Optical connector end face cleaning cleaner

Abstract

To provide a cleaner capable of accurately cleaning an optical transceiver, an optical connector, etc., arranged at hard-to-clean positions such as the inner position of an optical module.SOLUTION: An optical connector end face cleaning cleaner comprises: a support part which is in a long-sized shape, and extends in a length direction LD across a first end 120 and a second end 130 isolated from the first end face 120 along the length direction LD; an extension part which extends away from the support part in a direction perpendicular to the length direction LD, and has a holding part 152 held such that a contaminant collector for cleaning an end face of an optical connector can be attached / detached; and a projection part which projects away from the first end 120 in parallel with the length direction D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaner for cleaning the end face of an optical connector. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a demand for a cleaner that can also be used for optical modules that have optical transceivers, optical connectors, and the like mounted on a backplane board (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-229843 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When cleaning optical modules using conventional cleaners, it is necessary to secure a location for installing the cleaner and the optical module, as well as space for the cleaning work. Furthermore, if the optical fiber is damaged during cleaning, the entire optical module must be replaced, resulting in a large economic loss. Therefore, a cleaner that can clean optical modules more easily and reliably is needed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaner that can accurately clean optical transceivers and optical connectors that are located in difficult-to-clean positions, such as deep positions in optical modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The optical connector cleaner according to the present invention is characterized by: a support portion having an elongated shape and extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end portion and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal direction; an extension portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and away from the support portion, the extension portion having a holding portion for detachably holding a contaminant collector for cleaning the end face of the optical connector; and a protrusion that protrudes in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and away from the first end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The inside of the optical module can be easily accessed through the gaps in the optical module, and efficient cleaning operations can be performed with minimal movement centered on the fulcrum (protrusion) located on the optical connector cleaner 10, allowing cleaning work to be done in a minimal space. An adhesive material is used as a dust collector, and dust can be reliably removed simply by pressing the adhesive material against the optical connector. It can be used to clean optical circuit-mounted connectors (installed above in a narrow area) where the optical-to-electrical conversion unit is close to the IC (integrated circuit). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an optical connector cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A to 1C are six views showing the configuration of an optical connector cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing a first structure (a) and a second structure (b) of an optical module equipped with an optical connector, and a process of bringing an optical connector cleaner 10 close to the optical connector in each structure. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are schematic side views showing a process of tilting the optical connector cleaner 10 to change the state of pressing the end face of the optical connector. [Figure 5] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a curved and bulging adhesive body, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an adhesive body having a flat surface. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another form of the adhesive body. [Figure 7]1 is a perspective view showing a case in which unused adhesive bodies are stored and an outline of a process for attaching unused adhesive bodies to an optical connector cleaner 10. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <<<<<Outline of this embodiment>>>> <<<First feature>>> According to the first feature, a support portion having an elongated shape and extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end portion and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal direction; an extension portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and away from the support portion, the extension portion having a holding portion for removably holding a contaminant collector for cleaning the end face of the optical connector; a protrusion that protrudes in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and away from the first end.

[0010] The simple configuration of the optical connector end face cleaning cleaner allows it to be easily approached to optical transceivers, optical connectors, etc. that are located in difficult-to-clean positions, and it also makes it easier to aim the contaminant collector at the optical transceiver, optical connector, etc., allowing for accurate cleaning. In addition, the support part can be supported using the protruding part as a fulcrum, allowing the optical connector end face cleaning cleaner to be in a stable position for cleaning work, even in difficult-to-clean positions.

[0011] <<<Second feature>>> The second feature is that, in the first feature, the holding portion has a holding surface at an end farthest from the support portion, the holding surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the support portion; The pollutant trap is removably held on the holding surface by the adhesive force of the pollutant trap.

[0012] The contaminant collector is held to the holding surface by its adhesive force, so the adhesive force of the contaminant collector can be used both to capture contaminants and to attach the contaminant collector, which simplifies the configuration and allows the entire optical connector end face cleaner to be made smaller.

[0013] <<<Third feature>>> The third feature is that in the second feature, The pollutant collector is a bottom surface attached to the holding surface; an opposite surface facing the bottom surface and facing an end surface of the optical connector; It has.

[0014] The surface for capturing contaminants and the surface attached to the holding surface can be made into separate, distinct surfaces, so that the contaminants captured in the contaminant collector can be prevented from diffusing to unused contaminant collectors, etc.

[0015] <<<Fourth feature>>> The fourth feature is the same as the first feature, The protrusion is brought into contact with a guide portion located in front of the optical connector, The support portion is tilted around the guide portion as a tilting center to change the position at which the contaminant collector presses against the end face of the optical connector.

[0016] Since the support portion is tilted around the guide portion as the tilting center, the cleaning work can be carried out while the optical connector end face cleaner is maintained in a stable position.

[0017] <<<5th feature>>> The fifth feature is the same as the first feature, 5. The optical connector end face cleaner according to claim 4, wherein an auxiliary tool having the guide portion can be arranged in front of the optical connector.

[0018] By using the auxiliary tool, the optical connector end face cleaning cleaner can be used regardless of the structure or arrangement of the optical connector.

[0019] <<<6th feature>>> The sixth feature is that in the first feature, The contaminant collector has a curved surface that bulges out toward the end face of the optical connector.

[0020] The curved surface of the pollutant trapping body bulges out in a direction away from the holding surface, and the bulging curved surface narrows the area where the pollutant trapping body is pressed, allowing for localized cleaning.

[0021] <<<7th feature>>> The seventh feature is that, in the first feature, The contaminant collector has a flat surface facing the end face of the optical connector.

[0022] The flat surface of the pollutant trapping body is parallel to the holding surface, and the flat surface allows the area where the pollutant trapping body is pressed to be expanded, allowing for a wide cleaning area.

[0023] <<<<<Details of this embodiment>>>> Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] <<<Optical Connector Cleaner 10>>> The optical connector cleaner 10 is a structure having a roughly L-shape. The optical connector cleaner 10 can approach the optical connector OC from a gap formed in the optical module OM toward the optical connector OC up to a position close to the optical connector OC. The optical connector cleaner 10 has a fulcrum that abuts against the optical module OM, and can press an adhesive body 200 against the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC around the fulcrum. Note that the adhesive body 200 can be formed into various shapes, such as a convex structure or a trapezoidal shape, to adjust the contact force and adhesive strength with the optical connector OC.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an optical connector cleaner 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a six-view diagram showing the configuration of the optical connector cleaner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0026] The optical connector cleaner 10 according to this embodiment is a cleaner that uses an adhesive body 200. The adhesive body 200 is an object for collecting contaminants on the optical connector OC. The adhesive body 200 is pressed against the optical connector OC, and the adhesive force of the adhesive body 200 causes the contaminants on the optical connector OC to be transferred to the adhesive body 200, thereby collecting the contaminants. The optical connector OC is mounted on a substrate of various optical modules OM (devices) (see FIG. 3).

[0027] The optical connector cleaner 10 mainly includes a support body 100 , a protrusion 150 , a supporting convex portion 180 , and an adhesive body 200 .

[0028] <<Support 100>> The support 100 has a long, columnar shape. The columnar shape may be a polygonal column, a cylindrical column, an elliptical column, or the like. The shape of the support 100 may be a rod shape that is easy for an operator to hold and work with. The support 100 has at least one side surface 110 extending along the longitudinal direction LD.

[0029] 1 has a constant thickness along the longitudinal direction LD. Note that the support 100 may have different thicknesses depending on the position in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0030] The support 100 has a first end 120 (the lower region in FIG. 1 ) and a second end 130 (the upper region in FIG. 1 ) spaced apart from the first end 120. The first end 120 includes not only an end face 122 of the support 100 but also an end region of the support 100 including the end face 122. The second end 130 includes not only an end face 132 of the support 100 but also an end region of the support 100 including the end face 132. The first end 120 includes, for example, a region from the end face 122 of the support 100 to 1 / 10 to 1 / 3 of the total length of the support 100. The second end 130 includes, for example, a region from the end face 132 of the support 100 to 1 / 10 to 1 / 3 of the total length of the support 100.

[0031] The second end 130 functions as a gripping portion 134 for an operator to grip the optical connector cleaner 10. The length of the support body 100 may be determined appropriately depending on the structure of the optical module OM on which the optical connector OC is mounted, the position of the optical connector OC on the optical module OM, and the like.

[0032] <<Protrusion 150>> The protrusion 150 is formed on the first end 120. The protrusion 150 protrudes from the side surface 110 of the support 100 in a direction away from the support 100. The protrusion 150 extends along a direction PD perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD of the support 100.

[0033] The protrusion 150 shown in FIG. 1 has a quadrangular prism shape. The protrusion 150 may have any shape as long as it can stably hold the holding portion 152 and holding surface 154 described below. The protrusion 150 shown in FIG. 1 has a constant thickness along a direction PD perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD. Note that the protrusion 150 may have a different thickness depending on the position in the direction PD perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD. The protrusion 150 is formed so that the lower end surface of the protrusion 150 extends flush with the end surface 122 (lower end surface) of the first end portion 120.

[0034] The length by which the protrusion 150 extends (projects) from the support body 100 may be determined as appropriate depending on the structure of the optical module OM to be cleaned, the position of the optical module OM in the optical connector OC, etc. The protrusion 150 may extend from a position spaced apart in the longitudinal direction LD from the end face 122 of the first end portion 120 along a direction PD perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD of the support body 100. The position of the protrusion 150 may also be determined as appropriate depending on the structure of the optical module OM, the position of the optical connector OC in the optical module OM, etc.

[0035] <Holding portion 152 and holding surface 154> The protrusion 150 has a holding portion 152 at its tip, which is separated from the support 100. The holding portion 152 has a holding surface 154 at its end, which is separated most from the support 100 in a direction PD perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD of the support 100. The holding surface 154 has a planar shape (flat surface). The holding surface 154 has a substantially square shape.

[0036] The distance between the opposing sides on the extending surface of the holding surface 154 is longer than the thickness of the support 100 and the holding part 152. An area for adhering the adhesive body 200 to the holding surface 154 can be secured. The adhesive force of the adhesive body 200 causes the bottom surface 210 of the adhesive body 200 to adhere to the holding surface 154. The adhesive body 200 is detachably attached to the holding part 152. When the opposing surface 220 (cleaning surface) of the adhesive body 200 becomes contaminated with contaminants during cleaning work, the contaminated adhesive body 200 can be removed from the holding part 152 and replaced with an unused adhesive body 200. The size, shape, roughness, and other surface features of the holding surface 154 may be determined appropriately according to the bottom surface 210 (adhering surface) of the adhesive body 200.

[0037] <<Supporting protrusion 180>> A supporting protrusion 180 is provided on the end surface 122 of the first end portion 120. The supporting protrusion 180 protrudes in a direction away from the end surface 122 of the first end portion 120 along the longitudinal direction LD of the support body 100.

[0038] The support convex portion 180 has a smoothly curved surface. The curved surface bulges in a direction away from the end face 122 of the first end portion 120. The curved surface is preferably a smoothly curved shape such as a hemisphere or a part of an ellipsoid. The support convex portion 180 abuts against a guide groove or guide recess of the optical module OM (device) (see FIG. 4). Forming a curved surface makes it easier to smoothly tilt the optical connector cleaner 10 around the guide groove or guide recess while maintaining the support convex portion 180 in abutment against the guide groove or guide recess.

[0039] The size of the supporting protrusion 180 extending along the end face 122 (for example, the maximum diameter in the extending direction) is preferably about the same as the thickness of the support body 100. The height of the supporting protrusion 180 (the length protruding from the end face 122 in the longitudinal direction LD) may be determined appropriately depending on the guide groove and guide recess. The size and shape of the supporting protrusion 180 may be any size or shape that allows the optical connector cleaner 10 to tilt smoothly around the guide groove and guide recess.

[0040] The optical connector cleaner 10 preferably has the support body 100, the protrusions 150, the holding portions 152, and the supporting projections 180 formed integrally.

[0041] The position of the protrusion 150 may be changeable (adjustable, variable) along the longitudinal direction LD of the support 100. The position of the protrusion 150 (adhesive body 200) can be determined depending on the structure of the optical module OM, the position of the optical connector OC on the optical module OM, etc. In this way, the adhesive body 200 can be accurately pressed against the surface of the optical module OM to be cleaned.

[0042] <<Adhesive body 200 (pollutant collector)>> <Shape of adhesive body 200> The adhesive body 200 has a shape such as a substantially thin plate, a low rectangular prism, or a rectangular parallelepiped. However, the shape of the adhesive body 200 is not limited to these. The shape of the adhesive body 200 can be changed as appropriate depending on the structure of the optical module OM, etc. For example, the shape of the adhesive body 200 can be a strip-shaped or sheet-shaped film, a rod-shaped, column-shaped, cone-shaped, frustum-shaped, or block-shaped polygonal body, or a circle-shaped, ellipsoid-shaped body, sphere-shaped, or oval-sphere-shaped body.

[0043] The adhesive body 200 is a bottom surface 210 (attachment surface) on the side that is attached to the holding surface 154 of the holding portion 152; an opposing surface 220 (cleaning surface) that is the surface opposite to the bottom surface 210 and faces the end surface (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC; The bottom surface 210 of the adhesive body 200 has a substantially square shape. Due to the adhesive force of the adhesive body 200, contaminants on the optical connector OC can be transferred to the opposing surface 220 of the adhesive body 200 and collected.

[0044] The contaminants are dust particles and the like that can interfere with optical communication. The adhesive force prevents the contaminants captured by the adhesive body 200 from returning (re-adhering) to the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC. The adhesive body 200 can be used as a cleaning member with extremely high cleaning effectiveness.

[0045] The adhesive body 200 can undergo at least compressive deformation, tensile deformation, and shear deformation due to elastic deformation, and can prevent the end face of the optical connector OC from being scratched or damaged.

[0046] When the adhesive body 200 is pressed against the end face of the optical connector OC having irregularities, the adhesive body 200 temporarily stores strain and, by releasing the stored strain, deforms to approach the irregularities and the connector end face. If the stored strain is sufficient, the adhesive body 200 can deform to come into close contact with the guide pin, lens, connector end face, etc.

[0047] <Physical properties of adhesive body 200> The adhesive body 200 in this embodiment has a peel strength of 0.1 to 10 N / 20 mm, more preferably 3.6 to 6.5 N / 20 mm. The hardness is 12 to 52, preferably 17 to 52, and even more preferably 22 to 44. When the peel strength and hardness satisfy the above ranges, the adhesive body 200 can exhibit recovery force against stress when pressed against an uneven end surface and elastically deformed, and can maintain a moderate adhesive strength. Therefore, even when cleaning an uneven end surface, the adhesive body 200 exhibits excellent dust removal performance, minimal adhesive residue, and sufficient cleaning performance. A peel strength of less than 0.1 N / 20 mm may result in reduced dust removal performance, breakage of the adhesive body 200, and increased adhesive residue. A hardness of more than 10 N / 20 mm may result in increased adhesive residue. A hardness of less than 12 may result in increased adhesive residue, while a hardness of more than 52 may result in reduced dust removal performance, breakage of the adhesive body 200, and increased adhesive residue.

[0048] The adhesive used in the adhesive body 200 is desired to be removably removable, not break even if the connector end surface is uneven, not leave any adhesive residue when removed, not peel or bubble during a heat shock test, and have elastic deformation force capable of conforming to the unevenness and recovery force against stress. Adhesive components having such properties include rubber-based materials such as acrylic resins, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber, polyvinyl ether resins, silicone resins, and urethane resins, and can be selected and used as appropriate. Acrylic adhesives are the most preferred.

[0049] For example, the adhesive body 200 can be obtained from an acrylic adhesive by heat curing, ultraviolet curing, etc., but ultraviolet curing is preferable because it provides excellent elastic uniformity during curing and leaves little air bubbles. The adhesive body 200 formed from an acrylic adhesive by ultraviolet curing will be described below.

[0050] The adhesive composition used for UV curing preferably contains the following first UV curable resin and second UV curable resin.

[0051] The combined use of the first UV-curable resin and the second UV-curable resin facilitates imparting the necessary and sufficient dirt-removing properties (adhesion) to the adhesive body 200. In addition, since it is easy to impart appropriate flexibility and elasticity to the adhesive body 200, for example, when the adhesive body 200 is pressed against an uneven surface, the adhesive body 200 easily conforms to the shape of the unevenness, allowing for sufficient cleaning of even the fine details of the unevenness. Furthermore, it is easy to improve adhesive residue properties on connector end faces, the fine details of unevenness, etc.

[0052] The first ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably a monofunctional adhesive resin having an acryloyl group and a molecular weight of less than 200. When the first ultraviolet-curable resin is monofunctional, it is easy to maintain the peel strength and hardness of the adhesive body 200 at an appropriate level, and it is easy to obtain the effect of easily reducing adhesive residue while ensuring dust removal properties.

[0053] The molecular weight of the first ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably less than 200, more preferably 190 or less, and even more preferably 185 or less. If the molecular weight is less than 200, it is easy to obtain appropriate adhesion after curing, and the dust removal ability is improved. In addition, the adhesive body 200 has appropriate flexibility, and when the adhesive body 200 is pressed against a surface having irregularities, the adhesive body 200 can follow the irregular shape, making it easy to thoroughly clean, including the fine details of the irregularities. There is no particular restriction on the lower limit of the molecular weight, but it is preferably 100 or more, more preferably 120 or more, and even more preferably 140 or more.

[0054] The functional group equivalent weight (acryloyl group equivalent weight) of the acryloyl group of the first ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably less than 200, more preferably 190 or less, and even more preferably 185 or less. If the acryloyl group equivalent weight is less than 200, the reactivity with the second ultraviolet-curable resin, polymerization initiator, ultraviolet curing aid, etc., which will be described later, is enhanced. There is no particular restriction on the lower limit of the acryloyl group equivalent weight, but it is preferably 100 or more, more preferably 120 or more, and even more preferably 140 or more. The acryloyl group equivalent weight is calculated by dividing the molecular weight by the number of acryloyl groups.

[0055] The glass transition temperature of the first ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably 0°C or lower, more preferably -40°C or lower. If the glass transition temperature is 0°C or lower, the adhesiveness is further increased. There is no particular restriction on the lower limit of the glass transition temperature, but it is preferably -100°C or higher, more preferably -80°C or higher. The glass transition temperature is measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

[0056] Examples of the first ultraviolet-curable resin include alkyl acrylates such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, s-butyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, pentyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, heptyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, nonyl acrylate, and isononyl acrylate; and hydroxyalkyl acrylates such as 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate are preferred because of their good reactivity during curing.

[0057] The second ultraviolet-curable resin is a low-adhesion resin that preferably has (meth)acryloyl groups, a molecular weight of 200 or more, and is polyfunctional. When the second ultraviolet-curable resin is polyfunctional, it is easy to maintain the peel strength and hardness of the adhesive body 200 at an appropriate level, and it is easy to obtain the effect of reducing adhesive residue while ensuring dust removal properties. The number of (meth)acryloyl groups in the second ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 2 to 6, and even more preferably 2 to 4. When the number of (meth)acryloyl groups is 2 or more, it is possible to impart appropriate flexibility and elasticity to the adhesive body 200. For example, when the adhesive body 200 is pressed against an uneven surface, the adhesive body 200 can conform to the shape of the unevenness, allowing thorough cleaning of even the fine details of the unevenness. Furthermore, adhesive residue on connector end faces and, for example, guide pins, lenses, etc., is further improved.

[0058] The molecular weight of the second ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably 200 or more, more preferably 220 or more, and even more preferably 350 or more. A molecular weight of 200 or more further improves adhesive retention on connector end faces and, for example, guide pins, lenses, etc. There is no particular upper limit to the molecular weight, but it is preferably 1,000 or less, more preferably 600 or less, and even more preferably 500 or less.

[0059] The functional group equivalent weight ((meth)acryloyl group equivalent weight) of the (meth)acryloyl group of the second ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably 60 to 140, more preferably 70 to 130, and even more preferably 85 to 115. When the (meth)acryloyl group equivalent weight is within the above range, the reactivity with the first ultraviolet-curable resin, and the polymerization initiator, ultraviolet-curing auxiliary, etc., which will be described later, is enhanced.

[0060] The glass transition temperature of the second ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably 30 to 120°C, more preferably 40 to 110°C. If the glass transition temperature is within the above range, adhesive residue on connector end faces and, for example, guide pins, lenses, etc. is further suppressed. The second ultraviolet-curable resin preferably has a rigid structure. If the second ultraviolet-curable resin has a rigid structure, the adhesive body 200 can be prevented from becoming too soft. Here, "rigid structure" means a structure with low mobility and difficulty in bending by itself, and examples thereof include a structure having "-CH2-CH2-CH2-" in the main chain and a structure having two or more crosslinking points.

[0061] Examples of the second ultraviolet-curable resin include 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, glycerin di(meth)acrylate, ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, diethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, tetraethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, propylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, and glycerin di(meth)acrylate are preferred because of their rigid structures. Among these, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate are more preferred because of their good reactivity during curing.

[0062] The content of the second ultraviolet-curable resin is preferably 0.5 to 3 parts by mass, more preferably 0.75 to 1.5 parts by mass, and even more preferably 0.75 to 1 part by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the first ultraviolet-curable resin. If the content of the second ultraviolet-curable resin is within the above range, it becomes easier to impart appropriate flexibility to the adhesive body 200.

[0063] The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition may contain a polymerization initiator. Specific examples of the photopolymerization initiator include radical polymerization initiators such as benzophenones, acetophenones, thioxanthones, benzoin, and benzoin methyl ether; and cationic polymerization initiators such as aromatic diazonium salts, aromatic sulfonium salts, aromatic iodonium salts, and metallocene compounds. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, radical polymerization initiators are preferred, and benzophenone-based initiators are more preferred in that they increase the curing rate.

[0064] The content of the photopolymerization initiator is preferably 0.1 to 3 parts by mass, more preferably 0.3 to 1.5 parts by mass, and even more preferably 0.5 to 1 part by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the first ultraviolet curable resin.

[0065] It is preferable that the adhesive composition further contains an ultraviolet curing aid. If the adhesive composition further contains an ultraviolet curing aid, the adhesive body 200 is likely to be cured more uniformly in the thickness direction. As a result, it becomes easier to obtain an adhesive body 200 with uniform physical properties in the thickness direction. In addition, it becomes easier to impart appropriate flexibility to the adhesive body 200, and for example, when a guide pin is pressed into the adhesive body 200, the adhesive body 200 is more likely to follow the shape of the pin. Furthermore, the curing conditions (ultraviolet irradiation conditions) when curing the adhesive composition are less likely to be restricted, and productivity is also improved.

[0066] As the ultraviolet curing aid, a compound having a thioether bond or a thiol group is preferred, and a compound having a pentaerythritol skeleton is more preferred. Examples of such compounds include pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptobutyrate) and methacryloyloxyethoxyethyl isocyanate. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptobutyrate) is more preferred because it has a moderate reaction rate and is easy to control the reactivity.

[0067] The content of the ultraviolet curing aid is preferably 0.05 to 3 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 1 part by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 to 0.5 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the first ultraviolet curable resin. When the content of the ultraviolet curing aid is equal to or greater than the above-mentioned lower limit, the effect of the ultraviolet curing aid can be sufficiently obtained. On the other hand, when the content of the ultraviolet curing aid is equal to or less than the above-mentioned upper limit, the adhesive body 200 can be prevented from becoming too soft.

[0068] The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition may contain, as necessary, an ultraviolet-curable resin other than the first ultraviolet-curable resin and the second ultraviolet-curable resin, or known additives such as a tackifier, a filler, a flame retardant, an antistatic agent, a softener, an ultraviolet absorber, an antioxidant, a plasticizer, and a surfactant.

[0069] When the adhesive composition is cured, a mixture of a polymer (cured product) of the first ultraviolet-curable resin, a polymer (cured product) of the second ultraviolet-curable resin, and a copolymer (reactant) of the first and second ultraviolet-curable resins is obtained, but it is difficult to determine how the first and second ultraviolet-curable resins react. In particular, when the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition contains an ultraviolet curing aid, a crosslinked structure is formed, making it difficult to analyze the structure.

[0070] <<<Information about Optical Connector Cleaner 10>>> FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a first structure (a) and a second structure (b) of an optical module OM equipped with an optical connector OC, and a process of bringing an optical connector cleaner 10 close to the optical connector OC in each structure.

[0071] <First structure of optical module OM> The first structure of the optical module OM is a structure in which the optical connector OC is disposed in a position close to the substrate of the optical module OM (the bottom surface of the optical module OM). In the first structure, the optical connector OC is cleaned using only the optical connector cleaner 10. In the first structure, as shown in FIG. 3(a), guide grooves and guide recesses formed in the substrate of the optical module OM are used. The support convex portion 180 of the optical connector cleaner 10 is formed slightly smaller than the guide grooves and guide recesses. The surface of the support convex portion 180 of the optical connector cleaner 10 is formed to fit along the surfaces of the guide grooves and guide recesses.

[0072] <Second structure of optical module OM> The second structure of the optical module OM is a structure in which the optical connector OC is disposed at a position away from the substrate of the optical module OM (the bottom surface of the optical module OM). A "distant position" refers, for example, to a position in which the optical connector OC is disposed via a plurality of various substrates from the substrate on the bottom surface of the optical module OM. In the case of the second structure, the optical connector OC is cleaned using an auxiliary jig SJ. A guide groove and a guide recess are formed in the auxiliary jig SJ. The auxiliary jig SJ can be detachably provided at a predetermined position on the substrate of the optical module OM, for example. The guide groove and the guide recess of the auxiliary jig SJ are the same as those in the first structure. In the case of the second structure, the guide groove and the guide recess formed in the auxiliary jig SJ are used, as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0073] <Operator operation (until engagement with guide groove or guide recess)> The same operation can be performed for both the first and second structures. The operator grips the gripping portion 134 (second end 130) of the optical connector cleaner 10 and moves the optical connector cleaner 10 into the optical module OM through an operation port or an optical fiber installation opening of the optical module OM. Furthermore, the operator moves the optical connector cleaner 10 so that the support convex portion 180 of the optical connector cleaner 10 approaches the guide groove or guide recess, as shown by the white dashed arrows in Figures 3(a) and (b). Next, the operator engages the support convex portion 180 of the optical connector cleaner 10 with the guide groove or guide recess.

[0074] <<<Pressing the optical connector cleaner 10 (cleaning work)>>> Fig. 4 is a schematic side view showing the process of tilting the optical connector cleaner 10 to change the state of pressure applied to the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC. Fig. 4 shows the work after the worker has engaged the support convex portion 180 of the optical connector cleaner 10 with the guide groove and guide recess. In Fig. 4, the dashed dotted line indicates the vertical direction, indicates the center position of the support convex portion 180, and is a reference line for indicating the approximate tilt of the support body 100.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4(a-1), the worker keeps the optical connector cleaner 10 tilted away from the optical connector OC, and brings the support convex portion 180 of the optical connector cleaner 10 close to the guide groove or guide recess.

[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 4(a-2), the worker keeps the optical connector cleaner 10 tilted away from the optical connector OC and engages (contacts) the support convex portion 180 of the optical connector cleaner 10 with the guide groove and guide recess.

[0077] 4(a-3), the worker tilts (swings or tilts) the optical connector cleaner 10 around the guide groove or guide recess while supporting the engagement with the guide groove or guide recess of the substrate of the optical module OM. As a result, the support 100 of the optical connector cleaner 10 extends vertically, and the adhesive body 200 is pressed against the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC.

[0078] Next, as shown in Fig. 4(a-4), the worker tilts (swings or tilts) the optical connector cleaner 10 around the guide groove or guide recess while supporting the engagement with the guide groove or guide recess of the substrate of the optical module OM. As a result, the support 100 of the optical connector cleaner 10 tilts in a direction closer to the optical connector OC, and the adhesive body 200 is further pressed against the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC. This makes it possible to increase the contact area of ​​the adhesive body 200 that contacts the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC, or to change the position of the adhesive body 200 that is pressed against the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC.

[0079] 4(b), even if the support 100 of the optical connector cleaner 10 is extended vertically, the adhesive body 200 may be spaced apart from the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC. This configuration can be used depending on the position of the optical connector OC. The support convex portion 180 of the optical connector cleaner 10 can be brought close to and engaged with the guide groove or guide recess without tilting the optical connector cleaner 10, which simplifies the operation.

[0080] <<<Shape of adhesive body 200>>> 5A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an adhesive body 200 having a bulging curved surface, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an adhesive body 200 having a substantially flat surface. The center line O shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is a line passing through the center of the extending surface of the holding portion 152, and is a line passing through the intersection (center of gravity) of the diagonal lines of the holding portion 152. For clarity, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the center line O is shown by a dashed line extending in a direction PD perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0081] 5(a), in the case of the adhesive body 200 having a curved, bulging shape such as a substantially hemispherical shape, the most bulging part (the most protruding part of the adhesive body 200) is pressed against the center part of the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC. As the optical connector cleaner 10 tilts, the adhesive body 200 is pressed most strongly against the center part of the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC. By using such a shape, contaminants present at the center of the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC and in the area surrounding the center can be actively transferred and collected.

[0082] 5(b), in the case of the adhesive body 200 having a shape with a substantially flat surface, such as a substantially columnar or frustum shape, it is possible to press the adhesive body 200 over the entire surface of the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC. As the optical connector cleaner 10 tilts, the adhesive body 200 is pressed evenly over the entire surface of the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC, allowing the contaminants to be transferred and collected.

[0083] The shape and size of the adhesive body 200 may be determined appropriately depending on the shape and size of the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC, the structure of the optical module OM, the position of the optical connector OC on the optical module OM, the relative position and distance between the optical connector OC and the adhesive body 200, and the distribution of contaminants on the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC.

[0084] <<<Other forms of adhesive body 200>>> Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the adhesive body 200. Note that the center line O shown in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b) is a line passing through the center of the extending surface of the holding portion 152, and is a line passing through the intersection point (center of gravity) of the diagonal lines of the holding portion 152. For clarity, in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b), the center line O is shown by a dashed line extending in a direction PD perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0085] Fig. 6(a) shows an example of an adhesive body 200 having an asymmetric thickness about the center line O of the adhesive body 200 (center O of the holding part 152). The thickness of the adhesive body 200 varies along the longitudinal direction LD of the support 100, and the thickness B of the lower adhesive body 200 in Fig. 6(a) is thicker than the thickness A of the upper adhesive body 200.

[0086] Fig. 6(b) shows an example of an adhesive body 200 having thicknesses that are symmetrical about the center line O (center O of the holding portion 152) of the adhesive body 200. The thickness C of the upper adhesive body 200 in Fig. 6(b) and the thickness C of the lower adhesive body 200 are formed to be the same.

[0087] The shape of the adhesive body 200 with respect to symmetry and asymmetry may be determined appropriately depending on the shape and size of the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC, the structure of the optical module OM, the position of the optical connector OC on the optical module OM, the relative position and distance between the optical connector OC and the adhesive body 200, and the distribution of contaminants on the end face (surface to be cleaned) of the optical connector OC.

[0088] <<<Case 300 containing unused adhesive body 200>>> FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a case 300 in which an unused adhesive body 200 is stored, and an outline of the process of attaching the unused adhesive body 200 to the optical connector cleaner 10. The case 300 in which the unused adhesive body 200 is stored has a plurality of recesses 310 formed therein. An unused adhesive body 200 is stored in each recess 310 so that the bottom surface 210 (adhering surface) of the adhesive body 200 faces outward. The used adhesive body 200 can be attached to the optical connector cleaner 10 by removing the used adhesive body 200 from the holding portion 152 and attaching the holding surface 154 of the holding portion 152 to the bottom surface 210 of the unused adhesive body 200 (see the thick arrow in FIG. 7). The unused adhesive body 200 can be replaced with an unused adhesive body 200.

[0089] 7, the adhesive body 200 can be formed by dropping the composition of the adhesive body 200 and curing it with heat, ultraviolet light, or the like. The adhesive body 200 can be formed in an environment where the adhesive body 200 is unlikely to be contaminated.

[0090] <<<<<Scope of embodiment>>>> As described above, the present embodiment has been described. However, the description and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting. Various embodiments not described here are also included. [Industrial Applicability]

[0091] This can be applied to cleaners that can clean optical transceivers and optical connectors located in recessed locations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 Optical Connector Cleaner 100 support 120 first end 130 second end 150 Protrusion 152 Holding part 154 Holding surface 180 Supporting protrusion 200 Sticky OC Optical Connector OM Optical Module

Claims

1. a support portion having an elongated shape and extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end portion and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion along the longitudinal direction; an extension portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and away from the support portion, the extension portion having a holding portion for removably holding a contaminant collector for cleaning the end face of the optical connector; a protrusion that protrudes in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and away from the first end.

2. the holding portion has a holding surface at an end farthest from the support portion, the holding surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the support portion; 2. The optical connector end face cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the contaminant collector is removably held on the holding surface by the adhesive force of the contaminant collector.

3. The pollutant collector is a bottom surface attached to the holding surface; an opposite surface facing the bottom surface and facing the end surface of the optical connector; 3. The optical connector end face cleaner according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. The protrusion is brought into contact with a guide portion located in front of the optical connector, 2. The optical connector end face cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is tilted around the guide portion as a tilting center to change the position at which the contaminant collector presses against the end face of the optical connector.

5. 5. The optical connector end face cleaner according to claim 4, wherein an auxiliary tool having said guide portion can be arranged in front of said optical connector.

6. 2. The optical connector end face cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the contaminant collector has a curved surface that bulges out toward the end face of the optical connector.

7. 2. The optical connector end face cleaner according to claim 1, wherein said contaminant collector has a flat surface facing the end face of the optical connector.

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