Methods for installing guide pipes, methods for removing guide pipes, methods for cleaning drain pipes, and methods for installing hoses.

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for installing guide pipes that allows for easy installation of guide pipes at predetermined locations, such as curved sections of drain pipes. [Solution] A method for installing a guide pipe 5 inside a drain pipe 1, comprising: a guide pipe hose installation step in which a hose 3 having a propulsion nozzle 17 installed and a second stopper 19 that cannot pass through the first stopper 7 and a propulsion nozzle that can pass through the first stopper 7 is installed inside the guide pipe 5; and a guide pipe moving step in which a fluid 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17 to bring the second stopper 19 into contact with the first stopper 7, thereby moving the guide pipe 5 having the first stopper 7 to a predetermined part 11 inside the drain pipe 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for installing a guide pipe in a drain pipe, a method for removing the guide pipe, a method for cleaning the drain pipe, and a method for installing a hose in the drain pipe.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for cleaning a drain pipe installed in a building, the cleaning method described in Patent Document 1 is known. In the cleaning method described in Patent Document 1, a hose provided with a cleaning nozzle at its end is inserted into the drain pipe from the upper opening of the drain pipe (vertical pipe) that extends long in the vertical direction. Then, while spraying water from the cleaning nozzle, the cleaning nozzle is lowered to the lower end of the drain pipe to clean the drain pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, there are curved portions in the drain pipe. When a hose or the like is passed through the drain pipe including this curved portion and the hose or the like is moved, there is a possibility that the hose or the like cannot be moved due to the frictional force between the hose or the like and the drain pipe. Here, it is conceivable to reduce the frictional force between the hose or the like and the drain pipe by installing a guide pipe at the curved portion and passing the hose or the like through the guide pipe. Therefore, a method for installing a guide pipe that can easily install a guide pipe at a predetermined portion such as a curved portion of a drain pipe is desired.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a method for installing a guide pipe that allows for easy installation of the guide pipe at a predetermined location, such as a curved section of a drain pipe. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a method for removing a guide pipe that allows for easy removal of a guide pipe installed at a predetermined location, such as a curved section of a drain pipe. Finally, the present invention aims to provide a method for cleaning a drain pipe using the above-described guide pipe installation method, and a method for installing a hose used in the above-described guide pipe installation method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method for installing a guide pipe according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for installing a guide pipe installed in a drain pipe to reduce frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a hose installed in the drain pipe, wherein a propulsion nozzle that can pass through the first stopper is installed at the tip of the hose, and a second stopper that cannot pass through the first stopper is installed at a distance from the propulsion nozzle, and the hose is positioned such that the propulsion nozzle is located on one side of the first stopper and the second stopper is located on the other side of the first stopper. The method for installing a guide pipe comprises: a step of installing a hose inside a guide pipe, in which the first stopper is installed in the guide pipe; and a step of moving a guide pipe, in which, after installing the hose having the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper installed in the guide pipe having the first stopper in the step of installing a hose inside a guide pipe, the propulsion nozzle is inserted into the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe, fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle, and the guide pipe having the first stopper is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe by the reaction force from this injection.

[0007] In the method for installing a guide pipe according to an aspect of the present invention, in the guide pipe moving step, gas is injected from the propulsion nozzle, and the guide pipe, which is equipped with the first stopper, is moved to a predetermined location in the drain pipe by the reaction force of this injection.

[0008] A drain pipe cleaning method according to an aspect of the present invention is a drain pipe cleaning method using the guide pipe installation method described above, wherein in the guide pipe moving step, the guide pipe on which the first stopper is installed is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, and then the hose on which the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper are installed is pulled out of the drain pipe until the second stopper is outside the first opening of the drain pipe, and the second stopper is removed from the hose in a stopper removal step; and after the second stopper is removed in the stopper removal step, with the propulsion nozzle of the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe, fluid is sprayed from the propulsion nozzle, and the propulsion nozzle reaches the second opening of the drain pipe by the reaction force of this spray or by gravity, A drain pipe cleaning method comprising: a propulsion nozzle moving step of moving a propulsion nozzle; a nozzle replacement / stopper installation step of, after moving the propulsion nozzle in the propulsion nozzle moving step until the propulsion nozzle reaches the second opening of the drain pipe, installing a cleaning nozzle in place of the propulsion nozzle on the hose and installing a second stopper near the cleaning nozzle on the hose that prevents the first stopper from passing through; and a drain pipe cleaning step of, after installing the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper in the nozzle replacement / stopper installation step, moving the hose on which the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper are installed inside the drain pipe while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, thereby cleaning the inside of the drain pipe.

[0009] A drain pipe cleaning method according to an aspect of the present invention is a drain pipe cleaning method using the guide pipe installation method described above, wherein in the guide pipe moving step, the guide pipe on which the first stopper is installed is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, and then the hose on which the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper are installed is pulled out of the drain pipe until the second stopper is outside the first opening of the drain pipe, and the second stopper is removed from the hose in a stopper removal step; and after the second stopper is removed in the stopper removal step, with the propulsion nozzle of the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe, if the propulsion nozzle does not move due to gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle, fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle and the reaction force from this injection is used, and if the propulsion nozzle moves due to gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle, The drain pipe cleaning method comprises: a propulsion nozzle moving step, which uses gravity to move the propulsion nozzle until it reaches the second opening of the drain pipe; a nozzle replacement / stopper installation step, which, after moving the propulsion nozzle in the propulsion nozzle moving step until it reaches the second opening of the drain pipe, installs a cleaning nozzle in place of the propulsion nozzle on the hose and installs a second stopper near the cleaning nozzle on the hose that prevents the first stopper from passing through; and a drain pipe cleaning step, which, after installing the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper in the nozzle replacement / stopper installation step, moves the hose on which the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper are installed inside the drain pipe while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, thereby cleaning the inside of the drain pipe.

[0010] A drain pipe cleaning method according to an aspect of the present invention is a drain pipe cleaning method using the guide pipe installation method described above, wherein the propulsion nozzle also functions as a cleaning nozzle, and in the guide pipe moving step, the guide pipe on which the first stopper is provided is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, and then the hose on which the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper are installed is pulled out of the drain pipe until the second stopper is outside the first opening of the drain pipe, and the second stopper is removed from the hose in a stopper removal step, and after the second stopper is removed in the stopper removal step, with the propulsion nozzle of the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe, the propulsion nozzle A drain pipe cleaning method comprising: a propulsion nozzle moving step, in which when gravity acting on the nozzle does not move the propulsion nozzle, fluid is ejected from the propulsion nozzle and the reaction force from this ejection is used to move the propulsion nozzle until it reaches the lower end of the drain pipe, and when gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle does move the propulsion nozzle, gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle is used to move the propulsion nozzle until it reaches the lower end of the drain pipe; and a drain pipe cleaning step, in which, after the propulsion nozzle has been moved in the propulsion nozzle moving step until it reaches the lower end of the drain pipe, the cleaning nozzle is inside the drain pipe, and cleaning liquid is discharged from the cleaning nozzle while the hose on which the cleaning nozzle is installed is moved inside the drain pipe to clean the inside of the drain pipe.

[0011] A drain pipe cleaning method according to an aspect of the present invention is a drain pipe cleaning method using the guide pipe installation method described above, wherein in the guide pipe moving step, the guide pipe on which the first stopper is provided is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, and then the hose on which the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper are installed is pulled out of the drain pipe until the second stopper is outside the first opening of the drain pipe, and the second stopper is removed from the hose in a stopper removal step; and after the second stopper is removed in the stopper removal step, with the propulsion nozzle of the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe, fluid is released from the propulsion nozzle. A drain pipe cleaning method comprising: a propulsion nozzle moving step of spraying and moving the propulsion nozzle until it reaches the second opening of the drain pipe by the reaction force of the spray or gravity; a nozzle replacement step of installing a cleaning nozzle in the hose in place of the propulsion nozzle after moving the propulsion nozzle in the propulsion nozzle moving step until it reaches the second opening of the drain pipe; and a drain pipe cleaning step of moving the hose to which the cleaning nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, after installing the cleaning nozzle in the nozzle replacement step, with the cleaning nozzle inside the drain pipe, thereby cleaning the inside of the drain pipe.

[0012] A method for installing a guide pipe according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for installing a guide pipe installed in a drain pipe to reduce frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a string-like body installed inside the drain pipe, wherein a first stopper is provided, the method comprising: a string-like body installation step of installing the string-like body, which has a weight attached to its tip, in the drain pipe such that the string-like body passes through a first opening and a second opening of the drain pipe and extends inside the drain pipe, and the weight extends outside the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe; and a step of installing the guide pipe, which has the first stopper, such that the portion of the string-like body extending outside the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe passes through the guide pipe, which has the first stopper. The method for installing a guide pipe comprises: a guide pipe installation step; a second stopper installation step in which, after installing the guide pipe having the first stopper in the guide pipe installation step, a second stopper that cannot pass through the first stopper is installed on the string-like body on the opposite side of the first opening of the drain pipe with the guide pipe having the first stopper in between; and a guide pipe moving step in which, after installing the second stopper in the first stopper installation step, the guide pipe having the first stopper is inserted into the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe, and the weight or string-like body that is outside the second opening of the drain pipe is pulled to move the guide pipe having the first stopper to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe.

[0013] A drain pipe cleaning method according to an aspect of the present invention is a drain pipe cleaning method using the guide pipe installation method described above, comprising: a cleaning nozzle installation step in which, after moving the guide pipe, which is provided with the first stopper, to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe in the guide pipe moving step, a cleaning nozzle having a hose for supplying cleaning liquid extending from it is installed on the string-like body in place of the weight; and a drain pipe cleaning step in which, after installing the cleaning nozzle in the cleaning nozzle installation step, the cleaning nozzle and the portion of the hose near the cleaning nozzle are inside the drain pipe, and while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, the portion of the string-like body extending outside the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe is pulled to move the cleaning nozzle and the hose inside the drain pipe and clean the inside of the drain pipe.

[0014] A drain pipe cleaning method according to an aspect of the present invention includes, after cleaning the inside of the drain pipe in the drain pipe cleaning step, a cleaning nozzle / string body pulling step in which the cleaning nozzle and the portion of the string body near the cleaning nozzle are pulled out of the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe by pulling the portion of the hose that extends outside the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe, and after the cleaning nozzle and the portion of the string body near the cleaning nozzle are pulled out of the drain pipe in the cleaning nozzle / string body pulling step, The drain pipe cleaning method comprises a second stopper installation step of installing a stopper on the string-like body, and a guide pipe removal step of, after installing the second stopper in the second stopper installation step, pulling the portion of the string-like body that extends from the first opening of the drain pipe outside the drain pipe to move the second stopper and bring it into contact with the first stopper installed on the guide pipe, and removing the guide pipe on which the first stopper is installed from the first opening of the drain pipe to the outside of the drain pipe.

[0015] In the drain pipe cleaning method according to an aspect of the present invention, in the cleaning nozzle installation step, a second stopper is installed near the cleaning nozzle on the hose, preventing it from passing through the first stopper. In the drain pipe cleaning step, after cleaning the inside of the drain pipe, the guide pipe, on which the first stopper is attached, is brought out of the drain pipe by further pulling the portion of the string-like body that extends outside the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe.

[0016] A drain pipe cleaning method according to an aspect of the present invention is a drain pipe cleaning method using the guide pipe installation method described above, wherein in the guide pipe moving step, the guide pipe, which is provided with the first stopper, is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, and then a connector is installed on the string-like body that extends outside the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe, the connector on the first hose which has a connector installed on one end in the longitudinal direction and a cleaning nozzle installed on the other end in the longitudinal direction, and the second stopper is installed in the middle of the longitudinal direction near the cleaning nozzle, and after the connector is installed in the connector installation step, the connector is inserted into the drain pipe through the second opening of the drain pipe, and the string-like body is opened from the first opening of the drain pipe to the drain A drain pipe cleaning method comprising: a connector movement step of moving the connector out of the drain pipe through the first opening of the drain pipe by pulling the part of the connector that is outside the pipe; a second hose connection step of connecting a second hose that supplies cleaning liquid into the hose via the connector to the connector after the connector has been moved out of the drain pipe in the connector movement step; and a drain pipe cleaning step of, after the second hose has been connected in the second hose connection step, with the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper inside the drain pipe, supplying cleaning liquid to the cleaning nozzle using the second hose, the connector and the first hose, and moving the cleaning nozzle by pulling the second hose while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, thereby cleaning the inside of the drain pipe.

[0017] A method for installing a guide pipe according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for installing a guide pipe installed in a drain pipe to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a hose constituting a string-like body installed inside the drain pipe, wherein a first stopper is provided, and the tip of the hose, which has a propulsion nozzle installed at its tip, and the propulsion nozzle are inserted into the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe, and when the propulsion nozzle does not move due to gravity acting on it, a fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle and the reaction force from this injection is used, and when the propulsion nozzle moves due to gravity acting on it, gravity acting on it is used to move the propulsion nozzle and the hose until the propulsion nozzle reaches the second opening of the drain pipe, and the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed is moved so that the hose passes through the first opening and the second opening of the drain pipe and extends inside the drain pipe, and the propulsion nozzle exits the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe. The method for installing a guide pipe comprises: a step of installing a propulsion nozzle to be installed in the drain pipe; a step of installing the guide pipe having the first stopper on it so that the portion of the hose extending from the first opening of the drain pipe outside the drain pipe passes through the guide pipe having the first stopper on it; a step of installing a second stopper on the string-like body on the opposite side of the first opening of the drain pipe, with the guide pipe having the first stopper on it in the step of installing the guide pipe having the first stopper on it in the step of installing the guide pipe having the first stopper on it in the step of installing the guide pipe having the first stopper on it in the step of installing the second stopper on it in the step of installing the guide pipe having the first to be installed in the drain pipe

[0018] A method for installing a guide pipe according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for installing a guide pipe installed in a drain pipe in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a string-like body installed inside the drain pipe, wherein the guide pipe has a spiral groove on its outer surface, and the method for installing a guide pipe includes a guide pipe movement step in which one end of the guide pipe is inserted into the drain pipe from a first opening of the drain pipe, and after insertion, the guide pipe is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe by rotating the guide pipe in a predetermined direction with its central axis as the center of rotation.

[0019] A method for installing a hose according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a first propulsion nozzle moving step in which a hose equipped with a propulsion nozzle at its tip is inserted from the opening of a drain pipe and fluid is sprayed from the propulsion nozzle to move the propulsion nozzle and the hose within the drain pipe; a selection step in which, when the propulsion nozzle has moved to a branching point in the drain pipe in the first propulsion nozzle moving step, a rotational torque is applied to the portion of the hose extending from the opening of the drain pipe to the outside of the drain pipe, centered on the central axis of the cylindrical hose, thereby changing the orientation of the propulsion nozzle so that the propulsion nozzle selects one of a plurality of portions of the drain pipe extending from the branching point; and a second propulsion nozzle moving step in which, after the selection in the selection step, fluid is sprayed from the propulsion nozzle to move the propulsion nozzle and the hose within the selected portion of the drain pipe.

[0020] A method for installing a guide pipe according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for installing a guide pipe installed in a drain pipe to reduce frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a hose installed in the drain pipe, wherein the guide pipe is provided with a first stopper and has a spiral groove on its outer surface, and the guide pipe is provided with a first stopper and has a propulsion nozzle at its tip that can pass through the first stopper and a second stopper located away from the propulsion nozzle that cannot pass through the first stopper, and the hose is installed in the guide pipe provided with the first stopper such that the propulsion nozzle is located on one side of the first stopper and the second stopper is located on the other side of the first stopper, and after the hose has been installed in the guide pipe in the guide pipe installation step, the hose provided with the propulsion nozzle at its tip is inserted from the opening of the drain pipe, The method for installing a guide pipe comprises: a first propulsion nozzle moving step of moving the propulsion nozzle, the hose, and the guide pipe within the drain pipe by injecting fluid from the propulsion nozzle; a selection step of changing the orientation of the propulsion nozzle by applying rotational torque about the central axis of the cylindrical hose to the portion of the hose extending outside the drain pipe from the opening of the drain pipe when the propulsion nozzle has moved to a branching point in the first propulsion nozzle moving step, so that the propulsion nozzle selects one of a plurality of parts of the drain pipe extending from the branching point; and a second propulsion nozzle moving step of moving the propulsion nozzle, the hose, and the guide pipe within the selected part of the drain pipe by injecting fluid from the propulsion nozzle after the selection in the selection step, with the guide pipe moving to a predetermined location among the selected parts of the drain pipe.

[0021] A method for installing a guide pipe according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for installing a guide pipe installed in a drain pipe to reduce frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a hose installed in the drain pipe, the guide pipe having a first stopper, a spiral groove on its outer surface, and the hose having a propulsion nozzle at its tip that can pass through the first stopper, and a second stopper at a distance from the propulsion nozzle that cannot pass through the first stopper, the hose being installed in the guide pipe having the first stopper such that the propulsion nozzle is located on one side of the first stopper and the second stopper is located on the other side of the first stopper; and a method for installing a guide pipe having a first stopper.

[0022] A method for removing a guide pipe according to an aspect of the present invention involves moving the guide pipe to a predetermined location among the selected parts of the drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method described above, and then applying rotational torque to the guide pipe to rotate it, thereby removing the guide pipe from the opening to the outside of the drain pipe by the thrust generated in the guide pipe by this rotation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for installing a guide pipe that can easily install the guide pipe at a predetermined position such as a curved portion of a drain pipe. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for installing a guide pipe that can easily install the guide pipe at a predetermined position such as a curved portion of a drain pipe. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for removing a guide pipe that can easily remove the guide pipe installed at a predetermined position such as a curved portion of a drain pipe. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for cleaning a drain pipe using the above-described method for installing a guide pipe, and a method for installing a hose used in the above-described method for installing a guide pipe.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] (a) is a view showing a hose, a propulsion nozzle, and a second stopper used in the method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (b) is a view showing a guide pipe and a first stopper used in the method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (c) is a view taken in the direction of arrow IC in (b). (d) is a view showing an ID-ID cross section in (a). [Figure 2] (a) is a view showing a state in which a hose, a propulsion nozzle, and a second stopper used in the method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention are inserted into a guide pipe in which a first stopper is installed, and the second stopper is in contact with the first stopper. (b) is a view showing a state in which the second stopper is removed from the hose used in the method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a view showing a state before inserting a hose, a propulsion nozzle, and a second stopper used in the method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention into a guide pipe in which a first stopper is installed. [Figure 4] It is a view showing the method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This figure shows a method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows the state after the hoses, etc., have been removed from the guide tubes, etc. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the second stopper, where (b) is a view from the XIVB arrow in (a) and (c) is a view from the XIVC arrow in (a). [Figure 15] This figure shows the second component of the second stopper. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing the first component of the second stopper. [Figure 17] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22]This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This figure shows a method for cleaning drain pipes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] (a) is a diagram showing a flexible tube which is a guide tube according to a modified example. (b) is a diagram showing a guide tube used in the guide tube installation method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This figure shows a method for installing a hose according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 28 shows the ring-shaped member. [Figure 30] Figure 29 shows the ring-shaped member components, where (b) is a view from arrow XXXB in (a) and (c) is a view from arrow XXXC in (a). [Figure 31] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of a drainage pipe that branches off midway. [Figure 32] (a) is a diagram showing a method for installing a hose according to an embodiment of the present invention. (b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the hose in the method for installing a hose according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is a magnified view of a part of a guide pipe used in a guide pipe installation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This figure shows the head of a guide tube used in a guide tube installation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] This is a view taken along the arrow XXXV in Figure 34. [Figure 36] This is a diagram showing the XXXVI-XXXVI section in Figure 35. [Figure 37] This diagram shows the components that make up the head. [Figure 38] This is a view of the XXXVIII-XXXVIII cross section shown in Figure 37. [Figure 39] This figure shows a different head from the one shown in Figure 34. [Figure 40] Figure 39 shows the XL-XL cross section. [Figure 41] This figure shows the neck portion of a guide pipe used in a hose installation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (b) is a diagram showing the XLB-XLB cross section in (a). [Figure 42] This figure shows a guide tube and the like used in a guide tube installation method and a guide tube removal method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] This is a perspective view showing the general structure of a drainpipe that bends at multiple points along its length. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] [First Embodiment] A method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention (a method for installing a guide pipe inside a drain pipe) is a method for installing a guide pipe 5 inside a drain pipe 1 (see Figures 1 to 13). The guide pipe 5 is installed inside the drain pipe 1 to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe 1 and the hose 3 installed inside the drain pipe 1. The hose 3 is flexible, and the guide pipe 5 is provided with a first stopper (guide pipe side stopper) 7.

[0026] For the sake of explanation, let's define one predetermined horizontal direction as the X direction (first horizontal direction), and another predetermined horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction as the Y direction (second horizontal direction). Let's define the direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions as the Z direction (up and down direction; vertical direction).

[0027] The drain pipe 1 is composed of a cylindrical straight section 9 and a curved section (a curved cylindrical section) 11 in which the cylinder is curved. The straight section 9 can include, for example, a horizontal straight section 13 extending in the X direction and a vertical straight section (vertical pipe) 15 extending in the Z direction. In the drain pipe 1, the straight section 9 and the curved section 11 are connected as appropriate, such that their internal spaces are connected.

[0028] The frictional force generated between the drain pipe 1 and the hose 3 installed inside the drain pipe 1 is the frictional force generated between the hose 3 and the inner surface of the drain pipe 1 (especially the inner surface of the curved portion 11) when the hose 3 installed inside the drain pipe 1 moves relative to the drain pipe 1 in its longitudinal direction.

[0029] The guide tube 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a predetermined length and is partially or entirely bendable. That is, the guide tube 5 is bendable in such a way that the central axis of the guide tube 5 (the central axis of the cylinder of the guide tube 5) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide tube 5 is curved.

[0030] The first stopper 7 is composed of a single short cylindrical body (see Figure 1(b), etc.). The guide tube 5 (guide tube with stopper) on which the first stopper 7 is provided is formed in a cylindrical shape that is slightly longer than the guide tube 5 due to the provision of the first stopper 7, and is partially or entirely bendable. The first stopper 7 is installed, for example, at the tip of the guide tube 5 (one end in the longitudinal direction).

[0031] When the stoppered guide pipe 5 is installed inside the drain pipe 1, the stoppered guide pipe 5 extends along the longitudinal direction of the drain pipe 1. Furthermore, the stoppered guide pipe 5 is installed, for example, at the curved section 11 of the drain pipe 1 (see Figures 5 to 10).

[0032] As shown in Figure 8, the hose 3 installed inside the drain pipe 1 extends along the longitudinal direction of the drain pipe 1. Furthermore, when the stoppered guide pipe 5 is installed inside the drain pipe 1, the hose 3 in the part of the drain pipe 1 where the stoppered guide pipe 5 is installed is as follows: That is, the hose 3 installed inside the drain pipe 1 passes through the cylindrical stoppered guide pipe 5 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the stoppered guide pipe 5.

[0033] The method for installing a guide pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a step of installing a hose inside the guide pipe and a step of moving the guide pipe.

[0034] The process of installing the hose inside the guide pipe is performed by moving the hose 3, with the propulsion nozzle and stopper already installed, in the direction indicated by the arrow relative to the guide pipe 5 with the stopper, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the process of installing the hose inside the guide pipe involves installing the hose 3, with the propulsion nozzle and stopper already installed, into the guide pipe 5 with the stopper. At this time, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the propulsion nozzle 17 of the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper already installed is located on one side (the tip side) with the first stopper 7 in between. In addition, the process of installing the hose inside the guide pipe involves installing the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper already installed into the guide pipe 5 with the stopper so that the first stopper 7 is located on the other side (the rear side) with the first stopper 7 in between.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1(a), etc., in the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper installed, a propulsion nozzle 17 capable of passing through the first stopper 7 is integrally installed at one end (tip) in the longitudinal direction. In addition, in the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper installed, a second stopper (hose-side stopper) 19 that cannot pass through the first stopper 7 is integrally installed at a distance from the propulsion nozzle 17 (for example, nearby).

[0036] One end of the hose 3 in the longitudinal direction is designated as the tip, one end of the guide tube 5 with stopper in the longitudinal direction is designated as the tip, and the other end of the guide tube 5 with stopper in the longitudinal direction is designated as the rear end. In the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper installed, a fluid 21 that has flowed through the hose 3 and whose pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure (for example, a liquid such as tap water) is ejected from the propulsion nozzle 17. Note that a gas such as air can also be used as the fluid. When the tap water 21 is ejected from the propulsion nozzle 17, the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper installed moves toward the tip due to the reaction force of the ejection of the tap water 21 (see arrow A1 in Figure 2(a)). The first stopper 7 is provided on the guide tube 5, for example, at the tip.

[0037] The process of installing the hose inside the guide pipe is performed, for example, when the guide pipe 5 with a stopper and the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper installed are outside the drain pipe 1 (see Figure 3).

[0038] In the state after the guide pipe hose installation process has been performed, hose 3 has passed through the stoppered guide pipe 5, and the propulsion nozzle 17 is outside the stoppered guide pipe 5 from its leading end. Also, in the state after the guide pipe hose installation process has been performed, hose 3 extends outside the stoppered guide pipe 5 from its rear end, and the second stopper 19 is located, for example, inside the guide pipe (see Figures 2, 4, etc.).

[0039] In other words, when the guide pipe hose installation process is performed, the propulsion nozzle 17 is located on one side (the tip side) of the first stopper 7, and the second stopper 19 is located on the other side (the rear end side) of the first stopper 7 (see Figure 2).

[0040] The guide pipe movement process is performed after the guide pipe hose installation process, in which the propulsion nozzle and stopper-equipped hose 3 are installed in the guide pipe 5 with a stopper.

[0041] In the guide pipe movement process, the propulsion nozzle 17 is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the first opening (for example, the upper opening) 23 of the drain pipe 1 (see Figure 4), and tap water 21 is sprayed from the propulsion nozzle 17 (see Figure 2). Also in the guide pipe movement process, the reaction force from the spraying of the tap water 21 moves the guide pipe 5 with a stopper to a predetermined location (a predetermined position; for example, at the curved section 11) inside the drain pipe 1 (see Figure 5).

[0042] During the guide pipe movement process, the reaction force from the jet of tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17 causes the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper installed to move inside the drain pipe 1, at which point the second stopper 19 comes into contact with the first stopper 7 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0043] Then, the second stopper 19 pushes the first stopper 7 toward the tip. Furthermore, the guide pipe 5 is pulled by the first stopper 7 and moves inside the drain pipe 1. After the guide pipe movement process is completed, the injection of tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17 is stopped.

[0044] Incidentally, the guide pipe movement process may be modified as follows: In the guide pipe movement process, a gas (for example, air) 21 may be injected from the propulsion nozzle 17, and the reaction force from this injection may move the guide pipe 5, which is equipped with the first stopper 7, to a predetermined part 11 inside the drain pipe 1.

[0045] To explain further, in the guide pipe installation process, in the guide pipe hose installation process, a hose 3 equipped with a propulsion nozzle 17 and a second stopper 19 is installed in the guide pipe 5, which is equipped with a first stopper 7. After this, the propulsion nozzle 17 is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. After this, for example, air 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17, and the reaction force from this injection moves the guide pipe 5, which is equipped with the first stopper 7, to a predetermined part 11 inside the drain pipe 1.

[0046] The drain pipe 1 is composed of a vertical pipe 15 and an extension vent pipe (13A (see Figure 4, etc.)) which is connected to the vertical pipe 15 and extends from the upper end of the vertical pipe 15.

[0047] In the guide pipe movement process, the propulsion nozzle 17 injects air at least within the extension vent pipe 13A, and the reaction force from this injection moves the guide pipe 5, which is equipped with the first stopper 7, to a predetermined location 11 within the drain pipe 1.

[0048] The drainpipe 1 is composed of a vertical pipe 15 through which wastewater flows, and an extension vent pipe (upper straight section) 13A that is connected to the vertical pipe 15 and extends from the upper end of the vertical pipe 15. The upper straight section 13A is an air passage, and wastewater does not flow through the upper straight section 13A. In Figure 4, the upper straight section 13A extends horizontally, but in some cases the upper straight section 13A extends diagonally to the horizontal. The guide pipe 5 is installed, for example, at a curved section 11A located at the boundary between the extension vent pipe 13A and the vertical pipe 15 of the drainpipe 1.

[0049] In this way, during the guide pipe movement process, air 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17 within the extension vent pipe 13A, causing the guide pipe 5 to move to a predetermined location 11A within the drain pipe 1. This allows the propulsion nozzle 17 to move and the guide pipe 5 to a predetermined location 11A within the drain pipe 1, even when the extension vent pipe (upper straight section) 13A extends horizontally and gravity alone would not move the propulsion nozzle 17. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to unnecessarily inject liquid within the extension vent pipe 13A, where drainage is not expected to flow, thus preventing problems such as water or other liquids leaking outside the extension vent pipe 13A.

[0050] Next, a method for cleaning a drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The drain pipe cleaning method comprises a stopper removal step, a propulsion nozzle movement step, a nozzle replacement / stopper installation step, and a drain pipe cleaning step.

[0051] The stopper removal process is performed after the guide pipe movement process has moved the guide pipe 5 with the stopper to a predetermined location 11 inside the drain pipe 1. In the stopper removal process, the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper installed is pulled out of the drain pipe 1 until the second stopper 19 is outside the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1, and the second stopper 19 is removed from the hose 3 (see Figure 6).

[0052] To explain further, after the guide pipe movement process is performed, in the stopper removal process, the portion of the hose 3 extending outside the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 is first pulled. Even if the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle and stopper installed is pulled out of the drain pipe 1 in the stopper removal process, the guide pipe 5 with the stopper remains inside the drain pipe 1 because of the large frictional force between the guide pipe 5 and the drain pipe 1 (see Figure 6).

[0053] When the second stopper 19 is removed in the stopper removal process, the propulsion nozzle 17 and the portion of the hose 3 near the propulsion nozzle 17 are outside the drain pipe 1. However, when the second stopper 19 is removed in the stopper removal process, the propulsion nozzle 17 and the portion of the hose 3 near the propulsion nozzle 17 may be inside the drain pipe 1. Furthermore, when the second stopper 19 is removed in the stopper removal process, the propulsion nozzle 17 and the portion of the hose 3 near the propulsion nozzle 17 may be inside the stoppered guide pipe 5 installed at a predetermined location 11 inside the drain pipe 1.

[0054] To explain further, in Figures 5 and 6, the length of the hose 3 between the propulsion nozzle 17 and the second stopper 19 is short, approximately the length of the cylinder of the first stopper 7. However, the length of the hose 3 between the propulsion nozzle 17 and the second stopper 19 may be made longer. That is, the second stopper 19 may be placed far away from the propulsion nozzle 17 and positioned on the hose 3. In this case, in the state shown in Figure 5, the propulsion nozzle 17 will be positioned far away from the first stopper 7 and below the first stopper 7. The propulsion nozzle 17 will be positioned a predetermined distance away from the first stopper 7 and below the first stopper 7.

[0055] Furthermore, when the second stopper 19 is removed from the hose 3 during the stopper removal process, the propulsion nozzle 17 may be positioned slightly away from the first stopper 7 and below the first stopper 7, as shown in Figure 6. In this case, naturally, the hose 3 extends both inside the drain pipe 1 through the guide pipe 5 with the stopper, and also extends outside the drain pipe 1.

[0056] The propulsion nozzle relocation process is performed after the second stopper 19 is removed in the stopper removal process. In the propulsion nozzle relocation process, the propulsion nozzle 17 of the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle installed and the portion of the hose 3 near the propulsion nozzle 17 are inserted into the stoppered guide pipe 5 inside the drain pipe 1 (see Figure 7). This insertion is performed through the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. The hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle installed is the hose 3 from which the second stopper 19 has been removed and the propulsion nozzle 17 has been installed.

[0057] During the propulsion nozzle movement process, tap water 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17. During the propulsion nozzle movement process, the hose 3 is moved inside the drain pipe 1 and the guide pipe 5 with a stopper until the propulsion nozzle 17 reaches the second opening (for example, the lower opening) 25 of the drain pipe 1, due to the reaction force from the injection or gravity. After the propulsion nozzle movement process is completed, the injection of tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17 is stopped.

[0058] To explain further, in the propulsion nozzle movement process, when gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle 17 does not cause the propulsion nozzle 17 to move, fluid 21 is ejected from the propulsion nozzle 17. The reaction force from this ejection is then used to move the propulsion nozzle 17. On the other hand, when gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle 17 causes the propulsion nozzle 17 to move, the ejection of fluid 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17 is stopped, and gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle 17 is used to move the propulsion nozzle 17. For example, when the propulsion nozzle 17 is inside the vertical pipe 15, the ejection of fluid 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17 is stopped, and gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle 17 is used to move the propulsion nozzle 17 downwards.

[0059] The propulsion nozzle movement process will be explained further. As shown in Figure 4, etc., we will describe an embodiment in which the propulsion nozzle 17 does not move within the extension vent pipe 13A unless fluid 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17, such as when the extension vent pipe 13A is extended horizontally. In this embodiment, fluid 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17 so that the propulsion nozzle 17 moves within the extension vent pipe 13A. After this, when the propulsion nozzle 17 is located inside the vertical pipe 15, the injection of fluid 21 is stopped. Then, gravity acts on the propulsion nozzle 17 so that it moves until it reaches the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1 (for example, the lower end of the vertical pipe 15).

[0060] As a result, the propulsion nozzle 17 no longer sprays fluid 21 inside the vertical pipe 15, and the spraying of fluid 21 by the propulsion nozzle 17 virtually eliminates the detachment of dirt adhering to the inner wall surface of the vertical pipe 15. This prevents the lower part of the vertical pipe 15 from becoming clogged with dirt detached from the upper part.

[0061] Incidentally, the propulsion nozzle 17 may also have the function of a cleaning nozzle 27 (a cleaning function inside the drain pipe 1). The propulsion nozzle movement process in this embodiment is shown below.

[0062] The propulsion nozzle movement process is performed after the second stopper 19 is removed in the stopper removal process, with the propulsion nozzle 17 of the hose 3, to which the propulsion nozzle 17 is installed, inside the drain pipe 1. In the propulsion nozzle movement process, when gravity does not move the propulsion nozzle 17, fluid 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17. Then, using the reaction force from the injection, the propulsion nozzle 17 is moved until it reaches the lower end of the drain pipe 1 (the lower end of the vertical pipe 15). On the other hand, when gravity moves the propulsion nozzle 17, the injection of fluid 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17 is stopped. Then, using gravity, the propulsion nozzle 17 is moved until it reaches the lower end of the drain pipe 1 (the lower end of the vertical pipe 15). After this, the inside of the drain pipe 1 is cleaned in the drain pipe cleaning process.

[0063] In this way, by giving the propulsion nozzle 17 the function of a cleaning nozzle 27, the inside of the drain pipe 1 can be cleaned without using the second opening 25, or even if the second opening 25 is not provided, without replacing the propulsion nozzle 17.

[0064] The nozzle replacement and stopper installation process is performed after the propulsion nozzle 17 has been moved in the propulsion nozzle movement process until it reaches the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1.

[0065] In the nozzle replacement and stopper installation process, the propulsion nozzle 17 and the portion of the hose 3 near the propulsion nozzle 17 are pulled out from the lower opening 25 of the drain pipe 1, and the cleaning nozzle 27 is integrally installed on the hose 3 in place of the propulsion nozzle 17. In addition, in the nozzle replacement and stopper installation process, a second stopper 19 is installed near the cleaning nozzle 27 that prevents it from passing through the first stopper 7 (see Figure 8).

[0066] The drain pipe cleaning process is performed after the cleaning nozzle 27 and the second stopper 19 are installed in the hose 3 during the nozzle replacement and stopper installation process. The drain pipe cleaning process is performed after returning the cleaning nozzle 27 and the second stopper 19 to the drain pipe 1, with the second stopper 19 and the cleaning nozzle 27 inside the drain pipe 1 near the lower opening 25 or at the lower end of the vertical pipe 15.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, in the drain pipe cleaning process, cleaning liquid (for example, tap water) 24 is discharged from the cleaning nozzle 27. While this discharge is occurring, the hose (hose with cleaning nozzle and stopper installed) 3, to which the cleaning nozzle 27 and the second stopper 19 are installed, moves within the drain pipe 1. In the drain pipe cleaning process, the inside of the drain pipe 1 (the inner surface of the drain pipe 1) is cleaned. With this movement, the cleaning nozzle 27 moves from the bottom to the top within the vertical pipe 15.

[0068] In the drain pipe cleaning process, for example, the hose 3, which has the cleaning nozzle and stopper installed, is moved by pulling the portion of the hose 3 that extends from the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 outside the drain pipe 1.

[0069] In the drain pipe cleaning process, the discharge of cleaning liquid 24 from the cleaning nozzle 27 is such that, for example, the cleaning nozzle 27 reaches the upper end of the vertical pipe 15 or the vicinity of the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1.

[0070] During the drainpipe cleaning process, as the cleaning nozzle and stopper-equipped hose 3 is moved, the second stopper 19 comes into contact with the first stopper 7 (see Figure 10). As the cleaning nozzle and stopper-equipped hose 3 is moved further, the second stopper 19 pushes against the first stopper 7. The stopper-equipped guide pipe 5 is then pulled by the hose 3, causing the stopper-equipped guide pipe 5 to move inside the drainpipe 1 toward the upper opening 23 of the drainpipe 1. Furthermore, the stopper-equipped guide pipe 5 and the cleaning nozzle and stopper-equipped hose 3 pass through the upper opening 23 of the drainpipe 1 and exit the drainpipe 1 (see Figure 11).

[0071] Furthermore, in the method of installing the guide pipe, after the drain pipe cleaning process is performed, the second stopper 19 is removed from the hose 3 as shown in Figure 12, and the hose 3 is pulled out from the guide pipe 5 with the stopper as shown in Figure 13.

[0072] By the way, the nozzle replacement and stopper installation step in the drain pipe cleaning method using the guide pipe installation method according to the first embodiment described above may be replaced with a nozzle replacement step, and the drain pipe cleaning step may be modified as follows. In this case, the cleaning nozzle 27 is assumed to have the function of a second stopper 19 (it is impossible to pass through the first stopper 7, and it comes into contact with the first stopper 7 and moves the first stopper 7 and the guide pipe 5).

[0073] The nozzle replacement process is performed after the propulsion nozzle 17 has been moved in the propulsion nozzle movement process until it reaches the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1. In the nozzle replacement process, a cleaning nozzle 27 is installed in hose 3 in place of the propulsion nozzle 17. The modified drain pipe cleaning process is performed after the cleaning nozzle 27 has been installed in the nozzle replacement process. In the modified drain pipe cleaning process, with the cleaning nozzle 27 inside the drain pipe 1, cleaning liquid 24 is discharged from the cleaning nozzle 27 while the hose 3 to which the cleaning nozzle 27 is installed is moved inside the drain pipe 1 to clean the inside of the drain pipe 1.

[0074] Here, the method for installing the guide pipe and the method for cleaning the drain pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail. The drain pipe 1 is installed in a building (not shown) with multiple floors, such as an apartment building. In the drain pipe 1, as shown in Figure 3, for example, the upper straight section 13 (13A), the upper curved section 11 (11A), the vertical pipe 15, the lower curved section 11 (11B), and the lower straight section 13 (13B) are connected in this order. The curved section 11 is formed like an elbow and changes the extension direction of the drain pipe 1 by, for example, 90°. In Figure 3, for example, the upper straight section 13A and the lower curved section 11B extend in the X direction, but at least one of the upper straight section 13A and the lower curved section 11B may extend in the Y direction.

[0075] In drainpipe 1, the end of the upper straight section 13A forms the upper opening 23. The lower opening 25 is located in the lower straight section 13B near the lower curved section 11B. The lower opening 25 is covered and closed by a plug 26.

[0076] As shown in Figures 3 and 33, the guide tube 5 is composed of multiple rigid, low-profile, annular heads 303, which are connected such that their inner spaces 305 are interconnected. In addition, the guide tube 5 is designed so that one of two adjacent heads 303 can change its orientation within a predetermined range relative to the other head 303.

[0077] A friction-reducing material 307 is provided on the inside of the head 303. When the hose 3 moves along its longitudinal direction relative to the guide pipe 5 (head 303), the hose 3 is in contact with the friction-reducing material 307. As described above, the friction-reducing material 307 is passed inside the guide pipe 5, but it is provided to reduce the frictional resistance when the hose moves along its longitudinal direction relative to the guide pipe 5.

[0078] Furthermore, the guide tube 5 is configured to include multiple low-profile, annular heads 303 with the rigidity described above, as well as multiple low-profile, rigid necks 309 (see Figure 33, etc.). Each head 303 is formed in a cylindrical or tubular shape with a small length (small dimension in the extension direction of the central axis C1), as shown in Figures 34, 35, etc. Each neck 309 is also formed in a cylindrical or tubular shape with a small length (small dimension in the extension direction of the central axis C2), similar to each head 303, as shown in Figure 41, etc.

[0079] However, the outer diameter of the head 303 is larger than the outer diameter of the neck 309. Also, the inner diameter of the friction-reducing material 307 located inside the head 303 is smaller than the inner diameter of the neck 309. As a result, the hose 3 passed through the inside of the guide tube 5 rarely comes into contact with the neck 309.

[0080] Multiple heads 303 and multiple necks 309 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction such that their inner spaces 305 and 311 are connected, and adjacent heads 303 and necks 309 are loosely fitted together. In other words, multiple heads 303 and multiple necks 309 are arranged alternately in the direction of extension of the central axis of the elongated guide tube 5, such that their inner spaces 305 and 311 are connected to form a single elongated space 313.

[0081] As described above, a friction-reducing material 307 is provided on the inside of the head portion 303, but no friction-reducing material like the friction-reducing material 307 is provided on the neck portion 309. However, if there is a risk that the hose 3 described above may come into contact with the neck portion 309, a friction-reducing material like the friction-reducing material 307 may be provided on the inside of the neck portion 309. Furthermore, the head portion 303 and the neck portion 309 are made of metal or a hard synthetic resin.

[0082] For the sake of explanation, let us define the direction of extension of the central axis C1 of one head 303 and the central axis C2 of one neck 309 that constitute the guide tube 5 as the W direction. Let us define a predetermined direction perpendicular to this W direction as the U direction, and let us define the direction perpendicular to both the W and U directions as the V direction. Let us assume that the guide tube 5 extends in a straight line without bending. In this case, each of the central axes C1 of the multiple heads 303 and each of the central axes C2 of the multiple necks 309 extend in the same direction (for example, the W direction), and thus exist, for example, on a single straight line.

[0083] In the guide tube 5, the heads 303 and necks 309 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction (W direction), such as head 303, neck 309, head 303, neck 309, head 303, ..., head 303. The guide tube 5 is formed in a tubular shape with a certain length.

[0084] The state in which adjacent heads 303 and necks 309 are loosely fitted together is defined as the head-neck loose-fitting state. In the guide tube 5 in the head-neck loose-fitting state, one end of the neck 309 in the extension direction (W direction) of the central axis C2 is inserted into one end of the head 303 in the extension direction (W direction) of the central axis C1. In the head-neck loose-fitting state, if the head 303 is considered fixed, the neck 309 can move (translate) within a predetermined range relative to the fixed head 303, and the neck 309 can also change its orientation within a predetermined range.

[0085] Let me explain in more detail. In the loosely fitted head and neck position, the neck 309 can move slightly in the W direction, slightly in the U direction, and slightly in the V direction relative to the fixed head 303. In the loosely fitted head and neck position, the neck 309 can rotate around the C axis, slightly around the A axis, and slightly around the B axis relative to the fixed head 303. The C axis is a predetermined axis extending in the W direction, the A axis is a predetermined axis extending in the U direction, and the B axis is a predetermined axis extending in the V direction. Note that the A, B, and C axes are not shown in the diagram.

[0086] In the guide tube 5, a loose fit is formed at the head and neck portions, causing the entire guide tube 5 (the central axis of the guide tube 5) to bend until it forms at least a 1 / 4 arc shape (see Figure 5, etc.). In other words, the guide tube 5 bends until the central axis of the head 303 at the other end of the guide tube 5 in the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the central axis of the head 303 at one end of the guide tube 5 in the longitudinal direction.

[0087] Although the central axis of the guide tube 5, which is bent in a 1 / 4 arc shape, lies within a single plane (the plane of paper in Figure 32), the central axis of the guide tube 5, which is bent in a 1 / 4 arc shape, may also be bent in a three-dimensional manner.

[0088] The friction-reducing material 307 is configured to engage with the hose 3 in a rolling pair when the hose 3, which is passed inside the guide tube 5, moves along the guide tube 5 while in contact with the friction-reducing material 307 in its longitudinal direction.

[0089] Here, we will explain the guide tube 5 in more detail. One of the heads 303 that make up the guide tube 5 is formed in an annular shape as shown in Figure 34, etc., by integrally joining two semi-circular head components 315 (see Figures 37 and 38) using fasteners such as bolts (not shown).

[0090] The head 303 consists of a first head 303A (see Figures 35 and 36) positioned in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the guide tube 5, and a second head 303B (see Figures 39 and 40) positioned at the longitudinal end of the guide tube 5. Inside the ring of the first head 303A, as shown in Figure 36, there is a neck engagement portion 317 into which the neck portion 309 engages, and a friction reduction material installation portion 319 for installing the friction reduction material 307.

[0091] The first head 303A has two neck engagement portions 317, and the first head 303A has one friction-reducing material installation portion 319. In the first head 303A, the neck engagement portion 317, friction-reducing material installation portion 319, and neck engagement portion 317 are arranged in this order from one end in the W direction to the other end.

[0092] The neck engagement portion 317 is composed of an outer portion 321 formed in a low cylindrical (thick-walled disc-shaped) space and an inner portion 323 formed in a low cylindrical (thick-walled disc-shaped) space. The outer portion 321 is provided at the end of the first head portion 303A in the W direction, and the inner portion 323 is provided between the outer portion 321 and the friction reduction material installation portion 319 in the W direction. The central axes of the outer portion 321 and the inner portion 323 coincide with each other and also coincide with the central axis C1 of the head portion 303.

[0093] The inner diameter of the inner portion 323 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the outer portion 321. The dimension of the inner portion 323 in the W direction (height dimension) is larger than the dimension of the inner portion 323 in the W direction. As can be seen from Figures 36 and 40, the end face of the head 303 has its protrusion rounded into an arc. Furthermore, upon closer examination of the arc, the radius of curvature of the arc is large towards the center in the W direction and gradually decreases towards the end in the W direction.

[0094] As shown in Figure 36, the friction-reducing material 307 comprises a cylindrical shaft member 325 made of, for example, metal, and a thick-walled cylindrical roller member 327 made of, for example, metal or a hard synthetic resin. The synthetic resin can be, for example, a synthetic resin impregnated with a friction-reducing material such as oil.

[0095] In the friction-reducing material 307, the shaft member 325 passes through the hole in the roller member 327, and both ends of the shaft member 325 in the longitudinal direction (the height direction of the cylinder) protrude from the roller member 327 by a predetermined length. When the shaft member 325 passes through the hole in the roller member 327, the roller member 327 can rotate around the shaft member 325 as the center of rotation without any play.

[0096] The roller member / shaft member assembly 329 is formed by one shaft member 325 passing through the hole of one roller member 327. A single first head 303A is provided with multiple (for example, four) roller member / shaft member assemblies 329.

[0097] Since multiple roller member / shaft member assemblies 329 (for example, four) are provided, multiple friction-reducing material installation sections 319 (for example, four) are also provided. That is, one roller member / shaft member assembly 329 is provided in each friction-reducing material installation section 319.

[0098] As shown in Figure 38, one friction-reducing material installation section 319 is composed of a pair of planar sections 331 that are parallel to each other, and a pair of shaft member holding holes 333 that are opened from each of the pair of planar sections 331 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the pair of planar sections 331.

[0099] The state in which one roller member / shaft member assembly 329 is installed in one friction-reducing material installation section 319 is defined as the roller member / shaft member assembly installation state. In the roller member / shaft member assembly installation state, one of the shaft member holding holes 333 of the pair of shaft member holding holes 333 has a portion of the shaft member 325 of the roller member / shaft member assembly 329 that protrudes from the roller member 327.

[0100] Furthermore, in the installed state of the roller member / shaft member assembly, the portion of the other shaft member 325 protruding from the roller member 327 of the roller member / shaft member assembly 329 is fitted into the other shaft member holding hole 333 of the pair of shaft member holding holes 333. In addition, in the installed state of the roller member / shaft member assembly, the roller member 327 of the roller member / shaft member assembly 329 is positioned between the pair of planar portions 331. As a result, the roller member 327 rotates only approximately around its central axis relative to the first head portion 303A.

[0101] When viewed in the W direction, with multiple roller member / shaft member assemblies 329 installed in each of the multiple friction-reducing material installation sections 319, a regular polygonal space (for example, a square) 313 through which the hose 3 passes is formed, as shown in Figure 34. The sides of the square are formed by the generatrix of the multiple roller members 327 that is closest to the central axis C1 of the first head 303A. Furthermore, the length of the diagonal of the square is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner portion 323 of the neck engagement section 317. The length of one side of the square may also be smaller than the inner diameter of the inner portion 323 of the neck engagement section 317.

[0102] Furthermore, the first head portion 303A is provided with a projection 335 that slightly protrudes from the outer circumference of the first head portion 303A. Multiple projections 335 (for example, three) are provided and are arranged, for example, to equally distribute around the outer circumference of the first head portion 303A. Since the projections 335 protrude only slightly, the first head portion 303A will not get caught on the inner surface of the curved portion 11 of the drain pipe 1, as shown in Figure 3, etc.

[0103] Each of the multiple protrusions 335 is provided with a small-diameter through-hole 337 for passing a small-diameter string-like material (control wire) (not shown). The small-diameter string-like material is passed through the through-hole 337 and extended to the outside of the drain pipe 1. This makes it possible to change the orientation of the first head 303A inside the drain pipe 1 by appropriately pulling the small-diameter string-like material from outside the drain pipe 1.

[0104] By the way, in the above description, the friction-reducing material 307 is made up of roller members 327, etc., but the friction-reducing material 307 may also be made up of an annular member (not shown). The annular member is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as fluororesin. Alternatively, the annular member may be made of a synthetic resin impregnated with a friction-reducing material such as oil.

[0105] In the second head 303B, one of the two neck engagement portions 317 is a flexible pipe installation portion 339 where the flexible pipe 29 (the longitudinal end of the flexible pipe 29) shown in Figure 27(a) is installed. This is the only difference between the second head 303B and the first head 303A; in other respects, it is configured similarly to the first head 303A. As shown in Figure 40, etc., in the second head 303B, the flexible pipe installation portion 339, the friction reduction material installation portion 319, and the neck engagement portion 317 are arranged in this order from one end to the other in the W direction.

[0106] The flexible pipe installation section 339 is composed of large-diameter sections 341, which are low-profile cylindrical (thick-walled disc-shaped) spaces, and small-diameter sections 343, which are low-profile cylindrical (thick-walled disc-shaped) spaces, arranged alternately in the W direction.

[0107] As shown in Figure 27(a), the flexible pipe 29 is composed of alternating large-diameter sections 31, which are low-profile cylindrical shapes with a large outer diameter, and large small-diameter sections 33, which are low-profile cylindrical shapes with a small outer diameter. In the flexible pipe 29, adjacent large-diameter sections 31 and small-diameter sections 33 are connected by ring-shaped sections (perforated disc-shaped sections) 35. The wall thickness of the flexible pipe 29 is equal at all points along the pipe.

[0108] The flexible pipe installation state is defined as the state in which the longitudinal end of the flexible pipe 29 is installed in the flexible pipe installation section 339. In the flexible pipe installation state, the large-diameter portion 31 of the flexible pipe 29 is fitted into each of the large-diameter portions 341 of the flexible pipe installation section 339, and the small-diameter portion 33 of the flexible pipe 29 is fitted into each of the small-diameter portions 343 of the flexible pipe installation section 339. Furthermore, the longitudinal end of the flexible pipe 29 and the second head portion 303B are integrated.

[0109] In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the head 303 of the guide tube 5 consists only of a first head 303A, and as shown in Figure 1, the first stopper 7 is installed on the first head 303A at the tip. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, a second head 303B may be installed in place of the head 303A (303Aa) on the opposite side of the first head 303A where the first stopper 7 is installed, and the flexible tube 29 may be installed on this second head 303B. Alternatively, the first stopper 7 may be configured to allow the installation of the flexible tube 29.

[0110] As shown in Figure 27(a), an electrical conduit is used as the flexible pipe 29. Alternatively, the guide pipe 5 on which the flexible pipe 29 is installed may be used as the guide pipe, or the flexible pipe 29 alone may be used as the guide pipe.

[0111] As shown in Figure 41, the neck portion 309 is composed of a cylindrical (for example, cylindrical) neck body portion 345 and flange portions 347 which are formed, for example, in a disc shape and provided at each end of the neck body portion 345. The outer diameter of the flange portion 347 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner portion 323 of the neck engagement portion 317 of the head portion 303. The thickness (dimension in the W direction) of the flange portion 347 is slightly smaller than the dimension in the W direction of the inner portion 323. The outer diameter of the neck body portion 345 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer portion 321 of the neck engagement portion 317 of the head portion 303.

[0112] As shown in Figure 33, when the neck portion 309 is attached to the head portion 303, the flange portion 347 is in the inner portion 323, and the portion of the neck portion body 345 on the flange portion 347 side is in the outer portion 321. As a result, the adjacent head portion 303 and neck portion 309 are loosely fitted together.

[0113] Incidentally, when the space through which the hose 3 passes inside the friction-reducing material 307 is viewed in the W direction, it is square-shaped as described above (see Figure 34). However, when two adjacent heads 303 are viewed in the W direction, the other head 303 rotates around the C axis relative to the other head 303. As a result, when two adjacent heads 303 are viewed in the W direction, for example, the square may become a regular octagon. This prevents the friction-reducing material 307 from getting caught on the heads 303 of the hose 3.

[0114] The first stopper 7 is made of metal or a highly rigid synthetic resin. The first stopper 7 is also made up of a cylindrical body portion 37, ring-shaped flange portions 39 provided at both ends of the body portion 37, and protruding portions 41 that protrude from the inner surface of the body portion 37, as shown in Figure 1(b), etc.

[0115] Multiple (for example, three) protrusions 41 of the first stopper 7 are provided and are positioned to equally distribute the circumference of the inner surface of the main body 37 (see Figure 1(c)).

[0116] As shown in Figure 1(a), the propulsion nozzle 17 is installed at the end of the hose 3 by a fitting 43 provided at the end of the hose 3. Furthermore, the propulsion nozzle 17 is detachable from the hose 3 by the fitting 43. In other words, the propulsion nozzle 17 can be easily installed on the hose 3 and easily removed from the hose 3. The cleaning nozzle 27 is also detachable from the hose 3 by the fitting 43.

[0117] The propulsion nozzle 17 is provided with multiple injection holes 45 for injecting tap water 21. The multiple injection holes 45 are positioned to equally distribute the water around the circumference of the propulsion nozzle 17 (see Figure 1(d)). As shown in Figure 2(a), the tap water 21 injected from the injection holes 45 is directed towards the rear of the propulsion nozzle 17. This causes the propulsion nozzle 17 and the hose 3 to move forward (see arrow A1).

[0118] The second stopper 19 is also made of metal or a highly rigid synthetic resin. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 14, and 15, the second stopper 19 is formed, for example, in the shape of a spheroid. The second stopper 19 is provided with a cylindrical through-hole 47 through which the hose 3 passes. The through-hole 47 is provided in the second stopper 19 such that its central axis coincides with the major axis of the spheroid. The inner diameter of the through-hole 47 is equal to the outer diameter of the hose 3, slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the hose 3, or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hose 3.

[0119] A cavity 49 is provided in the center of the second stopper 19, and the through hole 47 is connected to the cavity 49. The second stopper 19 is also divided into two components: the first component 51 and the second component 53. The division between the first component 51 and the second component 53 is made at a dividing surface 55 which is formed by a plane containing the major axis of the ellipsoid (see Figures 15 and 16).

[0120] A cylindrical projection 59, on which a female screw 57 is provided, is provided in the center of the hollow portion 49 of the first component 51. The projection 59 protrudes from the center of the hollow portion 49 of the first component 51 toward the second component 53, beyond the dividing surface 55. The female screw 57 is provided at the tip of the projection 59.

[0121] A recess 61 is provided in the center of the cavity 49 of the second component 53. A through hole 65 into which a bolt 63 is inserted is provided in the center of the recess 61.

[0122] As shown in Figure 14(a), the first component 51 and the second component 53 are integrated by a bolt 63. In the second stopper 19 formed by the integration of the first component 51 and the second component 53, the tip of the projection 59 of the first component 51 fits into the recess 61 of the second component 53. In addition, in the second stopper 19, the male thread of the bolt 63 is screwed into the female thread 57 of the projection 59 of the second component 53.

[0123] With the second stopper 19 installed on the hose 3, the hose 3 passes through the through-hole 47. Also, with the second stopper 19 installed on the hose 3, the hose 3 is wrapped around the projection 59 within the cavity 49 (see Figure 16). As a result, the second stopper 19 and the hose 3 are integrated.

[0124] Alternatively, the second stopper 19 may be integrally installed on the hose 3 without wrapping the hose 3 around the projection 59 within the cavity 49. In this case, the cavity 49 and projection 59 are eliminated, and the inner diameter of the through-hole 47 is made slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the hose 3. When the second stopper 19 is installed on the hose 3, the hose 3 undergoes elastic deformation so that the outer diameter of the hose 3 becomes equal to the inner diameter of the through-hole 47.

[0125] The outer diameter D1 of the propulsion nozzle 17 shown in Figure 1 is smaller than the diameter D3 of circle 67 (the circle representing the inner diameter of the first stopper 7) shown by the dashed line in Figure 1(c). The outer diameter D2 of the second stopper 19 shown in Figure 1 is smaller than the diameter D3 of circle 67. As a result, the hose 3 and the propulsion nozzle 17 can move through the first stopper 7, but the second stopper 19 cannot move through the first stopper 7.

[0126] To explain further, the state shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) changes to the state shown in Figure 2(a). In the state shown in Figure 2(a), the second stopper 19 is in contact with the protruding portion 41 of the first stopper 7. The hose 3, on which the propulsion nozzle 17 and the second stopper 19 are installed, is prevented from moving relative to the guide pipe 5 on which the first stopper 7 is installed in the direction indicated by arrow A1 in Figure 2(a). In the state shown in Figure 2(a), if the propulsion nozzle 17 etc. moves in the direction indicated by arrow A1, the guide pipe 5 etc. will also move together.

[0127] In the guide pipe installation method, the guide pipe with stopper 5 and the propulsion nozzle / stopper-equipped hose 3 are installed in the guide pipe with stopper 5 during the guide pipe hose installation process. After this, in the guide pipe movement process, the propulsion nozzle 17 is inserted into the drain pipe 1 and tap water 21 is sprayed in, and the guide pipe with stopper 5 is moved to a predetermined location 11 inside the drain pipe 1 by the reaction force or gravity as described above. This makes it possible to easily and reliably install the guide pipe 5 at a predetermined location such as the curved section 11 of the drain pipe 1.

[0128] Furthermore, in the drain pipe cleaning method, with the guide pipe 5 installed, the cleaning liquid 24 is discharged from the cleaning nozzle 27 during the drain pipe cleaning process, while the hose 3 with the cleaning nozzle and stopper installed is moved inside the drain pipe 1 to clean the inside of the drain pipe 1. This reduces the frictional force generated between the drain pipe 1 and the hose 3 when the hose 3 is pulled and moved, allowing for efficient cleaning of the inside of the drain pipe 1.

[0129] [Second Embodiment] The method for installing a guide pipe according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 17 to 23, is a method for installing a guide pipe 5 inside a drain pipe 1 in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe 1 and a string-like body (rope, cable, etc.) 71 installed inside the drain pipe 1. The string-like body 71 is flexible, and the guide pipe 5 is provided with a first stopper 7. The hose 3 may also be included in the string-like body 71.

[0130] Furthermore, in the guide pipe installation method according to the second and subsequent embodiments of the present invention, the drain pipe 1, hose 3, guide pipe 5, first stopper 7, and second stopper (string-type stopper) 19, etc., are configured in the same way as those in the first embodiment of the present invention. Also, in the drain pipe cleaning method and hose installation method according to the second and subsequent embodiments of the present invention, the drain pipe 1, hose 3, guide pipe 5, stoppers 7, 19, etc., are configured in the same way as those in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] The method for installing a guide tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a string-like body installation step, a guide tube installation step, a first stopper installation step, and a guide tube movement step.

[0132] In the string-like body installation process, as shown in Figure 17, the weighted string-like body 71 is installed in the drain pipe 1 so that it passes through the first opening 23 and the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1. In the string-like body installation process, the weighted string-like body 71 is installed in the drain pipe 1 so that it extends inside the drain pipe 1 (the part of the drain pipe 1 between the upper opening 23 and the lower opening 25). The weighted string-like body 71 is a string-like body 71 with a weight 73 installed at its tip (one end in the longitudinal direction).

[0133] Furthermore, in the string-like body installation process, the weighted string-like body 71 is installed in the drain pipe 1 such that the weight 73 and the portion of the string-like body 71 near the weight 73 protrude outside the drain pipe 1 through the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1. In other words, once the string-like body 71 has been installed in the drain pipe 1 in the string-like body installation process, the string-like body 71 extends outside the drain pipe 1 from the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1.

[0134] The guide tube installation process is performed, for example, after the weighted string body 71 has been installed in the string body installation process. Alternatively, the guide tube installation process may be performed before the string body installation process or while the string body installation process is being performed.

[0135] In the guide pipe installation process, as shown in Figure 18, the upper extended portion of the string-like body is positioned so that the string-like body 71 passes through the guide pipe 5 with a stopper, thereby installing the guide pipe 5 with a stopper onto the string-like body 71. The upper extended portion of the string-like body is the portion of the string-like body 71 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 from the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. The guide pipe installation process is performed, for example, outside the drain pipe 1.

[0136] The first stopper installation step is performed after the guide pipe 5, which has the first stopper 7 installed in the guide pipe installation step, is installed on the string-like body 71. As shown in Figure 18, in the first stopper installation step, the string-like body side stopper (second stopper) 19, which cannot pass through the first stopper 7, is integrally installed on the string-like body 71. In addition, in the first stopper installation step, the second stopper 19 is integrally installed on the string-like body 71 on the opposite side (rear side) from the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 with the stoppered guide pipe 5 in between.

[0137] In the state after the string-side stopper 19 has been installed in the first stopper installation process, the string-side stopper 19, the guide pipe with stopper 5, and the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 are arranged in this order from the rear to the front of the string-side 71 (see Figure 18).

[0138] The guide pipe movement process is performed after the second stopper 19 is installed on the string-like body 71 in the first stopper installation process. In the guide pipe movement process, the guide pipe with the stopper is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. In the guide pipe movement process, the guide pipe with the stopper 5 is moved to a predetermined location (for example, a curved section 11) inside the drain pipe 1. This movement of the guide pipe with the stopper 5 is performed by pulling the weight 73 or string-like body 71 that is outside the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1 (see Figure 18).

[0139] During the guide pipe movement process, pulling the weight 73 or string-like body 71 causes the second stopper 19 to come into contact with the first stopper 7. The second stopper 19 then pushes the first stopper 7. Furthermore, the guide pipe 5 with the stopper is pulled by the first stopper 7 and moves inside the drain pipe 1.

[0140] Furthermore, the method for installing the guide pipe according to the second embodiment of the present invention is performed with the plug 26 that is blocking the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1 removed.

[0141] Next, a method for cleaning a drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The drain pipe cleaning method comprises a step of installing a cleaning nozzle, a drain pipe cleaning step, and a step of removing a string-shaped body side stopper.

[0142] The cleaning nozzle installation process is performed after the guide pipe with stopper 5 has been moved to a predetermined location (for example, a curved section) 11 inside the drain pipe 1 during the guide pipe movement process. In the cleaning nozzle installation process, a cleaning nozzle 27, from which a hose 3 for supplying cleaning fluid 24 extends, is installed on the string-like body 71 instead of the weight 73 (see Figure 19).

[0143] In the cleaning nozzle installation process, when the cleaning nozzle 27 is installed, the hose 3 extends from the cleaning nozzle 27 to the side opposite to the string-like body 71. Alternatively, in the cleaning nozzle installation process, the cleaning nozzle 27, from which the hose 3 extends, may also be installed on the weight 73 in addition to the weight 73.

[0144] The drainpipe cleaning process is performed after the cleaning nozzle 27 is installed on the string-like body 71 in the cleaning nozzle installation process. In the drainpipe cleaning process, the string-like body 71 is returned to the drainpipe 1, and the cleaning nozzle 27 and the portion of the hose 3 near the cleaning nozzle 27 are inserted into the drainpipe 1 through the second opening 25 of the drainpipe 1. The drainpipe cleaning process is performed with the cleaning nozzle 27 and the portion of the hose 3 near the cleaning nozzle 27 inside the drainpipe 1 near the second opening 25 or at the lower end of the vertical pipe 15.

[0145] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, in the drain pipe cleaning process, cleaning liquid (for example, tap water) 24 is discharged from the cleaning nozzle 27, and the cleaning nozzle 27 and hose 3 are moved inside the drain pipe 1 to clean the inside of the drain pipe 1 (the inner surface of the drain pipe 1). The movement of the cleaning nozzle 27 and hose 3 inside the drain pipe 1 is achieved by pulling the portion of the string-like body 71 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 from the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1.

[0146] In the drain pipe cleaning process, the discharge of cleaning liquid 24 from the cleaning nozzle 27 is such that, for example, the cleaning nozzle 27 reaches the guide pipe 5 with a stopper (the upper end of the vertical pipe 15). Alternatively, the discharge of cleaning liquid 24 may be such that the cleaning nozzle 27 reaches the vicinity of the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1.

[0147] The string-type stopper removal process is performed, for example, after the drain pipe cleaning process is completed. In the string-type stopper removal process, the string-type stopper 19, which is located outside the drain pipe 1, is removed from the string-type 71 (see Figure 21).

[0148] In the guide pipe installation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the second stopper 19 is installed in the first stopper installation step. After this, in the guide pipe moving step, the guide pipe 5 with the stopper is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. After this, the guide pipe 5 with the stopper is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe 1 by pulling the string-like body 71 that is outside the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1.

[0149] This allows the guide pipe 5 to be easily and reliably installed in a predetermined location 11, such as a curved section of the drain pipe 1.

[0150] In the drain pipe cleaning method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, during the drain pipe cleaning step, the cleaning nozzle 27 is moved inside the drain pipe 1 by pulling the portion of the string-like body 71 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 while discharging a cleaning liquid 24 from the cleaning nozzle 27. This cleans the inside of the drain pipe 1.

[0151] This reduces the frictional force generated between the drain pipe 1 and the string-like body 71 when the string-like body 71 is pulled and moved, allowing for efficient cleaning of the inside of the drain pipe 1.

[0152] Furthermore, the drain pipe cleaning method according to the second embodiment of the present invention further comprises a cleaning nozzle / string-like body pulling step, a second stopper installation step, and a guide pipe removal step.

[0153] The cleaning nozzle and string-like body extraction process is performed after the drain pipe cleaning process has cleaned the inside of the drain pipe 1. In the cleaning nozzle and string-like body extraction process, the cleaning nozzle 27 and the portion of the string-like body 71 near the cleaning nozzle 27 are pulled out of the drain pipe 1 through the second opening 25. This extraction is performed by pulling the portion of the hose 3 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 through the second opening 25.

[0154] The second stopper installation step is performed after the cleaning nozzle 27 and the portion of the string-like body 71 near the cleaning nozzle 27 have been pulled out of the drain pipe 1 in the cleaning nozzle / string-like body pulling step. In the second stopper installation step, as shown in Figure 21, the portion of the hose 3 extending from the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1 is pulled to pull out the cleaning nozzle 27 and the portion of the string-like body 71 near the cleaning nozzle 27 out of the drain pipe 1. Then, the second stopper 19 is installed on the string-like body 71 in place of the cleaning nozzle 27 (see Figure 22).

[0155] Furthermore, the cleaning nozzle 27 may also have the function of a second stopper 19 (a function that prevents it from passing through the first stopper 7, and instead contacts the first stopper 7, causing the first stopper 7 and the guide pipe 5 to move). In this case, the installation of the second stopper 19 described above becomes unnecessary. That is, the guide pipe 5 with the stopper can be moved out into the drain pipe 1 from the first opening 23 using the cleaning nozzle 27.

[0156] The guide pipe removal process is performed after the second stopper 19 is installed in the second stopper installation process. In the guide pipe removal process, the second stopper 19 is moved to contact the first stopper 7 installed on the guide pipe 5. In the guide pipe removal process, the guide pipe 5 with the stopper is removed from the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 to the outside of the drain pipe 1. The movement of the second stopper 19 is performed by pulling the part of the string-like body 71 that extends from the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 outside the drain pipe 1.

[0157] This allows the guide pipe 5, which is installed inside the drain pipe 1, to be easily removed from the drain pipe 1.

[0158] By the way, in the cleaning nozzle installation step of the guide pipe installation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a second stopper 19 that cannot pass through the first stopper 7 may be integrally installed near the cleaning nozzle 27 of the hose 3.

[0159] Furthermore, in the drain pipe cleaning process, after cleaning the inside of the drain pipe 1, the stoppered guide pipe 5, which is equipped with the first stopper 7, may be removed from the drain pipe 1 through the upper opening 23. The removal of the stoppered guide pipe 5 from the drain pipe 1 is done by further pulling the portion of the string-like body 71 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23.

[0160] This makes it even easier to remove the guide pipe 5, which is installed inside the drain pipe 1, from the drain pipe 1.

[0161] Furthermore, in the method for installing the guide tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a modification may be made in which a propulsion nozzle 17 is used instead of the weight 73 and a hose 3 is used as the string-like body 71.

[0162] This modified example will be explained in more detail. The method for installing the guide tube according to the modified example of the second embodiment comprises a propulsion nozzle installation step, a guide tube installation step, a first stopper installation step, and a guide tube movement step.

[0163] In the propulsion nozzle installation process, a propulsion nozzle 17 is installed at the tip of the hose (hose with the propulsion nozzle installed) 3 that constitutes the string-like body 71, and the tip of the hose and the propulsion nozzle 17 are inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. In the propulsion nozzle installation process, tap water 21 is sprayed from the propulsion nozzle 17, and the propulsion nozzle 17 and the hose 3 are moved until the propulsion nozzle 17 reaches the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1. After this, the spraying of tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17 is stopped.

[0164] As a result, in the propulsion nozzle installation process, the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle already installed is installed inside the drain pipe 1. When the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle already installed is installed inside the drain pipe 1, the hose 3 passes through the first opening 23 and the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1 and extends inside the drain pipe 1 (the portion of the drain pipe 1 between the upper opening 23 and the lower opening 25). Also, when the hose 3 with the propulsion nozzle already installed is installed inside the drain pipe 1, the propulsion nozzle 17 and the portion of the hose 3 near the propulsion nozzle 17 extend outside the drain pipe 1 through the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1.

[0165] The guide pipe installation process is performed, for example, after the propulsion nozzle-equipped hose 3 is installed in the propulsion nozzle installation process. However, the guide pipe installation process may also be performed before the propulsion nozzle installation process or while the propulsion nozzle installation process is being performed.

[0166] The guide pipe installation process is carried out so that the portion of the hose 3 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 from the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 passes through the guide pipe 5 with a stopper. In the guide pipe installation process, for example, the guide pipe 5 with a stopper is installed outside the drain pipe 1.

[0167] The first stopper installation step is performed after the guide pipe 5, which has the first stopper 7 installed, has been installed in the guide pipe installation step. In the first stopper installation step, the second stopper (hose-side stopper) 19, which cannot pass through the first stopper 7, is integrally installed on the string-like body 71 on the opposite side (rear side) of the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1, with the stopper-equipped guide pipe 5 in between.

[0168] In the state after the second stopper 19 has been installed in the first stopper installation process, the second stopper 19, the guide pipe with stopper 5, and the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 are arranged in this order from rear to front in the direction of extension of the hose 3.

[0169] The guide pipe movement process is performed after the second stopper 19 is installed in the first stopper installation process. In the guide pipe movement process, the guide pipe 5 with the stopper is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. In the guide pipe movement process, the guide pipe 5 with the stopper is moved to a predetermined location (for example, a curved section 11) inside the drain pipe 1. This movement is performed by pulling the weight 73 or string-like body 71 (hose 3) that is outside the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1.

[0170] Furthermore, during the guide pipe movement process, pulling the hose 3 or the propulsion nozzle 17 causes the second stopper 19 to come into contact with the first stopper 7. The second stopper 19 then pushes the first stopper 7. In addition, the guide pipe 5 is pulled by the first stopper 7 and moves inside the drain pipe 1.

[0171] This allows the guide pipe 5 to be easily and reliably installed at predetermined locations such as the curved portion 11 of the drain pipe 1.

[0172] [Third Embodiment] A method for cleaning drain pipes using the guide pipe installation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention (a method for cleaning drain pipes according to the third embodiment) will be described with reference to Figures 24 to 26.

[0173] A drain pipe cleaning method according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector installation step, a connector movement step, a second hose connection step, and a drain pipe cleaning step.

[0174] The connector installation step is performed in the guide pipe moving step of the guide pipe installation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, after the guide pipe 5 with stopper has been moved to a predetermined location (for example, a curved section 11) inside the drain pipe 1.

[0175] In the connector installation process, the connector 75 of the pre-installed connector, cleaning nozzle, and stopper hose 3 is installed on the string-like body 71 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 from the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1. As shown in Figure 24, the pre-installed connector, cleaning nozzle, and stopper hose 3 is a first hose 3 (3A) with the connector 75 installed at one end in the longitudinal direction. The pre-installed connector, cleaning nozzle, and stopper hose 3 is also a first hose 3 (3A) with the cleaning nozzle 27 installed at the other end in the longitudinal direction and the second stopper 19 installed in the middle of the longitudinal direction, near the cleaning nozzle 27.

[0176] In the connector installation process, the connector 75 is installed, for example, by replacing the weight 73 with the connector 75. The weight 73 may also have the function of the connector 75. The connector 75 is configured to have a string-like body 71 or a hose (first hose 3A, second hose 3B) attached to it. The second hose 3B is shown in Figure 25. For example, a commercially available hose connector is used as the connector 75. The string-like body 71 is attached to the connector 75 using a connector (not shown) provided at the end of the string-like body 71.

[0177] The connector relocation process is performed after the connector 75 has been installed in the connector installation process. In the connector relocation process, the connector 75 is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1 (see Figure 24). In the connector relocation process, the part of the string-like body 71 that is outside the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 is pulled to move the connector 75 out of the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 (see Figure 25).

[0178] In the state after the connector movement process is performed, as shown in Figure 25, the connector 75 is located near the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1, and the second stopper 19 and the cleaning nozzle 27 are located outside the drain pipe 1, for example, near the lower opening 25 of the drain pipe 1.

[0179] The second hose connection step is performed after the connector 75 has been moved outside the drain pipe 1 in the connector movement step, as shown in Figure 25. In the second hose connection step, the second hose 3 (3B), which supplies cleaning fluid 24 into the hose 3 via the connector 75, is connected to the connector 75.

[0180] The drain pipe cleaning process is performed after the second hose 3 (3B) is connected to the connector 75 in the second hose connection process. The drain pipe cleaning process is performed when the cleaning nozzle 27 and the second stopper 19 are inside the drain pipe 1 near the lower opening 25 or at the lower end of the vertical pipe 15.

[0181] In the drain pipe cleaning process, the cleaning nozzle 27 and the second stopper 19 are inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the second opening 25 of the drain pipe 1. Also in the drain pipe cleaning process, the cleaning liquid 24 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 27 using the second hose 3 (3B), the connector 75, and the first hose 3 (3A).

[0182] As shown in Figure 25, the cleaning nozzle 27 is moved while discharging cleaning fluid 24 from it, cleaning the inside of the drain pipe 1 (the inner surface of the drain pipe 1). The cleaning nozzle 27 is moved by pulling the second hose 3 (3B).

[0183] In the drain pipe cleaning process, the discharge of cleaning liquid 24 from the cleaning nozzle 27 is such that, for example, the cleaning nozzle 27 reaches the guide pipe 5 with a stopper. Alternatively, the discharge of cleaning liquid 24 may be such that the cleaning nozzle 27 reaches the vicinity of the upper opening 23 of the drain pipe 1.

[0184] In the drain pipe cleaning method according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the second hose 3(3B) is connected to the connector 75 in the second hose connection step. After this, the cleaning liquid 24 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 27 using the second hose 3(3B), the connector 75, and the first hose 3(3A). Then, while discharging the cleaning liquid 24 from the cleaning nozzle 27, the cleaning nozzle 27 is moved by pulling the second hose 3(3B) to clean the inside of the drain pipe 1.

[0185] This reduces the frictional force generated between the drain pipe 1 and the hose 3 when the hose 3 (3A, 3B) is moved, allowing for efficient cleaning of the inside of the drain pipe 1.

[0186] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a method for installing a guide pipe according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the method for installing a guide pipe according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a guide pipe 5a (see Figure 27(b)) is installed inside the drain pipe 1. The guide pipe 5(5a) is installed to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe 1 and the string-like body 71 (including the hose 3) installed inside the drain pipe 1. Note that the method for installing a guide pipe according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may also be used in the drain pipe cleaning method according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

[0187] As shown in Figure 27(b), for example, an electrical conduit is used as the guide tube 5a. The guide tube 5a is constructed in much the same way as the flexible tube 29 shown in Figure 27(a). However, the outer surface (circumferential surface) of the cylindrical guide tube 5a is provided with a spiral groove (spiral protrusion) 77. To explain further, the circumferential surface of the cylindrical guide tube 5a has a shape similar to the circumferential surface of a screw (male screw). Since the wall thickness of the cylindrical guide tube 5a is almost constant, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical guide tube 5a also has a shape similar to the circumferential surface of a screw (male screw). In Figure 27(b), the circumferential and inner surfaces of the cylindrical guide tube 5a have the shape of the circumferential surface of a square screw, but the circumferential and inner surfaces of the cylindrical guide tube 5a may have the shape of the circumferential surface of a trapezoidal screw or a triangular screw.

[0188] Furthermore, the shape of the flexible pipe installation portion 339 of the head portion 303B of the guide pipe 5 may be appropriately changed to allow the installation of a guide pipe 5a on the guide pipe 5, or the guide pipe 5 with the guide pipe 5a installed may be used as the guide pipe.

[0189] A guide pipe installation method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a guide pipe movement step. In the guide pipe movement step, one end (tip) of the guide pipe 5a is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. After insertion, the guide pipe 5a is rotated in one direction around its central axis as the center of rotation, thereby moving the guide pipe 5a to a predetermined location (for example, a curved section) 11 inside the drain pipe 1. The rotation of the guide pipe 5a is performed, for example, by applying force (rotational torque) to the portion of the guide pipe 5a that is outside the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1.

[0190] During the guide pipe movement process, the spiral projection 77 on the outer surface of the guide pipe 5a contacts the inner surface of the drain pipe 1 and rotates, thereby generating thrust that moves the guide pipe 5a. In other words, the guide pipe 5a moves relative to the drain pipe 1, as if the guide pipe 5a were a male thread and the drain pipe 1 were a female thread. However, although there is no female thread on the inner surface of the drain pipe 1, the frictional force generated between the guide pipe 5a and the drain pipe 1 causes the inner surface of the drain pipe 1 to function somewhat like a female thread.

[0191] In the guide pipe installation method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a spiral groove (spiral protrusion) 77 is provided on the outer surface of the guide pipe 5a. In the guide pipe moving step, one end of the guide pipe 5a is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the first opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. After this, the guide pipe 5a is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe 1 by rotating it in one direction with its central axis as the center of rotation.

[0192] This allows the guide pipe 5a to be easily and reliably installed at predetermined locations such as the curved portion 11 of the drain pipe 1.

[0193] Next, a method for installing a hose according to a further embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 28 to 32. This method for installing a hose may be used in the method for installing a guide pipe and the method for cleaning a drain pipe according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention. The method for installing a hose comprises a first propulsion nozzle moving step, a selection step, and a second propulsion nozzle moving step.

[0194] In the first propulsion nozzle movement step, a hose 3, which has a propulsion nozzle 17 at its tip, is inserted through the opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. After this, tap water 21 is sprayed from the propulsion nozzle 17, causing the propulsion nozzle 17 and the hose 3 to move away from the opening 23 within the drain pipe 1.

[0195] The selection process is performed when the propulsion nozzle 17 has moved to the branching point 79 of the drain pipe 1 during the propulsion nozzle movement process. In the selection process, a rotational torque is applied to the portion of the hose 3 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 from the opening 23 of the drain pipe 1, centered on the central axis of the cylindrical hose 3. In addition, the selection process uses this torque to change the orientation of the propulsion nozzle 17, causing the propulsion nozzle 17 to select one of the multiple sections of the drain pipe 1 extending from the branching point 79. When the selection process is being executed, for example, the injection of tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17 is stopped, or the amount of tap water 21 injected from the propulsion nozzle 17 is reduced, for example, to the point where the propulsion nozzle 17 moves at a very slow speed.

[0196] The second propulsion nozzle movement step is performed after the selection in the selection step. In the second propulsion nozzle movement step, tap water 21 is sprayed from the propulsion nozzle 17. This spraying causes the propulsion nozzle 17 and the hose 3 to move away from the opening 23 and the branching point 79 within the selected section of the drain pipe 1.

[0197] To explain in more detail with an example, as shown in Figures 31 and 32(a), the straight sections 9 of the drain pipe 1 are provided as a first horizontal straight section 13C, a second horizontal straight section 13D, a third horizontal straight section 13E, and a fourth horizontal straight section 13F. The curved sections 11 of the drain pipe 1 are provided as a first curved section 11C, a second curved section 11D, a third curved section 11E, and a fourth curved section 11F. The vertical sections 15 of the drain pipe 1 are provided as a first vertical section 15A, a second vertical section 15B, and a third vertical section 15C. The branching points 79 of the drain pipe 1 are provided as a first point 79A and a second point 79B. The first point 79A and the second point 79B are located in the middle of the second horizontal straight section 13D. The first horizontal linear section 13C, the third horizontal linear section 13E, and the fourth horizontal linear section 13F extend in the Y direction. The second horizontal linear section 13D extends in the X direction.

[0198] As shown in Figure 32(a), assume that in the first propulsion nozzle movement step, the propulsion nozzle 17 reaches location 79A. At this point, in the selection step, the propulsion nozzle 17 selects one of the multiple (two) drain pipes 1, sections 13D and 13E, that extend from the branching location 79A.

[0199] If section 13D is selected, in the second propulsion nozzle movement step, the propulsion nozzle 17 moves through section 13D of the drain pipe 1. If section 13E is selected, in the second propulsion nozzle movement step, the propulsion nozzle 17 moves through section 13E, the curved section 11E, and the vertical pipe 15A of the drain pipe 1 in that order.

[0200] The selection mechanism in the selection process will now be explained. As shown in Figure 32(b), the hose 3 extending from the propulsion nozzle 17 is not straight, as indicated by the solid line. In reality, the hose 3 is curved, as indicated by the dashed line. Furthermore, the propulsion nozzle 17 is formed in a pointed shape (for example, conical).

[0201] As shown by arrow A2 in Figure 32(a), rotational torque is applied to the hose 3. This slightly changes the orientation (posture) of the propulsion nozzle 17. With this orientation changed, by spraying tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17, the pointed tip of the propulsion nozzle 17 enters either section 13D or section 13E of the drain pipe 1. Furthermore, by spraying tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17, the propulsion nozzle 17 can be advanced into either section 13D or section 13E of the drain pipe 1. Note that the probability of the desired selection being made in the selection process is not very high, but after repeatedly executing the selection process, the desired selection will eventually be made.

[0202] Incidentally, in the method of installing the hose, as shown in Figure 28(a), a string-like body 71 and a weight 73 may be provided on the propulsion nozzle 17 and the hose 3. The string-like body 71 and the weight 73 are also installed inside the drain pipe 1 together with the hose 3.

[0203] The propulsion nozzle 17, hose 3, string-like body 71, and weight 73 are bundled together by a ring-shaped member 81, which is formed, for example, in a torus shape. The hose 3 and string-like body 71 pass through the ring-shaped member 81, and the hose 3 and string-like body 71 are integrated with the ring-shaped member 81, for example.

[0204] The propulsion nozzle 17 and the weight 73 are located on one side of the ring-shaped member 81 (right side in Figure 28(a)). On the other side of the ring-shaped member 81 (left side in Figure 28(a)), the hose 3 and the string-like body 71 extend.

[0205] The propulsion nozzle 17 is designed so that it cannot pass through the ring-shaped member 81. The weight 73 is also designed so that it cannot pass through the ring-shaped member 81. As a result, when tap water 21 is sprayed from the propulsion nozzle 17 and the propulsion nozzle 17 and hose 3 move, the weight 73 and string-like body 71 also move together with the propulsion nozzle 17 and hose 3.

[0206] Furthermore, in the hose installation method, as shown in Figure 28(a), a camera 83 may be used in addition to the propulsion nozzle 17, hose 3, string-like body 71, and weight 73. Reference numeral 85 in Figure 28(a) indicates the cable for the camera. The camera 83 is integrally installed with the hose 3, etc.

[0207] By installing the camera 83, the attitude of the propulsion nozzle 17 and other parameters can be viewed in real time on a monitor screen (not shown) installed outside the drain pipe 1. This allows for accurate and reliable selection during the selection process.

[0208] The ring-shaped member 81 is designed to open and close, as shown in Figures 29(a) and 29(b). As shown in Figure 29(a), when the ring-shaped member 81 closes, it takes on a torus shape, which in turn brings together the propulsion nozzle 17, the hose 3, the string-like body 71, and the weight 73, as shown in Figure 28(a).

[0209] To explain further, the ring-shaped member 81 is composed of two ring-shaped member components 87 and 89 and two pins 91 and 93. The two ring-shaped member components 87 and 89 are fixed to each other by the pins 91 and 93, so that they are closed and maintain a torus shape (see Figure 29(a)).

[0210] Furthermore, by removing the pin 93, the two ring-shaped member components 87 and 89 rotate around the pin 91 as the pivot point, causing the ring-shaped member 81 to open, as shown in Figure 29(b). The ring-shaped member 81 is installed on the hose 3, the string-like body 71, etc., while the ring-shaped member 81 is open.

[0211] The two ring-shaped member components 87 and 89 are, for example, identical in shape. As shown in Figure 30, the ring-shaped member components 87 and 89 are shaped like a torus cut in half. A pair of notches 95 are provided at one end of each ring-shaped member component 87 and 89, and a flat plate-shaped portion 97 is formed between the pair of notches 95. Through holes 99 are formed in the flat plate-shaped portion 97 into which the pins 91 and 93 are inserted.

[0212] A notch 101 is provided at one end of each ring-shaped member structure 87, 89, and a pair of protruding portions 103 are formed on both sides of the notch 101. Through holes 105 are formed in the pair of protruding portions 103 into which pins 91, 93 are inserted.

[0213] Furthermore, the flat portion 97 of the ring-shaped member component 87 fits into the notch 101 of the ring-shaped member component 89, and the pin 93 fits into the through hole 99 of the ring-shaped member component 87 and the through hole 105 of the ring-shaped member component 89. Also, the flat portion 97 of the ring-shaped member component 89 fits into the notch 101 of the ring-shaped member component 87, and the pin 91 fits into the through hole 99 of the ring-shaped member component 89 and the through hole 105 of the ring-shaped member component 89. This maintains the torus shape of the ring-shaped member 81.

[0214] The hose installation method comprises a first propulsion nozzle movement step, a selection step, and a second propulsion nozzle movement step. In the first propulsion nozzle movement step, the propulsion nozzle 17 and the hose 3 are moved within the drain pipe 1 by spraying tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17. In the selection step, a rotational torque is applied to the portion of the hose 3 extending outside the drain pipe 1, centered on the central axis of the cylindrical hose 3. The direction of the propulsion nozzle 17 is then changed so that the propulsion nozzle 17 selects one of the multiple sections of the drain pipe 1 extending from a branching point. In the propulsion nozzle movement step, the propulsion nozzle 17 is moved within the selected section of the drain pipe 1 by spraying tap water 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17.

[0215] This allows the hose 3 to be passed through the desired section of the drainpipe 1, which is divided into multiple sections due to its branching.

[0216] [Fifth Embodiment] Here, a method for installing and removing a guide tube according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 42 and the like.

[0217] The guide tube 5a (see Figure 42) used in the method for installing and removing a guide tube according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is configured similarly to the guide tube 5a shown in Figure 27(b). The guide tube 5a is provided with a first stopper 7 and a cylindrical connector 107. The cylindrical connector 107 is positioned between the guide tube 5a and the first stopper 7 and is provided to connect the guide tube 5a and the first stopper 7. The second stopper 19 is designed to pass through the cylindrical connector 107. The shape of the first stopper 7 may be appropriately modified so that the guide tube 5a is directly connected to the first stopper 7 without providing the cylindrical connector 107.

[0218] The method for installing the guide pipe involves providing a first stopper 7 and having a spiral groove 77 on its outer surface, and is a method for installing a guide pipe 5a that is installed inside the drain pipe 1 in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe 1 and the hose 3 installed inside the drain pipe 1.

[0219] The method for installing the guide pipe comprises a step of installing a hose inside the guide pipe, a step of moving a first propulsion nozzle, a selection step, and a second propulsion nozzle moving step (guide pipe moving step).

[0220] In the guide pipe hose installation process, a propulsion nozzle 17 capable of passing through a first stopper 7 is installed at the tip of a hose 3, and a second stopper 19 that cannot pass through the first stopper 7 is installed at a distance from the propulsion nozzle 17. In the guide pipe hose installation process, the propulsion nozzle 17 is positioned on one side of the first stopper 7, and the second stopper 19 is positioned on the other side of the first stopper 7. Then, the hose 3 with the first stopper 7 is installed inside the guide pipe 5.

[0221] The first propulsion nozzle movement step is performed after the hose 3 is installed inside the guide pipe 5 in the guide pipe hose installation step. In the first propulsion nozzle movement step, the hose 3, which has a propulsion nozzle 17 at its tip, is inserted into the drain pipe 1 through the opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. Then, by injecting fluid 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17, the propulsion nozzle 17, hose 3, and guide pipe 5a are moved inside the drain pipe 1.

[0222] In the selection step, when the propulsion nozzle 17 moves to the branching points 79, 79A, and 79B of the drain pipe 1 (see Figure 31, etc.) in the first propulsion nozzle movement step, a rotational torque is applied to the portion of the hose 3 that extends outside the drain pipe 1 from the opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. This rotational torque is a rotational torque around the central axis of the cylindrical hose 3. In the selection step, the orientation of the propulsion nozzle 17 is changed by the above rotational torque, and the propulsion nozzle 17 selects one of the multiple drain pipe sections 15A, 15B, and 15C that extend from the branching points.

[0223] The second propulsion nozzle movement process (guide pipe movement process) is performed after the selection in the selection process. In the second propulsion nozzle movement process, fluid 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17, causing the propulsion nozzle 17, the hose 3, and the guide pipe 5a to move within the selected section of the drain pipe 1, with the guide pipe 5a moving to a predetermined location within the selected section of the drain pipe 1.

[0224] In the second propulsion nozzle movement process, when the guide pipe 5a has been installed, the guide pipe 5a is installed inside the drain pipe 1 so as to include the curved section 11E shown in Figure 31. A portion of the guide pipe 5a extends outside the drain pipe 1 through the opening 23. In this method of installing the guide pipe, the installation of the guide pipe 5a to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe 1 is performed using the injection of fluid 21 from the propulsion nozzle 17.

[0225] Next, a method for removing the guide pipe according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The method for removing the guide pipe according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is performed after the guide pipe 5a has been moved to a predetermined location among the selected parts of the drain pipe by the guide pipe installation method described above. In the method for removing the guide pipe, the inside of the drain pipe 1 is cleaned in the manner described above, and then a rotational torque (a rotational torque in the opposite direction to the rotational torque of the guide pipe) is applied to the guide pipe 5a. This rotates the guide pipe 5a, and the thrust generated in the guide pipe 5a by this rotation (a thrust in the direction of extension of the central axis of the cylindrical guide pipe 5a) removes the guide pipe 5a from the opening 23 of the drain pipe 1 to the outside of the drain pipe 1.

[0226] In this way, by applying rotational torque to the guide pipe 5a, the thrust generated in the guide pipe 5a allows the guide pipe 5a to be removed from the drain pipe 1 through the opening 23, thus enabling the guide pipe 5a to be removed from the drain pipe 1 in a simple process. Note that this method of installing and removing the guide pipe may be carried out in other embodiments.

[0227] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, a method for installing a guide pipe according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 43, etc. Note that the removal of the guide pipe 5a installed using the guide pipe installation method according to the sixth embodiment from the drain pipe 1 is performed in the same manner as the method for removing a guide pipe according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0228] The guide pipe installation method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is a method for installing a guide pipe 5a installed inside a drain pipe 1 to reduce frictional force, similar to the guide pipe installation method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. However, in the guide pipe installation method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the guide pipe 5a is installed inside the drain pipe 1 as shown in Figure 43.

[0229] The guide pipe installation method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention comprises a step of installing a hose inside the guide pipe and a step of moving the guide pipe. The guide pipe 5a used is the same as the guide pipe 5a used in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0230] In the guide pipe hose installation process, the hose 3 is installed in the guide pipe 5a, which is equipped with a first stopper 7. A propulsion nozzle 17 that can pass through the first stopper 7 is installed at the tip of the hose 3, and a second stopper 19 that cannot pass through the first stopper 7 is installed on the hose 3, away from the propulsion nozzle 17. Furthermore, in the guide pipe hose installation process, the hose is installed in the guide pipe 5a such that the propulsion nozzle 17 is positioned on one side of the first stopper 7 and the second stopper 19 is positioned on the other side of the first stopper 7.

[0231] The guide pipe movement process is performed after the hose 3 is installed in the guide pipe 5a during the guide pipe hose installation process. In the guide pipe movement process, the hose 3, which has a propulsion nozzle 17 at its tip, is inserted through the opening 23 of the drain pipe 1. In the guide pipe movement process, fluid 21 is injected from the propulsion nozzle 17, and the reaction force from this injection moves the guide pipe 5a, which has the first stopper 7 installed, to a predetermined location 11 inside the drain pipe 1.

[0232] In the guide pipe installation method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the drain pipe 1 to which the guide pipe 5a is to be installed is, for example, as shown in Figure 43. In the drain pipe 1 shown in Figure 43, a horizontal straight section 13 (13A) extends from the upper opening (first opening) 23. A curved section 11 (11A) is provided at the tip of the horizontal straight section 13A (the end opposite to the opening 23). A vertical straight section 14 extends downward from the tip of the curved section 11A (the end opposite to the horizontal straight section 13A).

[0233] A curved section 11 (11B) is provided at the lower end of the vertical straight section 14. A horizontal straight section 13 (13B) extends from the tip of the curved section 11B (the end opposite to the vertical straight section 14). A curved section 11 (11C) is provided at the tip of the horizontal straight section 13B (the end opposite to the curved section 11B). A horizontal straight section 13 (13C) extends from the tip of the curved section 11C (the end opposite to the horizontal straight section 13B).

[0234] A curved section 11D is provided at the tip of the horizontal straight section 13C (the end opposite to the curved section 11C). A vertical pipe 15 extends downward from the tip of the curved section 1DC (the end opposite to the horizontal straight section 13C).

[0235] As will be understood from now on, the drain pipe 1 shown in Figure 43 is provided with numerous curved sections 11. In addition, the horizontal straight section 13A, curved section 11A, vertical straight section 14, curved section 11B, horizontal straight section 13B, curved section 11C, horizontal straight section 13C, and curved section 11D of the drain pipe 1 shown in Figure 43 form, for example, an extended vent pipe.

[0236] In the guide tube installation method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, for example, the guide tube 5a is installed at at least one of the curved sections 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. For example, the guide tube 5a is installed at the curved section 11D, which is furthest from the opening 23. Alternatively, the length of the guide tube 5a may be increased so that a single guide tube 5a is installed at all of the horizontal straight section 13A, curved section 11A, vertical straight section 14, curved section 11B, flat straight section 13B, curved section 11C, flat straight section 13C, and curved section 11D.

[0237] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0238] 1 Drain pipe 3 hoses 3A First hose 3B Second hose 5, 5a Guide tube 7. The first stopper 11. Designated area (curved portion) 15A, 15B, 15C Drain pipe section (vertical pipe) 17. Propulsion nozzle 19. The second stopper 21. Fluid (tap water) 23 First opening 24 Cleaning solution 25 Second opening 27 Cleaning nozzle 71 String-like body 73 Weight 75 Connectors 77 Spiral grooves 79, 79A, 79B: Branching points of the drainage pipes.

Claims

1. A first stopper is provided, and a method for installing a guide pipe installed in a drain pipe in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a hose installed inside the drain pipe, A guide tube hose installation step involves installing the hose, which has a propulsion nozzle at its tip that can pass through the first stopper and a second stopper located away from the propulsion nozzle that cannot pass through the first stopper, into the guide tube where the first stopper is located, such that the propulsion nozzle is positioned on one side of the first stopper and the second stopper is positioned on the other side of the first stopper; In the guide pipe hose installation step, after installing the hose, which has the propulsion nozzle and second stopper installed, into the guide pipe where the first stopper is installed, the propulsion nozzle is inserted into the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe, fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle, and the guide pipe, where the first stopper is installed, is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe by the reaction force from this injection, A method for installing a guide tube having [a specific feature / feature].

2. The method for installing a guide pipe according to claim 1, wherein the guide pipe movement step is a step of injecting gas from the propulsion nozzle and using the reaction force from this injection to move the guide pipe, which is equipped with the first stopper, to a predetermined location in the drain pipe.

3. A method for cleaning a drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method described in claim 1 or claim 2, In the guide pipe movement step, after moving the guide pipe, which has the first stopper installed, to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, the hose on which the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper are installed is pulled out of the drain pipe until the second stopper is outside the first opening of the drain pipe, and the second stopper is removed from the hose in a stopper removal step. After removing the second stopper in the stopper removal step, with the propulsion nozzle of the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe, a propulsion nozzle moving step is performed in which fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle, and the propulsion nozzle is moved by the reaction force of this injection or by gravity until the propulsion nozzle reaches the second opening of the drain pipe. In the propulsion nozzle movement step, after moving the propulsion nozzle until it reaches the second opening of the drain pipe, a cleaning nozzle is installed in place of the propulsion nozzle on the hose, and a second stopper is installed near the cleaning nozzle on the hose, which prevents the passage of the first stopper, in a nozzle replacement and stopper installation step. In the nozzle replacement and stopper installation step, after installing the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper, with the second stopper and the cleaning nozzle inside the drain pipe, the hose to which the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper are installed is moved inside the drain pipe while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, thereby cleaning the inside of the drain pipe. A method for cleaning drain pipes having [a certain feature].

4. A method for cleaning a drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method described in claim 1 or claim 2, In the guide pipe movement step, after moving the guide pipe, which has the first stopper installed, to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, the hose on which the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper are installed is pulled out of the drain pipe until the second stopper is outside the first opening of the drain pipe, and the second stopper is removed from the hose in a stopper removal step. After removing the second stopper in the stopper removal step, with the propulsion nozzle of the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe, a propulsion nozzle moving step is performed in which, when gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle does not move the propulsion nozzle, fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle and the reaction force from this injection is used, and when gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle does move the propulsion nozzle, gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle is used to move the propulsion nozzle until the propulsion nozzle reaches the second opening of the drain pipe. In the propulsion nozzle movement step, after moving the propulsion nozzle until it reaches the second opening of the drain pipe, a cleaning nozzle is installed in place of the propulsion nozzle on the hose, and a second stopper is installed near the cleaning nozzle on the hose, which prevents the passage of the first stopper, in a nozzle replacement and stopper installation step. In the nozzle replacement and stopper installation step, after installing the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper, with the second stopper and the cleaning nozzle inside the drain pipe, the hose to which the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper are installed is moved inside the drain pipe while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, thereby cleaning the inside of the drain pipe. A method for cleaning drain pipes having [a certain feature].

5. A method for cleaning a drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method described in claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned propulsion nozzle also functions as a cleaning nozzle. In the guide pipe movement step, after moving the guide pipe, which has the first stopper installed, to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, the hose on which the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper are installed is pulled out of the drain pipe until the second stopper is outside the first opening of the drain pipe, and the second stopper is removed from the hose in a stopper removal step. After removing the second stopper in the stopper removal step, with the propulsion nozzle of the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe, a propulsion nozzle moving step is performed in which, when gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle does not move the propulsion nozzle, fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle and the reaction force from this injection is used, and when gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle does move the propulsion nozzle, gravity acting on the propulsion nozzle is used to move the propulsion nozzle until the propulsion nozzle reaches the lower end of the drain pipe. In the propulsion nozzle movement step, after moving the propulsion nozzle until it reaches the lower end of the drain pipe, the drain pipe cleaning step is performed by moving the hose to which the cleaning nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, thereby cleaning the inside of the drain pipe. A method for cleaning drain pipes having [a certain feature].

6. A method for cleaning a drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method described in claim 1 or claim 2, In the guide pipe movement step, after moving the guide pipe, which has the first stopper installed, to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, the hose on which the propulsion nozzle and the second stopper are installed is pulled out of the drain pipe until the second stopper is outside the first opening of the drain pipe, and the second stopper is removed from the hose in a stopper removal step. After removing the second stopper in the stopper removal step, with the propulsion nozzle of the hose on which the propulsion nozzle is installed inside the drain pipe, a propulsion nozzle moving step is performed in which fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle, and the propulsion nozzle is moved until it reaches the second opening of the drain pipe by the reaction force of this injection or by gravity. In the propulsion nozzle movement step, after moving the propulsion nozzle until it reaches the second opening of the drain pipe, a nozzle replacement step is performed in which a cleaning nozzle is installed in the hose in place of the propulsion nozzle. In the nozzle replacement step, after installing the cleaning nozzle, the drain pipe cleaning step involves moving the hose to which the cleaning nozzle is installed within the drain pipe while discharging cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle, thereby cleaning the inside of the drain pipe. A method for cleaning drain pipes having [a certain feature].

7. A first stopper is provided, and a method for installing a guide pipe installed inside a drain pipe in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a string-like body installed inside the drain pipe, A string-like body installation step involves installing the string-like body, which has a weight attached to its tip, into the drain pipe such that the string-like body passes through the first opening and the second opening of the drain pipe and extends inside the drain pipe, and the weight extends outside the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe. A guide pipe installation step involves installing the guide pipe on which the first stopper is provided, such that the portion of the string-like body extending outside the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe passes through the guide pipe on which the first stopper is provided. After installing the guide pipe having the first stopper in the guide pipe installation step, a second stopper is installed on the string-like body on the side opposite to the first opening of the drain pipe, with the guide pipe having the first stopper in between, in the second stopper installation step, which prevents the passage of the first stopper. After installing the second stopper in the first stopper installation step, the guide pipe, on which the first stopper is installed, is inserted into the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe, and the guide pipe, on which the first stopper is installed, is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe by pulling the weight or string-like body that is outside the second opening of the drain pipe. A method for installing a guide tube having [a specific feature / feature].

8. A method for cleaning a drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method described in claim 7, In the guide pipe movement step, after moving the guide pipe, which is equipped with the first stopper, to a predetermined location within the drain pipe, a cleaning nozzle installation step is performed in which a cleaning nozzle, from which a hose for supplying cleaning fluid extends, is installed on the string-like body in place of the weight. After installing the cleaning nozzle in the cleaning nozzle installation step, with the cleaning nozzle and the portion of the hose near the cleaning nozzle inside the drain pipe, a drain pipe cleaning step is performed in which cleaning liquid is discharged from the cleaning nozzle while pulling the portion of the string-like body that extends outside the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe, thereby moving the cleaning nozzle and the hose inside the drain pipe and cleaning the inside of the drain pipe. A method for cleaning drain pipes having [a certain feature].

9. After cleaning the inside of the drain pipe in the drain pipe cleaning step, the cleaning nozzle and string-like body pulling step is performed in which the portion of the hose extending outside the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe is pulled, thereby pulling the cleaning nozzle and the portion of the string-like body near the cleaning nozzle out of the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe. After the cleaning nozzle and the part of the string near the cleaning nozzle have been pulled out of the drain pipe in the cleaning nozzle and string pulling step, the second stopper installation step involves installing the second stopper on the string. After installing the second stopper in the second stopper installation step, the second stopper is moved by pulling the portion of the string-like body that extends from the first opening of the drain pipe outside the drain pipe, thereby bringing it into contact with the first stopper installed on the guide pipe, and the guide pipe on which the first stopper is installed is removed from the first opening of the drain pipe to the outside of the drain pipe in a guide pipe removal step. A method for cleaning a drain pipe according to claim 5, comprising:

10. In the cleaning nozzle installation step, a second stopper is installed near the cleaning nozzle on the hose, preventing it from passing through the first stopper. The drain pipe cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein, in the drain pipe cleaning step, after cleaning the inside of the drain pipe, the portion of the string-like body that extends outside the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe is further pulled to bring the guide pipe, on which the first stopper is provided, out of the drain pipe.

11. A method for cleaning a drain pipe using the guide pipe installation method described in claim 7, In the guide pipe movement step, after moving the guide pipe, which is equipped with the first stopper, to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe, a connector installation step is performed in which the connector is installed on the string-like body that extends from the second opening of the drain pipe to the outside of the drain pipe, the first hose having a connector installed at one end in the longitudinal direction and a cleaning nozzle installed at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and the second stopper installed in the middle of the longitudinal direction near the cleaning nozzle, After installing the connector in the connector installation step, the connector is inserted into the drain pipe through the second opening of the drain pipe, and the portion of the string-like body that is outside the drain pipe through the first opening of the drain pipe is pulled to move the connector out of the drain pipe through the first opening of the drain pipe; After the connector is moved outside the drain pipe in the connector moving step, a second hose connection step is performed in which a second hose that supplies cleaning fluid into the hose via the connector is connected to the connector, After connecting the second hose in the second hose connection step, with the cleaning nozzle and the second stopper inside the drain pipe, a drain pipe cleaning step is performed in which cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning nozzle using the second hose, the connector and the first hose, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the cleaning nozzle while the second hose is pulled to move the cleaning nozzle and clean the inside of the drain pipe. A method for cleaning drain pipes having [a certain feature].

12. A first stopper is provided, and a method for installing a guide pipe installed inside a drain pipe in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a hose constituting a string-like body installed inside the drain pipe, A propulsion nozzle installation step involves inserting the tip of the hose, which has a propulsion nozzle installed at its tip, and the propulsion nozzle into the drain pipe through the first opening of the drain pipe, and when the propulsion nozzle does not move due to gravity acting on it, a fluid is ejected from the propulsion nozzle and the reaction force from this ejection is used, and when the propulsion nozzle moves due to gravity acting on it, gravity acting on it is used to move the propulsion nozzle and the hose until the propulsion nozzle reaches the second opening of the drain pipe, and installing the hose with the propulsion nozzle installed in it into the drain pipe so that the hose passes through the first opening and the second opening of the drain pipe and extends inside the drain pipe, and the propulsion nozzle exits the drain pipe from the second opening of the drain pipe. A guide pipe installation step involves installing the guide pipe, which is equipped with the first stopper, such that the portion of the hose extending outside the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe passes through the guide pipe, which is equipped with the first stopper. After installing the guide pipe having the first stopper in the guide pipe installation step, a second stopper is installed on the string-like body on the opposite side of the first opening of the drain pipe, with the guide pipe having the first stopper in between, in the second stopper installation step, which prevents the first stopper from passing through the guide pipe having the first stopper. After installing the second stopper in the first stopper installation step, the guide pipe, on which the first stopper is installed, is inserted into the drain pipe from the first opening of the drain pipe, and the guide pipe, on which the first stopper is installed, is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe by pulling the propulsion nozzle or hose that is outside the second opening of the drain pipe. A method for installing a guide tube having [a specific feature / feature].

13. A method for installing a guide pipe inside a drain pipe in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a string-like body installed inside the drain pipe, The aforementioned guide tube has a spiral groove on its outer surface. A method for installing a guide pipe, comprising a guide pipe movement step, in which one end of the guide pipe is inserted into the drain pipe through a first opening of the drain pipe, and after insertion, the guide pipe is moved to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe by rotating the guide pipe in a predetermined direction with its central axis as the center of rotation.

14. A first propulsion nozzle movement step involves inserting a hose equipped with a propulsion nozzle at its tip into the opening of a drain pipe and injecting fluid from the propulsion nozzle to move the propulsion nozzle and the hose within the drain pipe. In the first propulsion nozzle movement step, when the propulsion nozzle moves to the branching point of the drain pipe, a selection step is made in which the orientation of the propulsion nozzle is changed by applying rotational torque about the central axis of the cylindrical hose to the portion of the hose extending outside the drain pipe from the opening of the drain pipe, so that the propulsion nozzle selects one of the multiple portions of the drain pipe extending from the branching point. After the selection in the selection step, a second propulsion nozzle moving step is performed, in which the propulsion nozzle and the hose are moved within the selected portion of the drain pipe by injecting fluid from the propulsion nozzle. A method for installing a hose having [a certain feature].

15. A first stopper is provided, and a spiral groove is provided on the outer surface of the guide pipe, and a method for installing a guide pipe installed inside the drain pipe in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a hose installed inside the drain pipe, A guide tube hose installation step involves installing the hose, which has a propulsion nozzle at its tip that can pass through the first stopper and a second stopper located away from the propulsion nozzle that cannot pass through the first stopper, into the guide tube where the first stopper is located, such that the propulsion nozzle is positioned on one side of the first stopper and the second stopper is positioned on the other side of the first stopper; After installing the hose in the guide pipe in the guide pipe installation step, the hose, which has the propulsion nozzle at its tip, is inserted through the opening of the drain pipe, and fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle, thereby moving the propulsion nozzle, the hose, and the guide pipe within the drain pipe in a first propulsion nozzle moving step. In the first propulsion nozzle movement step, when the propulsion nozzle moves to the branching point of the drain pipe, a selection step is made in which the orientation of the propulsion nozzle is changed by applying rotational torque about the central axis of the cylindrical hose to the portion of the hose extending outside the drain pipe from the opening of the drain pipe, so that the propulsion nozzle selects one of the multiple portions of the drain pipe extending from the branching point. After the selection in the selection step, a second propulsion nozzle moving step is performed, in which fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle to move the propulsion nozzle, the hose, and the guide tube within the selected portion of the drain pipe, with the guide tube moving to a predetermined location within the selected portion of the drain pipe. A method for installing a guide tube having [a specific feature / feature].

16. A first stopper is provided, and a spiral groove is provided on the outer surface of the guide pipe, and a method for installing a guide pipe installed inside the drain pipe in order to reduce the frictional force generated between the drain pipe and a hose installed inside the drain pipe, A guide tube hose installation step involves installing the hose, which has a propulsion nozzle at its tip that can pass through the first stopper and a second stopper located away from the propulsion nozzle that cannot pass through the first stopper, into the guide tube where the first stopper is located, such that the propulsion nozzle is positioned on one side of the first stopper and the second stopper is positioned on the other side of the first stopper; After installing the hose in the guide pipe in the guide pipe installation step, the hose, which has the propulsion nozzle at its tip, is inserted through the opening of the drain pipe, and fluid is injected from the propulsion nozzle. The reaction force from this injection moves the guide pipe, which has the first stopper, to a predetermined location inside the drain pipe. A method for installing a guide tube having [a specific feature / feature].

17. A method for removing a guide pipe, wherein, after moving the guide pipe to a predetermined location among the selected parts of the drain pipe by the method for installing the guide pipe according to claim 15 or claim 16, a rotational torque is applied to the guide pipe to rotate it, and the thrust generated in the guide pipe by this rotation is used to remove the guide pipe from the opening to the outside of the drain pipe.

Images