A pipe cleaning device using an ice slush cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pipe cleaning device using the ISC method, which is implemented to include: a stirring and chiller equipped with a pressure and cooling means for controlling the internal pressure and cooling temperature of a chamber to cool a fluid introduced into the chamber and stirring the fluid inside the chamber to generate slush; and a discharge pump that applies pressure to the slush so that the slush discharged to the lower side of the chamber is introduced into the pipe, thereby enabling control of the particle size, strength, fluidity, etc. of the slush and enabling cleaning according to various pipe conditions.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe cleaning device using the ISC (ICE SLUSH CLEANING) method, which can effectively remove foreign substances, rust, sediment, oil stains, etc. attached to the inner wall of a pipe using slush (a cooled fluid in a semi-solid state). Background Technology

[0002] Generally, when pipes used for water supply or drainage installed in buildings are used for a long time, impurities such as rust, scale, and slime accumulate on the inner walls of the pipes due to the fluid flowing through them. When impurities accumulate on the inner walls of the pipes, the flow of fluid inside the pipes may be obstructed, and since these impurities may contain substances harmful to the human body, such as bacteria and viruses, they are detrimental to health. Furthermore, if the accumulated impurities are left unattended, the pipes may become clogged, resulting in significant maintenance costs.

[0003] Impurities that accumulate inside the pipes can also contaminate the fluid inside the pipes or corrode the pipes, causing rusty water to flow out, so it is necessary to manage them properly on a periodic basis through cleaning, etc.

[0004] Related technologies for cleaning the inside of such pipes include,

[0005] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0471126 (registered on January 27, 2014, hereinafter referred to as 'Literature 1') "Pipe Cleaning Device" is disclosed,

[0006] Literature 1 describes a pipe cleaning device that prevents uneven wear of the cleaning pig and improves cleaning efficiency by fixing the frame to both ends of the pipe so that the guide holes of the first and second rollers are positioned at the center of the pipe, thereby causing the traction rope to reciprocate at the center of the pipe, and allowing the cleaning pig to reciprocate with uniform surface friction on the inner surface of the pipe.

[0007] As another technology, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1261316 (registered on April 30, 2013, hereinafter referred to as 'Document 2') “Pipe cleaning device and pipe cleaning method using microbubbles” is presented,

[0008] Reference 2 describes an air supply means comprising: an air input valve formed at an air supply inlet for controlling the amount of supplied air; an air pressure gauge formed adjacent to the air input valve for indicating the pressure of the supplied air; a first air supply line through which the supplied air moves where the air input valve and the air pressure gauge are located; and a second air supply line and a third air supply line branching from the first air supply line; a washing water supply means comprising a washing water input valve formed at an inlet for supplying washing water for controlling the amount of supplied washing water; a washing water supply line through which the supplied washing water moves where the washing water input valve is located; and a detergent supply means formed in a mixing supply line to which a pipe for washing is connected, comprising a detergent supply tank for providing a washing detergent mixed with microbubbles to the washing water, and a detergent input valve for controlling the amount of detergent supplied from the detergent supply tank. The technology relates to a pipe cleaning device and cleaning method using microbubbles, comprising a control panel for controlling the operation of the air supply means, cleaning water supply means, and detergent supply means, wherein a portion of the supplied high-pressure injection air is microbubbled using a microbubble generator, and then the high-pressure injection air and the microbubbled air are supplied to a cleaning water supply line, while the pressure of the supplied cleaning water is maintained at the normal water pressure, thereby enabling the cleaning device to be made lighter while increasing the effect of removing debris inside the pipe by microbubbles.

[0009] Another technology is disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2083455 (registered on February 25, 2020, hereinafter referred to as 'Literature 3'), titled "Pipe cleaning system including a portable pipe cleaning device for removing scale, slime, and foreign substances inside water supply pipes using water and air pressure."

[0010] Reference 3 relates to a system utilizing a device for cleaning the inside of water pipes by removing scale, slime, and foreign substances formed inside aging or water pipes requiring cleaning, wherein the cleaning device is lightweight for easy portability and the cleaning process is simplified. More specifically, the system comprises a housing having an open top surface to form an internal empty space, a water inlet and a water outlet provided in the lower regions of both outer sides, and an air inlet provided in the upper region of one side; a main body comprising a detachable instrument panel located on the top of the housing, which allows the user to control the device and display the usage status, and a cover hinged to the upper end of the rear surface of the housing to cover the instrument panel; and a water inlet pipe connected to the water inlet, a first valve, a water flow pipe, a second valve, and a water outlet pipe connected in sequence, the water outlet pipe being connected to the water outlet, and a water supply pump for supplying water to the water inlet pipe, and an air supply pipe, an air supply pump, and an air outlet pipe connected to the air inlet The technology relates to a pipe cleaning system comprising a portable pipe cleaning device that removes scale, slime, and foreign substances from a water supply pipe using water and air pressure, wherein the air discharge pipe is included, but the air discharge pipe is connected to and installed on one side of the water discharge pipe, and further comprising a pipe cleaning device including a cleaning unit, and a fixed module installed on the water supply pipe to be cleaned and the pipe cleaning device.

[0011] Another technology is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2025-0076355 (published May 29, 2025, hereinafter referred to as 'Literature 4'), "Pipe Cleaning Device,"

[0012] Reference 4 describes a cleaning means and a moving means equipped with said cleaning means and configured through a contraction and expansion action, wherein the moving means comprises: a body formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and having a first expanding portion formed at the longitudinal center that protrudes radially outward to expand the outer diameter; a first cylinder formed by wrapping around a part of the front side of said body and having a second expanding portion formed at the rear side that protrudes radially to expand the outer diameter, and having a plurality of front pin coupling portions formed at the front end that protrude outwardly at spaced intervals in the circumferential direction; a second cylinder formed by wrapping around a part of the rear side of said body and having a third expanding portion formed at the front side that protrudes radially to expand the outer diameter, and having a plurality of rear pin coupling portions formed at the rear end that protrude outwardly at spaced intervals in the circumferential direction; and a first contracting portion formed on the inner surface of the front end that protrudes radially to contract the inner diameter, a second contracting portion formed on the central inner surface that protrudes radially to contract the inner diameter, and a rear end that protrudes radially to contract the inner diameter. The present invention relates to a pipe cleaning device configured to facilitate movement within a pipe and various operations while maintaining a simple structure, by including a third cylinder in which a third diameter portion is formed, a fourth cylinder formed as a hollow cylinder in which a fourth diameter portion is formed by protruding radially from the inner surface of the front end and reducing the inner diameter, and a fifth diameter portion is formed by protruding radially from the inner surface of the rear end and reducing the inner diameter. Prior art literature

[0013] Reference 1. Republic of Korea Utility Model Registration No. 20-0471126 (Registered Jan. 27, 2014) Reference 2. Republic of Korea Patent Registration No. 10-1261316 (Registered Apr. 30, 2013) Reference 3. Republic of Korea Patent Registration No. 10-2083455 (Registered Feb. 25, 2020) Reference 4. Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2025-0076355 (Published May 29, 2025) The problem to be solved

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pipe cleaning device using the ISC method, which enables cleaning according to various pipe conditions by controlling the particle size, strength, and fluidity of the slush through stirring and freezing, cover rotation, and horizontal bar reciprocating motion.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a pipe cleaning device using the ISC method, which sprays slush deep inside the pipe, expands the cleaning range through mechanical advance and retraction movements, and enables automatic forward movement through an air propulsion unit, thereby allowing cleaning of long-distance pipes. means of solving the problem

[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention is,

[0017] A stirring and refrigeration unit equipped with pressure and cooling means for controlling the internal pressure and cooling temperature of a chamber to cool a fluid introduced into the chamber and stirring the fluid inside the chamber to generate slush; and

[0018] A discharge pump that applies pressure to the slush so that the slush discharged to the lower side of the chamber is introduced into the interior of the pipe;

[0019] It is characterized by including Effects of the invention

[0020] A pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention is,

[0021] By controlling the particles and cooling temperature of the slush, cleaning power and penetration power can be maximized, and the rotation and reciprocating motion of the stirring unit can produce slush of uniform particles.

[0022] In addition, using slush instead of high-pressure water or chemicals can reduce the risk of damage to the pipe material.

[0023] In addition, by precisely controlling pressure, temperature, rotation speed, etc. through the controller, it is possible to produce uniform slush without relying on the operator's skill level. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a stirring and freezing unit, a feeding unit, and a stirring unit. FIGS. 3 to 5 are cross-sectional diagrams for showing the operating state of a stirring unit, FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a mobile washing unit, FIGS. 7 and 8 are side configuration diagrams for showing a propulsion unit and a mobile washing unit, and the operating state of the mobile washing unit. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0026] Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims 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. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely one preferred embodiment of the invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, a pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention is,

[0028] It is largely composed of a stirring and freezing unit (10) and a discharge pump (20).

[0029] If we look at each component,

[0030] The above stirring and freezing device (10)

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,

[0032] A pressure and cooling means is provided to control the internal pressure and cooling temperature of the chamber (11) in order to cool the fluid introduced into the chamber (11) and to stir the fluid inside the chamber (11) to create slush.

[0033] The above fluid forms crystals during the process of phase transition into a solid, but if the formation of large crystals is hindered, a slush, which is an intermediate form between liquid and solid, is generated. Among these methods of cooling the above fluid, there is a first method of generating slush by lowering the cooling temperature, and another method is a second method of generating slush with a relatively smaller particle size than the first method by rapidly cooling the above fluid to a metastable supercooled state and then applying a disturbance (e.g., shock, vibration, release of high pressure, etc.) to cause an instantaneous phase transition.

[0034] The above pressure and cooling means controls the cooling temperature of the chamber (11) by applying the first method so that the above stirring and chiller (10) does not rapidly cool the fluid, but continuously stirs through the stirring unit (40) described later while cooling the fluid to generate slush.

[0035] The above discharge pump (20) is

[0036] As shown in Fig. 1,

[0037] The structure is configured as a pump structure to apply pressure to the slush so that the slush discharged to the lower side of the chamber (11) is introduced into the interior of the pipe (1).

[0038] Meanwhile, the pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention further includes a feeding unit (30).

[0039] The above feeding unit (30) is

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,

[0041] A disc-shaped cover (31) that is positioned on the upper side in a manner that blocks the interior of the chamber (11) and has a flow path (311) inside,

[0042] A plurality of nozzles (32) connected to the Euro (311) of the cover (31) and mounted in a row on the lower surface of the cover (31) passing through the center of the cover (31), and

[0043] Fluid feeder (33) for supplying fluid to the flow path (311) of the above cover (31)

[0044] It consists of including

[0045] Eventually, the fluid supplied from the fluid feeder (33) passes through the flow path (311) of the cover (31) and is discharged into the chamber (11) through each nozzle (32).

[0046] Meanwhile, the pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention further includes a stirring unit (40).

[0047] The above stirring unit (40)

[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5,

[0049] A plurality of vertical bars (41) are positioned between two adjacent nozzles (32) in each of the above nozzles (32),

[0050] A first horizontal bar (42) connecting the vertical bars (41) among the above vertical bars (41) that are positioned in the left area from the center of the cover (31),

[0051] A second horizontal bar (43) connecting the vertical bars (41) among the above vertical bars (41) that are positioned in the right area from the center of the cover (31),

[0052] A horizontal bar driving unit (44) that transmits power to move the first horizontal bar (42) and the second horizontal bar (43) in directions opposite to each other, and

[0053] A cover rotation drive unit (45) that transmits rotational power to the above cover (31)

[0054] It consists of including

[0055] At this time, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the horizontal bar driving unit (44) is composed of a relay bar (441) connected to each horizontal bar (42, 43), a horizontal piston (442) axially coupled to the relay bar (441), and a horizontal pneumatic cylinder body (443) in which a part of the horizontal piston (442) is embedded and which causes the horizontal piston (442) to move back and forth by selective supply of air. This is an example, and various modifications and changes may be made within the range that satisfies the condition of being able to operate each horizontal bar (42, 43) in a direction opposite to and facing each other.

[0056] And as shown in FIG. 2, the cover rotation drive unit (45) is composed of a column (451) erected in the central area of ​​the upper surface of the cover (31), a driven pulley (452) coupled to the column (451), a rotation drive motor (454) fixedly mounted on the chamber (11) and having a driving pulley (453), and a belt (455) connecting the driven pulley (452) and the driving pulley (453). This is an example and can be modified and changed in various ways within the range that satisfies the conditions for rotating the cover (31).

[0057] Ultimately, the rotational movement of the cover (31) is achieved by driving the rotary drive motor (454). In addition, this rotational movement of the cover (31) serves to guide a plurality of nozzles (32) connected to the cover (31) to orbit around the center of the cover (31).

[0058] And as shown in FIG. 2, the stirring unit (40) is further provided with an annular tread portion (46) formed along the upper circumference of the chamber (11) and a plurality of idler rollers (47) mounted along the outer surface and lower edge of the cover (31) and in contact with the bottom and wall of the tread portion (46), thereby guiding the stable rotational movement of the cover (31).

[0059] And as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the stirring unit (40) is further equipped with a sub-axis (48) that is connected to the central area of ​​the lower surface of the cover (31) and has a plurality of stirring blades (481) on its outer surface, thereby enabling the stirring of the fluid remaining in the central area of ​​the chamber (11).

[0060] And as shown in FIG. 2, a male connecting part (421) and a female connecting part (431) that are male and female connected to each other are formed at the ends facing each other on each horizontal bar (42, 43), so that stable movement can be achieved when each horizontal bar (42, 43) moves in the opposite direction to the direction facing each other.

[0061] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the cover (31) rotates by the cover rotation drive unit (45) and each nozzle (32) connected to the cover (31) moves in a circular motion, each horizontal bar (42, 43) moves in a linear motion in a direction facing each other or in an opposite direction by the horizontal bar drive unit (44), and it is desirable that this linear motion be performed at an appropriate speed and time so as not to cause interference with each nozzle (32) moving in a circular motion.

[0062] By moving the fluid inside the chamber (11) inward and outward through the horizontal bars (42, 43) that move in a straight line in this way, the fluid mixing rate between the generated fluids can be increased while preventing clumping.

[0063] Meanwhile, the pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention further includes a controller (50).

[0064] The above controller (50)

[0065] As shown in Fig. 1,

[0066] The circuit structure controls the pressure and cooling temperature inside the chamber (11), the linear reciprocating speed of each horizontal bar (42, 43) by the horizontal bar driving unit (44), and the rotational speed of the cover (31) by the cover rotation driving unit (45) to control the strength and particle size of the slush, and controls the operation of the discharge pump (20) so that the slush is introduced into the pipe (1).

[0067] Ultimately, the controller (50) controls the strength and particle size of the slush generated inside the chamber (11), and it is preferable that the strength and particle size of the slush be set such that it can be moved by the pressure of the discharge pump (20) while removing scale attached to the inner surface of the pipe (1) when introduced into the pipe (1).

[0068] Meanwhile, the pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention further includes a movable cleaning unit (60).

[0069] The above mobile washing unit (60) is

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8,

[0071] A cylindrical housing (61) that is placed inside a pipe (1) and is laid down to have an access hole (611) at the front,

[0072] A slush sprayer (62) inserted into the entrance / exit hole (611) of the housing (61) and receiving slush from the discharge pump (20) and discharging it forward,

[0073] A sprayer drive unit (63) embedded in the above housing (61) and capable of moving the sprayer (62) forward and backward,

[0074] A pair of members (64) positioned on the front side of the above-mentioned injection body (62) and forming an arc shape in a direction facing each other,

[0075] A pair of disc-shaped supports (65) connected to the housing (61) and positioned between each member (64) to support each member (64),

[0076] A pair of elastic pieces (66) connected to the support (65) and pressing the ends of each member (64) together, and

[0077] A pair of links (67) that interconnect the above-mentioned injection body (62) and each of the above-mentioned members (64), wherein each connection part is hinge-connected

[0078] It consists of including

[0079] At this time, the above-mentioned injection body drive unit (63) is installed within the housing (61) and is formed as a pneumatic cylinder structure having a piston that moves back and forth by the selective supply of air, and the piston is connected to the injection body (62).

[0080] And each of the above elastic pieces (66) is structured to have elastic force so that the ends of each member (64) are pressed together. When the ends of each member (64) are separated from each other and the sprayer (64) returns to its original position, that is, moves forward by the sprayer driving unit (63), the ends of each member (64) are pressed together by the elastic restoring force of each elastic piece (66).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, the movable cleaning unit (60) is further provided with a guide (68) having a flange (681) extending along the outer surface of the housing (61) and a plurality of rollers (682) radially provided on the flange (681), thereby enabling stable movement of the cleaning unit (60) by rolling motion while in contact with the inner wall of the pipe (1) with part or all of the rollers (682).

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, when the cleaning unit (60) is advanced by the propulsion unit (70) or when the members (64) come into contact with each other as needed, it is possible to partially prevent foreign substances inside the pipe (1) from flowing into the spray body (62), and in particular, it is possible to prevent the spray body (62) from being damaged due to contact with foreign substances inside the pipe (1).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 8, when the cleaning unit (60) is stopped by the propulsion unit (70) or as needed, the sprayer (62) of each member (64) is retracted by the sprayer drive unit (63), and the members (64) connected by the link (67) are supported by the support (65), so that the contact ends of each member (64) are gradually separated from each other, thereby exposing the sprayer (62) located between each member (64). Slush can be discharged through the exposed sprayer (62).

[0084] Meanwhile, the pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to the present invention further includes a propulsion unit (70).

[0085] The above propulsion unit (70) is

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8,

[0087] The purpose is to advance the housing (61) by generating propulsion force by injecting supplied air toward the rear side.

[0088] A propulsion body (73) having an internal passage (71) into which compressed air supplied from an air compressor flows, and two or more nozzles (72) branching out at an angle toward the rear from the internal passage (71), and

[0089] A relay body (74) that interconnects the above propulsion body (73) and the above housing (61)

[0090] It consists of including

[0091] Ultimately, the compressed air introduced into the above passage (71) is discharged to the rear side through each of the above nozzles (72), thereby providing propulsion force to the above propulsion body (73) and the housing (61) connected thereto.

[0092] The above-mentioned mobile cleaning unit (60), having been provided with such propulsion, can advance within the pipe (1) and clean the inner wall of the pipe (1).

[0093] In describing the present invention above, the focus has been on a "pipe cleaning device using the ISC method" having a specific shape and structure with reference to the attached drawings; however, the present invention is capable of various modifications and changes by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0094] 1 : Piping 10: Stirring and Freezing Unit 11: Chamber 20: Discharge pump 30 : Feeding unit 31 : Cover 311 : Euro 32: Nozzle 33: Fluid feeder 40 : Stirring unit 41 : Vertical bar 42 : 1st horizontal bar 421 : Male connecting part 43 : Second horizontal bar 431 : Female connecting part 44 : Horizontal bar drive unit 441 : Relay bar 442 : Horizontal piston 443 : Horizontal pneumatic cylinder body 45 : Cover rotation drive unit 451 : Column unit 452 : Driven pulley 453 : Driving pulley 454 : Rotary drive motor 455 : Belt 46 : Reply surface 47 : Idle Roller 48 : Sub-axis 481 : Stirring blade 50 : Controller 60 : Mobile washing unit 61 : Housing 611 : Entrance Hall 62 : Projection 63 : Injector drive unit 64 : Member 65 : Support 66 : Elastic piece 67 : Link 68 : Guide 681 : Flange 682 : Roller 70 : Propulsion unit 71: Internal passage 72: Nozzle 73 : Propulsion body 74 : Relay body

Claims

Claim 1 A stirring and chiller (10) equipped with a pressure and cooling means for controlling the internal pressure and cooling temperature of the chamber (11) to cool the fluid introduced into the chamber (11) and to stir the fluid inside the chamber (11) to generate slush; and a discharge pump (20) that applies pressure to the slush so that the slush discharged to the lower side of the chamber (11) is introduced into the pipe (1); The apparatus further comprises a feeding unit (30) comprising: a disc-shaped cover (31) positioned on the upper side in a manner that blocks the interior of the chamber (11) and having a flow path (311) inside; a plurality of nozzles (32) mounted in a row on the lower surface of the cover (31) passing through the center of the cover (31) and connected to the flow path (311) of the cover (31); and a fluid feeder (33) for supplying fluid to the flow path (311) of the cover (31); a plurality of vertical bars (41) erected to be positioned between some of the two adjacent nozzles (32) in each nozzle (32); a first horizontal bar (42) connecting the vertical bars (41) positioned in the left area from the center of the cover (31) among the vertical bars (41); and a first horizontal bar (42) connecting the vertical bars (41) positioned in the right area from the center of the cover (31) among the vertical bars (41). A pipe cleaning device using the ISC method, further comprising a stirring unit (40) consisting of a second horizontal bar (43), a horizontal bar driving unit (44) that transmits power to move the first horizontal bar (42) and the second horizontal bar (43) in opposite directions to each other, and a cover rotation driving unit (45) that transmits rotational power to the cover (31). Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to claim 1, further comprising a controller (50) that controls the strength and particle size of the slush by adjusting the pressure and cooling temperature inside the chamber (11), the linear reciprocating motion speed of each horizontal bar (42, 43) by the horizontal bar driving unit (44), and the rotational speed of the cover (31) by the cover rotation driving unit (45), and controls the operation of the discharge pump (20) so that the slush is introduced into the pipe (1). Claim 5 In claim 1 or 4, a cylindrical housing (61) disposed within a pipe (1) and laid flat having an access hole (611) at the front; a slush sprayer (62) inserted into the access hole (611) of the housing (61) and receiving slush from the discharge pump (20) and discharging it forward; a sprayer drive unit (63) embedded in the housing (61) and causing the sprayer (62) to move back and forth; a pair of members (64) disposed on the front side of the sprayer (62) and forming an arc shape in directions facing each other; a pair of disc-shaped supports (65) connected to the housing (61) and disposed between each member (64) to support each member (64); and a pair of supports connected to the supports (65) and pressing the ends of each member (64) to come into contact with each other. A pipe cleaning device using the ISC method, further comprising a movable cleaning unit (60) consisting of an elastic piece (66) and a pair of links (67) that interconnect the spray body (62) and each member (64), with each connection part being hinge-connected. Claim 6 A pipe cleaning device using the ISC method according to claim 5, characterized in that the movable cleaning unit (60) further comprises a guide (68) having a flange (681) extending along the outer surface of the housing (61) and a plurality of rollers (682) radially provided on the flange (681). Claim 7 A pipe cleaning device using the ISC method, characterized in that, in claim 5, it further includes a propulsion unit (70) for advancing the housing (61) by generating propulsion force by injecting supplied air toward the rear side.

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