Pipe cleaning apparatus using water jet

Abstract

A pipe cleaning apparatus using a water jet, according to the present invention, comprises: a high-pressure water flow control unit receiving high-pressure water from the outside to output the high-pressure water to a spraying hose having a nozzle at a front end thereof or block the high-pressure water from being outputted to the spraying hose, and bypasses the high-pressure water; a hose transfer unit installed at a position spaced apart from the high-pressure water flow control unit and including at least one pair of rollers that move the spraying hose forward or backward; a connection pipe having one end coupled to the hose transfer unit and formed as a flexible hollow tube through which the spraying hose movably passes; and a hand guide gun formed as a tubular member coupled to the other end of the connection pipe, the hand guide gun allowing the spraying hose to movably pass therethrough, the hand guide gun having a high-pressure water control trigger detachably installed thereon for controlling operation of the high-pressure water flow control unit, and a hose transfer control switch detachably installed thereon for controlling operation of the hose transfer unit.

Description

Pipe cleaning device using a water jet

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe cleaning device, and more specifically, to a pipe cleaning device using a water jet.

[0002] A heat exchanger is a device that facilitates the exchange of heat between two fluids of different temperatures. Heat exchangers are widely used in air conditioners, chillers, refrigeration units, power generation facilities, and the like. A typical form of a heat exchanger may be a structure in which multiple pipes are arranged in a bundle. As the fluid for heat exchange flows through the pipes constituting the heat exchanger, contaminants in the form of scale accumulate on the inner walls. To maintain smooth heat exchange performance, it is necessary to periodically clean the inside of the pipes constituting the heat exchanger. Generally, scale can be removed by spraying high-pressure water into the pipes to clean the inside of the heat exchanger. However, conventional pipe cleaning devices are designed so that the operator must hold the hose spraying high-pressure water with their hand while working. Using such conventional pipe cleaning devices poses a problem where the operator may be injured by the sprayed high-pressure water. Furthermore, conventional pipe cleaning devices suffer from poor work efficiency because the foot valve switch controlling the high-pressure water is located away from the operator, requiring multiple workers to operate in shifts.

[0003] Meanwhile, among conventional pipe cleaning devices, mechanized cleaning devices can reduce the risk of injury to workers, but they have the problem of requiring a long installation time and high equipment introduction costs.

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to provide a pipe cleaning device that can be operated by a single worker, prevents injury to the worker, and is convenient to use, in order to resolve the problems described above.

[0005] To achieve the above objective, a pipe cleaning device using a water jet according to the present invention comprises: a high-pressure water flow control unit that receives high-pressure water from the outside and outputs it to a spray hose equipped with a nozzle at the tip, or blocks and bypasses the high-pressure water from being output to the spray hose;

[0006] A hose conveying unit installed at a position spaced apart from the high-pressure water flow control unit and comprising at least one pair of rollers for advancing or retracting the spray hose;

[0007] A connecting tube having one end coupled to the hose conveying part and configured as a flexible hollow tube so that the spray hose can move through it;

[0008] The invention is characterized by including a hand guide gun, which is a tubular member coupled to the other end of the above-mentioned connecting pipe, through which the spray hose movably passes, a high-pressure water control trigger for controlling the operation of the high-pressure water flow control unit is detachably installed, and a hose transfer control switch for controlling the operation of the hose transfer unit is detachably installed.

[0009] The high-pressure water control trigger is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hand guide gun, and the high-pressure water control trigger can be configured to control the valve of the high-pressure water flow control unit by pneumatic pressure.

[0010] The pipe cleaning device using a water jet according to the present invention provides the effect of enabling one person to easily perform pipe cleaning work by equipping a hand guide gun, which is held and used by a user, with a high-pressure water control trigger and a hose transfer control switch.

[0011] In addition, the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention has the advantage of convenient maintenance and repair of the device because it enables the control of hose transport and high-pressure water spraying using pneumatic pressure.

[0012] In addition, the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention has a structure that allows the user to easily detect when the spray nozzle is immersed in the hand guide gun, so it can contribute to ensuring user safety.

[0013] In addition, the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to be used flexibly even in environments where the thickness of the hose is different, as it is equipped with a device that adjusts the spacing between rollers constituting the hose conveying section.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the structure of the hose conveying unit illustrated in Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the high-pressure water flow control unit illustrated in Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV shown in Figure 3.

[0018] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the detailed structure of the hose conveying section.

[0019] Figure 6 is a view of the hose conveying section from a different direction.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along lines VII to VII shown in FIG. 6.

[0021] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the detailed structure of a hand guide gun.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line IX to IX (longitudinal) shown in FIG. 8.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line X-X shown in FIG. 8.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI - XI shown in FIG. 8.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a pneumatic circuit diagram applied to a pipe cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a pneumatic circuit diagram applied to a pipe cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The present invention may have various modifications and may take various forms, and embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail herein. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0028] The above terms are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In the present invention, terms such as "comprising," "having," or "consisting of" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the structure of the hose conveying unit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the structure of the high-pressure water flow control unit illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the detailed structure of the hose conveying unit. FIG. 6 is a view of the hose conveying unit from a different direction. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the detailed structure of a hand guide gun. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line IX-IX illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line X-X illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a pneumatic circuit diagram applied to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a pneumatic circuit diagram applied to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the flow of compressed air is indicated by arrows.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, a pipe cleaning device using a water jet according to the present invention (10, hereinafter referred to as "pipe cleaning device") is a device for cleaning foreign substances on the inner surface of a pipe (100) applied to a heat exchanger, etc.

[0034] The above pipe cleaning device (10) includes a spray hose (20), a high-pressure water flow control unit (30), a hose transfer unit (40), a connecting pipe (60), and a hand guide gun (70).

[0035] The above spray hose (20) is a flexible tubular structure through which high-pressure water flows. A nozzle (22) forming a water jet is provided at the front end of the above spray hose (20). A nozzle of a known structure may be used for the nozzle (22). The rear end of the above spray hose (20) is connected to the output side of the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) described later. A hose forward stopper (24) may be installed on the above spray hose (20). The hose forward stopper (24) may be installed to be caught on a rail receiving box (42) constituting the hose transfer unit (40) described later. The hose forward stopper (24) may be provided to limit the forward distance of the spray hose (22) according to the length of the pipe (100) to be cleaned. The hose forward stopper (24) may be installed by moving its position.

[0036] The high-pressure water flow control unit (30) may be installed on a tumble frame (15). The tumble frame (15) may be composed of, for example, aluminum or steel structures. The tumble frame (15) may be constructed by welding or assembling a plurality of metal plates. The tumble frame (15) serves as a framework to which the components constituting the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) and the hose conveying unit (40) are combined. The tumble frame (15) may be equipped with a tumble handle (17) that can be held and moved by a person's hand.

[0037] The high-pressure water flow control unit (30) can receive high-pressure water from the outside and output it to the spray hose (20) described later, or block and bypass the output to the spray hose (20). The spray hose (20) may be configured as a hose that can be bent. It is preferable that the spray hose (20) be configured so that deformation in the thickness direction is minimized as much as possible so that high-pressure water can flow safely. The spray hose (20) may be configured with a sufficient length to flexibly respond to working conditions. For example, the length of the spray hose (20) may be 10m to 20m. A nozzle (22) is provided at the tip of the spray hose (20). A nozzle of a known structure may be employed for the nozzle (22). The high-pressure water flow control unit (30) may be equipped with a main shut-off valve (not shown) capable of manually blocking the high-pressure water supplied from the outside. The high-pressure water flow control unit (30) is equipped with a dump valve (36) that switches the flow direction of the high-pressure water. The dump valve (36) is controlled by a first pneumatic motor (34). The first pneumatic motor (34) is equipped with an operating shaft (35) formed to be able to move in and out by pneumatic pressure. The operating shaft (35) controls the operation of the dump valve (36) by applying pressure to the dump valve (36). Referring to FIG. 4, for example, when the operating shaft (35) does not apply pressure to the dump valve (36), the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) blocks the output of high-pressure water to the spray hose (20) and bypasses it. When the operating shaft applies pressure to the dump valve (36), the rod of the dump valve (36) blocks the bypass path and outputs high-pressure water to the spray hose (20). The high-pressure water bypassed from the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) can be configured to be discharged to the outside or recovered into a storage tank. The movement of the operating shaft (35) is controlled by a high-pressure water control trigger (80) provided in the hand guide gun (70) described later.

[0038] The hose conveying unit (40) may be installed on the tumble frame (15). The hose conveying unit (40) may be installed at a location spaced apart from the high-pressure water flow control unit (30). The hose conveying unit (40) includes at least one pair of rollers that advance or retract the spray hose (20). More specifically, the hose conveying unit (40) may include a roller receiving box (42), a driving roller (46), a second pneumatic motor (47), a driven roller (50), and a roller spacing adjustment device.

[0039] The roller receiving box (42) may be configured as a box-shaped structure. The roller receiving box (42) may include an openable door (43). The roller receiving box (42) may be detachably fixed to the tumble frame (15) by means of screws or bolts, etc. The roller receiving box (42) may be provided with an access pipe (44) through which the spray hose (20) can pass. The access pipe (44) is a passage connecting the internal space and the external space of the roller receiving box (42). The access pipe (44) may be configured to protrude outward from the outer wall of the roller receiving box (42).

[0040] The drive roller (46) is rotatably installed in the roller receiving box (42). The drive roller (46) is driven by a second pneumatic motor (47). The second pneumatic motor (47) may be fixed to the roller receiving box (42). The rotation axis of the second pneumatic motor (47) and the rotation axis of the drive roller (46) may be formed on the same axis. The second pneumatic motor (47) may rotate in the forward or reverse direction. A transmission may be installed between the second pneumatic motor (47) and the drive roller (46). The transmission may perform the function of adjusting torque by creating a difference in rotational speed between the output axis of the second pneumatic motor (47) and the drive roller (46).

[0041] The driven roller (50) is rotatably installed in the roller receiving box (42). The central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) and the central axis of the driving roller (46) are arranged parallel to each other. The driven roller (50) may be connected to the driving roller (46) via a gear. The rotational direction of the driving roller (46) and the rotational direction of the driven roller (50) are opposite to each other. The spray hose (20) can advance or retract while being pressurized by the driving roller (46) and the driven roller (50). The central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) is installed so that it can be adjusted within a set distance relative to the central axis (55) of the driving roller (46). For example, it may be configured so that the position of the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) can be adjusted up and down. More specifically, in order for the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) to move in the vertical direction, a slot-shaped driven shaft hole (45) is provided in one side wall of the roller receiving box (42) in the vertical direction. The central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) can be detachably coupled to the driven roller (50). For example, the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) can be screw-coupled to the driven roller (50). A clamping lever (551) can be provided at the outer end of the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50).

[0042] The central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) is connected to the driven roller (50) by passing through a movable plate (52) that is installed to slide in a direction parallel to the ground with respect to the roller receiving box (42). The central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) can be screw-coupled to the center of the driven roller (50). The central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) can be maintained in a non-rotating state. The driven roller (50) is installed to be rotatable around the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50). For example, the driven roller (50) can be installed to be rotatable via a bearing and the central axis (55) portion of the driven roller (50).

[0043] A rotating plate (521) is provided that is rotatably installed on the above-mentioned movable plate (52). The rotating plate (521) may be configured in the shape of a disc. The rotating plate (521) may have a plurality of shaft through holes (523) spaced apart along its circumference. A ball lever (525) is provided to rotate the rotating plate (521). By applying an external force to the ball lever (525), the rotating plate (521) rotates, and the movable plate (52) can move along a direction parallel to the ground. As the movable plate (52) slides, the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) can be raised and lowered along the driven shaft hole (45) in a direction perpendicular to the ground. More specifically, when the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) is not clamped, and more specifically when the center of the movable plate (52) and the driven roller (50) are not in close contact with the roller receiving box (42), if the rotating plate (521) is rotated using the ball lever (525), the movable plate (52) slides, and the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) can move up and down along the driven shaft hole (45). Accordingly, the gap between the driven roller (50) and the driving roller (46) can be adjusted. When the clamping lever (551) is tightened so that the center of the driven roller (50) and the movable plate (52) are in close contact with the roller receiving box (42), i.e., in a clamped state, the movable plate (52) cannot move, and thus the movement of the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) in the left and right directions of the driven shaft hole (45) is restricted, and the rotating plate (521) cannot rotate either. Accordingly, the position of the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) is fixed. The central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) passes through the shaft through hole (523) and the driven shaft hole (45) and is coupled to the driven roller (50).

[0044] In this way, the distance between the driven roller (50) and the driving roller (46) can be adjusted by moving the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) up and down. By adjusting the distance between the driven roller (50) and the driving roller (46), it is possible to flexibly respond to cases where the thickness of the spray hose (20) is different. That is, the hose conveying unit (40) may be equipped with a roller spacing adjustment device capable of adjusting the distance between the pair of rollers.

[0045] The driving roller (46) and the driven roller (50) may each be provided as one, but depending on the case, three driven rollers (50) may be provided. In this case, two pairs of rollers may be arranged in series along the direction of travel of the spray hose (20). The driving roller (40) and the driven roller (50) may be connected via a gear so that the remaining driven roller (50) is rotated by one driving roller (46).

[0046] The above connecting pipe (60) is composed of a flexible hollow pipe. One end of the connecting pipe (60) is connected to the hose conveying section (40). More specifically, one end of the connecting pipe (60) can be connected to the outlet of the inlet / outlet conduit (44). The other end of the connecting pipe (60) is connected to the rear end of the hand guide gun (70) described later. The connecting pipe (60) is configured so that the spray hose (20) can move through it. That is, the spray hose (20) can advance or retract through the internal space of the connecting pipe (60).

[0047] The hand guide gun (70) is a tubular member coupled to the other end of the connecting pipe (60). The spray hose (20) is movably passed through the internal space of the hand guide gun (70). The hand guide gun (70) includes a handling body (71), a high-pressure water control trigger (80), a hose transfer control switch (90), a pipe alignment contact tip (721), and a hose catcher (75).

[0048] The handling body (71) is a tubular member. The handling body (71) may be composed of a first body (72), a second body (73), and a backflow water discharge part (74).

[0049] The first body (72) is positioned at the front end of the handling body (71). The second body (73) is positioned at the rear end of the handling body (71). A backflow water discharge section (74) may be positioned between the first body (72) and the second body (73). The backflow water discharge section (74) may be composed of a "T" shaped pipe. The first body (72) and the backflow water discharge section (74), and the second body (73) and the backflow water discharge section (74) may be connected by a male screw and a female screw connection structure. The backflow water discharge section (74) is provided to discharge backflowed water to the outside of the hand guide gun (70) when high-pressure water sprayed from the nozzle (22) flows back toward the hand guide gun (70). The above backflow discharge section (74) is opened in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hand guide gun (70). The above backflow discharge section (74) may include a flexible discharge hose (741). It is preferable that the discharge hose (741) be maintained in contact with the ground during operation.

[0050] A hose catcher (75) may be installed between the above-mentioned backflow discharge section (74) and the above-mentioned second body (73). The hose catcher (75) is a member that restricts the nozzle (22) installed at the tip of the above-mentioned spray hose (20) from moving further backward within the handling body (71). Referring to FIG. 10, the hose catcher (75) has a “U” shaped passage that allows the spray hose (20) to pass through but prevents the nozzle (22) from passing through. The nozzle (22) cannot move further backward due to the hose catcher (75). That is, the hose catcher (75) is installed inside the hand guide gun (70) to limit the maximum backward position of the nozzle (22). Therefore, the spray hose (20) is not removed from the rear end of the handling body (71). The first body (72) and the second body (73) may each be provided with a traction eye (76) for installing a strap (not shown). The traction eye (76) may be detachably installed on the outer surface of the first body (72) or the second body (73). The traction eye (76) may be fixed by a bolt or the like in a manner that wraps around the upper and lower parts of the first body (72) or the second body (73). By attaching a strap to the traction eye (76), pipe cleaning work can be performed while the hand guide gun (70) is carried on the worker's shoulder.

[0051] A pipe alignment contact tip (721) may be installed at the tip of the first body (72). The pipe alignment contact tip (721) may be detachably installed on the first body (72). The pipe alignment contact tip (721) has an inner surface with a funnel shape (723). That is, a structure is provided in which the inner diameter becomes smaller as it moves away from the tip of the pipe alignment contact tip (721). The pipe alignment contact tip (721) may be fixed to the first body (72) by a fixing bolt.

[0052] The first body (72) may be provided with a nozzle immersion detection unit (77). The nozzle immersion detection unit (77) detects the state in which the nozzle (22) is immersed into the hand guide gun (70), that is, the first body (72), and generates a whistling sound. The nozzle immersion detection unit (77) includes a plurality of slot holes (78) that penetrate the inside and outside along the circumference of the first body (72). On the outer side of the slot holes (78), a cylindrical resonating chamber (79) having an inner surface spaced apart from the first body (72) is provided. The front of the resonating chamber (79) may be an open structure, and the rear of the resonating chamber (79) may be a closed structure. When high-pressure water is sprayed while the nozzle (22) is immersed inside the first body (72), a vibration sound similar to a whistle is generated by colliding with the resonating chamber (79) through the slot hole (78). Accordingly, the operator can detect that the nozzle (22) is immersed inside the hand guide gun (70) and perform an operation to stop the high-pressure water spray.

[0053] The high-pressure water control trigger (80) may be installed on the first body (72). The high-pressure water control trigger (80) controls the operation of the high-pressure water flow control unit (30). The high-pressure water control trigger (80) may be detachably installed on the first body (72). The high-pressure water control trigger (80) may be detachably installed on the first body (72) by means of a bolt. The high-pressure water control trigger (80) includes a pneumatic open / close switch that operates the first pneumatic motor (34) by the user's grip force. By applying pressure to the high-pressure water control trigger (80), the operating shaft (35) of the first pneumatic motor (34) pressurizes the dump valve (36) so that high-pressure water is output to the spray hose (20). The high-pressure water control trigger (80) is equipped with a trigger having elastic restoring force. By removing the external force applied to the high-pressure water control trigger (80), the pneumatic opening / closing switch is turned off, thereby blocking the dump valve (36) from outputting high-pressure water to the spray hose (20) and bypassing it.

[0054] The high-pressure water control trigger (80) is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hand guide gun (70). As described above, the high-pressure water control trigger (80) controls the dump valve (36) of the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) by operating the first pneumatic motor (34) by pneumatic pressure. The high-pressure water control trigger (80) and the first pneumatic motor (34) are connected by a pair of pneumatic lines (95). Referring to FIG. 12, a pneumatic circuit can be understood that controls the operating shaft (35) of the first pneumatic motor (34) to move in and out by the high-pressure water control trigger (80). That is, compressed air supplied from the outside is distributed at branch point a and supplied to the first pneumatic motor (34). In addition, the compressed air distributed at branch point a is supplied to the high-pressure water control trigger (80) through branch point b. When an external force is applied to the high-pressure water control trigger (80) to switch to an operating state, the compressed air operates the first pneumatic motor (34) to advance the operating shaft (35). When the operating shaft (35) advances, high-pressure water flows into the spray hose (20). When the external force applied to the high-pressure water control trigger (80) is removed, the operating shaft (35) of the first pneumatic motor (34) moves backward. When the operating shaft (35) moves backward, the high-pressure water flows into the bypass path.

[0055] The hose transfer control switch (90) may be detachably installed on the second body (73). The hose transfer control switch (90) may be detachably installed on the second body (73) by means of a plurality of bolts. The hose transfer control switch (90) is equipped with two pneumatic open / close switches. The hose transfer control switch (90) and the second pneumatic motor (47) are connected by two pairs of pneumatic lines (95). One pair of pneumatic lines (95) is provided for the forward rotation of the second pneumatic motor (47), and the other pair of pneumatic lines (95) is provided for the reverse rotation of the second pneumatic motor (47). The hose transfer control switch (90) controls the operation of the second pneumatic motor (47) constituting the hose transfer unit (40). One of the hose transfer control switches (90) causes the second pneumatic motor (47) to rotate in the forward direction. The remaining hose transfer control switches (90) cause the second pneumatic motor (47) to rotate in reverse. Accordingly, by selectively opening and closing the hose transfer control switches (90), the second pneumatic motor (47) rotates the drive roller (46) to move the spray hose (20) forward or backward. When all hose transfer control switches (90) are turned off, the spray hose (20) remains in a stationary state. The spray hose (20) can move forward or backward through the internal space of the connecting pipe (60) and the hand guide gun (70). High-pressure water is sprayed through the nozzle (22) provided at the tip of the spray hose (20). The high-pressure water sprayed through the nozzle (22) forms a water jet to remove foreign matter generated on the inner wall of the pipe (100).

[0056] The hose transfer control switch (90) may have a forward switch and a reverse switch arranged side by side with a gap between them. The hose transfer control switch (90) is configured to control the rotational direction of the second pneumatic motor (47), which rotates the drive roller (46) forward or backward by pneumatic pressure. Referring to FIG. 12, the pneumatic circuit between the hose transfer control switch (90) and the second pneumatic motor (47) can be understood. That is, compressed air supplied from the outside is distributed at branch point a and supplied to the second pneumatic motor (47). In addition, the compressed air distributed at branch point a is supplied to the hose transfer control switch (90) through branch point b. When an external force is applied to any one of the hose transfer control switches (90) to switch to an operating state, the compressed air causes the second pneumatic motor (47) to rotate in the forward direction. Meanwhile, when an external force is applied to the other of the hose transfer control switches (90) to switch to an operating state, the compressed air causes the second pneumatic motor (47) to rotate in reverse.

[0057] An insulating cover (711) may be installed to surround the outer surface of the first body (72) and the second body (73). The insulating cover (711) may be composed of, for example, silicone resin. The insulating cover (711) performs the function of preventing burns to the operator's body when the surface temperature of the hand guide gun (70) rises due to frictional heat generated from the spray hose (20).

[0058] The pressurization direction of the switch of the high-pressure water control trigger (80) and the pressurization direction of the hose transfer control switch (90) can be arranged perpendicular to each other. Generally, the high-pressure water control trigger (80) can be controlled with the left hand, and the hose transfer control switch (90) can be controlled with the right hand. In some cases, the high-pressure water control trigger (80) can be controlled with the right hand, and the hose transfer control switch (90) can be controlled with the left hand.

[0059] Below, the effects of the pipe cleaning device (10) including the components described above will be explained in detail using the process of cleaning a pipe (100) for a heat exchanger using the pipe cleaning device (10) as an example.

[0060] First, the operator connects one end of the spray hose (20) to the outlet of the high-pressure water flow control unit (30). Then, the other end of the spray hose (20) is made to pass between the driving roller (46) and the driven roller (50) along the inlet / outlet pipe (44) constituting the hose conveyor unit (40). During this process, the central axis (55) of the driven roller (50) is adjusted so that the spray hose (20) is pressurized to an appropriate pressure by the driving roller (46) and the driven roller (50). Now, the tip of the spray hose (20) is made to pass through the connecting pipe (60) and the second body (73) constituting the hand guide gun (70). Then, a hose catcher (75) is installed at the location where the backflow water discharge unit (74) and the second body (73) are connected. The backflow water discharge unit (74), the second body (73), and the first body (72) are combined. Then, the tip of the spray hose (20) passes through the first body (72) and the pipe alignment contact tip (721) and is made to protrude slightly toward the tip of the hand guide gun (70). A nozzle (22) is installed at the tip of the spray hose (20). The high-pressure water control trigger (80) and the hose transfer control switch (90) are connected to the hand guide gun (70) at appropriate positions. The first pneumatic motor (34) constituting the high-pressure water control trigger (80) and the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) is configured to communicate pneumatic pressure through a pneumatic line (95). Compressed air input from the outside can flow through the pneumatic line (95). The compressed air supplied from the outside can be distributed to each pneumatic line (95) through a distributor.

[0061] A passage for compressed air is also formed between the hose transfer control switch (90) and the second pneumatic motor (47) by the pneumatic line (95).

[0062] Now, a high-pressure water supply hose is connected to the input side of the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) so that high-pressure water can be input from the outside, and the main shut-off valve is opened. Accordingly, high-pressure water is input into the high-pressure water flow control unit (30).

[0063] The operator attaches the strap to the traction eye (76) and, while carrying the hand guide gun (70) on their shoulder, approaches the pipe (100) to be cleaned with one hand holding the high-pressure water control trigger (80) and the other hand holding the hose transfer control switch (90). The pipe alignment contact tip (721) is brought into contact with the end of the pipe (100). The pipe alignment contact tip (721) is provided with an inner surface of a funnel shape (723) and comes into contact with the outer surface of the end of the pipe (100). Then, the center of the pipe (100) and the center of the pipe alignment contact tip (721) are naturally aligned. Now, the hose transfer control switch (90) is operated to control the tip of the spray hose (20), on which the nozzle (22) is installed, to enter the interior of the pipe (100). Typically, the length of the pipe (100) for the heat exchanger can be about 6m. The operator advances or retracts the nozzle (22) while simultaneously applying pressure to the high-pressure water control trigger (80) to drive the first pneumatic motor (34) to drive the dump valve (36), and accordingly, high-pressure water is sprayed into the interior of the pipe (100) in the form of a water jet through the nozzle (22). The sprayed water jet removes foreign matter generated on the inner wall of the pipe (100). While cleaning the pipe (100), the operator controls the hose transfer control switch (90) to make the spray hose (20) advance or retract. During the process of the spray hose (20) retracting, if the nozzle (22) is immersed into the interior of the hand guide gun (70), the nozzle immersion detection unit (77) generates a whistling sound due to the high-pressure water sprayed from the nozzle (22). The operator removes the pressure applied to the high-pressure water control trigger (80). Accordingly, the high-pressure water spraying is stopped. And when the nozzle (22) reaches the hose catcher (75), the nozzle (22) gets caught on the hose catcher (75) and can no longer move backward. The operator prevents the spray hose (20) from moving backward further by removing the pressure applied to the hose transfer control switch (90).By repeating this process, multiple pipes can be effectively cleaned. In this embodiment, the hand guide gun is configured to allow a single spray hose to pass through, but a modified example may be configured to allow multiple spray hoses to pass through the hand guide gun. In this process, the user can move the spray hose forward or backward by power without directly contacting the nozzle that generates the water jet, and since the hand guide gun can be moved left, right, up, and down by the operator's strength, the efficiency of the pipe cleaning operation is improved. Furthermore, since direct contact between the nozzle and the operator is blocked by the hand guide gun, the risk of the operator being injured by high-pressure water can be eliminated.

[0064] As described above, the pipe cleaning device using a water jet according to the present invention provides the effect of enabling one person to easily perform pipe cleaning work by equipping a hand guide gun, which is held and used by the user, with a high-pressure water control trigger and a hose transfer control switch.

[0065] In addition, the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention has the advantage of convenient maintenance and repair of the device because hose transport and high-pressure water spraying can be controlled by pneumatic pressure.

[0066] In addition, the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention has a structure that allows the user to easily detect when the spray nozzle is immersed in the hand guide gun, so it can contribute to ensuring user safety.

[0067] In addition, the pipe cleaning device according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to be used flexibly even in environments where the thickness of the hose is different, as it is equipped with a device that adjusts the spacing between rollers constituting the hose conveying section.

[0068] Meanwhile, a pipe cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention may configure a pneumatic circuit so that the function of the high-pressure water control trigger (80) is integrated into the hose transfer control switch (90). Referring to the pneumatic circuit diagram of FIG. 13, the hose transfer control switch (90) can simultaneously control the first pneumatic motor (34) and the second pneumatic motor (47). That is, compressed air supplied from the outside is distributed at branch point a and supplied to the first pneumatic motor (34) and the second pneumatic motor (47), respectively. In addition, the compressed air distributed at branch point a is supplied to the hose transfer control switch (90) through branch point b. When an external force is applied to either of the hose transfer control switches (90) to convert them to an operating state, the compressed air operates the first pneumatic motor (34) to advance the operating shaft (35) and rotates the second pneumatic motor (47) in the forward direction. Meanwhile, when an external force is applied to the other of the hose transfer control switches (90) to switch to an operating state, the compressed air operates the first pneumatic motor (34) to advance the operating shaft (35) and reverses the second pneumatic motor (47). That is, when an external force is applied to the hose transfer control switch (90), high-pressure water is output from the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) to the spray hose (20), and the hose is advanced in the hose transfer unit (40). Meanwhile, when an external force is applied to the hose transfer control switch (90), high-pressure water is output from the high-pressure water flow control unit (30) to the spray hose (20), and the hose is retracted in the hose transfer unit (40). In this way, the pneumatic circuit can be configured so that the hose transfer control switch (90) can simultaneously control the first pneumatic motor (34) and the second pneumatic motor (47).

[0069] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

[0070] To achieve the above objective, a pipe cleaning device using a water jet according to the present invention comprises: a high-pressure water flow control unit that receives high-pressure water from the outside and outputs it to a spray hose equipped with a nozzle at the tip, or blocks and bypasses the high-pressure water from being output to the spray hose;

[0071] A hose conveying unit installed at a position spaced apart from the high-pressure water flow control unit and comprising at least one pair of rollers for advancing or retracting the spray hose;

[0072] A connecting tube having one end coupled to the hose conveying part and configured as a flexible hollow tube so that the spray hose can move through it;

[0073] The invention is characterized by including a hand guide gun, which is a tubular member coupled to the other end of the above-mentioned connecting pipe, through which the spray hose movably passes, a high-pressure water control trigger for controlling the operation of the high-pressure water flow control unit is detachably installed, and a hose transfer control switch for controlling the operation of the hose transfer unit is detachably installed.

[0074] The high-pressure water control trigger is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hand guide gun, and the high-pressure water control trigger can be configured to control the valve of the high-pressure water flow control unit by pneumatic pressure.

[0075] The hose transfer control switch described above has a forward switch and a reverse switch arranged side by side with a gap between them, and the hose transfer control switch may be configured to control the rotational direction of a pneumatic motor that rotates the roller in the forward or reverse direction by pneumatic pressure.

[0076] It may include a pipe alignment contact tip that is detachably coupled to the tip of the hand guide gun and has a funnel-shaped inner surface.

[0077] The hand guide gun may be equipped with a nozzle immersion detection unit that detects the state in which the nozzle is immersed into the interior of the hand guide gun.

[0078] The hand guide gun may be provided with a backflow water discharge section that is open in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the hand guide gun so as to discharge backflow water to the outside of the hand guide gun when high-pressure water sprayed from the nozzle flows back toward the hand guide gun.

[0079] The above hose conveying unit may include a roller spacing adjustment device for adjusting the spacing between a pair of the rollers.

[0080] It may include a hose catcher installed inside the hand guide gun to limit the maximum retraction position of the nozzle.

[0081] Meanwhile, a pipe cleaning device using a water jet according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a high-pressure water flow control unit that receives high-pressure water from the outside and outputs it to a spray hose equipped with a nozzle at the tip, or blocks and bypasses the high-pressure water from being output to the spray hose;

[0082] A hose conveying unit installed at a position spaced apart from the high-pressure water flow control unit and comprising at least one pair of rollers for advancing or retracting the spray hose;

[0083] A connecting tube having one end coupled to the hose conveying part and configured as a flexible hollow tube so that the spray hose can move through it;

[0084] The invention is characterized by including a hand guide gun, which is a tubular member coupled to the other end of the above-mentioned connecting pipe, through which the spray hose movably passes, and which has a hose transfer control switch detachably installed to control the operation of the high-pressure water flow control unit and the operation of the hose transfer unit.

Claims

1. A high-pressure water flow control unit that receives high-pressure water from the outside and outputs it through a spray hose equipped with a nozzle at the tip, or blocks and bypasses the high-pressure water from being output through the spray hose; A hose conveying unit installed at a position spaced apart from the high-pressure water flow control unit and comprising at least one pair of rollers for advancing or retracting the spray hose; A connecting tube having one end coupled to the hose conveying part and configured as a flexible hollow tube so that the spray hose can move through it; A hand guide gun comprising a tubular member coupled to the other end of the above-mentioned connecting pipe, through which the spray hose movably passes, a high-pressure water control trigger for controlling the operation of the high-pressure water flow control unit for detachably installed, and a hose transfer control switch for controlling the operation of the hose transfer unit for detachably installed; The hand guide gun is equipped with a nozzle immersion detection unit that detects the state in which the nozzle is immersed into the interior of the hand guide gun. The nozzle immersion detection unit includes a plurality of slot holes penetrating the inside and outside along the circumference of a first body constituting the hand guide gun, so as to detect the state in which the nozzle is immersed into the interior of the hand guide gun and generate a whistling sound. A pipe cleaning device using a water jet, characterized by having a cylindrical resonating chamber having an inner surface spaced apart from the first body on the outer side of the slot hole.

2. In Paragraph 1, A pipe cleaning device using a water jet, characterized in that the high-pressure water control trigger is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hand guide gun, and the high-pressure water control trigger is configured to control the valve of the high-pressure water flow control unit by pneumatic pressure.

3. In Paragraph 1, A pipe cleaning device using a water jet, characterized in that the hose transfer control switch comprises a forward switch and a reverse switch arranged side by side with a gap between them, and the hose transfer control switch is configured to control the rotational direction of a pneumatic motor that rotates the roller in the forward or reverse direction by pneumatic pressure.

4. In Paragraph 1, A pipe cleaning device using a water jet, characterized by including a pipe alignment contact tip detachably coupled to the tip of the hand guide gun and having a funnel-shaped inner surface.

5. In Paragraph 1, A pipe cleaning device using a water jet, characterized in that the hand guide gun is provided with a backflow water discharge section that is open in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hand guide gun so as to discharge backflow water to the outside of the hand guide gun when high-pressure water sprayed from the nozzle flows back toward the hand guide gun.

6. In Paragraph 1, A pipe cleaning device using a water jet, characterized in that the hose conveying unit includes a roller spacing adjustment device for adjusting the spacing between a pair of rollers.

7. In Paragraph 1, A pipe cleaning device using a water jet, characterized by including a hose catcher installed inside the hand guide gun to limit the maximum retraction position of the nozzle.

8. A high-pressure water flow control unit that receives high-pressure water from an external source and outputs it through a spray hose equipped with a nozzle at the tip, or blocks and bypasses the output of said high-pressure water through said spray hose; A hose conveying unit installed at a position spaced apart from the high-pressure water flow control unit and comprising at least one pair of rollers for advancing or retracting the spray hose; A connecting tube having one end coupled to the hose conveying part and configured as a flexible hollow tube so that the spray hose can move through it; A hand guide gun comprising a tubular member coupled to the other end of the above-mentioned connecting pipe, through which the spray hose movably passes, and having a hose transfer control switch detachably installed to control the operation of the high-pressure water flow control unit and the operation of the hose transfer unit; The hand guide gun is equipped with a nozzle immersion detection unit that detects the state in which the nozzle is immersed into the interior of the hand guide gun. The nozzle immersion detection unit includes a plurality of slot holes penetrating the inside and outside along the circumference of a first body constituting the hand guide gun, so as to detect the state in which the nozzle is immersed into the interior of the hand guide gun and generate a whistling sound. A pipe cleaning device using a water jet, characterized by having a cylindrical resonating chamber having an inner surface spaced apart from the first body on the outer side of the slot hole.

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