Cleaning attachment for optical connector cleaning tools.

Abstract

The present invention comprises a tubular body (41) into which a cleaning section of an optical connector cleaning tool can be inserted. A fitting section (43) that fits with an object of cleaning is formed in one end section of the tubular body (41). A space (44) inside the tubular body (41) is wider than the width of the optical connector cleaning tool in the direction in which a plurality of ferrules are arranged side by side. A plurality of grooves (46) are formed in an inner wall of the tubular body (41). The grooves (46) are formed in such shapes that a protrusion of the cleaning part fits with a location corresponding to all of the ferrules (3).　It is thus possible to provide a cleaning assistance attachment for an optical connector cleaning tool that can be applied even when the gap between ferrules is narrow.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning assistance attachment for an optical connector cleaning tool, which is used when cleaning an optical connector having a plurality of ferrules. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, when cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector with an optical connector cleaning tool, a cleaning assistance attachment (hereinafter simply referred to as an attachment) such as that described in Patent Document 1, for example, is sometimes used. The attachment disclosed in Patent Document 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and adopts a configuration in which an optical connector is fitted to one end, and an optical connector cleaning tool is fitted to the other end. By fitting the optical connector and the optical connector cleaning tool into the attachment respectively, the cleaning medium of the optical connector cleaning tool contacts the connection end face of the optical connector inside the attachment.

[0003] In recent years, modules having a plurality of ferrules, such as ELSFP (External Laser Small Form-Factor Pluggable), which is a module with an appearance similar to that of conventional pluggable optical transceivers, have come into use. This type of optical connector is shown in FIG. 20. The optical connector 1 shown in FIG. 20 includes a plurality of ferrules 3 in a single housing 2. The housing 2 is supported by a substrate 4 and includes a rectangular cylindrical adapter 5. The adapter 5 is formed to be long to accommodate a long optical module (not shown) connected to the optical connector 1. Each of the ferrules 3 is provided with a plurality of optical fibers 6 arranged in a line. The plurality of ferrules 3 are arranged in parallel in the same direction as the direction in which the plurality of optical fibers 6 are arranged. No wall separating adjacent ferrules 3 is provided between the ferrules 3.

[0004] Therefore, the hole into which the optical module is fitted cannot be directly used as a guide to individually direct the cleaning tool for the optical connector to the ferrule end face 7 (the connection end face formed at the tip of the ferrule 3 and the surface to be cleaned) where the optical fiber 6 of the ferrule 3 is exposed. When cleaning this optical connector 1, it is conceivable to insert the attachment described in Patent Document 1 into the adapter 5 and insert the guide (rod-shaped cleaning part) extending from the body of the optical connector cleaning tool into the guide hole of the attachment. If the adapter 5 is long, the attachment and the guide of the optical connector cleaning tool will also be long. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3880955 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The attachment described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it cannot be applied to an optical connector 1 equipped with multiple ferrules 3 as shown in Figure 20. The reason for this is as follows: The attachment described in Patent Document 1 must have guide holes that can accommodate a guide (rod-shaped cleaning part) extending from the body of the optical connector cleaning tool. When cleaning multiple ferrules 3 using this attachment, multiple guide holes will be provided in the attachment. Partition walls are necessary between adjacent guide holes to hold the guide of the optical connector cleaning tool. For this reason, the spacing between the guide holes must be larger than the width of the guide holes. If the attachment is formed to fit an optical connector 1 equipped with multiple ferrules 3, the spacing between the guide holes becomes smaller than the width of the guide holes, and the holes will not be able to communicate with each other and form partition walls. For this reason, the lateral positioning of the guide cannot be performed, and as described above, this attachment cannot be applied to an optical connector 1 equipped with multiple ferrules 3.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning aid attachment for optical connectors that can be used even when the spacing between ferrules is narrow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve this objective, the cleaning attachment for the optical connector cleaning tool according to the present invention comprises a cylindrical body into which the cleaning part of the optical connector cleaning tool can be inserted, which cleans the surface to be cleaned where the optical fiber is exposed with a cleaning medium at the tip of the rod-shaped cleaning part, and a fitting part is formed at one end of the cylindrical body for fitting the surface to be cleaned to a cleaning object having a plurality of ferrules formed at its tip, the surface to be cleaned having an outer wall located on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of ferrules are aligned and at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of ferrules are aligned and also perpendicular to the direction in which the surface to be cleaned is directed, the fitting part is shaped to conform to the outer wall so as to fit inside or outside the outer wall, and when fitted to the outer wall, the part that fits to the outer wall is formed in such a shape that movement toward the outer wall and movement toward the ferrules are restricted, the space inside the cylindrical body is formed to be wider than the width of the cleaning part in the direction in which the plurality of ferrules are aligned, and the cylindrical body One wall inner wall surface Multiple guideways extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body are formed therein, multiple taxiway Each The shape is such that the guided portion, which consists of a protrusion formed on the cleaning portion, fits into all of the ferrules at the corresponding positions. A groove having , the cylindrical body on the aforementioned wall teeth moreover , extending from the edge opposite to the fitting portion toward the fitting portion Composed of notches common road Formed , the aforementioned multiple taxiways Each The starting end is located at the end of the common path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a cleaning auxiliary attachment for an optical connector cleaner that can be applied even when the interval between ferrules is narrow can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cleaning auxiliary attachment according to the present invention, an optical connector, an optical module, and an optical connector cleaner. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optical connector and an optical module. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an optical connector cleaner. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view showing a distal end portion of the optical connector cleaner. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a plan view of an adapter attachment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a front view of the adapter attachment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a rear view of the adapter attachment. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a perspective cross-sectional view of the adapter attachment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an optical module and an attachment for an optical module. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an optical connector and an adapter attachment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an adapter attachment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of an adapter attachment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of an adapter attachment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an optical connector and an adapter attachment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state where an optical connector is being cleaned. [Figure 11A]FIG. 11A is a plan view of an attachment for an optical module. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a front view of the attachment for an optical module. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a rear view of the attachment for an optical module. [Figure 11D] FIG. 11D is a perspective cross-sectional view of the attachment for an optical module. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an optical connector and the attachment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the optical connector, the attachment, and a cleaner for optical connectors. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state where one ferrule is being cleaned. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state where the cleaner for optical connectors has been moved after cleaning. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state where the cleaner for optical connectors has been moved laterally. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state where the other ferrule is being cleaned. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing a modified example of an attachment for an adapter. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the attachment for an adapter. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing a modified example of an attachment for an adapter. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the attachment for an adapter. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing a modified example of an attachment for an adapter. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the attachment for an adapter. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an optical connector, an attachment for an adapter, and a cleaner for optical connectors. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the use of an adapter attachment with a protrusion. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the adapter attachment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a portion of the optical connector broken away. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the cleaning assistance attachment for the optical connector cleaning tool according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In these figures, components that are the same as or equivalent to those described in Figure 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate. (A brief description of the attachment) The cleaning aid attachment (hereinafter simply referred to as "attachment") 21 shown in Figure 1 is used when cleaning the optical connector 1. As shown in Figure 20, the optical connector 1 has two ferrules 3 arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the insertion hole 5a of the adapter 5. The attachment 21 is inserted into the adapter 5 of the optical connector 1 when cleaning, and the optical module 22 is inserted when connecting other optical fiber cables. In this embodiment, the optical connector 1 and the optical module 22 are the "objects to be cleaned" as defined in this invention. The adapter 5 is an outer wall located on both sides in the direction in which the two ferrules 3 are aligned, and on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two ferrules 3 are aligned, and also perpendicular to the direction in which the ferrule end face 7 (the surface to be cleaned) is facing.

[0012] (Description of the optical module) As shown in Figure 2, the optical module 22 has a housing 23 that fits into the adapter 5 and two ferrules 24 provided inside the housing 23. The tip of the housing 23 of the optical module 22 (the end that approaches the optical connector 1) has an outer wall 23a that surrounds the ferrules 24 from three directions. More specifically, the outer wall 23a is located on both sides in the direction in which the two ferrules 24 are aligned, and on one side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two ferrules 24 are aligned and also perpendicular to the direction in which the ferrule end face 26, which will be described later, points. This outer wall 23a constitutes the connection part of the optical module 22. This outer wall 23a is inserted into the adapter 5 when connecting the optical module 22 to the optical connector 1, and is inserted between the housing 2 of the optical connector 1 and the adapter 5. That is, the housing 2 of the optical connector 1 is inserted inside the outer wall 23a of the tip of the optical module 22.

[0013] The ferrule 24 of the optical module 22 is provided with multiple optical fibers 25 arranged in a single line in the left-right direction in Figure 2, similar to the ferrule 3 of the optical connector 1. These optical fibers 25 are exposed to the ferrule end face 26, which is a flat connecting end face formed at the tip of the ferrule 24. The multiple ferrules 24 of the optical module 22 are arranged in parallel in the direction in which the optical fibers 25 are aligned. The ferrule end face 26 of the optical module 22 is connected to and tightly fitted to the ferrule end face 7 of the optical connector 1 when the optical module 22 is connected to the optical connector 1. In the optical module 22, the ferrule end face 26 is the surface to be cleaned.

[0014] (Description of cleaning tool for optical connectors) To clean the ferrule end face 7 of the optical connector 1 and the ferrule end face 26 of the optical module 22, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 shown in Figure 1 is used. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 comprises an elongated rod-shaped cleaning section 33 with a cleaning medium 32 exposed at its tip, and a main body 34 connected to the base end of the cleaning section 33. The cleaning section 33 comprises a rectangular prism-shaped guide 35 and a cleaning head 37 (see Figure 3B) that is supported at the tip of the guide 35 so as to be able to move in and out and is biased by a spring member 36 (see Figure 10) in the direction of exiting the guide 35. The cleaning section 33 is configured to be movable parallel to the main body 34 in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning section 33.

[0015] The cleaning medium 32 in this embodiment is a thin strip. This cleaning medium 32 is folded back at the cleaning head 37 and extends within the cleaning section 33 toward the main body 34, and is connected to a supply bobbin (not shown) and a winding bobbin (not shown) housed within the main body 34. The winding bobbin is connected in conjunction with a medium feeding mechanism (not shown) and is driven by the medium feeding mechanism. The medium feeding mechanism is configured such that the winding bobbin winds up a predetermined length of the cleaning medium 32 by performing a single reciprocating motion in which the main body 34 moves toward the front end of the cleaning section 33 and then returns to its initial position. The cleaning medium 32 is pulled out from the supply bobbin by being wound onto the winding bobbin and moves so as to be folded back at the front end of the cleaning section 33. As the main body 34 performs the reciprocating motion described above while the cleaning medium 32 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned (ferrule end faces 7, 26), the cleaning medium 32 moves in a direction along the surface to be cleaned, and the surface to be cleaned is cleaned.

[0016] The cleaning head 37 protruding from the tip of the guide 35 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 needs to be positioned at a certain distance from the ferrule end faces 7,26 that are to be cleaned. There are three main methods for positioning. The first is to position the device by abutting it against the optical connector 1 (optical module 22). In this case, there is a possibility that a flat surface suitable for positioning is not formed on the optical connector 1 or optical module 22. The second is to use the end face of the insertion opening of the adapter 5. In this case, the distance from the ferrule end faces 7 and 26 becomes long, which may reduce the positioning accuracy. The third is to use an attachment and provide a abutting surface within the attachment. The cleaning assistance attachment according to the present invention employs this method.

[0017] (Detailed description of adapter attachment) The cleaning assistance attachment according to the present invention is configured as shown in Figures 4A to 4D. The attachment 21 shown in Figures 4A to 4D is an adapter attachment for cleaning the optical connector 1, and is formed by a rectangular cylindrical body 41 that fits inside the connection part (adapter 5) of the optical connector 1.

[0018] If the object to be cleaned is the optical module 22, the optical module attachment 42 shown in Figure 5 is used. The optical module attachment 42 will be described later. In the following description of attachments 21 and 42, the direction in which the multiple ferrules 3 and 24 of the optical connector 1 and optical module 22 are aligned will be considered the left-right direction, and the direction in which the ferrule end faces 7 and 26 point will be considered the forward direction.

[0019] As shown in Figure 6, the total length of the adapter attachment 21 (cylindrical body 41) is such that when inserted into the adapter 5, its rear end abuts against the housing 2 of the optical connector 1, and its front end protrudes forward from the adapter 5. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the cylindrical body 41 on the rear end side constitutes a fitting portion 43 that fits onto the optical connector 1, which is the object to be cleaned. This fitting portion 43 is shaped to conform to the adapter 5 so as to fit inside the adapter 5, and when fitted onto the adapter 5, the part that fits onto the adapter 5 is formed in such a way that its movement toward the adapter 5 and its movement toward the ferrule 3 are restricted. As shown in Figure 6, the rear end of the cylindrical body 41 abuts against the housing 2, thereby positioning the adapter attachment 21 relative to the optical connector 1 in the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions.

[0020] The cylindrical body 41 constituting the adapter attachment 21 has a lower wall 41a, an upper wall 41b, a left side wall 41c, and a right side wall 41d, as shown in Figures 4B and 4C. The internal space 44 of this cylindrical body 41 is formed so that the cleaning part 33 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 can be inserted. The vertical width of the internal space 44 of the cylindrical body 41, that is, the gap between the lower wall 41a and the upper wall 41b, is slightly wider than the vertical width of the cleaning part 33 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31, and is set to the minimum width that allows the cleaning part 33 to be inserted without moving around. The horizontal width of the internal space 44 is wider than the horizontal width of the cleaning part 33 so that the cleaning part 33 can move in the left-right direction.

[0021] The inner surfaces of the upper wall 41b, left wall 41c, and right wall 41d of the cylindrical body 41 are each formed by flat surfaces. In this embodiment, the lower wall 41a of the cylindrical body 41 has a notch 45 and two grooves 46, as shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, the notch 45 is what is called a "common path" in the present invention, and extends from the front end of the cylindrical body 41 (the edge opposite to the end that fits into the optical connector 1) toward the rear end (towards the end that fits into the optical connector 1). The rear end of the notch 45 is positioned forward by a predetermined length from the rear end of the cylindrical body 41.

[0022] The two grooves 46 extend linearly from a starting end 46a, which opens toward the front of the cylindrical body 41 at the rear end of the notch 45 (the end of the notch 45), to a terminal end 46b located a predetermined length to the rear (towards one end of the cylindrical body 41). In this embodiment, the two grooves 46 correspond to the "guidance path" as defined in the present invention. The opening shape of the starting end 46a of the groove 46 is such that a projection 47 (see Figures 3A and 3B) protruding from the cleaning section 33 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 fits into it. The projection 47 extends continuously from the base end to the tip of the cleaning section 33 without interruption. The position in the left-right direction where the projection 47 is formed is the left-right center of the cleaning section 33 and the cleaning medium 32. In this embodiment, the projection 47 corresponds to the "guided section" as defined in the present invention.

[0023] As shown in Figure 8A, when the projection 47 is fitted into the left groove 46 of the two grooves 46, the left side of the cleaning unit 33 faces the left wall 41c of the cylindrical body 41 with a predetermined clearance. Also, as shown in Figure 8B, when the projection 47 is fitted into the right groove 46, the right side of the cleaning unit 33 faces the right wall 41d of the cylindrical body 41 with a predetermined clearance. Therefore, when inserting the projection 47 into the groove 46, by advancing the cleaning unit 33 using the left wall 41c or the right wall 41d as a guide, it is easy to align the projection 47 with the starting end 46a of the groove 46, even though the starting end 46a of the groove 46 is located inside the cylindrical body 41.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the two grooves 46 are formed at positions that extend forward from the left-right centers of the two ferrules 3 when the cylindrical body 41 is fitted into the adapter 5 and in contact with the housing 2. In other words, the grooves 46 are formed at the same positions as the left-right centers of the two ferrules 3 in the left-right direction, and are shaped so that the projections 47 (guided parts) formed on the cleaning part 3 fit into the corresponding positions of all the ferrules 3.

[0025] As shown in Figure 10, the positions of the ends 46b of the two grooves 46 are such that, when the cylindrical body 41 is fitted into the adapter 5 and in contact with the housing 2, the projection 47 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 makes contact, causing the cleaning medium 32 to come into contact with the ferrule end face 7, which is the surface of the ferrule 3 to be cleaned. In other words, the cylindrical body 41 is provided with a stopper 48 that contacts the optical connector cleaning tool 1 and restricts the movement of the cleaning part 33 in the insertion direction when the cleaning part 33 is inserted into the internal space 44 and the cleaning medium 32 comes into contact with the surface of the ferrule 3 to be cleaned, which is the tip face. Note that if the optical connector cleaning tool is used to restrict the movement of the cleaning part in the insertion direction by pressing it against the object to be cleaned during cleaning, the stopper 48 can be omitted. Since the two grooves 46 are formed at positions that coincide with the center of the ferrule 3 in the left-right direction, the projections 47 abut against the ends 46b of the grooves 46, causing the cleaning medium 32 and the ferrule end face 7 to come into contact with each other with their left-right centers aligned.

[0026] (Description of attachment for optical module) As shown in Figures 5 and 11A to 11D, the optical module attachment 42 differs from the adapter attachment 21 in the structure of the rear end connected to the optical module 22, but the other structures are identical.

[0027] The optical module attachment 42 according to this embodiment is formed by a cylindrical body 51 made of a rectangular tube. The cylindrical body 51 has a lower wall 51a, an upper wall 51b, a left side wall 51c, and a right side wall 51d. At the rear end of this cylindrical body 51, there is a fitting portion 52 into which the optical module 22, which is the object to be cleaned, is fitted. The fitting portion 52 is made up of a recess 53 into which the outer wall 23a of the optical module 22 is inserted and fitted. More specifically, the fitting portion 52 is shaped to conform to the outer wall 23a so as to fit on the outside of the outer wall 23a of the optical module 22, and when fitted to the outer wall 23a, the fitting portion is shaped such that movement toward the outer wall 23a and movement toward the ferrule 24 of the optical module 22 are restricted. The outer wall 23a of the optical module 22 fits into the fitting portion 52 and abuts against the bottom of the fitting portion 52, thereby positioning the optical module attachment 42 in the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions relative to the optical module 22.

[0028] The configuration of the rest of the optical module attachment 42 is the same as that of the adapter attachment 21. Therefore, the lower wall 51a of the cylindrical body 51 constituting the optical module attachment 42 in this embodiment has a notch 45 and two grooves 46 formed therein. In this case as well, a stopper 48 is realized by the end 46b of the groove 46. When the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is inserted into the cylindrical body 51 with the cylindrical body 51 fitted into the optical module 22, the projection 47 abuts against the end 46b of the groove 46, and its movement is restricted by the stopper 48, causing the cleaning medium 32 to come into contact with the ferrule 24 of the optical module 22.

[0029] (Description of cleaning procedure) Next, the procedure for cleaning the ferrule end faces 7 and 26 of the optical connector 1 and optical module 22 using the attachments 21 and 42 described above will be explained. The cleaning procedure is the same whether cleaning the optical connector 1 or the optical module 22, so here the cleaning procedure for cleaning the optical connector 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 12A to 12C and 13A to 13C. In Figures 12C and 13A to 13C, the optical connector 1 and a part of the attachment 21 are shown to be broken to expose the cleaning tool 31 for the optical connector.

[0030] First, as shown in Figures 12A to 12B, the adapter attachment 21 is inserted into the adapter 5 of the optical connector 1, and the rear end of the cylindrical body 41 is brought into contact with the housing 2. If the optical module 22 is to be cleaned, the housing 23 of the optical module 22 is inserted into the fitting portion 52 of the optical module attachment 42 and fitted together at this time. After inserting the cylindrical body 41 into the adapter 5, the cleaning portion 33 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is inserted into the cylindrical body 41, as shown in Figures 12B to 12C. This insertion operation is performed by aligning the cleaning portion 33 with one of the inner walls in the left-right direction of the hollow portion of the cylindrical body 41. For example, by aligning the cleaning portion 33 with the left wall 41c of the cylindrical body 41 and inserting it into the cylindrical body 41, the projection 47 of the cleaning portion 33 enters the groove 46 on the left side.

[0031] Then, with the projection 47 in the groove 46, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is advanced further, bringing the projection 47 into contact with the end 46b of the groove 46. As the projection 47 contacts the end 46b, the movement of the cleaning part 33 in the insertion direction is restricted by the stopper 48, and the cleaning medium 32 comes into contact with the ferrule end face 7 of the left ferrule 3 in a positioned state. In this state, the main body 34 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is advanced toward the optical connector 1, and then returned to its initial position, performing one reciprocating motion by the medium feeding mechanism. This causes the cleaning medium 32 to move so as to be folded back by the cleaning head 37, and the ferrule end face 7 is cleaned.

[0032] After cleaning the left ferrule 3 in this manner, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is pulled forward as shown in Figure 13A, and held with the projection 47 protruding from the groove 46. At this time, the projection 47 is inside the notch 45. Then, as shown in Figures 13 to 13B, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is slid from left to right within the cylindrical body 41, and the cleaning part 33 is brought along the right side wall 41d of the cylindrical body 41. After that, as shown in Figure 13C, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is advanced backward. As the optical connector cleaning tool 31 advances backward in this manner, the projection 47 enters the right groove 46. Then, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is advanced until the projection 47 contacts the end 46b of the groove 46 (until its movement is restricted by the stopper 48), and then the main body 34 is advanced further, and then returned to its initial position, performing one reciprocating motion of the medium feeding mechanism. By operating the main body 34 in this manner, the ferrule end face 7 of the right ferrule 3 is cleaned by the cleaning medium 32.

[0033] Therefore, by using the adapter attachment 21 (optical module attachment 42) according to this embodiment, the ferrule end faces 7 of multiple ferrules 3 can be cleaned individually without removing the attachments 21 and 42 from the optical connector 1 or optical module 22, and without removing the optical connector cleaning tool 31 from the attachments 21 and 42.

[0034] According to this embodiment, since the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is moved left and right while the projection 47 is positioned within the notch 45 during the cleaning process, the cleaning work can be performed more easily compared to the case where the notch 45 is not provided. If the notch 45 is not provided, it is necessary to pull out the elongated cleaning part 33, which is formed to be insertable into the elongated cylindrical body 41, out of the cylindrical body 41, move it left and right, and then insert it back into the cylindrical body 41. Therefore, compared to this case, adopting this embodiment eliminates the need to insert and remove the optical connector cleaning tool 31, making it easier to clean multiple ferrules 3.

[0035] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when cleaning optical connectors or optical modules having multiple ferrules using an attachment, it is possible to provide a cleaning aid attachment for optical connectors that can be applied even when the spacing between ferrules is narrow. In particular, in this embodiment, a stopper 48 is realized by forming a groove 46 with a closed terminal 46b in the attachments 21 and 42, and the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is positioned relative to the ferrules 3 and 24. Therefore, it is possible to design the device without being affected by the shape of the optical connector 1 or adapter 5, and there is an advantage in that the risk of overloading the device being cleaned is reduced.

[0036] (Variations of the attachment) The attachment can be configured as shown in Figures 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B. While a modified example of an adapter attachment is shown here, an attachment for an optical module can be configured similarly. In Figures 14A to 16B, components identical or equivalent to those described in Figures 1 to 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate. The adapter attachment 61 shown in Figures 14A and 14B does not have a notch 45 formed in the lower wall 41a of the cylindrical body 41. The two grooves 46 extend continuously from the starting end 46a, which opens at the front end of the cylindrical body 41, to the ending end 46b. When using the adapter attachment 61 formed as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, after cleaning one ferrule 3, remove the optical connector cleaning tool 31 from the cylindrical body 41 and move it in the left-right direction. Then, insert the cleaning part 33 into the cylindrical body 41 so that the projection 47 enters the groove 46 on the other side. Even when an attachment 61 is formed as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, multiple ferrules 3 can be cleaned without removing the attachment 61 from the adapter 5.

[0037] The adapter attachment 62 shown in Figures 15A and 15B has two slits 63 formed in the upper wall 41b, which is the other wall opposite the lower wall 41a where two grooves 46 are formed. These slits 63 extend from the front end of the upper wall 41b (the edge opposite to the end that fits into the optical connector 1) toward the end that fits into the optical connector 1 (the rear side). These slits 63 correspond to the "guidance path on the other end" as referred to in this invention.

[0038] The two slits 63 are formed in such a shape that another projection 64 (see Figure 17), which is provided separately from the aforementioned projection 47, fits into the cleaning portion 33 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31. In this embodiment, the other projection 64 corresponds to the "other guided portion" as referred to in the present invention. Furthermore, the two slits 63 are formed in such a position that the other projection 64 fits into when the projection 47 on the tip side of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 abuts against the end 46b of the groove 46, and the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is in the cleaning position. When the attachment 62 is provided with a notch 45 and two grooves 46, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is positioned by the short fitting portion between the projection 47 at the tip of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 and the groove 46. This optical connector cleaning tool 31 is formed to be long. Therefore, in this case, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 tends to tilt from side to side around the fitting portion between the projection 47 and the groove 46.

[0039] However, as shown in this embodiment, the other projections 64 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 fit into the slit 63 formed at the front end of the attachment 62, thereby suppressing the left-right swinging of the optical connector cleaning tool 31. Furthermore, since the projection 47 at the tip of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 can be confirmed to have entered the groove 46 based on the position of the other projections 64 relative to the slit 63, it is also possible to visually confirm that the guide 35 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 has been inserted straight and has reached the end.

[0040] The adapter attachment 65 shown in Figures 16A and 16B has a protrusion 66 at its rear end adjacent to the optical connector 1. The protrusion 66 is provided so as to project backward from the upper wall 41b of the cylindrical body 41. A projection 67 is formed at the tip of the protrusion 66, projecting from the upper wall 41b side toward the lower wall 41a side. As shown in Figure 18, the projection 67 is formed to contact the side of the ferrule 3 from above when the rear end of the cylindrical body 41 is in contact with the housing 2 of the optical connector 1. The position in which the projection 67 contacts the ferrule 3 is set based on the direction in which the cleaning medium 32 moves.

[0041] In this embodiment, the optical connector cleaning tool 31 performs cleaning by moving the cleaning medium 32 in one direction along the ferrule end face 7 (the surface to be cleaned) of the ferrule 3. The direction in which the cleaning medium 32 moves along the ferrule end face 7 is from bottom to top, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 18. When the cleaning medium 32 moves in this way while in contact with the ferrule end face 7 during cleaning, the ferrule 3 is pulled in the same direction as the cleaning medium 32 due to frictional resistance. That is, the ferrule 3 is pulled in a direction in which the ferrule end face 7 is directed upward.

[0042] The retaining portion of the ferrule 3, in other words, the portion where the ferrule 3 fits into the housing 2, has a so-called fit tolerance, and there is a small gap between the ferrule 3 and the housing 2. If this gap is at its maximum within the allowable range of the fit tolerance, the ferrule 3 may tilt when pulled as described above. If cleaning is performed with the ferrule 3 tilted in this way, the pressing force when the cleaning medium 32 is pressed against the ferrule end face 7 by the cleaning head 37 will not be uniform, making it easy for residue to remain after wiping.

[0043] The protrusion 66 is located downstream (upper in Figure 18) in the direction in which the cleaning medium 32 moves during cleaning. By contacting the ferrule 3, the protrusion 66 can receive the tensile force acting on the ferrule 3 due to friction with the cleaning medium 32. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the tilting of the ferrule 3 during cleaning can be suppressed, and cleaning can be performed correctly without leaving any residue.

[0044] In the embodiments described above, examples were shown in which two grooves 46 are formed in the lower wall 41a of the cylindrical body 41. However, the grooves 46 can be formed in the upper wall 41b, or in both the lower wall 41a and the upper wall 41b. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the two ferrules 3 are positioned symmetrically in the left-right direction with respect to the center of the insertion hole 5a of the adapter 5. However, the present invention is not limited to such limitations. That is, by forming a groove 46 in the attachment at a position corresponding to the left-right center of the ferrule 3, even if the ferrules 3 are positioned asymmetrically in the left-right direction with respect to the center of the insertion hole 5a of the adapter 5, the cleaning medium 32 can be guided to both ferrules 3, and both ferrules 3 can be properly cleaned.

[0045] In the embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the cleaning part 33 is positioned in the left-right direction to correspond with the ferrule 3 by two grooves 46 formed in the cylindrical body 41 and projections 47 of the cleaning part 33 that fit into these grooves 46. However, the present invention is not limited to such limitations. That is, projections 47 may be formed in the cylindrical body 41 and grooves 62 may be formed in the cleaning part 33. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in Figures 15A, 15B, and 17, a slit 63 is formed in the cylindrical body 41 to suppress the oscillation of the optical connector cleaning tool 31, and a projection 64 that fits into this slit 63 is provided on the cleaning part 33. However, the present invention is not limited to such limitations. That is, a projection 64 may be formed on the cylindrical body 41, and a recess for which the projection 64 fits may be formed on the cleaning part 33.

[0046] In the embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the stopper 48 is realized by the end 46b of the groove 46 formed in the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51. However, the stopper 48 can be provided on other parts of the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 as long as it can contact the optical connector cleaning tool 31 and restrict its movement in the insertion direction. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the stopper 48 can be provided at a position that contacts the tip surface 71 of the guide 35, at a position that contacts the stepped portion 72 formed on the tip side of the guide 35, or at a position that contacts the end surface 73 of the main body portion 34 shown in Figure 3A.

[0047] Attachment 21 shown in Figure 4D and attachment 42 shown in Figure 11D have a notch 45 formed as a "common passage". However, the common passage can be formed by a wide groove 81 as shown in Figure 19. This groove 81 is formed such that a thin wall 81a that closes the opening of the notch 45 forms the bottom of the groove. The upper surface of the wall 81a shown in Figure 19 is formed to be on the same plane as the bottoms of the two grooves 46.

[0048] (Note) The features of the cleaning assistance attachment for the optical connector cleaning tool according to the above-described embodiment are as follows. (Feature 1) The cleaning assistance attachments 21 and 42 for the optical connector cleaning tool according to the above-described embodiment consist of cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 into which the cleaning portion 33 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 can be inserted. The cleaning portion 33 of the cleaning tool 31 cleans the surface to be cleaned (ferrule end faces 7 and 26) where the optical fibers 6 and 25 are exposed using a cleaning medium 32 at the tip of the rod-shaped cleaning portion 33. At one end of the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51, fitting portions 43 and 52 are formed to fit into an object to be cleaned (optical connector 1, optical module 22) having a plurality of ferrules 3 and 24 with the surface to be cleaned formed at its tip. The object to be cleaned has an outer wall (A) located on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of ferrules 3 and 24 are aligned, and on at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of ferrules 3 and 24 are aligned and also perpendicular to the direction in which the surface to be cleaned is facing. The device has an adapter 5 and an outer wall 23a), and the fitting portion is shaped to conform to the outer wall so as to fit inside or outside the outer wall, and when fitted to the outer wall, the portion that fits to the outer wall is formed in such a way that movement toward the outer wall and movement toward the ferrules 3 and 24 are restricted. The internal space of the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 is formed to be wider than the width of the cleaning section 33 in the direction in which the plurality of ferrules 3 and 24 are lined up, and the inner walls of the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 have a plurality of guide paths (grooves 46) extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51, and the guide paths are formed in such a way that guided portions (projections 47) consisting of either a convex portion or a concave portion formed on the cleaning section 33 fit into the guide paths at positions corresponding to all of the ferrules 3 and 24.

[0049] (Feature 2) In the cleaning assistance attachment 21 for the optical connector cleaning tool described above (Feature 1), the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 have a common path (notch 45, groove 81) extending from the edge opposite to the end that fits into the object to be cleaned (optical connector 1, optical module 22) toward the end, and the starting end 46a of the plurality of guide paths is provided at the end of the notch 45.

[0050] (Feature 3) In the cleaning assistance attachments 21 and 42 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 described above (Feature 2), the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 are formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, the plurality of guide paths are formed in one wall (lower wall 41a, 51a) of the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51, and on the other wall (upper wall 41b, 51b) of the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 opposite to the wall on which the plurality of guide paths are formed, the ends of the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 opposite to the end that fits into the object to be cleaned are Multiple guide paths (slits 63) are formed on the other end side extending toward the aforementioned end, and the guide paths on the other end side are formed in such a shape that other guided parts (projections 64) consisting of either a convex portion or a concave portion, which are formed separately from the guided portion in the cleaning portion 33, are fitted into the cleaning portion, and the other guided parts are formed in such a position that they fit into the cleaning position when the optical connector cleaning tool 31 is in a cleaning position where the cleaning medium 32 cleans the surface of the ferrule to be cleaned.

[0051] (Feature 4) In the cleaning assistance attachments 21 and 42 of the optical connector cleaning tool 31 described above (any one of features 1 to 3), the optical connector cleaning tool 31 cleans by the cleaning medium 32 moving in one direction along the surface of the ferrule to be cleaned, and the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 have protrusions 66 that contact the side of the ferrule when the fitting portion is fitted to the object to be cleaned, and the protrusions 66 are located downstream in the direction in which the cleaning medium 32 moves during cleaning.

[0052] (Feature 5) In the cleaning assistance attachments 21 and 42 for the optical connector cleaning tool 31 described above (feature 1), the cylindrical bodies 41 and 51 are provided with a stopper 48 that abuts against the optical connector cleaning tool 31 and restricts the movement of the cleaning part 33 in the insertion direction when the cleaning part 33 is inserted into the internal space 44 and the cleaning medium 32 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned (ferrule end faces 7 and 26), which are the tip surfaces of the ferrules 3 and 24.

[0053] (Feature 6) In the cleaning assistance attachments 21 and 42 for the optical connector cleaning tool described above (feature 1), the stopper 48 is formed by the end 46b of the guide path (groove 46). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1...Optical connector (object to be cleaned), 3,24...Ferrule, 6,25...Optical fiber, 7,26...Ferrule end face (surface to be cleaned), 21,42,61,62,65...Cleaning assistance attachment, 21,22...Optical module (object to be cleaned), 31...Cleaning tool for optical connector, 32...Cleaning medium, 33...Cleaning part, 41,51...Cylindrical body, 41a,51a...Bottom wall, 41b...Top wall, 43...Matching part, 44...Space, 45...Notch (common path), 46...Groove (guidance path), 46a...Starting end, 46b...End, 47...Protrusion (guided part), 48...Stopper, 63...Slit (guidance path on the other end), 64...Other protrusion (other guided part), 66...Convex piece, 81...Groove (common path).

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for optical connectors, which cleans the surface to be cleaned where the optical fiber is exposed using a cleaning medium at the tip of a rod-shaped cleaning part, consists of a cylindrical body into which the cleaning part can be inserted. One end of the cylindrical body is formed with a fitting portion that fits into an object to be cleaned, which has a plurality of ferrules formed at its tip, the surface to be cleaned. The object to be cleaned has outer walls located on both sides in the direction in which the plurality of ferrules are aligned, and on at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of ferrules are aligned and also perpendicular to the direction in which the surface to be cleaned faces. The fitting portion is shaped to conform to the outer wall so as to fit inside or outside the outer wall, and when fitted to the outer wall, the portion that fits to the outer wall is formed in such a way that movement toward the outer wall and movement toward the ferrule are restricted. The space inside the cylindrical body is formed to be wider than the width of the cleaning section in the direction in which the plurality of ferrules are aligned. Multiple guideways extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body are formed on the inner wall surface of one wall of the cylindrical body. Each of the plurality of guide paths is a groove having a shape into which a guided portion, consisting of a protrusion formed in the cleaning portion at a position corresponding to all of the ferrules, fits. A common passage is further formed in one wall of the cylindrical body, consisting of a notch extending from the edge opposite to the fitting portion toward the fitting portion. A cleaning attachment for an optical connector cleaning tool, characterized in that the starting end of each of the plurality of guide paths is provided at the end of the common path.

2. In the cleaning assistance attachment for the optical connector cleaning tool described in claim 1, The cylindrical body is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube, The plurality of guideways and the common path are formed in one wall of the cylindrical body. In the cylindrical body, a plurality of guide paths are formed on the other wall opposite to the one wall, extending from the edge opposite to the end of the cylindrical body that fits into the object to be cleaned toward the end. The guide path on the other end is formed in such a shape that another guided portion, consisting of either a convex portion or a concave portion, which is formed separately from the guided portion, fits into the cleaning portion, and the other guided portion is formed in such a position that it fits when the optical connector cleaning tool is in a cleaning position where the surface of the ferrule to be cleaned is cleaned by the cleaning medium. This is an attachment for assisting the cleaning of an optical connector.

3. In the cleaning assistance attachment for the optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1 or 2, The cleaning tool for the optical connector cleans by moving the cleaning medium in one direction along the surface of the ferrule to be cleaned. The cylindrical body has a protrusion that contacts the side of the ferrule when the fitting portion is fitted to the object to be cleaned, The aforementioned protrusion is positioned downstream of the direction in which the cleaning medium moves during cleaning, and is a cleaning aid attachment for a cleaning tool for optical connectors.

4. In the cleaning assistance attachment for the optical connector cleaning tool described in claim 1, The cleaning attachment for an optical connector cleaning tool is characterized in that the cylindrical body is provided with a stopper that abuts against the optical connector cleaning tool and restricts the movement of the cleaning part in the insertion direction when the cleaning part is inserted into the internal space and the cleaning medium is in contact with the surface to be cleaned, which is the tip surface of the ferrule.

5. In the cleaning assistance attachment for the optical connector cleaning tool described in claim 4, The stopper is formed by the end of the guide path, and is an attachment for assisting the cleaning of an optical connector.

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