A pipe cleaning device

Abstract

This invention discloses a pipe internal cleaning device, belonging to the technical field of pipe cleaning. It includes a frame with a cleaning mechanism mounted on it. The cleaning mechanism includes a linear guide rail, on which a nozzle mounting seat is movably connected. A movable cylinder is positioned between the nozzle mounting seat and the linear guide rail, with the cylinder seat connected to the linear guide rail and the piston rod connected to the nozzle mounting seat. The nozzle mounting seat has multiple nozzles, each including an outlet pipe and a mounting base for fixing the outlet pipe. The mounting base for the first nozzle is longer than the mounting bases for subsequent nozzles by a distance h. During cleaning, the piston rod of the movable cylinder extends, moving the outlet pipe of the nozzle into the heat exchange tube. A distance h is maintained between the mounting bases of the nozzles other than the first nozzle and the end of the heat exchange tube. This invention uses an automated device to treat pipe residue and cleaning fluid, achieving precise, efficient, and standardized pipe internal wall cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of pipe cleaning, and more particularly to a pipe internal cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] During the manufacturing and processing of tubular components such as high-efficiency heat exchange tubes, impurities such as cutting chips, abrasive particles, processing coolant, and oil stains can easily remain on the inner wall of the pipe. The presence of these impurities can seriously affect the heat exchange efficiency, fluid flow smoothness, and subsequent assembly accuracy of the pipe, and may even cause equipment failure due to impurities falling off during use. Therefore, efficient and precise cleaning of the inner wall of the pipe is a key process in the production of tubular components.

[0003] To address the problem of cleaning the inner walls of pipes, existing technologies have developed automated or semi-automated cleaning devices. For example, some devices use a single nozzle in conjunction with a linear drive mechanism to blow or flush the inner walls of pipes by spraying compressed air, high-pressure water, or cleaning media; other technologies employ multi-nozzle array cleaning devices, which simultaneously spray air or water from multiple nozzles to improve cleaning efficiency.

[0004] However, existing cleaning technologies still have many shortcomings: First, the nozzle arrangement of single nozzles or traditional multi-nozzle devices lacks specificity, easily creating cleaning blind spots in some areas. Especially for pipes with a large length-to-diameter ratio, impurities on the far-end inner wall are difficult to remove completely, resulting in poor cleaning uniformity. Second, the nozzles of existing multi-nozzle devices are mostly designed with a uniform structure, making it impossible to adjust the cleaning method according to the impurity adhesion characteristics of different areas on the inner wall of the pipe. This makes it difficult to efficiently remove stubborn impurities, while excessively increasing the medium pressure may damage the inner wall of the pipe. Third, the relative position of the nozzle and the pipe end of some devices lacks precise control, which can easily lead to excessive flushing of the inner wall of the pipe end due to excessive nozzle insertion, or insufficient insertion leading to incomplete cleaning of impurities near the pipe end. Fourth, the cleaning parameters of existing devices (such as jet pressure, nozzle movement speed, etc.) are mostly fixed settings, making it difficult to adapt to the cleaning needs of different pipe diameters and different types of impurities, resulting in poor versatility and flexibility.

[0005] In summary, although fully automated cleaning devices have gradually replaced traditional manual cleaning methods, there is still significant room for improvement in terms of cleaning uniformity, targeting, accuracy, and versatility. Therefore, developing a pipe cleaning device that can achieve precise, efficient, and standardized cleaning of pipe interiors has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a pipe internal cleaning device that uses automated equipment to treat pipe residues and cleaning fluids, achieving precise, efficient, and standardized cleaning of pipe inner walls and ensuring consistent pipe cleanliness quality.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0008] A pipe cleaning device includes a frame, one end of which is equipped with a cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism includes a linear guide rail mounted on the frame, a nozzle mounting seat movably connected to the linear guide rail, a movable cylinder between the nozzle mounting seat and the linear guide rail, the cylinder seat of the movable cylinder being connected to the linear guide rail, and the piston rod of the movable cylinder being connected to the nozzle mounting seat. The nozzle mounting seat is equipped with multiple nozzles, the air inlet end of each nozzle being connected to a solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve being connected to an air storage tank. Each nozzle includes an air outlet pipe and a mounting seat for fixing the air outlet pipe. The mounting seat of the first nozzle is longer than the mounting seats of subsequent nozzles by a distance h. During cleaning, the piston rod of the movable cylinder extends, driving the air outlet pipe of the nozzle to move into the interior of the heat exchange tube. A distance h remains between the mounting seats of the nozzles other than the first nozzle and the end of the heat exchange tube. The first 3 / 4 of the nozzles are self-rotating nozzles, and the last 1 / 4 are non-rotating nozzles.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the nozzle mounting seat can move back and forth on the linear guide rail under the drive of the moving cylinder. When the nozzle is not being cleaned, the moving cylinder is in a retracted state, and there is a long distance between the nozzle's outlet pipe and the end of the heat exchange tube. When cleaning, the piston rod of the moving cylinder extends, driving the nozzle's outlet pipe to move into the heat exchange tube, so that there is still a distance h between the mounting seat on the other nozzles (excluding the first nozzle) and the end of the heat exchange tube. During cleaning, compressed air is blown into the tube, creating a negative pressure inside the tube. There is also a gap between the outer wall of the outlet pipe and the inner wall of the heat exchange tube. This distance h allows outside air to enter at high speed, carrying away the residue and cleaning fluid from the overlapping part of the outlet pipe and the tube end, achieving thorough removal of residue and cleaning fluid inside the tube. This distance h was determined experimentally, ensuring that sufficient external air with a high flow rate enters through this distance h while minimizing the impact on the compressed air flow rate of the nozzle. The first three-quarters of the nozzles are self-rotating nozzles. This design ensures that the entire circumference of the heat exchange tube's inner wall is covered by compressed air, resulting in better cleaning of the tube's sidewalls. The remaining one-quarter of the nozzles are non-rotating nozzles with a high air velocity, which compensates for the reduced cleaning effect caused by the air velocity loss in the first three-quarters of nozzles, thus ensuring efficient cleaning and slag removal. Furthermore, the mounting base of the first nozzle on the cleaning mechanism is longer by a distance h than the mounting bases of subsequent nozzles. After the heat exchange tube enters the first station (the station corresponding to the first nozzle) from the front conveyor frame, the tube end is within the stroke range of the moving cylinder. When the piston rod of the moving cylinder extends, the mounting base of the first nozzle pushes the heat exchange tube forward. Since each heat exchange tube passes through the first nozzle and is pushed to the same position by the mounting base of the first nozzle, the distance between the tube end and the mounting base on the nozzle is consistent across all heat exchange tubes at subsequent stations. The cleaning time for heat exchanger tubes is determined by their specifications. The host computer stores the acceptable cleaning times for different specifications of heat exchanger tubes, as determined through prior experiments. Once the heat exchanger tube specification data is transmitted to the host computer, it determines the cleaning time for each nozzle based on the acceptable cleaning time and the number of nozzles. In other words, the purging effect of the heat exchanger tubes is guaranteed by the previously tested cleaning time. Longer heat exchanger tubes require longer cleaning times. Each heat exchanger tube undergoes multiple cleaning processes at multiple stations to ensure the total cleaning time meets the acceptable cleaning time, thus ensuring that the heat exchanger tubes meet the required standards after cleaning at all stations. By using the aforementioned automated device to remove residual residue and cleaning fluid from the heat exchanger tubes, precise, efficient, and standardized cleaning of the inner walls of the tubes is achieved, ensuring consistent cleanliness quality.

[0010] Furthermore, the value of the distance h ranges from 5 to 8 mm.

[0011] Furthermore, the self-rotating nozzle includes a hollow tube and a rotating head, the rotating head being rotatably connected to the hollow tube, and the rotating head having an inclined air outlet, the inlet and outlet of the inclined air outlet rotating at a certain angle simultaneously.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the inlet and outlet of the inclined air outlet rotate at a certain angle to generate a rotational torque when the air is sprayed, so that the rotating head rotates automatically. This design allows the circumference of the inner wall of the heat exchange tube to be blown by compressed air.

[0013] Furthermore, an air heater is installed between the last quarter of the nozzles and the solenoid valve.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the air heater can heat the compressed air flowing through it, and the heated compressed air can dry the heat exchange tube, thereby improving the cleaning effect and further compensating for the decrease in cleaning effect caused by the air flow rate loss of the first 3 / 4 of the nozzles; only the last 1 / 4 of the nozzles are equipped with air heaters between them and the solenoid valve, instead of all of them, which can save energy.

[0015] Furthermore, the frame is provided with a conveying mechanism, which includes a reducer mounted on the frame. The output shaft of the reducer is connected to a drive shaft, and the drive shaft is connected to a conveying chain through a transmission mechanism. The conveying chain is provided with a conveying groove, and the conveying groove is driven by the reducer to rotate around the frame through the drive shaft. When the conveying groove stops, it corresponds one-to-one with the nozzles of the cleaning mechanism. When the conveying groove stops and cleaning has not started, a counting sensor is installed at the bottom of the conveying groove corresponding to the first nozzle.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the heat exchange tubes can be transferred to the conveying trough corresponding to the first nozzle in the preceding process. A counting sensor installed at the bottom of the conveying trough corresponding to the first nozzle is used to sense the arrival and count of the heat exchange tubes. By counting, the solenoid valves of the empty workstations are controlled to close during the beginning and end stages, reducing waste. The number of conveying troughs is determined by the cleaning time and cycle time, and each conveying trough corresponds one-to-one with the nozzle of the cleaning mechanism when it stops. The drive shaft is driven to rotate by a reducer, and the drive shaft drives the conveying chain to rotate through the transmission mechanism. In turn, the conveying chain drives the conveying trough to rotate around the frame, thus realizing the conveying of the heat exchange tubes.

[0017] Furthermore, a fixed-distance circular plate is installed on the drive shaft, and multiple equally spaced notches are opened on the outer circumference of the fixed-distance circular plate. The number of notches is the same as the number of conveying grooves. A groove-shaped sensor for sensing the notches is provided on the outer circumference of the fixed-distance circular plate.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer circumference of the fixed-distance circular plate is the sensing area of ​​the corresponding slot sensor. When the fixed-distance circular plate rotates under the drive of the transmission shaft until the notch is aligned with the slot sensor, the slot sensor has a signal. When the position without the notch is aligned with the slot sensor, the slot sensor has no signal, so as to meet the requirement that each conveying slot corresponds one-to-one with the nozzle of the cleaning mechanism when it stops.

[0019] Furthermore, the conveying mechanism also includes a water collection trough, which is located at the end of the conveying trough away from the cleaning mechanism, and the end of the conveying trough away from the cleaning mechanism is within the range of the water collection trough; the conveying trough is inclined, and the end of the conveying trough away from the water collection trough is higher than the end close to the water collection trough.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the end of the conveying trough furthest from the cleaning mechanism (the tail end of the conveying trough) is located within the water collection trough, allowing the cleaning fluid blown out of the conveying trough to flow into the water collection trough; the end of the conveying trough closer to the cleaning mechanism is higher, and the end closer to the water collection trough (the tail end) is lower, which facilitates the flow of blown residue and cleaning fluid into the water collection trough for collection.

[0021] Furthermore, the water collection trough is located below the conveying trough on the side closer to it, and an inclined baffle is provided on the side of the water collection trough away from the conveying trough, with the height of the inclined baffle being higher than that of the conveying trough.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the residue and residual liquid will not be blown out of the water collection tank.

[0023] Furthermore, the frame is equipped with a slag removal mechanism, which includes a base mounted on the frame. The base has a motor assembly and a second linear guide rail. The motor assembly includes an upper winding shaft and a lower winding shaft that rotate in the same direction. A guide wheel is located at the end of the second linear guide rail away from the motor assembly. The second linear guide rail includes a slide rail mounted on the base and a slider slidably connected to the slide rail. Connecting wires are attached to both ends of the slider. One connecting wire is directly connected to the upper winding shaft of the motor assembly, and the other connecting wire loops around the guide wheel and returns to connect to the lower winding shaft of the motor assembly. A telescopic scraper is connected to the slider. When the conveying trough stops, the telescopic scraper faces the opening of the conveying trough. Sensors are installed at both ends of the slide rail to detect whether the slider is in position.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, since the length of the heat exchange tube may be shorter than the length of the conveying trough, residue and residual liquid will stick to the conveying trough during the cleaning process of the heat exchange tube. It is necessary to remove the residue and cleaning liquid adhering to the conveying trough by a slag removal mechanism. When the telescopic scraper moves towards the end closer to the motor assembly, the upper winding shaft is the take-up shaft and the lower winding shaft is the unwinding shaft. When the telescopic scraper moves away from the motor assembly, the upper winding shaft is the unwinding shaft and the lower winding shaft is the take-up shaft. The telescopic scraper can be driven to move back and forth along the conveying trough through the connecting line, thereby removing the residue and cleaning liquid adhering to the conveying trough.

[0025] Furthermore, the telescopic scraper includes a fixed frame, a top scraper, side scrapers, and a spring. The fixed frame is connected to the slider. The top scraper is located at the top of the fixed frame, and the bottom of the top scraper extends into the interior of the fixed frame and is connected to a pressing side plate. The pressing side plate has an inverted trapezoidal structure, and a spring connects the bottom of the pressing side plate to the inner bottom of the fixed frame. Two side scrapers are provided and slidably connected to both sides of the fixed frame. One side of each side scraper extends into the interior of the fixed frame and is connected to a spring. The end of the spring away from the side scraper is connected to an inclined block. The inclined surface of the inclined block is adapted to the inverted trapezoidal structure of the extrusion side pressure plate and can abut against each other. The opening of the conveying trough is U-shaped, the bottom of the conveying trough is arc-shaped, the top of the top scraper is arc-shaped and adapted to the bottom of the conveying trough, and the front end of the conveying trough is set as a cone to guide the top scraper. When the top scraper does not enter the conveying trough, the top scraper is higher than the U-shaped bottom of the conveying trough and lower than the bottom of the cone-shaped opening of the conveying trough.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, when the conveying trough rotates to the slag removal position, the telescopic scraper enters the conveying trough under the drive of the motor assembly. Since the front end of the conveying trough is set as a cone, it can guide the top scraper. Under the cone-shaped guidance at the end of the conveying trough, the top scraper is squeezed downward. Then, through the inverted trapezoidal structure at the tail of the pressing side plate at the lower part of the top scraper, the two side scrapers move to both sides to squeeze the side wall of the conveying trough. The residue on the inner wall of the U-shaped trough is cleaned by the top scraper and the side scrapers, which solves the problem that the residue is difficult to clean by ordinary brushes when it adheres to the conveying trough. After the telescopic scraper moves out of the conveying trough, the top scraper and the side scraper return to their positions under the action of three springs.

[0027] Furthermore, the slag removal mechanism also includes a compressed air nozzle, which is mounted on the slider and has its outlet facing the opening of the conveying trough to be cleaned.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, while the telescopic scraper cleans the conveying trough, the air in the compressed air nozzle blows the conveying trough, further improving the cleaning quality of the conveying trough.

[0029] Furthermore, the slag removal mechanism also includes a collection tank, which is located at the lower part of the linear guide rail.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, the collection tank can collect the residue and cleaning fluid generated when the telescopic scraper cleans the conveying tank.

[0031] Furthermore, the motor assembly also includes a motor mounted on the base, a motor gear mounted on the output shaft of the motor, an upper gear located outside the upper winding shaft, and a lower gear located outside the lower winding shaft, wherein the upper gear and the lower gear mesh with the upper and lower sides of the motor gear, respectively.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, the output shaft of the motor drives the motor gear to rotate, and the motor gear drives the upper gear and the lower gear to rotate simultaneously, thereby realizing the same-direction rotation of the upper winding shaft and the lower winding shaft, and thus simultaneously realizing the winding of the upper winding shaft and the unwinding of the lower winding shaft, or the unwinding of the upper winding shaft and the winding of the lower winding shaft.

[0033] In summary, compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the above technical solution are:

[0034] (1) By using automated devices to remove residual residue and cleaning fluid from the heat exchange tubes, the cleaning of the inner wall of the tubes is made more precise, efficient and standardized, ensuring the consistency of the cleanliness quality of the tubes.

[0035] (2) When cleaning, the piston rod of the moving cylinder extends and drives the outlet pipe of the nozzle to move into the heat exchange tube, so that there is still a distance h between the mounting seat on the other nozzles other than the first nozzle and the end of the heat exchange tube. When cleaning, compressed air is blown into the tube, the tube is under negative pressure, and there is a gap between the outer wall of the outlet pipe and the inner wall of the heat exchange tube. This distance h allows the outside air to enter at high speed, carrying away the residue and cleaning liquid in the overlapping part of the outlet pipe and the end of the tube, so as to achieve the removal of residue and cleaning liquid in the tube without dead corners. This distance h is determined by experiments. Under the condition of reducing the influence on the compressed air flow rate of the nozzle, there is sufficient flow rate of external air to enter from this distance h.

[0036] (3) The first 3 / 4 of the nozzles are self-rotating nozzles. This design allows the circumference of the inner wall of the heat exchange tube to be blown by compressed air, which has a better cleaning effect on the side wall of the heat exchange tube. The last 1 / 4 of the nozzles are non-rotating nozzles with high air velocity, which can compensate for the decrease in cleaning effect caused by the air velocity loss of the first 3 / 4 of the nozzles, thereby ensuring the efficiency of cleaning and slag removal.

[0037] (4) The mounting base of the first nozzle on the cleaning mechanism is longer by a distance h than the mounting base of the subsequent nozzles. After the heat exchange tube enters the first station from the front conveyor frame, the end of the heat exchange tube is within the stroke range of the moving cylinder. When the piston rod of the moving cylinder extends, the mounting base of the first nozzle will push the heat exchange tube to move. Since each heat exchange tube will pass through the first nozzle, it will be pushed to the same position by the mounting base of the first nozzle to ensure that the distance between the end of all heat exchange tubes and the mounting base on the nozzle is consistent in the subsequent stations.

[0038] (5) When the telescopic scraper moves toward the end closer to the motor assembly, the upper winding shaft is the take-up shaft and the lower winding shaft is the unwinding shaft; when the telescopic scraper moves away from the motor assembly, the upper winding shaft is the unwinding shaft and the lower winding shaft is the take-up shaft. The telescopic scraper can be driven to move back and forth along the conveying trough through the connecting line, thereby removing the residue and cleaning liquid adhering to the conveying trough.

[0039] (6) When the conveying trough turns to the slag removal position, the telescopic scraper enters the conveying trough under the drive of the motor assembly. Since the front end of the conveying trough is set as a cone, it can guide the top scraper. Under the cone guide at the end of the conveying trough, the top scraper is squeezed downward. Then, through the inverted trapezoidal structure at the tail of the squeezing side plate at the bottom of the top scraper, the two side scrapers move to both sides to squeeze the side wall of the conveying trough. The residue in the inner wall of the U-shaped trough is cleaned by the top scraper and the side scraper, which solves the problem that the residue is not easy to clean by ordinary brushes when it adheres to the conveying trough. When the telescopic scraper moves out of the conveying trough, the top scraper and the side scraper return to their positions under the action of three springs. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle position before the piston rod of the movable cylinder extends in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle position after the piston rod of the movable cylinder extends in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-rotating nozzle in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the inlet and outlet of the inclined air outlet in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed-distance circular plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the water collection tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram highlighting the location of the slag removal mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the slag removal mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the motor assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic scraper in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic scraper in its initial state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic scraper in its working state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the tapered structure at the front end of the conveying trough in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Frame; 2. Cleaning mechanism; 21. Linear guide rail 1; 22. Nozzle mounting base; 23. Moving cylinder; 241. Air outlet pipe; 242. Mounting base; 25. Solenoid valve; 26. Air storage tank; 27. Air heater; 3. Conveying mechanism; 31. Reducer; 32. Drive shaft; 33. Conveying chain; 34. Conveying trough; 35. Water collection trough; 4. Fixed-distance circular plate; 41. Notch; 5. Trough-shaped sensor; 6. Inclined baffle; 7. Slag removal mechanism; 71. Base; 72. Motor assembly; 721. Upper winding shaft; 722. Lower winding shaft; 723. 724. Motor; 725. Upper gear; 726. Lower gear; 73. Connecting wire; 74. Telescopic scraper; 741. Fixing frame; 742. Top scraper; 743. Side scraper; 744. Spring; 745. Extrusion side pressure plate; 746. Inclined block; 75. Linear guide rail II; 751. Slide rail; 752. Slider; 76. Guide wheel; 77. Compressed air nozzle; 78. Collection tank; 79. Induction sensor; 80. Self-rotating nozzle; 81. Hollow tube; 82. Rotating head; 821. Inclined air outlet; 8211. Inlet; 8212. Outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-16 The principles and features of the present invention are described, and the examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0058] This invention discloses an internal cleaning device for pipes.

[0059] Reference Figure 1-16 A pipe cleaning device includes a frame 1, a cleaning mechanism 2 at one end of the frame 1 for blowing away residual residue and cleaning fluid inside the heat exchange tube; a conveying mechanism 3 on the frame 1 for conveying the heat exchange tube and collecting the residue and cleaning fluid blown out by the cleaning mechanism 2; and a slag removal mechanism 7 on one side of the frame 1 for removing residue and cleaning fluid adhering to the conveying mechanism 3.

[0060] The cleaning mechanism 2 includes a linear guide rail 21 fixed on the frame 1. A nozzle fixing seat 22 is slidably connected to the linear guide rail 21. A movable cylinder 23 is provided between the nozzle fixing seat 22 and the linear guide rail 21. The cylinder seat of the movable cylinder 23 is fixedly connected to the linear guide rail 21, and the piston rod of the movable cylinder 23 is fixedly connected to the nozzle fixing seat 22, so that the nozzle fixing seat 22 can move back and forth on the linear guide rail 21 under the drive of the movable cylinder 23.

[0061] Multiple nozzles are mounted on the nozzle holder 22. The first nozzle is positioned away from the slag removal mechanism 7. Each nozzle includes an air outlet pipe 241 and a mounting base 242 for fixing the air outlet pipe 241, with the mounting base 242 fixedly connected to the nozzle holder 22. A solenoid valve 25 is connected to the air inlet end of each nozzle, and each solenoid valve 25 can be connected to one or more nozzles as needed. Each solenoid valve 25 is connected to an air storage tank 26.

[0062] When the nozzle is not being cleaned, the moving cylinder 23 is in a retracted state, and there is a relatively long distance between the nozzle's outlet pipe 241 and the end of the heat exchange tube. When cleaning is performed, the piston rod of the moving cylinder 23 extends, driving the nozzle's outlet pipe 241 to move into the heat exchange tube, so that a distance h remains between the mounting base 242 on the nozzles other than the first nozzle and the end of the heat exchange tube. The value of distance h ranges from 5 to 8 mm. During cleaning, compressed air is blown into the tube, creating a negative pressure inside the tube. Since there is a gap between the outer wall of the outlet pipe 241 and the inner wall of the heat exchange tube, this distance h allows outside air to enter at high speed, carrying away the residue and cleaning fluid from the overlapping part of the outlet pipe 241 and the tube end. This achieves thorough removal of residue and cleaning fluid from inside the tube. This distance h was determined experimentally, ensuring that sufficient external air with a sufficient flow rate enters through this distance h while minimizing the impact on the compressed air flow rate to the nozzle.

[0063] The first three-quarters of the nozzles are self-rotating nozzles 8. This design allows compressed air to blow around the circumference of the inner wall of the heat exchange tube, resulting in a better cleaning effect on the side wall of the heat exchange tube. The last quarter of the nozzles are non-rotating nozzles with high air velocity, which can compensate for the decrease in cleaning effect caused by the air velocity loss of the first three-quarters of the nozzles, thereby ensuring the efficiency of cleaning and slag removal.

[0064] The self-rotating nozzle 8 includes a hollow tube 81 and a rotating head 82. The rotating head 82 is rotatably connected to the hollow tube 81. The rotating head 82 is provided with an inclined air outlet 821. The inlet 8211 and outlet 8212 of the inclined air outlet 821 rotate at a certain angle to generate a rotational torque when the air is sprayed, so that the rotating head 82 rotates automatically. This design allows the circumference of the inner wall of the heat exchange tube to be blown by compressed air.

[0065] The cleaning time for heat exchange tubes is determined by their specifications. The host computer stores the qualified cleaning times for different specifications of heat exchange tubes, which were determined in previous experiments. When the heat exchange tube specification data is transmitted to the host computer, the host computer determines the cleaning time for each nozzle based on the qualified cleaning time and the number of nozzles. In other words, the purging effect of the heat exchange tubes is guaranteed by the cleaning time of the heat exchange tubes as tested in the previous experiments. The longer the heat exchange tube, the longer the cleaning time. Each heat exchange tube is cleaned multiple times at multiple stations to ensure that the total cleaning time reaches the qualified cleaning time, thereby ensuring that the heat exchange tube meets the qualified requirements after being cleaned at all stations.

[0066] An air heater 27 is installed between the last quarter of the nozzles and the solenoid valve 25 to heat the compressed air flowing through them. The heated compressed air can dry the heat exchange tube, thereby improving the cleaning effect and further compensating for the decrease in cleaning effect caused by the airflow loss of the first three-quarters of the nozzles. The fact that only the last quarter of the nozzles are equipped with air heaters 27 between them and the solenoid valve 25, instead of all of them, can save energy.

[0067] The conveying mechanism 3 includes a reducer 31 fixed to the frame 1. The output shaft of the reducer 31 is fixedly connected to a drive shaft 32. The drive shaft 32 is connected to a conveying chain 33 via a transmission mechanism consisting of multiple transmission gears that mesh simultaneously with the conveying chain 33. A conveying groove 34 is fixedly mounted on the conveying chain 33. The conveying groove 34 is driven by the reducer 31 to rotate around the frame 1 via the drive shaft 32. By having the reducer 31 drive the drive shaft 32 to rotate, and the drive shaft 32, through the transmission mechanism, drives the conveying chain 33 to rotate, thereby causing the conveying chain 33 to drive the conveying groove 34 to rotate around the frame 1, thus realizing the conveying of the heat exchange tubes.

[0068] The conveying trough 34 is a single U-shaped plastic trough, adaptable to heat exchange tubes of different specifications. The number of conveying troughs 34 is determined by the cleaning time and cycle time. When the conveying trough 34 stops, it corresponds one-to-one with the nozzle of the cleaning mechanism 2. When the conveying trough 34 stops and cleaning has not started, the conveying trough 34 corresponding to the first nozzle is the feeding position for the heat exchange tube, i.e., the feeding position is located on the side away from the slag removal mechanism 7, and the unloading position is located on the side closer to the slag removal mechanism 7. The previous process can transfer the heat exchange tube to the conveying trough 34 corresponding to the first nozzle. A counting sensor is installed at the bottom of the conveying trough 34 corresponding to the first nozzle. The counting sensor is used to sense the arrival of the heat exchange tube and count it. By counting, the solenoid valve 25 of the idle position is controlled to close during the start and end stages to reduce waste.

[0069] A slight misalignment exists between the conveying mechanism 3 and the front conveying frame, ensuring that after the heat exchange tube enters the first station (the station corresponding to the first nozzle) from the front conveying frame, the tube end is within the stroke range of the moving cylinder 23. The mounting seat 242 of the first nozzle on the cleaning mechanism 2 is longer by a distance h than the mounting seats 242 of subsequent nozzles. After the heat exchange tube enters the first station from the front conveying frame, the tube ends may not be in the same position, but they are within the stroke range of the moving cylinder 23. When the piston rod of the moving cylinder 23 extends, the mounting seat 242 of the first nozzle will push the heat exchange tube to move. Since each heat exchange tube passes through the first nozzle and is pushed to the same position by the mounting seat 242 of the first nozzle, the position of the heat exchange tube relative to the conveying trough 34 remains unchanged during the conveying process. Each conveying involves the conveying trough 34 and the heat exchange tube being conveyed forward as a whole, thus ensuring that the distance h between the tube end and the mounting seat 242 on the nozzle is consistent for all heat exchange tubes at subsequent stations.

[0070] A fixed-distance circular plate 4 is mounted on the drive shaft 32. Multiple evenly spaced notches 41 are formed on the outer circumference of the fixed-distance circular plate 4, the number of which matches the number of conveying troughs 34. A slot-shaped sensor 5 is positioned on the outer circumference of the fixed-distance circular plate 4 to sense the notches 41. Since the outer circumference of the fixed-distance circular plate 4 corresponds to the sensing area of ​​the slot-shaped sensor 5, when the fixed-distance circular plate 4 rotates under the drive shaft 32 until the notch 41 aligns with the slot-shaped sensor 5, the slot-shaped sensor 5 receives a signal; otherwise, it receives no signal. This satisfies the requirement that each conveying trough 34 corresponds one-to-one with the nozzle of the cleaning mechanism 2 when it stops.

[0071] The conveying mechanism 3 also includes a water collection tank 35, which is located at the end of the conveying trough 34 away from the cleaning mechanism 2. The end of the conveying trough 34 away from the cleaning mechanism 2 (the tail end of the conveying trough 34) is within the range of the water collection tank 35, allowing the cleaning fluid blown out of the conveying trough 34 to flow into the water collection tank 35. The conveying trough 34 is inclined, and the end of the conveying trough 34 away from the water collection tank 35 is higher than the end near the water collection tank 35. This makes the end of the conveying trough 34 near the cleaning mechanism 2 higher and the end near the water collection tank 35 (tail end) lower, facilitating the flow of blown residue and cleaning fluid into the water collection tank 35 for collection.

[0072] The water collection tank 35 is located below the conveying tank 34 on the side closest to the conveying tank 34. An inclined baffle 6 is fixed on the side of the water collection tank 35 away from the conveying tank 34, and the height of the inclined baffle 6 is higher than that of the conveying tank 34, so that the residue and residual liquid will not be blown out of the water collection tank 35.

[0073] Since the length of the heat exchange tube may be shorter than the length of the conveying tank 34, residue and residual liquid may stick to the conveying tank 34 during the cleaning process of the heat exchange tube. The residue and cleaning liquid sticking to the conveying tank 34 need to be removed by the slag removal mechanism 7.

[0074] The slag removal mechanism 7 includes a base 71 fixed to the bottom side of the frame 1. The base 71 is equipped with a motor assembly 72 and a linear guide rail 75. The motor assembly 72 includes an upper winding shaft 721 and a lower winding shaft 722 that rotate in the same direction. The motor assembly 72 also includes a motor 723 fixed to the base 71, a motor gear 724 fixed to the output shaft of the motor 723, an upper gear 725 located outside the upper winding shaft 721, and a lower gear 726 located outside the lower winding shaft 722. The upper gear 725 and the lower gear 726 are respectively meshed on the upper and lower sides of the motor gear 724. When the output shaft of motor 723 drives the gear of motor 723 to rotate, the gear 724 drives the upper gear 725 and the lower gear 726 to rotate simultaneously, thereby realizing the same direction rotation of the upper winding shaft 721 and the lower winding shaft 722, and thus simultaneously realizing the winding of the upper winding shaft 721 and the unwinding of the lower winding shaft 722, or the unwinding of the upper winding shaft 721 and the winding of the lower winding shaft 722.

[0075] A guide wheel 76 is fixedly mounted at one end of the linear guide rail 75 away from the motor assembly 72. The linear guide rail 75 includes a slide rail 751 fixed on the base 71 and a slider 752 slidably connected to the slide rail 751. Connecting wires 73 are connected to both ends of the slider 752. One connecting wire 73 is directly connected to the upper winding shaft 721 of the motor assembly 72, and the other connecting wire 73 returns after passing around the guide wheel 76 and is connected to the lower winding shaft 722 of the motor assembly 72. A telescopic scraper 74 is fixedly connected to the slider 752. When the conveying trough 34 stops, the telescopic scraper 74 is facing the opening of the conveying trough 34. Sensors 79 are installed at both ends of the slide rail 751 to sense whether the slider 752 is in position. When the telescopic scraper 74 moves toward the end closer to the motor assembly 72, the upper winding shaft 721 acts as the take-up shaft and the lower winding shaft 722 acts as the unwinding shaft; when the telescopic scraper 74 moves away from the motor assembly 72, the upper winding shaft 721 acts as the unwinding shaft and the lower winding shaft 722 acts as the take-up shaft. The telescopic scraper 74 can be driven to move along the length of the conveying trough 34 through the connecting line 73, thereby removing the residue and cleaning fluid adhering to the conveying trough 34.

[0076] The telescopic scraper 74 includes a fixed frame 741, a top scraper 742, side scrapers 743, and a spring 744. The fixed frame 741 is connected to the slider 752. The top scraper 742 is located at the top of the fixed frame 741. The bottom of the top scraper 742 extends into the interior of the fixed frame 741 and is connected to a pressing side plate 745. The pressing side plate 745 has an inverted trapezoidal structure. A spring 744 connects the bottom of the pressing side plate 745 to the inner bottom of the fixed frame 741. Two side scrapers 743 are provided and are slidably connected to both sides of the fixed frame 741. One side of the side scraper 743 extends into the interior of the fixed frame 741 and is connected to... There is a spring 744, and the end of the spring 744 away from the side scraper 743 is connected to an inclined block 746. The inclined surface of the inclined block 746 is adapted to the inverted trapezoidal structure of the extrusion side pressure plate 745 and can abut against each other. The opening of the conveying trough 34 is a U-shaped structure, the bottom of the conveying trough 34 is an arc-shaped structure, the top of the top scraper 742 is an arc-shaped structure adapted to the bottom of the conveying trough 34, and the front end of the conveying trough 34 is set as a cone to guide the top scraper 742. When the top scraper 742 does not enter the conveying trough 34, the top scraper 742 is higher than the U-shaped bottom of the conveying trough 34 and lower than the bottom of the cone opening of the conveying trough 34.

[0077] When the conveying trough 34 rotates to the slag removal position, the telescopic scraper 74 enters the conveying trough 34 under the drive of the motor 723. Since the front end of the conveying trough 34 is set as a cone, it can guide the top scraper 742. Under the cone-shaped guidance at the end of the conveying trough 34, the top scraper 742 is squeezed downward. Then, through the inverted trapezoidal structure at the tail of the pressing side plate 745 under the top scraper 742, the two side scrapers 743 move to both sides to squeeze the side wall of the conveying trough 34. The top scraper 742 and the side scrapers 743 clean the residue on the inner wall of the U-shaped trough, solving the problem that the residue is difficult to clean with ordinary brushes when it adheres to the conveying trough 34. When the telescopic scraper 74 moves out of the conveying trough 34, the top scraper 742 and the side scrapers 743 return to their positions under the action of the three springs 744.

[0078] The slag removal mechanism 7 also includes a compressed air nozzle 77, which is fixed on the slider 752 and has its outlet facing the opening of the conveying trough 34 to be cleaned. This allows the air in the compressed air nozzle 77 to blow the conveying trough 34 while the telescopic scraper 74 cleans it, further improving the cleaning quality of the conveying trough 34.

[0079] The slag removal mechanism 7 also includes a collection tank 78, which is located below the linear guide rail 75 and can collect the residue and cleaning fluid generated when the telescopic scraper 74 cleans the conveying tank 34.

[0080] The implementation principle of the pipe internal cleaning device in this embodiment of the invention is as follows: The heat exchange tube specification data is transmitted to the host computer, which determines the cleaning time for each nozzle and transmits it to the control PLC of this device. At this time, the conveying mechanism 3 is in a stopped state, the conveying trough 34 corresponds one-to-one with the nozzle position, and the telescopic scraper 74 of the slag removal mechanism 7 is also aligned with the U-shaped opening of the conveying trough 34. After the first heat exchange tube enters the conveying trough 34 corresponding to the first nozzle, the counting sensor at its bottom end senses the heat exchange tube and starts counting. After receiving the signal from the bottom counting sensor, the PLC controls the cleaning mechanism 2 and the slag removal mechanism 7 to operate simultaneously. The cleaning mechanism 2 operates by extending the piston rod of the moving cylinder 23, the air outlet pipe 241 of the nozzle enters the heat exchange tube, and the mounting base 242 pushes the heat exchange tube to move. After the piston rod extends to the position, the PLC controls the corresponding control solenoid valve 25 of this nozzle to open for internal cleaning. After the qualified cleaning time determined by the host computer is reached, the solenoid valve 25 closes, the cleaning at this position stops, the piston rod of the moving cylinder 23 retracts, and after retraction to the position, a position signal is sent to the PLC. The slag removal mechanism 7 operates as follows: the PLC controls the compressed air nozzle 77 to open the corresponding solenoid valve 25, and simultaneously controls the motor 723 to drive the telescopic scraper 74 and the compressed air nozzle 77 to enter from one end of the conveying trough 34 and move along the length of the conveying trough 34 to the other end. After reaching the position of the sensing sensor 79 on the side of the water collection tank 35, the motor 723 reverses and drives the telescopic scraper 74 and the compressed air nozzle 77 back along the conveying trough 34 to the position of the sensing sensor 79 on the side of the motor assembly 72. The sensing sensor 79 sends a positioning signal to the PLC, and the PLC controls the motor 723 to stop and controls the compressed air nozzle 77 to close the corresponding solenoid valve 25. At this time, the residue and cleaning liquid remaining in the conveying trough 34 have been removed and collected and removed by the collection tank 78 at the bottom. After receiving the positioning signals from the moving cylinder 23 and the telescopic scraper 74, the PLC controls the reducer 31 to move the conveyor trough 34. When the next notch 41 of the fixed-distance circular plate 4 on the drive shaft 32 aligns with the trough sensor 5, the trough sensor 5 sends a signal, and the PLC controls the reducer 31 to stop. At this time, the nozzle aligns with the next heat exchange tube, and the telescopic scraper 74 aligns with the next conveyor trough 34. The above actions are repeated until all stations have heat exchange tubes, after which the PLC stops counting. When entering the final stage, counting starts again to control the solenoid valve 25 of the tubeless station to stop opening.

[0081] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipe internal cleaning device, comprising a frame (1), characterized in that: One end of the frame (1) is provided with a cleaning mechanism (2). The cleaning mechanism (2) includes a linear guide rail (21) on the frame (1). A nozzle fixing seat (22) is movably connected to the linear guide rail (21). A moving cylinder (23) is provided between the nozzle fixing seat (22) and the linear guide rail (21). The cylinder seat of the moving cylinder (23) is connected to the linear guide rail (21), and the piston rod of the moving cylinder (23) is connected to the nozzle fixing seat (22). The nozzle fixing seat (22) is provided with multiple nozzles. The air inlet end of each nozzle is connected to a solenoid valve (25). (25) Connected to a gas storage tank (26); the nozzle includes an outlet pipe (241) and a mounting base (242) for fixing the outlet pipe (241). The mounting base (242) of the first nozzle is longer by a distance h than the mounting base (242) of the subsequent nozzles. When cleaning, the piston rod of the moving cylinder (23) extends out, driving the outlet pipe (241) of the nozzle to move into the heat exchange tube. The mounting base (242) of the other nozzles besides the first nozzle is left with a distance h between it and the end of the heat exchange tube. The first 3 / 4 of the nozzles are self-rotating nozzles (8), and the last 1 / 4 of the nozzles are non-rotating nozzles. The value of the distance h ranges from 5 to 8 mm; The self-rotating nozzle (8) includes a hollow tube (81) and a rotating head (82). The rotating head (82) is rotatably connected to the hollow tube (81). The rotating head (82) is provided with an inclined air outlet (821). The inlet (8211) and outlet (8212) of the inclined air outlet (821) rotate at a certain angle simultaneously. An air heater (27) is installed between the last quarter of the nozzles and the solenoid valve (25); The frame (1) is provided with a conveying mechanism (3), which includes a reducer (31) on the frame (1). The output shaft of the reducer (31) is connected to a drive shaft (32). The drive shaft (32) is connected to a conveying chain (33) through the transmission mechanism. The conveying chain (33) is provided with a conveying groove (34). The conveying groove (34) is driven by the reducer (31) to rotate around the frame (1) through the drive shaft (32). When the conveying groove (34) stops, it corresponds one-to-one with the nozzles of the cleaning mechanism (2). When the conveying groove (34) stops and cleaning has not started, a counting sensor is installed at the bottom of the conveying groove (34) corresponding to the first nozzle. A fixed-distance circular plate (4) is installed on the drive shaft (32). Multiple equally divided notches (41) are opened on the outer circumference of the fixed-distance circular plate (4). The number of notches (41) is the same as the number of conveying grooves (34). A groove-shaped sensor (5) for sensing the notches (41) is provided on the outer circumference of the fixed-distance circular plate (4).

2. The pipe internal cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism (3) further includes a water collection tank (35), which is located at the end of the conveying trough (34) away from the cleaning mechanism (2), and the end of the conveying trough (34) away from the cleaning mechanism (2) is within the range of the water collection tank (35); the conveying trough (34) is inclined, and the end of the conveying trough (34) away from the water collection tank (35) is higher than the end close to the water collection tank (35).

3. The pipe internal cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water collection tank (35) is located below the conveying tank (34) on the side closer to the conveying tank (34), and an inclined baffle (6) is provided on the side of the water collection tank (35) away from the conveying tank (34), and the height of the inclined baffle (6) is higher than that of the conveying tank (34).

4. The pipe internal cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) is provided with a slag removal mechanism (7), which includes a base (71) on the frame (1). The base (71) is provided with a motor assembly (72) and a second linear guide rail (75). The motor assembly (72) includes an upper winding shaft (721) and a lower winding shaft (722) that rotate in the same direction. The second linear guide rail (75) has a guide wheel (76) at one end away from the motor assembly (72). The second linear guide rail (75) includes a slide rail (751) on the base (71) and a slider (752) slidably connected to the slide rail (751). The slider (752) is connected to two ends by connecting lines (73). One connecting line (73) is directly connected to the upper winding shaft (721) of the motor assembly (72), and the other connecting line (73) goes around the guide wheel (76) and returns to be connected to the lower winding shaft (722) of the motor assembly (72). A telescopic scraper (74) is connected to the slider (752). When the conveying trough (34) stops, the telescopic scraper (74) is facing the opening of the conveying trough (34). Sensors (79) for sensing whether the slider (752) is in position are installed at both ends of the slide rail (751).

5. The pipe internal cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The telescopic scraper (74) includes a fixed frame (741), a top scraper (742), side scrapers (743), and a spring (744). The fixed frame (741) is connected to a slider (752). The top scraper (742) is located at the top of the fixed frame (741). The bottom of the top scraper (742) extends into the interior of the fixed frame (741) and is connected to a pressing side plate (745). The pressing side plate (745) has an inverted trapezoidal structure. A spring (744) connects the bottom of the pressing side plate (745) to the inner bottom of the fixed frame (741). There are two side scrapers (743), which are slidably connected to both sides of the fixed frame (741). One side of the side scraper (743) extends into the interior of the fixed frame (741). A spring (744) is connected to the part, and an inclined block (746) is connected to the end of the spring (744) away from the side scraper (743). The inclined surface of the inclined block (746) is adapted to the inverted trapezoidal structure of the extrusion side pressure plate (745) and can abut against each other. The opening of the conveying groove (34) is a U-shaped structure, the bottom of the conveying groove (34) is an arc-shaped structure, the top of the top scraper (742) is an arc-shaped structure adapted to the bottom of the conveying groove (34), and the front end of the conveying groove (34) is set as a cone to guide the top scraper (742). When the top scraper (742) does not enter the conveying groove (34), the top scraper (742) is higher than the U-shaped bottom of the conveying groove (34) and lower than the bottom of the cone opening of the conveying groove (34).

6. The pipe internal cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The slag removal mechanism (7) also includes a compressed air nozzle (77), which is mounted on the slider (752) and the outlet of the compressed air nozzle (77) is directed toward the opening of the conveying trough (34) to be cleaned.

7. The pipe internal cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The slag removal mechanism (7) also includes a collection tank (78), which is located at the lower part of the linear guide rail (75).

8. The pipe internal cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The motor assembly (72) further includes a motor (723) mounted on a base (71), a motor gear (724) mounted on the output shaft of the motor (723), an upper gear (725) located outside the upper winding shaft (721), and a lower gear (726) located outside the lower winding shaft (722). The upper gear (725) and the lower gear (726) are respectively meshed on the upper and lower sides of the motor gear (724).

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