CN1205776A

CN1205776A - Fiber optic cable cleaner

Info

Publication number: CN1205776A
Application number: CN96199251A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 拉里·R·考克斯
Original assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: 3M Co
Priority date: 1995-12-22
Filing date: 1996-12-23
Publication date: 1999-01-20

Abstract

A device for cleaning the tips of optical fibers which have been installed in a connector, such as a plug or a receptacle. The device includes a tool body having cleaning media therein, such as a strip of adhesive tape, and a latch for releasably attaching the connector to the tool body. The adhesive tape may be in the form of a roll on a supply spool. In the embodiment designed for a plug, the tool body has an appropriately shaped opening for receiving the plug, and push rods are provided with the tool body which contact the fibers and urge them towards a cleaning position. In the embodiment designed for a receptacle, the receptacle is modified by having a tilt arm which can move the fibers to the cleaning position, and the tool body includes features to actuate the tilt arm as the tool body is inserted into the receptacle. Alternate designs are presented in which the cleaning media is not located in the tool body, but is manually applied to the fibers.

Description

Fiber optic cable cleaner

Invention field

The present invention relates generally to the device of the terminal of preparation telecommunication line (comprising sound, data, video or the like), so that improve the quality of connection of circuit, more particularly, relate to a kind of cleaning and be about to the device of the fiber end face that is connected with another a root optical fiber or a photovalve.

Prior art

Optical fiber has substituted the preferable carrier of copper cash as delivery telecommunication signal.The same with copper cash, in the process of installation, repairing or the replacing of optical fiber, must carry out optical fiber interconnections, and make optical fiber distribution frame with outside plant on the active optics device.Interconnection device has two types basically, i.e. docking adapter and connector.Term " docking adapter " typically refers to the device that permanent connection is provided between a pair of optical fiber.Otherwise term " connector " typically refers to and can repeat the device that engages or throw off, often has a different plug or socket.Connector can also refer to be connected in the plug portion of the fiber termination of optical devices.Described optical devices for example comprise optical sensor (photodiode) and light source (light emitting diode (LED ' s), laser diode).The termination of optical fiber can be indirect, and promptly before light beam arrived the active optics device, fiber might be connected in some other (passive) optical devices such as beam splitter or polarizer earlier.The present invention relates generally to Clean-fibre-optic terminus face in a connector or joint, but these terms should not be limited to from literal meaning and explain because the present invention can be used on provide forever connect temporarily or the plug and socket structure of termination in.

The 5th, 381, in the described optical conenctor of No. 498 United States Patent (USP), connector has a plug and a socket, wants interconnective fiber plug that the V-shaped groove that holds fiber be arranged to every, and the end of fiber then terminates in the middle part of groove.Socket have one when plug inserts retractible plate, another fiber can drop in the V-shaped groove of plug thus.When plug inserted fully, the contact of the end of two fibers was fixed in the fibrous elasticity distortion on the socket, to keep a continuous pressure load between the terminal of fiber.Connector can be taken apart fast under the situation of not using lasso or other register and is connected optical fiber for many.The insertion repeatedly and the arch (bow) that use high-intensity fiber can bear fiber rise.The precise length of fiber (i.e. the relative position of the fiber termination in plug and socket) is not crucial, and that is because lax (terminal part that is fixed in the fiber of plug does not arch upward, and always keeps straight) that produce in the socket fiber that arches upward provides tolerance.Can be by cutting and form the end that the oblique angle prepares fiber simply; Also can cut fiber end face at an angle (promptly not vertical), to reduce the reflection of signal with fiber axis.

In the connector of ' 498 patents, user or craftsman that plug or socket are installed are necessary to keep the end face of fiber to clean as much as possible, so that the loss of light transmission reaches minimum during by the junction.Because this design is to want plug to insert socket repeatedly, so when the outside of plug at socket, the plug fiber end is possible contaminated, and dust also might enter socket and pollute inside fiber.Therefore be necessary after fiber is fixed to plug or Socket casing, fiber to be cleaned.When initial installation fiber, they are cut open usually, and to form the end face of a fracture, this end face may further be polished or chamfering, and for example soaking with one subsequently, the nonlinting cloth of isopropyl alcohol comes the wiping end face and carries out cleaning.This is difficult to finish after being operated in the fiber installation, because in many designs, such as in ' 498 sockets, fiber is positioned at housing and is difficult to touch their position.

The another kind of fiber optic cable cleaner that Molex sells is one to have the box of a window basically, has the nonlinting cloth of a volume to be positioned at this box.By opening the door on the window, a part of cloth comes out, and so just can promote fiber to clean on the surface of cloth.This design also requires fiber freely to expose.

The method of removing to clean optical fiber with cleaning medium has been described in the patented claim of Japan 7-287124.With a kind of solvent guiding cleaning band, fiber end then remains between the cleaning band.But this device also requires optical fiber to expose, so that it can insert cleaning device, when its cleaned the side of optical fiber in addition, the end of clear light fibre surely differed.Therefore, need design a kind of fiber optic cable cleaner, it can not only clean the fiber end face that was not easy to touch originally in a connector housing, and can also avoid using the liquid flux that must be applied on fiber or the cleaning medium.

Brief summary of the invention

The invention provides the device that a kind of cleaning has been in the optical fiber connector in a connector, this device comprises: a tool body; Releasedly described tool body is installed to the parts of connector; Be positioned at the cleaning medium of described tool body; And when described tool body was installed to connector, the end that orders about optical fiber was shifted to the parts of described cleaning medium.Provide different embodiment to clean fiber in a plug and socket.In arbitrary embodiment, preferably a kind of adhesive tape of cleaning medium.Adhesive tape can be wound on the one tape supplying scroll that is positioned at tool body; In this case, adhesive tape preferably has a releasing layer that is coated on the side relative with the viscose glue side of this band, to guarantee that when spool advances adhesive-layer can not peeled off.When spool advanced, spool made the end of the unsalted surface of cleaning medium in the face of optical fiber.Preferably when optical fiber connector contact cleaning medium, this end is vertical with these cleaning medium basically.

In plug clearer embodiment, tool body has the opening of an admittance plug.If a transportable door is arranged on the plug for the contact fiber, can be provided with the parts that drive the door on the plug so on the tool body, a cam face that is formed on the tool body opening for example is to be driven into a side with door when the plug insertion opening.

In socket clearer embodiment, tool body has a front end, and its shape is convenient to the opening that it enters socket.Can there be a leaning device socket the inside, and it can rise to cleaning position to fiber from its normal operation position, and like this, tool body just comprises the parts that can drive leaning device when tool body enters the opening of socket.

Plug or socket can also be provided with simpler parts, and fiber being moved to a position that can touch, the little band that available thus one end at band has an adhesive-layer is clean fiber manually.In these designs, just do not clean the inside that medium (being adhesive tape) are positioned at tool body.

Brief description of drawings

By more clearly understanding the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the longitudinal sectional view of the joints of optical fibre that clean of an available the present invention, and it comprises a plug and socket;

Fig. 2 is the stereographic map of plug and socket shown in Figure 1, and wherein, broken section is to be illustrated in the fiber that arches upward of plug inside;

Fig. 3 is the stereographic map of an embodiment of the plug that uses of this connector, and it has sliding gate;

Fig. 4 is the stereographic map of another embodiment of the plug that uses of this connector, and the plug cover cap that do not draw among the figure is to demonstrate its interior details;

Fig. 5 is the stereographic map of an embodiment of the socket that uses of this connector, and it has hinged door, and this has the cam face that cooperates with cam face on the plug door;

Fig. 6 is the cut-open view that is used for cleaning the instrument of the fiber ends in the plug;

Fig. 7 is the cut-open view that is used for cleaning the instrument of the fiber ends in the another kind of socket;

Fig. 8 is the stereographic map with another socket that changes to some extent of a position fibers part of being convenient to clean;

Fig. 9 is a stereographic map, and it shows the situation that a plug inserts another fiber optic cable cleaner; And

Figure 10 be a back to stereographic map, the situation that it shows plug when having inserted the fiber optic cable cleaner of Fig. 9 fully.

The detailed description of preferred embodiment

Referring now to accompanying drawing,, particularly referring to Fig. 1 and 2, they show a kind of joints of optical fibre 10 that the end of optical fiber can be cleaned with fiber optic cable cleaner of the present invention.Connector 10 total forming by a microscler plug 12 and a socket 14.Fig. 1 is the longitudinal sectional view of connector 10, and plug 12 inserts among the socket 14 fully, and socket 14 then is installed on an area supported or the dividing plate 16.Fig. 2 is the stereographic map that has omitted dividing plate 16, and it has local longitudinal sectional view, so that the inside of connector to be shown.Shown embodiment is connected to each other usefulness for two pairs of fibers, but those skilled in the art be appreciated that inventive concept described here except can be used for many fiber is connected to each other, also can be used for being connected to each other of a pair of fiber.

Plug 12 (Fig. 3 has also shown plug 12) comprises fiber anchor clamps 18 of being made up of two clamping elements or

piece

20 and 22 and is fixed on header body or cover cap 24 on the fiber anchor clamps 18.Cover cap 24 can by (for example) be integrally moulded on

grip block

20 and 22 lock bolt 26 be formed at cover cap 24 corresponding walls on otch 28 engagement and removably be fixed on the plug fiber anchor clamps 18.Preparation be connected to each other or the fiber 30 of termination and 32 by anchor clamps 18 and enter the hollow inside of cover cap 24.The end of fiber is bare, that is, they are not connected on any alignment member such as a lasso.Therefore, cover cap 24 not only helps plug 12 in 14 li mechanical positioning of interconnecting socket, and protection to the end of the exposure of fiber (if desired, cover cap can be made into retractable, so that exposed fibers end) fully is provided.Anchor clamps 18 have the groove that holds fiber 34 that is formed on

grip block

20 and 22 adjacently situated surfaces; These two grip blocks can be identical parts.Anchor clamps 18 can (for example) by clamping, bonding or the two and anchoring fiber.Also available other means are fixed on fiber on the anchor clamps 18.Anchor clamps 18 can have one around fiber so that the extra strain relief and the extension 36 of clamping are provided.Also can provide protective cover 38 with further elimination strain with remain on reinforcement (KEVLAR line thigh) in the fiber optic cable, and help the application of plug 12.This reinforcement does not need clamping but can be bonded on the anchor clamps.The press fit of the vertical wall section by the plug fiber anchor clamps in protective cover can obtain the strain relief of reinforcement.This depends on the selection to the material that is used for protective cover and plug fiber anchor clamps, thereby and produces and not need the structure of set collar to help conveniently to make and reduce required number of spare parts.Perhaps, can on anchor clamps, form one have " bending " (irregular) passage, to clamp the line thigh and to be press-fitted the extension that keeps protective cover.Help protective cover is fixed on the plug fiber anchor clamps at plug fiber anchor clamps lip-deep " unidirectional " barb, it also helps optical cable is fixed on the plug.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2, a lock bolt 40 is integrally moulded on the side of cover cap 24, so that releasedly plug 12 is fixed on the socket 14.Lock bolt 40 is returned plug mechanical single effect is provided, that is, it can only insert socket 14 along a direction.Make plug 12 be biased in interconnect location by a springboard (cantilever of a flexibility) that for example is formed in the socket 40, it is pushed against backward on lock bolt 40, make the influence of manufacturing tolerance be reduced to minimum level.

Fig. 4 shows a slightly different embodiment 12 ' of plug.This embodiment uses a similar cover cap, and for another kind of fiber anchor clamps 18 ' and internal feature are shown preferably, this cover cap does not draw in the drawings.Anchor clamps 18 ' also are made up of two grip blocks 20 ' and 22 ', but in present embodiment, this two grip block is not identical.At first, grip block 22 ' has an extension or platform 42, and it has some

upright posts

44,46 and 48.These posts arrive the appropriate location with the fiber guide of 24 li of cover caps, so that as below discussing, are located in the V-shaped groove of socket 14, and the skew of restriction fiber guarantees that the opening of 24 li of fiber ends and cover caps suitably aligns.Lock bolt 40 ' is molded on the grip block 22 ' along the downside of platform 42.Secondly, the fiber channel on the anchor clamps 18 ' is to form like this, promptly only provide V-shaped groove 34 ' on grip block 22 ', and the corresponding surface of grip block 20 ' is flat, so that three surfaces of clamping fiber only are provided.In V-shaped groove 34 ' the recessed grip block 22 '.Be formed with the step 50 that is positioned at groove on the grip block 20 ', so that help allowing grip block suitably be assembled together.

When plug 12 (or plug 12 ') was not installed in 14 li of sockets,

fiber

30 and 32 " basically " was in 24 li straight extensions of cover cap." basically " straight is to say that it does not have significant arc extension, because the effect fiber of gravity also may be slight curving.Yet, 24 li enough spaces are arranged at cover cap, as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2,, allow that fiber arches significantly with when plug inserts socket fully.The front end 52 of cover cap 24 is formed with a pair of

slot

54 and 56, and they can provide the gateway that touches the fiber termination that is positioned at 24 li of cover caps.One baffle plate or door 58 are slidably mounted in the front end 52 of cover cap 24, and two lids or

bar

60 and 62 are arranged, and when door 58 was positioned on the off-position shown in Figure 3,

bar

60 and 62 covered respectively on slot 54 and 56.When door 58 slides into open position,

bar

60 and 62 moves, and allows respectively to touch

fiber

30 and 32 by

slot

54 and 56, thereby does not need fiber to extend to cover cap 24 outsides, though this also is an acceptable in other designs.Door 58 utilizes two tongue groove structures 64 and 66 (Fig. 1) to be slidably mounted on the cover cap 24.Except preventing that dust from entering by slot, door 58 can also prevent the eyes of the light effusion injury user in the plug fiber.As following with reference to as described in the figure 6, the door 58 one or more holes that when open position, also can expose on cover cap 24 tops, push rod can be admitted in the hole, and fiber is exposed outside

slot

54 and 56, thereby but clean fiber end.

Socket 14 (Fig. 5 also illustrates socket 14) comprises a body or housing 70, and another fiber anchor clamps 72 (can see clearlyer from Fig. 2).Housing 70 has an opening 74, and the front end 52 with plug 12 is corresponding substantially for its size and shape.Housing 70 also can have suitable feature (such as latch arm 76), so that it is installed on the dividing plate 16 releasedly, and this dividing plate (for example) can be a terminal block or workstation outlet (wall box panel).This locking device can be for installing from the front of terminal block, thereby allow that all preliminary work carries out at the leading flank of terminal block, maybe can be for installing from the back of terminal block, thus allow that all preliminary work carries out at the trailing flank of terminal block.Socket fiber (seeing a fiber 78 wherein in Fig. 1 and 2 only) promptly utilizes clamping plate 80 to be fixed on the socket fiber anchor clamps 72 by clamping, and these clamping plate 80 can be clamped fiber at first end of anchor clamps 72.The terminal of socket fiber extends in the alignment of fibers groove that forms on the outshot of socket fiber anchor clamps 72 second ends or hook 82 and 84.These grooves are preferably V-shaped, though they also can be band circles a bit, for example take the shape of the letter U.The center section 86 of alignment of fibers groove is bent, thereby utilizes the resiliency urged of the fiber that arches slightly, and the socket fiber is remained in the groove.Other device also can be provided, and all fiber pressing plates (hold-down) as shown in Figure 7 are so that be positioned in the groove fiber firmly.Fiber does not extend to the least significant end of

hook

82 and 84, but stopping from terminal one enough distances, so that when using connector, allow to the suitable supporting of plug fiber.As fruit fiber (if or plug insert too far away) taken place in the unusual end near V-shaped groove for the contact of fiber, the plug fiber may crooked must exceeding outside this groove, rises and leave the summit, disconnects thereby make to connect.

That socket 14 can have is as many with the fiber of 12 li of plugs, the hook of band alignment of fibers groove.When plug 12 inserted socket 14 fully,

hook

82 and 84 shape made it can charge into

slot

54 and 56 on the cover cap 24 respectively.Hook 82 and 84 is with respect to the plug axis, and promptly the axis that is formed by

plug fiber

30 or 32 when 24 li straight extensions of cover cap becomes the mode of inclination (non-zero) angle to enter cover cap 24.Preferably about 42 ° of this angle, but its balance and the contact pressure of fiber end face, fiber power, rubbing action and the desirable relevant various relations of margin tolerance (bigger angle will increase tolerance) towards V-shaped groove.Because the socket fiber is not facing to opening 74, the light that therefore not have to escape injures the danger of user's eyes.Socket fiber anchor clamps 72 provide and can be pivotably mounted on the housing 70 with the otch on Socket casing 70 1 ends or the post of hook 88 snappings by first end at anchor clamps 72.Anchor clamps 72 utilize form in its side, can locking releasedly with the lug of hole 89 engagements on the Socket casing 70 or minor axis.Also can use the socket fiber anchor clamps of another kind of structure, wherein, anchor clamps and a top board or a cover plate that disconnects are integrally molded, and this cover plate can snap onto its bottom, and this bottom has the position fibers groove.

Socket 14 also can have a detachable cap or door 90, so that make the pollutant that enters by opening 74 reduce to minimum level.The embodiments described herein uses a socket door, and it cooperates with the plug door, when plug 12 inserts sockets 14 can close and open mode between drive plug door 58.Particularly, socket door 90 has two cam faces 92 and 94, they respectively with plug door 58 on cam face 96 and 98 interact.Socket door 90 by provide with Socket casing 70 on otch 102 snappings post 100 and be hinged along the one side.Can utilize such as spring or the device (not shown) such as cam link mechanism that are molded as a member door 90 is biased on the off-position.When plug 12 inserted sockets 14, front end 52 and plug door 58 promoted socket doors 90, made its rise and opened.Then, the cam face 94 of inclination begins firmly to replace the cam face 98 on plug door 58, pushes door 58 to a side to expose slot 54 and 56.If then plug 12 is pulled away socket 14, when pulling the plug out of the socket, the cam face 92 of inclination is actuating cam surface 96 similarly so, makes plug door 58 slide rearwardly to its off-position.Cover cap 24 has groove or breach 104 and 106, holds

cam face

92 and 94 in socket the time with convenient plug, and they can also play further stable the connection.Other door also can be used with socket 14, outwards opens the door of closing with snapping such as a kind of available hand.

All parts of connector 10 (except plug protective cover 38) can be made by any durable material, preferably the injection moulding polymkeric substance such as polycarbonate, VALOX (a kind of polyester of being sold by General Electric) or RADEL (a kind of polyarylsufone of being sold by Amoco).This material can comprise conductive filler, so that part becomes semiconductor, thereby may cause triboelectric charging that fiber end the pollutes degree that minimizes.Protective cover 38 is the copolyester elastomers of handy low modulus, such as can obtain from the RTP of Minnesota State Wei Nuona, material number is that the sort of material of 1559X67420B is made.

The assembling of connector 10 and installation are fairly simple.Plug 12 is generally assembled in factory, but also can assemble easily on-site.In this respect, term used herein " pre-termination " is meant optical fiber fixing on plug 12 or socket 14, and this factory, building site or other other place of being fixed on all included.It will also be appreciated that plug 12 and socket 14 can be installed on a jumper cable or the stube cable, and can be the optical conenctor of arbitrary kind on the other end of fiber.Here suggestion use when be exposed to indoor environment has the fiber of longer life, such as the high strength fibre that can obtain from 3M company (assignee of the present invention).These fibers have traditional heart yearn and covering, and they are by United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 381, and No. 504 described, a kind of new three-decker is surrounded.Those skilled in the art will understand that also connector can hold discrete optical fibre or multifilament band, and single mode and multimode fibre, and cleaning device to be discussed below can use with any this structure.

Should carry out peeling, incision and cleaning to the fiber of preparing to terminate in advance on plug 12 or the socket 14.Become the form of a band as fruit fiber, it is the part of one group of binder in the optical cable, so must be at first the part of optical cable overcoat be sliced off, so that expose band.Most of optical cables have some protective seams, and each layer all must remove, so that touch fabric strip.Must remove the protective seam of optical cable with similar step with single discrete fibre.After fiber takes out from the optical cable overcoat that shields, with they peelings.Then, prepare the fiber of having shelled skin is cut, and this can utilize in the some kinds of fiber cutters (cleaver) that can obtain from the market any, such as United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 024, No. 363 described a kind of realizations.The incision length that fiber is placed on the plug 12 is to leave the distance of fiber anchor clamps 18, approximately is 23mm.When being fixed on fiber on the socket 14, the length of incision is to leave the distance of fiber anchor clamps 72, approximately is 15mm.Should utilize the nonlinting cloth that soaked alcohol that any chip is disposed from fiber.Before fiber was taken off from cutter, the craftsman can check fiber, and to determine that the end face on all fibres all is suitable, that is, they cut glossily, do not have tip or spine.The fiber viewer of the 5th, 210, No. 647 U.S. Patent Publications can be used for this purpose.In case the craftsman pleases oneself, when promptly each fiber has acceptable end face, fiber can be taken off from cutter.The fiber end face is preferably flat, has periphery chamfering or bevel (or to small part bevel), and obtaining the beneficial effect that a kind of like this fiber end profile is had, this has detailed discussion in No. the 08/122nd, 755, U.S. Patent application.The end face of fiber also can become fillet (generally being spherical).In addition, can provide asymmetric processing selectively to these fibers, for example cut, so that form an angled end face, as the 5th, 048, No. 908 United States Patent (USP) is described.If like this, in order to insert loss and the reflection degree that minimizes, fiber make the direction complementation of direction and the angled end face of (on socket 14) another group fiber of the angled end face of (on the plug 12) one group of fiber when inserting.For the plug fiber, the preliminary work of fiber can be carried out after optical cable passes protective cover 38.

The last assembling of plug 12 comprises fiber clamp is being snapped onto these simple steps on the anchor clamps 18 in the V-shaped groove of anchor clamps 18 and with cover cap 24.Can use an assembling fixture,, thereby when they insert cover cap, avoid damaged fiber so that cover cap 24 is directed on the plug fiber anchor clamps.The end of plug fiber should stop at about 0.5mm place, distance cover cap end.The assembling of socket 14 is also very simple.Utilize clamping plate 80 with the socket fiber clamp on fiber anchor clamps 72, and the end of socket fiber stops in the alignment of fibers groove at

distance hook

82 and 84 terminal about 15mm places.The incision of fiber can be carried out after being fixed on the socket fiber in the fiber anchor clamps.Connect and guiding facilities if on one or two parts, have, utilize V-shaped groove these group of fibers can be contained in the anchor clamps, then the fiber anchor clamps are taken out in cutter, also can avoid fiber ends to be polluted.Also can use a kind of press tool (punch-downtool) down to simplify assembling.Push otch 88, minor axis snapped onto in the hole 89 and just fiber anchor clamps 72 can be installed on the housing 70 then by the post that will play pivot action earlier.In fiber being installed in the V-shaped groove and anchor clamps being installed in process in the socket, be further noted that and do not pollute fiber ends.

The installation of connector 10 is fairly simple equally.Utilize traditional device, socket 14 can be installed on any required surface such as latch arm 76 (also can be on housing 70 molded other structure is so that the user installs voluntarily).A plurality of sockets can be installed on the individual module, and they can be designed to the front or reverse side is installed, or slide from side direction.After socket 14 installs, just can finish connection by simply plug 12 being inserted opening 74.Utilize lock bolt 40 to take off plug 12 from socket 14.

In Fig. 1 and 2, plug inserts fully.When plug 12 inserted, door 90 was opened and is resembled to resemble recited above and door 58 opened the cam, allows that

hook

82 and 84 enters

slot

54 and 56 respectively.Plug fiber 30 contacts with the alignment of fibers groove of 72 li of fiber anchor clamps with 32 and slides, and offsets until their end face and each end face of socket fiber, and then, when plug inserted fully, they began to arch.The plug fiber can have the bending of S shape.The all power between the fiber interphase of acting on is from the elasticity (elastic deformation) of the fiber 30 that arches and 32, and they keep a load continuous, that pressure is arranged between end face.Preferably connector 10 is designed to make fiber keep 0.3 " (7.6mm) minimum bending radius.

The size of the various parts of connector 10 can change according to required purposes.Following approximate size is an illustrative.Plug 12 has the total length of 57mm, the width of 12mm and the thickness of 8mm, and plug fiber anchor clamps 18 provide 13mm long clamping recess.Plug cover cap 24 extends 25mm again in the front of anchor clamps 18, and the inner space of a long 24mm, wide 10mm and high 6mm is provided.The opening 74 of socket 14 is of a size of 12mm * 10mm.Its whole height and the degree of depth are 38mm and 36mm.Socket fiber anchor clamps 72 long 20mm (end that is clipped to hook 82 and 84 from fiber is counted), wide 12mm and thick 1.5mm.At the long 11.5mm of alignment of fibers groove of

hook

82 and 84 li, and have the depth capacity of 2mm, this is suitable for holding the most frequently used optical fiber.The interior angle of V-shaped groove should be not too narrow, because this may cause the excessive friction of fiber, but also should be too not wide, because this can not keep the guide properly to fiber.One 90 ° interior angle is considered to one and trades off preferably.

Referring to Fig. 6 and 7, they show instrument of the present invention, as to be used for cleaning various light transmitting fiber ends.Fig. 6 shows a kind of instrument 130 that can be used to clean the fiber ends of 12 li of plugs.Instrument 130 has a body 132 in can being held in the hand, and an opening 134 that is used for admitting plug 12 is arranged on body 130.Instrument 130 also has an actuator or a lever 136 that is pivotably mounted on 138 places of body 130.In Fig. 6, lever 136 is on activation point, and in this position, a push rod or teat 140 enter at the hole at plug cover cap top or slot 142, contact with the plug fiber, by

slot

54 and 56 fiber end are displaced cover cap.At non-activation point, lever 136 turns to and leaves opening 134 and the push rod 140 of withdrawing, and can make plug 12 enter instrument 130 and not disturb push rod thus.Lever 136 preferably (for example) is setovered towards non-activation point under the effect of a spring.

Opening 134 and lever 136 are to arrange like this, and when the plug fiber was pushed over the cover cap slot, they were tight against on the viscose glue side 144 of an adhesive tape 146.Peel adhesive tape 146 from the tape roller 148 that is installed in 132 li of tool bodies.Provide two

cylinders

150 and 152 so that adhesive tape is moved forward, thereby make fresh viscose glue surface in the face of fiber ends.Use for convenient, can allow adhesive tape 146 be wound on another cylinder 154, it forms a ratchet that meshes with ratchet 156.Ratchet 156 is positioned on another handle or pivot rotaring lever 158 that is installed in body of tool 160 places.Like this, by pushing handle 158 and holding instrument, the user can move forward adhesive tape and clean the plug fiber.Handle 158 can be offset to outermost position by a for example spring.In another embodiment, lever 136 mechanically is connected in

cylinder

150 and 152, make adhesive tape with vertical substantially direction in the face of fiber ends, fiber just can not drawn on the surface of viscose glue like this, and only is that the end face of the head end of fiber is run into the viscose glue surface.

Fig. 7 shows the instrument 162 that is used for cleaning the fiber ends in another socket 14 ' that changes to some extent.The shape of instrument 162 exactly likes plug 12, so it is suitable for inserting in a similar fashion socket 14 '.Total identical with socket 14 of socket 14 ' just increased some feature, and it is designed to raise the socket fiber, cleans so that make them leave V-shaped groove.These features comprise a fiber pressing plate or retainer 164 and brace 166.Fiber retainer 164 is pivotably mounted on the fiber anchor clamps at 168 places, position, and comprises that one is positioned at the piece on retainer arm 172 1 ends or fills up 170, and it can push fiber in the V-shaped groove and allow them suitably be embedded in the inside.Pad 170 can be molded on the fiber pressing plate.Be formed with a boss or button 174 on the other end of retainer arm 172, as shown in Figure 7, when retainer arm 172 was in activation point, the socket fiber in its ejection.The ejection of 174 pairs of fibers of boss makes fiber be displaced to the V-shaped groove outside.Preferably for example fiber retainer 164 is offset to non-activation point, promptly promotes pad 170 and head on fiber, they are remained in the V-shaped groove by a spring 176.

Instrument 162 comprises a body 178, its similar tool 130, and the inside also is installed with the supply spool 180 of a supply adhesive tape 182.Cylinder 184 and 186 is used for making adhesive tape 182 allocations, and like this, its adhesive surface just can move forward the clean fiber end.When instrument 162 enters socket 14 ', make the fiber skew by brace 166, brace comprises two oblique arms 188 and 190 that are fixed on together on another pivotal point 192.When instrument inserted socket, one was formed at the ridge of instrument 162 front ends or activates projection 194 ejection oblique arms 188.This rotates oblique arm 190 and ejection is installed in gripper or hook 196 on the fiber retainer 164.Strong contact between oblique arm 190 and the hook 196 makes fiber retainer 164 pivot around point 168, promotes boss 174 thus and replaces fiber, makes their skews leave V-shaped groove.Adhesive tape 182 in the instrument can be wound on another spool 198 or with being similar to mode shown in Figure 6, that be used for instrument 130 and leave tool body 178.One small dial or torsion bar can be installed on spool 198, and extend to outside the body 178, so that allow the user can move forward adhesive tape.

Shown in Figure 8 is another kind of different socket 14 ", it also has a mechanism that makes fiber move on to cleaning position from its working position.But in the embodiment of Fig. 8, fiber is raised below V-shaped groove, rather than fiber is pushed near the part in the back as shown in Figure 7.Specifically, socket 14 " have and comprise that the groove structure 200 and that makes otch that fiber can stride across or notch 202 is arranged in the finger tabs or the arm 204 of notch 202.But arm 204 can rise, and is similar to mention fiber as shown in Figure 7 and leave V-shaped groove 206 to one cleaning positions.In the embodiment of Fig. 8, arm 204 is the parts that also comprise the position fibers part 208 of another arm or driving stem 210 and a gudgeon or pivotal pin 212.The latter half of Socket casing must be reorientated or pivot to be allowed placing position fibers part 208 temporarily.Arm 204, driving stem 210 and pivotal pin 212 the most handy with sockets 14 " integrally moulded the forming of housing identical materials, by the aperture that pivotal pin 212 is passed on Socket casing one side position fibers part 208 is installed.Like this, when driving stem 210 was depressed, arm 204 rose fiber.Manually locating an end has the applicator of viscose glue, so that the end face of clean fiber.Applicator preferably flexible (preventing to damage fiber) and transparent can be seen this fiber when contacting with the fiber end face with the viscose glue end of convenient applicator.

Fig. 9 and 10 shows all the different fiber optic cable cleaners of structure that are used for plug, and wherein this device comprises that also the end that makes fiber moves to the mechanism of cleaning position from the working position, but does not deposit the cleaning medium in the fiber optic cable cleaner housing.But the same with Fig. 8, an adhesive tape is manually contacted with the end of fiber.Fig. 9 and 10 plug clearer 214 comprise that one has the tool body 216 of the opening 218 of admitting plug 12 and such as suitably being orientated and being retained in the suitable characteristics in the tool body 216 with 220 plugs of representing of guaranteeing.When plug inserts, door that a cam face 222 makes plug 12 is also arranged 58 to a side shifting, so that can touch the fiber in the plug.Plug clearer 214 also has an actuator 224 that is slidably mounted in the tool body 216.This actuator 224 has a push rod that is similar to push rod 140 (see figure 8)s, and when actuator 224 inserted tool body 216 fully, the hole 142 on the push rod access door 58 also contacted fiber, orders about them and leaves header body.Fiber comes out by another opening 226 (Figure 10) on tool body 216 opposition sides then.Push rod preferably has the V-shaped groove mouth, with moving outwardly of controlling fiber.

Though above at specific embodiment the present invention has been described, this description does not mean that to have restrictive meaning.All changes of above the disclosed embodiments and variation and other possible embodiment of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art later on reference to description of the invention.For example, top fiber optic cable cleaner is described as using with a connector, and the terminal part of fiber is bare and flexible in connector, but this clearer also can be applicable to all ends of cleaning lasso connector (ferruleconnector) easily.Therefore, can expect that these changes can be carried out under the situation that does not break away from the essence spirit of the present invention of setting forth as appending claims or scope.

Claims

1. a cleaning is arranged on the device of the optical fiber connector in a connector, and this device comprises:

One tool body;

Releasedly described tool body is installed to the parts of connector;

Be positioned at the cleaning medium of described tool body; And

When described tool body was installed to connector, the end that orders about optical fiber was shifted to the parts of described cleaning medium.

2. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described cleaning medium comprise an adhesive tape.

3. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the parts that make described cleaning medium motion, when end contacts with described cleaning medium, makes optical fiber connector vertical with described cleaning medium basically.

4. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the parts that make described cleaning medium motion, makes the end of a unsalted surface of described cleaning medium in the face of optical fiber.

5. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that:

Connector has one for the movably door that touches fiber; And

Described tool body has the parts that drive the door on the connector.

6. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, describedly orders about the primary importance that parts are offset to does not influence fiber, and is movable to the second place of fiber ends near the cleaning medium.

7. device as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, described adhesive tape is wound on the supply spool that is positioned at described tool body, and described viscose glue has a releasing layer that is coated on the side relative with the viscose glue side of described band.

8. device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, described driver part comprises a cam face that is used for door is driven to a side when connector inserts in the described tool body.

9. a cleaning is arranged on the device of the optical fiber connector in the plug, and this device comprises:

One has the tool body of the opening of admitting plug;

When plug inserts the described opening of tool body, releasedly plug is installed to the parts of described tool body;

Be positioned at the cleaning medium of described tool body; And

When plug inserted described tool body fully, the end that orders about optical fiber was shifted to the parts of described cleaning medium.

10. device as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, described cleaning medium comprise an adhesive tape.

11. device as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, also comprises the parts that described cleaning medium are moved, and when end contacts with described cleaning medium, makes optical fiber connector vertical with described cleaning medium basically.

12. device as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, also comprises the parts that described cleaning medium are moved, and uses so that a unsalted surface of described cleaning medium is faced the end of optical fiber.

13. device as claimed in claim is characterized in that:

Plug has one for the movably door that touches fiber; And

Described tool body has the parts that drive the door on the plug, and described driver part comprises that one can be used for door is driven cam face to a side when connector inserts in the described tool body.

14. device as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, described adhesive tape is wound on the supply spool that is positioned at described tool body, and described viscose glue has a releasing layer that is coated on the side relative with the viscose glue side of described band.

15. a cleaning is arranged on the device of the optical fiber connector in the socket with opening, this device comprises:

One tool body, it has its shape to be suitable for entering the front end of receptacle openings;

Releasedly described tool body is installed to parts in the socket;

Be positioned at the cleaning medium of described tool body; And

When described tool body was installed in the socket, the end that orders about optical fiber was shifted to the parts of described cleaning medium.

16. device as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, described cleaning medium comprise an adhesive tape.

17. device as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, also comprises the parts that described cleaning medium are moved, and uses so that a unsalted surface of described cleaning medium is faced the end of optical fiber.

18. device as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that:

Socket has the parts that fiber is moved; And

Described tool body comprises the parts that drive described fiber moving-member, makes that described fiber moves to a cleaning position from a working position when described tool body enters receptacle openings.

19. device as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, described adhesive tape is wound on the supply spool that is positioned at described tool body, and described viscose glue has a releasing layer that is coated on the side relative with the viscose glue side of described band.

20. a cleaning is arranged on the device of the optical fiber connector in a plug or the socket, this device comprises:

One tool body;

Releasedly described tool body is installed to the parts of connector; And

Be connected in described tool body, make fiber ends move on to the parts of a cleaning position from a working position.