Pipeline inspection and cleaning device

By designing pipe inspection and cleaning devices suitable for different pipe diameters, and combining high-definition image acquisition and high-pressure airflow cleaning, the problem of blockage in tram track pipes has been solved, enabling rapid and automated detection and cleaning, and improving operational safety.

CN122007103AActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12SUZHOU HIGH-TECH TRAM GRP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SUZHOU HIGH-TECH TRAM GRP CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-04-15
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In southern regions, tram tracks are prone to blockages, leading to water accumulation that cannot be drained in a timely manner, affecting operational safety. Furthermore, existing technologies struggle to achieve efficient and environmentally friendly automated cleaning and maintenance.

Method used

A pipeline inspection and cleaning device was designed, including a support body, a pipeline inspection section and a cleaning section. It is equipped with a CCD inspection head, a high-pressure air nozzle, a steel brush and a cutting blade. It adapts to different pipe diameters through drive components and adjustment components, and achieves automated detection and cleaning by combining high-definition image acquisition and high-pressure airflow cleaning.

Benefits of technology

Suitable for pipes of different diameters, it enables quick inspection and cleaning, reduces the risk of blockage, improves tram operation capacity, and avoids vehicle damage.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a pipeline inspection and cleaning device which comprises a support body composed of a support and a supporting part connected to the outer side of the support in a pivoted mode, a driving assembly is arranged on the support, and the driving assembly works to drive the supporting part to be unfolded or folded outwards with the support as the center; the front end of the supporting main body is connected with a pipeline inspection part, and the pipeline inspection part comprises an inspection base, a CCD inspection head and a high-pressure gas nozzle; a cleaning part is detachably connected to the pipeline inspection part through a limiting and damping assembly and comprises a steel brush and a cutting piece which are connected to a clutch connecting shaft, and an adjusting assembly is arranged on the periphery of the clutch connecting shaft. The device is suitable for pipelines with different pipe diameters, has the functions of rapid inspection, rapid cleaning and the like, and is equipment capable of rapidly completing tasks of inspecting and cleaning the pipelines. By utilizing the device to check and dredge high-risk low-lying sections periodically, the risk of pipeline blockage can be greatly reduced, so that the operation capability of the tramcar is improved, and the damage to the tramcar is avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of tram operation and cleaning technology, and particularly relates to a pipe inspection, cleaning and sweeping device. Background Technology

[0002] In southern regions, frequent and concentrated rainfall during the summer makes it easy for debris such as leaves, mud, and garbage to accumulate in the middle of tram tracks. Rainwater washes away large amounts of branches and leaves from the green belts, causing them to flow into the drainage channels beneath the tracks and quickly clogging the pipes, preventing timely drainage. Furthermore, in the hot and humid environment, organic matter easily decomposes and ferments, and oil and dust mix and adhere to the pipe walls, further reducing the cross-sectional area for water passage, increasing the risk of blockage, and seriously affecting operational safety. In underpasses and low-lying areas, there are also many small stones due to the lower elevation. During heavy rainfall, blocked or insufficiently large pipes may prevent rainwater from draining completely, causing water accumulation on the tracks to exceed the vehicle's permissible operating height, rendering the trams immobile and resulting in operational losses. Even when passage appears visually possible, splashing rainwater, quicksand on the tracks, and other factors can damage the trams.

[0003] Because the various lines were built at different times, are located in different areas, and have different pipe diameters, routine inspections are very difficult. Cleaning is usually only possible when the water level in the lines is too high. To address this issue, developing an efficient and environmentally friendly automated cleaning device for routine maintenance is a technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pipe inspection and cleaning device, which is suitable for internal inspection and blockage removal of pipes of different diameters. It can effectively deal with various blockages such as dead leaves, mud, and branches in pipes, and ensure smooth pipe operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A pipe inspection and cleaning device, comprising, The supporting body includes a bracket and a support portion pivotally connected to the outside of the bracket. A drive assembly is provided on the bracket. When the drive assembly is activated, it drives the support portion to open or retract outward around the bracket. Pipeline inspection unit, connected to the front end of the support body; includes an inspection base and a CCD inspection head and a high-pressure air nozzle placed on the inspection base; The cleaning unit is detachably connected to the inspection base of the pipeline inspection unit via a limiting and shock-absorbing component; it includes a steel brush and a cutting disc connected to a clutch connecting shaft, an adjustment component is provided on the outer periphery of the clutch connecting shaft, and the cutting disc is located at the front end of the steel brush.

[0006] Preferably, the limiting shock absorption assembly includes an outer frame, on which a shock absorption connecting seat is connected by adjusting bolts. A shock absorption assembly is disposed in the middle of the outer frame. One end of the shock absorption assembly is connected to the shock absorption connecting seat by screws, and the other end of the shock absorption assembly is connected to the cleaning part. The shock absorption connecting seat is disposed around the periphery of the shock absorption assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the shock-absorbing connecting seat includes a first arched connecting seat and a second arched connecting seat perpendicularly intersecting below the first arched connecting seat. The two ends of the first arched connecting seat and the second arched connecting seat are respectively connected to the outer frame by adjusting bolts to form an adjustable connection. The first arched connecting seat and the second arched connecting seat are independently arranged. The outer end of the first arched connecting seat is connected to the inspection base, and the inner end of the second arched connecting seat is connected to the shock-absorbing assembly by screws.

[0008] Preferably, the shock absorption assembly includes a set of spring steel shock absorption plates arranged opposite each other. The two sides of the two spring steel shock absorption plates are connected by shock absorption and buffer adjustment screws to form a quadrilateral shock absorption assembly. The other end of the shock absorption assembly is connected to the cleaning part through a second connecting block.

[0009] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes a positioning cylinder connected to the outer periphery of the clutch connecting shaft. The positioning cylinder is connected to an adjustment connecting block via a cylinder shaft. Fixed wheels are connected to both ends of the adjustment connecting block. When the positioning cylinder is working, it drives the adjustment connecting block to reciprocate in and outward in the radial direction of the clutch connecting shaft.

[0010] Preferably, three adjustment components are evenly distributed around the outer periphery of the clutch connecting shaft, and the adjustment connecting blocks are Z-shaped.

[0011] Preferably, the front end of the clutch connecting shaft is a front mounting shaft, the steel brush and the cutting blade are disposed on the front mounting shaft, and a second high-pressure air nozzle is provided at the top of the far end of the front mounting shaft. The second high-pressure air nozzle is connected to a high-pressure air pipe connector disposed in the middle of the clutch connecting shaft.

[0012] Preferably, the inspection base is connected to the front end of the support body via a universal connector, and an electric cylinder adjustment assembly is provided at the bottom of the inspection base. The electric cylinder adjustment assembly includes an electric cylinder and a rubber wheel connected to the electric cylinder.

[0013] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a motor housed within a bracket, the motor being connected to a lead screw; the support includes a support rod and a walking drive motor mounted on the support rod, the walking drive motor being connected to a walking rubber wheel via a meshing gear set; an adjusting block is connected to the lead screw, and the adjusting block is connected to the support rod via a support buffer spring rod.

[0014] Preferably, the meshing gear set is a bevel gear transmission set.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It is applicable to pipelines of different diameters, has functions such as rapid inspection and rapid cleaning, and allows operators outside the pipeline to operate it using a hand-controlled remote control device according to the actual conditions inside the pipeline, enabling the rapid completion of pipeline inspection and cleaning tasks. Using this device to periodically inspect and unclog high-risk low-lying areas can greatly reduce the risk of pipeline blockage, thereby improving tram operation capacity and preventing damage to vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device of the present invention without a cleaning section.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting and shock-absorbing component structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning part of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to make the technical solution of the present invention easier to understand and master, and thus to make a clearer definition of the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] This invention discloses a pipe inspection and cleaning device, combined with Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes a support body 300, a pipe inspection section 400 connected to the front end of the support body 300 via a universal connector 316, and a cleaning section 200 detachably connected to the pipe inspection section via a limiting and shock-absorbing assembly 100. The device also includes a control display terminal for controlling and displaying the device; this terminal can be a handheld control display screen.

[0022] This device has two working modes: inspection and cleaning. These modes can be used individually or in combination. When the support body 300 and the pipe inspection unit 400 are used as a whole, they can be used for pipe inspection and light cleaning. When the cleaning unit 200 is connected, it can perform deep cleaning of the pipe.

[0023] Specifically, the support body 300 includes a bracket 301 and a support portion pivotally connected to the outside of the bracket 301. A drive assembly is mounted on the bracket, and when the drive assembly operates, it causes the support portion to open or retract outwards around the bracket. The drive assembly includes a motor 308 located inside the front end of the bracket, and the motor shaft of the motor 308 is connected to a lead screw 307. An adjusting block 306 is sleeved on the lead screw 307, and the outer side of the adjusting block 306 is connected to the support portion via a support buffer spring rod 310. The support portion includes a support rod 309 and a walking drive motor 311 mounted on the support rod 309. The walking drive motor 311 is connected to a walking rubber wheel 313 via a meshing gear set; the meshing gear set is a bevel gear transmission set 312. One end of the support rod 309 is pivotally connected to the bracket, and the other end is connected to the support buffer spring rod 310. In this embodiment, three support portions are evenly distributed at 120° angles around the circumference. When motor 308 operates, it drives lead screw 307 to rotate, thereby driving adjusting block 306 to move back and forth on the lead screw. As adjusting block 306 moves, it causes the adjustment angle of support buffer spring rod 310 on support rod 309 to change. Different angles allow the device to enter pipes with different inner diameters. The evenly distributed support buffer spring rod 310 ensures that the front end of the device is centered in the pipe, laying the foundation for subsequent stable movement and accurate detection. The walking drive motor 311 operates, driving walking rubber wheel 313 to rotate through bevel gear transmission group 312, thereby realizing reciprocating movement inside the pipe wall. The rolling direction of walking rubber wheel 313 is matched with the axial direction of the pipe.

[0024] The pipeline inspection unit 400 includes an inspection base 304 connected to a universal connector 316, and a CCD inspection head 303 and a high-pressure air nozzle 305 placed on the inspection base 304. Four CCD inspection heads 303 are provided, but other numbers can be added as needed. The CCD inspection heads 303 are used to acquire images of the pipeline and identify specific situations requiring processing. An electric cylinder adjustment assembly is provided at the bottom of the inspection base 304. The electric cylinder adjustment assembly includes an electric cylinder 302 and a rubber wheel 314 connected to the electric cylinder 302. The electric cylinder 302 extends axially towards the outer edge of the inspection base 304. When the electric cylinder 302 operates, it drives the rubber wheel 314 to reciprocate radially along the inspection base 304. An electrical controller and a battery pack 315 are also provided at the bottom of the inspection base 304. The electrical controller and battery pack 315 include a CCD transmission system, a high-voltage generator, various control systems, and a 48V DC battery pack. In this embodiment, three electric cylinders 302 are arranged at a 120-degree angle, and rubber wheels 314 are arranged in groups on the electric cylinder shaft, respectively positioned on both sides of the electric cylinder shaft. The electric cylinder adjustment assembly and the walking rubber wheels 313 of the support cooperate with each other to further enhance the stability of the device in the pipeline and prevent shaking or deviation during the detection process.

[0025] When using this device, if there is a bend in the pipeline with an angle greater than 100°, the device's posture can be flexibly adjusted through the universal connector 316, allowing the device to pass through the bend smoothly. At the same time, by adjusting the extension length of the electric cylinder shaft of the electric cylinder 302, the angle of the inspection base 304 can be changed, thereby adjusting the blowing direction of the high-pressure air nozzle to achieve comprehensive blowing of all positions in front of the pipeline.

[0026] The limiting and shock-absorbing assembly includes an outer frame 108, on which a shock-absorbing connecting seat is connected via adjusting bolts 105. The shock-absorbing connecting seat includes a first arched connecting seat 102 and a second arched connecting seat 104 perpendicularly intersecting below the first arched connecting seat 102. Both ends of the first arched connecting seat 102 and the second arched connecting seat 104 are provided with strip-shaped adjusting holes, which are adjustablely connected to the outer frame 108 via adjusting bolts 105. The first arched connecting seat 102 and the second arched connecting seat 104 are independently configured, and by adjusting the adjusting bolts 105 connecting each seat, the shock-absorbing connecting seat can be adjusted to precisely position the connected cleaning part.

[0027] The first arched connecting seat 102 is connected to the inspection base 304 via the first connecting block 101 at its outer end, and the inner end of the second arched connecting seat 104 is connected to the shock absorption assembly 103 via screws.

[0028] The shock-absorbing component 103 is disposed in the middle of the outer frame 108, and the shock-absorbing connecting seat is disposed around the periphery of the shock-absorbing component 103. The upper end of the shock-absorbing component 103 is connected to the shock-absorbing connecting seat by screws, and the other end of the shock-absorbing component 103 is connected to the cleaning part 200. Specifically, the shock absorption assembly 103 includes a set of spring steel shock absorption plates arranged opposite each other. Each spring steel shock absorption plate is concave, with grooves formed on its side walls. The two spring steel shock absorption plates are arranged opposite each other and connected at both sides by shock absorption and buffer adjustment screws 106 to form a quadrilateral shock absorption assembly. The other end of the shock absorption assembly is connected to the cleaning unit via a second connecting block 107. The principle is that by adjusting the shock absorption and buffer adjustment screws 106, the slack and strength between the spring steel shock absorption plates are changed to bring them within a reasonable range. Appropriate shock absorption strength can effectively reduce the reaction force on the equipment during cleaning operations, improving equipment stability and cleaning effect.

[0029] The cleaning unit 200 includes a steel brush 201 and a cutting disc 208 connected to a clutch connecting shaft 203. An adjustment assembly is provided on the outer periphery of the clutch connecting shaft 203, and the cutting disc 208 is disposed at the front end of the steel brush 201. The cutting disc and the steel brush can work separately or simultaneously.

[0030] Furthermore, a rear-end connecting block 207 is provided at the rear end of the clutch connecting shaft 203. The rear-end connecting block 207 is a circular hollow structure of aluminum alloy with an air pipe passing through the middle. The rear-end connecting block 207 is connected to the limiting and damping assembly 100 by screws. The adjusting assembly includes a positioning cylinder 202, which is connected to an adjusting connecting block 204 via a cylinder shaft. Fixed wheels 205, made of rubber, are connected to both ends of the adjusting connecting block 204. When the positioning cylinder 202 operates, it drives the adjusting connecting block 204 to reciprocate in the radial direction of the clutch connecting shaft. In this embodiment, three adjusting components are evenly distributed on the outer periphery near the rear-end connecting block 207. The adjusting connecting block 204 is Z-shaped, and the fixed wheels 205 are respectively located at both ends of the Z-shaped block. The inner middle of the Z-shaped block is connected to the cylinder shaft of the positioning cylinder 202. Two high-pressure air pipe connectors 206 are also provided on the clutch connecting shaft 203. High-pressure gas is introduced into the air pipe inside the hollow rear connecting block 207 via the high-pressure air pipe connector 206.

[0031] The front end of the clutch connecting shaft 203 is a front mounting shaft 210. The steel brush and cutting blade are mounted on the front mounting shaft 210. A second high-pressure air nozzle 209 is provided at the top of the far end of the front mounting shaft 210. The second high-pressure air nozzle 209 is connected to the air pipe in the rear connecting block 207. That is, when the cleaning unit is connected to the pipeline inspection unit 400, the required high-pressure gas is introduced through the high-pressure air pipe connector 206 and finally sprayed out from the second high-pressure air nozzle 209.

[0032] The wheels in various locations involved in this invention are all made of rubber, which ensures stability while moving without affecting the movement.

[0033] In operation, the device first enters the pipeline as a whole, consisting of the support body 300 and the pipeline inspection unit 400. Four high-definition CCD inspection heads 303 collect data on the pipeline's interior, displaying the findings on the control display. Operators can clearly view the pipeline's inner wall condition via the touchscreen on the control display, including the presence of cracks, corrosion, blockages, and other issues. While the device is moving within the pipeline, operators must closely monitor the images displayed on the screen to promptly detect any abnormalities.

[0034] When non-adhesive blockages such as dead leaves or loose debris are detected in the pipeline, the high-pressure air nozzle 305 on the inspection base 304 can be activated. The high-pressure airflow will quickly blow away the blockages, ensuring the pipeline remains unobstructed.

[0035] After inspection, the unit is removed from the pipeline for further assembly of the cleaning section. Depending on the type of blockage (mud, branches) in the pipeline, the limiting and damping components are first adjusted and tested. The slack and strength of the damping component 103 are adjusted by adjusting the damping adjustment screw 106. After entering the pipeline, the cleaning section is adjusted to a more precise cleaning position by adjusting the adjusting bolt 105.

[0036] The specific position of the cleaning unit can be adjusted by extending the cylinder shaft of the positioning cylinder 202 to different lengths, and the fixed wheel abuts against the inner wall of the pipe, thereby stabilizing the cleaning device.

[0037] Select the appropriate cleaning tool based on the hardness and type of the blockage. For softer mud or debris, use the steel brush 201; for harder branches or clumps, use the cutting blade 208. For complex blockages, both the steel brush 201 and the cutting blade 208 can be used simultaneously. Simultaneously with the cleaning tool, activate the second high-pressure air nozzle 209. The high-pressure airflow will promptly discharge the cleaned debris into the pipe, preventing secondary blockages.

[0038] After the blockage is cleared, first shut off the cleaning unit and high-pressure air nozzles, then slowly retract the positioning cylinder 202 to disengage the fixed wheel from the inner wall of the pipe. Finally, control the device on the control display to retract at a constant speed back to the pipe inlet, completing the entire cleaning operation.

[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0040] Furthermore, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipe inspection and cleaning device, characterized in that: include, The supporting body includes a bracket and a support portion pivotally connected to the outside of the bracket. A drive assembly is provided on the bracket. When the drive assembly is activated, it drives the support portion to open or retract outward around the bracket. Pipeline inspection unit, connected to the front end of the support body; includes an inspection base and a CCD inspection head and a high-pressure air nozzle placed on the inspection base; The cleaning unit is detachably connected to the inspection base of the pipeline inspection unit via a limiting and shock-absorbing component; it includes a steel brush and a cutting disc connected to a clutch connecting shaft, an adjustment component is provided on the outer periphery of the clutch connecting shaft, and the cutting disc is located at the front end of the steel brush.

2. The pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting and shock-absorbing assembly includes an outer frame, on which a shock-absorbing connecting seat is connected by adjusting bolts. A shock-absorbing assembly is disposed in the middle of the outer frame. One end of the shock-absorbing assembly is connected to the shock-absorbing connecting seat by screws, and the other end of the shock-absorbing assembly is connected to the cleaning part. The shock-absorbing connecting seat is disposed around the periphery of the shock-absorbing assembly.

3. The pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shock-absorbing connecting seat includes a first arched connecting seat and a second arched connecting seat perpendicularly intersecting below the first arched connecting seat. The two ends of the first arched connecting seat and the second arched connecting seat are respectively connected to the outer frame by adjusting bolts to form an adjustable connection. The first arched connecting seat and the second arched connecting seat are independently set. The outer end of the first arched connecting seat is connected to the inspection base, and the inner end of the second arched connecting seat is connected to the shock-absorbing assembly by screws.

4. The pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shock absorption assembly includes a set of spring steel shock absorption plates arranged opposite each other. The two sides of the two spring steel shock absorption plates are connected by shock absorption and buffer adjustment screws to form a quadrilateral shock absorption assembly. The other end of the shock absorption assembly is connected to the cleaning part through a second connecting block.

5. The pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjustment assembly includes a positioning cylinder connected to the outer periphery of the clutch connecting shaft. The positioning cylinder is connected to an adjustment connecting block via a cylinder shaft. Fixed wheels are connected to both ends of the adjustment connecting block. When the positioning cylinder is working, it drives the adjustment connecting block to reciprocate in and outward in the radial direction of the clutch connecting shaft.

6. The pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The adjustment components are arranged in three evenly spaced parts on the outer periphery of the clutch connecting shaft, and the adjustment connecting blocks are Z-shaped.

7. A pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The front end of the clutch connecting shaft is a front mounting shaft. The steel brush and cutting blade are mounted on the front mounting shaft. A second high-pressure air nozzle is provided at the top of the far end of the front mounting shaft. The second high-pressure air nozzle is connected to a high-pressure air pipe connector located in the middle of the clutch connecting shaft.

8. A pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inspection base is connected to the front end of the support body via a universal connector. An electric cylinder adjustment assembly is provided at the bottom of the inspection base. The electric cylinder adjustment assembly includes an electric cylinder and a rubber wheel connected to the electric cylinder.

9. A pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a motor housed within a bracket, the motor being connected to a lead screw; the support includes a support rod and a walking drive motor mounted on the support rod, the walking drive motor being connected to a walking rubber wheel via a meshing gear set; an adjusting block is connected to the lead screw, and the adjusting block is connected to the support rod via a support buffer spring rod.

10. A pipeline inspection and cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The meshing gear set is a bevel gear transmission set.