Pipe cleaning milling machine

Abstract

Pipe cleaning milling machine comprising a plurality of spiroidal cables (11) adapted to purge and clean any pipe, through a rotary motion; said spiroidal cables (11) having different cross-sections, and being used individually to clean pipes; the cables (11) which are not used are adapted to remain wound on a cable winding drum (10) inside the device; at least a spindle (13) is installed outside said drum (10), adapted to transmit the rotary motion to the spiroidal cable (11) used.

Description

[0001] “Pipe cleaning milling machine”

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the art

[0004] The invention refers to an innovative machine designed for cleaning the sediment present inside pipes, more in particular the present patent application reveals a milling machine provided with several spiroidal cables of different cross-sections, adapted to rotate and vibrate, removing any impurity present inside the treated pipes, regardless of the dimensions of said pipes.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Milling techniques have constantly evolved over time, and today they are a processing method used for a wide range of applications. In addition to traditional applications, today milling is a very valid alternative for producing machining which was once carried out exclusively by means of turning, drilling or tapping.

[0007] It is very important to select the right machine for the choice of milling method.

[0008] Plane grinding / milling or slot milling can be performed on 3 -axis machines, while 4 or 5-axis machines are required for milling 3D profiles.

[0009] Today, with technological development, turning centers often allow milling operations to be carried out thanks to rotating and motorized tools, at the same time machining centers can also be provided with a turning function. These machines undoubtedly ensure greater flexibility, but the stability with respect to a traditional milling machine can represent a problem.

[0010] Milling is commonly used to perform cleaning operations within long ducts which are difficult to treat and maintain.

[0011] The most modern milling machines use the same principle as traditional machines, however using long cables to be inserted inside the pipes to be cleaned and purged.

[0012] The maintenance and cleaning of hydraulic pipes generally involves systems with special end fittings, such as augers and cutters, which are fixed to the ends of the cables for cleaning drains.

[0013] One of the more recent developments which has proven effective in cleaning drains has been a high-speed system known in the art as “FlexShaft”

[0014] FlexShaft systems involve the use of a drill connected to a flexible metal cable composed of multiple thin wires wrapped inside a polymer tube. The cable normally spins between 1500 and 3500 rpm, but provides a minimum torque at the end of the cable where the cleaning accessory is located. The cable is inserted into a drain channel or in another position and pushed into the drain until an obstruction is encountered; at that point, the user applies power to the machine to spin the cleaning accessory to slowly clean the pipe. The user is required to treat the obstruction slowly, as this system does not provide sufficient torque to quickly release the obstruction. The system adopted to date uses a relatively high rotation speed of the cleaning attachment to scrape the inside of the pipe and ultimately remove the obstruction.

[0015] Although satisfactory in many respects, a need remains for a new and optimized cleaning system which does not exclusively use the Flex Shafi cable.

[0016] Furthermore, the milling machines used in the current state of the art include only one cable, which is adapted to determine the success of cleaning ducts; if the pipes have different crosssections, or are smaller with respect to the cross-section of the cable, thus making the cable used unsuitable for correct cleaning, the same cannot be carried out using a milling machine, causing obvious inconvenience. In the current state of the art, to clean the ducts, it is necessary to have a plurality of milling machines, each equipped with a cable of different cross-section, requiring the purchase of multiple machines.

[0017] Another problem linked to the current state of the art is the frequent need for machine downtime if cable replacement or repairs are necessary. There does not appear to be any innovation linked to the milling machines of the present invention on the market, nor among the patents already published, which, thanks to the use of several cables, can avoid any machine downtime during machining.

[0018] Even US patent 2020 / 0238345, published on June 30, 2020, does not solve the aforesaid problems, as it describes a milling machine provided with a winding drum equipped with a single cable, which forces the user to buy multiple milling machines to clean pipes of different cross-sections.

[0019] Therefore, the object of the present patent application is to claim a milling machine comprising a plurality of cables, so as to clean different pipes with the same machinery.

[0020] Description of the invention

[0021] According to the present invention, a pipe cleaning milling machine is created which effectively solves the above problems.

[0022] The milling machine object of the invention is adapted to clean and treat pipes with different cross-sections, thanks to the presence of a plurality of spiroidal cables wound on a cable winding drum inside the device.

[0023] Using a special selector, the user must select the desired type of cable among those already included in the milling machine, based on the cross-section of the pipes to be treated. The cables which have not been selected can remain wound around said drum. The selected cable is instead adapted to be engaged with a spindle for the transmission of rotational motion from an external source.

[0024] Such an external source of rotational motion is, in a first version of the present invention, a common screwdriver which is connected, by known means, to said spindle to impart the rotational motion thereto.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, an external motor unit is provided with an electric motor which, once connected to the milling machine, is adapted to determine the activation and movement of the chosen cable, inserted inside the pipes. Again in a further version, the operation of the electric motor is managed by a CPU, which is advantageously adapted to automatically manage the power and rotation direction of said electric motor.

[0026] Said external motor unit, again in an alternative version of the present invention, comprises wheels to facilitate the transport thereof.

[0027] The spiroidal cables installed on said milling machine are each protected with a plastic coating and are each characterized by a different cross-section, making the present milling machine adaptable to any type of pipe, regardless of its size.

[0028] Said spiroidal cables are therefore adapted to rotate and vibrate, once inserted inside the pipes, scratching and removing any obstruction present inside said pipes.

[0029] In an embodiment thereof, said spiroidal cables are further adapted to be reinforced by modulating the plastic coating layer. A plurality of additional coating layers can, in fact, be inserted outside said cables, increasing the cross-section and rigidity thereof; the modulation of said plastic coating layer occurs by inserting the cable inside an additional sheath, by means of screwing.

[0030] Each spiroidal cable can be easily replaced, by means of a quick intervention thanks to a special coupling-uncoupling selector performed by medium-skilled personnel; limiting machine downtime following damage or breakage of one of the cables used.

[0031] Such a rapid replacement brings significant advantages, including the obvious saving of money since the milling machine does not have to be returned to the retailer or manufacturer for repairs.

[0032] In fact, it is clear that each machine downtime, even if it lasts just a few minutes, causes serious economic damage and disruption to services in general. The main object of the present invention is precisely solved by the features just described and reported in claim 1. Other advantages of the present invention and other technologically advanced versions are reported in the dependent claims.

[0033] Facilitating the replacement of damaged cables also allows companies to maintain an emergency response service active, which can independently manage their maintenance, so as to make said spiroidal cables always usable.

[0034] The milling machine object of the invention is provided with a cable winding drum inside the device, comprising two side walls and a central multi-groove pulley; said grooves are adapted to host and keep separate the spiroidal cables comprised in said milling machine.

[0035] The cable winding drum is adapted to keep said cables ordered and separate, allowing the transport thereof to sites where cleaning or purging is necessary; said drum is further adapted to ensure an easy manual rewinding of the cables used, thanks to the use of a handle engaged laterally to one of said two side walls.

[0036] The cable winding drum, in an embodiment thereof, is adapted to rewind the cable in a completely automatic manner, by means of a common cable winding system.

[0037] By way of non-limiting example, said drum is adapted to make the present milling machine completely portable, thanks to its compact dimensions which facilitate the transport thereof and stowage inside any vehicle. The preferred dimensions for said drum are a height comprised between 40 and 80 cm, preferably 60 cm, a width comprised between 35 and 75 cm, preferably 55 cm and a depth comprised between 15 and 45 cm, preferably 30 cm.

[0038] In an embodiment thereof, the drum further comprises a plurality of wheels, adapted to facilitate the movement and dragging of the milling machine during the cleaning operations of the treated pipes.

[0039] A plurality of ball bearings are comprised between said pulley and said side walls of the cable winding drum, adapted to allow a more fluid and smooth unrolling and rolling of the cables used, reducing the friction between the side walls of the drum and said central pulley with several grooves.

[0040] Returning to said external motor unit, when present, it also comprises accumulators adapted to supply said electric motor with electrical energy to be transformed into rotational kinetic energy, which is transmitted to the selected cable to carry out the internal cleaning of the pipes; the rotation speed of said electric motor is managed by means of special command.

[0041] Said accumulators, included inside said external motor unit, are adapted to power the electric motor during the operation of the milling machine. Each accumulator is adapted to be easily extracted, using a special hatch arranged laterally to said unit, so as to see to replacement and recharging.

[0042] Lastly, the CPU included inside said external motor unit, is adapted to manage the rotation speed of the cable, based on the resistance encountered while cleaning the pipes; said CPU detects the power used by the electric motor to maintain a certain operating speed, comparing said speed with the average operating parameters previously recorded.

[0043] Possibly an electrical absorption sensor can be connected to a common acoustic and / or light signaling system to warn an operator that the milling operations are not successful, or that the machine is encountering an obstruction requiring excessive electrical absorption.

[0044] Other advantageous embodiments of the present invention comprise the installation of a tool dedicated to the coupling between a camera cable and the milling cable in use.

[0045] The video camera can be connected wirelessly to any compatible electronic device, by means of which an operator, even positioned remotely, can view the images captured by the video camera itself, or connected via cable to a screen installed remotely or on the external motor unit of the milling machine of the present invention.

[0046] The advantages offered by the present invention are evident in the light of the description presented thus far and will be even clearer thanks to the attached figures and the detailed description.

[0047] Description of the figures

[0048] The invention will be described hereinafter in at least a preferred embodiment by way of nonlimiting example with the aid of the appended figures, in which:

[0049] • FIGURE 1 shows the perspective view of the cable winding drum 10 adapted to roll the plurality of cables 11 on its internal pulley 20. Said cables 11 are adapted to be inserted inside the pipes to be cleaned, vibrating and rotating so as to eliminate any encrustation present inside said pipes. Only one of the cables 11, selected by the operator by means of a special selector, is used for cleaning the pipes, based on the ideal diameter; all the other cables 11 are adapted to remain wound on a pulley 20, comprised between two side walls 12. A spindle 13, to which the cable 11 selected to complete the pipe cleaning operations is connected, is adapted to impart the rotary motion by means of the connection to a common screwdriver.

[0050] • FIGURE 2 shows the front view of the cable winding drum 10.

[0051] • FIGURE 3 shows some further details of the invention in schematic form. Each cable 11 comprises a plastic coating 18, adapted to protect the internal spiroidal structure. A handle 15 is adapted to facilitate the rewinding of the used cable 11. • FIGURE 4 shows a schematic front view of the cable winding drum 10 characterizing the milling machine of the invention. Said drum 10 comprises at least two side walls 12, which enclose a pulley adapted to rotate with respect to said two side walls 12; every form of friction is minimized thanks to the presence of a plurality of ball bearings 21, interposed between said pulley 20 and said walls 12. A plurality of grooves 19 are molded onto the external surface of said pulley 20, adapted to host said cables 11 when they are not used for cleaning the pipes. Said grooves 19 are adapted to convey the cables 11 into their pre- established position, avoiding intertwining between cables 11 of different types.

[0052] • FIGURE 5 schematically shows, by way of non-limiting explanation, an external motor unit 10' provided with wheels, which can possibly be connected to the milling machine of the previous two figures. The electric motor is comprised internally and on the external surface the CPU 14 and a hatch 16 for accessing the accumulators 17 are schematically shown.

[0053] Detailed description of the invention

[0054] The present invention will now be illustrated by way of a purely non-limiting or binding example, resorting to the figures which illustrate some embodiments with respect to the present inventive concept.

[0055] With reference to FIG.l, the cable winding drum 10 is illustrated, adapted to simultaneously host several cables 11 of different sizes.

[0056] Said cables 11 are adapted to be inserted inside the pipes to be cleaned, exploiting their vibration and their rotation. The cross-section of the cable 11 used is decisive for the result. For this reason, it is essential to be able to arrange several cables 11 on the same milling machine.

[0057] Each spiroidal cable 11 can advantageously be replaced, by means of a rapid intervention carried out by the personnel employed, so as to limit the downtime of the machine due to possible damage or breakage of one of the cables 11 used.

[0058] The present invention, in addition to other advantages, has the main innovation of eliminating the need for machine downtime and thus optimizing economic resources and avoiding waste of time and money due to such a need.

[0059] In fact, any operator who needs to repair or replace a cable will be able to do so without interrupting the machining in progress and will not necessarily have to go to specialized workshops or authorized resellers. He will be able to carry out the work independently thanks also to the use of standard parts easily available on the market.

[0060] Said drum 10, inside the device, comprises two side walls 12, adapted to comprise a central pulley 20 therebetween characterized by a plurality of grooves 19, so as to keep the transported cables 11 rolled up and well-ordered therebetween.

[0061] Each cable 11 used is of the spiroidal type and has an outer coating 18 which can be advantageously modulated, increasing the thickness of said cable 11, giving it further rigidity. The end of the cable 11 selected by the operator by means of a special selector is adapted to engage with a spindle 13, which is constrained on one of the two side walls 12.

[0062] Said spindle 13 is adapted to rotate, driven by a common screwdriver. The rotation of the spindle 13 is absorbed by the chosen cable 11, which amplifies the force thereof, cleaning the pipes inside which it is inserted.

[0063] A handle 15, installed laterally to one of the side walls 12 of said drum 10, or a common alternative cable winding system, allows a rapid and manual winding of the cables 11 used, around said pulley 20.

[0064] With reference to Fig. 4, another view of the cable winding drum 10 is shown. More in particular, the front view is adapted to highlight the plurality of grooves 19 present on the external surface of said central pulley 20.

[0065] Said grooves 19, obtained on the external surface of the pulley 20, are adapted to keep the cables 11 ordered and clearly distinct from each other, during the transport of the milling machine or during its use.

[0066] In fact, said milling machine subject-matter of the invention proves to be advantageously portable, facilitating its transport and stowage inside any vehicle or warehouse.

[0067] In the aforesaid figure, two bearings 21 with balls are shown, adapted to reduce the rubbing friction caused by the rotation of the pulley 20 with respect to said side walls 12.

[0068] The spindle 13, adapted to transfer the rotary motion of the motor to the selected cable 11, is installed laterally, on only one of the two side walls 12.

[0069] The handle 15 is installed below said spindle 13, which allows a rapid manual winding of the cable 11 used, around said pulley 20, once the pipe cleaning operations have been completed.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an alternative version of the present invention in which an external motor unit 10', transportable on wheels and connectable to said drum 10, comprises an electric motor adapted to impart the rotary motion in place of the screwdriver. In this further version, a CPU 14 can be comprised which is adapted to manage the power of said motor based on the instantaneous electrical absorption and a hatch 16 adapted to allow access to the electrical accumulators 17 comprised in said external motor unit 10'.

[0071] A further version of the present invention includes the presence of a reversibly installable "cable-pusher" accessory adapted to allow the automatic advancement of each cable 11.

[0072] Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variations that are obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the invention described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of protection provided by the attached claims.

Claims

Claims1. Pipe cleaning milling machine characterized in that it includes a plurality of spiroidal cables (11) adapted for purging and cleaning any pipe, through the rotary motion imposed by a common means of transmission of motion, for example, a screwdriver; said spiroidal cables (11) having each a different cross section and being usable individually for cleaning pipes; wherein, cables (11) temporarily unused are adapted for remaining wound on a cable winding drum (10) in the machine; wherein, at least a spindle (13) is installed inside this drum (10) and is capable of transmitting the rotary motion to a selected spiroidal cable (11); this milling machine for cleaning pipes thus comprising:- a plurality of spiroidal cables (11), each of which is independently replaceable and protected by a coating (18), preferably made of plastic; said spiroidal cables (11) being adapted for making the milling machine adaptable to any type of pipe, regardless of the size of the pipes to be treated; said spiroidal cables (11) being capable of rotating and vibrating, when inserted into the pipes, scratching and removing any obstruction present within said pipes;- at least a cable winding drum (10) inside the machine, comprising two side walls (12) and a central pulley (20) with several grooves (19); these grooves (19) being adapted for accommodating and maintaining separate the spiroidal cables (11) included in the milling machine; said cable winding drum (10) allowing the transport of said plurality of cables (11) to sites where cleaning or purging is required; said drum (10) being further designed to ensure easy manual rewinding of the cables (11) used, by means of a handle (15) or a common cable reel system engaged laterally to one of said two side walls (12);- a plurality of bearings (21) with balls, installed between said pulley (20) and said side walls (12) of the cable winding drum (10), adapted for allowing a smoother unwinding and coiling of the cables (11) used, by reducing the friction between the side walls (12) of the drum (10) and said central pulley (20) with several grooves (19);- at least a spindle (13), installed laterally to one of the two side walls (12) of said cable winding drum (10), capable of rotating to transmit rotational motion of the motor to said cable (11); said spindle (13) further including an adapter to facilitate connection with cables (11) of different cross-sections.

2. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to the claim 1, characterized in that said spiroidal cables (11) adapted for insertion into the pipes are further adapted for being reinforced by modifying / adjusting their coating layer (18); wherein, a plurality of additional coating layers (18) can in fact be inserted externally to these cables (11), to increase their cross-section and rigidity; wherein, the modification / adjustment of said coating layer (18) takes place by inserting the cable (11) inside an additional sheath, by screwing.

3. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cable winding drum (10) is adapted for rewinding the cable (11) after use, in a completely automatic manner, by means of a common cable reel system.

4. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cable winding drum (10) has a height between 40 and 80 cm, preferably 60 cm, a width between 35 and 75 cm, preferably 55 cm, and a depth between 15 and 45 cm, preferably 30 cm, making the milling machine portable thanks to its compact dimensions which facilitate transport and stowage inside any vehicle.

5. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cable winding drum (10) comprises a plurality of wheels adapted for facilitating the handling and displacement / dragging of the milling machine during the cleaning operations of the pipes treated.

6. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tool cable (11) designed for coupling a camera cable to the milling cable (11) in use; said camera being equipped with a wireless connection to a remotely located display / screen.

7. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a removably installed “cable-pusher” accessory capable of allowing the automatic advancement of each cable (11).

8. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an external motor unit (10’) equipped with wheels and connectable to said cable winding drum (10) in order to transmit a rotational motion thereto; said external motor unit (10’) comprising an electric motor capable of converting electrical energy received from a plurality of accumulators (17), in kinetic energy, transmitting a rotational motion to the plurality of spiroidal cables (11) which are adapted for rotating inside the pipes to be cleaned.

9. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to claim 8, characterized in that said external motor unit (10’) comprises a CPU (14), capable of recognizing the presence of obstacles or obstructions inside a tube, by detecting the power consumed by the electric motor to maintain a certain number of revolutions.

10. Pipe cleaning milling machine, according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises, on said external motor unit (10’), an electrical energy absorption sensor connected to an acoustic and / or light signaling system capable of being activated in the event that the milling machine was exceeding an upper threshold of electric energy absorption as a result of contact with a particularly resistant obstruction.

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