Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method capable of easily removing deposits on an inner peripheral surface of a step mouthpiece of an escalator.SOLUTION: A cleaning apparatus 101 includes a drive source 1 and a screw 2 rotated by the drive source. A ratio of an outermost diameter D1 of the screw to an inner diameter D0 of the mouthpiece is 98.5% or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device and cleaning method for removing deposits from the inner peripheral surface of a mouthpiece through which a step shaft passes in an escalator step. [Background technology]

[0002] In an escalator, each of a plurality of steps is attached to a step shaft and rotates. Each of the plurality of steps has a pair of left and right mouthpieces below the tread, through which the step shaft passes.

[0003] Generally, each base has a pair of mounting portions and a fixing portion. The pair of mounting portions are arranged to sandwich the step shaft and a bushing fitted to the step shaft. When the pair of mounting portions that sandwich the step shaft and bushing are fixed by the fixing portion, the bushing is also fitted to the base, and the step is attached to the step shaft. When the above fixation is released, the step can be removed from the step shaft.

[0004] Generally, bushes are made of resin, and the part of the bush that comes into contact with the mouthpiece wears out over time. Therefore, bush replacement is included in escalator maintenance work.

[0005] The step nozzle described in JP 2020-147394 A (Patent Document 1) has an upper mounting portion, a lower mounting portion that is rotatable relative to the upper mounting portion, and a mounting bolt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-147394 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As the escalator ages, deposits form on the inner circumferential surface of the mouthpiece. A typical bushing has an opening on its outer surface that contacts the inner surface of the base, allowing the bushing to be sandwiched between the step shaft and the base and to be properly fitted to both the step shaft and the base.

[0008] On the other hand, with use over time, dirt and other contaminants accumulate inside the opening, resulting in deposits on the inner circumferential surface of the base facing the opening. Such deposits can prevent a new bush from fitting properly into the base when replacing the bush. Therefore, cleaning work is performed to remove the deposits when replacing the bush.

[0009] Conventionally, in the cleaning work, workers scrape off the deposits using a scraper or the like. However, because the deposits are sticky and adhere to the inner circumferential surface of the mouthpieces, the cleaning work requires a lot of time and effort. In particular, it is common to perform the cleaning work on all the mouthpieces of a single escalator. In such cases, the series of cleaning work requires a great deal of time and effort.

[0010] A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning device and cleaning method that can easily remove deposits from the inner peripheral surface of the mouthpiece of an escalator step. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The cleaning device according to the present disclosure includes a drive source and a screw rotated by the drive source, and the ratio of the outermost diameter of the screw to the inner diameter of the nozzle is 98.5% or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a cleaning device and cleaning method can be provided that can easily remove deposits from the inner peripheral surface of the mouthpiece of an escalator step. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an escalator. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of an escalator step. [Figure 3] 3 is a partially enlarged view of the step jaws, step shaft, and bushing shown in FIG. 2, as viewed from the direction of arrow III in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a partially enlarged view of the step shaft and the bush shown in FIG. 3, viewed from a radial direction relative to the central axis of the step shaft. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the step nozzle, step shaft, and bushing shown in FIG. 3 taken along the central axis of the step shaft. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the step nozzle, step shaft, and bushing shown in FIG. 5, taken perpendicular to the central axis of the step shaft. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning device according to a first embodiment and a cleaning method using the same. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning device and a cleaning method using the same according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cleaning device and a cleaning method using the same according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning jig according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning jig according to a fourth embodiment and a cleaning method using the same. FIG. [Figure 16]10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning jig according to a fourth embodiment and a cleaning method using the same. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning jig according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning jig according to a fifth embodiment and a cleaning method using the same. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. The drawings show the connection relationship between the components of the escalator slow speed operation device according to this embodiment and the main components of the escalator, but do not necessarily show the physical spatial arrangement of each component.

[0015] <Escalator configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the escalator 500 includes a truss 501, an upper sprocket 502, a lower sprocket 503, a step chain 504, a drive unit 505, a balustrade 506, a moving handrail 507, a plurality of steps 510, a plurality of step shafts 511, a plurality of rollers 512, and a rail 513.

[0016] The truss 501 houses an upper sprocket 502, a lower sprocket 503, a step chain 504, a drive unit 505, a plurality of step shafts 511, a plurality of rollers 512, and a plurality of rails 513. The upper sprocket 502 is installed in the upper floor portion of the truss 501. The lower sprocket 503 is installed in the lower floor portion of the truss 501. The step chain 504 is wound around the upper sprocket 502 and the lower sprocket 503. The drive unit 505 drives the step chain 504 using power supplied from the main power supply of the escalator 500.

[0017] A parapet 506 is provided above the truss 501. The parapet 506 extends in the longitudinal direction of the truss 501. A moving handrail 507 is provided on the parapet 506. The moving handrail 507 moves cyclically between the upper floor and the lower floor. The driving device 505 may further drive the moving handrail 507. The moving handrail 507 moves in conjunction with the step chain 504.

[0018] Each of the multiple steps 510 moves up and down with a user on board. Each of the multiple steps 510 is attached to a step shaft 511. Each step shaft 511 is attached to a step chain 504. The central axis of each step shaft 511 extends in the left-right direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the step 510. Rollers 512 are attached to both ends of each step shaft 511. Each roller 512 moves along a rail 513.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a side view of the step 510 as viewed from the direction in which the central axis of the step shaft 511 extends. Referring to Fig. 2, each step 510 has a tread 521, a frame 522, a plurality of (e.g., two) mouthpieces 523, and a plurality of (e.g., two) bushings 524. The plurality of mouthpieces 523 are arranged at intervals from one another in the direction in which the central axis of the step shaft 511 extends. The plurality of bushings 524 are arranged at intervals from one another in the direction in which the central axis of the step shaft 511 extends.

[0020] The step 521 is the part on which the user stands. The frame 522 supports the step 521 and the mouthpiece 523. Each mouthpiece 523 is the part through which the step shaft 511 passes in each step 510. In each step 510, each mouthpiece 523 is integrated with the step 521 and the frame 522. Each bushing 524 is a member for connecting the step shaft 511 to each mouthpiece 523. In each step 510, each bushing 524 is separate from each mouthpiece 523 and is detachable from each mouthpiece 523.

[0021] Each base 523 has a first end face 523F, a second end face 523G, and an inner circumferential face 523I. The first end face 523F faces rearward in the direction in which the central axis C1 extends. The second end face 523G faces frontward in the direction in which the central axis C1 extends. Each base 523 has an opening formed therein that extends from the first end face 523F to the second end face 523G. The inner circumferential face 523I is the inner circumferential face of the opening.

[0022] When the base 523 properly sandwiches the step shaft 511 and the bushings 524, the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral surface 523I is a perfect circle, and the central axis of the step shaft 511 is arranged coaxially with the central axis C0 of the inner peripheral surface 523I of the base 523. The inner peripheral surface 523I faces the outer peripheral surface 511O of the step shaft 511 and contacts the outer peripheral surface 524O of each bushing 524, which will be described later. Each bushing 524 is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface 511O of the step shaft 511 and the inner peripheral surface 523I of each base 523. Each bushing 524 has an inner peripheral surface 524I and an outer peripheral surface 524O. The inner peripheral surface 524I contacts the outer peripheral surface 511O of the step shaft 511. The outer peripheral surface 524O contacts the inner peripheral surface 523I of the base 523. Each base 523 is made of metal. Each of the bases 523 is made of, for example, aluminum (Al), and each of the bushes 524 is made of resin.

[0023] Each of the bases 523 is detachable from the step shaft 511 and each of the bushes 524. Each of the bases 523 has, for example, a pair of first and second mounting portions 523A and 523B, a shaft portion 523C, and a fixed portion 523D. The first mounting portion 523A is fixed to the frame 522. The second mounting portion 523B is connected to the first mounting portion 523A via the shaft portion 523C. The second mounting portion 523B is rotatable around the shaft portion 523C relative to the first mounting portion 523A. This allows the first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B to be opened and closed.

[0024] When the first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B are closed, the first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B are arranged to sandwich the step shaft 511 and the bushing 524 fitted onto the step shaft 511. The first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B, which sandwich the step shaft 511 and the bushing 524, are fixed by the fixing portion 523D, whereby the step 510 is attached to the step shaft 511. When the first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B are open, the first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B are detachable from the step shaft 511. The fixing portion 523D includes, for example, a bolt and a nut.

[0025] Each bushing 524 has, for example, a first portion 524A disposed inside the base 523 and a pair of second portions 524B disposed outside the base 523. Outer circumferential surface 524O is the outer circumferential surface of first portion 524A.

[0026] 4 and 5, first portion 524A of bushing 524 is provided with a plurality of openings 524C that open to outer peripheral surface 524O. Note that it is sufficient that first portion 524A of bushing 524 is provided with at least one opening 524C. Each opening 524C is, for example, a through hole that reaches inner peripheral surface 524I. A space facing inner peripheral surface 523I of base 523 is formed within each opening 524C.

[0027] Inner diameter D0 of inner circumferential surface 523I of mouthpiece 523 can be set arbitrarily depending on the specifications of escalator 500, etc. Inner diameter D0 of inner circumferential surface 523I of mouthpiece 523 is, for example, 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less. Width W of inner circumferential surface 523I of mouthpiece 523 in the extension direction of central axis C0 can be set arbitrarily depending on the specifications of escalator 500, etc. Width W of inner circumferential surface 523I of mouthpiece 523 is, for example, 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0028] The thickness T of bushing 524 can be set arbitrarily depending on the specifications of escalator 500. The thickness T of bushing 524 is, for example, not less than 3 mm and not more than 10 mm.

[0029] 6, the base 523 has, for example, a pair of surfaces 523E that are connected to the inner circumferential surface 523I and are recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface 523I. From a different perspective, the base 523 has, for example, a cylindrical third space S3 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 523I, and a fourth space S4 that is connected to the third space S3 and is located radially outward from the third space S3. The step shaft 511 and the bush 524 are housed in the third space S3. The pair of surfaces 523E faces the fourth space S4.

[0030] <Cleaning device configuration> The cleaning device according to the present disclosure will be described below. The cleaning device according to the present disclosure is used to clean inner circumferential surface 523I of each mouthpiece 523 of each step 510 during maintenance work on escalator 500. The cleaning device according to the present disclosure is used to clean mouthpiece 523 in a state where step shaft 511 and bushing 524 are removed from mouthpiece 523.

[0031] Embodiment 1 <Cleaning device configuration> As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning device 101 according to the first embodiment includes a drive source 1 and a screw 2.

[0032] The driving source 1 drives the screw 2 to rotate around the central axis C1 of the screw 2 by a power source different from the main power source of the escalator 500. The driving source 1 is a handheld electric device. Preferably, the electric device 110 is a rechargeable power tool. The electric device 110 may be prepared as a commercially available power tool.

[0033] The driving source 1 has, for example, a main body 11, a holding part 12, and a switch 13. The main body 11 houses a motor. The holding part 12 detachably holds the screw 2. The switch 13 switches between a state in which the screw 2 is rotating and a state in which the screw 2 is stopped from rotating.

[0034] The screw 2 has a rotating shaft portion 21 and a scraper portion 22. The rotating shaft portion 21 extends along a central axis C1. In this specification, the side farther from the driving source 1 than the comparative object in the extension direction of the central axis C1 is referred to as the front side. The side closer to the driving source 1 than the comparative object in the extension direction of the central axis C1 is referred to as the rear side. The rear end of the rotating shaft portion 21 is held by a holding portion 12 of the driving source 1.

[0035] The scraper portion 22 protrudes outward in the radial direction relative to the central axis C1 from the outer periphery of the rotating shaft portion 21. The scraper portion 22 extends, for example, between the front end 20 and the rear end of the screw 2 in the extension direction of the central axis C1.

[0036] The scraper portion 22 has a helical surface 22A. The helical surface 22A extends helically around the central axis C1. The helical surface 22A faces forward in the extension direction of the central axis C1. The helical surface 22A has an outermost edge portion 22B.

[0037] The cleaning device 101 is configured so that the scraper portion 22 scrapes the deposits toward the front (the side of the arrow A in FIG. 6) when the screw 2 is rotated in the rotation direction B about the central axis C1 by the drive source 1. The scraper portion 22 is configured so that it twists in the opposite direction to the rotation direction B as it moves from the rear side to the front side in the extension direction of the central axis C1. The outermost edge portion 22B of the helical surface 22A is configured so that it moves from the front side to the rear side in the extension direction of the central axis C1 as it moves from the rear side to the front side in the rotation direction B.

[0038] The screw 2 is made of, for example, metal. The screw 2 is made of, for example, Al. The screw 2 may also be made of a hard resin.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8, the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 is the outermost diameter of the scraper portion 22. The outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 is less than the inner diameter D0 of the die 523. The ratio (D1 / D0) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 to the inner diameter D0 of the die 523 is 98.5% or less. For example, when the inner diameter D0 of the die 523 is 32.5 mm, the outermost diameter D of the screw 2 is 32.0 mm or less. Preferably, the ratio is 90.0% or more. For example, when the inner diameter D0 of the die 523 is 32.5 mm, the outermost diameter D of the screw 2 is preferably 29.25 mm or more.

[0040] The length L of the screw 2 in the extension direction of the central axis C1 is the length of the scraper portion 22 in the extension direction of the central axis C1. Preferably, the length L of the screw 2 is equal to or greater than the width W of the nozzle 523. The length L of the screw 2 may be greater than the width W of the nozzle 523. The length L of the screw 2 is, for example, equal to or less than twice the width W of the nozzle 523.

[0041] The height H1 of the scraper portion 22 in the radial direction relative to the central axis C1 is equal to or greater than the thickness T of the bushing 524. Preferably, the height H1 of the scraper portion 22 is greater than the thickness T of the bushing 524. The height H1 of the scraper portion 22 is less than half the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2.

[0042] The width (thickness) of the scraper portion 22 in the direction in which the central axis C1 extends is narrower than the interval between adjacent scraper portions 22 in the direction in which the central axis C1 extends.

[0043] <Cleaning method using cleaning equipment> An example of a cleaning method using the cleaning device 101 will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. As described above, the cleaning device 101 is used to clean the nozzle 523 in a state in which the step shaft 511 and the bush 524 are removed from the nozzle 523. As a prerequisite, the nozzle 523 from which the step shaft 511 and the bush 524 have been removed is prepared. A deposit (not shown) has formed on the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523. In general, the deposit is adhesive and adheres to the inner circumferential surface 523I. The thickness of the deposit in the radial direction relative to the central axis C1 of the nozzle 523 is equal to or less than the thickness T of the bush 524 (see FIG. 5).

[0044] First, the cleaning device 101 is prepared. The cleaning device 101 is prepared according to the inner diameter D0 of the die 523 so that the ratio (D1 / D0) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 to the inner diameter D0 of the die 523 is 98.5% or less.

[0045] Second, the screw 2 is rotated in the third space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523, and the deposits are removed by the screw 2.

[0046] For example, after placing the screw 2 in the third space, the screw 2 is rotated by the driving source 1. Specifically, with the first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B of the nozzle 523 open, the scraper portion 22 of the screw 2 is placed on the inner circumferential surface 523I of the first mounting portion 523A. Next, the first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B are closed, and the first mounting portion 523A and the second mounting portion 523B are fixed by the fixing portion 523D. This allows the screw 2 to pass through the nozzle 523. At least a portion of the scraper portion 22 of the screw 2 comes into contact with the deposit. Next, the switch 13 of the driving source 1 of the cleaning device 101 is turned ON, and the screw 2 is rotated in the rotation direction B. The screw 2 rotating in the rotation direction B scrapes the deposit forward (toward the arrow A).

[0047] In this step, the screw 2, only the front end 20 of which is inserted into the third space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 523I of the mouthpiece 523, may be rotated, and then the remaining part of the rotating screw 2 may be advanced into the third space. Alternatively, the screw 2, the entirety of which is disposed outside the third space, may be rotated, and then the rotating screw 2 may be advanced into the third space.

[0048] Since the ratio (D1 / D0) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 to the inner diameter D0 of the nozzle 523 is 98.5% or less, the screw 2 arranged within the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523 can be rotated by the drive source 1. Furthermore, since the ratio (D1 / D0) is 98.5% or less, the screw 2 can be moved relative to the nozzle 523 in at least one of the extension direction of the central axis C1 of the screw 2, the circumferential direction about the central axis C1, and the radial direction about the central axis C1.

[0049] For example, the screw 2 can be vibrated within the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523 by utilizing the impact received from the die 523 when the outermost edge 22B of the scraper portion 22 of the rotating screw 2 is slightly brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523. Furthermore, since the ratio (D1 / D0) is 98.5% or less, the central axis C1 of the rotating screw 2 can be slightly inclined with respect to the central axis C0 of the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523. In this way, by performing this step while changing the attitude of the rotating screw 2 with respect to the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523, the deposits can be scraped off evenly.

[0050] As described above, by the cleaning method using the cleaning device 101, deposits on the inner circumferential surface 523I of the mouthpiece 523 can be removed.

[0051] <Effects> The effects of the cleaning device 101 will be described in comparison with Comparative Example 1. The cleaning device according to Comparative Example 1 is a scraper. When manually cleaning using a scraper, cleaning all of the nozzles of an escalator requires a great deal of time and effort. Furthermore, it is difficult to evenly scrape off sticky deposits. This makes it difficult to reduce the variation in cleaning quality between workers. Furthermore, when manually cleaning using a scraper, at least some of the deposits tend to adhere to the surface of the scraper, and the deposits adhering to the scraper surface reduce cleaning efficiency. Therefore, when cleaning all of the nozzles of an escalator, cleaning work to remove the deposits adhering to the scraper is required midway, making it difficult to improve the efficiency of the cleaning work.

[0052] In contrast, with the cleaning device 101, the ratio (D1 / D0) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 to the inner diameter D0 of the mouthpiece 523 is 98.5% or less, so the screw 2 disposed within the inner circumferential surface 523I of the mouthpiece 523 can be rotated by the drive source 1, and deposits on the inner circumferential surface 523I can be easily and evenly removed. Therefore, with the cleaning device 101, variations in cleaning quality caused by different workers can be reduced. Furthermore, deposits are less likely to adhere to the screw 2 rotated by the drive source 1 compared to scrapers that are moved in one direction or reciprocated by human power. Therefore, even when cleaning all the mouthpieces of a single escalator, cleaning work to remove deposits adhering to the screw 2 is not required.

[0053] Next, further effects of the cleaning device 101 will be described in comparison with Comparative Example 2. The cleaning device according to Comparative Example 2 differs from the cleaning device 101 only in that the ratio (D1 / D0) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 to the inner diameter D0 of the mouthpiece 523 is higher than 98.5%.

[0054] In the cleaning device 101, the ratio (D1 / D0) is 98.5% or less. Therefore, the range in which the screw 2 can move relative to the nozzle 523 in at least one of the extension direction of the central axis C1 of the screw 2, the circumferential direction about the central axis C1, and the radial direction about the central axis C1 is wider than that of the cleaning device according to Comparative Example 2. As described above, when the outermost edge 22B of the scraper portion 22 of the rotating screw 2 is slightly brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523 and the impact received from the nozzle 523 is utilized to vibrate the screw 2 within the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523, the amplitude of the screw 2 is larger than that of the cleaning device according to Comparative Example 2. In other words, the cleaning device 101 can more effectively change the orientation of the rotating screw 2 relative to the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523, and can scrape out deposits evenly, compared to the cleaning device according to Comparative Example 2. Furthermore, the cleaning device 101 can also suppress adhesion of deposits to the screw 2 due to the vibration.

[0055] Embodiment 2 <Cleaning device configuration> Unless otherwise specified, the cleaning device according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the cleaning device 101 according to the first embodiment and provides the same effects.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, in the cleaning device 102 according to the second embodiment, the screw 2 has a front portion 2A and a rear portion 2B. The front portion 2A is the portion that is farthest from the driving source 1 in the direction in which the central axis C1 extends. The front portion 2A has a front end 20 of the screw 2. The rear portion 2B is the portion that is located closer to the driving source 1 than the front portion 2A in the direction in which the central axis C1 extends. The rear portion 2B is continuous with the front portion 2A in the direction in which the central axis C1 extends. The front end of the rear portion 2B is in contact with the rear end of the front portion 2A.

[0057] The outer diameter D2 of the front portion 2A is, for example, constant. The outer diameter of the rear portion 2B is, for example, constant. The outer diameter of the screw 2 changes, for example, in a stepwise manner.

[0058] The outer diameter D2 of the front portion 2A is smaller than the outer diameter of the rear portion 2B. The outer diameter of the rear portion 2B is the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2.

[0059] The ratio (D2 / D1) of the outer diameter D2 of the front portion 2A to the outer diameter D1 of the rear portion is, for example, 98.5% or less. The ratio (D2 / D1) is, for example, 90.0% or more.

[0060] <Cleaning method using cleaning equipment> The cleaning method using the cleaning device 102 can be carried out in the same manner as the cleaning method using the cleaning device 101. In the cleaning method using the cleaning device 102, the step of removing deposits by the screw 2 includes a first step of scraping out the deposits using the front portion 2A shown in Fig. 10 and a second step of scraping out the deposits using the rear portion 2B.

[0061] In one example of a cleaning method using the cleaning device 102, the second step is performed after the first step and immediately following the first step. After the front portion 2A of the screw 2 is rotated within the third space, the rear portion 2B of the screw 2 is advanced into the third space without stopping the rotation of the screw 2.

[0062] In addition, the rotation of the screw 2 may be stopped after the front portion 2A of the screw 2 has been rotated within the third space, and the rear portion 2B of the screw 2 may be inserted into the third space before the screw 2 is rotated again.

[0063] In another example of a cleaning method using the cleaning device 102, the first step is performed consecutively after the second step.

[0064] In yet another example of the cleaning method using the cleaning device 102, the first step and the second step are performed alternately and repeatedly. The first step may be performed again after the second step is performed after the first step. The second step may be performed again after the first step is performed after the second step.

[0065] <Effects> According to the cleaning device 102, the scraping work can be performed in stages using the first and second steps as described above, which prevents the deposits from scattering around, which is a concern when the deposits are scraped out all at once.

[0066] Furthermore, the front portion 2A, which has a relatively smaller outer diameter than the rear portion 2B, can more effectively change the attitude of the screw 2 rotating relative to the inner circumferential surface 523I of the mouthpiece 523. Therefore, the cleaning device 102 can scrape out the deposits evenly.

[0067] <Modification> In the cleaning device according to the second embodiment, the screw 2 may further have an intermediate portion connecting the front portion 2A and the rear portion 2B. The outer diameter of the intermediate portion may gradually decrease from the rear portion 2B toward the front portion 2A. The rate of change in the outer diameter of the screw 2 may be constant between the front portion 2A and the rear portion 2B. The rate of change in the outer diameter of the screw 2 may not be constant between the front portion 2A and the rear portion 2B.

[0068] In the cleaning device according to the second embodiment, the outer diameter of at least one of the front portion 2A and the rear portion 2B may gradually decrease with increasing distance from the driving source 1.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows a cleaning device 103, which is a modification of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment. In the cleaning device 103, the outer diameter of the screw 2 gradually decreases with increasing distance from the driving source 1 in the extension direction of the central axis C1. From a different perspective, the outer diameters of the front portion 2A and the rear portion 2B each gradually decrease with increasing distance from the driving source 1.

[0070] The rate of change of the outer diameter of the screw 2 is, for example, constant throughout the entire screw 2. However, the rate of change of the outer diameter of the screw 2 does not have to be constant.

[0071] In the cleaning device 103, the rearmost portion of the scraper part 22 has an outermost edge 22B in the radial direction relative to the central axis C1.

[0072] In the cleaning device 103, twice the distance R1 between the outermost edge 22B and the central axis C1 is the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2. From a different perspective, the diameter of the base of an imaginary cone circumscribing the scraper portion 22, including the outermost edge 22B, is the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2.

[0073] The cleaning method using the cleaning device 103 can be carried out in the same manner as the cleaning method using the cleaning device 102. In one example of the cleaning method using the cleaning device 103, in the step of removing deposits with the screw 2, the screw 2 is moved little by little forward or rearward in the extension direction of the central axis C1.

[0074] Embodiment 3 <Cleaning device configuration> Unless otherwise specified, the cleaning device according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the cleaning device 101 according to the first embodiment and provides the same effects.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 12, the cleaning device 104 according to the third embodiment further includes a cylindrical cover 3 that covers the screw 2.

[0076] The cover 3 has an opening 30 that exposes the front end 20 of the screw 2 in the extension direction of the central axis C1. The cover 3 also has an opening 31 that is connected to the main body 11 of the drive source 1. The cover 3 is fixed to the main body 11 of the drive source 1.

[0077] 12 and 13, the cover 3 is expandable and contractible in the direction in which the central axis C1 extends, and has, for example, a bellows structure.

[0078] Preferably, the inner diameter of opening 30 is equal to or greater than the inner diameter D0 of mouthpiece 523. Opening 30 of cover 3 can come into contact with first end surface 523F of mouthpiece 523. In this way, with opening 30 of cover 3 in contact with first end surface 523F of mouthpiece 523, driving source 1 and screw 2 can be pushed forward to contract cover 3, causing screw 2 to enter inner circumferential surface 523I of mouthpiece 523.

[0079] Preferably, the amount of expansion and contraction of the cover 3 in the direction to which the central axis C1 extends is equal to or greater than the width W of the inner circumferential surface 523I of the mouthpiece 523 in the direction to which the central axis C0 extends. From a different perspective, as shown in Fig. 12, the cover 3 is preferably provided so as to cover the entire screw 2 when the cover 3 is not pressed in the direction to which the central axis C1 extends. As shown in Fig. 13, the cover 3 is preferably provided so as not to prevent the entire screw 2 from entering the inner circumferential surface 523I of the mouthpiece 523 when pressed in the direction to which the central axis C1 extends.

[0080] Preferably, the cover 3 is transparent. This allows the operator to see the screw 2 through the cover 3, thereby improving the workability of the cleaning method using the cleaning device 104.

[0081] <Cleaning method using cleaning equipment> The cleaning method using the cleaning device 104 can be carried out in the same manner as the cleaning method using the cleaning device 101. In the cleaning method using the cleaning device 104, in the step of removing deposits with the screw 2, the cover 3 is contracted to cause the screw 2 to enter the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523. For example, with the opening 30 of the cover 3 in contact with the first end surface 523F of the die 523, the drive source 1 and the screw 2 are pushed forward to compress the cover 3 and cause the screw 2 to enter the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523. After this step is completed, the drive source 1 and the screw 2 are pulled back to the rear, thereby expanding the cover 3 and restoring the state in which the screw 2 is covered by the cover 3.

[0082] <Effects> According to the cleaning device 104, the screw 2 is covered by the cover 3 except when it is in use, so that the cleaning device 104 is highly safe.

[0083] <Modification> The cleaning device according to the third embodiment may have the same configuration as the cleaning device according to the second embodiment, except that it includes a cover 3. The cleaning device according to the third embodiment can be modified in the same manner as the cleaning device according to the first or second embodiment.

[0084] <Cleaning jig configuration> The cleaning jig according to the present disclosure will be described below. The cleaning jig according to the present disclosure is used to clean the inner circumferential surface 523I of each mouthpiece 523 of each step 510 during maintenance work on the escalator 500. The cleaning jig according to the present disclosure is used for cleaning the mouthpiece 523 in a state in which the step shaft 511 and the bushing 524 are removed from the mouthpiece 523. The cleaning jig according to the present disclosure is used together with a cleaning device for scraping off deposits on the inner circumferential surface 523I. The cleaning jig according to the present disclosure is particularly suitable for the above cleaning work performed using the cleaning device according to the present disclosure. Note that the cleaning jig according to the present disclosure can also be applied to cleaning work performed using a cleaning device other than the cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

[0085] Embodiment 4 <Cleaning jig configuration> As shown in FIG. 14, a cleaning jig 201 according to the fourth embodiment includes a first cylindrical portion 5, a second cylindrical portion 6, and a connecting portion .

[0086] The first cylindrical portion 5 and the second cylindrical portion 6 are arranged at an interval from each other in the extension direction of the central axis C3 of the first cylindrical portion 5. The first cylindrical portion 5 is arranged, for example, coaxially with the second cylindrical portion 6.

[0087] The first cylindrical portion 5 has a first front end surface 5A, a first rear end surface 5B, and an inner circumferential surface 5I. The first front end surface 5A faces the second cylindrical portion 6 in the direction in which the central axis C3 of the first cylindrical portion 5 extends. A first opening 50A is formed in the first front end surface 5A. The first opening 50A is formed on the second cylindrical portion 6 side in the direction in which the central axis C3 of the first cylindrical portion 5 extends.

[0088] The first rear end surface 5B faces the opposite side to the first front end surface 5A in the extension direction of the central axis C3 of the first cylindrical portion 5. A second opening 50B is formed in the first rear end surface 5B. The second opening 50B is formed on the opposite side to the first opening 50A in the extension direction of the central axis C3 of the first cylindrical portion 5. The inner circumferential surface 5I extends between the first opening 50A and the second opening 50B.

[0089] The first front end surface 5A is intended to be connected to the first end surface 523F of the nozzle 523 when the cleaning jig 201 is in use. The second opening 50B is located on the opposite side to the first opening 50A in the direction in which the central axis C3 extends. The second opening 50B is intended to serve as an entrance for a screw of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure when the cleaning jig 201 is in use.

[0090] The second cylindrical portion 6 has a second rear end surface 6A, a second front end surface 6B, and an inner circumferential surface 6I. The second rear end surface 6A faces the first cylindrical portion 5 in the direction in which the central axis of the second cylindrical portion 6 extends. A third opening 60A is formed in the second rear end surface 6A. The third opening 60A is formed on the first cylindrical portion 5 side in the direction in which the central axis of the second cylindrical portion 6 extends. The third opening 60A faces the first opening 50A.

[0091] The second front end surface 6B faces the opposite side to the second rear end surface 6A in the extension direction of the central axis C3 of the second cylindrical portion 6. A fourth opening 60B is formed in the second front end surface 6B. The fourth opening 60B is formed on the opposite side to the third opening 60A in the extension direction of the central axis C3 of the second cylindrical portion 6. The inner circumferential surface 6I extends between the third opening 60A and the fourth opening 60B.

[0092] Second rear end surface 6A is intended to be connected to second end surface 523G of nozzle 523 when cleaning jig 201 is in use. Fourth opening 60B is intended to serve as a discharge port for deposits scraped out of nozzle 523 by the screw of the cleaning device according to the present disclosure when cleaning jig 201 is in use.

[0093] The first cylindrical portion 5 has a first space S1 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 5I. The second cylindrical portion 6 has a second space S2 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 6I. As described above, the nozzle 523 has a third space S3 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 523I. The cleaning jig 201 is provided so that the first space S1 communicates with the second space S2 via the third space S3.

[0094] 14, the connection portion 7 connects the first cylindrical portion 5 and the second cylindrical portion 6. The connection portion 7 has, for example, a first connection portion 7A and a second connection portion 7B.

[0095] 15 , the connecting portion 7 is disposed outside the third space S3 of the nozzle 523. From a different perspective, the connecting portion 7 is disposed outside an imaginary circumferential surface 523VI obtained by extending the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523 in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the connecting portion 7 is provided so as to come into contact with a surface of the nozzle 523 other than the inner circumferential surface 523I, and to position the cleaning jig 201 with respect to the nozzle 523.

[0096] The first connecting portion 7A is disposed on the outside of each of the first cylindrical portion 5 and the second cylindrical portion 6. The first connecting portion 7A is placed over the outer circumferential surface of the base 523. The first connecting portion 7A is provided so as to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the base 523, for example.

[0097] The second connecting portion 7B is disposed radially inward of the first connecting portion 7A relative to the central axis C3. The second connecting portion 7B is continuous with the third space S3 and extends into a fourth space S4 located radially outward of the third space S3. The second connecting portion 7B is disposed, for example, so as to contact at least a portion of each of the pair of surfaces 523E facing the fourth space S4. The second connecting portion 7B is disposed, for example, so as to fit into at least a portion of the fourth space S4.

[0098] The first connecting portion 7A is, for example, a separate member from each of the first cylindrical portion 5 and the second cylindrical portion 6, and is provided as a pressing plate portion that is pressed against the outer circumferential surfaces of the base 523, the first cylindrical portion 5, and the second cylindrical portion 6. The second connecting portion 7B is, for example, integral with each of the first cylindrical portion 5 and the second cylindrical portion 6, and is provided as a connecting portion that connects each of the first cylindrical portion 5 and the second cylindrical portion 6. The second connecting portion 7B is, for example, connected to each of the first front end surface 5A of the first cylindrical portion 5 and the second rear end surface 6A of the second cylindrical portion 6. When the second connecting portion 7B is engaged with at least a portion of the fourth space S4 and the first connecting portion 7A is pressed against the outer peripheral surfaces of the base 523, the first tubular portion 5, and the second tubular portion 6, the first connecting portion 7A and the second connecting portion 7B position the first tubular portion 5 and the second tubular portion 6 relative to the base 523.

[0099] The inner diameter D3 of the first opening 50A and the inner diameter D4 of the third opening 60A are equal to or larger than the inner diameter D0 of the mouthpiece 523. The ratio (D3 / D1) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 of the cleaning device 102 to the inner diameter D3 of the first opening 50A is 98.5% or less. The inner diameter D3 of the first opening 50A and the inner diameter D4 of the third opening 60A are larger than the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 of the cleaning device 102.

[0100] The inner diameter of the second opening 50B is larger than, for example, the inner diameter D3 of the first opening 50A. The inner diameter of the first tubular portion 5 gradually increases from the first opening 50A toward the second opening 50B, for example.

[0101] The inner diameter of the fourth opening 60B is larger than, for example, the inner diameter D4 of the third opening 60A. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 6 gradually increases from the third opening 60A toward the fourth opening 60B, for example.

[0102] The inner diameter D3 of the first opening 50A is equal to, for example, the inner diameter D4 of the third opening 60A. The inner diameter of the second opening 50B is equal to, for example, the inner diameter of the fourth opening 60B.

[0103] The cleaning jig 201 has, for example, a mirror-symmetric structure with respect to a plane that passes through the midpoint of the connection portion 7 in the extension direction of the central axis C3 and is perpendicular to the central axis C3.

[0104] Preferably, each of the first cylindrical portion 5 and the second cylindrical portion 6 is transparent. <Cleaning method using a cleaning jig> An example of a cleaning method using the cleaning jig 201 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. As described above, the cleaning jig 201 is used to clean the nozzle 523 in a state in which the step shaft 511 and the bush 524 are removed from the nozzle 523. As a prerequisite, the nozzle 523 from which the step shaft 511 and the bush 524 have been removed is prepared. A deposit (not shown) has formed on the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523. In general, the deposit is adhesive and adheres to the inner circumferential surface 523I. The thickness of the deposit in the radial direction relative to the central axis C1 of the nozzle 523 is equal to or less than the thickness T of the bush 524 (see FIG. 5).

[0105] First, a cleaning jig 201 is prepared together with a cleaning device according to the present disclosure. At least one of cleaning devices 101 to 104 is prepared as the cleaning device. In the example shown in FIG. 16, a cleaning device 102 is prepared. The cleaning device 102 is prepared according to the inner diameter D0 of the mouthpiece 523 so that the ratio (D1 / D0) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 to the inner diameter D0 of the mouthpiece 523 is 98.5% or less.

[0106] Second, cleaning jig 201 is positioned relative to nozzle 523. Connection part 7 is arranged outside third space S3 of nozzle 523. Cleaning jig 201 is positioned relative to nozzle 523 by bringing connection part 7 into contact with a surface of nozzle 523 other than inner circumferential surface 523I.

[0107] For example, with the first attachment portion 523A and the second attachment portion 523B of the base 523 open, the second connection portion 7B, which is integrated with the first tubular portion 5 and the second tubular portion 6, is placed in the fourth space S4. This positions the first tubular portion 5 and the second tubular portion 6 so as to sandwich the base 523. Next, by closing the first attachment portion 523A and the second attachment portion 523B, the second connection portion 7B is fitted into the fourth space S4 formed thereby. Next, the first connection portion 7A is pressed against the outer peripheral surfaces of the base 523, the first tubular portion 5, and the second tubular portion 6. This connects the first front end surface 5A to the first end surface 523F of the base 523, and the second rear end surface 6A to the second end surface 523G of the base 523. The first cylindrical portion 5 and the second cylindrical portion 6 are positioned relative to the nozzle 523 by the first connecting portion 7A and the second connecting portion 7B. A first space S1 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 5I of the first cylindrical portion 5 communicates with a second space S2 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 6I of the second cylindrical portion 6 via a third space S3 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523. A central axis C3 of the cleaning jig 201 overlaps with a central axis C0 of the nozzle 523, for example.

[0108] Third, the screw 2 is rotated in the third space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523, and the deposits are removed by the screw 2.

[0109] For example, after the screw 2 is placed in the first space S1, the screw 2 is rotated in a rotation direction B by the driving source 1. Next, the rotating screw 2 is advanced from the first space S1 into the third space S3. The screw 2 rotating in the rotation direction B scrapes out the deposit from the third space S3 of the nozzle 523 into the second space S2 of the second cylindrical portion 6. The deposit scraped out into the second space S2 is collected from the fourth opening 60B.

[0110] Because the ratio (D1 / D0) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 to the inner diameter D0 of the die 523 and the ratio (D3 / D1) of the outermost diameter D1 of the screw 2 of the cleaning device 102 to the inner diameter D3 of the first opening 50A are 98.5% or less, the screw 2 can be moved relative to the die 523 and the cleaning jig 201 in at least one of the extension direction of the central axis C1 of the screw 2, the circumferential direction about the central axis C1, and the radial direction about the central axis C1. Therefore, in this step as well, the screw 2 can be vibrated within the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523 by utilizing the impact received from the die 523 when the outermost edge 22B of the scraper portion 22 of the rotating screw 2 is slightly brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523. Furthermore, since the ratio (D1 / D0) and the ratio (D3 / D0) are 98.5% or less, the central axis C1 of the rotating screw 2 can be slightly tilted with respect to the central axis C0 of the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523. In this way, by performing this step while changing the attitude of the rotating screw 2 with respect to the inner circumferential surface 523I of the die 523, the deposits can be scraped out evenly.

[0111] As described above, by the cleaning method using the cleaning jig 201, deposits on the inner circumferential surface 523I of the mouthpiece 523 can be removed.

[0112] <Effects> In the cleaning jig 201, the connection portion 7 is disposed outside the third space S3 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523, and the first space S1 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 5I of the first cylindrical portion 5 is connected to the second space S2 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 6I of the second cylindrical portion 6 via the third space S3. Therefore, the cleaning jig 201 can guide a member (screw 2 in the cleaning device 102) for scraping out deposits on the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523 onto the inner circumferential surface 523I of the cleaning device. Furthermore, the cleaning jig 201 can prevent the scraped out deposits from scattering to the surrounding area. Furthermore, the cleaning jig 201 does not interfere with the operation of a member for scraping out deposits on the inner circumferential surface 523I of the nozzle 523 in the cleaning device. Therefore, the cleaning jig 201 can improve the efficiency of the cleaning operation.

[0113] Furthermore, when used together with the cleaning device according to the present disclosure, the cleaning jig 201 can prevent the screw 2 rotated by the driving source 1 from hitting a surface other than the inner surface 523I of the nozzle 523 (for example, the first end surface 523F) and damaging the nozzle 523.

[0114] <Modification> The cleaning jig 201 only needs to include at least one connection part 7. The number of connection parts 7 included in the cleaning jig 201 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0115] At least one connection portion 7 may be provided as a connecting portion that connects the first tubular portion 5 and the second tubular portion 6 together.

[0116] The cleaning jig 201 does not have to have a mirror-symmetric structure with respect to a plane that passes through the midpoint of the connection portion 7 in the extension direction of the central axis C3 and is perpendicular to the central axis C3. The volume of the second space S2 of the second cylindrical portion 6 may be larger than the volume of the first space S1 of the first cylindrical portion 5.

[0117] Embodiment 5. Unless otherwise specified, the cleaning jig according to the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the cleaning jig 201 according to the fourth embodiment and provides the same effects.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 17, the cleaning jig 202 according to the fifth embodiment further includes a bag 8. The bag 8 is for collecting the deposits scraped off from the inner circumferential surface 523I of the mouthpiece 523. The bag 8 covers the fourth opening 60B of the second cylindrical portion 6. The bag 8 is detachable from the second cylindrical portion 6. Preferably, the bag 8 is transparent.

[0119] A fifth space S5 is formed in the bag 8. The fifth space S5 is open only at one end of the bag 8, for example. The bag 8 has a fifth opening 8A formed at one end of the bag 8 and communicating with the fifth space S5. The fifth opening 8A is connected to a surface of the second tubular portion 6 that is positioned more outer than the fourth opening 60B. The fifth opening 8A is connected to, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the second tubular portion 6. The fifth space S5 communicates with the second space S2. Note that the fifth opening 8A may be connected to the second front end surface 6B.

[0120] The volume of the fifth space S5 of the bag 8 is equal to or greater than the volume of the deposit collected from the third space S3 of one mouthpiece 523. Preferably, the volume of the fifth space S5 is equal to or greater than the volume of the deposit collected from the third spaces S3 of two mouthpieces 523 included in one step 510. More preferably, the volume of the fifth space S5 is equal to or greater than the volume of the deposit collected from the third spaces S3 of all mouthpieces 523 included in one escalator 500.

[0121] The material constituting the bag 8 includes, for example, polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. The bag 8 is, for example, a polyethylene bag or a vinyl bag. The bag 8 may also be a paper bag.

[0122] <Cleaning method using a cleaning jig> The cleaning method using cleaning jig 202 can be carried out in the same manner as the cleaning method using cleaning jig 201. In the cleaning method using cleaning jig 202, in the step of removing deposits with screw 2, the deposits pushed out into second cylindrical portion 6 by screw 2 can be collected in bag 8.

[0123] <Effects> In the cleaning jig 202, the deposits pushed out into the second cylindrical portion 6 by the screw 2 can be collected in the bag 8, and scattering of the deposits to the surrounding area can be reliably prevented, eliminating the need to check for scattered deposits and to collect scattered deposits. As a result, the cleaning jig 202 can further improve the efficiency of the cleaning work.

[0124] The embodiments and modifications disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1 Drive source, 2 Screw, 2A Front portion, 2B Rear portion, 3 Cover, 5 First cylindrical portion, 5A First front end surface, 5B First rear end surface, 5I, 6I, 23I, 524I Inner peripheral surface, 6 Second cylindrical portion, 6A Second rear end surface, 6B Second front end surface, 7 Connection portion, 7A First connection portion, 7B Second connection portion, 8 Bag, 8A 5th opening, 11 Main body portion, 12 Holding portion, 13 Switch, 20 Front end, 21 Rotating shaft portion, 22 Scraper portion, 22A Spiral surface, 22B Outermost edge portion, 30, 31, 524C Opening, 50A First opening, 50B Second opening, 60A Third opening, 60B Fourth opening, 101, 102, 103, 104 Cleaning device, 110 Electric device, 201, 202 cleaning jig, 500 escalator, 501 truss, 502 upper sprocket, 503 lower sprocket, 504 step chain, 505 drive device, 506 balustrade, 507 moving handrail, 510 step, 511 step axis, 511O, 524O outer surface, 512 roller, 513 rail, 521 tread, 522 frame, 523 mouthpiece, 523A first mounting portion, 523B second mounting portion, 523C axis portion, 523D fixing portion, 523E one set of surfaces, 523F first end surface, 523G second end surface, 523VI imaginary circumferential surface, 524 bush, 524A first part, 524B second part.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for removing deposits from the inner peripheral surface of a mouthpiece through which a step shaft passes in an escalator step, A driving source; a screw rotated by the drive source, A cleaning device, wherein the ratio of the outermost diameter of the screw to the inner diameter of the nozzle is 98.5% or less.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the ratio is 90.0% or more.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the length of the screw in the direction in which the central axis of the screw extends is equal to or greater than the width of the nozzle.

4. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive source rotates the screw so that the screw scrapes the deposits toward a front portion in an extension direction of a central axis of the screw.

5. The screw a front portion in an extension direction of the central axis of the screw; a rear portion located closer to the driving source than the front portion in the extending direction, The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer diameter of the front portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the rear portion.

6. In the extending direction, a front end portion of the rear portion is in contact with a rear end of the front portion, 6. The cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the change in the outer diameter of the screw is gradual.

7. an outer diameter of the screw gradually decreases with increasing distance from the drive source in an extension direction of the central axis of the screw; The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the change in the outer diameter of the screw is continuous.

8. Further provided is a cylindrical cover that covers the screw, an opening is formed in the cover to expose a front end of the screw in an extension direction of the central axis of the screw, The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover is extendable and contractible in the extending direction.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 8 , wherein the opening has an inner diameter equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the nozzle.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 8 , wherein an amount of expansion and contraction of the cover in the extension direction is equal to or greater than a width of the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle.

11. 4. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the drive source is a rechargeable electric motor.

12. A method for removing deposits on the inner peripheral surface of a mouthpiece through which a step shaft passes in an escalator step, comprising: providing a cleaning device; The cleaning device is A driving source; a screw rotated by the drive source, a ratio of the outermost diameter of the screw to the inner diameter of the die is 98.5% or less; and removing the deposits by the screw, which is disposed in a space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle and rotated by the drive source.

13. 13. The cleaning method according to claim 12, wherein in the step of removing the deposits, the screw is moved relative to the nozzle in at least one of an extension direction of a central axis of the screw, a circumferential direction about the central axis, and a radial direction about the central axis.

14. the step of removing the deposit further includes the step of placing a bag on the side of the mouthpiece opposite to the side on which the driving source is disposed, 14. The cleaning method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein in the step of removing the deposit, the deposit scraped out by the screw toward a front portion in an extension direction of the central axis of the screw is collected in the bag.

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