Elevator guide rail cleaning apparatus

Abstract

To provide a guide rail cleaning device of an elevator capable of controlling a supply amount of chemical and having a high cleaning effect.SOLUTION: The cleaning device includes i) the device base 40 configured to be movable on the guide rail, ii) the injector 5 including the nozzle 50 disposed such that the injection port faces the guide portion of the guide rail and configured to inject the chemical liquid to the surface of the guide portion by supplying the chemical liquid to the nozzle 50 in the operation mode, and iii) the controller configured to control the operation and non-operation of the injector 5. Iv) a remover 6 including a scraper 61,63 capable of coming into contact with and separating from the surface of the guide, the remover 6 being configured to, in the operation mode, bring the scraper 61,63 into contact with the surface of the guide to remove matter adhering to the surface of the guide as the device base 40 moves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning elevator guide rails. [Background technology]

[0002] The guide rails are cut to the appropriate length at the factory, then shipped and transported to the installation site, where they are connected in a continuous line from the bottom (pit) to the top of the hoistway and attached to the wall of the hoistway. To prevent the guide rails from rusting during this process, they are coated with anti-rust oil at the factory before being shipped.

[0003] This anti-rust oil is not necessary for elevator operation. Furthermore, if the anti-rust oil is left on the elevator, it will easily attract dust and other particles, which is undesirable for elevator operation. Therefore, the anti-rust oil must be removed before the elevator can be put into operation. Currently, after or during installation, workers manually wipe off the anti-rust oil using thinner and a rag.

[0004] However, manually cleaning the surfaces of two pairs (four rows) of guide rails (one pair (two rows) of guide rails for the car and one pair (two rows) of guide rails for the counterweight) along their entire length is extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming.

[0005] Therefore, cleaning devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 136712 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-182589 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the cleaning device described in Patent Document 1 applies the chemical solution by pressing the tip of a rope-like member (liquid-guiding member) soaked in the chemical solution against the surface of the guide rail, while the cleaning device described in Patent Document 2 applies the chemical solution with a roller. Therefore, in either case, it is difficult to control the amount of chemical solution supplied to the surface of the guide rail, and there is a risk that effective cleaning will not be achieved.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an elevator guide rail cleaning device that is capable of controlling the amount of chemical solution supplied and has a high cleaning effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention comprises: a device base configured to be movable on a guide rail extending in the vertical direction within the elevator shaft; an injection unit that is mounted on the device base and has a nozzle with an injection port facing the guide portion of the guide rail, and that in an operating mode supplies chemical liquid to the nozzle to inject the chemical liquid onto the surface of the guide portion; and a control unit that controls activation and deactivation of the injection unit. This is an elevator guide rail cleaning device.

[0010] As one aspect of the elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention, a removal unit that is mounted on the device base and has a scraper that can be brought into contact with and separated from the surface of the guide unit, and that, in an operating mode, brings the scraper into contact with the surface of the guide unit to remove deposits on the surface of the guide unit as the device base moves; The control unit controls activation and deactivation of the removal unit. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0011] As one aspect of the elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention, The apparatus includes a storage container mounted on the base and having an open top, and a storage section for receiving and storing the removed deposits that fall from the scraper. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0012] As one aspect of the elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention, The control unit During a forward path in which the device base moves from a predetermined upper position to a predetermined lower position within the elevator shaft or from a predetermined lower position to a predetermined upper position within the elevator shaft, a control is executed to not operate the removal unit but to operate the injection unit; On the return path, control is executed to operate the removal unit without operating the ejection unit, or control is executed to operate both the ejection unit and the removal unit. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0013] As one aspect of the elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention, a lifting machine for suspending and supporting the device base is provided as a driving source for moving the device base; The control unit controls the operation and deactivation of the lifting and lowering of the lifting machine. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0014] As one aspect of the elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention, The nozzle is attached to the device base so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range around the direction of movement of the device base. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0015] As one aspect of the elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention, The nozzle sprays the chemical solution intermittently at regular intervals. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0016] As one aspect of the elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention, The scraper includes a pair of guide surface scrapers corresponding to the two guide surfaces of the guide part, and a tip surface scraper corresponding to the tip surface of the guide part, The three scrapers move in sync with the surface of the guide. The above configuration can be adopted.

[0017] As one aspect of the elevator guide rail cleaning device according to the present invention, The storage container can be separated into left and right halves, and is provided with a pair of storage containers arranged with a guide section sandwiched between them. The above configuration can be adopted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, a nozzle is used as a means for supplying the chemical solution to the surface of the guide rail, so that the amount of chemical solution supplied can be controlled and a high cleaning effect can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a guide rail. [Figure 2] Fig. 2(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the inside of the elevator shaft, and Fig. 2(b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the inside of the elevator shaft with the guide rail cleaning device installed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main device of the guide rail cleaning device as seen obliquely from behind. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the guide portion of the main device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the guide portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main part of the main device as seen obliquely from behind. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main part of the main device as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) is a side view of the ejection section of the main device, and Fig. 8(b) is a plan view of the main part of the ejection section. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a side view of the removal section and storage section of the main device. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a perspective view of the removal portion in an activated mode, and Figure 10(b) is a perspective view of the removal portion in a non-activated mode. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a perspective view of the storage unit, and Figure 11(b) is an exploded perspective view of the storage unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the control unit of the guide rail cleaning device (main device and lifting machine (auxiliary device)). [Figure 13] Fig. 13(a) is a front view of the control panel of the main unit, and Fig. 13(b) is a front view of the remote control. [Figure 14] 14(a) to 14(d) are explanatory diagrams of how to use the guide rail cleaning device (automatic operation mode). [Figure 15] 15(a) to 15(d) are explanatory diagrams continuing from FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of another method of using the guide rail cleaning device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] <Elevator and guide rail configuration> The elevator guide rail cleaning device will be described below, but first the configuration of the elevator and guide rail will be described.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(a), an elevator comprises a hoistway 1, a car, and a car drive mechanism. The hoistway 1 extends vertically in a multi-story building. A pair (two rows) of guide rails 2, 2 are attached to two opposing wall surfaces 1a, 1a of the hoistway 1 so as to extend vertically. The car moves up and down in the hoistway 1 while being guided by the guide rails 2 as guide bodies attached at four locations (top, bottom, left, and right) slide on the guide rails 2. The car drive mechanism moves the car up and down and stops it at a designated floor.

[0022] The guide rail 2 is T-shaped in a plan view and includes a base 20 and a protruding portion 21. The base 20 is a strip-like plate extending in the vertical direction and is disposed parallel to and at a predetermined distance from the wall surface 1a of the elevator shaft 1. The protruding portion 21 is a strip-like plate extending in the vertical direction, is connected at one side to the center of the base 20, and protrudes perpendicularly from the base 20.

[0023] The protrusion 21 includes a connection portion 210 and a guide portion 211. The connection portion 210 connects the base portion 20 and the guide portion 211. The connection portion 210 is narrower than the guide portion 211 and forms a constricted portion at the protrusion 21. The guide portion 211 slides against the guide body of the car and guides the guide body to move linearly in the vertical direction. The guide portion 211 includes two guide surfaces 211a and a tip surface 211b. The two guide surfaces 211a are surfaces located in the thickness direction of the guide portion 211 and are parallel to each other or tapered so that the tip side is narrower. The tip surface 211b is a surface located between the tip edges of the two guide surfaces 211a and is a flat surface or a curved surface such as an arc surface.

[0024] The guide rails 2 have an appropriate length, and are joined together and extended in the vertical direction by connecting both end portions of the two guide rails 2, 2. The end portion of one of the guide rails 2 has a ridge 22 on its end surface, and the end portion of the other guide rail 2 has a groove 23 on its end surface. The ridge 22 and groove 23 are formed along the front-rear direction and are formed between the tip end surface 211b and the back surface of the base 20. The ridge 22 and groove 23 are fitted together, so that both end portions of the upper and lower guide rails 2, 2 are connected without misalignment in the horizontal direction.

[0025] Both ends of the upper and lower guide rails 2, 2 are connected using a connecting material 25 such as a batten. The connecting material 25 is plate-shaped and is placed against the back of both ends (bases 20) of the upper and lower guide rails 2, 2, spanning both ends. A plurality of screw holes or through holes are formed in the upper and lower half regions of the connecting material 25, and through holes corresponding to the holes are formed in the ends of the guide rails 2. The connecting material 25 is joined to the ends of the guide rails 2 using fixing devices 250.

[0026] The guide rail 2 is fixed to the wall surface 1 a of the hoistway 1 at appropriate locations in the longitudinal direction using guide rail supports 27. The guide rail support 27 includes a wall bracket 270, a rail bracket 271, and a rail clip 272. The wall bracket 270 is fixed to the wall surface 1 a of the hoistway 1 using a fastener. Alternatively, the wall bracket 270 is fixed to a beam or frame provided along the wall surface 1 a of the hoistway 1 using a fastener and / or a welding method. After being positioned relative to the wall bracket 270, the rail bracket 271 is fixed to the wall bracket 270 using a fastener and a welding method. The rail clips 272 are fixed to the vertical surfaces of the rail bracket 271 using fasteners 273 at two locations on the left and right of the base 20 of the guide rail 2, while abutting against the outer surface of the base 20.

[0027] The guide rail 2 is installed in the elevator installation work in the following procedure. The wall bracket 270 is attached and fixed to the wall surface 1a of the hoistway 1 in advance, prior to the elevator installation work or during the elevator installation work. (Installation process of the first guide rail) At the lowest part (pit) of the elevator shaft 1, the worker adjusts the position of the rail bracket 271 fixed to the first guide rail 2 in the horizontal plane relative to the corresponding wall bracket 270, thereby aligning it with the first guide rail 2, and after the alignment is complete, fixes the rail bracket 271 to the wall bracket 270 (full fixation). (Connection process) The worker uses a lifting machine to suspend the second guide rail 2, places it on top of the first guide rail 2, and connects both ends of the two guide rails 2, 2. (Second guide rail installation step) The worker temporarily fixes the rail bracket 271 to be fixed to the second guide rail 2 to the corresponding wall bracket 270 . (Connection process) The worker uses a lifting machine to suspend the third guide rail 2, places it on top of the second guide rail 2, and connects both ends of the two guide rails 2, 2. By repeating these steps, the worker connects the guide rails 2 in order upwards, and installs them up to the top of the elevator shaft 1. (Centering and final fixing process for second and subsequent guide rails) At this point, the second and subsequent guide rails 2 have not yet been centered, and the rail brackets 271 fixed to the second and subsequent guide rails 2 have not yet been final fixed to the wall brackets 270. Therefore, the worker or the device performs these steps.

[0028] <Configuration of guide rail cleaning device> The guide rails 2 are cut to an appropriate length at the factory, have holes drilled at the ends, and then shipped. They are then transported to the installation site and installed at the installation site. During this process, to prevent the guide rails 2 from rusting, the guide rails 2 are coated with anti-rust oil on their surfaces at the factory before being shipped. The guide rail cleaning device is a device that removes the anti-rust oil from the surfaces of the guide rails 2.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the guide rail cleaning device (hereinafter abbreviated as "cleaning device") 3 is configured to include a main device 3A and a lifting machine 3B as a secondary device.

[0030] The main device 3A is configured to be able to move on the guide rail 2 while gripping the guide rail 2. The main device 3A is suspended from the crane 3B and moves upward (rises) as the crane 3B winds up the wire rod, and moves downward (descends) as the crane 3B winds down the wire rod. The main device 3A is equipped with various functional units, which will be described later.

[0031] The lifting machine 3B is attached to the upper part of the hoistway 1 (preferably, the top part of the hoistway 1). The lifting machine 3B is an electric or manual lifting machine, and a commercially available product is used. Electric lifting machines include hoists, winches, cranes, and chain blocks. Manual lifting machines include chain blocks, lever blocks, and chill holes. The lifting machine 3B is not limited to any of these, and any appropriate machine can be used.

[0032] An upper limit switch cam 10 is installed at a predetermined upper position within the hoistway 1 (as a preferred example, the uppermost position within the hoistway 1, near the upper end of the uppermost guide rail 2), and a lower limit switch cam 11 is installed at a predetermined lower position within the hoistway 1 (as a preferred example, the lowermost position within the hoistway 1, near the lower end of the lowermost guide rail 2). The cams 10, 11 are fixed using fixing devices to fixed parts such as the guide rail 2, beam, frame or bracket within the hoistway 1. The cams 10, 11 are installed on the movement path of the limit switch 410 provided in the main unit 3A, and are installed to activate the limit switch 410.

[0033] 3, the main device 3A includes a device base 4. The device base 4 is configured to be movable on the guide rail 2 while gripping the guide rail 2. The device base 4 includes a housing 40, a height position detection unit 41, and a guide unit (guide body) 42.

[0034] 3, "front" and "rear" refer to directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 and perpendicular to the wall surface 1a of the hoistway 1, "left" and "right" refer to directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 and parallel to the wall surface 1a of the hoistway 1, and "up" and "down" refer to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2, i.e., the vertical direction. This also applies to the other figures.

[0035] The housing 40 includes a vertical plate 401, an upper plate 403, a lower plate 405, and a cover 406. The vertical plate 401 is a metal plate having a rectangular shape elongated in the up-down direction and sufficient rigidity. The vertical plate 401 serves as a base on which various functional units (described later) are attached. The upper plate 403 is a metal plate having a rectangular shape attached to the inner surface of the upper end of the vertical plate 401 and disposed along a horizontal plane, and sufficient rigidity. The lower plate 405 is a metal plate having a rectangular shape attached to the inner surface of the lower end of the vertical plate 401 and disposed along a horizontal plane, and sufficient rigidity. The vertical plate 401, the upper plate 403, and the lower plate 405 are assembled in a U-shape when viewed from the side and are reinforced with ribs as necessary. The cover 406 freely closes and closes a side opening formed by the side edges of the vertical plate 401, the upper plate 403, and the lower plate 405.

[0036] A box 402 is attached to the outer surface of the vertical plate 401. The box 402 is used to house a control unit and a power source (battery). An engaged part 404 such as an eyebolt is attached to the upper surface of the upper plate 403. A hook 32B attached to the tip of a line 31B such as a wire, chain, or rope hanging down from the main body of the lifting machine 3B engages with the engaged part 404 and supports the device base 4 by suspending it.

[0037] The height position detection unit 41 includes a limit switch 410. The limit switch 410 is attached to the inner surface of the vertical plate 401. The tip side of the actuator unit of the limit switch 410 protrudes from a notched window formed in the cover 406, and is capable of contacting and separating from the cams 10 and 11.

[0038] The guide portions 42 are attached to the upper surface of the upper plate 403 and the lower surface of the lower plate 405. The upper and lower guide portions 42, 42 have the same structure.

[0039] 4 and 5, the guide portion 42 is a roller guide including three rollers 423, 423, 427 that contact three surfaces: two guide surfaces 211a, 211a and a tip surface 211b. Each of the pair of rollers (or drums) 423, 423 contacts the guide surface 211a, has a flange portion 423a at its tip, and engages with the constricted portion 210 of the guide rail 2. The roller 427 contacts the tip surface 211b. This allows the guide portion 42 to grip the guide rail 2 (the guide portion 211) without falling off the guide rail 2 (the guide portion 211).

[0040] The guide unit 42 includes a base 420, a pair of shafts 421, 421, and a pair of oscillators 422, 422. The base 420 is fixed to the upper plate 403 or the lower plate 405 using a fixture. The pair of shafts 421, 421 are arranged so that their respective axes are aligned in the front-rear direction and are parallel to each other with a gap in the left-right direction. Each shaft 421 is supported by the base 420 so as to be rotatable around the front-rear direction and slidable in the front-rear direction. Each oscillator 422 is integrated with each shaft 421 and oscillates around the front-rear direction as each shaft 421 rotates. Each roller 423 is supported by each oscillator 422 so as to be rotatable around the front-rear direction.

[0041] The guide part 42 includes resilient force applying parts 424, 425. The resilient force applying part 424 applies a resilient force to the shaft 421 in the backward direction. As a result, the roller 423 (the flange part 423a) and the roller 427 sandwich the guide part 211 in the front-to-rear direction. The resilient force applying part 425 applies a resilient force to the pair of oscillators 422, 422 in the direction narrowing the gap between them. As a result, the pair of rollers 423, 423 sandwich the guide part 211 in the left-to-right direction. The resilient force and the resulting sandwiching force (the sandwiching force in the front-to-rear direction and the sandwiching force in the left-to-right direction) can be adjusted by (rotating) the adjustment parts 424a, 425a, which are in the form of double nuts or the like, to adjust the degree of compression of the elastic body.

[0042] The guide unit 42 includes a spacer block 426 (shown by dotted lines in FIG. 4). The spacer block 426 contacts the opposing surfaces of the pair of oscillators 422, 422 to restrict further oscillation of the pair of oscillators 422, 422, thereby eliminating the torsional moment of the oscillator 422 that occurs when the pair of rollers 423, 423 receive a reaction force from the guide unit 211, and reducing the offset load due to the cantilever. The spacer block 426 is supported by the base 420 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The spacer block 426 has a tapered shape whose width gradually narrows toward the front. This is to accommodate the fact that the spacing between the pair of rollers 423, 423 when in contact with the guide unit 211 varies depending on the size of the guide rail 2 (difference in the left-right width of the guide unit 211).

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the main device 3A includes, as functional parts, an ejection part 5, a removal part 6, a storage part 7, and a control part.

[0044] The spray unit 5 includes a nozzle 50 with its nozzle facing the guide unit 211. In an operating mode, the spray unit 5 has the function of spraying a chemical solution (e.g., a cleaning solution) onto the surface of the guide unit 211 by supplying the chemical solution to the nozzle 50. The removal unit 6 includes scrapers 61, 61, 63 that can be moved toward and away from the surface of the guide unit 211. In an operating mode, the removal unit 6 has the function of removing deposits from the surface of the guide unit 211 as the main device 3A moves by bringing the scrapers 61, 61, 63 into contact with the surface of the guide unit 211. The storage unit 7 includes a storage container 70 with an upper opening 70a and has the function of receiving and storing the removed deposits that fall from the scrapers 61, 61, 63. The spray unit 5, removal unit 6, and storage unit 7 are arranged from top to bottom in this order. The control unit controls the entire cleaning device 3, including controlling the operation and deactivation of the spray unit 5 and removal unit 6.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, the ejection unit 5 includes a pair of nozzles 50, 50, a storage unit 51, and a pair of supply units 52, 52.

[0046] The pair of nozzles 50, 50 is composed of a right nozzle 50A and a left nozzle 50B. The right nozzle 50A sprays the chemical solution from its nozzle onto the range from the tip surface 211b to the base end in the width direction of one guide surface 211a. The left nozzle 50B sprays the chemical solution from its nozzle onto the range from the tip surface 211b to the base end in the width direction of the other guide surface 211a. As a result, the chemical solution is sprayed and applied to the entire surface of the guide portion 211.

[0047] The pair of nozzles 50, 50 are arranged symmetrically about the center line of the guide portion 211 in the left-right direction. The nozzle 50 is arranged so that the center line of the nozzle faces the center line of the guide portion 211 and is inclined relative to the front-to-rear direction. The nozzle 50 is arranged so that the center line of the nozzle faces downward and is inclined relative to the front-to-rear direction. The nozzle 50's nozzle has a diffusion angle within a predetermined angular range. This allows the chemical solution to be sprayed onto the entire surface of the guide portion 211 from two oblique directions.

[0048] Nozzle 50 is attached to (vertical plate 401 of) housing 40 via fixed bracket 53 and movable bracket 54. Fixed bracket 53 is attached to (vertical plate 401 of) housing 40. Movable bracket 54 is attached to fixed bracket 53 so as to support nozzle 50 and to be rotatable (swingable) within a predetermined angle range around the vertical direction. This makes it possible to adjust the spray range of the chemical solution.

[0049] The storage unit 51 has the form of a tank and stores a sufficient amount of chemical liquid so that frequent replenishment of the chemical liquid is not necessary. The storage unit 51 is attached to the housing 40 (vertical plate 401) via a bracket 55. The storage unit 51 is attached to the bracket 55 in a detachable manner.

[0050] The pair of supply units 52, 52 is composed of a right supply unit 52A and a left supply unit 52B. The right supply unit 52A connects the storage unit 51 and the right nozzle 50A, and is composed of a tube as a conduit and a pump as an actuator. When the pump is activated, the chemical liquid in the storage unit 51 is supplied to the right nozzle 50A via the conduit. The left supply unit 52B connects the storage unit 51 and the left nozzle 50B, and is composed of a tube as a conduit and a pump as an actuator. When the pump is activated, the chemical liquid in the storage unit 51 is supplied to the left nozzle 50B via the conduit.

[0051] As an example, the pump is a tube pump. A tube pump is a pump that uses the rotation of a roller or ring to repeatedly compress and restore a tube, alternately discharging and suctioning. By using a tube pump, the chemical solution is sprayed from the nozzle 50 intermittently (intermittent spray) at regular time intervals. The pump is attached to the housing 40 (vertical plate 401) via a bracket 56.

[0052] 9 and 10, the removal unit 6 includes a pair of guide surface scrapers 61, 61, a pair of drive mechanisms 62, 62, a tip surface scraper 63, and a drive mechanism 64. Each guide surface scraper 61 is supported by a corresponding drive mechanism 62, and the tip surface scraper 63 is supported by a drive mechanism 64. The drive mechanisms 62, 64 are attached to a base 60. The base 60 functions as a middle plate attached to the inner surface of the vertical plate 401 at a height position between the upper plate 403 and the lower plate 405 of the housing 40.

[0053] The pair of guide surface scrapers 61, 61 is composed of a right guide surface scraper 61A and a left guide surface scraper 61B. The right guide surface scraper 61A is in releasable contact with one guide surface 211a. The left guide surface scraper 61B is in releasable contact with the other guide surface 211a.

[0054] The guide surface scraper 61 has a blade 611 detachably (replaceably) attached to a holder 610. The blade 611 is made of metal, rubber, or resin. The blade 611 is the portion that actually contacts the guide surface 211a and has a contact edge. The blade 611 has a length greater than the width (length dimension in the front-rear direction) of the guide surface 211a, and the contact edge contacts the guide surface 211a over the entire width from the tip to the base end in the width direction. The blade 611 is arranged so that the contact edge faces upward and is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction.

[0055] A drive mechanism 62 is provided for each guide surface scraper 61. It moves the guide surface scraper 61 between an operating mode in which it contacts the guide surface 211a and a non-operating mode in which it is separated from the guide surface 211a. The drive mechanism 62 includes a linear guide 620, an air cylinder 621 as an air-driven actuator, and an elastic body 622 such as a tension spring. The linear guide 620 is attached to the base 60 in the left-right direction and supports the holder 610 of the guide surface scraper 61 with a carriage. This allows the pair of guide surface scrapers 61 to move left and right, narrowing or widening the gap between them. The air cylinder 621 receives compressed air from an air compressor (not shown) only in the input port. This allows the guide surface scraper 61 to move by extending the piston of the air cylinder 621 when moving to the operating mode. The return movement to the non-operating mode uses the elastic restoring force of the elastic body 622.

[0056] The tip surface scraper 63 is disposed at a height position higher than the pair of guide surface scrapers 61, 61. This means that, as will be described later, in the operating mode of the removal unit 6, the tip surface scraper 63 precedes the pair of guide surface scrapers 61, 61.

[0057] The tip surface scraper 63 has a blade 631 detachably (replaceably) attached to a holder 630. The drive mechanism 64 includes a linear guide 640, an air cylinder 641, and an elastic body 642. These components are configured similarly to the guide surface scraper 61 and the drive mechanism 62.

[0058] The three air cylinders 621, 621, and 641 receive compressed air from a single air compressor. Therefore, the three air cylinders 621, 621, and 641 operate in synchronization, causing the three scrapers 61, 61, and 63 to advance or retreat in synchronization. As an example, the compressed air supply line from the air compressor to the three air cylinders 621, 621, and 641 is branched into three lines from a single main line, each connected to one of the air cylinders. A pressure switch is provided in the main line, and compressed air is supplied from the air compressor until the pressure reaches the pressure set by the pressure switch. A regulator may be provided in each branch line to adjust the pressure in each branch line. In this case, the contact pressure (pressing force) of each scraper can be adjusted individually.

[0059] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the storage unit 7 includes a pair of storage containers 70, 70. The pair of storage containers 70, 70 is composed of a right storage container 70A and a left storage container 70B. The right storage container 70A is arranged on one guide surface 211a side. The left storage container 70B is arranged on the other guide surface 211a side. The pair of storage containers 70, 70 are detachably attached to the housing 40 (the vertical plate 401) via a box 407 attached to the inner surface of the vertical plate 401 of the housing 40, and can be separated into left and right halves. The box 407 is for accommodating the air compressor described above.

[0060] The right storage container 70A is a box-shaped container with a bottom and an upper end opening 70Aa that is open at the top. The front portion of the right storage container 70A facing the left storage container 70B is a stepped recess 70Ab. The left storage container 70B has a similar configuration and has an upper end opening 70Ba and a stepped recess 70Bb. Either the right storage container 70A or the left storage container 70B (in this example, the left storage container 70B) has a locking piece 70Bc that locks onto a portion of the upper edge of the other storage container. This allows the right storage container 70A and the left storage container 70B to be integrated.

[0061] When the right storage container 70A and the left storage container 70B are integrated, the upper end openings 70Aa and 70Ba form a single upper end opening 70a. The upper end opening 70a is large enough to include the projected area of ​​the three scrapers 61, 61, 63 from vertically above, and can collect all of the removed material that falls from the scrapers 61, 61, 63.

[0062] When the right storage container 70A and the left storage container 70B are integrated, the stepped recesses 70Ab and 70Bb form a single recess 70b. The recess 70b has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the protrusion 21 of the guide rail 2, and the protrusion 21 is disposed therein. This allows the right storage container 70A and the left storage container 70B to be disposed in a shape that fits the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 2 without interfering with the protrusion 21.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 30A of the main device 3A includes a driver unit 300 for the pump of the ejection unit 5 and a driver unit 301 for the air compressor of the removal unit 6.

[0064] Various switches are connected to the control unit 30A. The power-on switch 310 is a switch that turns the power of the main unit 3A on and off. The stop switch 311 is a switch that is effective in the automatic operation mode and stops the traveling of the main unit 3A. The up switch 312 is a switch that is effective in the manual operation mode and issues a hoisting command to the lifting machine 3B. The down switch 313 is a switch that is effective in the manual operation mode and issues a hoisting command to the lifting machine 3B. The automatic / manual selector switch 314 is a switch that selects whether the main unit 3A is in the automatic operation mode or the manual operation mode. The spray on / off selector switch 315 is a switch that is effective in the manual operation mode and selects whether the spray unit 5 is in the operating mode or the inoperating mode. The scraper on / off selector switch 316 is a switch that is effective in the manual operation mode and selects whether the removal unit 6 is in the operating mode or the inoperating mode. The spray addition ON / OFF changeover switch 317 is a switch that is effective in the automatic operation mode, and is a switch that selects whether or not the spraying unit 5 is also in the operation mode when the removal unit 6 is in the operation mode.

[0065] A transmitter / receiver 320 is connected to the control unit 30A. The transmitter / receiver 320 functions as a transmitter that transmits a hoisting command (a signal related to the command) and a lowering command (a signal related to the command) for the lifting machine 3B to a receiver 340 of the lifting machine 3B. The transmitter / receiver 320 functions as a receiver that receives an operation command (a signal related to the command) for the functional units of the main unit 3A from a remote control (remote control device) described later. As an example, the transmitter / receiver 320 is in the form of a transceiver.

[0066] The control unit 30B of the lifting machine 3B includes a driver unit 330 for the motor 350 and a driver unit 331 for the brake 351. A receiving unit 340 is connected to the control unit 30B. The receiving unit 340 has a function of receiving a hoisting command (a signal related to the hoisting command) and a lowering command (a signal related to the hoisting command) from the transmitting / receiving unit 320. As an example, the receiving unit 340 is in the form of a receiver. As mentioned above, if the lifting machine 3B is a commercially available product, the receiver has a plug compatible with the pendant switch mounting portion of the lifting machine 5, and by removing the pendant switch from the lifting machine 5 and mounting the receiver instead, the lifting machine 5 itself can be used without modification.

[0067] When the control unit 30B receives a winding command (signal related to the winding command) or a lowering command (signal related to the winding command) from the transceiver unit 320, it releases the brake 351 via the driver 331 and drives the motor 350 in the forward or reverse direction via the driver 330 to wind up or lower the wire. When the control unit 30B no longer receives the winding command (signal related to the winding command) or the lowering command (signal related to the winding command), it stops driving the motor 350 via the driver 330 and activates the brake 351 via the driver 331. In other words, the lifting machine 3B is remotely operated by the main unit 3A. Note that the lifting machine 3B may receive a winding command (signal related to the winding command) or a lowering command (signal related to the winding command) from a remote controller and be remotely operated by the remote controller.

[0068] 13(a), the switches of the main device 3A are arranged on an operation panel and are operated by an operator. The operation panel is provided on the surface of the box 402 of the housing 40, for example.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 13(b), the remote control has switches similar to those on the main unit 3A. The start switch is not on the main unit 3A, but is only on the remote control, and is the switch that starts automatic operation. The reason for providing the start switch only on the remote control is that in an emergency, even if the main unit 3A moves out of the worker's reach and the worker is unable to press the stop switch 311, as long as the worker holds the remote control in his or her hand from the start of automatic operation, the stop switch on the remote control can be pressed immediately. However, if there are no such concerns, the start switch may be provided on the operation panel of the main unit 3A.

[0070] <How to use the guide rail cleaning device (automatic operation mode)> Next, we will explain the procedure for setting up the cleaning device 3 and the contents of the automatic operation mode. In the automatic operation mode, the main device 3A and the lifting machine 3B are linked by wireless communication, and the main device 3A moves automatically while cleaning the surface of the guide section 211 of the guide rail 2. In the manual operation mode, a worker rides in a gondola, moves together with the main device 3A, and cleans the surface of the guide section 211 while operating the control panel of the main device 3A, or by operating a remote control or a pendant switch on the lifting machine 3B.

[0071] (Step 1) As shown in Figure 14(a), the worker moves to the top of the elevator shaft 1 in a gondola and installs a lifting machine 3B equipped with a wireless receiver 340 and an upper limit switch cam 10 at the top of the elevator shaft 1. (Step 2) The worker moves to the bottom of the elevator shaft 1 in the gondola.

[0072] (Step 3) As shown in Fig. 14(b), the worker connects the power supply 12 to the main device 3A. Note that if the power supply (battery) installed in the main device 3A is used, step 3 is not necessary. (Step 4) The worker winds down the wire 31B of the crane 3B, hooks the hook 32B onto the main unit 3A, and takes the main unit 3A into the hoistway 1.

[0073] (Step 5) As shown in FIG. 14(c), the worker installs the main unit 3A on the lowest guide rail 2, and installs the lower limit switch cam 11 at the bottom of the elevator shaft 1. (Step 6) The worker refills the chemical solution (attach tank 51).

[0074] (Step 7) As shown in Figure 14(d), the operator presses the start switch on the remote control, which starts automatic operation. (Operation 8) The main unit 3A issues a hoisting command to the lifting machine 3B, causing it to rise to the detection position (upper limit position) of the upper limit switch cam 10. During this time, the main unit 3A puts the removal unit 6 into operation mode. However, the removal unit 6 may remain in the non-operation mode.

[0075] (Operation 9) As shown in Figure 15(a), when the main unit 3A detects the upper limit switch cam 10, it stops issuing the command to the lifting machine 3B, changes it to a command to lower the lifting machine 3B, and reverses its own movement from up to down. At this time, the main unit 3A puts the removal unit 6 in the inactive mode and the injection unit 5 in the active mode. The outbound journey begins from here.

[0076] (Operation 10) As shown in FIG. 15(b), the main device 3A lowers itself to the detection position (lower limit position) of the lower limit switch cam 11 while spraying the chemical solution. (Operation 11) When the main unit 3A detects the lower limit switch cam 11, it stops issuing commands to the crane 3B to lower the load, and stops itself. At this time, the main unit 3A puts the jet unit 5 into the non-operating mode. (Operation 12) After a certain time has elapsed (for example, one minute), the main unit 3A issues a hoisting command to the crane 3B, causing it to lift up. At this time, the main unit 3A puts the removal unit 6 into operation mode. The return journey begins from here. The certain time is left in order to wait for the viscosity of the rust-preventive oil to decrease after the chemical solution is sprayed.

[0077] (Operation 13) As shown in Figure 15(c), the main device 3A raises itself to the upper limit position while bringing the three scrapers 61, 61, 63 into contact with the guide rail 2. If the additional spray ON / OFF switch 317 is turned ON, the chemical solution is also sprayed. (Operation 14) When the main unit 3A detects the upper limit switch cam 10, it stops issuing commands to the lifting machine 3B, and stops itself. At this time, the main unit 3A puts the removal unit 6 into the inactive mode.

[0078] (Step 15) As shown in FIG. 15(d), the worker turns off the power. (Step 16) The worker collects the removed material (grease or sludge) that has accumulated in the reservoir 7. (Step 17) The worker moves the main device 3A to another row of guide rails 2. Note that in operation 14, the main device 3A may be reversed and lowered to the lowest position, and steps 15 to 17 may be performed at the lowest position.

[0079] As described above, the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment includes the nozzle 50, whose nozzle is positioned so as to face the guide portion 211. In operation mode, the cleaning device 3 includes the spray unit 5, which supplies the chemical solution to the nozzle 50 to spray the chemical solution onto the surface of the guide portion 211. That is, the nozzle 50 is used as a chemical solution supplying means. Therefore, the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment can control the amount of chemical solution supplied by, for example, controlling the rotation speed of the pump, thereby achieving high cleaning effectiveness. Furthermore, the liquid guide member described in Patent Document 1 and the roller described in Patent Document 2 both directly contact the surface of the guide portion and are inevitably soiled and require replacement over time. In contrast, the nozzle 50 does not contact the surface of the guide portion 211 and is therefore not soiled. Therefore, the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment eliminates the hassle of replacing parts over time. Furthermore, the cleaning device 3 itself can be cleaned using only the scrapers 61 and 63 and the storage container 70, improving maintainability.

[0080] The cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment is provided with scrapers 61, 63 that can be brought into contact with and separated from the surface of the guide portion 211, and is provided with a removal unit 6 that, in an operating mode, brings the scrapers 61, 63 into contact with the surface of the guide portion 211, thereby removing deposits on the surface of the guide portion 211 as the device base 4 moves. Therefore, the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment can reliably remove deposits remaining on the surface of the guide portion 211, and can achieve a high cleaning effect.

[0081] The cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment includes a storage container 70 having an upper end opening 70a, and a storage section 7 that receives and stores the removed deposits that fall from the scrapers 61, 63. Therefore, the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment can prevent the deposits from falling in the elevator shaft and scattering to soil the surrounding area.

[0082] Although not limiting as an invention, the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment employs a two-stage method in which a chemical solution is sprayed on the outward path along the entire length of the guide rail 2, and deposits are removed on the return path along the entire length of the guide rail 2. This differs from a simultaneous method in which the chemical is sprayed while deposits are removed. Therefore, the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment can ensure sufficient time for the chemical to blend with the rust-preventive oil, dissolve the rust-preventive oil, and lift the rust-preventive oil from the surface of the guide section, resulting in a higher cleaning effect.

[0083] The cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment is provided with a lifting machine 3B that suspends and supports the device base 4 as a driving source for moving the device base 4. Therefore, the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment can reduce the weight of the main device 3A, which in turn reduces the labor required and allows for efficient cleaning.

[0084] In the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment, the nozzle 50 is attached to the device base 4 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range around the direction of movement of the device base 4. Therefore, in the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment, even if the positional relationship between the nozzle 50 and the guide part 211 varies, adjustment can be made so that the chemical solution is effectively sprayed onto the surface of the guide part 211.

[0085] According to the cleaning device 3 of this embodiment, the nozzle 50 sprays the chemical solution intermittently at regular time intervals. Therefore, according to the cleaning device 3 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of the chemical solution and reduce the cost of the cleaning process.

[0086] According to the cleaning device 3 of this embodiment, three scrapers are provided corresponding to the three surfaces of the guide portion 211. Therefore, according to the cleaning device 3 of this embodiment, it is possible to reliably remove deposits remaining on the surface of the guide portion 211 and achieve a high cleaning effect.

[0087] In the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment, the storage container 70 can be separated into left and right halves, and is provided as a pair with the guide portion 211 sandwiched between them. Therefore, in the cleaning device 3 according to this embodiment, the storage container 70 can be removed and attached while the main device 3A is set on the guide rail 2.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the cleaning device 3 is configured by adding the removal unit 6 to the spray unit 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The removal unit is not essential if the anti-rust oil is dissolved by spraying the chemical solution, floats up from the surface of the guide unit 211, and then naturally falls down along the guide unit 211 under its own weight and is removed.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example of cleaning the guide rails 2 for a car has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It goes without saying that the cleaning device can also be used to clean the guide rails for a counterweight.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the control unit 30A is mounted on the device base 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit may be separated from the main device, and wireless communication may be performed between the control unit and the main device.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the nozzle 50 sprays the chemical liquid in the form of droplets. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The nozzle may spray (atomize) the chemical liquid in the form of a mist.

[0093] In the above embodiment, a pair of nozzles 50 are provided on the left and right sides. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as one nozzle can inject the chemical solution onto the required range of the surface of the guide portion 211, one nozzle may be used.

[0094] In the above embodiment, two types of scrapers are used: scraper 61 for guide surface 211a and scraper 63 for tip surface 211b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Because tip surface 211b has a smaller area than guide surface 211a, a scraper for tip surface 211b may be omitted if there is no problem.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the lifting machine 3B is used as the driving source for moving the main unit 3A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The main unit itself may be a self-propelled type equipped with a driving source.

[0096] In the above embodiment, a combination of the limit switch 410 and the limit switch cams 10, 11 is used as a trigger for reversing the direction of movement of the main device 3A, i.e., as a means for defining the upper and lower limits. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a non-contact sensor (such as a photoelectric sensor) may be used, or the main device may be provided with an imaging means such as a camera, and the reversal point may be determined based on the captured image.

[0097] In the above embodiment, in view of the configuration of the scrapers 61, 63, the forward path is set to descend and the return path is set to ascend, with the spraying process being performed during the descending path and the removal process being performed during the ascending path. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The forward path may be set to ascend and the return path to descend, with the spraying process being performed during the ascending path and the removal process being performed during the descending path.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the main unit 3A and the lifting machine (auxiliary unit) 3B are used in a one-to-one relationship. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 16, a main unit 3A is attached to each of a pair of left and right guide rails 2, 2, and the two main units 3A, 3A are connected together with a connecting member 33. A hook is attached to (the center of) the connecting member 33, and one lifting machine 3B is used to raise and lower the two main units 3A, 3A, thereby cleaning the two guide rails 2, 2 simultaneously. In this case, not only can the cleaning process time and cost be shortened, but also a lifting machine that is originally installed between the guide rails 2, 2 can be used instead of preparing and installing a lifting machine specifically for the main unit 3A.

[0099] In the present invention, terms that specify a shape, part, state, or direction, such as "rectangular," "straight line," "center," "central," "end," "side," "same," "parallel," "orthogonal," "up and down," "front and back," and "left and right," include not only the thing itself, but also the concept of "approximately" which means something close to or similar to it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1...hoistway, 1a...wall surface, 10...upper limit switch cam, 11...lower limit switch cam, 12...power supply, 2...guide rail, 20...base, 21...protrusion, 210...connection portion, 211...guide portion, 211a...guide surface, 211b...tip surface, 22...convex strip, 23...concave groove, 25...connecting material, 250...fixing device, 27...guide rail support, 270...wall bracket, 271...rail bracket, 272...rail clip, 2 73...Fixing device, 3...Guide rail cleaning device, 3A...Main device, 30A...Control unit, 300, 301...Driver unit, 310...Power on switch, 311...Stop switch, 312...Up switch, 313...Down switch, 314...Auto-manual changeover switch, 315...Spray ON / OFF changeover switch, 316...Scraper ON / OFF changeover switch, 317...Spray additional ON / OFF changeover switch, 320...Transmitting / receiving unit, 3 B... Lifting machine (auxiliary device), 30B... Control unit, 330, 331... Driver unit, 340... Receiver unit, 350... Motor, 351... Brake, 31B... Wire rod, 32B... Hook, 33... Connecting material, 4... Device base, 40... Housing, 401... Vertical plate, 402... Box, 403... Upper plate, 404... Engaged part, 405... Lower plate, 406... Cover, 407... Box, 41... Height position detection unit, 410... Limit switch, 42... Guide unit (guide body), 420... base, 421... shaft, 422... oscillator, 423... roller, 423a... flange portion, 424, 425... elastic force imparting portion, 424a, 425a... adjustment portion, 426... spacer block, 427... roller, 5... injection portion, 50... nozzle, 50A... right nozzle, 50B... left nozzle, 51... storage portion, 52... supply portion, 52A... right supply portion, 52B... left supply portion, 53... fixed bracket, 54... movable bracket, 55,56...bracket, 6...removal portion, 60...base, 61...guide surface scraper, 610...holder, 611...blade, 61A...right guide surface scraper, 61B...left guide surface scraper, 62...drive mechanism, 620...linear guide, 621...air cylinder, 622...elastic body, 63...tip surface scraper, 630...holder, 631...blade, 64...drive mechanism, 640...linear guide, 641...air cylinder, 642...elastic body, 7...storage portion, 70...storage container, 70a...upper end opening, 70b...recess, 70A...right storage container, 70Aa...upper end opening, 70Ab...step recess, 70B...left storage container, 70Ba...upper end opening, 70Bb...step recess, 70Bc...locking piece,

Claims

1. a device base configured to be movable on a guide rail extending in the vertical direction within the elevator shaft; an injection unit that is mounted on the device base and has a nozzle with an injection port facing the guide portion of the guide rail, and that in an operating mode supplies chemical liquid to the nozzle to inject the chemical liquid onto the surface of the guide portion; and a control unit that controls activation and deactivation of the injection unit. Elevator guide rail cleaning device.

2. a removal unit that is mounted on the device base and has a scraper that can be brought into contact with and separated from the surface of the guide unit, and that, in an operating mode, brings the scraper into contact with the surface of the guide unit to remove deposits on the surface of the guide unit as the device base moves; The control unit controls activation and deactivation of the removal unit.

2. The elevator guide rail cleaning device according to claim 1.

3. The apparatus includes a storage container mounted on the base and having an open top, and a storage section for receiving and storing the removed deposits that fall from the scraper.

3. The elevator guide rail cleaning device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit During a forward path in which the device base moves from a predetermined upper position to a predetermined lower position within the elevator shaft or from a predetermined lower position to a predetermined upper position within the elevator shaft, a control is executed to not operate the removal unit but to operate the injection unit; On the return path, control is executed to operate the removal unit without operating the ejection unit, or control is executed to operate both the ejection unit and the removal unit.

3. The elevator guide rail cleaning device according to claim 2.

5. a lifting machine for suspending and supporting the device base is provided as a driving source for moving the device base; The control unit controls the operation and deactivation of the lifting and lowering of the lifting machine.

5. The elevator guide rail cleaning device according to claim 1.

6. The nozzle sprays the chemical solution intermittently at regular intervals.

5. The elevator guide rail cleaning device according to claim 1.

7. the scraper includes a pair of guide surface scrapers corresponding to the two guide surfaces of the guide part, and a tip surface scraper corresponding to the tip surface of the guide part; The three scrapers move in sync with the surface of the guide.

5. The elevator guide rail cleaning device according to claim 2.

8. The storage container can be separated into left and right halves, and includes a pair of storage containers arranged with the guide portion sandwiched between them.

4. The elevator guide rail cleaning device according to claim 3.

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