Optical connector cleaning tool

Abstract

To provide an optical connector cleaning tool capable of properly cleaning a connection end surface of an optical connector, even for a small optical connector.SOLUTION: An optical connector cleaning tool 1 comprises a cleaning head 110, and the cleaning head 110 comprises: a pressing part 120; an inclination part 130 inclining the pressing part 120; a support part 140 supporting the pressing part 120 through the inclination part 130; and a guide part 148 which is arranged closer to a collection side than the pressing part 120 on a movement path of a cleaning body 2, and regulates the movement path of the cleaning body 2. The height of a contact plane 148b with the cleaning body 2 on the guide part 148 is lower than the height of a contact part 123 on the collection side with the cleaning body 2 on the pressing part 120 in a thickness direction of the cleaning head 110. The cleaning body 2 is directly bridged from the pressing part 120 to the guide part 148, so as to be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An optical connector cleaning tool that cleans the connection end face of an optical connector with cleaning tape is known that includes a head unit around which the cleaning tape is wound, a supply reel that supplies unused cleaning tape to the head unit, and a take-up reel that collects used cleaning tape from the head unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).The head unit of this optical connector cleaning tool includes a head member having a tape pressing surface that presses the cleaning tape against the connection end face of the optical connector, and a head support part that has an arch-shaped tilting spring and supports the head member so that it can tilt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-46218 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the optical connector cleaning tool is miniaturized in accordance with the miniaturization of optical connectors, the head unit becomes thinner, which makes the tilting spring more susceptible to elastic deformation. As a result, the tension applied to the cleaning tape when the take-up reel retrieves the cleaning tape pulls the head member, causing the tape pressing surface to no longer align with the connection end surface. This weakens the pressure of the cleaning tape against the connection end surface, which can make it impossible to properly clean the connection end surface.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an optical connector cleaning tool that can properly clean the connection end face of even a small optical connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] The optical connector cleaning tool of the present invention is an optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector, and comprises: a cleaning head having a pressing surface that presses a strip-shaped cleaning body against the connection end face, the cleaning body being hung around so as to fold back against the pressing surface; a supply unit that supplies the cleaning body to the cleaning head; and a recovery unit that recovers the cleaning body from the cleaning head, wherein the cleaning head comprises: a pressing unit having the pressing surface; a tilting unit that is arranged on the opposite side of the pressing surface and tilts the pressing unit; a support unit that supports the pressing unit via the tilting unit; and a guide unit that is arranged on the recovery side of the pressing unit in the movement path of the cleaning body and regulates the movement path of the cleaning body, wherein the height of the contact surface of the guide unit with the cleaning body is lower in the thickness direction of the cleaning head than the height of the contact part of the pressing unit with the cleaning body on the recovery side, and the cleaning body is an optical connector cleaning tool that is hung directly from the pressing unit to the guide unit so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head.

[0007] [2] In the above invention, the guide portion may be arranged rearward of the tilting center of the tilting portion in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head.

[0008] [3] In the above invention, the guide portion may be disposed on the support portion.

[0009] [4] In the above invention, the inclination angle of the virtual inclined plane relative to a first virtual reference plane is equal to or greater than the inclination angle of the connecting end face relative to a second virtual reference plane, the first virtual reference plane is a virtual plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head, the virtual inclined plane is a virtual plane connecting the contact surface of the guide portion and the contact portion of the pressing portion, and the second virtual reference plane may be a virtual plane perpendicular to the first virtual reference plane.

[0010] [5] In the above invention, the guide portion extends in the width direction of the cleaning head and includes a pair of claw portions arranged opposite each other, and the cleaning body may pass inside the cleaning head in the thickness direction of the cleaning head more than the pair of claw portions.

[0011] [6] In the above invention, the tilting portion includes a leaf spring portion that is curved convexly toward the supply side in the thickness direction of the cleaning head, and the height of the base portion of the leaf spring portion is lower in the thickness direction of the cleaning head than the height of a virtual inclined surface, and the virtual inclined surface may be a virtual plane connecting the contact surface of the guide portion and the contact portion of the pressing portion.

[0012] [7] In the above invention, the supply unit may include a delivery bobbin that delivers the cleaning body before use, the recovery unit may include a take-up bobbin that takes up the used cleaning body, and the optical connector cleaning tool may include a housing that houses the delivery bobbin and the take-up bobbin, and a tubular member that extends from the housing and houses the cleaning head so that the pressing portion protrudes.

[0013] [8] In the above invention, the optical connector cleaning tool includes a cleaning shaft having the cleaning head at its tip, and a drive mechanism that rotates the winding bobbin in accordance with the relative movement of the cleaning shaft with respect to the tool body, thereby winding the cleaning body around the winding bobbin, and the tubular member may accommodate the cleaning shaft so that the pressing portion protrudes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the optical connector cleaning tool is positioned on the recovery side of the pressing portion in the movement path of the cleaning body and is equipped with a guide portion that regulates the movement path of the cleaning body, so that the connection end face of the optical connector can be properly cleaned even for small optical connectors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an optical connector to be cleaned by an optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an optical connector cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool with the cover removed in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool in the embodiment of the present invention, with one housing removed from the tool body and the guide nozzle removed from the extension member. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a tool body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an extension member in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cleaning head according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the cleaning head in the embodiment of the present invention, showing the cleaning head in a state inverted from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaning head according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional views showing a cleaning head and a ferrule around which a cleaning element is hung in an embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 10(a) shows the state before the cleaning head is pressed against the ferrule, and Figure 10(b) shows the state after the cleaning head has been pressed against the ferrule. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cleaning head according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are side views showing the use state of an optical connector cleaning tool in an embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 12(a) shows the state in which the tool body is advanced toward the extension member, and Figure 12(b) shows the state in which the tool body is retracted from the extension member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] The optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment is a cleaner that cleans the connection end face of an optical connector that connects optical fibers together. Fig. 1 is a front view showing an optical connector 200 that is the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment.

[0018] The optical connector 200 to be cleaned by this optical connector cleaning tool 1 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a multi-fiber simultaneous connection type optical connector plug that simultaneously connects a plurality of optical fibers.

[0019] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the optical connector 200 includes a ferrule 210 having a flat (rectangular) cross-sectional shape (end face shape). The ferrule 210 is a so-called MT (Mechanical Transferable) ferrule, and has a plurality of (e.g., 16) fiber holding holes arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the ferrule 210. Optical fibers 220 are inserted into the plurality of fiber holding holes, respectively, and the optical fibers 220 are fixed to the ferrule 210 with an adhesive. The plurality of optical fibers 220 are exposed from an end face 211 of the ferrule 210. The ferrule 210 is held in a housing 230.

[0020] The number of optical fibers 220 held by the ferrule 210 is not particularly limited, and may be less than 16 or more than 16. The optical fibers 220 may be arranged in multiple rows (for example, two rows) along the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the ferrule 210. The ferrule 210 may be an MT ferrule as defined in JIS C 5981 or JIS C 5982.

[0021] When connecting a pair of optical connectors 200 each having the above-described ferrules 210, the pair of optical connectors 200 are inserted into insertion openings 241 on both sides of a sleeve-shaped adapter 240. The insertion openings 241 are provided with four grooves 242. Then, by butting the end faces 211 of the ferrules 210 of the pair of optical connectors 200 together, the optical fibers 220 exposed from the end faces 211 of the ferrules 210 are optically connected to each other. At this time, the guide pins 212 of one ferrule 210 are inserted into guide holes (not shown) of the other ferrule 210, thereby positioning the optical connectors 200 with high precision.

[0022] If dirt, dust, oil, or other contaminants adhere to the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 during this butting, it may cause damage during connection and disconnection, an increase in transmission loss, and the like. Therefore, before connecting the optical connector 200, the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 is cleaned using an optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below. During this cleaning, the optical connector 200 to be cleaned is inserted into one insertion port 241 of an adapter 240, and the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is inserted into the other insertion port 241 of the adapter 240, thereby cleaning the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 of the optical connector 200.

[0023] The optical connector 200 described above is an optical connector plug used in a plug-adapter-plug coupling system, but in an optical connector receptacle used in a plug-receptacle coupling system, the end face of the ferrule may be cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below. Specifically, this optical connector receptacle has a ferrule attached to the tip of an optical fiber incorporated into a housing into which the optical connector plug is inserted.

[0024] Alternatively, a cap having an inner hole of the same shape as the inner hole of the adapter may be attached to the tip of the optical connector cleaning tool 1, and the optical connector plug may be inserted into the cap to clean the connection end face of the optical connector plug alone when not inserted into the adapter.

[0025] The configuration of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The optical connector cleaning tool 1 described below has basically the same configuration as the optical connector cleaning tools disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2014-35489, 2014-35490, and 2014-35491, except for the configuration of the cleaning head 110.

[0026] First, the overall configuration of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment with the covers 5 and 6 removed.

[0027] 2 and 3, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "cleaning tool 1") in this embodiment includes a tool body 10 and an extension member 100 extending from the tool body 10. The tool body 10 is covered with a front cover 5 and a rear cover 6. The extension member 100 protrudes forward (in the +Y direction in the drawings) from an opening 5a of the front cover 5.

[0028] The extension member 100 has a pressing surface 121 (described later) at its tip that presses the cleaning element 2 against the connection end surface 211 of the optical connector 200 (the end surface 211 of the ferrule 210 described above). The tool body 10 has bobbins 30, 40 (described later) that supply and collect the cleaning element 2 to and from the pressing surface 121. The extension member 100 is capable of moving relative to the tool body 10 along the axial direction of the extension member 100 (the Y-axis direction in the figure).

[0029] As the cleaning element 2 moves on the pressing surface 121 in accordance with the relative movement between the tool body 10 and the extension member 100 (the movement of the tool body 10 advancing relative to the extension member 100), the cleaning element 2 slides while being pressed against the connection end face 211 of the optical connector 200, making it possible to efficiently wipe away dirt adhering to the end face 211. However, if an adhesive cleaning element is used, it is also possible to configure the cleaning element so that it is only pressed against the connection end face 211 and does not slide. Furthermore, as the tool body 10 retreats relative to the extension member 100, it is possible to recover a used cleaning element 2 from the pressing surface 121 onto the take-up bobbin 40, and to supply an unused cleaning element 2 from the delivery bobbin 30 to the pressing surface 121.

[0030] As described above, the optical connector 200 to be cleaned in this embodiment is a multi-fiber simultaneous connection type optical connector, and the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 of the optical connector 200 has a flat shape. Therefore, the cleaning body 2 is a long, thin, continuous strip (tape). The width of this cleaning body 2 is large enough to simultaneously wipe the end faces of all of the optical fibers 220 exposed at the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 and their surroundings (for example, the areas between the guide pins 212). An example of such a tape-shaped cleaning body 2 is, but is not limited to, a woven fabric of ultrafine fibers made of polyester, nylon, or the like.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the tool body 10 of the cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment with one housing 22 removed from the tool body 10 and the guide nozzle 190 removed from the extension member 100, and Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tool body 10 in this embodiment.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tool body 10 includes a housing 20, a delivery bobbin 30, a take-up bobbin 40, guide tubes 51 and 52, a roll 53, a ratchet pawl 60, and a transmission member 70.

[0033] The housing (casing) 20 is composed of a first housing 21 and a second housing 22. The housing 20 accommodates a supply bobbin 30, a take-up bobbin 40, guide tubes 51 and 52, a roll 53, a ratchet pawl 60, and a transmission member 70. Fixed tubes 211a to 211c formed on the first housing 21 are fitted with fixed pins (not shown) formed on the second housing 22, thereby fixing the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 together.

[0034] The first and second housings 21, 22 are made of, but not limited to, a resin material. Both the first and second housings 21, 22 are formed with a support portion 20a, ribs 20b, locking claws 20c, a window 20d, a storage portion 20e, and a front side surface 20f. In addition, the first housing 21 is formed with support shaft portions 212a to 212d. It is preferable that the first and second housings 21, 22 are made of a transparent resin. This allows the user to check the unused portion (remaining amount) of the cleaning element 2 inside the housing 20.

[0035] The feed bobbin 30 is a reel (cylindrical winding frame) for supplying the cleaning element 2. An unused cleaning element 2 is wound around the feed bobbin 30. The feed bobbin 30 is rotatably supported by the support shaft portion 212a of the first housing 21. When the tool body 10 moves backward relative to the extension member 100, the feed bobbin 30 rotates, and an unused cleaning element 2 is fed from the feed bobbin 30 to the pressing surface 121.

[0036] A plurality of engagement grooves 31 are formed on both side surfaces of the delivery bobbin 30 and arranged circumferentially. On the other hand, the above-mentioned locking claws 20c protrude inward from the first and second housings 21 and 22 so as to face the engagement grooves 31. The tips of the locking claws 20c come into contact with the engagement grooves 31, thereby preventing the delivery bobbin 30 from spinning freely.

[0037] The take-up bobbin 40 is a reel for taking up the used cleaning element 2. The take-up bobbin 40 is rotatably supported on the support shaft portion 212b of the first housing 21. When the tool body 10 moves backward relative to the extension member 100, the take-up bobbin 40 rotates, and the used cleaning element 2 that has been used on the pressing surface 121 is taken up onto the take-up bobbin 40.

[0038] An outer ring portion 41 and an inner ring portion 42 are formed on both side surfaces of the winding bobbin 40. The outer ring portion 41 and the inner ring portion 42 have an annular shape that protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the figure) from the side surface of the winding bobbin 40, and are arranged concentrically around the axial hole of the winding bobbin 40. A ratchet gear 411 that meshes with the ratchet pawl 60 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring portion 41. Meanwhile, the inner circumferential surface of the inner ring portion 42 functions as a friction surface 421 with which the leaf spring portion 72 of the transmission member 70 comes into contact.

[0039] The ratchet pawls 60 are provided on both side surfaces of the take-up bobbin 40 so as to be interposed between the outer ring portion 41 and the inner ring portion 42, and are rotatably supported on the support portions 20a of the housings 21 and 22. The ratchet pawls 60 constitute a ratchet mechanism together with the ratchet gear 411 of the outer ring portion 41. The ratchet mechanism allows the take-up bobbin 40 to rotate in the direction in which the cleaning element 2 is taken up (the take-up direction), but prohibits the take-up bobbin 40 from rotating in the direction opposite to the take-up direction.

[0040] Specifically, when the take-up bobbin 40 rotates in the direction opposite to the winding direction (clockwise in FIG. 5), the ratchet pawl 60 engages with the ratchet gear 411, thereby prohibiting rotation of the take-up bobbin 40. On the other hand, when the take-up bobbin 40 rotates in the winding direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 5), the end of the spring portion 61 of the ratchet pawl 60 abuts against the rib 20b of the housings 21 and 22, causing the spring portion 61 to deform, thereby intermittently releasing the engagement between the ratchet pawl 60 and the ratchet gear 411 and allowing rotation of the take-up bobbin 40.

[0041] The power transmission members 70 are disposed inside both inner ring portions 42 of the winding bobbin 40. Each power transmission member 70 is rotatably supported by the support shaft portion 212b of the first housing 21, and is rotatable relative to the winding bobbin 40. That is, the support shaft portion 212b of the first housing 21 supports the two power transmission members 70 in addition to the winding bobbin 40.

[0042] Each transmission member 70 includes a pinion gear 71 and a pair of leaf spring portions 72. The pinion gear 71 protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the figure) beyond the outer ring portion 41 and the inner ring portion 42 of the winding bobbin 40. The pinion gear 71 meshes with a rack gear 176 (described below) of the extension member 100, and the pinion gear 71 and the rack gear 176 form a rack-and-pinion mechanism. This rack-and-pinion mechanism converts the linear motion of the extension member 100 relative to the tool body 10 into rotational motion.

[0043] The pair of leaf spring portions 72 are arranged rotationally symmetrically around the axis of the power transmission member 70. With the central portions of the leaf spring portions 72 elastically deformed inward, the power transmission member 70 is fitted inside the inner ring portion 42 of the winding bobbin 40. Therefore, a friction force acts between each leaf spring portion 72 and the friction surface 421 of the inner ring portion 42, and these leaf spring portions 72 and friction surface 421 constitute a friction transmission mechanism. The rotational motion converted by the rack and pinion mechanism is transmitted to the winding bobbin 40 via this friction transmission mechanism.

[0044] The guide tubes 51 and 52 are rotatably supported by the support shafts 212c and 212d of the first housing. The roll 53 is rotatably supported by a pin 531 held by the first and second housings 21 and 22. An unused cleaning element 2 fed from the feed bobbin 30 is guided by the guide tube 51 toward the pressing surface 121 of the extension member 100. On the other hand, a used cleaning element 2 is guided by the guide tube 52 and the roll 53 toward the take-up bobbin 40. At this time, the cleaning element 2 is folded back by the roll 53 and is wound around the roll 53.

[0045] Next, the configuration of the extension member 100 of the cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10(b).

[0046] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the extension member 100 in this embodiment. FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the cleaning head 110 in this embodiment, with FIG. 7 being a view of the cleaning head 110 as seen from above, and FIG. 8 being a view of the cleaning head 110 in a state inverted from the state shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head 110 in this embodiment, taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional views showing the cleaning head 110 with the cleaning element 2 wrapped around it in this embodiment, with FIG. 10(a) showing the state before the cleaning head is pressed against the ferrule, and FIG. 10(b) showing the state after the cleaning head has been pressed against the ferrule. FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) correspond to FIG. 9. The cleaning element 2 is not shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the extension member 100 includes a cleaning shaft 105, a first coil spring (coil spring for guide nozzle) 180, and a guide nozzle 190.

[0048] The cleaning shaft 105 is a member (pressing member) for pressing the cleaning element 2 against the connection end surface 211 of the optical connector 200. The cleaning shaft 105 is a long member extending along the longitudinal axis direction of the extension member 100 (the Y-axis direction in the figure), and includes a cleaning head (head member) 110, a second coil spring (coil spring for the cleaning head) 160, and a rack shaft (support member) 170. The cleaning head 110 and the rack shaft 170 may be molded integrally. Furthermore, the molded body may have the function of the second coil spring 160.

[0049] The cleaning element 2, which is supplied from the delivery bobbin 30 and collected by the take-up bobbin 40, is wound around the cleaning shaft 105 so as to be folded back at the tip (pressing surface 121 described below) of the cleaning head 110 (see FIG. 4).

[0050] Specifically, the cleaning element 2 supplied from the delivery bobbin 30 to the extension member 100 via the guide tube 51 enters the space between the cleaning shaft 105 and the guide nozzle 190 (the space above the cleaning shaft 105 in FIG. 4), passes over one main surface of the cleaning shaft 105 (the upper surface of the cleaning shaft 105 in FIG. 2), and reaches the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110. Then, the cleaning element 2 used on the pressing surface 121 enters the space between the cleaning shaft 105 and the guide nozzle 190 from the pressing surface 121 (the space below the cleaning shaft 105 in FIG. 4), passes over the other main surface of the cleaning shaft 105 (the lower surface of the cleaning shaft 105 in FIG. 4), and is collected onto the take-up bobbin 40 via the guide tube 52 and the roll 53.

[0051] 10(a), in the above-described movement path of the cleaning element 2, the side of the delivery bobbin 30 (i.e., the upstream side of the movement path) is referred to as the "supply side," and the side of the take-up bobbin 40 (i.e., the downstream side of the movement path) is referred to as the "recovery side." Also, as shown in FIG. 9, in the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 (the Z-axis direction in the drawing), the side where the unused cleaning element 2 supplied to the pressing surface 121 passes (the lower side in FIG. 9) is referred to as the "supply side," and the side where the used cleaning element 2 recovered from the pressing surface 121 passes (the upper side in FIG. 9) is referred to as the "recovery side."

[0052] The cleaning head 110 is a member that constitutes the tip portion of the cleaning shaft 105. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10(b), the cleaning head 110 includes a pressing portion 120, a tilting portion 130, a support portion 140, and an insertion portion 150. The pressing portion 120 is tiltably supported by the support portion 140 via the tilting portion 130, and can tilt in accordance with the tilt of the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 of the optical connector 200. Although not particularly limited, for example, the cleaning head 110 is made of a resin material, and the pressing portion 120, tilting portion 130, support portion 140, and insertion portion 150 are integrally formed.

[0053] The pressing part 120 has a pressing surface 121 at its tip that presses the cleaning element 2 against the connection end surface 211 of the optical connector 200. This pressing surface 121 has a flat (rectangular) shape to correspond to the shape of the end surface 211 of the ferrule 210 of the optical connector 200 to be cleaned. The cleaning element 2 is hung around this pressing surface 121 from its supply side (upper side in FIGS. 4 and 12(a) and lower side in FIG. 10(a)) to its recovery side (lower side in FIGS. 4 and 12(a) and upper side in FIG. 10(a)), and an unused cleaning element 2 is supplied from the supply side and a used cleaning element 2 is sent out to the recovery side (see arrow A in FIGS. 4, 10(b) and 12(a)).

[0054] 10(b), the cleaning element 2 moves leftward in the drawing from the delivery bobbin 30 and is supplied to the pressing unit 120 of the cleaning head 110. After contacting a contact portion 122 on the lower side (supply side) of the pressing unit 120 (the lower surface of the pressing unit 120 in FIGS. 9 and 10(b)), the cleaning element 2 changes its direction of movement by 90 degrees and moves from the lower side (supply side) to the upper side (recovery side) of the pressing surface 121 of the pressing unit 120. After passing the pressing surface 121, the cleaning element 2 changes its direction of movement by another 90 degrees and contacts a contact portion 123 on the upper side (recovery side) of the pressing unit 120 (the upper surface of the pressing unit 120 in FIGS. 9 and 10(b)), and then moves rightward in the drawing toward the take-up bobbin 40.

[0055] 7 and 8, a pair of insertion grooves 124 are formed on both ends of the pressing surface 121. When the pressing surface 121 is pressed against the end face 211 of the ferrule 210, the guide pin 212 protruding from the end face 211 is received in the insertion grooves 124, thereby enabling the pressing surface 121 to bring the cleaning element 2 into close contact with the end face 211 of the ferrule 210.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10(b), the pressing portion 120 is connected to the support portion 140 via a tilting portion 130. The tilting portion 130 is a leaf spring portion that includes a tip portion 131, a curved portion 132, and a base portion 133, and tilts the pressing portion 120 around a rotation center (tilting center) RC. The tilting portion 130 is connected to the pressing portion 120 at the tip portion 131 so as to be located on the opposite side from the pressing surface 121. The curved portion 132 connects the tip portion 131 and the base portion 133, and the tilting portion 130 is connected to the support portion 140 at the base portion 133.

[0057] The curved portion 132 of the tilting portion 130 is curved convexly toward the supply side (downward in FIGS. 9 and 10(a)) in the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 (the Z-axis direction in the figures). The curved portion 132 is capable of elastically deforming around the center of rotation RC in response to the pressing force from the optical connector 200 to the pressing portion 120. The elastic deformation of the curved portion 132 enables the tilting portion 130 to tilt the pressing portion 120 in accordance with the inclination of the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 of the optical connector 200.

[0058] The support part 140 has a plate-like shape with a flat (rectangular) cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the pressing part 120. As shown in Fig. 10(b), an unused cleaning element 2 supplied from the lower side (supply side) to the pressing surface 121 of the pressing part 120 passes over a first main surface 141 (the lower main surface in Fig. 10(a)) of this support part 140. On the other hand, a used cleaning element 2 sent from the pressing surface 121 to the upper side (recovery side) passes over a second main surface 145 (the upper main surface in Fig. 10(a)) of this support part 140.

[0059] 7 and 9, ribs 142 are provided on both ends of a first main surface 141 of the support part 140, and the cleaning element 2 moving on the first main surface 141 is guided by these ribs 142. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, ribs 146 are also provided on both ends of a second main surface 145 of the support part 140, and the cleaning element 2 moving on the second main surface 145 is guided by these ribs 146. Note that the support part 140 does not necessarily have to have the ribs 142 on the first main surface 141. Similarly, the support part 140 does not necessarily have to have the ribs 146 on the second main surface 145.

[0060] 7 to 9, the support part 140 is provided with guide parts 144, 148 that press the cleaning element 2 toward the inside of the cleaning head 110. One guide part 144 is arranged on the first main surface 141 on the supply side. In contrast, the other guide part 148 is arranged on the second main surface 145 on the collection side. Note that the support part 140 may be provided with only the guide part 148 on the collection side, and may not be provided with the guide part 144 on the supply side.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the guide portion 144 of the first main surface 141 is provided in a recess 143 formed between a pair of ribs 142 at the tip portion of the support portion 140. The guide portion 144 is composed of a pair of claws 144a protruding into the recess 143. The pair of claws 144a extend in the width direction of the cleaning head 110 (the X-axis direction in the figures) and are arranged facing each other, with a gap between the claws 144a. As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the claws 144a press the cleaning element 2 supplied from the delivery bobbin 30 to the pressing portion 120 inward in the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 (the −Z direction in the figures). The cleaning element 2 passes inside the cleaning head 110 in the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 relative to the pair of claws 144a.

[0062] Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the guide portion 148 of the second main surface 145 is provided in a recess 147 formed between a pair of ribs 146 at the tip portion of the support portion 140. This guide portion 148 is composed of a pair of claws 148a protruding into the recess 147. The pair of claws 148a extend in the width direction of the cleaning head 110 (the X-axis direction in the figures) and are arranged to face each other, with a gap between the claws 148a. As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the claws 148a press the cleaning element 2, which is being collected from the pressing portion 120 onto the take-up bobbin 40, toward the inside in the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 (the +Z direction in the figures). In the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110, the cleaning element 2 passes inside the pair of claws 148a.

[0063] 9, in this embodiment, the height of the contact surface 148b of the collection-side guide part 148 that comes into contact with the cleaning element 2 is lower by a predetermined height Δh1 in the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 (the Z-axis direction in the figure) than the collection-side contact part (contact point) 123 of the pressing part 120. Therefore, the cleaning element 2 is directly suspended from the pressing part 120 to the guide part 148 so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head 110 (the Y-axis direction in the figure).

[0064] Here, when the cleaning element 2 is collected by the take-up bobbin, the tension applied to the cleaning element 2 pulls the pressing part toward the collection side. In this embodiment, the cleaning element 2 is directly hung from the pressing part 120 to the guide part 148 so as to be tilted. Therefore, compared to when the cleaning element moves horizontally from the pressing part (Y-axis direction in the figure), the tension of the cleaning element 2 applied to the pressing part 120 is directed inward, and the rotation moment generated at the rotation center RC of the tilting part 130 by the tension of the cleaning element 2 can be reduced. This makes it difficult for the pressing part 120 of the cleaning head 110 to tilt due to the tension of the cleaning element 2, and prevents the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110 from moving out of alignment with the end face 211 of the ferrule 210.

[0065] In this case, it is preferable that the imaginary inclined plane IP (which imaginarily represents the posture of the cleaning element resting on the head 110) connecting the contact surface 148b of the guide portion 148 on the collection side and the contact portion 123 on the collection side of the pressing portion 120 is inclined so as to satisfy the following formula (1). More specifically, this imaginary inclined plane IP is supply The end of the side and the contact part 123 of the pressing part 120 collect In the following formula (1), θ1 is the inclination angle of the imaginary inclined plane IP relative to the horizontal plane HP (first imaginary reference plane, the XY plane in the figure) (see FIG. 9), and θ2 is the inclination angle of the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 of the optical connector 200 relative to the vertical plane VP (second imaginary reference plane, the XZ plane in the figure) (see FIG. 10(a)). θ1≧θ2… (1)

[0066] Although not particularly limited, for example, when the inclination angle θ2 of the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 is 8°, the inclination angle θ1 of the imaginary inclined surface IP is preferably 8° or greater (θ1≧8°). In this way, by setting the inclination angle θ1 of the imaginary inclined surface IP to be equal to or greater than the inclination angle θ2 of the end face 211 of the ferrule 210 to be cleaned, it is possible to perform appropriate cleaning even on the obliquely polished end face 211 of the ferrule 210. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ1 of the imaginary inclined surface IP is preferably 45° or less (θ1≦45°). When the inclination angle θ1 is set to 45°, the rotational moment generated at the rotation center RC of the tilting part 130 due to the tension of the cleaning element 2 can be minimized. When the inclination angle θ1 exceeds 45°, the rotational moment increases.

[0067] 9, in this embodiment, the height of the base portion 133 of the tilting portion 130 is lower by a predetermined height Δh2 than the height of the contact surface 148b of the collection-side guide portion 148 in the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 (the Z-axis direction in the figure). This allows for a reliable and direct bridge from the pressing portion 120 to the guide portion 148. Note that the height of the base portion 133 of the tilting portion 130 is not particularly limited as long as it is lower than the height of the above-mentioned imaginary inclined plane IP in the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 (the Z-axis direction in the figure). In contrast, with respect to the supply-side guide portion 144, the curved portion 132 protrudes convexly and is interposed between the supply-side contact portion 122 of the pressing portion 120 and the guide portion 144 of the support portion 140. Therefore, the cleaning element 2 is not directly bridged between the contact portion 122 and the guide portion 144.

[0068] The guide portion 148 described above is provided on the support portion 140 as described above, and is positioned on the recovery side (-Y direction in the figure) of the tilting portion 130 (rotation center RC of the tilting portion 130) in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head 110 (Y-axis direction in the figure), but the position of this guide portion 148 is not particularly limited to this, as long as it is on the recovery side of the pressing portion 120 in the movement path of the cleaning body 2.

[0069] Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the number of guide portions 148. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the support portion 140 may be provided with a plurality of (two in this example) guide portions 148A, 148B. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cleaning head in this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 9.

[0070] 11, the guide portions 148A, 148B are spaced apart from one another along the thickness direction of the cleaning head 110 (the Z-axis direction in the figure), allowing the cleaning element 2 to pass between the guide portions 148A, 148B. Similar to the guide portion 148 described above, each guide portion 148A, 148B is composed of a pair of claws 148a that face each other with a gap between them. The cleaning element 2 can be swapped between the two guide portions 148A, 148B via this gap. For example, if the upper guide portion 148A is unable to properly clean the end face 211 of the ferrule 210, swapping the cleaning element 2 from the upper guide portion 148A to the lower guide portion 148B can further reduce the rotational moment generated at the center of rotation RC of the tilting portion 130.

[0071] 7 and 8, an insertion portion 150 is connected to the rear side of the support portion 140. This insertion portion 150 is a portion that is inserted into the tip portion 171 of the rack shaft 170, and has a plate-like shape that is narrower than the support portion 140. At the rear end of this insertion portion 150, a cylindrical shaft portion 151 that protrudes rearward (in the -Y direction in the figures) is formed, and a protrusion 152 that protrudes sideways (in the X-axis direction in the figures) is formed.

[0072] 6, the second coil spring 160 is interposed between the cleaning head 110 and the rack shaft 170, with the shaft 151 of the cleaning head 110 inserted into the second coil spring 160. The second coil spring 160 urges the cleaning head 110 forward relative to the rack shaft 170. This allows the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110 to press the cleaning element 2 against the connection end surface 211 of the optical connector 200 with an appropriate pressing force.

[0073] The rack shaft 170 is a member that supports the cleaning head 110 so that it can move in the front-to-rear direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). As shown in Fig. 6, the rack shaft 170 includes a tip portion 171, a body portion 172, a shoulder portion 173, and an arm portion 175. Although not particularly limited, for example, the rack shaft 170 is made of a resin material, and the tip portion 171, body portion 172, shoulder portion 173, and arm portion 175 are integrally formed.

[0074] An insertion groove 171a and a window 171b are formed in the tip portion 171 of the rack shaft 170. The insertion groove 171a is a groove that opens at the tip of the rack shaft 170. The insertion portion 150 of the cleaning head 110 is inserted into this insertion groove 171a so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). In addition, the window 171b opens on the side of the tip portion 171. The protrusion 152 of the insertion portion 150 of the cleaning head 110 is inserted into this window 171b. The insertion groove 171a guides the cleaning head 110 in the front-to-rear direction, and the window 171b prevents the cleaning head 110, which is biased by the second coil spring 160, from falling out forward (the +Y direction in the figure).

[0075] The body portion 172 is connected to the rear side of the tip portion 171. The body portion 172 has a columnar shape and is an elongated portion that extends along the axial direction of the extension member 100 (the Y-axis direction in the figure). The rear portion of the body portion 172 is disposed within the housing 20 of the tool body 10, while the other portion of the body portion 172 extends forward (in the +Y direction in the figure) from the front surface 20f of the housing 20.

[0076] As described above, one main surface (the upper surface in FIG. 6) of the body part 172 functions as a guide surface that guides an unused cleaning element 2 supplied from the tool body 10 to the cleaning head 110. On the other hand, the other main surface (the lower surface in FIG. 6) of the body part 172 functions as a guide surface that guides a used cleaning element 2 collected from the cleaning head 110 to the roll 177 of the tool body 10. In addition, the body part 172 is inserted into the first coil spring 180, and also has the function of supporting the first coil spring 180 (see FIG. 4).

[0077] A pair of shoulders 173 are connected to the rear end of the body 172. Each shoulder 173 protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the drawing) from the rear end of the body 172 and is disposed in the window 20d of the first and second housings 21 and 22 (see FIG. 4).

[0078] Furthermore, a protrusion 174 that protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the drawing) is formed on the shoulder 173. When the shoulder 173 is disposed within the window 20d of the housings 21 and 22, the protrusion 174 protrudes from the window 20d and is fitted into a window 197 (described later) of the guide nozzle 190 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0079] The pair of arms 175 are connected to the underside of the shoulder 173 and extend rearward (in the -Y direction in the figure) from the shoulder 173. The arms 175 are housed in the housing portions 20e of the first and second housings 21 and 22, respectively.

[0080] A holding hole 175a is formed at the front end of the pair of arms 175. A pin 178 is inserted into this holding hole 175a, and a roll 177 is rotatably supported by this pin 178. The used cleaning element 2 guided along the lower surface of the body 172 is guided toward the take-up bobbin 40 by this roll 177 and the guide tube 52 and roll 53 of the tool body 10. At this time, the cleaning element 2 is folded back by this roll 177, and the cleaning element 2 is wound around the roll 177. As described above, the cleaning element 2 is also folded back by the roll 53 of the tool body 10, and as a result, the cleaning element 2 is wound between the rolls 177 and 53.

[0081] A rack gear 176 is formed on the rear portion of each arm portion 175. The winding bobbin 40 is disposed between the pair of rack gears 176, and the rack gear 176 is engaged with the pinion gear 71 of the transmission member 70, thereby forming a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0082] The guide nozzle (cylindrical member) 190 is a member having a tubular portion 191 and a plate portion 196. The tubular portion 191 includes a tip portion 192 that is inserted into the adapter 240 when cleaning the optical connector 200, and a main body portion 195 that is connected to the rear side of the tip portion 192. Protrusions 193 are formed on the top, bottom, left, and right outer surfaces of the tip portion 192. When the tip portion 192 is inserted into the adapter 240, the protrusions 193 fit into grooves 242 formed in an insertion port 241 of the adapter 240.

[0083] The cylindrical portion 191 has an inner hole that penetrates in its axial direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure), and the cleaning shaft 105 and the first coil spring 180 are housed in the inner hole. The cylindrical portion 191 also has the function of protecting the cleaning element 2 that moves along the upper and lower surfaces of the body portion 172 of the rack shaft 170. Although not particularly limited, for example, the guide nozzle 190 is made of a resin material, and the tip portion 192, main body portion 195, and plate portion 196 are integrally formed.

[0084] 2 and 3, the support part 140 of the cleaning head 110 is housed in the inner hole 194 of the tip end 192 of the tubular part 191. The pressing part 120 of the cleaning head 110, which is connected to the support part 140 via the tilting part 130, protrudes forward (in the +Y direction in the figures) from the opening 194a of the inner hole 194 of the tip end 192 of the tubular part 191.

[0085] 6, the shoulder 173 and arm 175 of the rack shaft 170 protrude rearward (the -Y direction in the figure) from a rear opening 195a of the main body 195 of the tubular portion 191 of the guide nozzle 190. The projection 174 of the shoulder 173 of the rack shaft 170 fits into a window 197 formed in a plate portion 196 of the guide nozzle 190 (see FIG. 3), thereby fixing the rack shaft 170 and the guide nozzle 190 to each other.

[0086] Furthermore, the main body 195 of the cylindrical portion 191 of the guide nozzle 190 has a tapered portion 195b in its central portion where the inner diameter increases. A first coil spring 180 is interposed between this tapered portion 195b and the front surface 20f of the housing 20. This first coil spring 180 biases the guide nozzle 190 in a direction away from the tool main body 10 (the +Y direction in the figure).

[0087] Next, an example of how to use the optical connector cleaning tool 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b).

[0088] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are side views showing the use state of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 in this embodiment, where Figure 12(a) shows the state in which the tool body 10 is advanced toward the extension member 100, and Figure 12(b) shows the state in which the tool body 10 is retracted from the extension member 100.

[0089] When cleaning the connection end face 211 of the optical connector 200 using the optical connector cleaning tool 1, first, the worker inserts the tip of the extension member 100 of the cleaning tool 1 into the insertion opening 241 of the adapter 240. This causes the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110 to press the cleaning body 2 against the end face 211 of the ferrule 210. At this time, the convex portion 193 of the tip portion 192 of the guide nozzle 190 of the extension member 100 fits into the groove 242 of the adapter 240, so that the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110 is positioned relative to the ferrule 210 of the optical connector 200.

[0090] Next, when the operator pushes the tool body 10 against the extension member 100, the first coil spring 180 contracts and the gap between the roll 177 of the extension member 100 and the roll 53 of the tool body 10 widens by a predetermined length L, as shown in FIG. 12(a).

[0091] Therefore, the length of the cleaning element 2 existing between the supply-side guide tube 51 and the roll 177 is shortened by the predetermined length L, while the length of the cleaning element 2 existing between the rolls 177, 53 is lengthened by the predetermined length L. As a result, the cleaning element 2 on the pressing surface 121 is pulled toward the take-up bobbin 40 side (recovery side), and the cleaning element 2 slides while being pressed against the end face 211 of the ferrule 210, wiping off dirt adhering to the end face 211.

[0092] At this time, the tension of the cleaning body 2 is applied to the pressing portion 120 of the cleaning head 110, but in this embodiment, the cleaning body 2 is directly hung from the pressing portion 120 to the guide portion 148 so as to be inclined, so that, as described above, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110 does not align with the end face 211 of the ferrule 210.

[0093] As described above, the cleaning tool 1 is intended to clean a multi-fiber simultaneous connection type optical connector 200 having a ferrule 210 with a flat end face, and therefore the cleaning shaft 105 of the cleaning tool 1 does not rotate relative to the tool body 10 around the axis of the cleaning shaft 105.

[0094] 12(a), when the operator pushes the tool body 10, the rack gear 176 rotates the pinion gear 71. However, because the ratchet pawl 60 prohibits the rotation of the take-up bobbin 40 in the direction opposite to the winding direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 12(a)), slippage occurs between the leaf spring portion 72 of the transmission member 70 and the friction surface 421 of the inner ring portion 42. Therefore, in this case, the transmission member 70 rotates freely, and the take-up bobbin 40 does not rotate.

[0095] 12(b), the tool body 10 moves backward relative to the extension member 100 due to the elastic force of the first coil spring 180, and the distance between the roll 177 of the extension member 100 and the roll 53 of the tool body 10 is shortened by a predetermined length L, and at the same time, the rack gear 176 rotates the pinion gear 71. The rotational force of the pinion gear 71 is transmitted to the take-up bobbin 40 via the leaf spring portion 72 of the transmission member 70 and the friction surface 421 of the inner ring portion 42, and the take-up bobbin 40 rotates, and the used cleaning element 2 is wound onto the take-up bobbin 40.

[0096] That is, the drive mechanism that rotates the winding bobbin 40 in response to the relative movement of the extension member 100 with respect to the tool body 10 is composed of the above-mentioned rack and pinion mechanism consisting of the rack gear 176 and the pinion gear 71, and the above-mentioned friction transmission mechanism consisting of the leaf spring portion 72 and the friction surface 421.

[0097] At the same time, the length of the cleaning element 2 existing between the supply-side guide tube 51 and the roll 177 increases by a predetermined length L. At this time, the distance between the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110 and the roll 177 is constant, and the cleaning element 2 is wound around the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110, so that an unused cleaning element 2 of a length equivalent to the predetermined length L is fed from the feed bobbin 30.

[0098] When cleaning is completed, the worker removes the cleaning tool 1 from the adapter 240 by pulling out the extension member 100 from the insertion opening 241 of the adapter 240.

[0099] As described above, in this embodiment, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is provided with the guide portion 148 that presses the cleaning body 2 toward the inside of the cleaning head 110, and the guide portion 148 is arranged on the collection side of the pressing portion 120 in the movement path of the cleaning body 2. This makes it difficult for the pressing portion 120 of the cleaning head 110 to tilt due to the tension of the cleaning body 2, and prevents the pressing surface 121 of the cleaning head 110 from not aligning with the end face 211 of the ferrule 210, making it possible to properly clean the connection end face 211 of even a small optical connector 200.

[0100] Furthermore, when the end face of a ferrule is beveled, in cleaning operations using conventional cleaning tools, depending on the direction of the inclination of the ferrule end face and the direction of collection of the cleaning element, the tension of the cleaning element may cause the pressing surface of the cleaning head to not align with the end face of the ferrule. Specifically, when the starting point of the inclination of the ferrule end face (the concave side of the inclined surface) and the collection side of the cleaning element on the cleaning head are aligned (as in the case of the relationship shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b)), the tension of the cleaning element pulls the pressing part of the cleaning head toward the take-up side, causing the pressing surface of the cleaning head to not align with the end face of the ferrule. For this reason, in cleaning operations using conventional cleaning tools, it is necessary to consider the relationship between the direction of the inclination of the ferrule end face and the direction in which the cleaning element on the cleaning head moves.

[0101] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, as described above, the optical connector cleaning tool 1 is provided with the guide portion 148, which can make it difficult for the pressing portion 120 of the cleaning head 110 to tilt due to the tension of the cleaning body 2. Therefore, even when cleaning the end face 211 of the obliquely polished ferrule 210, it is not necessary to specify the orientation of the cleaning tool 1 when inserting the cleaning tool 1 into the adapter 240, and the operability of the optical connector cleaning tool 1 can be improved.

[0102] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments have been described to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above-described embodiments is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0103] For example, as disclosed in Figures 12A to 12C of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-35489, the rolls 153, 177 for supplying the cleaning element 2 of the predetermined length L may not be provided. In this case, the winding direction of the winding bobbin 40 is opposite to that of the above-described embodiment, and the ratchet mechanism consisting of the ratchet pawl 60 and the ratchet gear 411 is also installed in the opposite direction to that of the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...Optical connector cleaning tool 2...Cleaning body 10...Tool body 20. Housing 30...Pay-off bobbin 40...winding bobbin 100...extension member 105...Cleaning shaft 110...Cleaning head 120...Pressing part 121...Pressure surface 123...Contact part 130…Tilt part 132...Bend RC: Center of rotation 133...Base 140...Support part 145...Second main surface 148...Guide section 148a...Claw part 148b…Contact surface 160...Second coil spring 170...Rack shaft 180...First coil spring 190...Guide nozzle 200...Optical connector 210...Ferrule 211...End face

Claims

1. An optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning a connection end face of an optical connector, a cleaning head having a pressing surface that presses a strip-shaped cleaning body against the connecting end surface, the cleaning body being wrapped around the pressing surface so as to be folded back; a supply unit that supplies the cleaning element to the cleaning head; a collection unit that collects the cleaning element from the cleaning head, The cleaning head a pressing portion having the pressing surface; a tilting portion disposed on the opposite side of the pressing surface and configured to tilt the pressing portion; a support portion that supports the pressing portion via the tilting portion; a guide portion that is disposed on the collection side of the pressing portion in the movement path of the cleaning element and that regulates the movement path of the cleaning element, a height of a contact surface of the guide portion with the cleaning element in a thickness direction of the cleaning head is lower than a height of a contact portion of the pressing portion with the cleaning element on a collection side, The cleaning element is hung directly from the pressing portion to the guide portion so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head.

2. 2. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1, The guide portion is disposed on the support portion.

3. 3. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1, the inclination angle of the virtual inclined plane with respect to the first virtual reference plane is 8 degrees or more; the first virtual reference plane is an imaginary plane that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head and parallel to the width direction of the cleaning head, The optical connector cleaning tool, wherein the imaginary inclined surface is an imaginary plane that connects the supply side end of the contact surface of the guide portion and the recovery side end of the contact surface of the pressing portion.

4. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The guide portion extends in a width direction of the cleaning head and includes a pair of claw portions arranged to face each other, The cleaning element passes inside the cleaning head in the thickness direction of the cleaning head relative to the pair of claw portions.

5. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the tilting portion includes a leaf spring portion that is curved convexly toward the supply side in the thickness direction of the cleaning head, The height of the base of the leaf spring portion is lower than the height of the imaginary inclined surface in the thickness direction of the cleaning head, The optical connector cleaning tool, wherein the imaginary inclined surface is an imaginary plane that connects the supply side end of the contact surface of the guide portion and the recovery side end of the contact surface of the pressing portion.

6. The optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the supply unit includes a delivery bobbin that delivers the cleaning element before use, the collection unit includes a take-up bobbin that takes up the used cleaning element, The optical connector cleaning tool includes: a housing that houses the delivery bobbin and the take-up bobbin; a cylindrical member extending from the housing and accommodating the cleaning head so that the pressing portion protrudes.

Images