Optical communication connector and optical module

Abstract

To provide an optical communication connector and optical module, which make it easier to remove dust from light receiving surfaces.SOLUTION: An optical communication connector is provided, comprising a lens having a curved surface, a support member configured to support the lens and have a swing axis, and a swinging member configured to be swingable about the swing axis along the curved surface with respect to the support member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical communication connector and an optical module.

Background Art

[0002] It is known that an optical connector is used to connect optical cables to each other or between an optical cable and an optical module.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical communication connector that generates an air flow inside a connector having a light receiving surface facing an optical fiber to remove dust on the light receiving surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The optical communication connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an optical communication connector that can remove dust on the optical cable connection surface, especially when connecting a socket and a plug. A communication hole communicating with the outside of the socket is provided, and this communication hole is near the light receiving surface. When a plug having a rubber seal is inserted into the socket, the air between the plug and the socket becomes airtight, and air flows into the communication hole provided near the light receiving surface. The dust on the light receiving surface is blown away by the wind force of the air, and the dust on the light receiving surface is discharged together with the air. In this way, an optical communication connector that generates an air flow inside a connector having a light receiving surface and removes dust on the light receiving surface is disclosed. However, depending on the shape of the light receiving surface, it may be difficult to remove dust on the light receiving surface.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical communication connector and an optical module that solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The optical communication connector of the present disclosure includes a lens having a curved surface, a support member that supports the lens and has a swing axis, and a swing member that can swing around the swing axis along the curved surface with respect to the support member.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the optical communication connector and the optical module according to the present disclosure, it is easy to remove dust from the light receiving surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings and specific configurations used in each embodiment shall not be used for interpreting the disclosure. The same or corresponding components in all the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and common descriptions are omitted. Note that in the present disclosure, the drawings are associated with one or more embodiments.

[0011] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of an optical communication connector according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0012] (Configuration of Optical Module) The optical module 1 changes the transmission light transmitted from the optical fiber into an electrical signal. The optical module 1 includes an optical communication connector 11 and a converter 12. The converter 12 converts the transmission light received by the lens into an electrical signal. Note that the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure is not limited to the connection between the optical cable 5 and the optical module 1, and is also used for connecting the optical cables 5 to each other. The optical cable 5 has an optical fiber.

[0013] (Configuration of Optical Communication Connector) As shown in FIG. 1, the optical communication connector 11 includes a lens 111, a support member 112, a swing member 113, a pressed member 114, a pressing member 115, an outer cylinder 116, and an elastic member 117.

[0014] (Configuration of Lens) The lens 111 receives the transmission light from the optical fiber. The lens 111 can converge the received transmission light or transmit it as parallel light. Lens 111 has a curved surface CUS. For example, lens 111 is a ball lens.

[0015] (Configuration of the support member) The support member 112 supports the lens 111. The support member 112 has a contact surface COS that can contact the swing member 113. The contact surface COS exists around the lens 111. Note that the contact surface of the support member 112 may be flat or inclined as shown in FIGS. 1 to 2. In addition, the support member 112 has a swing axis Ax. The support member 112 is located inside the outer cylinder 116. The outer cylinder 116 has a function as a guide for determining the position of the optical cable 5. Note that there may be a gap between the outer cylinder 116 and the optical cable 5.

[0016] (Configuration of the swing member) The swing member 113 can swing around the swing axis Ax. The swing member 113 in the present disclosure can swing around the swing axis Ax along the curved surface CUS with respect to the support member 112. In addition, the swing member 113 may contact the contact surface COS by swinging around the swing axis Ax. In addition, the swing member 113 may contact the contact surface COS before being connected to the optical cable 5. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the swing member 113 is close to the end of the support member 112 before being connected to the optical cable 5, and it is difficult to interfere with the optical communication performed by the connection with the optical cable. For example, the swing member 113 has a thickness of about 0.3 mm in diameter. The swing member 113 includes an optical fiber in contact with the curved surface CUS. Note that the portion of the swing member 113 other than the portion in contact with the curved surface CUS may be made of a hard material. The swing member 113 may have an arc shape along the curved surface CUS.

[0017] (Configuration of the pressed member) The pressed member 114 can swing around the swing axis Ax. The pressed member 114 can swing in conjunction with the swing member 113. That is, the rocking of the pressed member 114 and the rocking of the rocking member 113 can be interlocked. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressed member 114 is positioned between the support member 112 and the outer cylinder 116. The locus described by the pressed member 114 by rocking about the rocking axis Ax is located between the outer peripheral surface OS of the support member 112 and the outer cylinder 116. The pressed member 114 may have a shape along the outer peripheral surface OS of the support member 112.

[0018] (Configuration of the pressing member) The pressing member 115 can press the pressed member 114. The pressing member 115 can press the pressed member 114 so as to rock the pressed member 114. By connection with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed toward the pressed member 114. The pressing member 115 may be pressed by the tip of the optical cable 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing member 115 is positioned between the outer peripheral surface OS of the support member 112 and the outer cylinder 116 so as to be able to press the pressed member 114. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pressing member 115 may be columnar.

[0019] (Configuration of the elastic member) The elastic member 117 applies a biasing force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. That is, the elastic member 117 applies a biasing force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pressing member 115. The elastic member 117 is positioned between the outer peripheral surface OS of the support member 112 and the outer cylinder 116 so as to be able to apply a biasing force to the pressed member 114. The elastic member 117 may straddle the pressed member 114 and face the pressing member 115.

[0020] (Operation description) So as to transition from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, upon connection with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction therewith, the swinging member 113 also swings about the swing axis Ax in the ROT direction. As a result, the swinging member 113 swings along the curved surface. The swinging of the swinging member 113 ends upon contact with the contact surface COS of the support member 112. In this way, the swinging member 113 cleans the lens 111 and pushes away and removes dust adhering to the lens 111. During the connection with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 remains in a state of being pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5, and the swinging member 113 is fixed at the position shown in FIG. 5.

[0021] Upon release of the connection with the optical cable 5, that is, when the pressing of the pressing member 115 by the tip of the optical cable 5 is released, the elastic member 117 biases the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. The pressed member 114 swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction therewith, the swinging member 113 also swings about the swing axis Ax, this time in the direction opposite to the ROT direction. As a result, the swinging member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. The swinging of the swinging member 113 ends upon contact with the contact surface COS of the support member 112. Upon release of the connection with the optical cable 5, the pressed member 114 interlocked with the swinging member 113 remains in a state of being biased by the elastic member 117, and the swinging member 113 is positioned at the position shown in FIG. 4. If the swinging member 113 was in contact with the contact surface COS before the connection with the optical cable 5, it will return to the same position as before the connection. In this way, the swinging member 113 cleans the lens 111 again, pushes away and removes dust adhering to the lens 111, and also removes dust adhering to the swinging member 113 due to the connection with the optical cable 5.

[0022] By repeatedly connecting and disconnecting from the optical cable 5, the swing member 113 reciprocates along the curved surface CUS. As a result, the swing member 113 pushes away and removes the dust adhering to the lens 111, and also sweeps away the dust adhering to the swing member 113. The dust swept away by the swing member 113 is discharged from the outer cylinder 116 into which the optical cable 5 is inserted. Alternatively, it may be discharged from the gap between the outer cylinder 116 and the optical cable 5. As another example, the dust may be discharged from the discharge holes provided in the outer cylinder 116 or the optical cable 5.

[0023] Note that the operator can also remove the dust at the tip of the optical cable 5 by adjusting the distance between the lens 111 and the tip of the optical cable 5, when connecting or disconnecting from the optical cable 5, or both.

[0024] (Function and Effect) According to the optical communication connector 11 of the present embodiment, the swing member 113 can swing around the swing axis Ax along the curved surface CUS of the lens with respect to the support member having the swing axis Ax. By the swing of the swing member 113 along the curved surface CUS of the lens, the swing member 113 can remove the dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111. Therefore, the optical communication connector 11 according to the present disclosure can easily remove the dust on the light receiving surface (the curved surface CUS of the lens 111).

[0025] A comparative example is shown below. In the field of optical communication, an optical module that mutually converts an electrical signal on a substrate and an optical signal on an optical fiber is used. This optical module includes a ball lens in the light receiving part of the transmitted light, and when dust adheres to the ball lens, the received light amount decreases and the optical communication becomes unstable. In an optical communication connector configured to connect a socket and a plug as Comparative Example 1, when dust adheres to the lens, removal by wind such as an air duster is the mainstream. Since the air duster is a consumable tool, when constructing an optical communication environment using a large number of optical modules such as a SAN storage, the consumption of consumables increases and the maintenance cost increases.

[0026] In addition, since the lifespan of an optical module is generally as short as about five years, if the above storage device is operated for a long time, there is a high probability that the optical module will malfunction. However, depending on the user's request, the operator has to conduct an investigation on the optical module suspected of malfunction each time. If an optical communication error is reproduced as a result of the investigation, one possible physical factor is that dust has adhered to the ball lens inside the connector. The operator uses a dedicated microscope to check the ball lens and removes the dust causing the problem. Therefore, if physical factors such as dust adhesion to the ball lens can be excluded, the man-hours required for checking the ball lens using a microscope can be reduced, and the maintenance cost can be reduced. As described above, from the perspective of maintenance cost, there is a need for an optical module in which dust does not adhere to the lens portion of the connector.

[0027] According to the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure provided in the optical module 1, compared with Comparative Example 1, when connected to the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member 114 swings around the swing axis Ax, and the swing member 113 also swings in the ROT direction around the swing axis Ax in conjunction with it. As a result, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 and push back and remove the dust adhering to the lens 111. Therefore, no special tool such as an air duster is required for cleaning the lens surface. If the optical communication connector of the present disclosure is operating properly, there is no need to check the surface of the lens 111 with a dedicated microscope, so a reduction in maintenance cost can be expected.

[0028] As another comparative example 2, in a configuration that prevents dust from entering the connector, when the connector is exposed during the insertion and removal of the optical cable 5, it is impossible to avoid dust adhesion. Since there are few configurations that can remove the dust that has entered, in the field of optical communication using an optical module, it is required that the dust can be automatically removed by the function of the connector. The connector for optical communication that connects the optical cable 5 and the optical module 1 does not involve physical contact during connection. Therefore, the connector for optical communication cannot push away dust during the connection operation with the optical cable 5. Since connectors such as those of USB cables need to make physical contact, dust and the like are removed when the connector is inserted and removed. Therefore, the adhesion of dust to the lens 111 inside the connector is a problem specific to the connector for optical communication and not a problem applicable to all connectors for connection such as the connector of a USB cable.

[0029] According to the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, compared with Comparative Example 2, when connected to the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed toward the pressed member 114 at the tip of the optical cable 5. The pressed member swings around the swing axis Ax, and the swing member 113 also swings in the ROT direction around the swing axis Ax in conjunction. Thereby, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 and push away and remove the dust adhering to the lens 111. Also, when the connection with the optical cable 5 is released, that is, when the pressing on the pressing member 115 by the tip of the optical cable 5 is released, the elastic member 117 biases the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. The pressed member 114 swings around the swing axis Ax, and the swing member 113 also swings around the swing axis Ax in the direction opposite to the ROT direction this time in conjunction. Thereby, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 again, push away and remove the dust adhering to the lens 111, and also remove the dust adhering to the swing member 113 by the connection with the optical cable 5. By repeating the connection and disconnection of the optical cable 5, the swing member 113 reciprocates along the curved surface CUS. Thereby, the swing member 113 can push away and remove the dust adhering to the lens 111 and also remove the dust adhering to the swing member 113. Therefore, according to the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 can be removed by connecting and disconnecting the optical cable 5.

[0030] In addition, the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure can obtain the following effects by "including a lens 111 having a curved surface CUS, a support member 112 that supports the lens 111 and has a swing axis Ax, and a swing member 113 that can swing around the swing axis Ax along the curved surface CUS with respect to the support member 112." In the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the swing member 113 can swing around the swing axis Ax along the curved surface CUS of the lens with respect to the support member 112 having the swing axis Ax. Thereby, "the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure can remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by the swing of the swing member 113 along the curved surface CUS of the lens 111." Therefore, the optical communication connector 11 can easily remove dust on the light receiving surface (lens 111).

[0031] In addition, in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, further, "a pressed member 114 that can swing around the swing axis Ax in conjunction with the swing member Ax, and a pressing member 115 that can press the pressed member 114 so as to swing the pressed member 114 are further provided. By connecting with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114" to obtain the following effects. By connecting with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member swings around the swing axis Ax, and the swing member 113 also swings in the ROT direction around the swing axis Ax in conjunction therewith. Thereby, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 and push back and remove the dust adhering to the lens 111. Thereby, "in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the swing member 113 can remove the dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by connecting with the cable" can be obtained.

[0032] In addition, in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the following effect can be obtained by further "further including an elastic member 117 that applies a biasing force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115". When the connection with the optical cable 5 is released, that is, when the pressing on the pressing member 115 by the tip of the optical cable 5 is released, the elastic member 117 applies a biasing force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. The pressed member swings about the swing axis Ax, and the swing member 113 also swings about the swing axis Ax in the direction opposite to the ROT direction. As a result, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 again, push back and remove the dust adhering to the lens 111, and also remove the dust adhering to the swing member 113 due to the connection with the optical cable 5. By repeating the connection and disconnection of the optical cable 5, the swing member 113 reciprocates along the curved surface CUS. As a result, the swing member 113 can push back and remove the dust adhering to the lens 111 and also remove the dust adhering to the swing member 113. Therefore, the effect that "in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the swing member 113 can remove the dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by connecting and disconnecting with the optical cable 5" can be obtained.

[0033] In addition, in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the following effect can be obtained by further "the support member 112 having a contact surface COS that can contact the swing member 113". The swing of the swing member 113 ends by contact with the contact surface COS of the support member 112. Since the contact surface COS exists around the lens 111, the swing range of the swing member 113 can be restricted, and the swing member 113 can be swung within the range having the curved surface CUS. As a result, the effect that "in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, cleaning specialized for the portion that receives the transmitted light is possible." can be obtained.

[0034] In addition, in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the following effect can be obtained by further "the swinging member 113 being in contact with the contact surface COS before connection". The swinging of the swinging member 113 ends by contact with the contact surface COS of the support member 112. Before connection, since the swinging member 113 is in contact with the contact surface, the swinging of the swinging member 113 can be started within the range having the curved surface CUS. Thereby, the effect that "in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the swinging member 113 can be specifically cleaned at the portion that receives the transmitted light" can be obtained.

[0035] In addition, in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the following effect can be obtained by further "the swinging member 113 having an arc shape along the curved surface CUS". If the swinging member 113 has an arc shape along the curved surface CUS, it is possible to easily remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS. Thereby, the effect that "in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the swinging member 113 can easily remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS" can be obtained.

[0036] <Modification example> In an example of the above disclosure, the swinging member 113 may be a string-like member so as to have a shape along the curved surface CUS. As an example, a string-like microfiber can be mentioned. When rubbing the curved surface CUS with the swinging member 113, the rubbing force can be weakened. Therefore, wear of the lens 111 can be prevented. In addition, since the swinging member 113 is a string-like member, a force can be uniformly applied to the surface of the lens.

[0037] In an example of the above disclosure, the swing member 113 may swing with a gap with respect to the curved surface CUS. That is, the operator may create a slight gap between the curved surface CUS and the operation path of the swing member 113 and swing the swing member 113 so as not to directly touch the lens 111. Since the swing member 113 does not contact the lens 111, the swing member 113 is less likely to damage the lens 111. The size of the gap may be changed according to the size of the dust.

[0038] In an example of the above disclosure, before the connection with the optical cable 5, the swing member 113 may be in contact with the contact surface COS by the biasing force of the elastic member 117.

[0039] In an example of the above disclosure, two optical communication connectors 11 may face each other. In that case, it functions as an optical collimator. The pressing member 115 presses toward the pressed member 114 provided in each optical communication connector, and the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. Note that when the operator uses the two optical communication connectors 11 as an optical collimator, a single pressing member may be used instead of the two pressing members 115.

[0040] <Second Embodiment> In the optical communication connector 11 in the above disclosure, by connecting with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed toward the pressed member 114 at the tip of the optical cable 5. The pressed member swings around the swing axis Ax, and the swing member 113 also swings around the swing axis Ax in the ROT direction in conjunction with this. As a result, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 and push back and remove the dust adhering to the lens 111. As a result, the swing member 113 can remove the dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by connection with the cable, and it is disclosed that it is easy to remove the dust on the light receiving surface (the curved surface CUS of the lens 111). On the other hand, the optical communication connector 11B in the following disclosure further includes a coating material 118 that can cover the lens 111, focusing on the fact that even if the connector is exposed when the optical cable 5 is inserted and removed, dust is less likely to adhere to the curved surface CUS. Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the optical communication connector 11B in the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the above disclosure, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0041] (Configuration) As shown in FIG. 6, the optical communication connector 11B includes a lens 111, a support member 112, a swing member 113, a pressed member 114, a pressing member 115, an outer cylinder 116, and an elastic member 117, and further includes a coating material 118.

[0042] (Configuration of the coating material) The coating material 118 can cover the lens. One end of the coating material 118 is fixed to the support member 112, and the other end of the coating material 118 is fixed to the swing member 113. The coating material 118 may be cloth and is not particularly limited.

[0043] (Operation description) As the transition from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7 occurs, by connecting to the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member swings around the swing axis Ax, and the swing member 113 also swings in the ROT direction around the swing axis Ax in conjunction. As a result, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface. One end of the coating material 118 is fixed to the support member 112, and as the pressing member 115 is pressed toward the pressed member 114, the coating material 118 exposes the lens 111. In this way, the swing member 113 cleans the lens 111, pushes back and removes the dust adhering to the lens 111, and exposes the lens 111 covered with the coating material 118.

[0044] By disconnecting the connection with the optical cable 5, that is, by releasing the pressing of the pressing member 115 by the tip of the optical cable 5, the elastic member 117 applies a biasing force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. The pressed member 114 swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction therewith, the swing member 113 also swings about the swing axis Ax, this time in the direction opposite to the ROT direction. As a result, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. One end of the covering material 118 is fixed to the support member 112, and by applying a biasing force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115, the covering material 118 covers the lens 111. In this way, the swing member 113 cleans the lens 111 again, pushes back and removes the dust adhering to the lens 111, and also removes the dust adhering to the swing member 113 by the connection with the optical cable 5. In addition, in accordance with the swing in the direction opposite to the ROT direction, the covering material 118 covers the lens 111.

[0045] Note that before connecting with the optical cable 5, the lens 111 may be covered with the covering material 118.

[0046] (Function and Effect) In the optical communication connector 11B of the present disclosure, the covering material 118 can cover the curved surface CUS from which dust has been removed in accordance with the disconnection of the connection with the optical cable 5. Therefore, the optical communication connector 11B of the present disclosure facilitates the stabilization of optical communication.

[0047] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the optical communication connector 11C in the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 9.

[0048] (Configuration) As shown in FIG. 8, the optical communication connector 11C includes a lens 111, a support member 112, a swing member 113, a pressed member 114, a pressing member 115, an outer cylinder 116, an elastic member 117, and further includes an electric mechanism 119Ac and a switch 119S.

[0049] The electric mechanism 119Ac can swing the swing member 113. The electric mechanism 119Ac is a motor or an actuator. The switch 119S operates the electric mechanism 119Ac. The switch 119S is located between the outer peripheral surface OS of the support member 112 and the outer cylinder 116.

[0050] (Operation description) As the switch 119S is pressed so as to transition from FIG. 8 to FIG. 9, the electric mechanism 119Ac operates, and the swing member 113 operates electrically. The swing member 113 swings around the swing axis Ax along the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 with respect to the support member having the swing axis Ax. By the swing of the swing member 113 along the curved surface CUS of the lens, the dust attached to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 can be pushed away and removed.

[0051] Also, when the pressing of the switch 119S is released, the electric mechanism 119Ac operates, and the swing member 113 operates electrically. The swing member 113 swings around the swing axis Ax along the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 with respect to the support member having the swing axis Ax. Thus, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 again, push away and remove the dust attached to the lens 111, and remove the dust attached to the swing member 113 by the pressing of the switch 119S.

[0052] (Function and effect) According to the optical communication connector 11C of the present disclosure, the swing member 113 can be swung electrically along the curved surface CUS. Therefore, the optical communication connector 11C of the present disclosure is easy to save space.

[0053] The switch 119S is described as being pressed by the optical cable 5 as an example, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The switch 119S may be attached to the outer cylinder 116. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, an externally operable switch 119SINS may be provided in the optical communication connector 11D instead of the switch 119S. As a result, even without pressing the switch 119S with the optical cable 5 or the like, the electric mechanism 119Ac can be operated with the optical communication connector 11D alone, and the swinging member 113 can be swung.

[0055] The electric mechanism 119Ac may move the swinging member 113 using the electricity flowing through the optical module including the optical communication connector 11C.

[0056] <Fourth Embodiment> Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the optical communication connector 11m in the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0057] (Configuration) The optical communication connector 11m includes a lens 111m having a curved surface CUS, a support member 112m that supports the lens 111m and has a swing axis Axm, and a swing member 113m that can swing around the swing axis Axm along the curved surface CUS with respect to the support member 112m.

[0058] (Operation and Effect) According to the optical communication connector 11m of the present disclosure, the swing member 113 can swing around the swing axis Ax along the curved surface CUS of the lens with respect to the support member having the swing axis Ax. As a result, the optical communication connector 11m of the present disclosure can remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by swinging the swing member 113 along the curved surface CUS of the lens 111. Therefore, the optical communication connector 11m of the present disclosure can easily remove dust from the light receiving surface (lens 111).

[0059] As described above, the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. And each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0060] Some or all of the above embodiments can also be described as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0061] (Appendix 1) A lens having a curved surface, A support member that supports the lens and has a swing axis, A swing member that can swing around the swing axis along the curved surface with respect to the support member, Comprising An optical communication connector. (Appendix 2) A pressed member that can swing around the swing axis in conjunction with the swing member, A pressing member that can press the pressed member so as to swing the pressed member, Further comprising By connection with an optical cable, the pressing member is pressed against the tip of the optical cable toward the pressed member The optical communication connector according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) Further comprising an elastic member that biases the pressed member toward the pressing member The optical communication connector according to Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) Further comprising a covering material that can cover the lens, One end of the covering material is fixed to the support member, The other end of the covering material is fixed to the swing member, When the pressing member is pressed toward the pressed member, the covering material exposes the lens, When the pressed member is biased toward the pressing member, the covering material covers the lens The optical communication connector according to Appendix 3. (Appendix 5) The support member Has a contact surface that can contact the swing member The optical communication connector according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) Before the connection, the swing member is in contact with the contact surface. The optical communication connector according to Supplementary Note 5. (Supplementary Note 7) The swing member has an arc shape along the curved surface. The optical communication connector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6. (Supplementary Note 8) The swing member includes an optical fiber in contact with the curved surface. The optical communication connector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7. (Supplementary Note 9) The swing member swings with a gap with respect to the curved surface. The optical communication connector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8. (Supplementary Note 10) An electric mechanism capable of swinging the swing member, A switch for operating the electric mechanism, and are provided with The optical communication connector according to Supplementary Note 1. (Supplementary Note 11) The optical communication connector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, and A converter that converts the transmission light received by the lens into an electrical signal, and are provided with An optical module.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 1 Optical module 11 Optical communication connector 111 Lens 112 Support member 113 Swing member 114 Pressed member 115 Pressing member 116 Outer cylinder 117 Elastic member 12 Converter 11B Optical communication connector 118 Coating material 11C Optical communication connector 119Ac Electric mechanism 119S Switch 11D Connector for Optical Communication 119SINS Switch 11m Connector for Optical Communication 111m Lens 112m Support Member 113m Oscillating Member 5 Optical Cable Ax Oscillation Axis Axm Oscillation Axis COS Contact Surface CUS Curved Surface OS Outer Peripheral Surface

Claims

1. A lens having a curved surface, a support member that supports the lens and has a swing axis, a swing member that can swing about the swing axis along the curved surface with respect to the support member, and comprising an optical communication connector.

2. A pressed member that can swing about the swing axis in conjunction with the swing member, a pressing member that can press the pressed member so as to swing the pressed member, further comprising by connection with an optical cable, the pressing member is pressed against the tip of the optical cable toward the pressed member The optical communication connector according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising an elastic member that biases the pressed member toward the pressing member The optical communication connector according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a covering material that can cover the lens, one end of the covering material is fixed to the support member, the other end of the covering material is fixed to the swing member, by the pressing member being pressed toward the pressed member, the covering material exposes the lens, by the pressed member being biased toward the pressing member, the covering material covers the lens The optical communication connector according to claim 3.

5. The support member has a contact surface that can contact the swing member The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The swing member has an arc shape along the curved surface The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The swing member includes a microfiber that is in contact with the curved surface The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The swing member swings with a gap with respect to the curved surface The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. An electric mechanism that can swing the swing member, a switch that operates the electric mechanism, and comprising The optical communication connector according to claim 1.

10. The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a converter that converts the transmission light received by the lens into an electrical signal, and comprising an optical module.

Images