Cleaner for fiber optic connectors

Abstract

The present invention provides a cleaner that is convenient to carry, can reliably remove contaminants adhering to the tip of a fiber optic connector ferrule, and prevents the transfer of contaminants from the ferrule tip by visualizing the cleaned area on the cleaner surface. [Solution] The cleaner sheet 1 has a back surface against which the ferrule F of the optical fiber connector P abuts. On the back surface of the cleaner sheet 1, a coating layer 11 of non-carbon ink 10 containing microcapsules 16 containing a color developer 14 and a color developer 15 is formed, and a transfer prevention sheet 20 of the non-carbon ink 10 is polymer-bonded to the back surface of the coating layer 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaner for an optical fiber connector, and more particularly to a cleaner that is suitable for cleaning the ferrule tip of an optical fiber connector and is convenient to carry.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, since connection and disconnection operations are repeatedly performed between a pair of ferrules of an optical fiber connector incorporated in optical communication devices via an adapter or the like, dust, oils and fats, and other contaminants adhere to the ferrule tip of the optical fiber connector, and as a result, the light transmission performance is often impaired.

[0003] Therefore, in recent years, in order to solve the above problems, when connecting the ferrule tip of a detached optical fiber connector, the ferrule tip is cleaned using a cleaner.

[0004] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, as a cleaning tool for an optical connector, a tape-shaped cleaning sheet, a cleaning sheet support base that supports the cleaning sheet between the optical connector when the optical connector to be cleaned is pressed against the cleaning sheet, and a cleaning sheet traveling mechanism that automatically travels the cleaning sheet with a motor are provided, and a cleaner that cleans the ferrule tip by pressing the ferrule tip of the optical connector against the upper surface of the tape-shaped cleaning sheet during horizontal travel is disclosed. [[ID=二十二]]

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the conventional cleaner shown in Patent Document 1 comprises a support base for a tape-shaped cleaning sheet and a cleaning sheet travel mechanism that automatically moves the cleaning sheet using a motor. As a result, the overall structure is complex and large, increasing product costs, and the heavy weight makes it extremely inconvenient to carry.

[0007] Furthermore, with conventional cleaners, there is a risk that after cleaning the tip of the optical connector ferrule by pressing it against the surface of the tape-like cleaning sheet, the same surface of the cleaning sheet may be used again. In this case, dust, oils, and other contaminants attached to the surface of the tape-like cleaning sheet may be transferred to the tip of the ferrule of the optical connector that has already been cleaned.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention was devised in view of the conventional defects described above, and aims to provide a cleaner for optical fiber connectors that is small, lightweight, low-cost, and convenient to carry, which can be used in various ways such as being wrapped around the torso or arms of work clothes or attached to desired parts of machinery and equipment located at the work site, and which prevents the transfer of various contaminants to the ferrule tip after the cleaning area of ​​the cleaner that has been pressed and slid against it once is visible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a cleaner having a cleaner sheet on its surface that removes dust, oils, and other contaminants adhering to the ferrule tip of an optical fiber connector by pressing the ferrule tip of the optical fiber connector against the surface and sliding it, The back surface of the cleaner sheet is coated with a non-carbon ink containing microcapsules encapsulating a color developer and a color enhancer, and a transfer prevention sheet is polymerized and attached to the back surface of the non-carbon ink coating layer.

[0010] The coating layer of the non-carbon ink is formed by directly applying the non-carbon ink to the back surface of the cleaner sheet.

[0011] The coating layer of the non-carbon ink is formed by polymerizing and laminating a transparent film printed with non-carbon ink onto the back surface of the cleaner sheet.

[0012] The transfer prevention sheet is characterized in that an adhesive member is attached to the back surface, which can be attached to desired parts of clothing such as work clothes or machinery and equipment installed at the work site.

[0013] The aforementioned joining member is characterized by the selection and use of one of the following: a pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners, a snap button, or a removable adhesive.

[0014] The aforementioned pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners are characterized by being used by attaching one to each of the inner and outer surfaces of both ends of a flexible band that can be wrapped around the arm of clothing such as work clothes.

[0015] The pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners is characterized in that the width of one of the inner or outer surfaces at both ends of the band is set to be wider, and the joining positions of the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners are formed to be interchangeable.

[0016] The aforementioned transfer prevention sheet is characterized by having a snap-on band attached to its back surface, which can be automatically wrapped around the arm of clothing such as work clothes.

[0017] It is characterized by being formed in a roll shape by winding a long sheet-like cleaner onto a core material or reel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As the present invention is configured as described above, the overall structure is small, lightweight, and low-cost, making it easy to carry. It is extremely user-friendly, as it can be easily attached to work clothes, machinery and equipment installed at the work site, walls at the work site, and virtually any part of the worker's surroundings.

[0019] Furthermore, by pressing the tip of the ferrule of the optical fiber connector against the surface of the cleaning sheet and sliding it, dust, oils, and other contaminants adhering to the tip of the ferrule can be removed reliably and easily with a single touch.

[0020] Furthermore, while removing contaminants adhering to the tip of the ferrule of the optical fiber connector, the cleaned area can be visualized as a colored line on the surface of the cleaning sheet. This reliably prevents errors such as pressing the tip of the ferrule of the optical fiber connector against the same cleaned area (colored line) again, causing contaminants on the cleaning sheet to adhere (transfer) to the tip of the ferrule.

[0021] Therefore, the cleaner according to the present invention is extremely easy to use because it can be attached to the torso of clothing such as work clothes with a single touch, or wrapped around the arm with a single touch, via a pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners, snap buttons, or removable adhesive fasteners attached to the inner and outer surfaces of both ends of the band.

[0022] In particular, when a pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners are used as the joining members, the inner and outer surfaces of both ends of the band By setting one of the attached hook-and-loop fasteners wider, and by being able to change the joining position of the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners, it can be adjusted according to the thickness of the arm of work clothes and other garments, making it extremely convenient to use.

[0023] The cleaner according to the present invention can be attached to a snap band that can be automatically wrapped around the arm of clothing such as work clothes, eliminating the need for the aforementioned joining member. It can be easily attached with a single touch, making it extremely easy to operate and convenient to use.

[0024] Moreover, since the present invention forms a long sheet-like cleaner by winding it around a core material or a reel to form a roll shape, it is extremely convenient to carry around.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing an example of a cleaner for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing a state where one of the corners of the cleaner sheet for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention is folded back to the front side to display a part of the non-carbon ink on the back side. [Figure 3] It is a front view showing another example of a cleaner for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a state where a part of the cleaner for an optical fiber connector according to the first example of the present invention is peeled off after the first surface is used in a state where a plurality of layers are stacked. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory view showing a state of use before cleaning in which the ferrule tip of an optical fiber connector is pressed against the surface of the cleaner for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory view showing a state of use after cleaning in which the ferrule tip of an optical fiber connector is pressed against the surface of the cleaner for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention and then slid horizontally as it is. [Figure 7] It is a rear view showing a state where a hook-and-loop fastener is attached as a joining member to the back surface of the cleaner for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory view showing a state of use in which the cleaner for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention is attached to the body part of work clothes using a hook-and-loop fastener. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view showing a state where the back surface of the cleaner for an optical fiber connector according to the present invention is adhered to the inside of a band having hook-and-loop fasteners attached to the inner surfaces of both ends as a joining member. [Figure 10]This is an explanatory diagram showing a state of use in which a band with the cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to the present invention attached is wrapped around the arm of a work garment and attached to the arm of the work garment using the hook-and-loop fasteners on both sides of the band. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a snap-on band with a cleaner for optical fiber connectors attached according to the present invention. [Figure 12] This diagram shows an example of using a snap-on band with a cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to the present invention attached. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state before it is wrapped around the arm of work clothes, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state after it is wrapped around the arm of work clothes. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing an example of use where a long cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to the present invention is wound into a roll. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage state of the present invention, in which two reels, each with both ends of a long cleaner for optical fiber connectors wound into a roll shape, are housed in a case with a window, and the ferrule of the optical fiber connector is cleaned by pressing it against the cleaner surface from the outside of the window. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cleaner A for optical fiber connectors according to the present invention has a three-layer structure in which a cleaner sheet 1 is applied to the surface, a coating layer 11 of non-carbon ink 10 is applied to the middle section, and an anti-transfer sheet 20 is polymerized and bonded to the back surface of the coating layer 11 of non-carbon ink 10.

[0028] The cleaner sheet 1 on the surface is preferably a high-density woven (plain weave) industrial white cleaning cloth (Toray Industries, Inc.'s registered trademark "Toraysee") made of 100% polyester ultrafine fibers, as it has excellent wiping performance and a visualization function in which the pressure applied by the ferrule F tip of the optical fiber connector P causes the pressure on the ferrule F of the coating layer 11 of the non-carbon ink 10 located in the middle to develop color on the surface of the white cleaning cloth (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0029] However, the cleaner sheet 1 of the present invention is not limited to the industrial white cleaning cloth having the wiping performance described above. It may also be any other nonwoven or woven fabric made of white ultrafine fibers, as long as it has a visualization function in which the non-carbon ink 10 located below is moistened inside the cleaner sheet 1 by the pressing force of the tip of the ferrule F of the optical fiber connector P, and the surface of the cleaner sheet 1 develops color.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the coating layer 11 of the non-carbon ink 10 in the intermediate section is formed by mixing a large number of microcapsules 16 containing a color developer 14 inside, and a color developer 15 inside the coating layer 11 on the outside of the microcapsules 16. In addition, the visualization function is further improved by mixing a dispersant (not shown) into the coating layer 11 of the non-carbon ink 10 in order to uniformly disperse a large number of microcapsules 16. Furthermore, the microcapsules 16 are formed by coating an oil containing a dissolved dye (CVL) with a melamine resin wall.

[0031] The coating layer 11 of the carbonless ink 10 in the intermediate portion may be formed by directly printing it onto the lower surface of the upper cleaner sheet 1, as shown in Figure 1, or by polymerizing and laminating a transparent film 12 made of synthetic resin with the carbonless ink 10 printed on it onto the lower surface of the upper cleaner sheet 1, as shown in Figure 3.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the transfer prevention sheet 20 attached to the back surface of the coating layer 11 of the non-carbon ink 10 is made of a rubber sheet or hard synthetic resin with a thickness such that when multiple layers of the cleaner A for optical fiber connectors according to the present invention are used in combination, and the tip of the ferrule F of the optical fiber connector P is pressed against the surface cleaner sheet 1 and slid, the cleaner sheet 1 on the next surface does not emit light. Incidentally, as mentioned above, the reason for using multiple layers of Cleaner Sheet A is to improve work efficiency.

[0033] The visualization function of the cleaner A for optical fiber connectors according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0034] First, as shown in Figure 5, the optical fiber connector P is grasped and the tip of the ferrule F is pressed vertically against the upper surface of the cleaner sheet 1 on the surface side of the cleaner A, applying pressure.

[0035] Next, as shown in Figure 6, when the ferrule F of the optical fiber connector P, which is pressed against the upper surface of the cleaner sheet 1 while applying pressure, is slid laterally, dust, oils, and other contaminants attached to the tip of the ferrule F are removed, and at the same time, the non-carbon ink 10 applied to the back surface of the cleaner sheet 1 becomes a colored line 2, making the cleaned areas on the surface of the cleaner sheet 1 visible.

[0036] In other words, when the ferrule F of the optical fiber connector P is pressed against the upper surface of the white cleaner sheet 1 and pressure is applied, the microcapsules 16, which are mixed in large numbers into the coating layer 11 of the non-carbon ink 10, are destroyed by the pressure. As a result, the coloring agent 14 enclosed inside each microcapsule 16 and the color developer 15 enclosed inside the coating layer 11 on the outside of the microcapsules 16 are mixed and moistened inside the cleaner sheet 1, and are displayed as a colored line 2 on the surface of the cleaner sheet 1.

[0037] As a result, with the cleaner A of the present invention, it is possible to avoid using the color development line 2 of the same cleaner sheet 1 during cleaning, thereby reliably preventing the transfer of contaminants to the tip of the ferrule F of the optical fiber connector P.

[0038] Next, various usage examples of the cleaner A for optical fiber connectors according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 15.

[0039] First, Figure 7 shows an example in which a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 31 are attached as joining members 30 to the upper and lower parts of the back surface of the transfer prevention sheet 20 of the cleaner A of the present invention. In this example, as shown in Figure 8, the cleaner A is attached to the torso portion C of the work clothes B via hook-and-loop fastener 31.

[0040] The hook-and-loop fastener 31 consists of a male fastener and a female fastener. By attaching one of them (for example, the "male fastener") to the cleaner A and the other (for example, the "female fastener") to the torso portion C of the work clothes B, the cleaner A is detachably joined to the torso portion C of the work clothes B with the cleaner sheet 1 facing outwards.

[0041] In this state, with the cleaner A still attached to the torso C of the work clothes B, the tip of the ferrule F of the optical fiber connector P is pressed against the surface of the cleaner sheet 1 and slid across it, thereby reliably removing dust, grease, and other contaminants attached to the tip of the ferrule F.

[0042] Next, Figure 9 shows another example in which the joining member 30 is a band 32 with the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners 31 attached to the inner and outer surfaces of both ends.

[0043] In this example, as shown in Figure 10, multiple layers of cleaner A are stacked inside the band 32 and held together, then the band 32 is wrapped around the arm D of the work clothes B, and the pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 31 attached to the front and back surfaces of both ends of the band 32 are used to fasten them together.

[0044] In this configuration, the pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners 31 attached to the front and back surfaces of both ends of the band 32 are configured such that the width of one of them (the right side in Figure 9) is wider, thereby changing the joining position of the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners 31 on the left and right sides, and allowing for appropriate adjustment of the tightness of the work clothes B against the arm D.

[0045] In the above embodiment, a pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners 31 are used as the joining member 30, but other joining members 30, such as snap buttons (not shown) or peelable adhesives, can also be used.

[0046] In the cleaner A of the present invention, the joining member 30 is not necessarily required. For example, multiple cleaners A can be stored together in the pocket E of work clothes B, and one can be taken out at a time for use during work. Alternatively, a pouch containing multiple cleaners A can be carried over the shoulder, and one can be taken out at a time for use during work.

[0047] Next, Figure 11 shows another example in which a snap band 33 without male and female hook-and-loop fasteners 31 is used as the joining member 30. The snap band 33 in this example is formed by coating the outer surface of a thin steel plate made of the same material as an elastic metal measuring tape with a synthetic resin such as silicone, and is used by attaching the cleaner A of the present invention to one side of the snap band 33.

[0048] In other words, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), when the snap band 33 is extended with the cleaner A facing outwards and then snapped against the arm D of the work clothes B, the snap band 33 can be automatically wrapped around the arm D with a single touch due to the elastic force of the steel plate inside the band.

[0049] Next, Figure 13 shows another example in which the cleaner A of the present invention is formed into a long sheet and rolled up around a cylindrical core material 34 for easy portability. As shown in Figure 13, the rolled cleaner A is divided into predetermined lengths by pulling the tip forward and cutting it sequentially with scissors or a cutter. Multiple of these cleaners A are then bundled together and stored, for example, in the pocket E of work clothes B for use.

[0050] Incidentally, in the workplace, in order to improve the usability of the aforementioned roll-shaped cleaner A, it can be held in a holder (not shown) via a core material 34 located in the center, similar to toilet paper.

[0051] Next, Figure 14 shows another example in which the cleaner A of the present invention is formed into a long sheet and used by winding both ends onto two reels 35 and 36. In this example, as shown in Figure 14, a feed reel 35 and a take-up reel 36 are arranged facing each other on both sides inside a small case 37, a window 38 is provided on the lower side of the case 37 between the two reels 35 and 36, and a passage guide 39 for the sheet-like cleaner A is installed inside the window 38.

[0052] When using the cleaner, as shown in Figure 14, both ends of the sheet-shaped cleaner A are wound around the feed reel 35 and the empty-remove reel 36 inside the case 37. At this time, the sheet-shaped cleaner A is held slidably within the passage guide 39 between the two reels 35 and 36, with the surface of the cleaner sheet 1 facing the window portion 38.

[0053] Therefore, when the ferrule F of the optical fiber connector P is pressed perpendicularly against the surface of the cleaner sheet 1 exposed through the window portion 38 of the case 37 and slid in the direction of the arrow, contaminants attached to the tip of the ferrule are removed, and at the same time, the non-carbon ink 10 applied to the back surface of the cleaner sheet 1 becomes a colored line 2, making the cleaned areas on the surface of the cleaner sheet 1 visible within the range of the window portion 39. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] A Cleaner B Work clothes C Body part D Arm E Pocket F ferrule P Fiber Optic Connector 1 Cleaner Sheet 2. Color-developing lines 10 Non-carbon ink 11. Layers of the coating 12 Transparent film 14. Colorants 15. Chromogen 16 microcapsules 20 Anti-transfer sheets 30 Joining members 31 hook-and-loop fasteners 32 bands 33 snap bands 34 Core material 35 Feed reel 36 Reel 37 cases 38 Window section 39 Travel Guide

Claims

1. A cleaner having a cleaning sheet on its surface that removes dust, oils, and other contaminants adhering to the tip of a fiber optic connector ferrule by pressing and sliding the tip of the ferrule of the fiber optic connector against the surface, A cleaner for optical fiber connectors, characterized in that a coating layer of non-carbon ink containing microcapsules encapsulating a color developer and a color developer is formed on the back surface of the cleaner sheet, and a transfer prevention sheet is polymerized and attached to the back surface of the non-carbon ink coating layer.

2. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating layer of the non-carbon ink is formed by directly applying the non-carbon ink to the back surface of the cleaner sheet.

3. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating layer of the non-carbon ink is formed by polymerizing and bonding a transparent film printed with non-carbon ink to the back surface of the cleaner sheet.

4. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that a bonding member is attached to the back surface of the transfer prevention sheet, which can be attached to desired parts of clothing such as work clothes or machinery and equipment installed at the work site.

5. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 4, characterized in that the joining member is selected from a pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners, a snap button, or a peelable adhesive.

6. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 5, characterized in that the pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners are used by attaching one to each of the inner and outer surfaces of both ends of a flexible band that can be wrapped around the arm of clothing such as work clothes.

7. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 6, characterized in that the pair of male and female hook-and-loop fasteners are formed so that the width of one of the inner or outer surfaces at both ends of the band is set to be wider, and the joining position of the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners can be changed.

8. A cleaner for optical fiber connectors, characterized in that a snap-on band that can be automatically wrapped around the arm of clothing such as work clothes is attached to the back surface of the transfer prevention sheet.

9. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that a long sheet-like cleaner is wound around a core material or reel to form a roll.

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