Optical connector cleaning tool

Abstract

An optical connector cleaning tool (100) is provided with: a cleaning shaft (160) provided with, at the tip thereof, a cleaning head (170) around which a cleaning body (105) is wound; a guide nozzle (190) that accommodates the cleaning shaft (160); and a case (120) that accommodates the base end portion of the guide nozzle (190) such that the guide nozzle (190) is allowed relative movement. The cleaning head (170), the guide nozzle (190), and the case (120) have conductivity. The cleaning head (170) and the guide nozzle (190) are electrically connected due to the cleaning head (170) and the guide nozzle (190) being partially in contact with each other. The guide nozzle (190) and the case (120) are electrically connected due to the guide nozzle (190) and the case (120) being partially in contact with each other.

Description

Optical connector cleaning tool

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector. For designated countries where incorporation by reference of literature is permitted, the content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-214965 filed in Japan on December 20, 2023 is incorporated by reference into this specification and made a part of the description of this specification.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A cleaning mechanism is known that removes deposits from a connection end face of an optical connector by rotating a cleaning rod in contact with the connection end face using a motor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-277681

[0004] In the above-mentioned cleaning mechanism, the cleaning rod is rotated while its tip is pressed against the connection end surface, so static electricity is generated, which can cause the connection end surface and the cleaning rod to become charged, and the charged connection end surface or cleaning rod can attract foreign matter.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an optical connector cleaning tool that can quickly dissipate static electricity generated during cleaning.

[0006] [1] Aspect 1 of the present invention is an optical connector cleaning tool for cleaning the connection end face of an optical connector, comprising: a cleaning shaft around which a cleaning body is hung and which has a cleaning head at its tip having a pressing surface that presses the cleaning body against the connection end face; a tubular member that houses the cleaning shaft; and a case that houses the base end portion of the tubular member so that the tubular member can move relative to the cleaning body. The cleaning head, the tubular member, and the case are conductive, and the cleaning head and the tubular member are electrically connected by partial contact between the cleaning head and the tubular member, and the tubular member and the case are electrically connected by partial contact between the tubular member and the case.

[0007] [2] Aspect 2 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to aspect 1, wherein the cleaning head or the tubular member is provided with a first elastic deformation portion that contacts the tubular member or the cleaning head and presses the tubular member or the cleaning head.

[0008] [3] Aspect 3 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to aspect 2, wherein the first elastic deformation portion includes a first leaf spring provided on the cleaning head, and the first leaf spring contacts a first inner surface of the tubular member and presses the first inner surface outward.

[0009] [4] A fourth aspect of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to the second or third aspect, wherein the first elastic deformation portion includes a second leaf spring provided on the tubular member, and the second leaf spring contacts a first outer surface of the cleaning head and presses the first outer surface inward.

[0010] [5] Aspect 5 of the present invention is directed to the optical connector cleaning tool of any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the pressing force F of the first elastic deformation portion that presses the cylindrical member or the cleaning head is ａ may be an optical connector cleaning tool that satisfies the following formula (1): 0.5 [N]<F ａ <12 [N] … (1)

[0011] [6] Aspect 6 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the tubular member or the case is provided with a second elastic deformation portion that contacts the case or the tubular member and presses the case or the tubular member.

[0012] [7] A seventh aspect of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to the sixth aspect, wherein the second elastic deformation portion includes a third leaf spring provided on the tubular member, and the third leaf spring contacts a second inner surface of the case and presses the second inner surface outward.

[0013] [8] Aspect 8 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool according to aspect 6 or 7, wherein the second elastic deformation portion includes a fourth leaf spring provided in the case, and the fourth leaf spring contacts a second outer surface of the tubular member and presses the second outer surface inward.

[0014] [9] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the pressing force F of the second elastic deformation portion that presses the case or the cylindrical member is ｂ may be an optical connector cleaning tool that satisfies the following formula (2): 0.5 [N]<F ｂ <12 [N] … (2)

[0015]

[10] Aspect 10 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool in any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the case is provided with a holding portion that is held by an operator who operates the optical connector cleaning tool.

[0016]

[11] Aspect 11 of the present invention may be an optical connector cleaning tool in any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the cleaning head, the tubular member, and the case are made of a conductive resin material.

[0017]

[12] Aspect 12 of the present invention is an optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the optical connector cleaning tool is an optical connector cleaning tool equipped with a supply and recovery mechanism that supplies the cleaning body to the pressing surface of the cleaning head and recovers the cleaning body from the pressing surface in accordance with the relative movement of the cylindrical member with respect to the case.

[0018] In the present invention, the cleaning head, the cylindrical member, and the case are conductive, and the cleaning head and the cylindrical member are electrically connected by partial contact between them, and the cylindrical member and the case are electrically connected by partial contact between them, so that static electricity generated during cleaning can be quickly dispersed via the conductive path consisting of the cleaning head, the cylindrical member, and the case.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a multi-fiber batch connection type optical connector that is the target of cleaning by an optical connector cleaning tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an extension member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cleaning head according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a conductive path of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2. FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing a modified example of the tip portion of the guide nozzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector cleaning tool taken along line VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 7(a). FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view showing a modified example of the case according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector cleaning tool taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 8(a). FIG. 9 is a front view showing a single-fiber connection type optical connector that is the target of cleaning by an optical connector cleaning tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an optical connector cleaning tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are a perspective view and a front view showing a cleaning head according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the tip portion of the cleaning head according to the second embodiment of the present invention, taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12(b). FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the conductive path of the optical connector cleaning tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention, taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 10. FIG. 15 is a side view showing a modified tip portion of the guide nozzle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a side view showing a modified case according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] <<First Embodiment>> An optical connector cleaning tool 100 in this embodiment is a cleaner that cleans the connection end faces of optical connectors that connect optical fibers together. The optical connector 10 that is the object to be cleaned by this optical connector cleaning tool 100 is a multi-fiber simultaneous connection type optical connector plug that simultaneously connects multiple optical fibers 13. Figure 1 is a front view showing the optical connector 10 that is the object to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 100 in this embodiment.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the optical connector 10 includes a ferrule 11 having a flat (rectangular) cross-sectional shape (end face shape). The ferrule 11 is a so-called MT (Mechanical Transferable) ferrule, and has a plurality of (e.g., 12) fiber holding holes aligned along the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the ferrule 11. Optical fibers 13 are inserted into the plurality of fiber holding holes, and the optical fibers 13 are fixed to the ferrule 11 with an adhesive. The plurality of optical fibers 13 are exposed from a connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11. The ferrule 11 is held in a housing 14. An MT ferrule as defined in JIS C 5981 or JIS C 5982 may be used as the ferrule 11.

[0023] When connecting a pair of optical connectors 10 each having the above-described ferrules 11, the pair of optical connectors 10 are inserted into insertion openings 16 on both sides of a sleeve-shaped adapter 15 (see FIG. 6 ). Then, by butting the connection end faces 12 of the ferrules 11 of the pair of optical connectors 10 together, the optical fibers 13 exposed from the connection end faces 12 of the ferrules 11 are optically connected. At this time, the guide pins 17 of one ferrule 11 are inserted into guide holes (not shown) of the other ferrule 11, thereby positioning the optical connectors 10 with high precision.

[0024] If foreign matter (contamination) such as dirt, dust, or oil adheres to the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 during this butting, it may cause damage during connection and disconnection, an increase in transmission loss, etc. Therefore, before connecting the optical connector 10, the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 is cleaned using an optical connector cleaning tool 100 described below. During this cleaning, the optical connector 10 to be cleaned is inserted into one insertion port 16 of an adapter 15, and the optical connector cleaning tool 100 is inserted into the other insertion port 16 of the adapter 15, thereby cleaning the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 of the optical connector 10.

[0025] The optical connector 10 described above is an optical connector plug used in a plug-adapter-plug coupling system, but the end face of the ferrule in an optical connector receptacle used in a plug-receptacle coupling system may also be cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 100 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.

[0026] 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 100, 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.

[0027] The configuration of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] First, the overall configuration of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 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 100 in this embodiment, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 in this embodiment.

[0029] The optical connector cleaning tool 100 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "cleaner 100") in this embodiment comprises a tool body 110 and an extension member 150 extending from the tool body 110, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0030] The extension member 150 protrudes forward (in the +Y direction in the figure) from the opening 121a of the case 120 of the tool body 110. The extension member 150 has a pressing surface 171a (described later) at its tip that presses the cleaning element 105 against the connection end surface 12 of the optical connector 10. The tool body 110 is equipped with bobbins 141, 145 (described later) that supply and retrieve the cleaning element 105 to the pressing surface 171a. The extension member 150 is capable of moving relative to the tool body 110 along its axial direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure).

[0031] As the cleaning element 105 moves on the pressing surface 171a in accordance with the relative movement between the tool body 110 and the extension member 150 (the movement of the tool body 110 advancing relative to the extension member 150), the cleaning element 105 slides while being pressed against the connection end face 12 of the optical connector 10, thereby making it possible to efficiently wipe off foreign matter adhering to the connection end face 12. In addition, as the relative movement (the movement of the tool body 110 retreating relative to the extension member 150) occurs, the used cleaning element 105 can be collected from the pressing surface 171a onto the take-up bobbin 141, and an unused cleaning element 105 can be supplied from the delivery bobbin 145 to the pressing surface 171a.

[0032] As described above, the optical connector 10 to be cleaned in this embodiment is a multi-fiber simultaneous connection type optical connector, and the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 of the optical connector 10 has a flat shape. Therefore, the cleaning body 105 is a long, thin, continuous strip (tape). The width of this cleaning body 105 is large enough to simultaneously wipe the end faces of all of the optical fibers 13 exposed at the connection end face 12 of the ferrule 11 and their surroundings (e.g., the areas between the guide pins 17). An example of such a tape-like cleaning body 105 is, but is not limited to, a woven fabric of ultrafine fibers made of polyester, nylon, or the like.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the tool body 110 of the cleaner 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0034] 3, the tool body 110 includes a case 120, a housing 130, a take-up bobbin 141, a pinion gear 142, a ratchet mechanism 143, a friction transmission mechanism 144, and a delivery bobbin 145. The case 120 corresponds to an example of the "case" in the aspects of the present invention.

[0035] The housing 130 is composed of a first housing 131 and a second housing 132. A take-up bobbin 141, a pinion gear 142, a ratchet mechanism 143, a friction transmission mechanism 144, and a delivery bobbin 145 are housed inside the housing 130. The first and second housings 131, 132 are made of, but are not limited to, a resin material. A fixing pin formed on the second housing 132 is fitted into a fixing cylinder formed on the first housing 131, thereby fixing the first housing 131 and the second housing 132 together.

[0036] The take-up bobbin 141 is a reel (cylindrical winding frame) for winding up the used cleaning element 105. The take-up bobbin 141 is rotatably supported on a support shaft portion of the first housing 131. When the tool body 110 moves backward relative to the extension member 150, the take-up bobbin 141 rotates, and the used cleaning element 105 used on the pressing surface 171 a is wound onto the take-up bobbin 141.

[0037] The pinion gear 142 is rotatably supported by the support shaft portion of the first housing 131 that supports the winding bobbin 141. That is, the pinion gear 142 is supported by the first housing 131 so as to be rotatable coaxially with the winding bobbin 141. The pinion gear 142 also meshes with a rack gear 186 (described later) of the extension member 150, and the pinion gear 142 and the rack gear 186 form a rack-and-pinion mechanism. This rack-and-pinion mechanism converts the linear motion of the extension member 150 relative to the tool body 110 into rotational motion.

[0038] The ratchet mechanism 143 allows rotation of the take-up bobbin 141 in one direction (the direction in which the take-up bobbin 141 winds up the cleaning element 105) while prohibiting rotation of the take-up bobbin 141 in the other direction. The friction transmission mechanism 144 transmits power by friction between the take-up bobbin 141 and the pinion gear 142. The friction transmission mechanism 144 limits the force transmitted between the take-up bobbin 141 and the pinion gear 142 to a predetermined value or less.

[0039] The feed bobbin 145 is a reel for supplying the cleaning element 105. An unused cleaning element 105 is wound around the feed bobbin 145. The feed bobbin 145 is rotatably supported by a support shaft portion of the first housing 131. As the tool body 110 moves backward relative to the extension member 150, an unused cleaning element 105 is pulled out from the feed bobbin 145 onto the pressing surface 171 a.

[0040] Guide tubes 146a to 146c are also provided within the housing 130. The guide tube 146a guides an unused cleaning element 105 supplied from the delivery bobbin 145 to the pressing surface 171a of the extension member 150. On the other hand, the guide tubes 146b and 146c guide a used cleaning element 105 that is collected from the pressing surface 171a of the extension member 150 onto the take-up bobbin 141.

[0041] The case 120 includes a front case 121 and a rear case 123. The housing 130 described above is covered by the case 120, and houses the take-up bobbin 141, pinion gear 142, ratchet mechanism 143, friction transmission mechanism 144, and delivery bobbin 145. The extension member 150 protrudes forward (in the +Y direction in the figure) from an opening 121a of the front case 121. The front case 121 is fixed to the housing 130 by fitting a protrusion 136 of the housing 130 into a hole 121b of the front case 121. Similarly, the front case 121 is fixed to the housing 130 by fitting a protrusion 137 of the housing 130 into a hole 123a of the rear case 123. An operator who cleans the optical connector 10 with the cleaner 100 operates the cleaner 100 by holding the case 120 with a hand 300 (see FIG. 2 ). Therefore, the case 120 corresponds to an example of the "holding portion" in this aspect of the present invention.

[0042] In this embodiment, the front case 121 and the rear case 123 are formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a specific example of the conductive material forming the front case 121 and the rear case 123 is a conductive resin material in which a conductive filler is dispersed in a resin material. In other words, the case 120 is a resin molded product having conductivity. By forming the case 120 from a conductive resin material, it is possible to stably ensure conductivity against wear and reduce the weight of the cleaner 100.

[0043] Specific examples of the conductive filler include, but are not limited to, carbon-based fillers or metal-based fillers. Specific examples of carbon-based fillers include carbon black, graphite, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. Specific examples of metal-based fillers include silver, copper, nickel, tin, aluminum, and stainless steel. Specific shapes of metal-based fillers include spherical, oval, granular, fibrous, flake, and dendritic shapes. Alternatively, a filler containing carbon and a metal (e.g., nickel-coated carbon fiber) or a filler containing multiple metals (e.g., silver-plated aluminum powder) may be used as the conductive filler. Specific examples of the resin material include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polyacetal (POM), ABS resin, polycarbonate (PC), and polypropylene (PP).

[0044] The front case 121 and the rear case 123 may be molded resin products with a metal plating layer formed on the surface, or may be made of a metal material.

[0045] Next, the configuration of the extension member 150 of the cleaner 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the extension member 150 in this embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the cleaning head 170 in this embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 2, showing the conductive path 101 of the cleaner 100 in this embodiment.

[0046] 4, the extension member 150 includes a cleaning shaft 160, a first coil spring 165, and a guide nozzle 190. The cleaning shaft 160 corresponds to an example of the "cleaning shaft" in this aspect of the present invention, and the guide nozzle 190 corresponds to an example of the "cylindrical member" in this aspect of the present invention.

[0047] The cleaning shaft 160 is a member (pressing member) for pressing the cleaning body 105 against the connection end surface 12 of the optical connector 10. The cleaning shaft 160 is a long member extending along the longitudinal axis direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure) of the extension member 150, and includes a cleaning head (head member) 170, a second coil spring 175, and a rack shaft (support member) 180.

[0048] The cleaning head 170 is a member that forms the tip portion of the cleaning shaft 160. As shown in Figure 5, the cleaning head 170 includes a pressing portion 171, a neck portion (tilting portion) 172, a support portion 173, and an insertion portion 174.

[0049] In this embodiment, the cleaning head 170 is formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a specific example of the conductive material forming the cleaning head 170 is a conductive resin material. Specific examples of this conductive resin material include those listed as specific examples of the conductive resin material forming the case 120 described above. That is, the cleaning head 170 is a conductive resin molded product. By forming the cleaning head 170 from a conductive resin material, conductivity is stably ensured against wear and damage to the optical connector 10 can be suppressed. The pressing portion 171, neck portion 172, support portion 173, and insertion portion 174 of the cleaning head 170 are integrally formed. The cleaning head 170 may be a resin molded product with a metal plating layer formed on its surface. Alternatively, the cleaning head 170 may be formed of a metal material.

[0050] The pressing portion 171 has a pressing surface 171a at its tip that presses the cleaning element 105 against the connection end surface of the optical connector 10. The cleaning element 105, which is supplied from the delivery bobbin 145 and collected on the take-up bobbin 141, is wound around the cleaning shaft 160 so as to bend back at the pressing surface 171a. The cleaning element 105, which is supplied from the delivery bobbin 145 to the pressing surface 171a, moves downward (in the -Z direction in the figure) on the pressing surface 171a (see arrow A in FIG. 3). The pressing portion 171 is connected to a support portion 173 via a neck portion 172.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, the support portion 173 of the cleaning head 170 includes a pair of leaf springs 173a. The pair of leaf springs 173a are provided on both sides of the support portion 173. The pair of leaf springs 173a protrude in an arc shape toward the side (the X direction in the figure) and in opposite directions. As shown in FIG. 6 , the pair of leaf springs 173a are disposed in the tip portion 192 of the guide nozzle 190 in an elastically deformed state. The leaf springs 173a contact the inner surface 190a of the inner hole of the tip portion 192 of the guide nozzle 190, pressing the tip portion 192 outward. The leaf springs 173a correspond to an example of a “first leaf spring” in this aspect of the present invention. The inner surface 190a also corresponds to an example of a “first inner surface” in this aspect of the present invention, and “outward” in this case refers to the direction from the cleaning head 170 toward the guide nozzle 190. It should be noted that the cleaning head 170 may be provided with an elastic body other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf spring 173 a, and this elastic body may come into contact with the guide nozzle 190 and press the guide nozzle 190 .

[0052] In a comparative cleaner in which the cleaning head does not have the leaf spring 173a, a relatively large clearance is secured between the cleaning head and the guide nozzle to allow the cleaning head to move relative to the guide nozzle, which increases the electrical contact resistance between the cleaning head and the guide nozzle, making it difficult to stably form a conductive path between them.

[0053] In contrast, in this embodiment, the cleaning head 170 and the guide nozzle 190 are conductive, and the cleaning head 170 and the guide nozzle 190 are securely in contact with each other by the leaf spring 173a. Therefore, the cleaning head 170 and the guide nozzle 190 are stably electrically connected via the leaf spring 173a, and stable conduction is achieved between the cleaning head 170 and the guide nozzle 190. That is, as shown in FIG. 6 , the leaf spring 173a stably forms an electrical conductive path 101 that runs from the cleaning head 170 to the guide nozzle 190. Note that in this embodiment, "electrically connected" means that the electrical resistance R between the mutually contacting members is 1.0×10３ [Ω] or more 1.0×10 ８ [Ω] or less (1.0 × 10 ３ [Ω]≦R≦1.0×10 ８ [Ω]).

[0054] The pressing force F of the leaf spring 173a of the cleaning head 170 against the guide nozzle 190 ａ１ It is preferable that the pressing force F satisfies the following formula (3). ａ１ If the pressing force F is less than 0.5 N, the electrical connection between the cleaning head 170 and the guide nozzle 190 may become unstable. ａ１ If the force exceeds 12 N, the contact between the cleaning head 170 and the guide nozzle 190 will be too strong, making it difficult for them to slide, or the sliding may cause them to wear out and generate dust.

[0055] 0.5 [N] < F ａ１ <12 [N] … (3)

[0056] 5, an insertion portion 174 is connected to the rear side of the support portion 173. The insertion portion 174 is a portion that is inserted into the tip portion 181 of the rack shaft 180, and has a plate-like shape that is narrower than the support portion 173. At the rear end of the insertion portion 174, a cylindrical shaft portion 174a that protrudes rearward (in the -Y direction in the figure) is formed, and a protrusion 174b that protrudes sideways (in the X-axis direction in the figure) is formed.

[0057] 4 and 6 , the second coil spring 175 is interposed between the cleaning head 170 and the rack shaft 180 with the shaft 174a of the cleaning head 170 inserted into the second coil spring 175. The second coil spring 175 biases the cleaning head 170 forward relative to the rack shaft 180. This allows the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170 to press the cleaning element 105 against the connection end face 12 of the optical connector 10 with an appropriate pressing force.

[0058] The rack shaft 180 is a member that supports the cleaning head 170 so that it can move in the front-to-rear direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). As shown in Figure 4, the rack shaft 180 includes a tip portion 181, a body portion 182, a shoulder portion 183, and an arm portion 185. Although not particularly limited, for example, the rack shaft 180 is made of a resin material, and the tip portion 181, body portion 182, shoulder portion 183, and arm portion 185 are integrally formed.

[0059] The tip 181 of the rack shaft 180 is formed with an insertion groove 181a and a window 181b. The insertion groove 181a is a groove that opens at the tip of the rack shaft 180. The insertion portion 174 of the cleaning head 170 is inserted into this insertion groove 181a so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). Furthermore, the window 181b opens from the insertion groove 181a to the side surface of the tip 181. A protrusion 174b of the insertion portion 174 of the cleaning head 170 is inserted into this window 181b. The cleaning head 170 is guided in the front-to-rear direction by the insertion groove 181a, and the window 181b prevents the cleaning head 170, which is biased by the second coil spring 175, from falling out forward (the +Y direction in the figure). Here, the Y-axis direction in the figure is the direction in which the cleaner 100 is inserted into and removed from the adapter 15 during cleaning, as well as the direction of relative movement of the extension member 150 relative to the case 120, the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the cleaning shaft 160, and the pressing direction in which the cleaning head 170 presses the pressing surface 171a via the cleaning body 105.

[0060] The body portion 182 is connected to the rear side of the tip portion 181. The body portion 182 has a columnar shape and is a long portion that extends along the axial direction of the extension member 150 (the Y-axis direction in the figure). The rear portion of the body portion 182 is disposed within the housing 130 of the tool body 110, while the other portion of the body portion 182 extends forward from the housing 130 (the +Y direction in the figure). The upper and lower surfaces of the body portion 182 function as guide surfaces that guide the cleaning element 105 that is supplied to and collected from the pressing surface 171 a of the cleaning head 170.

[0061] A pair of shoulders 183 of the rack shaft 180 are connected to the rear end of the body 182 of the rack shaft 180. Each shoulder 183 protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the drawing) from the rear end of the body 182 and is disposed in the window 133 (see FIG. 3) of the first and second housings 131 and 132.

[0062] Furthermore, a protrusion 184 that protrudes laterally (in the X-axis direction in the drawing) is formed on the shoulder 183. When the shoulder 183 is disposed within the window 133 of the housings 131, 132, the protrusion 184 protrudes from the window 133 and is fitted into a window 197 (described below) of the guide nozzle 190.

[0063] The pair of arms 185 are connected to the underside of the shoulder 183 and extend rearward (in the −Y direction in the drawing) from the shoulder 183. The arms 185 are housed in the housing portions 134 (see FIG. 3) of the first and second housings 131 and 132, respectively.

[0064] A retaining hole 185a is formed at the front end of the pair of arms 185. A pin 187 is inserted into this retaining hole 185a, and a roll 188 is rotatably supported by this pin 187. The used cleaning element 105 guided along the underside of the body 182 is guided toward the take-up bobbin 141 by this roll 188 and the guide tubes 146b and 146c of the tool main body 110. The cleaning element 105 is folded back by the roll 188 and also by the guide tube 146b, and is guided toward the take-up bobbin 141 in the order of the roll 188, guide tube 146b, and guide tube 146c.

[0065] A rack gear 186 is formed on the rear portion of each arm portion 185. The rack gear 186 is engaged with the pinion gear 142 to form a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0066] The guide nozzle 190 is a cylindrical member having a cylindrical portion 191, a pair of plate portions 196, and a pair of leaf spring portions 198. The rear end portion (base end portion) of the guide nozzle 190 is housed in the case 120. Specifically, the rear end portion of the main body portion 195 (described below) of the cylindrical portion 191 of the guide nozzle 190, the plate portions 196, and the leaf spring portions 198 are housed in the case 120. Meanwhile, the tip end portion of the main body portion 195 of the cylindrical portion 191 of the guide nozzle 190 and the tip portion 192 (described below) protrude forward (in the +Y direction in the figure) from an opening 121 a of the case 120.

[0067] In this embodiment, the guide nozzle 190 is formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a specific example of the conductive material forming the guide nozzle 190 is a conductive resin material. Specific examples of this conductive resin material include those listed as specific examples of the conductive resin material forming the case 120 described above. That is, the guide nozzle 190 is a resin-molded product having conductivity. By forming the guide nozzle 190 from a conductive resin material, conductivity is stably ensured against wear, and the weight of the cleaner 100 can be reduced. The cylindrical portion 191, plate portion 196, and leaf spring portion 198 of the guide nozzle 190 are integrally formed. The guide nozzle 190 may be a resin-molded product with a metal plating layer formed on its surface. Alternatively, the guide nozzle 190 may be formed of a metal material.

[0068] The cylindrical portion 191 has a tip portion 192 that is inserted into the adapter 15 when cleaning the optical connector 10, and a main body portion 195 that is connected to the rear side of the tip portion 192. The cylindrical portion 191 has an inner hole that passes through in its axial direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure), and the cleaning shaft 160 and the first coil spring 165 are housed in the inner hole.

[0069] 2 and 3, the support portion 173 of the cleaning head 170 is housed in the inner hole of the tip end 192 of the tubular portion 191. The pressing portion 171 of the cleaning head 170, which is connected to the support portion 173 via the neck portion 172, protrudes forward (in the +Y direction in the figures) from an opening 192a in the inner hole of the tip end 192 of the tubular portion 191. In contrast, the shoulder portion 183 and arm portion 185 of the rack shaft 180 protrude backward (in the -Y direction in the figures) from an opening 195a (see FIG. 4) on the rear side of the main body portion 195 of the tubular portion 191 of the guide nozzle 190.

[0070] 4, 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 165 is interposed between this tapered portion 195b and the front surface 135 (see FIG. 3) of the housing 130. This first coil spring 165 biases the guide nozzle 190 in a direction away from the tool main body 110 (the +Y direction in the drawing).

[0071] The pair of plate portions 196 protrude laterally (in the X-axis direction in the figure) from the rear end of the main body portion 195. Each plate portion 196 extends along the longitudinal direction of the guide nozzle 190 (in the Y-direction in the figure), and the pair of plate portions 196 extend parallel to each other. A window 197 is formed in each plate portion 196. The protrusion 184 of the rack shaft 180 protruding from the housing 130 fits into this window 197, thereby fixing the rack shaft 180 and the guide nozzle 190 to each other.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a leaf spring portion 198 extends further rearward (in the -Y direction in the figure) from the rear end of each plate portion 196. Each leaf spring portion 198 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the guide nozzle 190 (in the Y direction in the figure). The pair of leaf spring portions 198 face each other with a gap between them and are angled in opposite directions. The pair of leaf spring portions 198 extend so as to move away from each other toward the rear end of the guide nozzle 190, and the distance between the pair of leaf spring portions 198 increases toward the rear end of the guide nozzle 190.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6 , the pair of leaf springs 198 are disposed in the case 120 in an elastically deformed state. Each leaf spring 198 is interposed between the case 120 and the housing 130. The pair of leaf springs 198 contact the inner surface 121c of the front case 121, and the leaf springs 198 press the case 120 outward. The leaf springs 198 correspond to an example of a "third leaf spring" in this aspect of the present invention. The inner surface 121c corresponds to an example of a "second inner surface" in this aspect of the present invention, and "outward" in this case refers to the direction from the guide nozzle 190 toward the case 120. Note that the guide nozzle 190 may be provided with an elastic body other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf springs 198, and the elastic body may contact the case 120 and press the case 120.

[0074] In the cleaner of the comparative example, in which the guide nozzle does not have the above-mentioned leaf spring portion 198, a relatively large clearance is secured between the guide nozzle and the case to allow the guide nozzle to move relative to the case, which increases the electrical contact resistance between the guide nozzle and the case, making it difficult to stably form a conductive path between them.

[0075] In contrast, in this embodiment, the guide nozzle 190 and the case 120 are conductive, and the guide nozzle 190 and the case 120 are securely in contact with each other via the leaf spring portion 198. Therefore, the guide nozzle 190 and the case 120 are stably electrically connected via the leaf spring portion 198, and stable conduction is achieved between the guide nozzle 190 and the case 120. In other words, an electrically conductive path 101 leading from the guide nozzle 190 to the case 120 as shown in FIG. 6 is stably formed.

[0076] The pressing force F of the leaf spring portion 198 of the guide nozzle 190 against the case 120 ｂ１ It is preferable that the pressing force F satisfies the following formula (4). ｂ１ If the pressing force F is less than 0.5 N, the electrical connection between the guide nozzle 190 and the case 120 may become unstable. ｂ１If the force exceeds 12 N, the contact between the guide nozzle 190 and the case 120 will be too strong, making it difficult for them to slide, or the sliding may cause them to wear out and generate dust.

[0077] 0.5 [N] < F ｂ１ <12 [N] … (4)

[0078] Cleaning of the optical connector 10 using the cleaner 100 described above is carried out in the following manner.

[0079] First, the operator inserts the tip of the extension member 150 of the cleaner 100 into the insertion port 16 of the adapter 15. This causes the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170 to press the cleaning body 105 against the connection end surface 12 of the ferrule 11. Next, when the operator presses the tool body 110 against the extension member 150, the first coil spring 165 contracts and the gap between the roll 188 of the extension member 150 and the guide tube 146b of the tool body 110 widens by a predetermined length.

[0080] Therefore, the length of the cleaning element 105 existing between the supply-side guide tube 146a and the roll 188 is shortened by a predetermined length, while the length of the cleaning element 105 existing between the guide tube 146b and the roll 188 is lengthened by a predetermined length. As a result, the cleaning element 105 on the pressing surface 171a is pulled toward the take-up bobbin 141 side (recovery side), and the cleaning element 105 slides while being pressed against the connection end surface 12 of the ferrule 11, wiping off foreign matter adhering to the connection end surface 12.

[0081] At this time, static electricity may be generated as the cleaning element 105 slides on the connecting end surface 12. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the leaf spring 173a of the cleaning head 170 presses against the inner surface 190a of the guide nozzle 190, forming an electrical conductive path 101 that runs from the cleaning head 170 to the guide nozzle 190. In addition, the leaf spring portion 198 of the guide nozzle 190 presses against the inner surface 121c of the case 120, forming an electrical conductive path 101 that runs from the guide nozzle 190 to the case 120.

[0082] That is, a conductive path 101 consisting of the cleaning head 170, guide nozzle 190, and case 120 is formed between the pressing surface 171a and the case 120. Therefore, static electricity generated by the sliding of the cleaning element 105 and the connecting end surface 12 flows to the case 120 via this conductive path 101. Since the case 120 is held by the operator's hand 300, static electricity can be released from the cleaner 100 to the operator's body. Note that an earth wire may be connected to the case 120, and the case 120 may be grounded via the earth wire.

[0083] When the operator pushes the tool body 110, the rack gear 186 rotates the pinion gear 142. However, the ratchet mechanism 143 and the friction transmission mechanism 144 cause the pinion gear 142 to rotate freely, so the take-up bobbin 141 does not rotate.

[0084] Next, when the operator releases the tool body 110 from being pressed against the extension member 150, the elastic force of the first coil spring 165 causes the tool body 110 to retreat relative to the extension member 150, and the distance between the roll 188 of the extension member 150 and the guide tube 146b of the tool body 110 becomes shorter by a predetermined length, and at the same time, the rack gear 186 rotates the pinion gear 142. The rotational force of this pinion gear 142 is transmitted to the take-up bobbin 141 via the friction transmission mechanism 144, causing the take-up bobbin 141 to rotate, and the used cleaning element 105 is wound onto the take-up bobbin 141.

[0085] At the same time, the length of the cleaning element 105 between the supply-side guide tube 146a and the roll 188 increases by a predetermined length. At this time, the distance between the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170 and the roll 188 is constant, and the cleaning element 105 is wound around the pressing surface 171a of the cleaning head 170, so that an unused cleaning element 105 of a length corresponding to the predetermined length is sent out from the delivery bobbin 145.

[0086] When cleaning is complete, the operator removes the cleaner 100 from the adapter 15 by pulling the extension member 150 out of the insertion opening 16 of the adapter 15 .

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaning head 170, guide nozzle 190, and case 120 are conductive. The cleaning head 170 and guide nozzle 190 are electrically connected by being in partial contact with each other, and the guide nozzle 190 and case 120 are electrically connected by being in partial contact with each other. Therefore, static electricity generated during cleaning can be quickly dispersed via the conductive path 101 consisting of the cleaning head 170, guide nozzle 190, and case 120.

[0088] However, if a conductive path is formed inside the cleaner, such as in the cleaning head, rack shaft, pinion gear, housing, and case, the contact between the pinion gear and the support shaft of the housing that supports the pinion gear becomes unstable, resulting in high electrical contact resistance between them.On the other hand, if the electrical contact resistance between the pinion gear and the support shaft is reduced, it becomes difficult for the pinion gear to rotate, making it difficult for the cleaner to operate.

[0089] In contrast, in this embodiment, the conductive path 101 is formed on the outer parts of the cleaner 100, such as the cleaning head 170, the guide nozzle 190, and the case 120, so that the conductive path 101 can be stably secured without interfering with the operation of the cleaner 100.

[0090] 7(a) and 7(b), a leaf spring 193 may be provided at the tip 192 of the guide nozzle 190. Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view showing a modified example of the tip portion of the guide nozzle 190 in this embodiment, and Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 taken along line VIIB-VIIB of 7(a).

[0091] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), a pair of leaf springs 193 are provided on the side surfaces of the tip portion 192 so as to face each other. A substantially U-shaped slit 194 is formed around the leaf spring 193 at the tip portion 192, allowing the leaf spring 193 to be elastically deformable. Each leaf spring 193 has a protrusion 193a at its tip that protrudes inward. The pair of leaf springs 193 face each other with a gap between them, and the support portion 173 of the cleaning head 170 is sandwiched between the protrusions 193a of the pair of leaf springs 193.

[0092] The protrusions 193a of the pair of leaf springs 193 contact the outer surfaces 173b of the support portion 173 of the cleaning head 170, and the leaf springs 193 press the support portion 173 of the cleaning head 170 inward. Therefore, the leaf springs 193 ensure reliable contact between the guide nozzle 190 and the cleaning head 170, and the guide nozzle 190 and the cleaning head 170 are stably electrically connected via the leaf springs 193, ensuring stable conduction between the guide nozzle 190 and the cleaning head 170. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7B , an electrical conduction path 101 leading from the cleaning head 170 to the guide nozzle 190 is stably formed via the leaf springs 193. The leaf springs 193 correspond to an example of a "second leaf spring" in this aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, this outer surface 173b corresponds to an example of the "first outer surface" in this aspect of the present invention, and the "inner side" in this case is the direction from the guide nozzle 190 toward the cleaning head 170.

[0093] Note that if the guide nozzle 190 is equipped with the leaf spring 193, the support part 173 of the cleaning head 170 does not need to be equipped with the leaf spring 173a, as shown in Figure 7(b). In this case, the support part 173 of the cleaning head 170 has a rectangular planar shape. Also, instead of the leaf spring 193, the guide nozzle 190 may be equipped with an elastic body other than a leaf spring, and this elastic body may come into contact with the cleaning head 170 and press the cleaning head 170.

[0094] 8(a) and 8(b), a leaf spring 122 may be provided at the tip portion of the front case 121. Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view showing a modified example of the case 120 in this embodiment, and Fig. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector cleaning tool 100 taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in Fig. 8(a).

[0095] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), a pair of leaf springs 122 are provided on the side surfaces of the front case 121 so as to face each other. A substantially U-shaped slit 121d is formed around the leaf spring 122 in the front case 121, allowing the leaf spring 122 to be elastically deformable. Each leaf spring 122 has a protrusion 122a at its tip that protrudes inward. The pair of leaf springs 122 face each other with a gap between them, and the guide nozzle 190 is sandwiched between the protrusions 122a of the pair of leaf springs 122.

[0096] The protrusions 122a of a pair of leaf springs 122 contact the outer surface 190b of the guide nozzle 190, and the leaf springs 122 press the guide nozzle 190 inward. Therefore, the leaf springs 122 ensure reliable contact between the case 120 and the guide nozzle 190, providing a stable electrical connection between the case 120 and the guide nozzle 190 via the leaf springs 122, ensuring stable conduction between the case 120 and the guide nozzle 190. That is, as shown in FIG. 8B , an electrical conduction path 101 is stably formed from the guide nozzle 190 to the case 120 via the leaf springs 122. The leaf springs 122 correspond to an example of a "fourth leaf spring" in this aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, the outer surface 190b corresponds to an example of a "second outer surface" in this aspect of the present invention. In this case, the "inner side" refers to the direction from the case 120 toward the guide nozzle 190.

[0097] 8(b), when the case 120 is provided with the leaf spring 122, the guide nozzle 190 does not need to be provided with the leaf spring portion 198. Furthermore, the case 120 may be provided with an elastic body other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf spring 122, and this elastic body may come into contact with the guide nozzle 190 and press the guide nozzle 190.

[0098] Second Embodiment The optical connector 20 to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a single-fiber connection type optical connector plug. Figure 9 is a front view showing the single-fiber connection type optical connector 20 to be cleaned by the optical connector cleaning tool 200 according to this embodiment.

[0099] 9, the optical connector 20 includes a cylindrical ferrule 21 and a housing 24 that houses the ferrule 21. The ferrule 21 has a fiber holding hole that penetrates the ferrule 21 in the longitudinal direction. An optical fiber 23 is inserted into the fiber holding hole and fixed to the ferrule 21 with an adhesive or the like. The optical fiber 23 is exposed from a circular connection end face 22 of the ferrule 21.

[0100] Although not particularly limited, specific examples of such optical connectors 20 include single-fiber optical connectors such as an SC (Single-fiber Coupling) connector defined in JIS C5973, an FC (Fiber Connector) connector defined in JIS C5970, an MU (Miniature Universal) connector defined in JIS C 5983, and an LC (Lucent Connector) connector.

[0101] An adapter is used to connect a pair of optical connectors 20 each having the above-described ferrules 21. Specifically, the pair of optical connectors 20 are inserted through openings on both sides of the adapter, and the ferrules 21 are inserted into openings on both sides of a sleeve 25 (see FIG. 13 ) provided in the adapter. Then, by butting the connection end faces 22 of the pair of ferrules 21 together in the sleeve 25, the optical fibers 23 exposed from the connection end faces 22 of the ferrules 21 are optically connected. Before connecting the optical connectors 20, the connection end faces 22 of the ferrules 21 are cleaned using an optical connector cleaning tool 200 described below to remove foreign matter adhering to the connection end faces 22 of the ferrules 21.

[0102] As in the first embodiment, in an optical connector receptacle used in a plug-receptacle coupling system, the connection end face of a ferrule may be cleaned using the optical connector cleaning tool 200 described below. Alternatively, by inserting an optical connector plug into a cap attached to the tip of the optical connector cleaning tool 200, the connection end face of the optical connector plug alone when not inserted into an adapter may be cleaned.

[0103] The configuration of the optical connector cleaning tool 200 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0104] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the optical connector cleaning tool 200 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the optical connector cleaning tool 200 according to this embodiment. Figs. 12(a) and 12(b) are a perspective view and a front view showing a cleaning head 270 according to this embodiment. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the tip portion of the cleaning head 270 according to this embodiment, taken along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12(b). Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the conductive path 201 of the optical connector cleaning tool 200 according to this embodiment, taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 10.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the optical connector cleaning tool 200 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the “cleaner 200”) in this embodiment includes a case 220, a cleaning unit 230, and a first coil spring 265.

[0106] The cleaning unit 230 is housed in the case 220 so that the cleaning unit 230 is movable relative to the case 220 along the Y-axis direction in the figure. A first coil spring 265 is interposed between the cleaning unit 230 and the case 220 and biases the cleaning unit 230 in the +Y direction in the figure. The cleaning unit 230 includes a take-up bobbin 241, a pinion gear 242, a delivery bobbin 245, a support 247, a cleaning shaft 260, and a guide nozzle 290. The cleaner 200 cleans the optical connector 20 by pressing a cleaning element 205 (see FIGS. 12B and 13 ) wound around the cleaning shaft 260 against the connection end surface 22 of the ferrule 21 of the optical connector 20 with a pressing surface 271 a (described below) of the cleaning shaft 260.

[0107] The case 220 corresponds to an example of a "case" in this aspect of the present invention, the cleaning shaft 260 corresponds to an example of a "cleaning shaft" in this aspect of the present invention, and the guide nozzle 290 corresponds to an example of a "cylindrical member" in this aspect of the present invention.

[0108] The cleaning element 205 is a continuous piece of cleaning cloth processed into a thread or string shape. Specific examples of cleaning cloth include nonwoven or woven fabrics made of ultrafine fibers such as polyester or nylon. The cleaning element 205 in this embodiment has a circular cross-sectional shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning element 205 may be polygonal. Furthermore, although not limited thereto, the cleaning element 205 has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.3 mm. A narrow, tape-like continuous piece formed by processing the cleaning cloth into a strip may also be used as the cleaning element 205.

[0109] The cleaning shaft 260 is a long member for pressing the cleaning element 205 against the connection end surface 22 of the optical connector 20. The cleaning element 205 is wound around the cleaning shaft 260 so as to be folded back at the pressing surface 271a. An unused cleaning element 205 is wound around the delivery bobbin 245. The unused cleaning element 205 is supplied to the cleaning shaft 260 from the delivery bobbin 245. The cleaning element 205 used on the pressing surface 271a is then collected by the take-up bobbin 241. The cleaning shaft 260 includes a cleaning head (head member) 270, a second coil spring 275, and a shaft member 280.

[0110] The cleaning head 270 is a member that forms the tip portion of the cleaning shaft 260. As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the cleaning head 270 includes a pressing portion 271, a flange portion 273, and an insertion portion 274.

[0111] In this embodiment, the cleaning head 270 is formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a specific example of the conductive material forming the cleaning head 270 is a conductive resin material. Specific examples of this conductive resin material include those listed as specific examples of the conductive resin material forming the case 120 described above. That is, the cleaning head 270 is a resin-molded product having conductivity. By forming the cleaning head 270 from a conductive resin material, conductivity is stably ensured against wear and damage to the optical connector 20 can be suppressed. The pressing portion 271, flange portion 273, and insertion portion 274 of the cleaning head 270 are integrally formed. The cleaning head 270 may be a resin-molded product with a metal plating layer formed on its surface. Alternatively, the cleaning head 270 may be formed of a metal material.

[0112] 12(a) to 13, the pressing portion 271 has a pressing surface 271a at its tip that presses the cleaning body 205 against the connection end surface 22 of the optical connector 20. This pressing surface 271a has a shape (circular in this embodiment) that corresponds to the shape of the connection end surface 22 of the ferrule 21 of the optical connector 20 to be cleaned.

[0113] A pair of guide holes 271b, 271c are formed in this pressing surface 271a, allowing the cleaning element 205 to pass through the inside of the cleaning shaft 260. An unused cleaning element 205 fed from the feed bobbin 245 passes through the inside of the cleaning shaft 260 and one of the guide holes 271b, and is supplied to the pressing surface 271a. The cleaning element 205 supplied to this pressing surface 271a moves on the pressing surface 271a toward the other guide hole 271c. Then, a used cleaning element 205 passes through the other guide hole 271c and the inside of the cleaning shaft 260, and is taken up onto the take-up bobbin 241.

[0114] A flange portion 273 is connected to the rear side of the pressing portion 271. The flange portion 273 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the pressing portion 271 and the diameter of the insertion portion 274. The tip end of the second coil spring 275 contacts the flange portion 273. When the cleaner is not in use (when the cleaning head 270 is not pressing against the connection end face of the optical connector 200), the flange portion 273 contacts the inner convex portion 290c (see FIG. 14) at the tip of the guide nozzle 290.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 12( a) and 12(b), in this embodiment, the flange portion 273 includes a pair of leaf springs 273a. Each leaf spring 273a is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the flange portion 273 and has a protrusion 273b at its tip. The protrusions 273b of the pair of leaf springs 273a protrude in opposite directions. As shown in FIG. 14, the pair of leaf springs 273a are disposed in the guide nozzle 290 in an elastically deformed state, with the protrusions 273b of the leaf springs 273a contacting the inner surface 290a of the guide nozzle 290 and the leaf springs 273a pressing the guide nozzle 290 outward. The leaf springs 273a correspond to an example of a "first leaf spring" in this aspect of the present invention. The inner surface 290a also corresponds to an example of a "first inner surface" in this aspect of the present invention, and "outward" in this case refers to the direction from the cleaning head 270 toward the guide nozzle 290. It should be noted that the cleaning head 270 may be provided with an elastic body other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf spring 273 a, and this elastic body may come into contact with the guide nozzle 290 and press the guide nozzle 290 .

[0116] In this embodiment, the cleaning head 270 and guide nozzle 290 are conductive, and the leaf spring 273a ensures reliable contact between the cleaning head 270 and the guide nozzle 290. This provides a stable electrical connection between the cleaning head 270 and the guide nozzle 290 via the leaf spring 273a, ensuring stable conduction between the cleaning head 270 and the guide nozzle 290. In other words, an electrically conductive path 201 running from the cleaning head 270 to the guide nozzle 290, as shown in FIG. 14 , is stably formed.

[0117] The pressing force F of the leaf spring 273a of the cleaning head 270 against the guide nozzle 290 ａ２ It is preferable that the pressing force F satisfies the following formula (5). ａ２ If the pressing force F is less than 0.5 N, the electrical connection between the cleaning head 270 and the guide nozzle 290 may become unstable. ａ２If the force exceeds 12 N, the contact between the cleaning head 270 and the guide nozzle 290 will be too strong, making it difficult for them to slide, or the sliding may cause them to wear out and generate dust.

[0118] 0.5 [N] < F ａ２ <12 [N] … (5)

[0119] An insertion portion 274 is connected to the rear side of this flange portion 273. The insertion portion 274 is a portion that is inserted into the tip portion of the shaft member 280. A protrusion 274a (see FIG. 14) that protrudes sideways (in the X-axis direction in the drawing) is formed at the rear end portion of this insertion portion 174.

[0120] 11 , the shaft member 280 includes a shaft main body 281 and an expanded diameter portion 282. Both the shaft main body 281 and the expanded diameter portion 282 have a cylindrical shape, and the expanded diameter portion 282 is connected to the rear end of the shaft main body 281. Although not particularly limited, the shaft member 280 is made of, for example, a resin material, and the shaft main body 281 and the expanded diameter portion 282 are integrally formed.

[0121] The cleaning head 270 is supported by the shaft body 281 so that the cleaning head 270 can move relative to the shaft body 281 along the Y-axis direction in the figure. As shown in Figure 14, an insertion hole 281a and a window 281b are formed at the tip of the shaft body 281. The insertion hole 281a is a hole that opens at the tip of the shaft body 281, and the insertion portion 274 of the cleaning head 270 is inserted into this insertion hole 281a so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). Furthermore, the window 281b opens from the insertion hole 281a to the side surface of the shaft body 281, and the protrusion 274a of the insertion portion 274 is inserted into this window 281b. Here, the Y-axis direction in the figure is the direction in which the cleaner 200 is inserted into or removed from the adapter during cleaning, as well as the direction of relative movement of the cleaning unit 230 relative to the case 220, the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the cleaning shaft 260, and the pressing direction in which the cleaning head 270 presses the pressing surface 271a via the cleaning body 205.

[0122] The second coil spring 275 is interposed between the flange portion 273 of the cleaning head 270 and the shaft body 281. This second coil spring 275 urges the cleaning head 270 forward relative to the shaft body 281, allowing the pressing surface 271 a of the cleaning head 270 to press the cleaning body 205 against the connection end face 22 of the optical connector 20 with an appropriate pressing force.

[0123] A spiral cam groove 282a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the expanded diameter portion 282. This cam groove 282a, together with a cam pin 224 of the case 220 (described later), constitutes a rotation mechanism that rotates the cleaning shaft 260. This rotation mechanism rotates the cleaning shaft 260 about a rotation axis RA (see FIGS. 12(b) and 13) that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning shaft 260, in accordance with the relative movement of the support body 247 with respect to the case 220.

[0124] The take-up bobbin 241 is a reel (cylindrical winding frame) for winding up the used cleaning element 205. The take-up bobbin 241 is rotatably supported on a support shaft portion of the support body 247. As the cleaning unit 230 moves relative to the case 220, the take-up bobbin 241 rotates, and the used cleaning element 205 that has been used on the pressing surface 271 a is wound onto the take-up bobbin 241.

[0125] The pinion gear 242 is rotatably supported by the support shaft portion of the support 247 that supports the take-up bobbin 241. That is, the pinion gear 242 is supported by the support 247 so as to be rotatable coaxially with the take-up bobbin 241. The pinion gear 242 also meshes with a rack gear 225 (described later) of the case 220, and the rack gear 225 and the pinion gear 242 form a rack-and-pinion mechanism. This rack-and-pinion mechanism converts the linear motion of the cleaning unit 230 relative to the case 220 into rotational motion, and the pinion gear 242 rotates the take-up bobbin 241.

[0126] Although not shown, the cleaning unit 230 is provided with a rotation limiting mechanism that allows rotation of the take-up bobbin 241 in one direction (the direction in which the take-up bobbin 241 takes up the cleaning element 205) but prohibits rotation in the other direction of the take-up bobbin 241. Furthermore, although not shown, the cleaning unit 230 is provided with a transmission mechanism that transmits rotation in only one direction from the pinion gear 242 to the take-up bobbin 241.

[0127] The supply bobbin 245 is a reel for supplying the cleaning element 205. An unused cleaning element 205 is wound around the supply bobbin 245. The supply bobbin 245 is rotatably supported on a support shaft of the support body 247. As the cleaning unit 230 moves relative to the case 220, an unused cleaning element 205 is pulled out from the supply bobbin 245 onto the pressing surface 271 a.

[0128] The support body 247 is a member that supports the cleaning shaft 260, take-up bobbin 241, pinion gear 242, and delivery bobbin 245. The cleaning shaft 260 is supported by the support body 247 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis RA. Specifically, the expanded diameter portion 282 of the cleaning shaft 260 is rotatably supported by the support body 247, and the shaft body 281 of the cleaning shaft 260 protrudes from the support body 247 in the +Y direction in the figure.

[0129] The guide nozzle 290 is a cylindrical member disposed at the tip end of the support 247. In this embodiment, the guide nozzle 290 is formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a specific example of the conductive material forming the guide nozzle 290 is a conductive resin material. Specific examples of this conductive resin material include those listed as specific examples of the conductive resin material forming the case 120 described above. That is, the guide nozzle 290 is a resin-molded product having conductivity. By forming the guide nozzle 290 from a conductive resin material, conductivity can be stably ensured against wear, and the weight of the cleaner 200 can be reduced. The guide nozzle 290 may also be a resin-molded product with a metal plating layer formed on its surface. Alternatively, the guide nozzle 290 may be formed of a metal material.

[0130] In this embodiment, the guide nozzle 290 includes a leaf spring 298 at the rear end (base end) of the guide nozzle 290. A pair of slits are formed around the leaf spring 298 at the rear end of the guide nozzle 290, allowing the leaf spring 298 to be elastically deformable. As shown in FIG. 14 , the leaf spring 298 is disposed in the case 220 in an elastically deformed state and is in contact with the inner surface 221c of the case body 221, pressing the case 220 outward. The leaf spring 298 corresponds to an example of a "third leaf spring" in this aspect of the present invention. The inner surface 211c corresponds to an example of a "second inner surface" in this aspect of the present invention, and the "outward" in this case refers to the direction from the guide nozzle 290 toward the case 220. Note that the guide nozzle 290 may be provided with an elastic body other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf spring 298, and this elastic body may come into contact with the case 220 and press the case 220.

[0131] In this embodiment, the guide nozzle 290 and the case 220 are conductive, and the leaf spring 298 ensures reliable contact between the guide nozzle 290 and the case 220. Therefore, the guide nozzle 290 and the case 220 are stably electrically connected via the leaf spring 298, and stable conduction is achieved between the guide nozzle 290 and the case 220. In other words, as shown in FIG. 14 , an electrical conductive path 201 leading from the guide nozzle 290 to the case 220 is stably formed.

[0132] The pressing force F of the leaf spring 298 of the guide nozzle 290 against the case 220 ｂ２ It is preferable that the pressing force F satisfies the following formula (6). ｂ２ If the pressing force F is less than 0.5 N, the electrical connection between the guide nozzle 290 and the case 220 may become unstable. ｂ２ If the force exceeds 12 N, the contact between the guide nozzle 290 and the case 220 will be too strong, making it difficult for them to slide, or the sliding may cause them to wear out and generate dust.

[0133] 0.5 [N] < Fｂ２ <12 [N] … (6)

[0134] 11 , a window 291 is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the guide nozzle 290. Meanwhile, the support body 247 described above has a cylindrical portion 247a that protrudes in the +Y direction in the figure from the wall on the tip side (the +Y direction side in the figure) of the support body 247, and a protrusion 247b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of this cylindrical portion 247a. The protrusion 247b is inserted into the window 291, thereby fixing the guide nozzle 290 to the support body 247.

[0135] The portion of the cleaning shaft 260 that protrudes from the support body 247 is inserted into this guide nozzle 290. The portion of the cleaning shaft 260 that protrudes from the support body 247 is the portion of the cleaning shaft 260 that is closer to the tip (the +Y direction side in the figure) than the expanded diameter portion 282, and specifically the cleaning head 270, the second coil spring 275, and the shaft body 281. The flange portion 273 of the cleaning head 270 is in contact with the inner convex portion 290c (see FIG. 14 ) at the tip of the guide nozzle 290, and the pressing portion 271 of the cleaning head 270 protrudes from the tip of the guide nozzle 290.

[0136] Although not specifically shown, the guide nozzle 290 may have a dual structure with two cylindrical bodies. This dual-structure guide nozzle includes a first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body, and a coil spring. The first cylindrical body is housed in the second cylindrical body and is movable relative to the second cylindrical body along the axial direction. The coil spring biases the first cylindrical body in a direction away from the second cylindrical body. When the cleaner 200 is not in use (when the tip surface of the guide nozzle 290 is not pressing against the end surface of the sleeve 25), the cleaning head 270 is housed in the first cylindrical body. In contrast, when the cleaner 200 is used to clean the optical connector 20, the tip of the cleaning shaft 260 protrudes from the first cylindrical body.

[0137] The case 220 houses a portion of the cleaning unit 230 and a first coil spring 265. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the case 220 includes a case main body 221 and an adjustment member 223. An operator who cleans the optical connector 20 with the cleaner 200 operates the cleaner 200 by holding the case 220 with the hand 300. Therefore, the case 220 corresponds to an example of a "holding portion" in this aspect of the present invention.

[0138] In this embodiment, the case body 221 and the adjustment member 223 are formed of a conductive material. While not particularly limited, a specific example of the conductive material forming the case body 221 and the adjustment member 223 is a conductive resin material. Specific examples of this conductive resin material include those listed as specific examples of the conductive resin material forming the case 120 described above. That is, the case 220 is a resin-molded product having conductivity. By forming the case 220 from a conductive resin material, conductivity can be stably ensured against wear and the weight of the cleaner 200 can be reduced. The case body 221 and the adjustment member 223 may be resin-molded products with a metal plating layer formed on their surfaces. Alternatively, the case body 221 and the adjustment member 223 may be formed of a metal material.

[0139] The cleaning unit 230 is inserted into the case body 221 from an opening on the rear end side (the -Y direction side in the figure) of the case body 221, and the tip portion of the cleaning unit 230 protrudes from the case body 221 through the opening 221a. The cleaning unit 230 is housed in the case body 221 so that the cleaning unit 230 can move relative to the case body 221 along the Y axis direction in the figure.

[0140] The adjustment member 223 includes a cam pin 224 and a rack gear 225. The adjustment member 223 covers the support 247 so that the cleaning unit 230 can move relative to the adjustment member 223 along the Y-axis direction in the figure. The cam pin 224 of the adjustment member 223 is inserted into the cam groove 282a of the shaft member 280. Therefore, when the cleaning unit 230 moves relative to the case 220, the cleaning shaft 260 rotates about the rotation axis RA due to a rotation mechanism formed by the cam pin 224 and the cam groove 282a. The rack gear 225 of the adjustment member 223 is engaged with the pinion gear 242. Therefore, when the cleaning unit 230 moves relative to the case 220, the take-up bobbin 241 rotates due to a rack-and-pinion mechanism formed by the rack gear 225 and the pinion gear 242.

[0141] The first coil spring 265 is interposed between a wall on the tip side (+Y direction side in the figure) of the support body 247 and a wall 226 on the rear end side (-Y direction side in the figure) of the adjustment member 223. This first coil spring 265 biases the cleaning unit 230 toward the tip side (+Y direction side in the figure).

[0142] The adjustment member 223 and the first coil spring 265, together with the cleaning unit 230, are inserted into the case body 221 from an opening on the rear end side (the −Y direction side in the figure) of the case body 221, and are housed inside the case body 221. At this time, the adjustment member 223 is fixed to the case body 221 by the locking piece 227 of the adjustment member 223 locking into the notch 221b of the case body 221.

[0143] Cleaning of the optical connector 20 using the cleaner 200 described above is carried out in the following manner.

[0144] First, the operator inserts the tip of the cleaning unit 230 of the cleaner 200 into the opening of the adapter. This causes the cleaning shaft 260 to be inserted into the sleeve 25 (see FIG. 13 ) of the adapter, and the pressing surface 271 a of the cleaning head 270 presses the cleaning element 205 against the connecting end surface 22 of the optical connector 20. Next, when the operator presses the case 220 against the cleaning unit 230, the cleaning unit 230 retreats relatively to the case 220, and the first coil spring 265 contracts.

[0145] Furthermore, the linear motion of the cleaning unit 230 relative to the case 220 caused by this pushing action by the operator is converted into rotational motion by the rack gear 225 and the pinion gear 242. The rotation of this pinion gear 242 is transmitted to the take-up bobbin 241, which rotates, and the cleaning element 205 used on the pressing surface 271a of the cleaning shaft 260 is taken up onto the take-up bobbin 241. In addition, a tensile force acts on the cleaning element 205 in association with this winding action, causing the supply bobbin 245 to rotate, so that an unused cleaning element 205 is supplied from the supply bobbin 245 to the pressing surface 271a of the cleaning shaft 260. Furthermore, the above-mentioned pushing action by the operator causes the cam pin 224 to slide relatively within the cam groove 282a, causing the cleaning shaft 260 to rotate about the rotation axis RA. As a result, the cleaning body 205 slides while being pressed against the connection end face 22 of the optical connector 20 , wiping off foreign matter adhering to the connection end face 22 .

[0146] At this time, static electricity may be generated as the cleaning element 205 slides on the connecting end surface 22. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, the leaf spring 273a of the cleaning head 270 presses against the inner surface 290a of the guide nozzle 290, forming an electrical conductive path 201 that runs from the cleaning head 270 to the guide nozzle 290. In addition, the leaf spring 298 of the guide nozzle 290 presses the case 220 outward, forming an electrical conductive path 201 that runs from the guide nozzle 290 to the case 220.

[0147] That is, a conductive path 201 consisting of the cleaning head 270, guide nozzle 290, and case 220 is formed between the pressing surface 271a and the case 220. Therefore, static electricity generated by the sliding of the cleaning body 205 and the connecting end surface 22 flows to the case 220 via this conductive path 201. Because the case 220 is held by the operator's hand 300, static electricity can be released from the cleaner 200 to the operator's body. Note that an earth wire may be connected to the case 220, and the case 220 may be grounded via the earth wire.

[0148] Next, when the operator releases the pushing of the case 220 against the guide nozzle 290, the elastic force of the first coil spring 265 causes the cleaning unit 230 to move forward relative to the case 220. At this time, the take-up bobbin 241 does not rotate due to a rotation limiting mechanism and a transmission mechanism (not shown).

[0149] When cleaning is complete, the operator removes the cleaner 200 from the adapter by pulling out the tip of the cleaning unit 230 of the cleaner 200 from the opening of the adapter.

[0150] As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaning head 270, the guide nozzle 290, and the case 220 are conductive. The cleaning head 270 and the guide nozzle 290 are electrically connected by being in partial contact with each other, and the guide nozzle 290 and the case 220 are electrically connected by being in partial contact with each other. Therefore, static electricity generated during cleaning can be quickly dispersed via the conductive path 201 consisting of the cleaning head 270, the guide nozzle 290, and the case 220.

[0151] If a conductive path is formed inside the cleaner, such as in the cleaning head, shaft member, support, and case, the contact between the cam groove of the shaft member and the cam pin of the case becomes unstable, resulting in high electrical contact resistance between them.On the other hand, if the electrical contact resistance between the cam groove and the cam pin is reduced, it becomes difficult for the shaft member to rotate, making it difficult for the cleaner to operate.

[0152] In contrast, in this embodiment, the conductive path 201 is formed on the outer parts of the cleaner 200, such as the cleaning head 270, the guide nozzle 290, and the case 220, so that the conductive path 201 can be stably secured without interfering with the operation of the cleaner 200.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 15, a leaf spring 293 may be provided at the tip portion of the guide nozzle 290. Fig. 15 is a side view showing a modified example of the tip portion of the guide nozzle 290 in this embodiment.

[0154] As shown in Figure 15, the guide nozzle 290 may include a leaf spring 293 at its tip. A substantially U-shaped slit 294 is formed around the leaf spring 293 at the tip, allowing the leaf spring 293 to be elastically deformable. Similar to the guide nozzle 190 shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b) described above, this guide nozzle 290 includes a pair of leaf springs 293 facing each other. The pair of leaf springs 293 face each other with a gap between them, and the flange portion 273 of the cleaning head 270 is sandwiched between the pair of leaf springs 293.

[0155] A pair of leaf springs 293 contact the outer surface 273c of the flange portion 273 of the cleaning head 270, pressing the flange portion 273 of the cleaning head 270 inward. Therefore, the leaf springs 293 ensure reliable contact between the guide nozzle 290 and the cleaning head 270, providing a stable electrical connection between the guide nozzle 290 and the cleaning head 270 via the leaf springs 293, ensuring stable conduction between the guide nozzle 290 and the cleaning head 270. In other words, an electrical conduction path 201 leading from the cleaning head 270 to the guide nozzle 290 is stably formed via the leaf springs 293. The leaf springs 293 correspond to an example of a "second leaf spring" in this aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, the outer surface 273c corresponds to an example of a "second outer surface" in this aspect of the present invention, and the "inner side" in this case refers to the direction from the guide nozzle 290 toward the cleaning head 270.

[0156] Although not specifically shown, if the guide nozzle 290 is equipped with the leaf spring 293, the flange portion 273 of the cleaning head 270 does not need to be equipped with the leaf spring 273a. Also, the guide nozzle 290 may be equipped with an elastic body other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf spring 293, and this elastic body may come into contact with the cleaning head 270 and press the cleaning head 270.

[0157] 16, a leaf spring 222 may be provided at the tip of the case body 221. Fig. 16 is a side view showing a modified example of the case 220 in this embodiment.

[0158] As shown in Fig. 16, the case 220 may include a leaf spring 222 at its tip portion. Slits 221d are formed on both sides of the leaf spring 222 at the tip portion, allowing the leaf spring 222 to be elastically deformable. Similar to the case 120 shown in Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) described above, this case 220 includes a pair of leaf springs 222 facing each other, and these pair of leaf springs 222 are provided on the side surfaces of the tip portion of the case main body 221. The pair of leaf springs 222 face each other with a gap between them, and the guide nozzle 290 is sandwiched between the pair of leaf springs 222.

[0159] A pair of leaf springs 222 contact the outer surface 290b of the guide nozzle 290 and press the guide nozzle 290 inward. Therefore, the leaf springs 222 ensure reliable contact between the case 220 and the guide nozzle 290, providing a stable electrical connection between the case 220 and the guide nozzle 290 via the leaf springs 222, ensuring stable conduction between the case 220 and the guide nozzle 290. In other words, an electrical conduction path 201 leading from the guide nozzle 290 to the case 220 is stably formed via the leaf springs 222. The leaf springs 222 correspond to an example of a "fourth leaf spring" in this aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, the outer surface 290b corresponds to an example of a "second outer surface" in this aspect of the present invention, and in this case, the "inner side" refers to the direction from the case 220 toward the guide nozzle 290.

[0160] Although not shown, if the case 220 is provided with the leaf spring 222, the guide nozzle 290 does not need to be provided with the leaf spring 298. Furthermore, the case 220 may be provided with an elastic body other than a leaf spring instead of the leaf spring 222, and this elastic body may come into contact with the guide nozzle 290 and press the guide nozzle 290.

[0161] 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, the elements disclosed in the above embodiments are intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0162] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Optical connector (multi-core) 11...Ferrule 12...Connection end face 20...Optical connector (single-core) 21...Ferrule 22...Connection end face 100...Optical connector cleaning tool (for multi-core) 101...Conductive path 105...Cleaning body 110...Tool body 120...Case 122...Leaf spring 130...Housing 141...Take-up bobbin 145...Feed-out bobbin 150...Extension member 160...Cleaning shaft 170...Cleaning head 171a...Pressing surface 173a...Leaf spring 180...Rack shaft 190...Guide nozzle 193...Leaf spring 198...Leaf spring portion 200...Optical connector cleaning tool (for single-core) 201...Conductive path 205...Cleaning body 220...Case 222...Leaf spring 230...Cleaning unit 241: Take-up bobbin 245: Delivery bobbin 260: Cleaning shaft 270: Cleaning head 271a: Pressing surface 273a: Leaf spring 280: Shaft member 290: Guide nozzle 293: Leaf spring 298: Leaf spring 300: Operator's hand

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for optical connectors, which cleans the connection end face of an optical connector. A cleaning shaft is provided with a cleaning head at its tip, which has a cleaning body that is wrapped around it and a pressing surface that presses the cleaning body against the connecting end face, A cylindrical member housing the cleaning shaft, The system comprises a case that houses the base end portion of the cylindrical member so that the cylindrical member can move relative to it, The cleaning head, the cylindrical member, and the case are electrically conductive. The cleaning head and the cylindrical member are electrically connected by partial contact between them. An optical connector cleaning tool in which the cylindrical member and the case are electrically connected by partial contact between the cylindrical member and the case.

2. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 1, The cleaning head or the cylindrical member is an optical connector cleaning tool comprising a first elastically deformable portion that contacts and presses the cylindrical member or the cleaning head.

3. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 2, The first elastically deformable portion includes a first leaf spring provided in the cleaning head. The first leaf spring is an optical connector cleaning tool that contacts the first inner surface of the cylindrical member and presses the first inner surface outward.

4. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 2, The first elastically deformable portion includes a second leaf spring provided in the cylindrical member. The second leaf spring contacts the first outer surface of the cleaning head and presses the first outer surface inward in the optical connector cleaning tool.

5. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 2, The pressing force F of the first elastically deformable part that presses against the cylindrical member or the cleaning head. ａ This is an optical connector cleaning tool that satisfies the following equation (1). 0.5[N]<F ａ <12[N] … (1)

6. An optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The optical connector cleaning tool comprises a cylindrical member or a case, and a second elastically deformable portion that contacts and presses against the case or the cylindrical member.

7. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 6, The second elastically deformable portion includes a third leaf spring provided in the cylindrical member. The third leaf spring is an optical connector cleaning tool that contacts the second inner surface of the case and presses the second inner surface outward.

8. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 6, The second elastically deformable portion includes a fourth leaf spring provided in the case. The fourth leaf spring is an optical connector cleaning tool that contacts the second outer surface of the cylindrical member and presses the second outer surface inward.

9. The optical connector cleaning tool according to claim 6, The pressing force F of the second elastically deformable part that presses against the case or the cylindrical member. ｂ The optical connector cleaning tool satisfies equation (2) below. 0.5[N]<F ｂ <12[N] … (2)

10. An optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The case is an optical connector cleaning tool equipped with a holding part that is held by the operator operating the optical connector cleaning tool.

11. An optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The cleaning head, the cylindrical member, and the case are all made of a conductive resin material, forming an optical connector cleaning tool.

12. An optical connector cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The optical connector cleaning tool is equipped with a supply and retrieval mechanism that supplies the cleaning body to the pressing surface of the cleaning head and retrieves the cleaning body from the pressing surface as the cylindrical member moves relative to the case.