Optical communication connector and optical module

Abstract

Provided is an optical communication connector and an optical module from which dust can be easily removed from the light receiving surface. The optical communication connector includes a lens having a curved surface, a support member that supports the lens and has a swing axis, and a swing member that is swingable about the swing axis along the curved surface relative to the support member.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art It is known that optical connectors are used to connect optical cables together or between an optical cable and an optical module.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical communication connector that generates an air flow inside the connector having a light receiving surface that faces an optical fiber, thereby removing dust from the light receiving surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-159654 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The optical connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an optical connector that can remove dust from the optical cable connection surface when connecting a socket and a plug. A communication hole that communicates with the outside of the socket is provided, and this communication hole is located near the light receiving surface. When a plug with a rubber seal is inserted into a socket, the air between the plug and the socket is sealed, and air flows through a communication hole provided near the light receiving surface. The force of the air blows away dust on the light receiving surface, and the dust is discharged together with the air. Thus, an optical communication connector is disclosed in which an air flow is generated inside the connector having a light receiving surface, thereby removing dust from the light receiving surface. However, depending on the shape of the light receiving surface, it may be difficult to remove dust from the light receiving surface.

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

[0007] The optical communication connector disclosed herein comprises a lens having a curved surface, a support member supporting the lens and having a swing axis, and a swing member capable of swinging around the swing axis relative to the support member along the curved surface. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the optical communication connector and optical module according to the present disclosure, dust on the light receiving surface can be easily removed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view I showing an example of a configuration of an optical module according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view II showing an example of a configuration of an optical module according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view showing an example of an optical communication connector according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a simplified diagram I showing an example of the configuration of an optical module according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 2 is a simplified diagram II showing an example of the configuration of an optical module according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view I showing an example of a configuration of an optical communication connector according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view II showing an example of a configuration of an optical communication connector according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view III showing an example of a configuration of an optical module according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] IV is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of an optical module according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view V showing an example of a configuration of an optical module according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11]1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of an optical communication connector according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings and specific configurations used in each embodiment should not be used to interpret the disclosure. The same or corresponding configurations in all drawings are given the same reference numerals, and common descriptions are omitted. It should be noted that in this disclosure, the drawings may relate to one or more embodiments.

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

[0012] (Optical module configuration) The optical module 1 converts light transmitted from an optical fiber into an electrical signal. The optical module 1 includes an optical communication connector 11 and a converter 12 . A transducer 12 converts the transmitted light received by the lens into an electrical signal. The optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure is not limited to being used for connecting the optical cable 5 and the optical module 1, but can also be used for connecting the optical cables 5 together. The optical cable 5 includes an optical fiber.

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

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

[0015] (Configuration of Support Member) The support member 112 supports the lens 111 . The support member 112 has a contact surface COS that can come into contact with the oscillating member 113. The contact surface COS exists around the lens 111. The contact surface of the support member 112 may be flat as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, or may be inclined. In addition, the support member 112 has a pivot axis Ax. The support member 112 is located inside an outer cylinder 116. The outer cylinder 116 functions as a guide for determining the position of the optical cable 5. It should be noted that a gap may exist between the outer tube 116 and the optical cable 5 .

[0016] (Configuration of the Swinging Member) The oscillating member 113 is capable of swinging about an oscillation axis Ax. The oscillating member 113 in the present disclosure is capable of swinging about the oscillation axis Ax relative to the support member 112 along the curved surface CUS. Also, the oscillating member 113 may come into contact with the contact surface COS by swinging about the swing axis Ax. In addition, the oscillating member 113 may come into contact with the contact surface COS before being connected to the optical cable 5. That is, as shown in Fig. 3, the oscillating member 113 is moved toward the end of the support member 112 before being connected to the optical cable 5, so that it is less likely to interfere with optical communication performed by connection with the optical cable. For example, the oscillating member 113 has a diameter of about 0.3 mm. The oscillating member 113 includes microfibers that are in contact with the curved surface CUS. Note that the oscillating member 113 may be made of a hard material except for the portion that is in contact with the curved surface CUS. The oscillating member 113 may have an arc shape that follows the curved surface CUS.

[0017] (Configuration of pressed member) The pressed member 114 is capable of swinging about a swing axis Ax. The pressed member 114 is capable of swinging in conjunction with the swinging member 113. That is, the rocking of the pressed member 114 and the rocking of the rocking member 113 can be linked together. 3, the pressed member 114 is located between the support member 112 and the outer cylinder 116. The trajectory that the pressed member 114 describes by swinging about the swing axis Ax is located between the outer circumferential surface OS of the support member 112 and the outer cylinder 116. The pressed member 114 may have a shape that conforms to the outer circumferential surface OS of the supporting member 112 .

[0018] (Configuration of pressing member) The pressing member 115 is capable of pressing the pressed member 114. The pressing member 115 is capable of pressing the pressed member 114 so as to cause the pressed member 114 to swing. By connecting with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed towards the pressed member 114. The pressing member 115 may be pressed by the tip of the optical cable 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing member 115 is located between the outer circumferential surface OS of the supporting member 112 and the outer cylinder 116 so as to be able to press the pressed member 114. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pressing member 115 may be cylindrical.

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

[0020] (Operation description) 4 to 5, by connecting the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the swing member 113 also swings in the ROT direction about the swing axis Ax. This causes the swing member 113 to swing along the curved surface. The swing of the swing member 113 ends when it comes into contact with the contact surface COS of the support member 112. In this way, the swing member 113 cleans the lens 111 and pushes aside and removes dust adhering to the lens 111. During connection with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 remains pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5, and the swinging member 113 is fixed in the position shown in FIG.

[0021] By disconnecting the optical cable 5, that is, by releasing the pressure applied to the pressing member 115 by the tip of the optical cable 5, the elastic member 117 applies a force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. The pressed member 114 swings about the swing axis Ax, and the swing member 113 also swings in the opposite direction to the ROT direction about the swing axis Ax in conjunction with the pressed member 114. This causes the swing member 113 to swing along the curved surface CUS. The swing of the swing member 113 ends when it comes into contact with the contact surface COS of the support member 112. By disconnecting the optical cable 5, the pressed member 114 linked to the swing member 113 remains in a state in which it is biased by the elastic member 117, and the swing member 113 is located in the position shown in FIG. 4. If the swing member 113 was in contact with the contact surface COS before the connection with the optical cable 5, it would return to the same position as before the connection. In this way, the oscillating member 113 cleans the lens 111 again, pushes aside and removes dust adhering to the lens 111, and also brushes off dust adhering to the oscillating member 113 due to the connection with the optical cable 5.

[0022] By repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the optical cable 5, the oscillating member 113 reciprocates on the curved surface CUS. In this way, the oscillating member 113 pushes aside and removes dust adhering to the lens 111, and also brushes off dust adhering to the oscillating member 113. The dust brushed off by the oscillating member 113 is discharged from the outer tube 116 into which the optical cable 5 is inserted. Alternatively, the dust may be discharged from a gap between the outer tube 116 and the optical cable 5. As another example, the dust may be discharged from a discharge hole provided in the outer tube 116 or the optical cable 5.

[0023] In addition, by adjusting the distance between the lens 111 and the tip of the optical cable 5, the worker can use the oscillating member 113 to remove dust from the tip of the optical cable 5 when connecting or disconnecting the optical cable 5, or both.

[0024] (Action and Effects) According to the optical communication connector 11 of this embodiment, the oscillating member 113 can be oscillated around the oscillating axis Ax along the curved surface CUS of the lens with respect to the support member having the oscillating axis Ax. By oscillating the oscillating member 113 along the curved surface CUS of the lens, the oscillating member 113 can remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111. Therefore, in the optical communication connector 11 according to the present disclosure, dust can be easily removed from the light receiving surface (the curved surface CUS of the lens 111).

[0025] A comparative example is shown below. In the field of optical communications, optical modules are used to convert between electrical signals on a circuit board and optical signals on an optical fiber. These optical modules have a ball lens at the receiver of the transmitted light, and if dust adheres to the ball lens, the amount of received light decreases and optical communications become unstable. In the case of the optical communication connector having a configuration of connecting a socket and a plug as in Comparative Example 1, when dust adheres to the lens, it is common to remove it by blowing air with an air duster, etc. Since air dusters are consumable tools, when constructing an optical communication environment using a large number of optical modules such as SAN storage, the consumption of consumables increases, and the maintenance costs also increase.

[0026] Furthermore, optical modules generally have a short life span of around five years, so there is a high probability that the optical modules will fail if the above storage devices are operated for a long time. However, depending on the user's request, workers must investigate optical modules that are suspected to be faulty each time. If the investigation reveals that an optical communication error has occurred again, one possible physical cause is dust adhering to the ball lens inside the connector. Workers use a specialized microscope to check the ball lens and remove the dust that may be causing the problem. Therefore, if physical factors such as dust adhering to the ball lens can be eliminated, the labor required to check the ball lens using a microscope can be reduced, leading to reduced maintenance costs. From the perspective of maintenance costs, there is a demand for optical modules that do not allow dust to accumulate on the lens portion of the connector.

[0027] In contrast to Comparative Example 1, according to the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure provided in the optical module 1, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114 by connection with the optical cable 5. The pressed member 114 swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the swing member 113 also swings in the ROT direction about the swing axis Ax. This causes the swing member 113 to swing along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 and push aside and remove dust adhering to the lens 111. Therefore, no special tools such as air dusters are required to clean the lens surface, and if the optical communication connector disclosed herein is operating correctly, there is no need to check the surface of lens 111 with a dedicated microscope, which is expected to reduce maintenance costs.

[0028] In addition, in the configuration of Comparative Example 2 that prevents dust from entering the connector, when the connector is exposed when the optical cable 5 is inserted or removed, it is impossible to avoid the adhesion of dust. Since there are few configurations that can remove dust that has already gotten in, in the field of optical communications that use optical modules, there is a demand for connectors that can automatically remove dust. The optical communication connector that connects the optical cable 5 and the optical module 1 does not involve physical contact when connecting. Therefore, the optical communication connector cannot push away dust when connecting to the optical cable 5. Connectors such as USB cables require physical contact, so dust is brushed off when the connector is inserted or removed. Therefore, dust adhering to the lens 111 inside the connector is a problem specific to optical communication connectors, and is not a problem that can be applied to all connecting connectors such as USB cable connectors.

[0029] In contrast to Comparative Example 2, according to the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, when connected to the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the swing member 113 also swings in the ROT direction about the swing axis Ax. This causes the swing member 113 to swing along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 and push aside and remove dust adhering to the lens 111. Furthermore, by releasing the connection with the optical cable 5, i.e., by releasing the pressure applied to the pressing member 115 by the tip of the optical cable 5, the elastic member 117 applies a force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. The pressed member 114 swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the swing member 113 also swings about the swing axis Ax in the direction opposite to the ROT direction. This causes the swing member 113 to swing along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 cleans the lens 111 again, pushing aside and removing dust adhering to the lens 111, and can also brush off dust adhering to the swing member 113 by being connected to the optical cable 5. The oscillating member 113 reciprocates on the curved surface CUS by repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the optical cable 5. This allows the oscillating member 113 to push aside and remove dust adhering to the lens 111, and also to brush off dust adhering to the oscillating member 113. Therefore, according to the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 can be removed by connecting and disconnecting the optical cable 5.

[0030] In addition, the optical communication connector 11 disclosed herein "includes a lens 111 having a curved surface CUS, a support member 112 that supports the lens 111 and has a swing axis Ax, and a swing member 113 that can swing around the swing axis Ax along the curved surface CUS relative to the support member 112," thereby achieving the following effects. In the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, a swing member 113 is capable of swinging about a swing axis Ax along a curved surface CUS of the lens relative to a support member 112 having a swing axis Ax. This provides the following effect: "The optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure can remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by the rocking of the rocking member 113 along the curved surface CUS of the lens 111." Therefore, the optical communication connector 11 can easily remove dust from the light receiving surface (lens 111).

[0031] In addition, the optical communication connector 11 disclosed herein further includes "a pressed portion 114 that can swing around the swing axis Ax in conjunction with the swinging member Ax, and a pressing member 115 that can press the pressed member 114 so as to swing the pressed member 114, and by connecting with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114," thereby achieving the following effects. By connecting with the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed by the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the swing member 113 also swings about the swing axis Ax in the ROT direction. This causes the swing member 113 to swing along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 and push aside and remove dust adhering to the lens 111. This provides the effect that "in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the oscillating member 113 can remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by connecting with the cable."

[0032] In addition, the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure "further includes an elastic member 117 that applies a force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115", thereby achieving the following effect. By disconnecting the optical cable 5, i.e., by releasing the pressure applied to the pressing member 115 by the tip of the optical cable 5, the elastic member 117 applies a force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. The pressed member swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the swing member 113 also swings about the swing axis Ax in the direction opposite to the ROT direction. This causes the swing member 113 to swing along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 cleans the lens 111 again, pushing aside and removing dust adhering to the lens 111, and also brushes off dust adhering to the swing member 113 due to the connection with the optical cable 5. The oscillating member 113 reciprocates on the curved surface CUS by repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the optical cable 5. This allows the oscillating member 113 to push aside and remove dust adhering to the lens 111, and also to brush off dust adhering to the oscillating member 113. Therefore, the effect can be obtained that "in the optical communication connector 11 disclosed herein, the oscillating member 113 can remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by connecting and disconnecting the optical cable 5."

[0033] In addition, in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the following effect can be obtained by "the support member 112 having a contact surface COS that can come into contact with the oscillating member 113". The oscillation of the oscillating member 113 ends when it comes into contact with the contact surface COS of the support member 112. Since the contact surface COS exists around the lens 111, it restricts the oscillation range of the oscillating member 113 and allows the oscillating member 113 to oscillate within a range having the curved surface CUS. This provides the following effect: "In the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, cleaning can be performed specifically on the portion that receives transmitted light."

[0034] In addition, in the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the following effect can be obtained by "the oscillating member 113 being in contact with the contact surface COS before connection". The oscillation of the oscillating member 113 ends when it comes into contact with the contact surface COS of the support member 112. By having the oscillating member 113 in contact with the contact surface before connection, it is possible to start the oscillation of the oscillating member 113 within the range having the curved surface CUS. This provides the following effect: "In the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the oscillating member 113 allows cleaning of the portion that receives the transmitted light specifically."

[0035] In addition, in the optical communications connector 11 of the present disclosure, the following effect can be obtained by "the oscillating member 113 having an arc shape that follows the curved surface CUS". If the swinging member 113 has an arc shape that fits the curved surface CUS, dust adhering to the curved surface CUS can be easily removed. This provides the following effect: "In the optical communication connector 11 of the present disclosure, the oscillating member 113 can easily brush off dust adhering to the curved surface CUS."

[0036] <Modification> In one example of the above disclosure, the swinging member 113 may be a string-like member so as to have a shape that conforms to the curved surface CUS. An example of the string-like member is a microfiber. When the curved surface CUS is rubbed by the rocking member 113, the rubbing force can be weakened, so that wear of the lens 111 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the swinging member 113 is a string-like member, it is possible to apply a uniform force to the surface of the lens.

[0037] In the example disclosed above, the oscillating member 113 may oscillate with a gap relative to the curved surface CUS. That is, the worker may oscillate the oscillating member 113 without directly touching the lens 111 by creating a small gap between the curved surface CUS and the movement path of the oscillating member 113. Since the oscillating member 113 does not come into contact with the lens 111, the oscillating member 113 is unlikely to damage the lens 111. The size of the gap may be changed according to the size of the dust.

[0038] In one example of the above disclosure, the rocking member 113 may be in contact with the contact surface COS due to the bias of the elastic member 117 before connection with the optical cable 5.

[0039] In the example disclosed above, two optical communication connectors 11 may face each other. In that case, they function as optical collimators. The pressing member 115 presses against the pressed member 114 included in each optical communication connector, and the oscillating member 113 oscillates along the curved surface CUS. When using two optical communication connectors 11 as optical collimators, the worker may use one pressing member instead of two pressing members 115.

[0040] Second Embodiment In the optical communication connector 11 disclosed above, when the optical cable 5 is connected, the pressing member 115 is pressed against the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member swings about the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the swing member 113 also swings in the ROT direction about the swing axis Ax. This causes the swing member 113 to swing along the curved surface CUS. In this way, the swing member 113 can clean the lens 111 and push aside and remove dust adhering to the lens 111. As a result, the oscillating member 113 can remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by being connected to a cable, making it easier to remove dust from the light receiving surface (the curved surface CUS of the lens 111). In contrast, the optical communication connector 11B disclosed below further includes a covering material 118 capable of covering the lens 111, and is therefore designed to prevent dust from adhering to the curved surface CUS even if the connector becomes exposed when the optical cable 5 is inserted or removed. Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the optical communications connector 11B in the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, components common to those disclosed above are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

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

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

[0043] (Operation description) 6 to 7, by connecting the optical cable 5, the pressing member 115 is pressed by the tip of the optical cable 5 toward the pressed member 114. The pressed member swings around the swing axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the swing member 113 also swings around the swing axis Ax in the ROT direction. As a result, the swing member 113 swings along the curved surface. One end of the covering material 118 is fixed to the supporting member 112 , and when the pressing member 115 is pressed toward the pressed member 114 , the covering material 118 causes the lens 111 to be exposed. In this way, the oscillating member 113 cleans the lens 111, pushes aside and removes dust adhering to the lens 111, and exposes the lens 111 covered with the covering material 118.

[0044] By disconnecting the optical cable 5, i.e., by releasing the pressure applied to the pressing member 115 by the tip of the optical cable 5, the elastic member 117 applies a force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115. The pressed member 114 swings about the oscillation axis Ax, and in conjunction with this, the oscillating member 113 also swings about the oscillation axis Ax in the direction opposite to the ROT direction. As a result, the oscillating member 113 swings along the curved surface CUS. One end of the covering material 118 is fixed to the supporting member 112 , and the covering material 118 covers the lens 111 by applying a force to the pressed member 114 toward the pressing member 115 . In this way, the oscillating member 113 cleans the lens 111 again, pushes aside and removes dust adhering to the lens 111, and also brushes off dust adhering to the oscillating member 113 due to the connection with the optical cable 5. In addition, the covering material 118 covers the lens 111 in accordance with the oscillation in the direction opposite to the ROT direction.

[0045] Before being connected to the optical cable 5, the lens 111 may be covered with a covering material 118.

[0046] (Action and Effects) In the optical communication connector 11B of the present disclosure, the covering material 118 can cover the curved surface CUS from which dust has been removed, in conjunction with the release of the connection with the optical cable 5. Therefore, the optical communications connector 11B of the present disclosure makes it easy to stabilize optical communications.

[0047] <Third embodiment> Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of an optical communications connector 11C according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

[0050] (Operation description) As shown in the transition from Fig. 8 to Fig. 9, when switch 119S is pressed, electric mechanism 119Ac is operated and oscillating member 113 is electrically operated. With respect to a support member having an oscillation axis Ax, oscillating member 113 oscillates about oscillation axis Ax along curved surface CUS of lens 111. By oscillating member 113 along curved surface CUS of the lens, dust adhering to curved surface CUS of lens 111 can be pushed aside and removed.

[0051] Furthermore, when pressure on switch 119S is released, electric mechanism 119Ac operates, and oscillating member 113 operates electrically. With respect to a support member having an oscillating axis Ax, oscillating member 113 oscillates about oscillating axis Ax along curved surface CUS of lens 111. In this way, oscillating member 113 cleans lens 111 again, pushing aside and removing dust adhering to lens 111, and also brushing off dust adhering to oscillating member 113 by pressing switch 119S.

[0052] (Action and Effects) According to the optical communication connector 11C of the present disclosure, the oscillating member 113 can be electrically oscillated along the curved surface CUS. Therefore, the optical communications connector 11C of the present disclosure can easily achieve space saving.

[0053] Although the switch 119S is pressed by the optical cable 5 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0054] The switch 119S may be attached to the barrel 116. 10, instead of the switch 119S, an externally operable switch 119SINS may be provided in the optical communication connector 11D. This allows the optical communication connector 11D to operate the electric mechanism 119Ac by itself and swing the swing member 113, even if the switch 119S is not pressed by the optical cable 5 or the like.

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

[0056] <Fourth embodiment> An example of the configuration of the optical communication connector 11m according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] (composition) The optical communication connector 11m includes a lens 111m having a curved surface CUS, a support member 112m supporting the lens 111m and having an oscillation axis Axm, and a swing member 113m swingable about the oscillation axis Axm relative to the support member 112m along the curved surface CUS.

[0058] (Action and Effects) According to the optical communication connector 11m of the present disclosure, the oscillating member 113 is capable of swinging about the oscillating axis Ax along the curved surface CUS of the lens relative to a support member having the oscillating axis Ax. As a result, the optical communication connector 11m of the present disclosure can remove dust adhering to the curved surface CUS of the lens 111 by the rocking of the rocking member 113 along the curved surface CUS of the lens 111. Therefore, in the optical communication connector 11m of the present disclosure, dust can be easily removed from the light receiving surface (lens 111).

[0059] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0060] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0061] (Appendix 1) A lens having a curved surface; a support member supporting the lens and having a pivot shaft; a swing member that is swingable around the swing axis relative to the support member along the curved surface; Equipped Connector for optical communications. (Appendix 2) a pressed member that can swing about the swing shaft in conjunction with the swing member; a pressing member capable of pressing the pressed member so as to swing the pressed member; Further equipped with When connected to an optical cable, the pressing member is pressed against the tip of the optical cable toward the pressed member. 2. The optical communication connector according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) The pressing member may further include an elastic member that biases the pressed member toward the pressing member. 3. The optical communication connector according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) Further comprising a covering material capable of covering the lens, One end of the covering material is fixed to the support member, The other end of the covering material is fixed to the swinging member, When the pressing member is pressed against the pressed member, the covering material exposes the lens, When the pressed member is biased toward the pressing member, the covering material covers the lens. 4. The optical communication connector according to claim 3. (Appendix 5) The support member is The pivot member has a contact surface that can come into contact with the pivot member. 5. The optical communication connector according to claim 1 . (Appendix 6) The rocking member is in contact with the abutment surface before the connection. 6. The optical communication connector according to claim 5. (Appendix 7) The swinging member has an arc shape that follows the curved surface. 7. An optical communication connector according to any one of appendix 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) The rocking member includes microfibers in contact with the curved surface. 8. An optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The oscillating member oscillates with a gap remaining relative to the curved surface. 9. An optical communication connector according to any one of appendix 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) an electric mechanism capable of swinging the swing member; A switch for operating the electric mechanism; Equipped 2. The optical communication connector according to claim 1. (Appendix 11) An optical communication connector according to any one of appendixes 1 to 10; a converter that converts the transmitted light received by the lens into an electrical signal; Equipped Optical module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Optical module 11 Optical communication connectors 111 Lens 112 Support member 113 Swinging member 114 Pressed member 115 Pressing member 116 Outer Cylinder 117 Elastic Members 12 Converter 11B Optical communication connector 118 Covering material 11C Optical communication connector 119Ac electric mechanism 119S Switch 11D Optical communication connector 119SINS Switch 11m Optical communication connector 111m Lens 112m Support member 113m Swinging member 5 Optical Cable Ax Swing Axis Axm Swing Axis COS Winning Surface CUS curved surface OS outer surface

Claims

1. A lens having a curved surface; a support member supporting the lens and having a pivot shaft; a swing member that is swingable around the swing axis relative to the support member along the curved surface; a pressed member that can swing about the swing shaft in conjunction with the swing member; a pressing member capable of pressing the pressed member so as to swing the pressed member; Equipped with When connected to an optical cable, the pressing member is pressed against the tip of the optical cable toward the pressed member. Connector for optical communications.

2. The pressing member may further include an elastic member that biases the pressed member toward the pressing member.

2. The optical communication connector according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a covering material capable of covering the lens, One end of the covering material is fixed to the support member, The other end of the covering material is fixed to the swinging member, When the pressing member is pressed against the pressed member, the covering material exposes the lens, When the pressed member is biased toward the pressing member, the covering material covers the lens.

3. The optical communication connector according to claim 2.

4. The support member is The pivot member has a contact surface that can come into contact with the pivot member. The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The swinging member has an arc shape that follows the curved surface. The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The rocking member includes microfibers in contact with the curved surface. The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The oscillating member oscillates with a gap remaining relative to the curved surface. The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. an electric mechanism capable of swinging the swing member; A switch for operating the electric mechanism; Equipped 2. The optical communication connector according to claim 1.

9. A lens having a curved surface; a support member supporting the lens and having a pivot shaft; a swing member that is swingable around the swing axis relative to the support member along the curved surface; Equipped with The swinging member has an arc shape that follows the curved surface. Connector for optical communications.

10. The optical communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a converter that converts the transmitted light received by the lens into an electrical signal; Equipped Optical module.

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