Optical fiber cleaning apparatus and optical fiber cleaning method

Abstract

To provide an optical fiber cleaning device that uses ultrasonic vibrations without damaging the optical fiber. [Solution] An optical fiber cleaning apparatus 1 for cleaning an optical fiber 4 comprises a storage tank 20 for storing cleaning solution, a vibrator 30 that vibrates in response to an electrical signal, a diaphragm that resonates with the vibration of the vibrator 30 and transmits the vibrations generated by the resonance to the cleaning solution stored in the storage tank 20, and a controller 60 that adjusts the vibration of the vibrator 30 by controlling the electrical signal, thereby adjusting the vibration frequency of the diaphragm to 80kHz (±20kHz) by controlling the electrical signal with the controller 60.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning method for cleaning an optical fiber.

Background Art

[0002] After polishing the end face of an optical fiber, it is necessary to clean the optical fiber in order to remove fine particles and the like adhering to the end face of the optical fiber. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for efficiently cleaning an optical fiber by ultrasonically vibrating a tank containing a rinse liquid with a piezoelectric element.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] In the above configuration, the natural frequency of the oscillator may be 28 kHz (±5 kHz). In the optical fiber cleaning apparatus configured as described above, a transducer having a natural frequency of 28 kHz (±5 kHz) is used to adjust the vibration frequency of the diaphragm to 80 kHz (±20 kHz).

[0007] In the above configuration, the vibration frequency of the diaphragm may be switched between two levels, 28kHz (±5kHz) and 80kHz (±20kHz), by controlling the electrical signal with the controller. In the optical fiber cleaning apparatus configured as described above, a transducer with a natural frequency of 28 kHz (±5 kHz) is used, and the diaphragm's vibration frequency can be switched between a low frequency of 28 kHz (±5 kHz) and a medium frequency of 80 kHz (±20 kHz) in two stages.

[0008] In the above configuration, the shape of the bonding surface of the vibrator bonded to the diaphragm may be rectangular. In the optical fiber cleaning apparatus configured as described above, the vibration of the transducer is transmitted to the diaphragm via a rectangular joint surface.

[0009] In the above configuration, the oscillator may include a plurality of oscillators, and one side of the joint surface of one oscillator may be arranged parallel to one side of the joint surface of an adjacent oscillator. In the optical fiber cleaning apparatus configured as described above, the bonding surfaces joined to the diaphragm of multiple transducers are all rectangular, and the diaphragm is vibrated by multiple transducers with the bonding surfaces of adjacent transducers arranged parallel to each other.

[0010] In the above configuration, one side of the joint surface of the vibrator and one side of the joint surface of an adjacent vibrator may be of the same length and be arranged at a predetermined distance apart. In the optical fiber cleaning apparatus configured as described above, the bonding surfaces joined to the diaphragm of multiple transducers are all rectangular, and the bonding surfaces of adjacent transducers are arranged at a predetermined distance apart with the same length, and the diaphragm is vibrated by the multiple transducers.

[0011] In the above configuration, the transducer is a bolted Langevin type transducer, and the predetermined distance may be 5 mm or less and constant between all adjacent transducers. In the optical fiber cleaning apparatus configured as described above, the diaphragm is vibrated with adjacent bolted Langevin-type transducers evenly spaced apart.

[0012] In the above configuration, the plurality of oscillators may be arranged in equal numbers vertically and horizontally. In the optical fiber cleaning apparatus configured as described above, multiple transducers are arranged in equal numbers vertically and horizontally, so that the overall shape of the transducer is square, and the diaphragm is vibrated with the transducers in this arrangement.

[0013] In the above configuration, the optical fiber is configured to be cleaned while fixed to the holder, and the holder may be configured to fix the optical fiber at a predetermined height relative to the diaphragm by positioning it relative to the storage tank. In the optical fiber cleaning device configured as described above, by positioning the height position of the holder with respect to the storage tank, the optical fiber can be cleaned in a fixed state at the height position of the optical fiber with respect to the diaphragm.

[0014] In the above configuration, it may further have a holder attachment portion to which the holder is detachable, and the holder attachment portion may be configured to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the storage tank. In the optical fiber cleaning device configured as described above, by moving the holder attachment portion in the vertical direction, the height position of the optical fiber can be configured to be variable.

[0015] The present invention can also be configured as a cleaning method for cleaning an optical fiber.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical fiber cleaning device using ultrasonic vibration that does not damage the optical fiber regardless of the type of optical fiber.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an optical fiber cleaning device. [Figure 2] It is a side view of an optical fiber cleaning device. [Figure 3] It is a side cross-sectional view of an optical fiber cleaning device. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a vibrator. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint portion between the storage tank and the vibrator. [Figure 6] It is an arrangement diagram of the vibrator and the diaphragm on the bottom surface of the storage tank. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a general optical connector. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of a general optical connector.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings shown as an example. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the optical fiber cleaning apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as cleaning apparatus 1). Figure 2 is a side view of cleaning apparatus 1. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of cleaning apparatus 1. Cleaning apparatus 1 is a device for cleaning optical fibers 2 mounted on a polishing holder 10. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, cleaning apparatus 1 has a storage tank 20 for storing cleaning liquid (e.g., water) inside, a transducer 30 that vibrates ultrasonically by an electrical signal, a holder mounting part 40 to which the polishing holder 10 can be attached and detached, an actuator 50 for moving the holder mounting part 40 in the vertical direction, and a controller 60 for controlling the vibration of the transducer 30.

[0019] The holder 10 has a holder body 11 formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular plate, four support columns 12 extending upward from the four corners of the holder body 11, and a pair of handles 13 connected to the upper ends of the support columns 12. The holder body 11 is configured to detachably fix multiple optical connectors 2. The tip of the optical connector 2 has a ferrule 3 (optical fiber holding member), and the end of the ferrule 3 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the holder body 11. In this state, the holder 10 is attached to a polishing device (not shown) to polish the ends of the ferrules 3 incorporated into the optical connectors 2. After the polishing of the optical connectors 2 is completed, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the holder 10 is attached to a cleaning device 1, and the ends of the optical connectors 2 are cleaned together with the holder 10. The structure for attaching the optical connectors 2 to the holder 10 and the structure for polishing the optical connectors 2 with the polishing device can use conventionally known techniques, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The following explanation will define the direction in which the two handles 13 are aligned (left-right direction) as the X-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction in a plan view (front-back direction) as the Y-axis direction, and the height direction of the cleaning device 1 (vertical direction) as the Z-axis direction. The optical fiber referred to here is a light transmission path made of highly transparent quartz glass or high-performance plastic. The outer diameter of an optical fiber is as thin as a human hair (φ125um) and is often used with a covering. There are also optical cables with an outer diameter of φ2mm or φ3mm. There are also tape-core cables, etc., which consist of multiple optical fiber strands with an outer diameter of 0.25mm arranged in parallel and covered together with UV resin. Many optical fibers are used for single cores or multi-cores, where multiple optical fibers are covered together. Furthermore, an optical connector is a component that connects optical fibers together, and its structure consists of a ferrule into which the optical fiber is inserted and fixed, and a mating mechanism that enables mechanical connection. The present invention aims to clean optical fibers with the optical fiber fixed in a ferrule, or to clean optical connectors including the ferrule in which the optical fiber is fixed.

[0020] The holder mounting section 40 consists of a fixed section 41 whose position in three axes is fixed relative to the storage tank 20, and a movable section 42 configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction relative to the fixed section 41 (and the storage tank 20). The fixed section 41 is fixed to the side surface of the storage tank 20 and extends in the Y-axis direction, and also extends in the Z-axis direction (upward) at a predetermined distance from the storage tank 20 in the Y-axis direction. The movable section 42 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from above, and two arms 42a extend from the back surface of the fixed section 41 toward the top of the storage tank 20. A flat section is formed on the upper surface of the arms 42a, and the holder 10 is attached to the cleaning device 1 by placing the holder 10 on the upper surface of the arms 42a. The two arms 42a are configured parallel to the storage tank 20 in the Y-axis direction. The holder 10 is placed on the upper surface of the arms 42a, and the holder 10 is moved parallel to the Z-axis direction to a predetermined height position relative to the storage tank 20. The holder 10 then stops at a position where the end of the optical connector 2 is immersed in the cleaning solution stored in the storage tank 20. The fixing mechanism for securing the holder 10 to the arm 42a may be provided on the arm 42a or on the holder 10. An actuator 50 is fixed below the movable part 42 of the holder mounting part 40. The actuator 50 is operated by a controller (e.g., a PLC) not shown, and moves the holder 10 fixed to the movable part 42 in the Z-axis direction. This makes it possible to change the height position of the holder 10 and the optical connector 2 relative to the storage tank 20. The preferred Z-axis movement position is estimated through experiments described later. The movement position estimated through experiments is such that the distance from the diaphragm 70 to the cleaning position (end of the optical connector 2) is 110 mm. This movement position is preferably such that the ferrule 3 at the tip of the optical connector 2, which protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the holder body 11, is immersed in the cleaning solution. At that time, it is conceivable to manage the amount of cleaning solution using a liquid level sensor or the like. Furthermore, the center of the U-shaped arm 42a, as seen from above, is hollow, providing space for the optical fiber (optical cable) attached to the optical connector 2 to extend upward. It is also possible to install a filter-equipped circulation mechanism (not shown) to reuse the cleaning solution.

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the transducer 30. The transducer 30 is a bolt-fastened Langevin type transducer. The transducer 30 is used with a compressive load applied to the piezoelectric elements 31 and 32 by sandwiching the two piezoelectric elements 31 and 32 between metal blocks 33 and 34 and fastening them with bolts 35. The metal block 33 has a cylindrical shape, and the metal block 34 has a rectangular prism shape. In other words, the metal block 33 is circular in plan view, while the metal block 34 is rectangular (square) in plan view. The controller 60 applies an optimal voltage to the piezoelectric elements 31 and 32, causing the transducer 30 to vibrate with ultrasonic vibrations at a specific natural frequency. In this embodiment, the specific natural frequency is 28 kHz (±5 kHz).

[0022] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint between the storage tank 20 and the vibrator 30. The storage tank 20 is a stainless steel container with an open top and is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. A rectangular through-hole is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the storage tank 20, penetrating the bottom surface of the storage tank 20 when viewed from above. A vibrating plate 70 is positioned on the bottom surface of the storage tank 20 so as to cover the through-hole from above. The vibrating plate 70 is a stainless steel plate and is rectangular in shape, larger than the through-hole in the storage tank 20. Multiple bolts 71 protruding downwards are fixed near the outer edge of the bottom surface of the vibrating plate 70. Multiple through-holes are formed around the through-hole in the bottom surface of the storage tank 20 to match the position and size of the bolts 71. The bolts 71 are inserted into the through-holes from the upper side of the bottom surface of the storage tank 20, and nuts 72 are screwed onto the bolts 71 from the lower side of the bottom surface of the storage tank 20. A packing 73 is placed between the vibrating plate 70 and the bottom surface of the storage tank 20. A packing 74 and a retaining plate 75 are placed between the bottom surface of the storage tank 20 and the nut 72. Multiple transducers 30 are joined to the center of the bottom surface of the diaphragm 70. By fixing the diaphragm 70 to the storage tank 20 with the nut 72, the upper surface of the diaphragm 70 is exposed to the inside of the storage tank 20, and the transducers 30 extend downward from the bottom surface of the storage tank 20.

[0023] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the transducers and diaphragm on the bottom surface of the storage tank 20. Multiple transducers 30 are arranged on the bottom surface of the diaphragm 70, which is exposed from below. In this embodiment, a total of nine transducers 30 are arranged in 3 rows horizontally and 3 columns vertically. The transducers 30 are joined to the diaphragm 70 such that the end faces of the rectangular prism-shaped metal blocks 34 of the transducers 30 become the joining surfaces with the diaphragm 70. In other words, the shape of the joining surface of the transducers 30 joined to the diaphragm 70 is rectangular (square). When looking at two adjacent transducers 30, one side of the joining surface of one transducer 30 and one side of the joining surface of the adjacent transducer 30 are the same length and are arranged parallel to each other. Also, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 6, one side of the joining surface of one transducer 30 and one side of the joining surface of the adjacent transducer 30 are separated by a predetermined distance. In this embodiment, the predetermined distance is 5 mm or less and is constant among all adjacent transducers 30. The holder 10 has multiple optical connectors 2 attached to it, and since polishing and cleaning are performed in this state, it is necessary to consider the number and mounting positions of the transducers to be placed on the bottom surface of the storage tank 20 according to the specifications of the holder 10. In this embodiment, the arrangement is designed to cover a cleaning area that matches the outer dimensions of the holder (175 mm vertically x 175 mm horizontally).

[0024] Multiple transducers 30 arranged as described above are vibrated, causing the diaphragm 70, to which the multiple transducers 30 are joined, to vibrate. The vibration of the diaphragm 70 generates cavitation in the cleaning solution stored in the storage tank 20. This cleans the holder body 11 and optical connector 2 immersed in the cleaning solution. The controller 60 controls the timing of vibration of the multiple transducers 30, the cleaning time, etc. By controlling the vibration of the multiple transducers 30 with the controller 60, the vibration frequency of the diaphragm 70 can be optimally controlled. In this embodiment, the vibration frequency of the diaphragm 70 can be switched between two levels: 28kHz (±5kHz, measured value 27kHz) and 80kHz (±20kHz, measured value 72kHz). Note that there is a difference between the set value and the measured value for the vibration frequency of the diaphragm, with the measured value tending to be lower, but this is not a problem if set within the tolerance range.

[0025] Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of typical optical connectors. The optical connector 2 shown in Figure 7 has a multi-core optical fiber bonded and fixed to a plastic ferrule 3, and does not have some of the functions of an optical connector, but is treated as an optical connector here. The optical connector 2 shown in Figure 8 is a single-core optical connector with a zirconia ceramic ferrule 3. Both optical connectors are polished while mounted in multiples on a holder 10, and after each polishing process (from adhesive removal to rough polishing and finish polishing) is completed in a single storage tank 20, the optical fiber 4 at the end of the optical connector 2 (the tip of the ferrule 3) is cleaned while it is still mounted on the holder 10. By performing cleaning after each polishing process, foreign matter such as shavings generated in each polishing process can be removed. If the process proceeds to the next step without removing shavings, it can cause scratches during the polishing process. Also, if the cleaning strength is too strong, the optical fiber 4 may chip, and if deep chipping occurs, it may result in a defective product.

[0026] The following are experimental results obtained to confirm the cleaning performance of the cleaning device of the present invention. In this experiment, optical fibers were bonded and fixed to ferrules, and to evaluate the cleaning performance across the entire area of ​​a polishing holder fitted with multiple optical connectors, three or five cleaned optical connectors were selected as samples to ensure even extraction. The cleaning time was approximately 40 seconds, which is the time required to achieve a cleaning effect. (Evaluation Criteria) ○: Has a cleaning effect, good quality product △: It has a cleaning effect, but it's not a good product (the dirt is not completely removed). ×: No cleaning effect, not a good product. (Experimental data) Nine transducers were attached to the diaphragm, and cleaning was performed with the transducers attached to the diaphragm in a manner that was parallel to each other and at equal intervals.

[0027] Table 1 shows the results of a comparison of differences in the shape of the bonding surface of the transducer bonded to the diaphragm for optical fibers with plastic ferrules (holding members). The set frequency of the diaphragm was 28 kHz, and the distance from the diaphragm to the cleaning position was 110 mm. It was confirmed that a good cleaning effect could be obtained by making the bonding surface rectangular. [Table 1]

[0028] Table 2 shows the results of a comparison of differences in the bonding surface shape of the transducer bonded to the diaphragm for zirconia (ceramic) ferrule-attached optical fibers. The set vibration frequency of the diaphragm was 80 kHz, and the distance from the diaphragm to the cleaning position was 110 mm. It was confirmed that a good cleaning effect could be obtained by making the bonding surface rectangular. [Table 2]

[0029] In the following, the shape of the bonding surface of the transducers bonded to the diaphragm was standardized to a rectangle, and the differences in the vibration frequencies of the diaphragm were compared. The length of one side of the bonding surface of each transducer was the same (approximately 45 mm), and the bonding surfaces of adjacent transducers were arranged parallel to each other and bonded at a predetermined distance (approximately 5 mm) apart. The distance from the diaphragm to the cleaning position was 110 mm. Table 3 shows the results for zirconia ferrule-attached optical fibers (single-core optical fibers). At 28 kHz, the vibration intensity was strong and the cleaning effect on dirt and foreign matter was good, but the optical fiber was damaged by chipping, etc. It was confirmed that good cleaning results could be obtained with zirconia ferrule-attached optical fibers at vibration frequencies of 70 kHz or higher. [Table 3]

[0030] Table 4 compares the differences in diaphragm vibration frequencies for optical fibers with plastic ferrules (multi-core optical fibers). Other cleaning conditions were the same as in the experiment shown in Table 3. It was confirmed that good cleaning results could be obtained with plastic ferrule-attached optical fibers at a vibration frequency of 28 kHz. [Table 4]

[0031] Table 5 shows the results of comparing the difference in distance from the diaphragm to the cleaning position, with the diaphragm set to frequencies of 28 kHz and 80 kHz. It was confirmed that good cleaning results were obtained when the distance from the diaphragm to the cleaning position was 55 mm and 110 mm. However, when the distance is close to the diaphragm, the reflection of ultrasonic waves off the diaphragm can have an effect and may damage the diaphragm. Therefore, if the effect is similar, it is preferable to set the distance further away. [Table 5]

[0032] As described above, in the cleaning apparatus 1 of the present invention, the vibrator 30 vibrates a diaphragm 70 exposed inside the storage tank 20, thereby transmitting vibrations to the cleaning solution stored in the storage tank 20 and promoting the cleaning of the optical connector 2 immersed in the cleaning solution. Generally, lower vibration frequencies result in stronger cleaning power and greater damage to the cleaned object compared to higher vibration frequencies, increasing the likelihood of scratches and cracks caused by impact forces. In this experiment, when cleaning optical fibers fixed to a plastic ferrule (holding member) that is easily elastically deformable, even a low frequency of 28 kHz (±5 kHz) for the diaphragm 70 can absorb strong impacts, allowing cleaning without damaging the optical fibers. On the other hand, when cleaning optical fibers fixed to a zirconia ferrule (holding member) that is less elastically deformable than plastic, strong low-frequency impacts cannot be absorbed, and by setting the vibration frequency of the diaphragm 70 to a medium frequency of 80 kHz (±20 kHz), cleaning can be performed without damaging the optical fibers. Therefore, it was found that the vibration frequency during cleaning needs to be changed depending on the material properties of the ferrule (holding member). The natural frequency of the transducer 30 is 28 kHz (±5 kHz), but by controlling the vibration of the transducer 30 with the controller 60, it is possible to switch the vibration frequency of the diaphragm 70 between a medium frequency of 80 kHz (±20 kHz) and a low frequency of 28 kHz (±5 kHz). The vibration frequency of the diaphragm 70 of 80 kHz is the resonant frequency of the transducer's natural frequency of 28 kHz. For example, when cleaning an optical fiber with a plastic ferrule, it is possible to vibrate the diaphragm 70 at a low frequency, and when cleaning an optical fiber with a zirconia ferrule, it is possible to vibrate the diaphragm 70 at a medium frequency. By making the shape of the metal block 34 of the transducer 30 a rectangular prism, the shape of the joint surface between the transducer 30 and the diaphragm 70 is made rectangular. In addition, the sides of the joint surface of adjacent transducers 30 are arranged parallel to each other, and the length of the sides of each adjacent transducer is the same, so the adjacent sides are constant. This allows multiple transducers 30 to be efficiently arranged on the diaphragm 70.Furthermore, since inconsistent gaps between the vibrators can cause metal fatigue, metal fatigue of the diaphragm 70 can be suppressed by arranging the joint surfaces of the vibrators parallel to each other and keeping the distance between the joint surfaces constant. The holder 10 to which the optical connector 2 is fixed is positioned relative to the storage tank 20. In other words, the optical connector 2 is fixed to the diaphragm 70 at a predetermined height position. The distance of the optical connector 2 to the diaphragm 70, that is, the distance from the diaphragm 70 to the cleaning position, can be kept constant. This allows optimal vibration to be applied to the optical connector 2. The holder mounting part 40 to which the holder 10 is attached is configured to be movable vertically relative to the storage tank 20. This allows the distance of the optical connector 2 to the diaphragm 70 to be adjusted.

[0033] In the above embodiment, an example of cleaning the optical connector 2 was described. The optical connector (optical fiber) that can be cleaned is not limited to the optical connector shown in the drawings, etc. It is necessary to select an appropriate vibration frequency depending on the material of the optical fiber and the ferrule (holding member) that fixes the optical fiber. For example, it is possible to switch the vibration frequency according to the type of ferrule, such as cleaning an optical fiber with a zirconia ferrule at a medium frequency and an optical fiber with a plastic ferrule at a low frequency. In addition, by using this device, it is possible to adjust the height position relative to the diaphragm and the cleaning time, enabling optical fiber cleaning under optimal conditions.

[0034] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which a total of nine transducers 30 are arranged in three horizontal rows and three vertical columns. However, the number of transducers is not limited to nine. Arranging the same number of transducers vertically and horizontally so that the overall shape of the transducers is square is effective in generating vibrations evenly in the storage tank 20. It is also possible to increase the number of transducers to four horizontal rows and four horizontal columns or five horizontal rows and five horizontal columns. Furthermore, by arranging different numbers of transducers vertically and horizontally, it is also possible to make the overall shape of the transducers be rectangular.

[0035] In the above embodiment, a structure was shown in which the shape of the bonding surface of the vibrator 30 bonded to the diaphragm 70 is quadrilateral (square). Here, quadrilateral (square) does not mean a mathematically defined, strictly quadrilateral (square). Even if the corners are slightly rounded or the sides are slightly curved, if the shape is generally considered to be quadrilateral (square), it is included in the quadrilateral (square) of this application.

[0036] In the above embodiment, a structure was shown in which the joint surfaces of the transducer 30 are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, a structure was shown in which adjacent joint surfaces of the transducer 30 are of the same length. Furthermore, a structure was shown in which the edges of the joint surfaces are spaced at a predetermined distance apart. Here, parallelism, same length, and predetermined distance do not necessarily have to be in a strictly defined sense. Even if there are slight differences, it is sufficient if they are roughly the same or parallel.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the holder mounting portion 40 was shown to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) relative to the storage tank 20. Here, the vertical direction does not necessarily have to be in the strict sense. The holder mounting portion 40 may also be moved diagonally to move in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction. Such a structure can also be said to be configured so that the holder mounting portion is movable in the vertical direction.

[0038] In the above embodiment, a rectangular storage tank 20 in plan view was shown as an example. However, the shape of the storage tank is not particularly limited. It is also possible to form a partition plate inside the storage tank. The connection structure between the storage tank and the vibrating plate is also not particularly limited. A member having a structure in which the vibrating plate exposed inside the storage tank can transmit the vibration of the vibrator to the cleaning liquid is called a vibrating plate. For example, it is also possible to make the bottom surface of the storage tank function as a vibrating plate by fixing the vibrator directly to the bottom surface of the storage tank.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the period during which the vibrator 30 controlled by the controller 60 vibrates is defined as the "natural frequency," and the period during which the diaphragm vibrates due to the vibrator 30 vibrates is defined as the "frequency." However, the terms "frequency" and "vibration frequency" are not used with any special distinction. The period during which the vibrator vibrates can be considered the "frequency," and the period during which the diaphragm vibrates can be considered the "frequency."

[0040] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It goes without saying that those skilled in the art will understand this, - Apply the mutually interchangeable members and configurations disclosed in the above embodiments by appropriately changing their combinations. • Although not disclosed in the above embodiments, it is possible to appropriately substitute and modify the combinations of publicly known components and components that are interchangeable with those disclosed in the above embodiments. • Although not disclosed in the above embodiments, the members and components that a person skilled in the art could conceive of as substitutes for those members and components disclosed in the above embodiments based on prior art, etc., may be appropriately substituted, and their combinations may be modified for application. This is disclosed as one embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1…Optical fiber cleaning device, 2…Optical connector, 3…Ferrule, 4…Optical fiber (ribbon core, optical cable), 10…Polishing holder, 11…Holder body, 12…Support column, 13…Handle, 20…Storage tank, 30…Vibrator, 31, 32…Piezoelectric ceramic element, 33, 34…Metal block, 35…Bolt, 40…Holder mounting part, 41…Fixed part, 42…Movable part, 50…Actuator, 60…Controller, 70…Vibrating plate, 71…Bolt, 72…Nut, 73, 74…Packing, 75…Pressing plate.

Claims

1. An optical fiber cleaning device for cleaning optical fibers, A storage tank for storing the cleaning solution, An oscillator that vibrates in response to an electrical signal, A vibrating plate that resonates due to the vibration of the vibrator and transmits the vibrations generated by the resonance to the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank, The system includes a controller that adjusts the vibration of the oscillator by controlling the aforementioned electrical signal, An optical fiber cleaning apparatus characterized by adjusting the vibration frequency of the diaphragm to 80 kHz (±20 kHz) by controlling the electrical signal with the controller.

2. The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the natural frequency of the transducer is 28 kHz (±5 kHz).

3. The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the vibration frequency of the diaphragm can be switched in two stages between 28 kHz (±5 kHz) and 80 kHz (±20 kHz) by controlling the electrical signal with the controller.

4. The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of the bonding surface of the vibrator bonded to the diaphragm is rectangular.

5. The oscillator includes a plurality of oscillators, The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that one side of the bonding surface of the vibrator and one side of the bonding surface of an adjacent vibrator are arranged in parallel.

6. The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that one side of the bonding surface of the vibrator and one side of the bonding surface of an adjacent vibrator are of the same length and are arranged at a predetermined distance apart.

7. The aforementioned transducer is a bolt-fastened Langevin type transducer, The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the predetermined distance is 5 mm or less and is constant between all adjacent transducers.

8. The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the plurality of transducers are arranged in equal numbers vertically and horizontally.

9. The optical fiber is configured to be cleaned while fixed in a holder. The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder is configured to fix the optical fiber at a predetermined height relative to the diaphragm by positioning it relative to the storage tank.

10. The aforementioned holder further has a holder mounting portion that can be attached and detached, The optical fiber cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the holder mounting portion is configured to be movable in a vertical direction relative to the storage tank.

11. A method for cleaning optical fibers, A step of immersing the optical fiber in a cleaning solution stored in a storage tank, A process of vibrating an oscillator using an electrical signal adjusted by a controller, The process includes the steps of causing a diaphragm to resonate due to the vibration of the vibrator, and transmitting the vibrations generated by the resonance to the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank, A method for cleaning optical fibers, characterized in that the vibration frequency of the diaphragm is adjusted to 80 kHz (±20 kHz) by controlling the electrical signal with the controller.

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