specifically limited, specific examples of such optical connectors 20 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.

[0099] When connecting a pair of optical connectors 20, each equipped with the aforementioned ferrule 21, an adapter is used. Specifically, the pair of optical connectors 20 are inserted into the openings on both sides of the adapter, and the adapter's sleeve 25 (see reference) is used. Figure 10 Insert the ferrule 21 into the openings on both sides of (b) respectively. Then, mate the connection end faces 22 of the pair of ferrules 21 together in the sleeve 25, thereby optically connecting the optical fibers 23 exposed from the connection end faces 22 of the ferrules 21. In order to remove foreign matter attached to the connection end faces 22 of the ferrules 21 before connecting the optical connectors 20 to each other, the connection end faces 22 of the ferrules 21 are cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 200 described below.

[0100] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the connection end face of the ferrule can also be cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 200 described below in the optical connector socket used in the plug-socket combination method. Alternatively, the connection end face of the optical connector plug unit that is not inserted into the adapter can be cleaned by inserting the optical connector plug into the cover installed at the front end of the optical connector cleaning tool 200.

[0101] The following is for reference Figures 8-11 The structure of the optical connector cleaning tool 200 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool 200 of this embodiment. Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool 200 of this embodiment. Figure 10 (a) is a front view showing the front end portion of the cleaning head 270 in this embodiment. Figure 10 (b) is along Figure 10 (a) A cross-sectional view of the XB-XB line. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the conductive path 201 of the optical connector cleaning tool 200 in this embodiment, and it is along... Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along line XI-XI.

[0103] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the optical connector cleaning tool 200 (hereinafter also referred to as "cleaner 200") of this embodiment includes a housing 220, a cleaning unit 230, and a first helical spring 265.

[0104] The cleaning unit 230 is housed within the housing 220 such that it can move relative to the housing 220 along the Y-axis direction shown in the figure. A first helical spring 265 is clamped between the cleaning unit 230 and the housing 220, applying force to the cleaning unit 230 in the +Y direction shown in the figure. The cleaning unit 230 includes a take-up tube 241, a pinion 242, a delivery tube 245, a support body 247, a cleaning shaft 260, and a guide port 290. The cleaner 200 uses the pressing surface 271a (described later) of the cleaning shaft 260 to hold the cleaning body 205 (see reference) wrapped around the cleaning shaft 260. Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 (b) Press the connecting end face 22 of the ferrule 21 of the optical connector 20 to clean the optical connector 20.

[0105] The housing 220 corresponds to an example of a "housing" in the manner of the present invention, the cleaning shaft 260 corresponds to an example of a "cleaning shaft" in the manner of the present invention, and the guide port 290 corresponds to an example of a "cylindrical component" in the manner of the present invention.

[0106] The cleaning body 205 is a continuous body obtained by processing a 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 205 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 205 may also be polygonal. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the cleaning body 205 has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.3 mm. Alternatively, a narrow strip-shaped continuous body formed by processing the cleaning cloth into a strip shape may also be used as the cleaning body 205.

[0107] The cleaning shaft 260 is an elongated component used to press the cleaning body 205 against the connection end face 22 of the optical connector 20. The cleaning body 205 is wound around the cleaning shaft 260 in a folded-back manner on the pressing surface 271a. Unused cleaning bodies 205 are wound around the delivery tube 245. Unused cleaning bodies 205 are supplied from the delivery tube 245 to the cleaning shaft 260. Then, the cleaning bodies 205 used on the pressing surface 271a are retrieved by the winding tube 241. The cleaning shaft 260 includes a cleaning head (head component) 270, a second helical spring 275, and a shaft component 280.

[0108] The cleaning head 270 is a component that forms the front end portion of the cleaning shaft 260. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the cleaning head 270 includes a pressing portion 271, a flange portion 273, and an insertion portion 274. While not particularly limited, the cleaning head 270 is made of resin material. The pressing portion 271, flange portion 273, and insertion portion 274 of the cleaning head 270 are integrally formed.

[0109] like Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 As shown in (b), the pressing part 271 has a pressing surface 271a at its front end for pressing the cleaning body 205 against the connection end face 22 of the optical connector 20. The pressing surface 271a has a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection end face 22 of the ferrule 21 of the optical connector 20 (in this embodiment, it is a circular shape).

[0110] A pair of guide holes 271b and 271c are formed on the pressing surface 271a, allowing the cleaning body 205 to pass through the interior of the cleaning shaft 260. Unused cleaning bodies 205, fed from the delivery tube 245, are supplied to the pressing surface 271a through the interior of the cleaning shaft 260 and one guide hole 271b. The cleaning bodies 205 supplied to the pressing surface 271a pass through the center of the pressing surface 271a and move towards the other guide hole 271c on the pressing surface 271a. Then, used cleaning bodies 205 pass through the other guide hole 271c and the interior of the cleaning shaft 260 and are wound up by the take-up tube 241. Alternatively, instead of the aforementioned guide holes 271b and 271c, a pair of guide grooves may be formed on the side of the cleaning head 270, through which the cleaning bodies 205 are supplied and retrieved relative to the pressing surface 271a.

[0111] like Figure 11 As shown, a flange 273 is connected to the rear side of the pressing part 271. The flange 273 has a diameter larger than that of the pressing part 271 and the insertion part 274. The front end of the second coil spring 275 contacts the flange 273. When the cleaner is not in use (the state where the cleaning head 270 is not pressing the connection end face of the optical connector 200), the flange 273 contacts the inner protrusion 290c of the front end of the guide port 290.

[0112] An insertion portion 274 is connected to the rear side of the flange portion 273. The insertion portion 274 is the portion that is inserted into the front end portion of the shaft component 280. A protrusion 274a is formed at the rear end portion of the insertion portion 274, and the protrusion 274a protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the figure).

[0113] like Figure 9 As shown, the shaft component 280 includes a shaft body 281 and an expanded diameter portion 282. Both the shaft body 281 and the expanded diameter portion 282 are cylindrical, and the expanded diameter portion 282 is connected to the rear end of the shaft body 281. Although not particularly limited, the shaft component 280 is, for example, made of resin material, and the shaft body 281 and the expanded diameter portion 282 are integrally formed.

[0114] The aforementioned cleaning head 270 is supported by the shaft body 281 so that the cleaning head 270 can move relative to the shaft body 281 along the Y-axis direction shown in the figure. Figure 11As shown, an insertion hole 281a and a window 281b are formed at the front end of the shaft body 281. The insertion hole 281a is a hole that opens at the front end of the shaft body 281, and the insertion part 274 of the cleaning head 270 is inserted into the insertion hole 281a in a manner that allows it to move in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction in the figure). In addition, the window 281b opens from the insertion hole 281a to the side of the shaft body 281, and the protrusion 274a of the insertion part 274 is inserted into the window 281b. Here, the Y-axis direction in the figure refers to the insertion and removal direction of the cleaner 200 relative to the adapter during cleaning, and also the direction of relative movement of the cleaning unit 230 relative to the housing 220, the axial direction (length direction) of the cleaning shaft 260, and the pressing direction of the cleaning head 270 pressing the pressing surface 271a via the cleaning body 205.

[0115] The second helical spring 275 is clamped between the flange portion 273 of the cleaning head 270 and the shaft body 281. Through the second helical spring 275, the cleaning head 270 is subjected to a forward force relative to the shaft body 281, and the pressing surface 271a of the cleaning head 270 can press the cleaning body 205 against the connection end face 22 of the optical connector 20 with an appropriate pressing force.

[0116] like Figure 9 As shown, a helical cam groove 282a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the expanded diameter portion 282. A rotation mechanism for rotating the cleaning shaft 260 is realized through this cam groove 282a and the cam pin 224 of the housing 220 (described later). This rotation mechanism, accompanied by the relative movement of the support body 247 relative to the housing 220, causes the cleaning shaft 260 to rotate around a rotation axis RA (see reference RA) parallel to the length direction of the cleaning shaft 260. Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 Rotate around (b) as the center.

[0117] The take-up spool 241 is a reel (cylindrical reel) used to take up the used cleaning body 205. The take-up spool 241 is supported by a support shaft portion of the support body 247 so that it can rotate. The take-up spool 241 rotates along with the relative movement of the cleaning unit 230 relative to the housing 220, thereby taking up the used cleaning body 205 that has been used on the pressing surface 271a.

[0118] The pinion 242 is supported by the support shaft of the support body 247 that supports the winding bobbin 241, allowing it to rotate. That is, the pinion 242 is supported by the support body 247 so that it can rotate coaxially with the winding bobbin 241. Furthermore, the pinion 242 meshes with the rack and pinion 225 (described later) of the housing 220, and the rack and pinion 242 together form a rack and pinion mechanism. Using this rack and pinion mechanism, the relative linear motion of the cleaning unit 230 with respect to the housing 220 is converted into rotational motion, and the pinion 242 causes the winding bobbin 241 to rotate.

[0119] Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated, the cleaning unit 230 includes a rotation limiting mechanism that allows rotation of the take-up bobbin 241 in one direction (the direction in which the take-up bobbin 241 takes up the cleaning body 205), but prohibits rotation of the take-up bobbin 241 in the other direction. Additionally, although not specifically illustrated, the cleaning unit 230 includes a transmission mechanism that transmits rotation in only one direction to the take-up bobbin 241 via a pinion 242.

[0120] The delivery tube 245 is a reel for supplying the cleaning body 205. Unused cleaning bodies 205 are wound on the delivery tube 245. The delivery tube 245 is supported by a support shaft portion of the support body 247 so that it can rotate. As the cleaning unit 230 moves relative to the housing 220, the unused cleaning body 205 is drawn from the delivery tube 245 to the pressing surface 271a.

[0121] The support body 247 is a component that supports the cleaning shaft 260, the winding bobbin 241, the pinion 242, and the delivery bobbin 245. The cleaning shaft 260 is supported by the support body 247 so that it can rotate about the rotation axis RA. Specifically, the expanded diameter portion 282 of the cleaning shaft 260 is supported by the support body 247 so that it can rotate, and the shaft body 281 of the cleaning shaft 260 protrudes from the support body 247 in the +Y direction in the figure.

[0122] The guide port 290 is a cylindrical component disposed on the front end side of the support 247. In this embodiment, the guide port 290 is formed of a conductive material. Although not particularly limited, a conductive resin material can be cited as a specific example of the conductive material constituting the guide port 290. The same material listed as the conductive resin material constituting the aforementioned housing 120 can be cited as a specific example of this conductive resin material. That is, the guide port 290 is a conductive resin molded part. By constituting the guide port 290 with a conductive resin material, conductivity can be stably ensured relative to wear, and the cleaner 200 can be made lightweight. Furthermore, the guide port 290 may also be a resin molded part with a metal plating formed on its surface. Alternatively, the guide port 290 may be made of a metal material.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide port 290 has a leaf spring 298 at its rear end portion (base end portion). A pair of slits are formed around the leaf spring 298 at the rear end portion of the guide port 290, and the leaf spring 298 is capable of elastic deformation. Figure 11 As shown, the leaf spring 298 is disposed within the housing 220 in an elastically deformed state, contacting the inner surface 221c of the housing body 221, and pressing the housing 220 outward. This leaf spring 298 corresponds to an example of a "first leaf spring" in the present invention. Furthermore, the inner surface 211c corresponds to an example of an "inner surface" in the present invention, where "outer side" refers to the direction from the guide port 290 toward the housing 220. Alternatively, the guide port 290 may also have an elastomer other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf spring 298, which can also contact and press the housing 220.

[0124] In this embodiment, the guide port 290 and the outer casing 220 are conductive, and the guide port 290 and the outer casing 220 are reliably in contact via the aforementioned leaf spring 298. Therefore, the guide port 290 and the outer casing 220 are stably electrically connected via the leaf spring 298, and the guide port 290 and the outer casing 220 are stably electrically connected. That is, as... Figure 11 As shown, a stable electrical conductive path 201 is formed from the guide port 290 to the housing 220.

[0125] The pressing force F of the leaf spring 298 of the guide port 290 relative to the housing 220 a2 Preferably, it satisfies the following equation (3). If the pressing force F a2 If the pressure is less than 0.5N, the electrical connection between the guide port 290 and the housing 220 may be unstable. On the other hand, if the pressure F... a2 If the contact strength exceeds 12N, the contact between the guide tube 290 and the housing 220 will be too strong, resulting in difficulty in sliding or wear and dust generation due to sliding.

[0126] 0.5 [N] < F a2 <12[N] … (3)

[0127] like Figure 9 As shown, a window 291 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the guide port 290. On the other hand, the aforementioned support body 247 includes a cylindrical portion 247a that protrudes from the wall of the front end side (the +Y direction side in the figure) of the support body 247 in the +Y direction, and a protrusion 247b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 247a. This protrusion 247b is inserted into the window 291, thereby fixing the guide port 290 to the support body 247.

[0128] The portion of the cleaning shaft 260 protruding from the support body 247 is inserted into the guide port 290. The portion of the cleaning shaft 260 protruding from the support body 247 refers to the portion of the cleaning shaft 260 further from the front end of the expanded diameter portion 282 (the +Y direction side in the figure), specifically the cleaning head 270, the second helical spring 275, and the shaft body 281. Furthermore, the flange portion 273 of the cleaning head 270 and the inner protrusion 290c at the front end of the guide port 290 (see reference...) Figure 11 The pressing part 271 of the cleaning head 270 protrudes from the front end of the guide tube 290 upon contact.

[0129] Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated, the guide port 290 may also have a double-layered structure with two cylinders. This double-layered guide port includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a coil spring. The first cylinder is housed within the second cylinder and is axially movable relative to the second cylinder. Additionally, the first cylinder is forced away from the second cylinder by the coil spring. In the state where the cleaner 200 is not in use (the front end face of the guide port 290 is not pressing against the end face of the sleeve 25), the cleaning head 270 is housed within the first cylinder. Conversely, when cleaning the optical connector 200 with the cleaner 200, the front end of the cleaning shaft 260 protrudes from the first cylinder.

[0130] The outer casing 220 houses a portion of the cleaning unit 230 and the first helical spring 265. (As shown) Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the housing 220 includes a housing body 221 and an adjustment component 223. The operator who uses the cleaner 200 to clean the optical connector 200 operates the cleaner 200 by holding the housing 220 with their hand 300. Therefore, the housing 220 corresponds to an example of a "retaining part" in the manner of the present invention.

[0131] In this embodiment, the outer casing 221 and the adjustment member 223 are formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a conductive resin material can be cited as a specific example of the conductive material constituting the outer casing 221 and the adjustment member 223. The same material listed as the conductive resin material constituting the outer casing 120 described above can be cited as a specific example of this conductive resin material. That is, the outer casing 220 is a conductive resin molded part. By constituting the outer casing 220 with a conductive resin material, conductivity can be stably ensured relative to wear, and the cleaner 200 can be made lightweight. Furthermore, the outer casing 221 and the adjustment member 223 may also be resin molded parts with a metal plating formed on their surfaces. Alternatively, the outer casing 221 and the adjustment member 223 may be constituting a metal material.

[0132] The cleaning unit 230 is inserted into the housing body 221 through an opening on the rear end side (the -Y direction side in the figure), and the front end of the cleaning unit 230 protrudes from the housing body 221 through an opening 221a. The cleaning unit 230 is housed in the housing body 221 in such a way that the cleaning unit 230 can move relative to the housing body 221 along the Y-axis direction in the figure.

[0133] The adjusting member 223 includes a cam pin 224 and a rack and pinion 225. This adjusting member 223 covers the support 247 such that the cleaning unit 230 can move relative to it along the Y-axis direction shown in the figure. Furthermore, the cam pin 224 of the adjusting member 223 is inserted into the cam groove 282a of the shaft member 280. Therefore, if the cleaning unit 230 moves relative to the housing 220, the cleaning shaft 260 rotates around the rotation axis RA via a rotation mechanism formed by the cam pin 224 and the cam groove 282a. Additionally, the rack and pinion 225 of the adjusting member 223 meshes with a pinion 242. Therefore, if the cleaning unit 230 moves relative to the housing 220, the winding spool 241 rotates via a gear and rack mechanism formed by the rack and pinion 225 and the pinion 242.

[0134] The first helical spring 265 is clamped between the wall of the front end side (+Y direction side in the figure) of the support body 247 and the wall 226 of the rear end side (-Y direction side in the figure) of the adjusting component 223. The first helical spring 265 applies force to the cleaning unit 230 towards the front end side (+Y direction side in the figure).

[0135] The adjusting component 223 and the first helical spring 265, together with the cleaning unit 230, are inserted into the housing body 221 through the opening on the rear end side (the -Y direction side in the figure) and housed within the housing body 221. At this time, the adjusting component 223 is fixed to the housing body 221 by engaging with the cutout 221b of the housing body 221 through the locking tab 227 of the adjusting component 223.

[0136] The cleaning of the optical connector 20 of the cleaner 200 described above shall be performed according to the following guidelines.

[0137] First, the operator inserts the front end of the cleaning unit 230 of the cleaner 200 into the opening of the adapter. This inserts the cleaning shaft 260 into the sleeve 25 of the adapter (see reference). Figure 10 (b) The pressing surface 271a of the cleaning head 270 presses the cleaning body 205 against the connection end face 22 of the optical connector 20. Next, if the operator presses the cleaning unit 230 into the housing 220, the cleaning unit 230 retracts relative to the housing 220, and the first helical spring 265 contracts.

[0138] Furthermore, the linear motion of the cleaning unit 230 relative to the housing 220, based on the operator's pressing action, is converted into rotational motion by the rack and pinion 225 and pinion 242. The rotation of the pinion 242 is transmitted to the take-up spool 241, which rotates to take up the used cleaning body 205 on the pressing surface 271a of the cleaning shaft 260. Additionally, the pulling force applied to the cleaning body 205 accompanying this taking-up action causes the delivery spool 245 to rotate, thus supplying unused cleaning body 205 from the delivery spool 245 to the pressing surface 271a of the cleaning shaft 260. Furthermore, through the aforementioned operator's pressing action, the cam pin 224 slides relative to the cam groove 282a, causing the cleaning shaft 260 to rotate around the rotation axis RA. Thus, the cleaning body 205 is pressed against the connection end face 22 of the optical connector 20 while sliding to wipe away foreign objects attached to the connection end face 22.

[0139] At this time, the outer casing 220 slides relative to the guide port 290, thus sometimes generating static electricity between them. In contrast, in this embodiment, as... Figure 11 As shown, the leaf spring 298 of the guide port 290 presses against the inner surface 221c of the outer casing 220, forming an electrically conductive path 201 from the guide port 290 to the outer casing 220. Therefore, static electricity generated in the guide port 290 due to this sliding flows to the outer casing 220 via this conductive path 201. Furthermore, since the operator's hand 300 holds the outer casing 220, static electricity can be discharged from the cleaner 200 to the operator's body. Additionally, a ground wire can be connected to the outer casing 220 to ground it.

[0140] Next, if the operator releases the housing 220 from the guide port 290, the cleaning unit 230 advances relative to the housing 220 due to the elastic force of the first helical spring 265. At this time, the take-up spool 241 does not rotate due to the rotation limiting mechanism and transmission mechanism (not specifically shown).

[0141] Once cleaning is complete, the operator pulls the front end of the cleaning unit 230 of the cleaner 200 out of the opening in the adapter, thereby removing the cleaner 200 from the adapter.

[0142] As described above, in this embodiment, the guide port 290 and the housing 220 are conductive. The guide port 290 includes a leaf spring 298, which contacts and presses against the housing 220, electrically connecting the guide port 290 and the housing 220 via the leaf spring 298. Therefore, static electricity generated in the guide port 290 due to sliding against the housing 220 can be rapidly diffused via the housing 220.

[0143] Especially in electrostatic discharge (EPA) management areas, such as manufacturing processes for electrically sensitive electronic components, it is necessary to rapidly diffuse electrostatic discharge (ESD) to prevent damage to these components from static electricity. In contrast, as described above, the optical connector cleaning tool 200 of this embodiment can rapidly diffuse static electricity generated at the guide port 290 due to sliding against the housing 220, and therefore can be used in ESD management areas.

[0144] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, a leaf spring 222 can also be provided at the front end of the outer shell 221. Figure 12 This is a side view showing a modified example of the housing 220 of this embodiment.

[0145] like Figure 12 As shown, the outer casing 220 may also have a leaf spring 222 at its front end. Slits 221d are formed on both sides of the leaf spring 222 at this front end, allowing the leaf spring 222 to elastically deform. Similar to the above... Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 Similarly, the housing 120 shown in (b) also has a pair of leaf springs 222 facing each other, which are disposed on the side of the front end portion of the housing body 221. The pair of leaf springs 222 are facing each other with an open gap, and the guide port 290 is sandwiched between the pair of leaf springs 222.

[0146] A pair of leaf springs 222 contact the outer surface 290b of the guide port 290, pressing the guide port 290 inward. Therefore, the housing 220 and the guide port 290 are reliably contacted via the leaf springs 222, thus stably electrically connecting the housing 220 and the guide port 290, and stably conducting between them. That is, a stable electrical conductive path 201 is formed from the guide port 290 to the housing 220 via the leaf springs 222. The leaf springs 222 represent an example of a "second leaf spring" in this invention. Additionally, the outer surface 290b represents an example of an "outer surface" in this invention, where "inner side" refers to the direction from the housing 220 toward the guide port 290.

[0147] Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated, when the housing 220 has a leaf spring 222, the guide port 290 may not have a leaf spring 298. Alternatively, the housing 220 may have an elastomer other than a leaf spring to replace the leaf spring 222, which may also contact and press the guide port 290.

[0148] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are provided for the purpose of understanding the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the essence of the elements disclosed in the above embodiments is to also include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0149] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0150] 10… Optical connector (multi-core); 11… Flanger; 12… Connecting face; 20… Optical connector (single-core); 21… Flanger; 22… Connecting face; 100… Optical connector cleaning tool (for multi-core); 101… Conductive path; 105… Cleaning body; 110… Tool body; 120… Housing; 122… Leaf spring; 130… Housing; 141… Take-up spool; 145… Feed-out spool; 150… Extension part; 160… Cleaning shaft; 170… Cleaning head; 171a …pressing surface; 180…rack shaft; 190…guide tube opening; 198…leaf spring section; 200…optical connector cleaning tool (single core); 201…conductive path; 205…cleaning body; 220…outer shell; 222…leaf spring; 230…cleaning unit; 241…take-up spool; 245…exit spool; 260…cleaning shaft; 270…cleaning head; 271a…pressing surface; 280…shaft assembly; 290…guide tube opening; 298…leaf spring; 300…operator's hand.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for optical connectors, used to clean the connection end faces of optical connectors, characterized in that, have: A cleaning shaft for hanging the cleaning body, and a cleaning head at the front end, the cleaning head having a pressing surface for pressing the cleaning body against the connecting end face; A cylindrical component housing the cleaning shaft; and The outer casing houses the base portion of the cylindrical component in a manner that allows relative movement between the cylindrical components. The cylindrical component and the outer shell are conductive. The cylindrical component or the outer casing has an elastically deformable portion that contacts and presses against the outer casing or the cylindrical component. The cylindrical component is electrically connected to the outer casing via the elastic deformation portion.

2. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic deformation section includes the first leaf spring of the cylindrical component. The first leaf spring contacts the inner surface of the housing and presses the inner surface outward.

3. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elastic deformation portion includes a second leaf spring provided with the outer shell. The second leaf spring contacts the outer surface of the cylindrical component and presses the outer surface inward.

4. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pressing force F of the elastically deformable portion of the outer shell or the cylindrical component. a It satisfies the following equation (1), 0.5[N]<F a <12[N] … (1)。 5. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing has a holding part for the operator to hold the optical connector cleaning tool.

6. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The cylindrical component and the outer shell are made of conductive resin material.

7. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The optical connector cleaning tool includes a supply and recovery mechanism that supplies the cleaning body to the pressing surface of the cleaning head and recovers the cleaning body from the pressing surface as the cylindrical component moves relative to the housing.

Images