Sliding contact for a high-pressure hose for a cleaning head with video camera

Abstract

Sliding contact (1), usable in a multifunctional high-pressure hose of a device for inspecting and cleaning pipes and lines, characterized in that the sliding contact (1) is formed in one piece from a single material, comprising a guide eyelet (10) and a stabilizing chamber (11), wherein the guide eyelet (10) has a central guide eyelet through-hole (100) with a central axis (z) and a length (l), wherein the stabilizing chamber (11) has a recess (111) designed as a blind hole extending along a central axis (Z) of the stabilizing chamber (11) and both central axes (z, Z) are spaced apart in a transverse direction parallel to each other, so that an inner conductor (24) can be secured in the stabilizing chamber (11) and a free inner conductor (24') can be passed through the guide eyelet (10).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention describes a sliding contact, usable in a multifunctional high-pressure hose of a device for inspecting and cleaning pipes and lines, and a multifunctional high-pressure hose of a device for inspecting and cleaning pipes and lines, at one end of which a cleaning head with nozzles and an observation unit with lighting and camera can be attached, wherein the high-pressure hose has an inner hose, a metal braid and an outer sheath. State of the art

[0002] A device for inspecting and cleaning pipes and conduits is known from EP2502681. Such devices are equipped with a cleaning head arranged at the end of a multifunctional high-pressure hose, to which a camera for inspection is additionally attached.

[0003] A cleaning head for sewer cleaning equipment is attached to a high-pressure hose, with the high-pressure hose playing a central role in the system. Fig. Figure 1 shows and describes the details of interest here according to the state of the art. This high-pressure hose, typically with a diameter of 3 / 8 inch for small pipes, has a multi-layered construction, with an inner hose 21 surrounded by a metal braid 22 and enclosed by a protective outer sheath 23. This combination is necessary to achieve the required resistance to high pressures of 100 bar and more.

[0004] The special feature is the integration of an inner conductor 24 in the high-pressure hose. This inner conductor 24, together with the metal braid 22 as the outer conductor, forms a coaxial cable. This design enables the transmission of signals, especially high-frequency signals for image transmission, as well as the power supply of the cleaning head.

[0005] The inner conductor 24 in the inner hose space does not impede the water flow. Signal transmission is achieved by modulation onto different carrier frequencies. The camera's image signal is modulated onto a first carrier frequency, while control signals are placed on a second carrier frequency. Power is preferably supplied with direct current to minimize interference. The camera plays a crucial role in monitoring and documenting the cleaning process. It is mounted on the cleaning head and is primarily activated at branches or bends to verify the correct positioning and movement of the cleaning head. A lighting system ensures sufficient visibility inside the dark pipes. The camera can also be used to inspect the cleaned pipe and document any damage.

[0006] A contact ring 31 for the inner conductor 24, located in a connector 32 at the end of the high-pressure hose, ensures reliable contact between the high-pressure hose and the cleaning head. At the other end of the high-pressure hose, an intermediate piece, typically a coaxial socket, brings the contacts to the outside. The transmitted signals are routed to a control unit that can display and record the camera signals and control the functions of the cleaning head. An incremental encoder on the hose reel can detect the insertion length, which is used to determine the position within the pipe.

[0007] This innovative design enables efficient pipe cleaning with simultaneous inspection and precise control. The multifunctional high-pressure hose with integrated coaxial cable forms the backbone of the system, while the camera provides visual control and documentation. This significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of sewer cleaning operations.

[0008] The inner conductor 24 is arranged running along the edge of the inner hose 21. This ensures that the inner conductor 24 does not interfere with the cleaning fluid. The inner conductor 24 is only attached to the contact ring 31 in the connector 32 at the end of the high-pressure hose facing the cleaning head.

[0009] In practice, such a connection leads to problems when the high-pressure hose is frequently routed around extreme bends during the cleaning and inspection process. The inner conductor 24 is subjected to extreme stress and can break, thus interrupting signal transmission. The inner conductor 24 follows every extreme bend of the high-pressure hose, and so far, it has not been possible to prevent damage to the inner conductor 24 even after only brief use. Description of the invention

[0010] The disadvantages described above, which are known from the prior art, are to be eliminated by the present device.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a way to further develop the high-pressure hose in such a way as to achieve a more robust inner conductor that is more durable and therefore has a longer lifespan.

[0012] Variations in feature combinations or minor adjustments to the invention can be found in the detailed description, illustrated in the figures, and included in the dependent patent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in detail below in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will also become apparent from the following description of slightly modified embodiments of the invention, some of which will be clear to a person skilled in the art simply from the drawings. These are illustrated in Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a high-pressure hose end known from the prior art, wherein the multifunctional high-pressure hose is designed as a coaxial cable. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a part of the high-pressure hose with a sliding contact for guiding a free or loose inner conductor. Fig. Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the sliding contact with two different distances and axes with an indicated inner conductor, while Fig. 3b shows a top view of the sliding contact in the direction of a guide eye. Description

[0015] Since only a multifunctional high-pressure hose of a device for inspecting and cleaning pipes and lines is crucial here, this device, including a cleaning head with nozzles for propulsion and cleaning, as well as the observation unit with lighting and camera, has been omitted from the illustrations and detailed description. These necessary components of the device are known in several variations from the prior art.

[0016] The multifunctional high-pressure hose is, as is known from the prior art, designed in multiple layers and has an outer sheath 23, a metal braid 22 and an inner hose 21.

[0017] Inside the inner tube 21, a sliding contact 1 is arranged, to which an inner conductor 24 is attached. In contrast to the fixed inner conductor 24, a free or loose inner conductor 24' is arranged, at least partially, within the interior of the inner tube 21. The sliding contact 1 can move, as indicated by the white double arrow.

[0018] The sliding contact 1 is a single piece, made of one material and has two components: a guide eyelet 10 and a stabilizing chamber 11. The single-piece sliding contact 1 is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant metal, preferably stainless steel, particularly preferably V4A steel.

[0019] The metal braid 22, the free inner conductor 24', and the inner conductor 24 form a coaxial cable used for power and signal transmission within the device. The free inner conductor 24' is attached, for example, as known from the prior art, to a connector 32, which is fastened to the high-pressure hose by a crimp sleeve 33. By using the sliding contact 1, the length of the entire inner conductor 24, 24' can vary without breaking or being damaged, even when the high-pressure hose is routed around corners. In particular, the contact can be made via the contact ring 31 or, for example, by a spring clamp. The inner conductor 24 is subjected to less stress, even with sharp bends in the hose. The distance between the inner conductor 24' and the inner hose 21, and especially the metal braid 22, is maintained at all times.

[0020] To protect the two inner conductors 24, 24' against cracks or general damage, the inner conductor 24' is guided at a distance from the wall of the inner tube 21 by means of the sliding contact 1. The inner conductor 24 fixed in the sliding contact 1, the sliding contact 1 and the free inner conductor 24' are surrounded by cleaning fluid, usually water, as indicated by the parallel arrows. The guide eyelet 10 is ring-shaped, with a central guide eyelet through-hole 100, which is recessed parallel to a central axis z, the guide eyelet having a length l. The free inner conductor 24' passes through the guide eyelet through-hole 100, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, guided.

[0021] Connected to the guide eyelet 10, the stabilizing chamber 11 is arranged parallel to a transverse direction of the sliding contact 1 and offset. The stabilizing chamber 11 has a recess 111 along a central axis Z of the stabilizing chamber 11, the recess 111 being a blind hole. Thus, the depth of the recess 111 does not correspond to the length L of the stabilizing chamber 11.

[0022] The sliding contact 1 thus has only one stabilization chamber 11, wherein the central axis z is parallel to the central axis Z and thus the guide eyelet through hole 100 and the recess 111 of the stabilization chamber 11 are designed to be offset from each other in a transverse direction.

[0023] The inner conductor 24 is fixed at one end in the recess 111, preferably by clamping or soldering. The sliding contact 1 with the attached inner conductor 24 is guided along the loose inner conductor 24' by the guide eye 10 of the sliding contact 1, and the stabilizing chamber 11 serves as a spacer. The inner conductor 24 and the free inner conductor 24' cannot kink, even with sharp bends in the high-pressure hose.

[0024] To reliably prevent buckling, the ratio of guide eye length l to stabilization chamber length L should be between ½ and ¼.

[0025] In the perspective drawing Fig. Figure 3a illustrates this relationship again. The flow of the cleaning agent has no negative effects and only minor fluid turbulence occurs within the inner hose 21.

[0026] By selecting a small guide eyelet length l, the inner conductor 24' is guided only along a short distance. Even if the loose inner conductor 24' should have kinks, the minimal guide eyelet length l prevents the inner conductor 24' from jamming in the guide eyelet 10 or in the guide eyelet through-hole 100. In practice, the guide eyelet length l is approximately between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0027] To allow cleaning fluid to escape through the recess 111 in the stabilization chamber 11, or to facilitate soldering, a flow hole 112 is provided, as shown in Fig. 2 indicated and in Fig. 3b shown, omitted. Reference symbol list 1 sliding contact 10 Guide eyelet (ring-shaped, as short as possible) 100 guide eyelet through hole l Guide eye length z central axis 11 Stabilization chamber 111 recess L stabilization chamber length Z central axis 112 Flow hole ratio I / L = 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 z and Z are offset in parallel 21 Inner hose 22 metal mesh 23 Outer shell 24 inner conductors 24' free inner conductor 31 Contact ring 32 connector 33 Press sleeve QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2502681

[0002]

Claims

[1] Sliding contact (1), usable in a multifunctional high-pressure hose of a device for inspecting and cleaning pipes and lines, characterized by , that the sliding contact (1) is formed in one piece, made of one material, comprising a guide eyelet (10) and a stabilizing chamber (11), wherein the guide eyelet (10) has a central guide eyelet through-hole (100) with a central axis (z) and a length (l), wherein the stabilizing chamber (11) has a recess (111) designed as a blind hole extending along a central axis (Z) of the stabilizing chamber (11) and both central axes (z, Z) are spaced apart in a transverse direction parallel to each other, so that an inner conductor (24) can be secured in the stabilizing chamber (11) and a free inner conductor (24') can be passed through the guide eyelet (10). [2] Sliding contact (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of guide eyelet length (l) to stabilization chamber length (L) is between ½ and ¼. [3] Sliding contact (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the guide eyelet length (l) is selected between 2mm and 5mm. [4] Sliding contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a flow hole (112) crossing the recess (111) is recessed in the stabilization chamber (11). [5] Sliding contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one-piece sliding contact (1) is made of stainless steel, particularly preferably of V4A steel. [6] Sliding contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner conductor (24) is held clamped in a recess (111) of the stabilizing chamber (11). [7] Multifunctional high-pressure hose of a device for inspecting and cleaning pipes and conduits, at one end of which a cleaning head with nozzles and an observation unit with lighting and camera can be attached, wherein the high-pressure hose has an inner hose (21), a metal braid (22) and an outer sheath (23), with a sliding contact (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an inner conductor (24) is fixed in the stabilizing chamber (11) of the sliding contact (1) and the inner conductor (24) is slidably mounted within the inner hose (21) by means of a free inner conductor (24) through the guide eyelet through hole (100) of the guide eyelet (10), thereby preventing kinking in the case of a bent high-pressure hose.

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