Cleaning jigs

Abstract

To provide a cleaning jig that effectively cleans the cleaning area below. [Solution] A cleaning jig X for cleaning a cleaning site located below, comprising: an extendable / retractable section 1 configured to be extendable and retractable; a drive unit 2 configured to apply extension / retraction driving force to the extendable / retractable section 1; and a cleaning operation unit 3 configured to perform cleaning operations. The drive unit 2 includes a weight 21 that applies a load to the extendable / retractable section 1 and a hoist 22 that moves the weight 21 up and down. The cleaning operation is a rotational movement caused by the cleaning operation unit 3 receiving torque from the up and down movement of the weight 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool.

Background Art

[0002] Cleaning areas such as underwater areas, narrow areas, and contaminated areas where it is difficult or practically impossible for people to enter are extremely difficult to clean.

[0003] [[ID=1,6]]For example, when taking out an object in contaminated water, if the object is fixed with bolts, the bolts are located in a narrow part, and obstacles such as rubble are scattered in the narrow part, it is very difficult to loosen the bolts. Therefore, first, it is necessary to remove the obstacles scattered in the narrow part.

[0004] Note that Patent Document 1 discloses a compressed gas injection device for removing obstacles in such a situation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In cleaning a cleaning site such as underwater located below the cleaner, it may be considered to employ a very long cleaning tool.

[0007] However, such a cleaning tool is difficult to handle. In particular, since the interlocking between the upper and lower parts of the cleaning tool is slow, when operating the upper part of the cleaning tool, it is difficult to control the position of the lower part of the cleaning tool and the cleaning operation.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning jig that effectively cleans a cleaning site located below.

[0009] [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the following cleaning jigs [1] to [7] are provided.

[0011] [1] A cleaning jig for cleaning a cleaning site located below, It comprises an extendable / retractable part, a drive unit configured to apply extension / retraction driving force to the extendable / retractable part, and a cleaning operation unit configured to perform a cleaning operation. The drive unit includes a weight that applies a load to the telescopic part and a hoist that moves the weight up and down. The cleaning operation is a rotational motion caused by the cleaning unit receiving torque from the vertical movement of the weight. Cleaning jig.

[0012] [2] The cleaning unit has a rotatably configured scraper, The scraper includes a support shaft, a sweeping section extending from the support shaft, and an end shaft connected to the weight. The cleaning operation is a rotational movement of the sweeping section around the support shaft, caused by the end shaft receiving torque from the vertical movement of the weight. [1] The cleaning jig described above.

[0013] [3] The cleaning unit has a bracket fixed to the lower end of the telescopic part, The support shaft is fixed to the bracket, The weight applies a load to the expandable portion via the scraper and the bracket. [2] The cleaning jig described above.

[0014] [4] The telescopic part has a plurality of unit arms with a nested structure. The cleaning jig according to any one of [1] to [3].

[0015] [5] The telescopic part has an extension stopper provided as a catch for two adjacent unit arms, one inside and the other outside. The extension stopper includes a plate provided on the inner unit arm and a protruding structure protruding inward from the outer unit arm. The cleaning jig according to [4].

[0016] [6] The telescopic part has a contraction stopper provided as a catch for two adjacent unit arms, one inside and the other outside. The contraction stopper includes a protruding structure protruding outward from the inner unit arm and a receiving structure. The receiving structure is a structure protruding inward from the outer unit arm or the lower end structure of the outer unit arm. The cleaning jig according to [4] or [5].

[0017] [7] The telescopic part has a lock part capable of preventing extension from the contracted state. The lock part includes through holes formed in each unit arm, bolts that can be inserted through the through holes, and nuts that are screwed onto the bolts. The through holes are formed such that their through directions are substantially aligned in the contracted state. The cleaning jig according to any one of [4] to [6]. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0018] According to this, a cleaning jig that can clean a place that is difficult to access even from a distance is provided. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]This is an overall perspective view of a cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the expandable / contractible portion (contracted state) in a cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the expandable portion (extended state) of the cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the head portion of a cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the drive unit and cleaning operation unit in a cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the cleaning operation in a cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram of the method of use of the cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of the method of use of the cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The cleaning jig according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The embodiments shown below are examples of the present invention and do not limit the present invention to these embodiments. In these figures, the reference numeral X indicates a cleaning jig according to this embodiment.

[0021] The cleaning jig X is configured to be extendable as a whole. This allows the user to clean cleaning sites that are far away in the direction of extension.

[0022] The cleaning jig X is positioned so that its extension direction is vertical (approximately vertical), and is intended to be used by extending it downwards. In particular, the cleaning jig X is intended to be used in a suspended state. This allows the user to clean areas that are located below and at a distance.

[0023] <Structure> As shown in Figure 1, the cleaning jig X comprises an extendable / retractable section 1 configured to be extendable and retractable, a drive section 2 configured to apply extension / retraction driving force to the extendable / retractable section 1, and a cleaning operation section 3 configured to perform cleaning operations.

[0024] For convenience, the following description of the arrangement of each component assumes that the extension and retraction direction of the cleaning jig X is vertical.

[0025] <<Extendable part>> The telescopic section 1 has a plurality (for example, 3 to 7) unit arms 11.

[0026] The unit arm 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape (for example, a rectangular tube or a cylindrical shape).

[0027] The unit arm 11 is preferably made of metal (for example, stainless steel, iron, or aluminum).

[0028] As shown in Figures 2-3, the multiple unit arms 11 have a nested structure. That is, the multiple unit arms 11 are formed to be approximately the same shape, but with gradually decreasing diameters. Each unit arm 11 is inserted into the unit arm 11 with the next largest diameter. As a result, multiple unit arms 11 are classified into the outermost unit arm 11, the innermost unit arm 11, and one or more intermediate unit arms 11 (only if there are three or more unit arms 11).

[0029] The telescopic section 1 extends when the inner unit arm 11 is pulled out relative to the outer unit arm 11, and contracts when the inner unit arm 11 is retracted relative to the outer unit arm 11. The telescopic section 1 takes a contracted state (Figure 2) when all unit arms are retracted, and an extended state (Figure 3, some parts omitted) when all unit arms are extended.

[0030] In this embodiment, the telescopic section 1 has five unit arms 11. Hereinafter, the first unit arm 11 is considered the outermost unit arm 11, the second to fourth unit arms 11 are considered the intermediate unit arms 11, and the fifth unit arm 11 is considered the innermost unit arm 11.

[0031] The first to fifth unit arms 11 are formed from stainless steel in a rectangular tubular shape, with their diameters gradually decreasing. The fifth unit arm 11 is inserted into the fourth unit arm 11, the fourth unit arm 11 is inserted into the third unit arm 11, the third unit arm 11 is inserted into the second unit arm 11, and the second unit arm 11 is inserted into the first unit arm 11.

[0032] The expandable section 1 includes an extension stopper 12 to prevent excessive extension and a contraction stopper 13 to prevent excessive contraction.

[0033] The extension stopper 12 prevents the unit arm 11 from being extended excessively. In this embodiment, the extension stopper 12 is provided as a catch for two adjacent unit arms 11, one inside and one outside.

[0034] The extension stopper 12 includes a plate 121 provided on the inner unit arm 11 and a protruding structure 122 provided on the outer unit arm 11. The extension stopper 12 prevents the unit arm 11 from being pulled out any further by the plate 121 and the protruding structure 122 interlocking with each other.

[0035] The plate 121 is substantially rectangular and has a predetermined thickness, and is positioned directly above the protruding structure 122. The thickness of the plate 121 is preferably 51% or more, particularly 80% or more, 90% or more, and 99% or less of the gap width between the outer unit arm 11 and the inner unit arm 11. Furthermore, in the extension stopper 12 of the outermost unit arm 11, a larger load is applied to the plate 121, so using a thicker plate for the plate 121 is advantageous in terms of durability.

[0036] The plate 121 is preferably made of a metal (for example, stainless steel, iron, or aluminum).

[0037] The plate 121 is fixed to the outer surface of the inner unit arm 11 by welding or other means. Furthermore, the plates 121 are provided in pairs on the opposing outer surfaces of the inner unit arms 11. Furthermore, if there are convex structures such as seams on the inner circumferential surface of the outer unit arm 11, it is advantageous in terms of sliding properties to use a plate 121 that is made up of multiple divided plates or a plate with a concave structure to avoid these convex structures.

[0038] It is preferable that the plate 121 is fixed to the upper side of the inner unit arm 11. This ensures that the extension length of the inner unit arm 11 is sufficiently secured. However, it is preferable that, in the contracted state, the plate 121 is positioned such that its lower end is below the upper end of the outer unit arm 11. This prevents the extension of the unit arm 11 from being hindered by the plate 121 catching on the upper end of the outer unit arm 11.

[0039] The main surface of plate 121 (the surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the outer unit arm 11) is coated with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon).

[0040] The protruding structure 122 is a structure that protrudes inward from the outer unit arm 11 and is positioned directly below the plate 121. The amount of protrusion of the protruding structure 122 is preferably 51% or more, particularly 80% or more, 90% or more, and 99% or less of the gap width between the outer unit arm 11 and the inner unit arm 11. Furthermore, in the extension stopper 12 of the outermost unit arm 11, a larger load is applied to the plate 121, so adopting a thicker structure as the protruding structure 122 is advantageous in terms of durability.

[0041] The protruding structure 122 is preferably provided on the underside (particularly the lower end) of the outer unit arm 11. This ensures sufficient extension length of the inner unit arm 11 relative to the outer unit arm 11.

[0042] The retraction stopper 13 prevents the unit arm 11 from retracting excessively. In this embodiment, the retraction stopper 13 is provided as a catch for two adjacent unit arms 11, one inside and one outside.

[0043] The retraction stopper 13 includes a protruding structure 131 provided on the inner unit arm 11 and a receiving structure 132 provided on the outer unit arm 11. The contraction stopper 13 prevents the unit arm 11 from retracting any further by having the protruding structure 131 and the receiving structure 132 interlock with each other.

[0044] The protruding structure 131 is a structure that protrudes outward from the inner unit arm 11 and is positioned directly below the receiving structure 132. The amount of protrusion of the protruding structure 131 is preferably 51% or more, particularly 80% or more, 90% or more, or 101% or more, of the gap width between the outer unit arm 11 and the inner unit arm 11.

[0045] The protruding structure 131 is preferably provided on the underside (particularly the lower end) of the inner unit arm 11. This ensures sufficient contraction length of the inner unit arm 11 relative to the outer unit arm 11.

[0046] The receiving structure 132 is a structure projecting inward from the outer unit arm 11, or a lower end structure of the outer unit arm 11, and is positioned directly above the projecting structure 131. When the receiving structure 132 is a projecting structure, the amount of projection is preferably 51% or more, particularly 80% or more, 90% or more, and 99% or less of the gap width between the outer unit arm 11 and the inner unit arm 11.

[0047] The protruding structure 122 and the receiving structure 132 may be the same structure, as they are structures that protrude inward from the outer unit arm 11.

[0048] In this embodiment, the expandable portion 1 has a stopper plate A.

[0049] The stopper plate A is preferably made of metal (for example, stainless steel, iron, or aluminum).

[0050] It is preferable that the stopper plate A is formed in an elongated shape with a length approximately the same as the length of the lower edge of the unit arm 11.

[0051] The stopper plate A is positioned approximately perpendicular to the lower end of the unit arm 11 and is fixed to the lower end of the unit arm 11 by welding or other means.

[0052] As a result, the protruding structure 122 and the receiving structure 132 serve the same purpose as the part of the stopper plate A that protrudes inward from the unit arm 11, while the protruding structure 131 is provided as the part of the stopper plate A that protrudes outward from the unit arm 11. In other words, the stopper plate A has a configuration that combines the protruding structure 122, the protruding structure 131, and the receiving structure 132.

[0053] The extendable section 1 preferably has a ball roller 14. This improves the sliding performance of the unit arm 11.

[0054] The ball roller 14 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inner unit arm 11 and is positioned to face the inner circumferential surface of the outer unit arm 11.

[0055] The ball roller 14 is preferably located on the upper side of the unit arm 11. If the plate 121 and the ball roller 14 are located on the same plane of the unit arm 11, the ball roller 14 is preferably located above the plate 121. This prevents the ball roller 14 from interfering with the sliding of the unit arm 11.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that the expandable portion 1 has a locking portion 15 that can prevent extension from the contracted state. This prevents unintended extension of the expandable portion 1.

[0057] In this embodiment, the locking portion 15 includes a through hole 151 formed in each unit arm 11, a bolt 152 that can be inserted through the through hole 151, and a nut 153 that is screwed onto the bolt 152.

[0058] The through holes 151 provided in each unit arm 11 are formed so that their through directions are substantially the same when the unit arm is retracted. In other words, all unit arms 11 are penetrated in one go by the through holes 151 when the unit arm is retracted.

[0059] In the retracted state, the locking portion 15 prevents extension from the retracted state by fastening the outermost unit arm 11 with a bolt 152 inserted through the through hole 151 and a nut 153 screwed onto the bolt 152. In other words, when the locking mechanism 15 is functioning, even if the unit arm 11 tries to extend, the through hole 151 and the bolt 152 come into contact, preventing the extension.

[0060] The telescopic section 1 has a head section 16 that can be suspended from an external hoist H.

[0061] The head section 16 includes a head frame 161, a suspension hole 162 provided at the upper part of the head frame 161, and an arm connecting section 163 provided at the lower part of the head frame 161. It is preferable that the head frame 161, the suspension hole 162, and the arm connecting portion 163 are integrally formed by welding or other means.

[0062] The head frame 161 is configured to accommodate the hoist 22, which will be described later, inside. In other words, the head frame 161 is formed to have a storage space for the hoist 22 inside.

[0063] In this embodiment, the head frame 161 includes an upper plate B1 surrounding the top of the hoist 22, a side frame B2 surrounding the sides of the hoist 22, a lower frame B3 surrounding the bottom of the hoist 22, and a suspension hole B4 provided on the lower surface of the upper plate B1. It is preferable that the upper plate B1, side frame B2, lower frame B3, and suspension hole B4 are integrally formed by welding or other means. The suspension hole 162 is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate B1.

[0064] The arm connecting section 163 is configured to be connectable to the outermost unit arm 11.

[0065] In this embodiment, the arm connecting portion 163 includes two bridging structures C1 connected to the lower frame B3, four gripping structures C2 that protrude downward from the bridging structures C1 and are arranged to cover the side edges of the unit arm 11, and fixing means C3 (for example, screws) for fixing the gripping structures C2 to the unit arm 11. It is preferable that the bridging structure C1 and the gripping structure C2 are integrally formed by welding or the like.

[0066] <<Drive Unit>> The drive unit 2 includes a weight 21 that applies a load to the telescopic section 1, and a hoist 22 that moves the weight 21 up and down. The drive unit 2 applies extension and retraction driving force to the extension / retraction section 1 by causing the hoist 22 to move the weight 21 up and down.

[0067] The weight 21 is preferably made of a high-density material such as metal (e.g., stainless steel, iron, aluminum).

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the weight 21 is slidably positioned inside the innermost unit arm 11. (The dotted line indicates the weight 21 positioned inside the innermost unit arm 11.)

[0069] The hoist 22 is housed in the head frame 161. Preferably, the hoist 22 is positioned on the head frame 161 via a vibration-absorbing material.

[0070] The hoist 22 includes a wire 221 for suspending the weight 21 and a motor (not shown) capable of winding up the wire 221.

[0071] In this embodiment, the weight 21 includes an end shaft 211 formed at its lower end and connected to the cleaning operation unit 3. The weight 21 applies a load to the innermost unit arm 11 via the cleaning action unit 3 from the end shaft 211.

[0072] <<Cleaning operation part>> The cleaning unit 3 includes a scraper 31 configured to rotate at a predetermined rotation angle.

[0073] The cleaning unit 3 rotates by receiving torque from the vertical movement of the weight 21. The cleaning operation is performed as a rotational motion of the scraper 31.

[0074] In this embodiment, the scraper 31 includes a support shaft 311, a sweeping portion 312 extending from the support shaft 311, and an end shaft 313 connected to the weight 21. The scraper 31 is configured as a lever with the support shaft 311 as the fulcrum, the end shaft 313 as the point of effort, and the sweeping part 312 as the point of application, thereby enabling a cleaning operation by the sweeping part 312.

[0075] The cleaning unit 3 has a bracket 32 ​​fixed to the lower end of the innermost unit arm 11.

[0076] The bracket 32 ​​includes two opposing plates arranged along the vertical direction. The support shaft 311 is positioned approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction and is rotatably fixed to the bracket 32.

[0077] The weight 21 applies a load to the innermost unit arm 11 via the end shaft 211, end shaft 313, support shaft 311, and bracket 32.

[0078] The sweeping unit 312 sweeps the cleaning site. The sweeping unit 312 can be designed arbitrarily according to the expected cleaning site and cleaning purpose. For example, the sweeping unit 312 may be configured as a claw, a spatula, or a brush.

[0079] In this embodiment, the area around a bolt located in a narrow space underwater is designated as the cleaning site, and the purpose of cleaning is to remove obstacles such as rubble that would hinder loosening the bolt.

[0080] Accordingly, the sweeping section 312 is formed in an elongated shape and includes two claws that extend downward from the support shaft 311, and these claws are spaced slightly wider than the diameter of the bolt. This allows the position of the two claws to be adjusted so as to sandwich the bolt, enabling the debris around the bolt to be swept away.

[0081] The end shaft 313 is positioned to the side of the support shaft 311 and is connected to the support shaft 311.

[0082] The end shaft 313 is hinged to the end shaft 211.

[0083] As shown in Figures 6(a), (b), and (c), the cleaning unit 3 performs a cleaning operation by the sweeping unit 312 as the end shaft 313 receives torque due to the vertical movement of the weight 21, causing the sweeping unit 312 to rotate around the support shaft 311. (The arrows indicate the direction of rotation.)

[0084] The cleaning operation unit 3 preferably has a small camera 33 capable of monitoring the area around the sweeping unit 312. This makes it easy to operate the sweeping unit 312 from a distance.

[0085] <How to use> In this embodiment, the cleaning jig X is suspended from an external hoist H. The suspension length of the external hoist H is determined according to the extended length of the cleaning jig X. Furthermore, by making the suspension length of the external hoist H sufficiently long, the extension length of the cleaning jig X can be relatively short, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing costs, such as reducing the number of unit arms 11.

[0086] First, the user suspends the retracted cleaning jig X from the external hoist H, and then lowers the weight 21 using the hoist 22. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the telescopic section 1 extends downward as the weight 21 moves downward. (The arrows indicate the order of movement.) At this time, the extension stopper 12 stops the downward movement of the outer unit arms 11 in order, so the inner unit arms 11 extend later. The cleaning jig X extends when the downward movement of the weight 21 is completed. At this time, the scraper 31 receives a downward torque from the weight 21 and returns to its pre-sweeping state.

[0087] Next, the user slightly moves the weight 21 upward using the hoist 22 while generally maintaining the extended state. As a result, the scraper 31 receives an upward torque from the weight 21 and rotates, performing a cleaning operation as shown in Figure 6. The user can complete the desired cleaning by repeating the above steps as needed.

[0088] Then, the user moves the weight 21 upward using the hoist 22. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the telescopic section 1 contracts upward as the weight 21 moves upward. (The arrows indicate the order of movement.) At this time, the contraction stopper 13 stops the downward movement of the unit arms 11, starting from the innermost unit arm 11, so the outermost unit arm 11 contracts later. The cleaning jig X enters a retracted state when the upward movement of the weight 21 is completed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] X: Cleaning jig 1: Telescopic part 11: Unit Arm 12: Extension stopper 121: Plate 122: Protruding structure 13: Contraction stopper 131: Protruding structure 132: Receiving structure A: Stopper plate 14: Ball roller 15: Rock section 151: Through hole 152: Bolt 153: Nut 16: Head section 161: Head frame B1: Top plate B2: Side frame B3: Lower frame B4: Hanging hole 162: Suspension hole 163: Arm connection part C1: Crosslinked structure C2: Gripping structure C3: Fixing means 2: Drive unit 21: Weight 211: End shaft 22: Hoist 221: Wire 3:Cleaning operation part 31: Scraper 311: Support shaft 312: Sweeping part 313: End shaft 32: Bracket 33: Camera H: External hoist

Claims

1. A cleaning jig for cleaning a cleaning site located in a narrow area of ​​contaminated water below, It comprises an extendable / retractable part, a drive unit configured to apply extension / retraction driving force to the extendable / retractable part, and a cleaning operation unit configured to perform a cleaning operation. The drive unit includes a weight that applies a load to the telescopic part and a hoist that moves the weight up and down. The cleaning operation unit has a retractable member that is configured to be rotatable, The ejection member includes a support shaft, a sweeping portion extending from the support shaft, and an end shaft connected to the weight. The cleaning operation is a rotational movement of the sweeping section around the support shaft, caused by the end shaft receiving torque from the vertical movement of the weight. The support shaft and the end shaft are connected in a manner that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and parallel to each other. The aforementioned ejector member is configured as a lever with the support shaft as the fulcrum, the end shaft as the point of force application, and the ejector part as the point of application, such that when the telescopic portion is in the extended state, the end shaft is pushed downward and in the pre-sweeping state, the hoist moves the weight upward, pushing the end shaft upward and causing the ejector portion to rotate. Cleaning jig.

2. The sweeping portion includes two claws that are formed in an elongated shape and extend downward from the support shaft, The two aforementioned claws are positioned with a gap between them. The cleaning jig according to claim 1.

3. The cleaning operation unit has a bracket fixed to the lower end of the telescopic part, The support shaft is fixed to the bracket, The weight applies a load to the expandable portion via the elastic member and the bracket. The cleaning jig according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned telescopic section has a plurality of unit arms that form a nested structure. A cleaning jig according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The telescopic section has extension stoppers provided as catches for two adjacent unit arms, one on the outside and one on the inside. The extension stopper includes a plate provided on the inner unit arm and a protruding structure projecting inward from the outer unit arm. The cleaning jig according to claim 4.

6. The telescopic portion has a retraction stopper provided as a catch for two adjacent unit arms, inside and out. The contraction stopper includes a protruding structure extending outward from the inner unit arm and a receiving structure. The receiving structure is a structure projecting inward from the outer unit arm, or the lower end structure of the outer unit arm. The cleaning jig according to claim 4.

7. The aforementioned expandable portion has a locking portion that can prevent extension from the contracted state. The locking portion includes a through hole formed in each of the unit arms, a bolt that can be inserted through the through hole, and a nut that is screwed onto the bolt. The through-hole is formed such that, in the contracted state, the direction of penetration is substantially the same. The cleaning jig according to claim 4.

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