Cleaning tool for handrail of passenger conveyor and cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a cleaning tool for a handrail of a passenger conveyor and a cleaning method capable of efficiently cleaning an inner surface of the handrail throughout the entire lateral width.SOLUTION: A cleaning tool 16 comprises a handle 18 and a cleaning part 19. The cleaning part 19 is bendable along the back and forth center line including a place where a lower end of the handle 18 is attached to an upper surface. A cleaning body 23 is attached so as to cover from a lower surface to a left end in a left plate-like part 25a on the left of the center line of the cleaning part 19. The cleaning body 23 is attached so as to cover from the lower surface to a right end in a right plate-like part 25b on the right of the center line of the cleaning part 19. The cleaning part 19 enters a first state where an angle between a lower surface of the left plate-like part 25a and a lower surface of the right plate-like part 25b becomes a minor angle when not touching the inside of the handrail 9. The cleaning part 19 enters a second state where an angle between a lower surface of the left plate-like part 25a and a lower surface of the right plate-like part 25b is larger than that in the first state when pressed on the inside of the handrail 9 from above through the handle 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool and method for cleaning handrails of passenger conveyors. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a cleaning device for escalator handrails. The cleaning device includes an arc-shaped sliding member and a brush. The brush is provided on a portion of the arc of the sliding member. The sliding member makes contact with the inner surface of the handrail while sliding. The brush is lifted upward by friction between the sliding member and the inner surface of the handrail. When the coefficient of friction between the sliding member and the inner surface of the handrail decreases, the sliding member rotates under its own weight. The brush comes into contact with the inner surface of the handrail as the sliding member rotates. The brush cleans the inner surface of the handrail that it comes into contact with. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-163573 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the brush of the cleaning device in Patent Document 1 contacts the inner surface of the handrail from above due to the weight of the sliding member. Therefore, for handrails with an inner width wider than the longitudinal gap, the cleaning device cannot clean the entire width of the inner surface of the handrail. On the other hand, when cleaning the entire width of the inner surface of a handrail by directly holding a cleaning element such as a nonwoven fabric, the cleaning worker must scrub the cleaning element with great force. This places a heavy burden on the worker cleaning passenger conveyors such as escalators.

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to solving such problems. The present disclosure provides a cleaning tool and cleaning method for handrails of passenger conveyors that can efficiently clean the inner surface of the handrail across the entire width from left to right. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cleaning tool for handrails of a passenger conveyor according to the present invention comprises a handle that is long in one direction, and a cleaning part that can be bent along a front-to-back center line that includes the point where the lower end of the handle is attached to the upper surface, the cleaning part that cleans the area to be cleaned on the underside of the handrail of the passenger conveyor has a left plate-shaped part on the left side of the center line that is attached so as to cover the left end from below, and the cleaning part that cleans the area to be cleaned has a right plate-shaped part on the right side of the center line that is attached so as to cover the right end from below, the cleaning part being in a first state when not in contact with the area to be cleaned in which the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part and the right plate-shaped part is a smaller angle, and when pressed against the area to be cleaned from above via the handle, the cleaning part is in a second state in which the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part and the right plate-shaped part is greater than the first state.

[0007] The method for cleaning handrails of a passenger conveyor according to the present invention is a method for cleaning handrails of a passenger conveyor using the above-mentioned cleaning tool, and includes: turning the back side of the handrail removed from the handrail guide rail upward; inserting the cleaning unit, which is in the first state and has a cleaning body attached to it that cleans the part to be cleaned, into the left and right gaps on the back side of the handrail; pressing the cleaning unit against the part of the handrail to be cleaned using the handle to change it from the first state to the second state; and holding the handle, moving the cleaning unit in the second state along the longitudinal direction of the handrail to clean the part to be cleaned. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the cleaning tool or cleaning method of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the handrail of the passenger conveyor can be efficiently cleaned across the entire width from left to right. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an escalator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the escalator according to the first embodiment taken along line AA. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cleaning unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cleaning unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a view of a cleaning tool and a handrail according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the longitudinal direction of the handrail. [Figure 8] 1 is a view of a cleaning tool and a handrail according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the longitudinal direction of the handrail. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool and a handrail according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an escalator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Escalator 1 is an example of a passenger conveyor. In FIG. 1, the left-right direction of escalator 1 is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface. In FIG. 1, the front-rear direction of escalator 1 is the left-right direction on the paper surface.

[0013] Escalator 1 is installed between the upper and lower floors of a building. In this example, escalator 1 has a constant inclined section 2 between the upper and lower floors. An upper entrance 3a of escalator 1 is provided on the upper floor of the building. A lower entrance 3b of escalator 1 is provided on the lower floor of the building. Escalator 1 is a device that transports passengers between upper entrance 3a and lower entrance 3b. Escalator 1 includes a main frame 4, a drive unit 5, a pair of step chains 6, a plurality of steps 7, a pair of balustrades 8, a pair of handrails 9, a pair of handrail drive units 10, and a control panel (not shown).

[0014] The main frame 4 spans between the upper boarding / alighting entrance 3a and the lower boarding / alighting entrance 3b. In the escalator 1, the upper machine room 11a is provided at the upper end of the main frame 4. The upper machine room 11a is provided below the upper boarding / alighting entrance 3a. In the escalator 1, the lower machine room 11b is provided at the lower end of the main frame 4. The lower machine room 11b is provided below the lower boarding / alighting entrance 3b.

[0015] The drive unit 5 is provided in, for example, the upper machine room 11a. The drive unit 5 is a device that generates a driving force. The drive unit 5 includes, for example, a motor and a reducer.

[0016] Each of the pair of step chains 6 is an endless chain. One of the pair of step chains 6 is provided on the left side of the escalator 1. The other of the pair of step chains 6 is provided on the right side of the escalator 1. Each of the pair of step chains 6 is a device that moves in a circular motion by the driving force generated by the driving device 5.

[0017] Each of the plurality of steps 7 is connected between the pair of step chains 6. The entire plurality of steps 7 is connected in a circular shape along the pair of step chains 6.

[0018] One of the pair of balustrades 8 is provided on the left side of the plurality of steps 7. The other of the pair of balustrades 8 is provided on the right side of the plurality of steps 7. Each of the pair of balustrades 8 is provided with a handrail guide rail 12. The handrail guide rail 12 is provided in the constant inclination section 2, inclined by the inclination angle θ1 of the escalator 1.

[0019] Each of the pair of handrails 9 is an endless ring. Each of the pair of handrails 9 is made of, for example, synthetic rubber and canvas. One of the pair of handrails 9 is provided on the left side of the plurality of steps 7. The other of the pair of handrails 9 is provided on the right side of the plurality of steps 7. The left handrail 9 covers the handrail guide rail 12 of the left balustrade 8. The right handrail 9 covers the handrail guide rail 12 of the right balustrade 8. The inner surface of the handrail 9 is the surface that covers the handrail guide rail 12.

[0020] One of the pair of handrail drive devices 10 is provided on the left side of the escalator 1. The other of the pair of handrail drive devices 10 is provided on the right side of the escalator 1. The left handrail drive device 10 is a device that circulates the left handrail 9 along the handrail guide rail 12 by using the driving force generated by the drive device 5. The right handrail drive device 10 is a device that circulates the right handrail 9 along the handrail guide rail 12 by using the driving force generated by the drive device 5. Each of the pair of handrail drive devices 10 is equipped with a roller 13. The roller 13 is a device that transmits the driving force by friction with the inner surface of each of the pair of handrails 9. The roller 13 comes into contact with the center of each of the pair of handrails 9 in the left-right direction.

[0021] The control panel is provided in, for example, the upper machine room 11a. The control panel controls the operation of the drive device 5. The operation of the drive device 5 is, for example, starting or stopping the drive device 5.

[0022] For example, when the escalator 1 is operating in the upward direction, the drive unit 5 generates a drive force under the control of the control panel. Each of the pair of step chains 6 moves in a circular motion by the drive force generated by the drive unit 5. Each of the multiple steps 7 moves in a circular motion, with the upper side acting as the outward path, following the circular motion of the pair of step chains 6. The multiple steps 7 moving in the outward path are arranged in a staircase pattern on the constant slope section 2 of the escalator 1. Each of the pair of handrail drive units 10 moves each of the pair of handrails 9 in a circular motion by the drive force generated by the drive unit 5. Each of the pair of handrails 9 moves in a circular motion at the same moving speed as the moving speed of each of the multiple steps 7.

[0023] When the escalator 1 is moving upward, a user holds onto the front side of one of the pair of handrails 9 and steps from the lower boarding / alighting entrance 3b onto one of the multiple steps 7. The user stops on the step 7 moving forward and then moves to the upper boarding / alighting entrance 3a.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the escalator 1 according to the first embodiment taken along the line AA.

[0025] The front side of the handrail 9 is the surface that users grasp. The handrail 9 has a gap 14 on its back side with a width W1 in the left-right direction. The width W1 of the gap 14 in the handrail 9 is, for example, 42 mm. The longitudinal direction of the gap 14 in the handrail 9 is the direction of travel of the escalator 1. The handrail 9 has ears 15 on the left and right that curve around the handrail guide rail 12 from the front side to the back side. The gap 14 in the handrail 9 is the gap 14 that opens between the back ends of the left and right ears 15. The inner width W2 of the handrail 9 is the distance between the inner surfaces of the left and right ears 15. The inner width W2 of the handrail 9 is wider than the width W1 of the gap 14 in the handrail 9.

[0026] Here, as the escalator 1 operates, wear debris can accumulate between the handrail 9 and the handrail guide rail 12. The wear debris reduces the friction between the handrail drive device 10 and the inner surface of the handrail 9. In this case, the driving force may not be transmitted efficiently from the handrail drive device 10 to the handrail 9. At this time, the movement speed of the handrail 9 may deviate from the movement speed of the step 7. For this reason, workers performing maintenance work on the escalator 1 remove the wear debris by cleaning the inner surface of the handrail 9 using cleaning tool 16 (not shown in Figure 2). The canvas portion of the inner surface of the handrail 9 is an example of the part to be cleaned.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the cleaning tool 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 16 according to the first embodiment.

[0029] The cleaning tool 16 includes a vacuum cleaner 17, a handle 18, and a cleaning part 19.

[0030] The electric vacuum cleaner 17 is a suction-type vacuum cleaner that cleans by sucking up dust. The electric vacuum cleaner 17 is, for example, a cordless vacuum cleaner with a built-in rechargeable battery. The electric vacuum cleaner 17 may be an internal device of the cleaning tool 16 or an external device separate from the cleaning tool 16.

[0031] The handle 18 is a rod-like member that is long in one direction. In this example, the handle 18 is a tubular member with an internal space. A worker holds the cleaning tool 16 with one end of the handle 18 lower than the other end to perform cleaning work. A connection port 20 is provided at the upper end of the handle 18. The connection port 20 is connected to the electric vacuum cleaner 17. The connection port 20 is an opening that leads to the internal space of the handle 18. A cleaning part 19 is attached to the lower end of the handle 18 so that it can rotate freely relative to the handle 18. The handle 18 has an extension mechanism 21 that adjusts its length in the longitudinal direction. The extension mechanism 21 is located, for example, near the center of the handle 18 in the longitudinal direction. A handle 22 is provided on the handle 18. The handle 22 is located, for example, closer to the upper end of the handle 18 in the longitudinal direction than the extension mechanism 21. The handle 22 is, for example, a rod-like member that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle 18.

[0032] The cleaning unit 19 is a part that cleans the canvas portion and the like on the inner surface of the handrail 9. A cleaning element 23 is attached to the cleaning unit 19. The cleaning element 23 is, for example, a nylon nonwoven fabric that performs cleaning such as wiping or rubbing. A single cleaning element 23 may be attached to the cleaning unit 19, or multiple cleaning elements 23 may be attached.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cleaning unit 19 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The cleaning part 19 includes a connecting part 24, a left plate-shaped part 25a, a right plate-shaped part 25b, and a spring .

[0035] The connecting part 24 is a part that is connected to the lower end of the handle 18. The connecting part 24 is disposed on a center line C that is aligned in the front-to-rear direction of the cleaning part 19. The connecting part 24 is an example of a location where the lower end of the handle 18 is attached.

[0036] The left plate-shaped portion 25a is a plate-shaped member. In this example, the left plate-shaped portion 25a is a rectangular portion that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The right end of the left plate-shaped portion 25a is connected to the connecting portion 24 to the left of the center line C of the cleaning unit 19, so as to be rotatable around the front-to-rear direction of the cleaning unit 19 as a rotation axis. The right plate-shaped portion 25b is a plate-shaped member. In this example, the right plate-shaped portion 25b is a rectangular portion that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The left end of the right plate-shaped portion 25b is connected to the connecting portion 24 to the right of the center line C of the cleaning unit 19, so as to be rotatable around the front-to-rear direction of the cleaning unit 19 as a rotation axis. Because the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b are rotatably provided with respect to the connecting portion 24, the cleaning unit 19 can be bent along the center line C.

[0037] The spring 26 is provided between the upper surface of the right end of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the upper surface of the left end of the right plate-shaped portion 25b. The spring 26 bends the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b of the cleaning unit 19 along the center line C by its elastic force. When no external force is applied to the cleaning unit 19 from the handrail 9, the handle 18, or the like, the angle formed by the lower surfaces of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b becomes a minor angle less than 180 degrees by the elastic force of the spring 26. The state of the cleaning unit 19 at this time is the first state. The spring 26 may be made up of multiple parts.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cleaning unit 19 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] A first suction port 27 is provided on the underside of the connecting portion 24. The first suction port 27 is an opening that communicates with the space inside the handle 18.

[0040] Each of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b includes an attachment portion 28 to which the cleaning element 23 is attached. The attachment portion 28 is, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener. The attachment portion 28 is provided so as to cover the left end portion of the left plate-shaped portion 25a. The attachment portion 28 is also provided so as to cover the right end portion of the right plate-shaped portion 25b. The attachment portions 28 are provided, for example, separately in front of and behind the first suction port 27. Therefore, the cleaning element 23 is attached separately in front of and behind the first suction port 27. Note that in this example, the cleaning element 23 is attached individually to each of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b, but a single cleaning element 23 may be attached across both the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b. Alternatively, a single cleaning element 23 may be attached across both the front and back of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b.

[0041] Second suction ports 29 are provided at both the front and rear ends of each of left and right plate-shaped portions 25a, 25b. Second suction ports 29 are openings that communicate with the interior of handle 18 through the interior of left or right plate-shaped portion 25a, 25b. Second suction ports 29 may be provided at only one of the front and rear ends of left or right plate-shaped portion 25a, 25b.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a top view of the cleaning unit 19 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The cleaning unit 19 includes a limiting member 30. The limiting member 30 is disposed on, for example, the upper surface of the connecting unit 24. The limiting member 30 is a member that, for example, contacts the upper surfaces of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b, thereby limiting the angle formed by the lower surfaces of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b from becoming larger than a certain value. For example, the limiting member 30 limits the angle formed by the lower surfaces of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b from becoming an oblique angle greater than 180 degrees.

[0044] On the left plate-shaped portion 25a, the attachment portion 28 is provided from the lower surface to the upper surface so as to cover the left end portion. Therefore, the cleaning element 23 is attached to the left plate-shaped portion 25a so as to cover the left end portion from the lower surface to the upper surface. On the right plate-shaped portion 25b, the attachment portion 28 is provided from the lower surface to the upper surface so as to cover the right end portion. Therefore, the cleaning element 23 is attached to the right plate-shaped portion 25b so as to cover the right end portion from the lower surface to the upper surface.

[0045] Next, an example of a cleaning method using the cleaning tool 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] 7 and 8 are views of the cleaning tool 16 and the handrail 9 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the handrail 9. FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 16 and the handrail 9 according to the first embodiment.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7 , the worker removes the handrail 9 from the handrail guide rail 12 and turns the back side of the handrail 9 upward. The worker connects the vacuum cleaner 17 to the connection port 20 of the handle 18 of the cleaning tool 16. The worker attaches the cleaning body 23 to the cleaning part 19 of the cleaning tool 16. At this point, because no external force is applied to the cleaning part 19 of the cleaning tool 16, the cleaning part 19 is in a first state in which the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part 25a and the right plate-shaped part 25b is a minor angle less than 180 degrees. At this time, the distance D1 between the left end of the left plate-shaped part 25a and the right end of the right plate-shaped part 25b is smaller than the width W1 of the gap 14 in the handrail 9. The worker inserts the cleaning part 19 of the cleaning tool 16 into the gap 14 in the handrail 9.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8 , the worker presses the cleaning part 19 against the inner surface of the handrail 9 via the handle 18 of the cleaning tool 16. At this time, the left plate-shaped part 25a and the right plate-shaped part 25b receive resistance from the handrail 9 on their undersides, and open so that the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part 25a and the right plate-shaped part 25b increases. In this example, the left plate-shaped part 25a and the right plate-shaped part 25b are arranged on the same plane. The state of the cleaning part 19 at this time is an example of the second state. In this example, the limiting member 30, for example, limits the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part 25a and the right plate-shaped part 25b from becoming a reflex angle greater than 180 degrees, which is the angle in the second state.

[0049] In the second state, the distance D2 between the left end of left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right end of right plate-shaped portion 25b is greater than the inner width W2 of handrail 9 during normal operation of escalator 1, which is shown by the dashed line in Figure 8. Therefore, cleaning portion 19 in the second state comes into contact with left and right ears 15 of the passenger conveyor, pushing the passenger conveyor apart in the left and right directions.

[0050] 9, the worker holds the handle 18 of the cleaning tool 16 in a standing position, presses the cleaning part 19 in the second state against the inner surface of the handrail 9, and moves it along the longitudinal direction of the handrail 9 to clean the inner surface of the handrail 9. At this time, the power to the vacuum cleaner 17 is turned on. The vacuum cleaner 17 sucks and collects the wear powder and other particles removed from the inner surface of the handrail 9 by cleaning through the space inside the handle 18, via the first suction port 27 or the second suction port 29.

[0051] After the worker has finished cleaning the inner surface of the handrail 9, he or she pulls out the cleaning part 19 from the gap 14 on the back surface of the handrail 9. The elastic force of the spring 26 causes the cleaning part 19 to return to the first state, allowing the worker to easily pull out the cleaning part 19. After the worker has finished cleaning the entire inner surface of the handrail 9, the worker attaches the handrail 9 to the handrail guide rail 12.

[0052] As described above, the cleaning tool 16 according to the first embodiment includes the handle 18 and the cleaning part 19. The handle 18 is long in one direction. The cleaning part 19 is bendable along the front-to-rear center line C, which includes the point where the lower end of the handle 18 is attached to the upper surface. The cleaning part 19 has a left plate-shaped part 25a on the left side of the center line C. The cleaning body 23 is attached to the left plate-shaped part 25a so as to cover the left end from the underside. The cleaning part 19 has a right plate-shaped part 25b on the right side of the center line C. The cleaning body 23 is attached to the right plate-shaped part 25b so as to cover the right end from the underside. When the cleaning part 19 is not touching the inside of the handrail 9, it is in a first state in which the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part 25a and the right plate-shaped part 25b is a minor angle. When the cleaning part 19 is pressed against the inside of the handrail 9 from above through the handle 18, the cleaning part 19 is in a second state in which the angles formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part 25a and the right plate-shaped part 25b are larger than in the first state.

[0053] With this configuration, the cleaning element 19 contacts the inside of the tab 15 of the handrail 9 when the left plate portion 25a and the right plate portion 25b are in the open second state, allowing the cleaning element 23 to clean the inside of the tab 15. This allows the entire width of the inner surface of the handrail 9 to be cleaned efficiently. Furthermore, cleaning with the cleaning element 23 attached to plate-like members such as the left plate portion 25a and the right plate portion 25b reduces the concentration of pressure during cleaning. This reduces uneven cleaning. Furthermore, using the cleaning element 23 over a wide area results in even wear of the cleaning element 23. This reduces waste of the cleaning element 23. Furthermore, by holding the handle 18, the worker can perform cleaning work while standing. This reduces the worker's workload.

[0054] Furthermore, a first suction port 27 that communicates with the interior of the handle 18 is provided on the underside of the cleaning unit 19, where the lower end of the handle 18 is attached. In the cleaning unit 19, the cleaning body 23 is attached separately to the front and rear of the first suction port 27. The handle 18 has a tubular structure with an internal space that communicates with the first suction port 27. A connection port 20 that communicates with the interior of the handle 18 is provided at the upper end of the handle 18. A suction-type vacuum cleaner 17 is connected to the connection port 20.

[0055] With this configuration, while the inside of the handrail 9 is cleaned with the cleaning body 23, the scraped-off wear powder and the like are collected by the vacuum cleaner 17 through the first suction port 27 and the inside of the handle 18, making the cleaning work more efficient. Also, since the cleaning body 23 is moved back and forth during cleaning work, wear powder tends to accumulate in front and behind the cleaning body 23. Since the first suction port 27 is provided between the cleaning bodies 23 that are provided separately in the front and rear, the collection of wear powder is more efficient. Note that the cleaning unit 19 does not necessarily have to have the first suction port 27. Also, the cleaning tool 16 may not be able to attach the vacuum cleaner 17. In this case, the handle 18 may have a solid structure.

[0056] Furthermore, a second suction port 29 that communicates with the interior of handle 18 is provided on the underside of at least one of the front end and rear end of each of left plate-shaped portion 25a and right plate-shaped portion 25b. Handle 18 has a tubular structure with an internal space that communicates with second suction port 29. A connection port 20 that communicates with the interior of handle 18 is provided at the upper end of handle 18. Suction-type vacuum cleaner 17 is connected to connection port 20.

[0057] With this configuration, while the inside of the handrail 9 is cleaned with the cleaning body 23, the scraped-off wear powder and the like are collected by the vacuum cleaner 17 through the second suction port 29 and the inside of the handle 18, making the cleaning work more efficient. Also, since the cleaning body 23 is moved back and forth during cleaning work, wear powder tends to accumulate in front and behind the cleaning body 23. Since the second suction port 29 is provided at the front and rear ends of the cleaning part 19, the collection of wear powder is more efficient. Note that the cleaning part 19 does not necessarily have to have the second suction port 29. Also, the cleaning tool 16 may not be one to which the vacuum cleaner 17 can be attached. In this case, the handle 18 may have a solid structure.

[0058] Furthermore, the distance D1 between the left end of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right end of the right plate-shaped portion 25b in the first state is smaller than the width W1 of the left-right gap 14 on the back side of the handrail 9. The distance D2 between the left end of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right end of the right plate-shaped portion 25b in the second state is larger than the inner width W2 between the left and right sides of the handrail 9 during normal operation.

[0059] This configuration makes it easy to insert the cleaning part 19 into the gap 14 on the back side of the handrail 9. In addition, since the ears 15 are pushed open from the inside when the handrail 9 is inserted, a wider area on the inside of the handrail 9 can be cleaned more evenly.

[0060] The cleaning unit 19 also includes a restricting member 30. The restricting member 30 restricts the angle formed by the lower surfaces of the left plate-shaped portion 25a and the right plate-shaped portion 25b from becoming larger than the angle in the second state.

[0061] This configuration prevents the cleaning part 19 from opening and bending more than necessary, even when the worker presses the cleaning part 19 hard using the handle 18. This more effectively prevents uneven cleaning of the underside of the handrail 9.

[0062] Note that cleaning unit 19 does not have to be separated into multiple parts. Cleaning unit 19 may be formed as a single unit using, for example, an elastic flat plate bent in a mountain fold along center line C. In this case, left plate-shaped portion 25a and right plate-shaped portion 25b are the portions of the flat plate on the left and right sides of center line C.

[0063] The escalator 1 may also have a horizontal section between the upper and lower floors. The passenger conveyor does not have to be the escalator 1. The passenger conveyor may be, for example, a horizontal or inclined moving walkway.

[0064] To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Appendix 1) With a long handle in one direction, a cleaning unit that can be bent along a center line in front and behind the handle, including the point where the lower end of the handle is attached to the upper surface, and that has a left plate-shaped part on the left side of the center line that is attached so as to cover the left end from below of a cleaning body that cleans the part to be cleaned behind the handrail of the passenger conveyor, and a right plate-shaped part on the right side of the center line that is attached so as to cover the right end from below of a cleaning body that cleans the part to be cleaned, and that is in a first state in which the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part and the right plate-shaped part is a smaller angle when not in contact with the part to be cleaned, and in a second state in which the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part and the right plate-shaped part is larger than the angle in the first state when pressed against the part to be cleaned from above through the handle; A cleaning tool for handrails of passenger conveyors. (Appendix 2) In the cleaning unit, a first suction port that communicates with the inside of the handle is provided on the underside of a portion where the lower end of the handle is attached, and cleaning bodies are attached separately to the front and rear of the first suction port, The handle has a tubular structure having a space therein that communicates with the first suction port, and a connection port that communicates with the interior of the handle and to which a suction-type vacuum cleaner is connected is provided at the upper end. Passenger conveyor handrail cleaning equipment as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) A second suction port communicating with the inside of the handle is provided on the underside of at least one of the front end and the rear end of each of the left plate-shaped portion and the right plate-shaped portion, The handle has a tubular structure having a space therein that communicates with the second suction port, and a connection port that communicates with the interior of the handle and to which a suction-type vacuum cleaner is connected is provided at the upper end. Passenger conveyor handrail cleaning equipment as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 4) In the cleaning unit, the distance between the left end of the left plate-shaped portion and the right end of the right plate-shaped portion in the first state is smaller than the left and right gaps on the back side of the handrail of the passenger conveyor, and the distance between the left end of the left plate-shaped portion and the right end of the right plate-shaped portion in the second state is larger than the left and right inner widths of the handrail of the passenger conveyor during normal operation. A cleaning tool for handrails of a passenger conveyor as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The cleaning unit includes a limiting member that limits the angle formed by the lower surfaces of the left plate-shaped portion and the right plate-shaped portion from becoming larger than the second state. A cleaning tool for handrails of passenger conveyors as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) A method for cleaning handrails of a passenger conveyor using the cleaning tool described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, The back side of the handrail removed from the handrail guide rail is turned upward, and the cleaning unit in the first state to which the cleaning body that cleans the part to be cleaned is attached is inserted into the left and right gaps on the back side of the handrail; Pressing the cleaning part against the part to be cleaned of the handrail through the handle to change from the first state to the second state; holding the handle and moving the cleaning unit in the second state along the longitudinal direction of the handrail to clean the part to be cleaned; A method for cleaning handrails of a passenger conveyor, including: [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 escalator, 2 constant inclined portion, 3a upper boarding / alighting entrance, 3b lower boarding / alighting entrance, 4 main frame, 5 drive mechanism, 6 step chain, 7 step, 8 balustrade, 9 handrail, 10 handrail drive mechanism, 11a upper machine room, 11b lower machine room, 12 handrail guide rail, 13 roller, 14 gap, 15 ear portion, 16 cleaning tool, 17 electric vacuum cleaner, 18 handle, 19 cleaning portion, 20 connection port, 21 telescopic mechanism, 22 handle, 23 cleaning body, 24 connection portion, 25a left plate portion, 25b right plate portion, 26 spring, 27 first suction port, 28 mounting portion, 29 second suction port, 30 limiting member, C center line

Claims

1. With a long handle in one direction, a cleaning unit that is bendable along a center line between the front and rear ends including the point where the lower end of the handle is attached to the upper surface, and that has a left plate-shaped part on the left side of the center line that is attached so as to cover the left end from below of a cleaning body that cleans the part to be cleaned behind the handrail of the passenger conveyor, and a right plate-shaped part on the right side of the center line that is attached so as to cover the right end from below of a cleaning body that cleans the part to be cleaned, and that is in a first state in which the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part and the right plate-shaped part is a smaller angle when not in contact with the part to be cleaned, and in a second state in which the angle formed by the undersides of the left plate-shaped part and the right plate-shaped part is larger than the angle in the first state when pressed against the part to be cleaned from above via the handle; A cleaning tool for handrails of passenger conveyors.

2. In the cleaning unit, a first suction port communicating with the inside of the handle is provided on the underside of a portion where the lower end of the handle is attached, and cleaning bodies are separately attached to the front and rear of the first suction port, The handle has a tubular structure having a space therein that communicates with the first suction port, and a connection port that communicates with the interior of the handle and is connected to a suction-type vacuum cleaner is provided at an upper end thereof. The cleaning tool for handrails of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1.

3. a second suction port communicating with the inside of the handle is provided on the underside of at least one of the front end and the rear end of each of the left plate-shaped portion and the right plate-shaped portion; The handle has a tubular structure having a space therein that communicates with the second suction port, and a connection port that communicates with the interior of the handle and is connected to a suction-type vacuum cleaner is provided at an upper end thereof. The cleaning tool for handrails of a passenger conveyor according to claim 1.

4. In the cleaning unit, a distance between the left end of the left plate-shaped portion and the right end of the right plate-shaped portion in the first state is smaller than a left-right gap behind a handrail of the passenger conveyor, and a distance between the left end of the left plate-shaped portion and the right end of the right plate-shaped portion in the second state is larger than a left-right inner width of the handrail of the passenger conveyor during normal operation. The cleaning tool for handrails of a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the cleaning unit includes a restricting member that restricts the angle formed by the lower surfaces of the left plate-shaped portion and the right plate-shaped portion from becoming larger than the second state. The cleaning tool for handrails of a passenger conveyor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A method for cleaning handrails of a passenger conveyor using the cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The back side of the handrail removed from the handrail guide rail is turned upward, and the cleaning unit in the first state to which the cleaning body that cleans the part to be cleaned is attached is inserted into the left and right gaps on the back side of the handrail; Pressing the cleaning part against the part to be cleaned of the handrail through the handle to change from the first state to the second state; holding the handle and moving the cleaning unit in the second state along the longitudinal direction of the handrail to clean the part to be cleaned; A method for cleaning handrails of a passenger conveyor, including:

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