Cleaning equipment for cleaning channels and pipes

Abstract

Cleaning equipment for cleaning channels and pipes is to be improved. This will be achieved by attaching a first code and at least a second code, as well as a writable and readable transponder, to a nozzle of the cleaning equipment.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning channels and pipes. State of the art

[0002] From the publication DE 10 2014 112 585 A1, a high-pressure cleaning system for cleaning pipes, channels and surfaces with a pressure medium is known, comprising a control unit which can be connected to a liquid pump, wherein the pressure medium can be discharged by means of a liquid pump controlled and regulated by the control unit through a high-pressure cleaning hose and a high-pressure cleaning nozzle connected thereto, which allows automated, reproducible and economically and ecologically optimized channel cleaning according to the selected high-pressure cleaning nozzle.This is achieved by attaching a transponder to the high-pressure cleaning nozzle with a stored identification code uniquely assigned to that nozzle. A reader connectable to the control unit allows for contactless reading of the identification code, thus enabling automated identification of the connected high-pressure cleaning nozzle and forwarding of the identification code to the control unit. This allows the control unit to then determine the optimal cleaning parameters stored in the control unit's data storage, based on the identification of the high-pressure cleaning nozzle. Finally, the control unit then regulates the operation of the liquid pump with the optimal cleaning parameters. Task

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of improving a cleaning device for cleaning channels and pipes. This objective is achieved according to the invention by the measures specified in the characterizing portion of claim 1. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the respective dependent claims.

[0004] A wide variety of cleaning devices and nozzles are available for cleaning channels and pipes, each suited to different situations. Channels and pipes themselves vary in composition. Therefore, the appropriate cleaning nozzle must be selected for each application, one that matches the material and condition of the channel or pipe and the specific cleaning task at hand. Once the suitable combination has been found, the operator must adjust the pump settings on the cleaning cart accordingly. If the process parameters are set too leniently, i.e., with insufficient pressure and water flow, the desired cleaning effect will not be achieved. The cleaning process will then have to be repeated with different parameters, exceeding the allotted time for the task. Conversely, if the process parameters are set too harshly, i.e.,High pressure combined with high water flow can damage the pipe or sewer. Therefore, knowing the appropriate parameters, which should ideally be set on the cleaning truck's pump, is crucial for success.

[0005] The present invention takes into account these above-mentioned requirements and proposes a coding for cleaning nozzles that is suitable for the harsh operating conditions encountered during the cleaning of pipes and channels.

[0006] According to the invention, the nozzles have a recess in their contour. This recess accommodates coded elements. A code, for example a QR code or barcode, is incorporated at the bottom of the recess, for example by a subtractive process such as laser engraving. Detachably incorporated into the recess, for example by bonding, is a molded part that has a transponder inside and another code, for example a QR code or barcode, on its upper surface, for example by a subtractive process such as laser engraving.

[0007] First, the machine operator can use a suitable code reader, such as a smartphone, to read the code and access a server via a link where the corresponding settings for the cleaning cart's pump and nozzle are stored.

[0008] However, the harsh environment can cause wear and tear on the visible code over time, rendering it unreadable.

[0009] Then the transponder is used, which can be read, for example, with an NFC-enabled smartphone. The transponder can contain not only a link to a server with the desired settings, but also the desired settings for the cleaning vehicle's pump itself, thus eliminating the need to manually access the server via the link.

[0010] As a third option, if the transponder has been lost due to rough handling, the third code, which is embedded at the bottom of the depression, can be used for reading. This code also leads via a link to the server containing the settings for the cleaning vehicle's pump.

[0011] The invention provides the machine operator with a simple and reliable source of information on how to properly perform cleaning tasks. Furthermore, the system offers very high availability because the code can be read three times via two different physical effects. This ensures a high degree of operational reliability and work efficiency. The machine operator can also store the molded part with the transponder and embedded optical code and, if lost, reinsert it into the recess or reorder it. This can be done after a cleaning task is completed. The completion of the cleaning task with optimal cleaning parameters within the specified time is not affected by the loss of two codes.

[0012] Further details of the invention are described below with reference to the schematic drawings. These show: Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of an exemplary cleaning device 1 in which the invention can be applied. It has a nozzle 3 and a water connection 2. The nozzle can be connected to the water connection via a connector. An example cleaning device 1 is shown, in which the nozzle 3 is mounted on a carriage and the water connection 2 is connected to the nozzle 3 by a pipe. A fitting is often mounted on the water connection 2, through which water flows under high pressure via the hose connection, the water connection 2, and the pipe to the nozzle 3. The water exits the nozzle 3 through bores with nozzle inserts, for example, in the opposite direction to the feed direction of the cleaning device, thus driving its movement. The water flowing from the nozzle 3 also serves to remove the dissolved material. The nozzle 3 can also be used without a carriage. In this case, the cleaning device 1 consists only of the nozzle 3 and the water connection 2. The cleaning device 1 may also include a fitting that acts as an anti-rotation device, since channels and pipes often have bends and branches. Fig.Figure 2 shows details of an exemplary cleaning facility 1. A recess 7 is provided at a suitable location on the nozzle 3. The bottom of the recess 7 has a second code 5. This second code 5 can be created by a material removal process such as laser engraving. The second code 5 can, for example, be a QR code or barcode. A transponder 6 is attached to the recess 7, for example, by pressing it in, gluing it in, or a combination of both. The top of the transponder 6 is marked with a first code 4. This first code 4 can also be created by a material removal process such as laser engraving. Process data, possibly in addition to identification features, is stored on the transponder 6 by writing it using known and suitable devices. Process data refers to data with which the cleaning device 1 is operated or is intended to be operated. Examples include water pressure and water volume.When the cleaning device 1 is put into operation, e.g. connected to a sewer cleaning vehicle, this process data is read by a reading device located there and thus the cleaning device 1 is operated from the sewer cleaning vehicle. Example of implementation

[0013] The invention provides for a cleaning device 1 for cleaning channels and pipes, comprising a nozzle 3 and a water connection 2 for supplying water under high pressure, wherein the nozzle 3 sprays a wall of a channel, such that a first code 4 and a second code 5 and a writable and readable transponder 6 are attached to a nozzle 3 or to a connecting piece of a nozzle 3 of the cleaning device 1, wherein the two codes 4, 5 and the transponder 6 contain an identical link to a server as information. Furthermore, it is provided that the codes 4, 5 are designed as two-dimensional codes. The two-dimensional codes 4, 5 are advantageously designed as QR codes. The first code 4 is advantageously attached in a recess 7 of the surface of the nozzle 3 or the connecting piece. The transponder 6 is likewise attached in the recess 7 of the surface of the nozzle or the connecting piece.The second code 4 is to be applied to a surface of the transponder 6. Both the first and second codes 4 and 5 are to be generated using material removal methods such as lasers. The transponder 7 is to be configured as an NFC tag. Advantageously, the server has an internal address that corresponds to the UID of the NFC tag. The first and second codes 4 and 5, as well as the transponder 6, are to have an identical link that points to the URL of the server and the UID of the NFC tag. The server is to provide information about the nozzle 3 and the operation of the cleaning device at the address of the NFC tag's UID. Reference symbol list 1 cleaning facility 2 water connections 3 nozzles 4 First Code 5 Second Code 6 transponders 7. Further Study

Claims

[1] Cleaning device for cleaning channels and pipes, consisting of a housing with a water connection (2) for supplying water under high pressure, nozzles (3) for spraying the wall of a channel or pipe, characterized by , that a first code (4) and at least a second code (5) and a writable and readable transponder (6) are attached to a nozzle (3) or to a connecting piece of a nozzle (3) of the cleaning device (1). [2] Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the codes (4, 5) are designed as two-dimensional codes. [3] Cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the two-dimensional codes (4, 5) are designed as QR codes. [4] Cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first code (4) is placed in a recess (7) of the surface of the nozzle (3) or the connector. [5] Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the transponder (6) is installed in the recess (7) of the surface of the nozzle (3) or the connector. [6] Cleaning device according to claims 1 and 5, characterized by , that at least one second code (5) is attached to a surface of the transponder (6). [7] Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first and at least one second code (4, 5) are generated by material-removing processes such as lasers. [8] Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the transponder (6) is configured as an NFC tag. [9] Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first and at least one second code (4, 5) each have an identical link that refers to the URL of a server and an individual address on the server for the nozzle (3). [10] Cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized by , that the server at the address contains information about the nozzle (3) and the operation of the cleaning device. [11] Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the transponder (6) contains information about the nozzle (3) and the operation of the cleaning device.

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