JP4011564B2 - Optical fiber connector cleaner and optical fiber connector connection surface cleaning method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaner used for cleaning a ferrule end face (connection end face) of an optical fiber connector incorporated in an optical communication device or the like, and more specifically, the ferrule of an optical fiber connector with an adapter attached thereto. The present invention relates to a cleaner suitable for cleaning an end face.

  Optical fiber connectors incorporated in devices related to optical communication devices are frequently connected and disconnected. For this reason, dust, oil or the like may adhere to the end face of the optical fiber connector when it is cut off, resulting in a decrease in transmission performance. Therefore, when the optical fiber connector is attached / detached, the ferrule end face is cleaned.

However, the connector on the detachable side, that is, the inserted side (male side) can be cleaned relatively easily because the end face to be cleaned is exposed, but the connector side (female side) incorporated in the device. The connector has a problem that it is difficult to clean because the end face to be cleaned is in a deep position because a connection adapter or the like is attached. For this reason, various proposals have been made regarding cleaning tools, but there is no such thing that has excellent cleaning properties that can be put to practical use, and usually a cotton swab with a cleaning fiber wrapped around a rod-shaped tip. Things are used.
Japanese Patent No. 3350850 JP-A-9-285766

  However, in the case of a cleaning tool such as a cotton swab, it is difficult to perform uniform cleaning due to individual variations and variations from cleaning to cleaning, and devices that incorporate a large number of connectors such as optical communication devices are often used for cleaning. There are problems such as taking time and cleaning fibers falling off during cleaning, which may increase insertion loss.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber connector cleaner that is excellent in operability and cleanability, and that can reliably clean both the male terminal and the female terminal of the optical fiber connector.

  An optical fiber connector cleaner according to the present invention is a cleaning unit having a housing, a winding unit and a feeding unit for a cleaning tape disposed inside the housing, and a rod-shaped cleaning unit protruding outside the housing, The tip of the cleaning unit is stretched so as to be able to move forward with the cleaning tape delivered from the delivery means exposed, and the end of the cleaning unit is brought into contact with the end surface of the optical fiber connector to clean the end surface. A cleaning unit that is coaxially connected to the cleaning unit and rotatably supported with respect to the housing, and the winding unit and the cleaning unit rotation unit. A transmission hand that rotates the cleaning unit rotating means to its original position after rotating it by a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction almost simultaneously. And, equipped with a.

  Alternatively, an optical fiber connector cleaner according to the present invention is a cleaning means having a housing, a winding means and a feeding means for a cleaning tape mounted inside the housing, and a rod-shaped cleaning portion protruding outside the housing. The end of the cleaning unit is stretched so as to be movable forward in a state where the cleaning tape sent out from the sending means is exposed, and the end of the cleaning unit is brought into contact with the end face of the optical fiber connector. A cleaning means for cleaning the cleaning part, a cleaning part rotating means coaxially connected to the cleaning part and rotatably supported with respect to the housing, and coaxially connected to the cleaning part. And a cleaning tape guide means rotatably supported with respect to the housing, the winding means and the cleaning portion rotation After approximately by the respective rotating a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction at the same time the means, and a transmission means for inverting the cleaning section rotating means to its original position.

  Preferably, the transmission means rotates the winding means, the feeding means, and the cleaning unit rotating means almost simultaneously.

  Preferably, the cleaning unit includes a hollow bar-shaped member and a member having good slipperiness disposed at a tip of the bar-shaped member.

  Preferably, the cleaning unit includes a hollow bar-like member and a roller rotatably attached to the tip of the bar-like member.

  Preferably, the main part of the cleaning part is a solid bar-like member.

  Preferably, the cleaning tape is a cloth subjected to a fuzz prevention treatment.

  The cleaning tape may be a woven fabric that has been subjected to fluff prevention treatment.

Preferably, the transmission unit includes an arm that moves up and down in a vertical direction, and the winding unit rotates at a first angle in a first direction by the downward movement of the arm, and at the same time, the cleaning unit rotation unit is moved to the second direction. Preferably, the transmission means is rotated by a second angle in the direction of the rotation of the arm, and the cleaning section rotation means is rotated by the second angle opposite to the second direction by the upward movement of the arm. Comprises an arm that moves up and down in the vertical direction, and by the downward movement of the arm, the winding means is rotated by a first angle in the first direction, and the cleaning unit rotating means is rotated by a second angle in the second direction. At the same time, the delivery means is rotated by the first angle in a third direction, and the cleaning section rotating means is rotated by the second angle opposite to the second direction by the upward movement of the arm. It is configured as follows.

  Preferably, the arm of the transmission means has a plurality of notches formed along a longitudinal direction thereof, and the cleaning unit rotating means has a plurality of protrusions provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and the arm When the arm moves downward, the protrusions of the cleaning unit rotating means are sequentially pushed down by the notch of the arm, and when the cleaning unit rotating means rotates by a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction, the arm moves upward. The protrusions of the cleaning unit rotating means are sequentially pushed up by the notches, and the cleaning unit rotating means rotates by a predetermined angle opposite to the predetermined direction.

  Preferably, the arm of the transmission means includes a rack having a plurality of cutout grooves, and the cleaning unit rotating means includes a pinion having a plurality of teeth meshing with the rack, and the arm is moved up or down. Thus, the cleaning unit rotating means is configured to rotate in a predetermined direction or in the opposite direction.

  The method for cleaning the ferrule end face of the optical fiber connector according to the present invention includes the step of bringing the surface of the cleaning tape into contact with the ferrule end face of the optical fiber connector, the step of moving the cleaning tape by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction, and the cleaning Rotating the cleaning tape on the connection surface of the optical fiber connector while the tape is moving.

  Alternatively, the method for cleaning the ferrule end face of the optical fiber connector according to the present invention includes the step of inserting the tip of the cleaning portion on which the cleaning tape is movably stretched into the optical fiber connector, and the cleaning tape at the tip of the cleaning portion. And a step of bringing the cleaning tape into contact with the ferrule end surface, and a step of rotating the cleaning tape simultaneously with moving the cleaning tape while the cleaning tape is in contact with the ferrule end surface.

  Alternatively, the optical fiber connector cleaner includes a housing formed to have a size that can be held by one hand, a rod-shaped cleaning portion having an extending shaft provided at the front end of the housing, and winding means disposed in the housing. And a feeding means, a cleaning tape that is fed from the feeding means and wound around the tip of the cleaning portion, and then wound around the winding means, and the cleaning portion is rotated by a predetermined amount around the extension shaft. A cleaning unit rotating unit; and a manual operation unit that drives the cleaning unit rotating unit at the same time as driving the winding unit, and the cleaning unit is configured such that the cleaning tape is wound around the side surface and the front end unit. A rod-shaped inner guide member, and an outer guide member that surrounds the outer periphery of the inner guide member and the cleaning tape with the tip of the inner guide member exposed, Side guide member and the outer guide member is biased in the direction of the distal end independently.

  Preferably, the cleaning portion is supported at a base end portion by a shaft provided in the housing, and is rotatable at a predetermined angle with respect to the housing with the shaft as a fulcrum.

  Preferably, the cover further includes a cover that can be detachably attached to the cleaning portion, and the cover includes a cylindrical portion having an insertion hole adapted to receive a male terminal.

  Preferably, the cover further includes a cap that covers the insertion hole.

  Alternatively, the optical fiber connector cleaner is a housing and a cleaning portion provided at one end of the housing, and has a rod-like member, and the rod-like member is supported by the housing so as to be rotatable about its extending axis. The cleaning member supported to be movable in the tape length direction with the cleaning tape exposed at the tip of the rod-shaped member, the movable operation portion provided in the housing, the rod-shaped member, and the operation A cleaning unit rotation driving unit coupled to the operation unit and configured to rotate the rod-shaped member around the extending axis according to the movement of the operation unit; and the cleaning tape coupled to the operation unit and according to the movement of the operation unit. Winding means for advancing the cleaning tape at the tip of the rod-shaped member.

  Preferably, the cleaning unit rotation driving means rotates the rod-shaped member in a forward direction around the extending axis by the first movement of the operation unit, and causes the rod-shaped member to be rotated by the second movement of the operation unit. Rotating in the reverse direction to return it to its original position, the winding means has a winding portion that is rotatably supported by the housing and winds the cleaning tape, and the winding portion is a portion of the operation portion. By either the first movement or the second movement, the cleaning tape is wound up by rotating in a predetermined rotation direction, and the cleaning tape is advanced at the tip of the rod-shaped member.

Preferably, the cleaning unit rotation driving means includes a pinion provided at a base end of the rod-shaped member,
A rack that is provided in the operation unit and meshes with the pinion.

  Preferably, the winding means is disposed on both sides of the winding portion in the extending direction of the shaft, and a winding portion that is rotatably supported by a shaft provided in the housing and winds the cleaning tape. A first rotary drive plate and a second rotary drive plate that are rotatably supported by the shaft; a first ratchet mechanism provided between the winding unit and the first rotary drive plate; and the winding unit; A second ratchet mechanism provided between the second rotation drive plates, wherein the first and second ratchet mechanisms only rotate in the first rotation direction about the axis. To communicate.

  Preferably, the winding means has a movable member that moves in accordance with the movement of the operation portion, and the movable member is engaged with a first pinion provided on the first rotary drive plate. A second rack that meshes with a second pinion provided on the second rotary drive plate, and the first and second racks move in response to movement of the operation portion. The first and second rotary drive plates are engaged with the first and second pinions so as to rotate in directions opposite to each other.

  Preferably, the cleaning unit rotation driving means includes a spring that couples the pinion and the rod-shaped member.

  Preferably, the cleaning unit includes a guide sleeve that supports the rod-shaped member, and the guide sleeve is pivotally supported by the housing so as to change an angle of the extension shaft with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing. The

  Preferably, the cleaning unit is supported by the housing in a cylindrical guide sleeve supported by the housing, and is slidably supported on the inner surface of the guide sleeve along the extension shaft, and extends the rod-like member and the cleaning tape. A cylindrical outer guide member that is slidably accommodated along the shaft, and the rod-shaped member receives the rotational force from the cleaning unit rotation driving means via the connecting member. The outer guide member is connected to a rotation driving means, and the outer guide member has an engaging portion engageable with a step portion formed on the guide sleeve, and the step portion and the engaging portion are engaged with each other. The spring provided between the outer guide member and the rod-shaped member is urged in the distal direction of the rod-shaped member along the extending axis.

  Preferably, the cleaning unit is supported by the housing in a cylindrical guide sleeve supported by the housing, and is slidably supported on the inner surface of the guide sleeve along the extension shaft, and extends the rod-like member and the cleaning tape. A cylindrical outer guide member that is slidably accommodated along an axis, and a rotary joint that is supported on a base portion of the guide sleeve so as to be rotatable about the extension shaft, the proximal end of the rod-like member and the And a rotary joint that is slidably engaged with each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the extending axis, and the rotary joint receives a rotational force from the cleaning unit rotation driving means. The rod-shaped member is connected to the cleaning portion rotation driving means via a connecting member, and the rod-shaped member is engageable with an engaging portion provided on the guide sleeve. And a spring provided between the rod-shaped member flange and the rotary joint so that the rod-shaped member flange engages with the engaging portion. The outer guide member is biased and has an outer guide member flange engageable with a step portion formed on the guide sleeve, and the outer guide member flange is engaged with the step portion. The spring provided between the guide member flange and the engaging portion of the guide sleeve is urged in the distal direction of the rod-shaped member along the extending axis.

  Preferably, the housing has an elongated shape.

  Preferably, the cleaning unit rotation driving unit is mechanically coupled to the rod-shaped member and the operation unit, and the winding unit is mechanically coupled to the operation unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical fiber connector cleaner that is excellent in operability and cleanability and that can reliably clean both the male terminal and the female terminal of the optical fiber connector.

First Embodiment Referring to FIG. 1, an optical fiber connector cleaner 1 includes a housing 10 that extends long, a cleaning means 20 that is attached to one end in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10, and a housing 10 that is attached to the cleaner 10. The cleaning tape winding means 32 and the cleaning tape delivery means 34, and the transmission means 40 whose operation part protrudes outside the housing 10 are included.

  The housing 10 includes holes 10a, 10b, and 10c that penetrate the outer wall along the outer periphery. The housing 10 includes bearings 11 a and 11 b positioned corresponding to the cleaning means 20. The housing 10 includes shafts 12 a and 12 b positioned corresponding to the winding means 32 and the feeding means 34. The housing 10 is a center of oscillation rotation of a torsion spring 35 that serves as a link for transmitting the rotation of the winding means 32 to the delivery means 34 and the guide posts 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d of the cleaning tape T. The bearing 13e which comprises these. The case 10 has a bracket 14 protruding from the side surface. The bracket 14 includes a stopper wall 15 inclined with respect to the side surface.

  For the cleaning tape T, for example, a cloth made of ultrafine fibers such as Toraysee (registered trademark) is used. The ultrafine fibers are, for example, polyester fibers having no fluff, and the standard is 0.06 denier and the fiber diameter is about 2 μm. Since the ultrafine fibers penetrate into the oil film of 1 to 2 μm, oil stains can be scraped off. Moreover, the edge part of the cleaning tape T prevents fuzz by a heat cutting process or an ultrasonic cutting process.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the cleaning unit 20 includes a cleaning unit 21, a guide 22 integral with the cleaning unit 21, and a cleaning unit rotating unit 23 that supports the cleaning unit 21 and the guide 22 on the axis.

  The cleaning part 21 is a dimension which can be inserted in an adapter so that the ferrule end surface (connection end surface) of the optical fiber connector to which the adapter is attached can be cleaned.

  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cleaning unit 21 includes a hollow cylinder (rod-like member) 211 and a columnar roller 212 exposed at the tip of the cylinder 211. The tip of the cylinder 211 has an opening 211a. An inner wall of the cylinder 211 rotatably supports the roller 212. A part of the roller 212 protrudes outward from the opening 211a (see FIG. 5). The cleaning tape T is stretched around the roller 212 and exposed from the tip of the cylinder 211, and wipes off dirt during cleaning.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning tape guide mechanism 22 includes a circular first guide 221 to which the cylinder 21 is fixed, and a circular second guide 222 that is axially separated from the first guide 221. And a support shaft 223 that concentrically connects the first guide 221 and the second guide 222.

  The first guide 221 has rectangular first openings 221 a and 221 b formed in plane symmetry with respect to the support shaft 223. The second guide 222 has rectangular second openings 222a and 222b formed in plane symmetry with respect to the support piece 223.

  The short sides and long sides of the second guides 222a and 222b are longer than those of the first guides 221a and 221b.

  The two types of guides 221 and 222 allow the cleaning tape T to move in the rotation direction in the openings 221a, 221b, 222a, and 222b. This movement reduces the twist of the cleaning tape T around the axis due to the rotation of the cleaning tape T.

  In FIG. 1, the cleaning unit rotating means 23 includes a rotating drum 231 and rotating shafts 232 and 235 connected to both axial ends of the rotating drum 231. The rotating shafts 232 and 235 are rotatably supported by the bearings 11a and 11b. The rotating shaft 232 is integrally connected to the support shaft 223 and the rotating drum 231. The rotating drum 231 has a plurality of pins 233 protruding on the surface thereof. The pin 233 is disposed obliquely with respect to the axis when an arm 412 described later has an arc shape and swings around the rotation center.

  The winding means 32 for the cleaning tape T includes an annular reel 31 for winding the cleaning tape T, and the feeding means 34 includes an annular reel 33 for feeding the cleaning tape T. The reels 31 and 33 are rotatably supported around the shafts 12a and 12b. The reels 31 and 33 include first and second ratchets 32A and 34A that can rotate integrally with the reels 31 and 33, respectively. The first ratchet 32A has teeth 321 extending obliquely in the clockwise direction with respect to the radial direction. The second ratchet 34A has teeth 341 that extend obliquely counterclockwise with respect to the radial direction.

  A torsion spring 35 that functions as a link mechanism that transmits the rotation of the winding means 32 to the sending means 34 is provided between the winding means 32 and the sending means 34. The spring 35 is formed by bending an elastic material, for example, a leaf spring material, and is pivotally attached to the bearing 13e so as to be swingable. Both ends of the spring 35 engage with the teeth 321 of the ratchet 32A of the winding means 32 and the teeth 341 of the ratchet 34A of the delivery means 34, respectively.

  More specifically, when the ratchet 32A of the winding means 32 swings one end of the torsion spring 35 clockwise by one pitch, the other end of the torsion spring 35 rotates the ratchet 34A of the feeding means 34 by one pitch counterclockwise. Let Further, the spring 35 prevents reverse rotation of the winding means 32 and the feeding means 34.

  The transmission means 40 includes a handle 41 to which an operator's gripping force is applied. The handle 41 includes a lever 411 having a proximal end, and an arm 412 curved in an arc shape extending in the vertical direction from the distal end of the lever 411. The base end of the lever 411 is rotatably attached to the bracket 14 using a pivot 413.

  The tip of the arm 412 has two notches 412a and 412b that are separated from each other. The cutouts 412 a and 412 b extend so as to cross from opposite sides of the arm 412. The notches 412 a and 412 b engage with the pins 233 of the cleaning unit rotating means 23. By engaging the notches 412a and 412b with the pin 233, the cleaning unit 23 connected to the cleaning unit rotating means 23 can be rotated, and a rotational motion can be given to the cleaning tape T hung on the cleaning unit 21. The number of pins 233 and the number of notches in the arm 412 can be selected arbitrarily depending on the outer diameter of the rotating drum 231.

  The transmission means 40 includes a torsion spring 43 in which a leaf spring material is wound around a post 14 a on the bracket 14 and bent. One end 43 a of the spring 43 is engaged with the tooth 321 of the first ratchet 32. By the engagement of the teeth 321 of the ratchet 32 and the spring 43, the take-up reel 31 and the delivery reel 33 can be rotated and the cleaning tape T can be run.

  The other end 43 b of the spring 43 is biased to the side surface of the case 10. The spring 43 is bent at a substantially right angle at the tip portion 43c. The spring 43 is in contact with the lever 411 between the tip portion 43c and the post 14a. The lever 411 biased by the spring 43 comes into contact with the stopper wall 15 and stops, and the handle 41 is positioned at the original position.

  The usage method of the cleaner 1 is demonstrated with reference to FIG.

  For example, when cleaning the optical fiber connector to which the adapter is attached, first, the cleaning unit 21 is inserted into the adapter, and the cleaning tape T on the roller 212 is brought into contact with the ferrule end face of the optical fiber connector.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, the handle 41 is pushed down in the vertical direction. As a result, the lever 411 rotates in the counterclockwise direction A1 about the pivot 413. By this rotation, the arm 412 of the handle 41 advances into the hole 10b, and the torsion spring 43 advances into the hole 10c.

  At this time, the take-up reel 31 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction R1 by the torsion spring 43 engaged with the ratchet 32A of the take-up reel 31. At the same time, the rotation of the take-up reel 31 causes the torsion spring 35 that engages the ratchet 32A of the take-up reel 31 and the ratchet 34A of the feed reel 33 to rotate clockwise, and the feed reel 33 rotates counterclockwise R2. .

  By the rotation of the take-up reel 31 and the rotation of the feed reel 33, the cleaning tape T is fed out from the feed reel 33 and taken up on the take-up reel 31.

  More specifically, the cleaning tape T passes through the posts 13 a and 13 b, passes through the guide groove 222 b of the second tape guide 222 and the guide groove 221 b of the first tape guide 221, and advances toward the cleaning unit 21. Further, the cleaning tape T is folded back by the roller 212 at the tip of the cleaning unit 21, passes through the guide groove 221a of the first tape guide 221 and the guide groove 222a of the second tape guide 222, passes through the guide posts 13c and 13d, and takes up the take-up reel. 31 is wound up.

  On the other hand, in synchronism with the depression of the handle 41, the knock pin 233 of the cleaning unit rotating means 23 that supports the cylinder 211 of the cleaning unit 21 is sequentially engaged with the upper side of the notches 412a and 412b of the handle 412 for cleaning. The part 21 is rotated about a predetermined angle. Thereby, the cleaning tape T cleans the ferrule end face while running and rotating for a certain length.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, when the handle 41 is released after cleaning, the knock pin 233 is sequentially engaged with the lower side of the notches 412a and 412b on the distal end side of the handle 412 by the repulsive force of the torsion spring 43. Thus, the tape T is reversed at a predetermined angle to release the twist of the tape T.

  When the handle 41 is released, the torsion spring 43 applies a force in the reverse direction to the take-up reel 31, but the take-up reel 31 is prevented from being reversed by the torsion spring 35. For this reason, the tip 43a of the torsion spring 43 returns to the original state by skipping the teeth 321 of the ratchet 32 in the clockwise direction. Since the take-up reel 31 is stationary without being reversed, the delivery reel 33 is also stationary by the torsion spring 35. Therefore, even if the handle 41 is released, no slack occurs in the cleaning tape T that is stretched.

  According to the cleaner 1 described above, the cleaning tape T rotates while moving forward, and wipes off the dirt on the ferrule end face of the connector. That is, the cleaning surface T1 at the front end of the cleaning unit 21 is rotated on the ferrule end surface while being updated to a new cleaning tape, so that the ferrule end surface is always rubbed from various directions with a clean cleaning tape.

  For this reason, it is possible to obtain a cleaning effect superior to a cleaner that cleans while moving the cleaning tape or a cleaner that rotates the cleaning tape and cleans it.

First Modification FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the roller 212 attached to the tip of the hollow rod-like member 211 of the cleaning unit 21 of the first embodiment.

  The barrel-shaped roller shown in FIG. 8A can be used on the ferrule end face of most ordinary connectors. The drum-type roller shown in FIG. 8B can be suitably used for a ferrule end face or the like that is polished by an oblique spherical surface in a normal connector.

  The roller surface shown in FIG. 8 (c) provided with spiral belt-like protrusions and the roller surface shown in FIG. 8 (d) provided with disk-like protrusions at predetermined intervals are firmly attached to the connector surface. It can be suitably used when there is attached dirt.

Second Modification FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the guide 22 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9A shows a truncated conical guide member 22 </ b> A provided at the rear end of the rod-like member 211 of the cleaning unit 21. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the guide member 22A.

  The guide member 22A is provided with through holes 224A and 225A having a flat rectangular cross section for guiding the tape. The guide holes 224A and 225A are provided to be inclined with respect to the axis of the guide member 22A so as to be separated from the rear end of the bar-like member of the cleaning means toward the tape delivery side and the winding side. Thereby, even if twist is added to the cleaning tape by the shaft rotation of the cleaning part 21, it is possible to prevent an increase in frictional resistance when the cleaning tape travels. Therefore, the cleaning tape can run more smoothly.

  FIG. 9C shows another guide member 22B having a truncated cone shape.

  Similar to the guide member 22A, the guide member 22B is provided with through holes 224B and 225B having a flat rectangular cross section, and the through holes 224B and 225B are separated from each other toward the feeding side and the winding side of the tape. It is inclined with respect to the axis of the guide member 22B. The through-holes 224B and 225B are further expanded in cross section toward the tape delivery side and the winding side, thereby preventing an increase in running resistance when the cleaning tape is twisted. Therefore, the cleaning tape can be run more smoothly.

Third Modification Referring to FIG. 10, the cleaning unit 21 </ b> G includes a solid rod-like body 211 </ b> G extended from the rotation shaft 232 of the cleaning unit rotating means 23. A cleaning tape T is hung on the tip of the rod-like body 211G and folded.

  Cleaning tape guide grooves (not shown) are formed on both side surfaces of the rod-shaped body 211G, and the rod-shaped body 211G has a substantially H-shaped cross section. Thereby, when the cleaning tape T advances along the side surface of the rod-shaped body 211G, there is no possibility that the cleaning tape T is detached from the side surface of the rod-shaped body 211G.

Fourth Modification Referring to FIG. 11, the handle 41A includes an arm 412A that is curved in an arc shape and includes a rack 413A. The cleaning unit rotating means 23A includes a rotating drum 231A having a pinion 231A that meshes with the rack 413A. When the arm 412A swings around the pivotal support point 413 (FIG. 1), the teeth of the rack 231A and the pinion 413A are formed in an obliquely tapered state.

Second Embodiment Referring to FIG. 12, an optical fiber connector cleaner 1F includes a winding means 31F and a feeding means 33F that advance the cleaning tape T, a cleaning means 20F that rotates the cleaning tape T, and respective mechanisms. And an actuator.

  The winding means 31F includes a winding reel that is rotatably supported by the shaft 12F1 in the housing. The delivery means 33F includes a delivery reel that is rotatably supported by the shaft 12F2 in the housing 10F.

  The cleaning tape T is guided by the posts 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d.

  The cleaning unit 20F includes a cleaning unit 21 and a guide 22 that are integrally fixed to the tip, a rotating shaft 25F that is fixed to a support piece 223 of the guide 22, and a reduction gear box 24F that is connected to the rotating shaft 25F. .

  The actuator includes motors M1 and M2 for driving the winding means 31F and the feeding means 33F, respectively. The winding means 31F and the motor M1 are connected to each other by a pair of bevel gears 71 and 72. The feeding means 33F and the motor M2 are connected to each other by a pair of bevel gears 73 and 74. The actuator further includes a motor M3 that drives the gear box 24F. Motors M1, M2, and M3 are electrically connected to battery B by lead wires W1, W2, and W3.

  According to this cleaner 1F, the winding means 31F, the delivery means 33F, and the cleaning means 20F are driven together by operating the motors M1, M2, and M3.

  After the cleaning tape T advances by a certain length and the cleaning means 20F (cleaning part 21) rotates by a certain rotation angle, the cleaning part rotating means 20F (cleaning part 21) is configured to reverse. . By this inversion, the twist of the cleaning tape T between the cleaning part 21 and the posts 13b and 13c is released.

  Therefore, the cleaning surface of the cleaning tape T rotates while moving forward, so that the dirt on the connection surface of the optical fiber connector can be wiped off.

Third Embodiment FIG. 13 shows an optical fiber connector cleaner 501 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  The cleaner 501 includes a housing 503, a cleaning unit 505 provided at the tip of the housing 503, and a manual operation unit 535 provided on the upper surface of the housing 503 and movable in the vertical direction.

  The housing 503 is made long in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 13) so that it can be used with one hand, and can be disassembled left and right.

  Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the housing 503 is defined as the z direction, and the moving direction of the manual operation unit 535 is defined as the y direction.

FIG. 14 shows the cleaner 501 with the housing 503 disassembled. The cleaner 501 includes a cleaning unit rotating unit 525 that rotates the inner guide member 507 of the cleaning unit 505 , a winding unit 545 that winds up the used cleaning tape T, and a delivery unit 547 that feeds the cleaning tape T into the housing 503. And.

  FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the front portion of the cleaner 501, and shows a longitudinal section of the cleaning unit 505. 16A, 16B, and 16C show cross sections of the cleaning unit 505 cut along lines XVIA, XVIB, and XVIC in FIG. 15, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning unit 505 includes an inner guide member 507 on which a cleaning tape T is hung, a cylindrical outer guide member 509 that surrounds the inner guide member 507 and the cleaning tape T, and the outer guide. A cylindrical guide sleeve 511 surrounding the member 509.

  The inner guide member 507 has a base portion 507a and an extending portion 507b extending forward (left side in FIG. 15) from the base portion 507a and forming the tip of the cleaning portion 505. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the extending portion 507b is formed in a thin plate shape with a narrow width. Thereby, even if it is the connector of the wiring rack mounted in high density, cleaning work can be performed easily.

The front end surface of the extending portion 507b may be formed in a concave spherical shape in accordance with the ferrule end surface of the optical fiber connector to be cleaned. Thereby, the cleaning property of a cleaner can be improved more.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning tape T is movably hung from the groove 508a of the base portion 507a to the groove 508b of the base portion 507a through the lower surface, the distal end surface, and the upper surface of the extending portion 507b. The cleaning tape T is exposed to the outside only at the tip of the extending portion 507b protruding from the outer guide member 509.

  As described above, the outer guide member 509 covers the inner guide member 507 and the cleaning tape T, thereby protecting the cleaning tape T from dirt and smoothly running the cleaning tape T so as not to be detached from the inner guide member 507. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, the base portion 507a of the inner guide member 507 has an engaging portion 510a that extends in the radial direction around the z axis and engages with the slits 512a and 512b of the outer guide member 509. 510b is formed. The slits 512a and 512b are elongated in the z direction. Accordingly, the inner guide member 507 can slide in the z direction while being restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction around the z axis with respect to the outer guide member 509.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the inner guide member 507 is urged forward (arrow B) by a first spring 513 provided between a base 507a and a cleaning unit rotating means 525 described later. The outer guide member 509 is engaged with the step portion 509 c formed on the outer guide member 509 and the step portion 511 a formed on the guide sleeve 511 by a second spring 515 provided between the outer guide member 507 and the inner guide member 507. Thus, it is biased forward (arrow B). The first spring 513 and the second spring are coil springs, and the cleaning tape T passes inside these springs.

With the above configuration, the length L of the portion of the inner guide member 507 protruding from the outer guide member 509 by sliding the outer guide member 509 backward relative to the inner guide member 507 against the second spring 515. Can be extended. Thus, for example, even when the terminal P ₃ as shown in FIG. 23 in inner room of the opening, pressing an outer guide member 509 to the opening around the edges, is brought into contact with the tip of the inner guide member 507 to the terminal P _3, it is possible to clean the terminal P _3. At this time, the distal end surface of the inner guide member 507, the elastic force of the first spring 513, for contacting the end surface with a predetermined pressure terminal P _3, there is no risk of damaging the terminal P _3.

  Referring to FIG. 15 again, the guide sleeve 511 is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 517 provided in the housing 503 at the base end portion.

  The guide sleeve 511 is positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to the housing 503 by the positioning means 519. More specifically, the positioning means 519 extends from a plurality of engagement recesses 523a, b, c, d fixed to the housing 503 and the base end portion of the guide sleeve 511, and the engagement recesses 523a, b, c , D, and an engagement arm 521 having an engagement convex portion 521a that can be engaged with d.

  The engaging recesses 523a, b, c, and d are arranged at predetermined angular intervals on an arc centered on the turning shaft 517. Accordingly, the guide sleep 511 is turned about the turning shaft 517 as a fulcrum, and the engagement protrusion 521a is engaged with one of the engagement recesses 523a, b, c, d, whereby the cleaning portion 505 is predetermined with respect to the housing 503. Can be positioned at any angle.

  When the engaging convex portion 521a is engaged with the uppermost engaging concave portion 523a in FIG. 15, the cleaning portion 505 is positioned in parallel to the longitudinal direction z of the housing 503.

On the other hand, when the engaging convex portion 521a is engaged with the lowermost engaging concave portion 523d in FIG. 15, the cleaning portion 505 is inclined upward with respect to the longitudinal direction z of the housing 503 as shown in FIG. Is positioned. In this way, by the cleaning unit 505 with a predetermined angle upward, even for terminal P ₄ of the laser emitted from the terminal P ₁ of the connector has a downwardly so as not to directly entering the eyes of the worker, correctly They can be brought into contact with each other and can be easily and reliably removed.

  Referring to FIG. 15 again, the cleaning unit rotating means 525 includes a pinion 527 and a rack 529 that meshes with the pinion 527.

  The shaft 531 of the pinion 527 is supported at both ends so as to be rotatable around the z-axis by bearings 533 a and b provided in the housing 503.

  The rack 529 is provided on an arm 537 extending from the manual operation unit 535 (FIG. 14), and can move in the vertical direction (y direction) together with the manual operation unit 535.

  Due to the engagement of the pinion 527 and the rack 529, the amount of movement of the rack 529 in the y direction becomes the amount of rotation of the pinion 527 around the z-axis. That is, when the manual operation unit 535 is moved upward or downward, the rack 529 is moved upward or downward (arrow C), and forward or reverse rotational power is applied to the pinion 527.

  One end of the first spring 513 is fixed to the end portion 531b of the shaft 531 on the cleaning portion 505 side. The other end of the first spring 513 is fixed to the base 507 a of the inner guide member 507. As a result, the first spring 513 transmits the rotational power from the cleaning unit rotating means 525 to the inner guide member 507. That is, the first spring 513 has a rotational power transmission function for transmitting rotational power from the cleaning unit rotating means 525 to the inner guide member 507 in addition to a biasing function for biasing the inner guide member 507. The cleaning unit rotating means 525 is connected to the inner guide member 507 via the first spring 513, so that even when the cleaning unit 505 is positioned at an inclination with respect to the z axis (FIG. 24), the inner guide member 507 Rotational power can be transmitted and the inner guide member 507 can be rotated about the extending axis A.

  17 (a), 21 (b), and 21 (c) show cross sections of respective portions of the shaft 531 cut along the lines XVIIA, XVIIB, and XVIIC in FIG. 15, respectively.

  The shaft 531 has a groove or an opening for guiding the cleaning tape T so as to move along the shaft 531. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the unused portion and the used portion of the cleaning tape T that travel in opposite directions along the shaft 531 from coming into contact with each other, and to move the cleaning tape T smoothly.

  Referring to FIG. 14 again, the manual operation unit 535 is supported by a guide member 541 provided in the housing 503 so as to be movable only in the vertical direction (y direction), and between the support member 544 provided in the housing 503. The third spring 543 is biased upward. Accordingly, the manual operation unit 535 is lowered by pressing as shown by the arrow W against the third spring 543, and is lifted by the third spring 543 when the pressing is released, and returns to the original position. .

  The winding means 545 includes a winding reel 549 that winds up the used cleaning tape T.

  FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the take-up reel 549 viewed from the direction of the arrow XVIII in FIG.

  The take-up reel 549 includes a body portion 551, and a first rotation flange 553 and a second rotation flange 555 provided on both sides of the body portion 551. The body 551 and the first and second rotating flanges 553 and 555 each have a disk shape extending to the yz plane, and are rotatably supported by a shaft 557 (FIG. 14) provided in the housing 503. . A first pinion 554 is provided on the outer surface of the first rotating flange 553 (the surface opposite to the body portion 551), and a second pinion 556 is provided on the outer surface of the second rotating flange 555.

  Between the trunk | drum 551 and the 1st rotation flange 553, the 1st ratchet mechanism 559 which transmits only the counterclockwise rotation motion in FIG. 14 of the 1st rotation flange to the trunk | drum 551 is provided. The first ratchet mechanism 559 includes a plurality of teeth 563 provided on the side surface of the body portion 551 on the first flange 553 side, and can mesh with the teeth 563 provided on the first rotating flange 553 and is outside (opposite to the body portion 551). Claw 565 that can be bent to the side).

  Similarly, a second ratchet mechanism 561 that transmits only the counterclockwise rotational movement of the second rotation flange in FIG. 14 to the body 551 is provided between the body 551 and the second rotation flange 555. . The second ratchet mechanism 561 has a plurality of teeth 567 provided on the side surface of the body portion 551 on the second flange 555 side, and can mesh with the teeth 567 provided on the second rotation flange 555 and is outside (opposite to the body portion 551). Claw 569 that can be bent to the side).

  Referring again to FIG. 14, the winding means 545 has a movable frame 575 that rotates the winding reel 549. The movable frame 575 includes a first rack 571 as a drive gear that meshes with the first pinion 554 and a second rack 573 as a drive gear that meshes with the second pinion 556.

  The movable frame 575 is supported by a guide rail (not shown) provided in the housing 503 so as to be slidable only in the vertical direction (y direction).

  FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX in FIG. 14 and shows the engagement of the first rack 571 and the first pinion 554 and the second rack 573 and the second pinion 556.

  The first rack 571 meshes with the teeth on the front (left side in FIG. 19) of the first pinion 554, and the second rack 573 meshes with the teeth on the back (right side in FIG. 19) of the second pinion 556. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the first rack 571 and the first pinion 554, and the second rack 573 and the second pinion 556 are engaged with each other at a position rotated 180 degrees around the shaft 557. . Thus, when the first and second racks 571 and 573 move together with the movable frame 575 in the vertical direction (y direction), the first and second pinions 554 and 556 rotate in opposite directions.

  The operation of the take-up reel 549 including the action of the ratchet mechanisms 559 and 561 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20A and 20B.

  FIG. 20A shows an operation when the movable frame 575 moves downward (arrow E).

  The first rack 571 rotates the first rotating flange 553 counterclockwise via the first pinion 554 (arrow F). The second rack 573 rotates the second rotating flange 555 clockwise via the second pinion 556 (arrow G).

  By the way, the body portion 551 is rotated only by the rotation flanges 553 and 555 that rotate counterclockwise by the first and second ratchet mechanisms 559 and 561 described above. Accordingly, the body 551 rotates with the first rotation flange 553 and rotates counterclockwise (arrow H). The claw 569 of the second ratchet mechanism 561 bends outward to get over the teeth 567, and the second rotating flange 555 rotates in the clockwise direction.

  FIG. 20B shows the operation when the movable frame 575 moves upward (arrow I).

  The first rack 571 rotates the first rotation flange 553 clockwise via the first pinion 554 (arrow J). The second rack 573 rotates the second rotation flange 555 counterclockwise via the second pinion 556 (arrow K).

  Accordingly, the body 551 rotates with the second rotating flange 555 that rotates counterclockwise and rotates counterclockwise (arrow M). In addition, the claw 565 of the first ratchet mechanism 559 bends outward to get over the teeth 563, and the first rotating flange 553 rotates in the clockwise direction.

  Therefore, regardless of whether the movable frame 555 moves in the vertical direction, the body 551 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 14, whereby the cleaning tape T is wound up.

  Referring to FIG. 14 again, the winding means 545 further includes a crank rod 577 that moves the movable frame 575 in the vertical direction in conjunction with the manual operation unit 535.

  The crank rod 577 is rotatably supported at one end by a shaft 579 provided on the housing 503. The other end of the crank rod 577 is provided with a pin 581 that engages with a long hole 539a provided in the manual operation portion 535 in the housing 503, and a long portion provided on the movable frame 575 at a substantially intermediate portion of the crank rod 577. A drive pin 583 that engages with the hole 575a is provided. The long holes 539a and 575a are formed long in the z direction, and absorb the movement of the pin 581 and the drive pin 583 in the z direction as the crank rod 577 turns.

  When the manual operation portion 535 is pressed as indicated by an arrow W and moves downward against the elasticity of the third spring 543, the pin 581 of the crank rod 577 is pushed down, and the crank rod 577 is moved downward with the shaft 579 as a fulcrum. Turn to. The movable frame 575 is pushed down by the drive pin 583 of the crank rod 577 and moves downward.

  When the pressing is released and the manual operation portion 535 moves upward by the elasticity of the third spring 543, the pin 581 of the crank rod 577 is pushed up, and the crank rod 577 turns upward with the shaft 579 as a fulcrum. The movable frame 575 is pushed up by the drive pin 583 of the crank rod 577 and moves upward.

  According to the winding means 545, when the manual operation portion 535 is pressed, the movable frame 575 moves downward, and the body portion 551 of the winding reel 549 rotates counterclockwise together with the first rotating flange 553. When the manual operation unit 535 is released, the movable frame 575 moves upward, and the body 551 of the take-up reel 549 rotates together with the second rotary flange 555 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.

  Therefore, the cleaning tape T is wound around the take-up reel 549 by a predetermined amount by any operation of pressing and releasing the manual operation unit 535.

  The delivery means 547 includes a reel 585 around which an unused portion of the cleaning tape T is wound. The reel 585 is rotatably supported by a shaft 587 provided in the housing 503.

  The reel 585 has an appropriate resistance during rotation by, for example, a protrusion (not shown) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 587 or a spring (not shown) disposed between the housing 503 and the reel 585 through the shaft 587. Receive. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cleaning tape T from being fed out from the reel 585 more than necessary, and the sagging at the tip 507b of the cleaning unit 505 and the like can be prevented.

  Since the cleaning tape T is wound around the take-up reel 549 and moves along the arrows a, b, c, d, and e in FIG. 14 from the reel 585, the cleaning tape T is always attached to the tip of the cleaning unit 505. Unused parts are supplied.

  The usage amount and remaining amount of the cleaning tape T can be confirmed from the outside through a viewing window 589 provided in the housing 503.

  According to the cleaner 501 configured as described above, the used cleaning tape T is taken up by the take-up means 545 and the clean cleaning tape T is sent out from the sending-out means 547 by pressing the manual operation unit 535. It is. Therefore, the terminal surface can be cleaned with the always clean cleaning tape T.

  A cover 591 as shown in FIG. 13 can be detachably attached to the cleaning unit 505. The cover 591 is preferably coupled to the housing 503 by a band 592 so that it is not lost when removed.

  FIG. 21 shows the tip of the cleaning unit 505 to which the cover 591 is attached.

The cover 591 includes a tubular portion 595 and a cap 597 that is detachably attached to the distal end of the tubular portion 595. Cylindrical portion 595 has an insertion hole 593 at the distal end, the insertion hole 593, the male side terminal P ₁ of the connection terminal surface of the connector is not surrounded by the adapter is adapted to be inserted. The insertion hole 593 can be covered with a cap 597.

  When the cleaner 501 is not used, the tip 507b of the cleaning portion 505 can be protected from dirt by attaching the cylindrical portion 595 of the cover 591 to the cleaning portion 505 and fitting the cap 597 to the tip of the cylindrical portion 595.

When the cleaner 501 is used to clean the male terminal P ₁ , the cover 591 is attached to the cleaning unit 505, and the cap 597 is removed from the cylindrical part 595, and the male terminal P ₁ is inserted into the insertion hole 593. insert. Thus, the terminal surface of the male side terminal P _1, is brought into contact with the cleaning tape T at the tip 507b of the cleaning unit 505, it is possible to remove the dirt terminal surface.

Fifth Modification Mode FIGS. 22A and 22B show a cleaning unit 605 according to a fifth modification mode.

  Referring to FIG. 22A, the cleaning unit 605 attaches a spring 613 for transmitting rotational power from a cleaning unit rotating means (not shown) to the inner guide member 607 and an inner guide member 607 forward. The point which is provided with the spring 617 for energizing separately and the point which the front-end | tip 607b of the inner side guide member 607 is arrange | positioned inside the outer side guide member 609 differ from the cleaning part 505 of 3rd Embodiment. ing.

  The cleaning unit 605 includes an inner guide member 607 on which a cleaning tape T is hung, a cylindrical outer guide member 609 that surrounds the inner guide member 607 and a front (left side in FIG. 22A) portion of the cleaning tape T. The inner guide member 607 and the cleaning tape T, and the cylindrical guide sleeve 611 surrounding the rear portion of the outer guide member 609 are included.

  As shown in the drawing, the tip 607 b of the inner guide member 607 is usually located inside the outer guide member 609. Thereby, it can prevent that the cleaning tape T of the front-end | tip 607b gets dirty before use.

  A rotary joint 619 is supported on the proximal end side in the guide sleeve 611 so as to be rotatable about the extending axis A of the inner guide member 607. One end of the first spring 613 is fixed to the base end 619a of the rotary joint 619, and the other end of the first spring 613 is fixed to the cleaning unit rotating means. An engagement portion 619 b that engages with the outer periphery of the base portion 607 a of the inner guide member 607 is provided on the distal end side of the rotary joint 619.

  The inner guide member 607 can slide in the direction of the extending axis A with respect to the rotary joint 619. Further, the inner guide member 607 engages with the rotary joint 619 in the circumferential direction with respect to the extending axis A. As a result, the rotary joint 619 rotates by the rotational power transmitted from the first spring 613 and rotates the inner guide member 607.

  A stopper 621 is fixed to an intermediate portion in the guide sleeve 611. The stopper 621 has an annular portion 621a extending in a plane perpendicular to the extending axis A, and the annular portion 621a defines two spring accommodating holes 623 and 625 in the guide sleeve.

  A flange 609c provided at the base end 609a of the outer guide member 609 is disposed in the first spring accommodation hole 623 at the front. The outer guide member 609 is moved along the extension axis A by a second spring 615 provided between the flange 609c and the stopper 621 so that the flange 609c engages with a step 611a formed at the tip of the guide sleeve 611. Is pushed forward. The outer guide member 609 slides backward with respect to the guide sleeve 611 by pressing against the second spring 615.

  A flange 607c provided between the base portion 607a and the extending portion 607b of the inner guide member 607 is disposed in the second spring accommodation hole 625 at the rear. The inner guide member 607 is urged forward along the extension axis A by a third spring 617 provided between the flange 607c and the rotary joint 619 so that the flange 607c engages with the stopper 621. The inner guide member 607 can keep the pressing force against the connector end surface to be cleaned constant by the elasticity of the third spring 617.

  When one spring has an urging function and a rotational power transmission function, since the spring constant is large, the pressing force at the front end of the inner guide member becomes larger than necessary, and the cleaning tape T may not run smoothly. However, as described above, by separately providing the spring 613 that transmits the rotational power and the spring 617 that biases forward, and by making the spring constant of the biasing spring smaller than the spring constant of the rotational power transmitting spring, The cleaning tape T can run smoothly.

FIG. 22 (c) shows a cleaning unit 605 when the adapter AD to clean the end surface P ₂ of the optical fiber connector is installed. As illustrated, the distal end 607b of the inner guide member 607 is inserted into the split sleeve AD1 of the adapter AD while the outer guide member 609 slides backward with respect to the guide sleeve 611.

More specifically, first, the leading end 609b of the outer guide member 609 to position the cleaning unit 605 so as to contact the leading end of the split sleeve AD1 of the adapter AD, is advanced towards the end face P _2. The outer guide member 609 is pushed back by the split sleeve AD <b> 1 and compresses the second spring 615. The inner guide member 607 and the guide sleeve 611 move forward with respect to the outer guide member 609. Thus, the tip 607b of the inner guide member 607 contacts the outer guide member 609 protrudes on the end face _{P 2} cleaning tape T connector tip 607b.

After cleaning the end surface P ₂ as in the third embodiment, when separating the cleaning unit 605 from the adapter AD, the outer guide member 609 returns to the position shown in FIG. 22 (a) by the urging of the second spring 615, The front end 607b of the inner guide member 607 is accommodated in the outer guide member 609 again.

  Thus, since the front end 607b of the inner guide member 607 is located inside the outer guide member 609, the cleaning tape T is prevented from becoming dirty before use, and the cleaning tape T is not attached to any part other than the ferrule end face of the connector during use. It is possible to prevent contact and contamination.

  As apparent from the above description, the optical fiber connector cleaner and the method for cleaning the ferrule end face of the optical fiber connector according to the present invention have the following features.

(1) The optical fiber connector cleaner 1 is
A housing 10;
A winding means 32 and a feeding means 34 of the cleaning tape T disposed inside the housing;
A cleaning means 20 having a rod-like cleaning portion 21 projecting outside the housing, and is stretched at the tip of the cleaning portion so as to be capable of moving forward with the cleaning tape fed from the feeding means exposed. Cleaning means for cleaning the end face by bringing the tip of the cleaning portion into contact with the end face of the optical fiber connector;
In the housing, a cleaning unit rotating means 23 connected coaxially to the cleaning unit and rotatably supported with respect to the housing;
A transmission means 40 for rotating the winding unit and the cleaning unit rotating unit substantially simultaneously in a predetermined direction at a predetermined angle, and then reversing the cleaning unit rotating unit to the original position;
Is provided.

(2) The optical fiber connector cleaner 1 is
A housing 10;
Winding means 32 and delivery means 34 for the cleaning tape T mounted in the housing;
A cleaning means 20 having a rod-like cleaning portion 21 projecting outside the housing, and is stretched at the tip of the cleaning portion so as to be capable of moving forward with the cleaning tape fed from the feeding means exposed. Cleaning means for cleaning the end face by bringing the tip of the cleaning portion into contact with the end face of the optical fiber connector;
In the housing, a cleaning unit rotating means 23 connected coaxially to the cleaning unit and rotatably supported with respect to the housing;
A guide means 22 for the cleaning tape that is coaxially connected to the cleaning portion and rotatably supported with respect to the housing;
A transmission means 40 for rotating the winding unit and the cleaning unit rotating unit substantially simultaneously in a predetermined direction at a predetermined angle, and then reversing the cleaning unit rotating unit to the original position;
Is provided.

(3) The transmission means 40 rotates the winding means 32, the delivery means 34, and the cleaning part rotating means 23 almost simultaneously.

(4) The cleaning unit 21 includes a hollow rod-like member 211 and a member 212 having good slipperiness disposed at the tip of the rod-like member.

(5) The cleaning unit 21 includes a hollow rod-like member 211 and a roller rotatably attached to the tip of the rod-like member.

(6) The main part of the cleaning part 21 is a solid bar-like member.

(7) The cleaning tape T is a cloth that has been subjected to fluff prevention treatment.

(8) The cleaning tape T is a woven fabric that has been subjected to fluff prevention treatment.

(9) The transmission means 40 includes an arm 412 that moves up and down in the vertical direction, and simultaneously rotates the winding means 32 in the first direction by the downward movement of the arm, and at the same time the cleaning section rotating means. 23 is rotated by a second angle in the second direction, and the cleaning unit rotating means is rotated by the second angle opposite to the second direction by the upward movement of the arm.

(10) The transmission means 40 includes an arm 412 that moves up and down in the vertical direction, and the winding means 32 is rotated in the first direction by a first angle by the downward movement of the arm, and the cleaning unit rotation means 23 is moved. At the same time as rotating the second angle in the second direction, the delivery means 34 is rotated in the third direction by the first angle, and the cleaning unit rotating means is moved in the second direction by the upward movement of the arm. In contrast, the second angle is rotated.

(11) The arm 412 of the transmission means 40 has a plurality of notches 412a and 412b formed along the longitudinal direction thereof, and the cleaning portion rotating means 23 has a plurality of protrusions provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. 233, when the arm moves downward, the protrusion of the cleaning unit rotating means is sequentially pushed down by the notch of the arm, the cleaning unit rotating means rotates in a predetermined direction by a predetermined angle, and the arm During the upward movement, the protrusions of the cleaning unit rotating means are sequentially pushed up by the notch of the arm, and the cleaning unit rotating means rotates by a predetermined angle opposite to the predetermined direction.

(12) The arm 412A of the transmission means 40 has a rack having a plurality of cutout grooves 413A, and the cleaning portion rotating means 23A has a pinion having a plurality of teeth 231A meshing with the rack. The cleaning unit rotating means is configured to rotate in a predetermined direction or in the opposite direction by the upward or downward movement.

(13) The method of cleaning the ferrule end face of the optical fiber connector is as follows:
Contacting the surface of the cleaning tape with the ferrule end face of the optical fiber connector;
Moving the cleaning tape in the longitudinal direction by a certain distance;
Rotating the cleaning tape on the connection surface of the optical fiber connector while the cleaning tape is moving;
Have

(14) The method of cleaning the ferrule end face of the optical fiber connector is as follows:
A step of inserting the tip of the cleaning unit on which the cleaning tape is movably stretched into the optical fiber connector;
Contacting the cleaning tape at the tip of the cleaning part with the ferrule end surface of the optical fiber connector;
While the cleaning tape is in contact with the ferrule end face, the process of rotating the cleaning tape and rotating the cleaning tape at the same time;
Have

(15) The optical fiber connector cleaner 501 is:
A housing 503 sized to be held with one hand;
A rod-shaped cleaning unit 505 having an extending axis A provided at the tip of the housing;
A winding means 545 and a feeding means 547 arranged in the housing, and a cleaning tape T that is fed from the feeding means and wound around the tip of the cleaning portion, and then wound around the winding means,
A cleaning section rotating means 525 for rotating the cleaning section by a predetermined amount around the extending axis; a manual operation section 535 for driving the cleaning section rotating means at the same time as driving the winding means 545;
Have
The cleaning section includes a rod-shaped inner guide member 507 in which the cleaning tape is wound around a side surface and a front end portion, and an outer periphery of the inner guide member and the cleaning tape with the front end of the inner guide member exposed. An outer guide member 509 surrounding the inner guide member, and the inner guide member and the outer guide member are independently urged toward the tip.

(16) The cleaning unit 505 is supported by a shaft 517 provided in the housing 503 at the base end portion, and can be rotated at a predetermined angle with respect to the housing with the shaft as a fulcrum.

(17) The optical fiber connector cleaner further includes a cover 591 that can be detachably attached to the cleaning unit 505, and the cover includes a tube provided with an insertion hole 593 adapted to receive a male terminal. A shape portion 595.

(18) The cover 591 further includes a cap 597 that covers the insertion hole 593.

(19) The optical fiber connector cleaner 501 is:
A housing 503;
Cleaning portions 505 and 605 provided at one end of the housing, each having a rod-like member 507, which is supported by the housing so as to be rotatable about its extending axis A, and is attached to the tip of the rod-like member. Is a cleaning unit supported so as to be movable in the tape length direction with the cleaning tape T exposed; and
A movable operation portion 535 provided in the housing;
A cleaning unit rotation driving means 525 coupled to the rod-shaped member and the operation unit and configured to rotate the rod-shaped member around the extending axis according to the movement of the operation unit;
A winding unit 545 coupled to the operation unit, winding the cleaning tape in accordance with movement of the operation unit, and advancing the cleaning tape at a tip of the rod-shaped member;
Have

(20) The cleaning unit rotation driving unit 525 rotates the rod-shaped members 507 and 607 in the forward direction around the extending axis A by the first movement of the operation unit 535, and the second movement of the operation unit. By rotating the rod-shaped member in the reverse direction to return to the original position,
The winding means 545 has a winding portion 551 that is rotatably supported by the housing 503 and winds the cleaning tape, and the winding portion is one of the first and second movements of the operation portion. Also, the cleaning tape T is wound up by rotating in a predetermined rotation direction, and the cleaning tape is advanced at the tip of the rod-shaped member.

(21) The cleaning unit rotation driving means 525 includes:
A pinion 527 provided at the base end of the rod-shaped members 507 and 607;
A rack 529 provided in the operation unit 535 and meshing with the pinion;
including.

(22) The winding means 545 includes:
A winding portion 551 that is rotatably supported by a shaft 557 provided in the housing 503 and winds the cleaning tape T;
A first rotation drive plate 553 and a second rotation drive plate 555 that are disposed on both sides of the winding portion in the extending direction of the shaft and are rotatably supported by the shaft;
A first ratchet mechanism 559 provided between the winding portion and the first rotation drive plate;
A second ratchet mechanism 561 provided between the winding portion and the second rotation drive plate;
Have
The first and second ratchet mechanisms transmit only the rotation in the first rotation direction around the axis to the winding unit.

(23) The winding means 545 includes a movable member 575 that moves according to the movement of the operation unit 535, and the movable member is a first pinion 554 provided on the first rotation drive plate 553. A first rack 571 that meshes with the second pinion 556 provided on the second rotational drive plate 555, and a second rack 573 that meshes with the second pinion 556.
The first and second racks mesh with the first and second pinions so as to rotate the first and second rotary drive plates in opposite directions in accordance with the movement of the operation unit 535. .

(24) The cleaning unit rotation driving means 525 includes springs 513 and 613 that couple the pinion 527 and the rod-shaped members 507 and 607.

(25) The cleaning units 505 and 605 include guide sleeves 511 and 611 that support the rod-shaped members 507 and 607, and the guide sleeve changes the angle of the extension axis A with respect to the longitudinal axis z of the housing 503. Thus, the housing is pivotally supported.

(26) The cleaning units 505 and 605 are
Cylindrical guide sleeves 511 and 611 supported by the housing 503;
A cylindrical outer guide member supported on the inner surface of the guide sleeve so as to be slidable along the extending axis A, and accommodating the rod-like members 507 and 607 and the cleaning tape T slidably along the extending axis. 509, 609,
Have
The rod-shaped member is connected to the cleaning unit rotation driving means via connection members 513 and 613 so as to receive a rotational force from the cleaning unit rotation driving means 525,
The outer guide member has engaging portions 509c and 609c that can be engaged with step portions 511a and 611a formed on the guide sleeve, and the outer guide member is engaged with the outer portion so that the step portion and the engaging portion are engaged with each other. The springs 515 and 615 provided between the guide member and the rod-shaped member are urged in the distal direction of the rod-shaped member along the extending axis.

(27) The cleaning unit 605 includes:
A cylindrical guide sleeve 611 supported by the housing 503;
A cylindrical outer guide member 609 that is supported on the inner surface of the guide sleeve so as to be slidable along the extending axis A, and that accommodates the bar-shaped member 607 and the cleaning tape T slidably along the extending axis; ,
A rotary joint 619 supported by the base portion of the guide sleeve so as to be rotatable about the stretching axis, the base end 607a of the rod-shaped member 607 and the circumferential direction with respect to the stretching axis, which are immovable with each other and along the stretching axis A rotary joint that slidably engages,
Have
The rotary joint is connected to the cleaning unit rotation driving unit via a connecting member 613 so as to receive a rotational force from the cleaning unit rotation driving unit 525,
The rod-shaped member has a rod-shaped member flange 607c that can be engaged with an engaging portion 621a provided on the guide sleeve, and the rod-shaped member flange and the rod-shaped member flange are engaged with the engaging portion. The spring 617 provided between the rotary joints is urged in the distal direction of the rod-shaped member along the extending axis,
The outer guide member has an outer guide member flange 609c that can be engaged with a step portion 611a formed on the guide sleeve, and the outer guide member is engaged with the step portion. The spring 615 provided between the flange and the engaging portion of the guide sleeve is urged in the distal direction of the rod-shaped member along the extending axis.

(28) The housing 503 has an elongated shape.

(29) The cleaning unit rotation driving means 525 is mechanically coupled to the rod-like members 507 and 607 and the operation unit 535,
The winding means 545 is mechanically coupled to the operation unit.

  As described above, according to the optical fiber connector cleaners 1, 1F, and 501, the following advantages can be obtained.

(1) The connector ferrule end face is cleaned by moving and rotating while bringing a clean cleaning tape into contact with the ferrule end face of the connector, so that an excellent cleaning effect can be obtained in a very short time, and the dirt adheres again. There is no. In addition, there is no variation in individual cleaning or variation in each cleaning. Furthermore, useless use of the cleaning tape can be reduced.

(2) By the downward movement of the manual operation part (handle), the winding means and the cleaning part can be rotated almost simultaneously, and the ferrule end face can be cleaned by rotating while moving the cleaning tape with a simple operation. .

(3) As the manual operation part (handle) moves up, the cleaning part can be reversed in the other direction to release the twisting of the cleaning tape and return to its original state, so the cleaning work must be performed in the same state every time. Can do.

(4) Since the cleaning tape guide mechanism is provided, the cleaning tape fed from the feeding means can be reliably advanced toward the cleaning portion, and a stable cleaning effect can be obtained.

(5) Since the winding means and the feeding means are rotated almost simultaneously, the cleaning tape may come loose and come off the guide post even if the cleaning tape is run while contacting the ferrule end surface of the connector, making running difficult. There is no. Therefore, the cleaning operation can be performed stably and repeatedly.

(6) Since the cleaning unit has a hollow rod-like member provided with a slippery member at the tip, the cleaning tape can be guided by the rod-like member to surely reach the tip, and easily run at the tip. it can.

(7) Since the cleaning unit has the roller provided at the tip of the hollow rod-like member, the cleaning tape can be run more smoothly and with a smaller driving force.

(8) Since the cleaning part has a solid bar-like member bar shape, the cleaning tape can be stretched more easily.

(9) By using a cloth having a lint prevention treatment applied to the cleaning tape, a part of the fiber does not fall off during cleaning, resulting in an increase in insertion loss.

(10) By using a woven fabric that has been subjected to fuzz prevention treatment on the cleaning tape, the ferrule end face is rubbed from various directions by the texture of the woven fabric, and a more excellent cleaning effect can be obtained.

(11) The cleaning portion is rotated by engaging the plurality of notches provided in the manual operation portion (handle) with the plurality of protrusions provided in the cleaning portion rotating means. It is possible to easily manufacture a cleaner that synchronizes rotation with rotation.

(12) A cleaner that synchronizes the running and rotation of the cleaning tape by rotating the cleaning unit by engaging a rack provided on the manual operation unit (handle) and a pinion connected to the cleaning unit. It can be manufactured easily.

(13) With the configuration in which the cleaning tape is hung on the tip of the elongated inner guide member, the mounting density is high, and the ferrule end face provided in the back of the narrow opening can be reliably cleaned.

(14) By guiding the cleaning tape with the inner guide member and the outer guide member, the cleaning tape runs stably without being detached, and is protected from dirt and the like by the outer guide member.

(15) Since the inner guide member is urged to extend and contract with respect to the housing, the end face of the ferrule can always be cleaned with a constant pressure, and there is no risk of scratching the end face by making strong contact with the end face of the ferrule.

(16) Even when the ferrule end face is positioned at the opening ridge, the ferrule end face can be reliably and easily cleaned by advancing the inner guide member by bringing the outer guide member into contact with the opening edge.

(17) Even when the ferrule end face is facing downward, by setting the cleaning portion upward with respect to the housing, it can be correctly applied to the ferrule end face, and the cleanability and usability can be improved. .

(18) By attaching a cover to the cleaning part, the cleaning tape can be protected from dirt. Further, by attaching a cap, it is possible to protect dirt and dust from entering the cover even when the cap is not used for a long time.

(19) By attaching a cover to the cleaning unit and providing an insertion hole at the tip, the male terminal can be inserted into the insertion hole for easy and quick cleaning.

(20) Since the inner guide member is positioned inside the outer guide member, the cleaning tape before use can be protected from dirt. Moreover, it can prevent contacting the inside of a connector other than the ferrule end surface to be cleaned during use.

(21) By separately providing a spring for transmitting rotational power to the inner guide member and a spring for biasing the inner guide member, the inner guide member is brought into contact with the ferrule end face with an appropriate pressure without damaging the ferrule end face. Can be cleaned well.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and can be implemented in various other modes by making appropriate modifications.

  For example, in the winding means 545 of the third embodiment, the first and second racks 571 and 573 may be configured to be provided integrally with the operation unit 535.

Experimental Example With reference to FIGS. 25 to 28, the cleaning effect of the cleaner 1 was evaluated.

  In Experiments 1 to 3, the reflection attenuation (dB) at the end face of the ferrule was measured 50 times before applying the stain, after applying the stain, and after cleaning.

  In Experiment 1, the tape was rotated to clean the ferrule end face of the ferrule (see FIGS. 25A and 26).

  In Experiment 2, the tape was advanced to clean the ferrule end face of the ferrule (see FIGS. 25B and 27).

  In Experiment 3, as with the embodiment, the tape was rotated while being advanced to clean the ferrule end face of the ferrule (FIG. 25 (c), FIG. 28).

  As a result, referring to FIG. 25, the return loss after cleaning in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 is in the range of about 40 to 45 dB. On the other hand, the return loss after cleaning in Experiment 3 was about 55 dB, and the cleaning effect in Experiment 3 was improved as compared with Experiments 1 and 2. Therefore, the cleaner of the present embodiment that cleans by moving the cleaning tape forward and rotates indicates that the cleaning effect is superior to the cleaner that cleans by simply moving the cleaning tape forward or rotating.

  The cleaners 1, 1F, and 501 are used for cleaning a connection surface of an optical fiber connector incorporated in an optical communication device. In particular, when the optical fiber connector is attached to the adapter, the connection surface of the ferrule of the optical fiber connector is disposed at the back of the adapter. The cleaners 1, 1F, and 501 are applicable to cleaning such a deep connection surface.

  Therefore, the cleaners 1, 1F, and 501 are suitable for a test at the time of shipment of the optical communication connection device and a test for reconnecting the optical fiber connector installed in the optical communication connection device for some reason.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the optical fiber connector cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the top cover is removed. 2A is a side view of the arrow IIA in FIG. 1, FIG. 2B is a side view of the arrow IIB in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2C is a line IIC in FIG. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected along. 3A is a front view of the arrow IIIA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a rear view of the arrow IIIB in FIG. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are enlarged views of the cleaning unit rotating means in FIG. 1. In FIG. 4 (a), the guide 22 is omitted. 5A and 5B are enlarged views of the cleaning unit in FIG. 6A and 6B are enlarged views of the cleaning unit in FIG. 5 excluding the tape. FIG. 7 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the cleaner. FIG. 7A shows the operation while pushing the handle, and FIG. 7B shows the operation after releasing the handle. FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are enlarged views showing deformation modes of the roller of the cleaner shown in FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a modification of the cleaner guide of FIG. 1, FIG. 9 (a) is a plan view, and FIG. 9 (b) and FIG. 9 (c) are perspective views. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a modification of the cleaning unit rotating means and the handle of the cleaner in FIG. 1, FIG. 10 (a) is a front view, and FIG. 10 (b) is a side view. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a modification of the cleaning unit rotating means and the handle of the cleaner shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 11 (a) is a front view excluding a guide, and FIG. 11 (b) is a side view. 12A and 12B show the optical fiber connector cleaner according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 12A is a partially broken plan view, and FIG. 12B is a partially broken side view. It is. FIG. 13: is a side view which shows the cleaner for optical fiber connectors of 3rd Embodiment according to this invention. FIG. 14 is a side view showing the cleaner of FIG. 13 with the housing disassembled. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a front portion of the cleaner of FIG. 14 and shows a cross section of the cleaning portion. 16A, 16B, and 16C are cross-sectional views taken along lines XVIA, XVIB, and XVIC in FIG. FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C are cross-sectional views taken along lines XVIIA, XVIIB, and XVIIC in FIG. FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the take-up reel viewed from the direction of arrow XVIII in FIG. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 20A and 20B show the operation of the take-up reel. FIG. 21 shows the cleaning unit with the cover attached. FIG. 22 shows a fifth modification of the cleaner cleaning portion of FIG. FIG. 23 shows the cleaning operation of the female terminal located in the opening rod. FIG. 24 shows the downward connector cleaning operation. FIG. 25 is a graph showing the cleaning effect of the cleaner. FIG. 25A shows a case where the tape is rotated, FIG. 25B shows a case where the tape runs, and FIG. 25C shows a case where the tape rotates and runs. This is the result. FIG. 26 is a graph showing the results of repeated experiments related to Experiment 1. FIG. 27 is a graph showing the results of repeated experiments related to Experiment 2. FIG. 28 is a graph showing the results of repeated experiments related to Experiment 3.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1F cleaner 10 Housing 20 Cleaning means 21 Cleaning part 211 Cylinder 212 Roller 22 Guide 23, 20F Cleaning part rotation means 233 Pin 31 Reel 32 Winding means 32A Ratchet 33 Reel 34 Delivery means 34A Ratchet 35 Torsion spring 40 Transmission means 41 Handle 412 Arm 43 Torsion spring 501 Cleaner 503 Housing 505, 605 Cleaning part 507, 607 Inner guide member 509, 609 Outer guide member 511, 611 Guide sleeve 513, 613 First spring 515, 615 Second spring 525 Cleaning part rotating means 527 Pinion 529 Rack 535 Manual operation part 545 Winding means 547 Sending means 549 Winding reel 551 Body 553 First rotating flange 554 First pinion 555 Second rotating furan 556 second pinion 559 first ratchet mechanism 561 second ratchet mechanism 571 first rack 573 second rack 575 movable frame 577 crank rod 591 cover T cleaning tape

Claims (27)

An optical fiber connector cleaner (1) comprising:
A housing (10);
A cleaning tape winding means (32) and a feeding means (34) disposed inside the housing;
A cleaning means (20) having a rod-like cleaning portion (21) protruding outside the housing, wherein the length of the tape is exposed while the cleaning tape fed from the feeding means is exposed at the tip of the cleaning portion. A cleaning means that is movably stretched in the vertical direction and that cleans the end face by bringing the tip of the cleaning portion into contact with the end face of the optical fiber connector;
In the housing, a cleaning unit rotating means (23) connected coaxially to the cleaning unit and rotatably supported with respect to the housing;
A transmission means (40) for rotating the winding section and the cleaning section rotating means substantially simultaneously in a predetermined direction at a predetermined angle, and then reversely rotating the cleaning section rotating means to the original position;
An optical fiber connector cleaner. An optical fiber connector cleaner (1) comprising:
A housing (10);
A winding means (32) and a feeding means (34) of the cleaning tape (T) mounted inside the housing;
A cleaning means (20) having a rod-like cleaning portion (21) protruding outside the housing, wherein the length of the tape is exposed while the cleaning tape fed from the feeding means is exposed at the tip of the cleaning portion. A cleaning means that is movably stretched in the vertical direction and that cleans the end face by bringing the tip of the cleaning portion into contact with the end face of the optical fiber connector;
In the housing, a cleaning unit rotating means (23) connected coaxially to the cleaning unit and rotatably supported with respect to the housing;
Cleaning tape guide means (22) disposed coaxially with respect to the cleaning portion and supported by the housing;
A transmission means (40) for rotating the winding section and the cleaning section rotating means substantially simultaneously in a predetermined direction at a predetermined angle, and then reversely rotating the cleaning section rotating means to the original position;
An optical fiber connector cleaner.   The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission means (40) rotates the winding means (32), the delivery means (34), and the cleaning section rotating means (23) substantially simultaneously.   The said cleaning part (21) is equipped with a hollow rod-shaped member (211), and the member (212) with sufficient slip property arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip of the said rod-shaped member, The any one of Claims 1-3 Cleaner for optical fiber connectors.   The said cleaning part (21) has a hollow rod-shaped member (211) and the roller (212) rotatably mounted at the tip of the rod-shaped member. Cleaner for optical fiber connectors. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the main part of the cleaning part (21) is a solid rod-like member (212G).   The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning tape (T) is a cloth subjected to a fuzz prevention treatment.   The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning tape (T) is a woven fabric subjected to a fuzz prevention treatment. The transmission means (40) includes an arm (412) that moves up and down in a direction crossing the extending axis of the cleaning unit rotation means, and the winding means (32) is moved in the first direction by the downward movement of the arm. The cleaning section rotating means (23) is rotated in the second direction by a second angle, and the cleaning section rotating means is moved in the opposite direction to the second direction by the upward movement of the arm. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaner is configured to rotate at a second angle. The transmission means (40) includes an arm (412) that moves up and down in a direction crossing the extending axis of the cleaning unit rotation means, and the winding means (32) is moved in the first direction by the downward movement of the arm. And rotating the cleaning unit rotating means (23) in the second direction by a second angle, simultaneously rotating the delivery means (34) according to the rotation of the winding means, and the arm. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning unit rotating means is rotated by the second angle opposite to the second direction by the upward movement.   The arm (412) of the transmission means has a plurality of notches (412a, 412b) formed along the longitudinal direction thereof, and the cleaning section rotating means (23) is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. When the arm moves downward, the protrusion of the cleaning unit rotating means is sequentially pushed down by the notch of the arm, and the cleaning unit rotating means rotates in a predetermined direction by a predetermined angle. The protrusion of the cleaning unit rotating means is sequentially pushed up by the notch of the arm when the arm moves up, and the cleaning unit rotating means rotates a predetermined angle opposite to the predetermined direction. The cleaner for optical fiber connectors as described in 10.   The arm (412) of the transmission means has a rack (413A) having a plurality of notched grooves, and the cleaning unit rotating means has a pinion (231A) having a plurality of teeth meshing with the rack, The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the cleaning unit rotating means rotates in a predetermined direction or in the opposite direction by an upward or downward movement of an arm. A method for cleaning a ferrule end face of an optical fiber connector using an optical fiber connector cleaner (1),
A cleaning tape (T) that is fed out from the feeding means (34) inside the cleaner housing (10) and is wound around the winding means (32) inside the housing, protrudes outward from the housing. (21) a step of stretching the tip in an exposed state so as to be movable in the length direction of the tape;
Contacting the cleaning tape at the tip of the cleaning part with the ferrule end surface of the optical fiber connector;
By simultaneously rotating the take-up means and the cleaning portion in a predetermined direction at a predetermined angle, the cleaning tape is moved by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction, and at the same time, the cleaning tape is connected to the optical fiber connector. Rotating on the surface,
After the step of rotating, the step of reversely rotating the cleaning unit to the original position;
Having a method. A method for cleaning a ferrule end face of an optical fiber connector using an optical fiber connector cleaner (1),
A cleaning tape (T) that is fed out from the feeding means (34) inside the cleaner housing (10) and is wound around the winding means (32) inside the housing, protrudes outward from the housing. (21) a step of stretching the tip in an exposed state so as to be movable in the length direction of the tape;
Inserting the tip of the cleaning section into an optical fiber connector;
Contacting the cleaning tape at the tip of the cleaning part with the ferrule end surface of the optical fiber connector;
While the cleaning tape is in contact with the ferrule end face, simultaneously rotating and simultaneously rotating the cleaning tape by rotating the take-up means and the cleaning unit respectively at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction; ,
After the step of rotating, the step of reversely rotating the cleaning unit to the original position;
Having a method. An optical fiber connector cleaner (501) for cleaning an end face of a ferrule of an optical fiber connector,
A housing (503);
A cleaning portion (505, 605) provided at one end of the housing, which has a rod-shaped member (507), and the rod-shaped member is supported by the housing so as to be rotatable about its extending axis, and the rod-shaped member At the tip of the cleaning part, the cleaning part is supported so as to be movable in the tape length direction with the cleaning tape (T) exposed,
A movable operation part (535) provided in the housing;
A cleaning unit rotation driving means (525) coupled to the rod-shaped member and the operation unit and configured to rotate the rod-shaped member around the extending axis according to the movement of the operation unit;
Winding means (545) coupled to the operation section, winding the cleaning tape in accordance with movement of the operation section, and moving the cleaning tape in the length direction of the tape at the tip of the rod-shaped member;
Have
The cleaning unit rotation driving means rotates the rod-shaped member in the forward direction around the extending axis by the first movement of the operation unit, and reverses the rod-shaped member in the reverse direction by the second movement of the operation unit. Rotate it back to its original position,
The winding means has a winding portion (549) that is rotatably supported by the housing and winds the cleaning tape, and the winding portion is one of the first and second movements of the operation portion. Therefore, the cleaner for an optical fiber connector rotates in a predetermined rotation direction, winds up the cleaning tape, and moves the cleaning tape in the length direction of the tape at the tip of the rod-shaped member. The cleaning unit rotation driving means (525)
A pinion (527) coupled to the proximal end of the rod-shaped member (507);
A rack (529) provided in the operation portion (535) and meshing with the pinion;
The cleaner for optical fiber connectors of Claim 15 containing these. The winding means (545)
A winding portion (551) that is rotatably supported by a shaft (557) provided in the housing (503) and winds the cleaning tape (T);
A first rotation drive plate (553) and a second rotation drive plate (555) disposed on both sides of the winding portion in the extending direction of the shaft and rotatably supported by the shaft;
A first ratchet mechanism (559) provided between the winding portion and the first rotation drive plate;
A second ratchet mechanism (561) provided between the winding portion and the second rotation drive plate;
Have
The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the first and second ratchet mechanisms transmit only rotation in a first rotation direction about the axis to the winding unit. The winding means (545) has a movable member (575) that moves in accordance with the movement of the operation portion (535), and the movable member is provided on the first rotary drive plate (553). A first rack (571) that meshes with the first pinion (554), a second rack (573) that meshes with the second pinion (556) provided on the second rotation drive plate (555), Have
The first and second racks mesh with the first and second pinions so as to rotate the first and second rotary drive plates in opposite directions according to the movement of the operation unit; The cleaner for optical fiber connectors of Claim 17.   The cleaner for optical fiber connectors according to claim 16, wherein the cleaning unit rotation driving means (525) includes a spring (513) that couples the pinion (527) and the rod-shaped member (507).   The cleaning unit (505) includes a guide sleeve (511) that supports the rod-shaped member (507), and the guide sleeve changes an angle of the extension shaft with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing (503). The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the cleaner is rotatably supported by the housing. The cleaning unit (505)
A cylindrical guide sleeve (511) supported by the housing (503);
A cylindrical outer guide supported on the inner surface of the guide sleeve so as to be slidable along the extending axis, and accommodating the rod-like member (507) and the cleaning tape (T) slidably along the extending axis. A member (509);
Have
The rod-shaped member is connected to the cleaning unit rotation driving means via a connecting member (513) so as to receive the rotational force from the cleaning unit rotation driving means (525),
The outer guide member has an engaging portion (509c) engageable with a step portion (511a) formed on the guide sleeve, and the outer guide member engages with the outer portion so that the step portion and the engaging portion engage with each other. The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the cleaner is biased in the distal direction of the rod-shaped member along the extending axis by a spring (515) provided between the guide member and the rod-shaped member. The cleaning unit (605)
A cylindrical guide sleeve (611) supported by the housing (503);
A cylindrical outer guide that is supported on the inner surface of the guide sleeve so as to be slidable along the extending axis, and that accommodates the rod-shaped member (607) and the cleaning tape (T) slidably along the extending axis. A member (609);
A rotary joint (619) supported by a base portion of the guide sleeve so as to be rotatable about the stretching axis, the base end of the rod-shaped member and the circumferential direction with respect to the stretching axis being fixed to each other and along the stretching axis A rotary joint that slidably engages,
Have
The rotary joint is connected to the cleaning part rotation driving means via a connecting member (613) so as to receive a rotational force from the cleaning part rotation driving means (525),
The rod-shaped member has a rod-shaped member flange (607c) that can be engaged with an engaging portion (621a) provided on the guide sleeve, and the rod-shaped member flange is engaged with the engaging portion. The spring (617) provided between the rod-shaped member flange and the rotary joint is biased in the distal direction of the rod-shaped member along the extending axis,
The outer guide member has an outer guide member flange (609c) that can be engaged with a step (611a) formed on the guide sleeve, and the outer guide member flange is engaged with the step. The optical fiber according to claim 15, wherein the optical fiber is urged toward the distal end of the rod-shaped member along the extending axis by a spring (615) provided between the outer guide member flange and the engaging portion of the guide sleeve. Connector cleaner. The cleaning unit rotation driving means (525) is mechanically coupled to the rod-shaped member (607) and the operation unit (535),
The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the winding means (545) is mechanically coupled to the operating portion.   The cleaning portion (605) has an outer guide member (609) surrounding the outer periphery of the rod-shaped member and the cleaning tape in a state where the tip of the rod-shaped member (607) is exposed, and the rod-shaped member and the outer guide member The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 15, wherein each is independently urged toward the tip.   The said cleaning part (505) is supported by the axis | shaft (517) provided in the housing (503) in the base end part, and can rotate a predetermined angle with respect to a housing by using the said axis | shaft as a fulcrum. Cleaner for optical fiber connectors.   A tubular part (591) that further includes a cover (591) that can be detachably attached to the cleaning part (505), and the cover includes an insertion hole (593) that is adapted to insert a male terminal. 595). The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 15.   27. The optical fiber connector cleaner according to claim 26, wherein the cover (591) further includes a cap (597) covering the insertion hole (593).

Images