Pipe Cleaning Apparatus
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020250197670
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-12-12
Smart Images

Figure R1020250197670_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for cleaning the inside of a pipe, and more specifically, to a pipe cleaning device that receives power by mixing high-pressure water and high-pressure air inside the pipe and supplies that energy from both the front and the rear, and performs cleaning using a brush that simultaneously performs pulse action, rotational rotation, and orbital rotation using the supplied kinetic energy to effectively remove contaminants or sediments and foreign substances attached to the inner surface of the pipe. Background Technology
[0003] Generally, piping lines such as water and sewage pipes, city gas pipes, and plant pipes transport water, oil, liquefied gas, or similar types of fluids. Over time after installation, these lines may become damaged due to aging or corrosion, or the passageway may narrow due to foreign substances (sediments), eventually leading to blockage.
[0004] While all such piping defects lead to serious situations, various types of deposits accumulating inside facility gas pipes, in particular, cause a decrease in gas supply efficiency and accelerated corrosion of the pipe walls. If left unchecked, this can result in production disruptions due to extreme reductions in gas supply and safety accidents such as leaks caused by pipe wall ruptures.
[0005] In particular, water supply networks are urban infrastructure that ultimately supplies safe purified water to citizens, making their lives convenient and pleasant. Since water pipes are connected right to our homes, using the water supply allows us to conveniently use drinking water at a low cost—water that would otherwise cost several hundred won or more per liter at a store. For this reason, the American Institute of Engineers selected water supply technology as one of the great technologies that contributed to humanity in the 20th century.
[0006] Naturally, such water supply systems require maintenance. This is because, just like other facilities, water pipes naturally deteriorate after several decades of installation. In particular, the pipes currently buried require even more special care, as they were constructed using materials, methods, and standards from the time of their initial installation.
[0007] If the water supply system is not properly managed, the pipes will corrode, causing the lining material on the inner surface of the pipes to separate from the pipe body and begin to fall off, resulting in turbid water; or the consumption rate of residual chlorine will increase due to corrosion on the inner surface of the pipes; or severe red water and contaminated water will be produced due to the bending movement of water caused by corrosion, or the head loss will increase.
[0008] The key to water supply management is continuous cleaning. Pipe cleaning generally utilizes flushing and physical equipment. Among these, flushing, which is relatively easy to perform using fire hydrants or drain valves, is more widely used. Prior art literature
[0010] Published Patent Application No. 10-2022-0162557 (Published Dec. 08, 2022) The problem to be solved
[0011] The present invention aims to maximize cleaning efficiency to effectively remove contaminants and sediment inside a pipe by solving the aforementioned problems through the combined action of a first nozzle and a brush, thereby uniformly spraying cleaning water over the entire inner wall of the pipe and causing the brush to perform rotational and orbital rotation.
[0012] The present invention aims to ensure the structural stability and durability of the entire device by stably fixing the washing part and the moving part without shaking in the axial direction through a fastening structure and a fixing body between the main pipe, the turning housing, and the moving part.
[0013] The present invention aims to improve the versatility and adaptability of a cleaning device by ensuring that the wheels of the moving part adhere closely to the inner wall of the pipe through angle adjustment of the link arm and the roller link, thereby enabling stable movement even in pipes with varying diameters or curved pipes.
[0014] The present invention aims to minimize friction and wear occurring on the wheels and roller links of the moving part by providing cleaning water spraying and lubrication through an auxiliary nozzle, thereby ensuring stable operation of the entire device and extending its lifespan.
[0015] The present invention aims to maximize the operational efficiency of the device and deliver uniform and repetitive cleaning force to the entire inner wall of the pipe by organically combining the rotational rotation of the brush, the orbital rotation of the turning housing, the spraying of cleaning water through the nozzle, and the forward movement of the moving part.
[0016] The present invention aims to enable the cleaning equipment to move further by mixing and supplying high-pressure cleaning water and high-pressure air to create a pulse action and shaking the high-pressure cleaning water supply hose.
[0017] The present invention aims to minimize complaints by allowing the operation to move a greater distance, thereby reducing the installation port for cleaning equipment and significantly shortening the equipment cleaning time, unlike the conventional method which supplies high-pressure cleaning water only from the rear.
[0018] The present invention aims to enable the movement of cleaning equipment over a maximum distance of 300 meters and a maximum distance of 1,000 meters by adding the jet principle and traction force, whereas the conventional jet method relies on a single force for movement. Additionally, by mixing air with the cleaning water, the weight of the hose is reduced, and the shaking function enables the cleaning equipment to complete its mission with greater perfect capability.
[0019] The present invention aims to enable visual inspection of the cleaning status inside the pipe by mounting a small waterproof camera on the front and rear of the cleaning equipment, thereby allowing the desired internal pipe condition to be captured in seconds to minutes by periodic shooting commands. means of solving the problem
[0021] The present invention, as a means to achieve the above-mentioned purpose,
[0022] A pipe cleaning device is provided, characterized by comprising: a main pipe through which water is introduced by a hose connected to one of the two ends, which is rotatably coupled to a nozzle housing and an end cap housing of a moving part configured to be movable by a plurality of wheels on the inside of the pipe; a cleaning part installed on the main pipe that cleans the inner surface of the pipe by spraying water supplied from the main pipe while rotating and rotating in a circular motion and orbiting motion; and a moving part installed on the main pipe and configured to be movable along the inner surface of the pipe by wheels.
[0023] The cleaning unit of the present invention comprises: a plurality of turning housings installed in a main pipe to supply cleaning water through a main pipe and a traction pipe; a plurality of brush links rotatably coupled to each of the plurality of turning housings; a brush shaft coupled between the plurality of brush links; a plurality of first nozzles installed on each of the plurality of brush links and the brush shaft to spray water; and a brush rotatably installed on the brush shaft, wherein the turning housing, the plurality of brush links, the brush shaft, and the brush form a set and at least one set is installed in the main pipe, and the brush rotates on the brush shaft as the cleaning unit rotates due to the pressure of the water sprayed from the first nozzle.
[0024] The turning housing, a plurality of brush links, and a brush shaft of the present invention are characterized in that a first washing water supply hole, a second washing water supply hole, and a third washing water supply hole are formed to supply water introduced into a main pipe, and the water supplied through the first washing water supply hole, the second washing water supply hole, and the third washing water supply hole is sprayed by a first nozzle installed on each of the plurality of brush links and brush shafts.
[0025] The cleaning unit of the present invention is characterized by adjusting the angle of the brush link to adjust the position of the brush to match the diameter of the inner surface of the pipe, and when water is supplied to the main pipe, the turning housing rotates together with the main pipe to rotate the brush, and the brush rotates when the turning housing rotates while moving inside the pipe.
[0026] The moving part of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a nozzle housing installed on a main pipe so as to be located on one side of one of a plurality of turning housings of a washing part; an end cap housing installed on a main pipe so as to be located on one side of the other of a plurality of turning housings of a washing part; a plurality of link supports installed on the nozzle housing and the end cap housing, respectively; a link arm rotatably installed on the plurality of link supports; a plurality of roller links angularly adjustablely installed on each of the plurality of link arms in a state bent at a predetermined angle at a predetermined position; and a plurality of wheels installed on each of the plurality of roller links.
[0027] The moving part of the present invention is a pipe cleaning device that allows the wheel to move in close contact with the inner surface of the pipe by adjusting the angle of the roller link with the wheel installed while adjusting the angle of the link arm in the link support.
[0028] The nozzle housing of the present invention is characterized by having a plurality of second nozzles installed so that water can be sprayed in the direction in which the link support is installed.
[0029] The present invention is characterized in that a brush shaft coupled between a plurality of brush links is coupled by a plurality of brush link pins, and the plurality of brush link pins are fed from one side of the plurality of brush links toward both ends of the brush shaft to form the coupling.
[0030] The present invention is characterized by having a hollow hole formed so that cleaning water can be supplied to the center of the main pipe, threads formed on both ends of the main pipe, and a washer and a nut coupled to each of the ends of the main pipe where the threads are formed so that a turning housing, a nozzle housing, and an end cap housing installed on the main pipe are fixed.
[0031] The present invention is characterized by having a plurality of fixing bodies positioned at each side end of a plurality of turning housings coupled to a main pipe and installed on the main pipe, wherein the fixing bodies fix the position of the plurality of turning housings coupled to the main pipe and the turning housing, nozzle housing, and end cap housing installed on the main pipe are fixed through interaction with a washer and a nut.
[0032] The present invention is characterized in that a turning housing has a through hole formed in the center so as to be coupled to a main pipe, and a first washing water supply hole is formed to be connected to the through hole, and the first washing water supply hole has a plurality of nozzle coupling grooves formed on the side of the turning housing so as to be installed with a first nozzle, and a plurality of link coupling grooves are formed on one side where the plurality of nozzle coupling grooves are formed, and a brush link is coupled to the link coupling grooves and coupled by a brush link pin that is coupled through a pin coupling hole formed in the turning housing.
[0033] The present invention is characterized in that when cleaning water flows into a turning housing through a through hole coupled to a main pipe, the cleaning water is supplied to a first nozzle installed in a nozzle coupling groove via a first cleaning water supply hole formed to be connected to said through hole, and is sprayed. Effects of the invention
[0035] The present invention is configured such that cleaning water is uniformly sprayed over the entire inner wall of a pipe through the combined action of a first nozzle and a brush. Since the brush rotates around a brush shaft and simultaneously revolves around a turning housing, the brush repeatedly rubs the entire inner wall of the pipe and sprays cleaning water, thereby providing the effect of providing high cleaning efficiency that can effectively remove contaminants and deposits attached to the inner wall of the pipe.
[0036] In addition, the present invention has the effect of ensuring structural stability and durability of the entire device by stably fixing the cleaning part and the moving part without shaking in the axial direction through the screw threads at both ends of the main pipe, the washer and nut fastening structure, and a plurality of fixed bodies provided in the turning housing, so that the rotational rotation of the brush and the orbital rotation of the turning housing are maintained uniformly.
[0037] Furthermore, the present invention has the effect of enabling smooth cleaning even when the cleaning part and the moving part operate simultaneously, by ensuring that the wheel mounted on the moving part adheres to the inner wall of the pipe through the angle adjustment function of the link arm and the roller link, thereby allowing the moving part to move stably without shaking even in pipes with changes in diameter or curved pipes.
[0038] The present invention has the effect of minimizing friction and wear between the roller link and the wheel by supplying cleaning water and lubricating water to the area around the moving part and the link structure through the second nozzle, thereby ensuring stable operation of the moving part and extending the lifespan of the entire device.
[0039] The present invention has the effect of maximizing the removal of contaminants inside the pipe and improving the operational efficiency of the device by organically combining the rotation of the brush, the orbital rotation of the turning housing, the spraying of cleaning water (first nozzle, second nozzle), and the forward movement of the moving part so that a uniform and repetitive cleaning force is delivered to the entire inner wall of the pipe. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0041] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pipe cleaning device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state in which the wheel illustrated in FIG. 1 is supported on the inner surface of the pipe. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the state in which the brush of the pipe cleaning device illustrated in FIG. 1 is in close contact with the inner surface of the pipe. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the state in which the main pipe and the cleaning unit shown in FIG. 1 are combined. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the brush shaft of the cleaning unit illustrated in FIG. 1 and 4. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the turning housing shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the nozzle housing shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the end cap housing shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a link support to which the link arm shown in FIG. 1 is joined. FIG. 10 is another embodiment of a pipe cleaning device according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the state in which a pipe cleaning device according to the present invention is installed inside a pipe. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0042] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, detailed descriptions of known functions or known configurations that may obscure the essence of the invention in the following description and the accompanying drawings are omitted. Additionally, it should be noted that identical components throughout the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals whenever possible.
[0043] The terms and words used in the specification and claims described below should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.
[0044] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.
[0045] Hereinafter, a pipe cleaning device according to the present invention will be described.
[0046] The pipe cleaning device according to the present invention comprises a main pipe (100) into which water is introduced by a hose connected to one of the two ends, which is rotatably coupled to a nozzle housing (310) and an end cap housing (320) of a moving part (300) configured to be movable by a plurality of wheels (360) inside the pipe; a cleaning part (200) installed on the main pipe (100) that cleans the inner surface of the pipe by rotating and spraying water supplied from the main pipe (100) while rotating and rotating in a circular motion; and a moving part (300) installed on the main pipe (100) and configured to be movable along the inner surface of the pipe by wheels (360). In addition, cleaning water is uniformly sprayed over the entire inner wall of the pipe by the combination of a first nozzle (240) and a brush (250), and the brush (250) rotates in a circular motion around a brush shaft (230) and rotates in a circular motion by the rotation of a turning housing (210). The cleaning efficiency is maximized, and the cleaning unit (200) and the moving unit (300) are stably fixed without shaking in the axial direction by the fastening structure of the main pipe (100), the turning housing (210), and the moving unit (300) and the fixed body (217), thereby ensuring the structural stability and durability of the entire device. The wheel (360) mounted on the moving unit (300) is in close contact with the inner wall of the pipe by adjusting the angle of the link arm (340) and the roller link (350), allowing for stable movement even in pipes with varying diameters and curves. The cleaning water sprayed from the second nozzle (313) cleans and lubricates the moving unit (300) and the link structure, minimizing friction and wear and extending the lifespan of the device. The rotation of the brush (250), the orbital rotation of the turning housing (210), the spraying of cleaning water from the first nozzle (240) and the second nozzle (313), and the forward movement of the moving unit (300) are organically combined to provide uniform cleaning across the entire inner wall of the pipe. It is characterized by providing repetitive cleaning power.
[0047] A pipe cleaning device according to the present invention, comprising the features described above, will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0048] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pipe cleaning device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of the pipe cleaning device shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a state in which a cleaning unit is installed on the main pipe shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a main pipe shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a turning housing shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a nozzle housing shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is an end cap housing shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a link support to which the link arm shown in FIG. 1 is coupled.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention comprises a main pipe (100) that supplies cleaning water, a cleaning unit (200) that cleans the inner wall of the pipe, and a moving unit (300) that supports the cleaning unit (200) while moving along the inner wall of the pipe.
[0050] The above main pipe (100) is installed inside the pipe and serves as the central axis of the cleaning section (200) and the moving section (300), and a hollow hole (110) is formed in the center of the interior so that cleaning water can flow through it.
[0051] Threads are formed on both ends of the main pipe (100), and washers and nuts are respectively fastened to the threaded portions so that the turning housing (210), nozzle housing (310), and end cap housing (320) installed on the main pipe (100) can be stably fixed in the axial direction.
[0052] This fastening structure not only serves to support the cleaning unit (200) and the moving unit (300), but also ensures the structural stability of the entire device by allowing the cleaning unit (200) and the moving unit (300) to operate without shaking within the pipe.
[0053] A plurality of fixing bodies (217) are provided at each side end of a plurality of turning housings (210) coupled to the main pipe (100), thereby maintaining the position of each turning housing (210) at a constant level.
[0054] When the above plurality of turning housings (210) are arranged in a row, the axial spacing between each housing is maintained constant to stabilize the rotational balance of the cleaning unit (200).
[0055] In addition, the washing unit (200) is supplied with washing water through the main pipe (100) and the traction pipe (120). The traction pipe (120) ensures stable recovery when the washing device does not move or when work is performed.
[0056] The turning housing (210) is rotatably coupled to the main pipe (100), and a through hole (211) is provided in the center that communicates with the hollow hole (110) of the main pipe (100) so that cleaning water can be smoothly supplied into the turning housing (210).
[0057] A first washing water supply hole (212) is formed to be in communication with the above-mentioned through hole (211), and the first washing water supply hole (212) is connected to the second washing water supply hole (221) of the brush link (220), and the second washing water supply hole (221) is formed to be the third washing water supply hole (231) of the brush shaft (230). The first washing water supply hole (212) supplies washing water to the first nozzle (240) installed on the brush shaft (230) and the brush link (220), and the second washing water supply hole (221) and the third washing water supply hole (231) supply washing water to the second nozzle (313) installed on the nozzle housing (310) to perform lubrication and cleaning of the area around the moving part (300) and the link structure.
[0058] A first PT plug (212-1) is installed at the end of the first washing water supply hole (212), and the first PT plug (212-1) prevents washing water from leaking from the outside of the turning housing (210) to the end of the first washing water supply hole (212) due to processing.
[0059] The above first PT plug (212-1) is not installed only in the first washing water supply hole (212), but can be installed in all parts where leakage may occur, and it is also desirable to install it in all holes formed when processing the interior of the turning housing (210).
[0060] The brush link (220) is rotatably coupled to the link coupling groove (214) of the turning housing (210), and a brush shaft (230) is installed between the brush links (220). The brush shaft (230) is inserted into and coupled to both ends of the brush link (220) through a plurality of brush link pins (222), thereby ensuring durability between the brush shaft (230) and the brush link (220) and stabilizing the transmission of rotational force by the cleaning water pressure.
[0061] In addition, the brush shaft (230) has a plurality of nozzle installation grooves (232) formed therein so that a plurality of first nozzles (240) can be installed.
[0062] A plurality of first nozzles (240) are installed on each of the brush shaft (230) and brush link (220), and cleaning water introduced from the hollow hole (110) of the main pipe (100) is supplied to the first nozzles (240) through the first cleaning water supply hole (212) connected to the through hole (211), thereby causing rotation of the brush (250) and performing uniform spray cleaning on the entire inner wall of the pipe.
[0063] The brush (250) is rotatably installed on the brush shaft (230) and comes into direct contact with the inner surface of the pipe to physically remove contaminants.
[0064] The position of the brush (250) can be adjusted to fit the inner diameter of the pipe by adjusting the angle of the brush link (220), and a uniform and repetitive cleaning effect is produced across the entire inner wall of the pipe by simultaneously performing rotational rotation of the brush (250) and orbital rotation of the brush (250) caused by the rotation of the turning housing (210).
[0065] The above-mentioned moving part (300) is configured to move along the inside of the pipe while supporting the washing part (200). The moving part (300) includes a plurality of link supports (330) rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing (310) and the end cap housing (320), a plurality of link arms (340) rotatably installed on each link support (330), a plurality of roller links (350) angularly adjustable installed on each link arm (340), and a plurality of wheels (360) installed on each roller link (350).
[0066] The nozzle housing (310) has a washing water inlet hole (311) formed therein so that washing water drawn in through the third washing water supply hole (231) can be supplied to the second nozzle, and a second PT plug (312) is installed at the end of the washing water inlet hole (311) to prevent leakage of washing water flowing into the washing water inlet hole (311).
[0067] Since the above-mentioned washing water inlet hole (311) is processed outside the nozzle housing (310), a problem may occur where the washing water is not delivered to the second nozzle (313) when the washing water is supplied and leaks out to the outside of the nozzle housing (310). Accordingly, the above-mentioned second PT plug (312) is installed to prevent such leakage.
[0068] The above link support (330) provides a rotational center of the link arm (340) across the nozzle housing (310) and the end cap housing (320), and the link arm (340) adjusts the angle so that the wheel (360) mounted on the roller link (350) is in close contact with the inner wall of the pipe in response to changes in the inner diameter of the pipe.
[0069] Thus, the moving part (300) moves forward stably inside the pipe and maintains rotational and orbital rotation linked to the rotation of the washing part (200).
[0070] In addition, the reaction force generated by the high pressure of the cleaning water sprayed from the second nozzle (313) or other nozzle acts in the forward direction of the moving part (300), thereby assisting the movement of the wheel (360) more smoothly and contributing to the autonomous movement of the device inside the pipe.
[0071] The second nozzle (313) installed in the nozzle housing (310) is configured to spray water in the direction of the link support (330), and the cleaning water sprayed through the second nozzle (313) performs lubrication of the wheels (360) and link structure of the moving part (300), reduces friction, and, if necessary, performs auxiliary cleaning of the inner wall of the pipe surrounding the moving part (300).
[0072] In this way, the washing water supply structure including the first nozzle (240), the second nozzle (313), and the third washing water supply hole (231) enables organic interaction between the washing unit (200) and the moving unit (300), thereby simultaneously ensuring the stability of the entire device and washing efficiency.
[0073] The pipe cleaning device according to the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, even though it is not illustrated in the drawings, and can be implemented differently.
[0074] A pipe cleaning device according to the present invention comprises a main pipe (100) that supplies cleaning water, a cleaning unit (200) that performs cleaning, and a moving unit (300) that enables movement along the inner wall of the pipe.
[0075] The main pipe (100) and the washing section described above are configured substantially the same as those described in FIGS. 1 to 9, so a description thereof is omitted. However, since the configuration of the moving section (300) differs from that shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the configuration thereof is described.
[0076] The above moving part can be configured such that the wheels (360) of the moving part (300) shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 are not limited to being positioned in the up-down and left-right directions of the main pipe (100), but are installed in three directions, that is, at an angle of 120 degrees from the wheels (360) positioned on the upper side of the main pipe (100), so as to be supported on three parts inside the pipe.
[0077] The configuration of the roller link (350) to which the wheel (360) is installed, the link arm (340) to which the roller link (350) is coupled, and the link support (330) to which the link arm (340) is coupled is the same as the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, so the description of the configuration is omitted.
[0078] And the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention is not limited to FIGS. 1 to 9 and can be implemented as in FIG. 10.
[0079] FIG. 10 is another embodiment of a pipe cleaning device according to the present invention.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 10, the present invention allows a small waterproof camera module (400) to be detachably mounted on either the front or rear side or both of the main pipe (100) of a pipe cleaning device, so as to capture the desired internal pipe condition at a set interval of seconds to minutes by a periodic shooting command, and to check the cleaning condition inside the pipe through the captured image.
[0081] The above camera module (400) provides a forward view to move safely and accurately inside the pipe, allowing the operator to check and control the direction and position of the cleaning device in real time from the outside.
[0082] In addition, the camera module (400) installed on the main pipe precisely photographs and diagnoses structural damage such as cracks, leakage points, corrosion, breakage, and joint displacement inside the pipe before and after cleaning operations, and provides objective visual evidence regarding the need for repair or replacement.
[0083] The effects of the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention, configured as described above, will be explained with reference to the attached FIG. 10.
[0084] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention installed inside a pipe.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 11, the present invention is described such that when cleaning water flows in through the central hollow hole (110) of the main pipe (100), the cleaning water is distributed to the turning housing (210) through the through hole (211).
[0086] The cleaning water reaching the turning housing (210) is supplied to the first nozzle (240) and the second nozzle (313), respectively, through the first cleaning water supply hole (212) and the second cleaning water supply hole (221). The first nozzle (240) is installed on the brush link (220) and the brush shaft (230), so that the brush (240) rotates on the brush shaft (230) by the pressure generated when the cleaning water is sprayed, and at the same time, the turning housing (210) revolves together with the main pipe (100).
[0087] During this process, the brush (250) receives rotational force from the brush shaft (230) and rotates along the inner wall of the pipe, and cleaning is performed by adhering to the inner diameter of the pipe according to the angle adjustment of the brush link (220).
[0088] That is, the pressure of the cleaning water sprayed from the first nozzle (240) simultaneously induces the rotational rotation of the brush (250) and the orbital rotation of the brush (250) by the turning housing (210), thereby performing the function of uniformly cleaning the entire inner wall of the pipe.
[0089] Meanwhile, the second nozzle (313) is installed in the nozzle housing (310) and sprays cleaning water around the moving part (300) and the link structure. The cleaning water from the second nozzle (313) lubricates the rotating part and wheel (360) of the link arm (340) and the roller link (350), and assists the moving part (300) to move stably along the inner wall of the pipe.
[0090] Furthermore, the pressure generated when spraying cleaning water discharged from the second nozzle (313) provides a driving force to the moving part (300) in a direction opposite to the spraying direction of the nozzle, thereby directly contributing to forming a moving force that causes the moving part (300) to advance inside the pipe.
[0091] In this process, the wheel (360) mounted on the roller link (350) is in close contact with the inner wall of the pipe, thereby minimizing axial shaking that may occur during movement and enabling smooth movement.
[0092] Since the brush shaft (230) coupled between the brush links (220) of the above-mentioned cleaning unit (200) is fixed by the brush link pin (222), structural stability is maintained even as the brush (250) rotates. Accordingly, the brush (250) continuously rotates due to the pressure of the cleaning water and the rotation of the turning housing (210), effectively removing contaminants and residues attached to the inner wall of the pipe.
[0093] When the cleaning unit (200) and the moving unit (300) operate simultaneously within the pipe, the turning housing (210) and the brush shaft (230) perform continuous orbital and rotational rotation around the main pipe (100). At this time, the rotational direction of the brush (250) and the orbital rotation direction of the turning housing (210) are combined, so that the brush (250) rubs the entire inner wall of the pipe in a constant pattern while spraying cleaning water.
[0094] That is, the brush (250) can perform uniform and repetitive cleaning despite changes in the curvature and diameter of the inner surface of the pipe due to the combined motion of rotational and orbital rotation.
[0095] The moving unit (300) moves along the inside of the main pipe (100) together with the washing unit (200). The link arm (340) connected to the link support (330) adjusts its angle according to the inner diameter of the pipe and presses the wheel (360) installed on the roller link (350) against the inner wall of the pipe. As a result, the moving unit (300) moves forward stably within the pipe and can operate continuously without interfering with the rotation of the washing unit (200) and the rotation of the brush (250).
[0096] The cleaning water supplied through the second nozzle (313) performs the function of lubricating the area around the moving part (300) and cleaning the components, thereby reducing friction between the roller link (350) and the wheel (360) and increasing movement stability. Therefore, when the cleaning part (200) and the moving part (300) operate simultaneously, the rotational force and movement force inside the pipe are balanced, and the contact pressure between the brush (250) and the wheel (360) is maintained at a constant level.
[0097] In addition, the flow of washing water within the main pipe (100) is distributed to the first nozzle (240) and the second nozzle (313) through the through hole (211), the first washing water supply hole (212), and the second washing water supply hole (221), respectively, thereby ensuring that the pressure of the washing water is transmitted uniformly.
[0098] This pressure distribution structure stabilizes the rotation of the cleaning unit (200) and the rotation of the brush (250), and assists the moving unit (300) to move smoothly within the pipe.
[0099] Consequently, the pipe cleaning device of the present invention efficiently removes contaminants from the inner wall of the pipe through the combination of the first nozzle (240) and the brush (250), and ensures movement stability and the durability of the entire device through the coordinated action of the second nozzle (313) and the moving part (300).
[0100] That is, the operation of each element—rotation of the brush (250), orbital rotation of the brush (250) by the turning housing, movement in close contact with the wheel, and spraying by the nozzle (first nozzle (240), second nozzle (313))—is organically combined to enable uniform cleaning of the inside of the pipe.
[0101] In particular, the jet pressure of the cleaning water sprayed from the first nozzle (240) and the second nozzle (313) generates a propulsive force in the direction of travel of the moving part (300) according to the action-reaction principle, thereby providing additional moving force that enables the device to move on its own inside the pipe.
[0102] As described above, cleaning water is uniformly sprayed over the entire inner wall of the pipe through the combination of the first nozzle (240) and the brush (250), and the brush (250) rotates around the brush shaft (230) and orbits by the rotation of the turning housing (210), thereby maximizing cleaning efficiency. The cleaning unit (200) and the moving unit (300) are stably fixed without shaking in the axial direction by the fastening structure of the main pipe (100), the turning housing (210), and the moving unit (300), and the fixed body (217), thereby securing the structural stability and durability of the entire device. Furthermore, by adjusting the angle of the link arm (340) and the roller link (350), the wheel (360) mounted on the moving unit (300) adheres to the inner wall of the pipe, allowing for stable movement even in pipes with varying diameters and curves. Additionally, the cleaning water sprayed from the second nozzle (313) cleans and lubricates the moving unit (300) and the link structure, minimizing friction and wear and extending the lifespan of the device. Extended, the rotational rotation of the brush (250), the orbital rotation of the turning housing (210), the spraying of cleaning water from the first nozzle (240) and the second nozzle (313), and the forward movement of the moving part (300) are organically combined to provide uniform and repetitive cleaning force over the entire inner wall of the pipe.
[0103] Although this specification contains details of a number of specific embodiments, they should not be understood as limiting the scope of any invention or claimables, but rather as descriptions of features that may be characteristic of a specific embodiment of a specific invention. Specific features described in this specification in the context of individual embodiments may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any appropriate sub-combination. Furthermore, while features may operate in a specific combination and be described as initially claimed, one or more features from the claimed combination may be excluded from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be changed to a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.
[0104] Meanwhile, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples provided to aid understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that other variations based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein. Explanation of the symbols
[0106] 100: Main pipe 110: Hollow hole 120: Towing pipe 200: Washing section 210: Turning Housing 211: Through-hole 212: 1st Washing Water Supply Hole 212-1: 1st PT Plug 213: Nozzle coupling groove 214: Link coupling groove 215: Pin connection hole 216: Brush link pin 217: Fixed 220: Brush Link 221: Second wash water supply hole 222: Brush link pin 230: Brush shaft 231: Third wash water supply hole 232: Nozzle installation groove 240: First nozzle 250: Brush 300: Moving part 310: Nozzle housing 311: Washing water inlet hole 312: 2nd PT plug 313: 2nd nozzle 320: End cap housing 330: Link support 340: Link arm 350: Roller link 360: Wheel 400: Camera module
Claims
Claim 1 The device comprises a main pipe (100) having a hollow hole (110) formed inside, which is coupled to a nozzle housing (310) and an end cap housing (320) of a moving part (300) configured to be movable by a plurality of wheels (360) inside the pipe; and a cleaning part (200) including a brush (250) installed on the main pipe (100) to clean the inner surface of the pipe through rotation and revolution; wherein the main pipe (100) eliminates friction of the hose through a pulse action generated by the mixed supply of high-pressure cleaning water and high-pressure air, and at the same time reduces weight by generating buoyancy of the hose itself through the mixed air, thereby securing long-distance driving capability; and a composite traction system in which cleaning water supply and traction force are simultaneously applied at both the front and rear ends of the pipe cleaning device. A pipe cleaning device characterized by the fact that the jet pressure of the cleaning water sprayed from the first nozzle (240) of the cleaning unit (200) and the second nozzle (313) of the nozzle housing (310) simultaneously generates a propulsive force in the direction of movement of the device according to the principle of action and reaction to assist autonomous movement within the pipe; and a camera module (400) that automatically photographs the inside of the pipe according to a set time interval is provided to diagnose the cleaning status in real time. Claim 2 In claim 1, the washing unit (200) comprises: a plurality of turning housings (210) installed in the main pipe (100) so as to be supplied through the main pipe (100); a plurality of brush links (220) each rotatably coupled to the plurality of turning housings (210); a brush shaft (230) coupled between the plurality of brush links (220); and a plurality of first nozzles (240) each installed on the plurality of brush links (220) and the brush shaft (230) to spray water. A pipe cleaning device comprising a brush (250) rotatably installed on a brush shaft (230); wherein the turning housing (210), a plurality of brush links (220), a brush shaft (230), and a brush (250) form a set and at least one set is installed on a main pipe (100), and wherein the brush (250) rotates (rotates) on the brush shaft (230) while the cleaning unit (200) rotates by the pressure of water sprayed from the first nozzle (240). Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the turning housing (210), a plurality of brush links (220), and a brush shaft (230) are formed with a first washing water supply hole (212), a second washing water supply hole (221), and a third washing water supply hole (231) so as to supply water flowing into the main pipe (100), and the water supplied through the first washing water supply hole (212), the second washing water supply hole (221), and the third washing water supply hole (231) is sprayed by a first nozzle (240) installed on each of the plurality of brush links (220) and brush shaft (230), characterized by a pipe cleaning device. Claim 4 A pipe cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning unit (200) adjusts the position of the brush (250) to match the diameter of the inner surface of the pipe by adjusting the angle of the brush link (220), and when water is supplied to the main pipe (100), the turning housing (210) rotates together with the main pipe (100) so that the brush (250) undergoes orbital rotation, and the brush (250) undergoes rotational rotation while moving inside the pipe and rotating the turning housing (210) (brush orbital rotation). Claim 5 A pipe cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the moving part (300) comprises: a nozzle housing (310) installed on a main pipe (100) so as to be located on one side of one of the plurality of turning housings (210) of the cleaning part (200); an end cap housing (320) installed on a main pipe (100) so as to be located on one side of the other of the plurality of turning housings (210) of the cleaning part (200); a plurality of link supports (330) each installed on the nozzle housing (310) and the end cap housing (320); a link arm (340) rotatably installed on the plurality of link supports (330); a plurality of roller links (350) each installed to be angle-adjustable in a state bent at a predetermined angle at a predetermined position; and a plurality of wheels (360) each installed on the plurality of roller links (350). Claim 6 In claim 5, the above-mentioned moving part (300) is a pipe cleaning device that allows the wheel (360) on the inner side of the pipe to move in close contact by adjusting the angle of the roller link (350) on which the wheel (360) is installed while adjusting the angle of the link arm (340) in the link support (330).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Apparatus for Cleaning a Pipe
KR1020160096474A
Water supply pipes forward / reverse rotation and horizontal rotation spraying cleaning devices and cleaning methods
KR102721658B1
Pipe cleaning apparatus
KR102880345B1