JP7058082B2 - How to clean the inside of a pipe with a pipe cleaning device and its pipe cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a pipe cleaning device and a method of cleaning the inside of a pipe by the pipe cleaning device.

Cleaning inside the pipes may be performed as part of the maintenance of facilities equipped with pipes. For example, in a device equipped with a pipe through which a fluid such as air containing moisture flows, if the device is stopped for a long period of time due to maintenance or the like, depending on the material forming the pipe, moisture may generate powdery rust on the inner surface of the pipe. May be done.

In such a case, it is necessary to clean the rust generated on the inner surface of the pipe, but it is difficult for a person to get inside such a pipe and clean it. Cleaning is not easy if the flanges at both ends of the pipe are separated. Therefore, a pipe cleaning device for cleaning the inside of the pipe has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an in-pipe cleaning device that cleans dust in a pipe. This pipe cleaning device is equipped with a rotary brush that scrapes off dust on the inner surface of the pipe and a suction nozzle that rotates around the center of rotation of the rotary brush and sucks dust from the entire circumference of the inner surface of the pipe. There is.

Jitsukaisho 63-11889A Gazette

In general, in order to efficiently suck powdery substances such as rust and dust from the inner surface of the pipe, it is preferable to bring the suction nozzle into close contact with the inner surface of the pipe. However, the pipe cleaning device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the degree of adhesion of the suction nozzle to the inner surface of the pipe cannot be increased so much in order to avoid hindrance to the rotation of the suction nozzle.

In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides an in-pipe cleaning device capable of efficiently sucking powdery substances in a pipe and a method for cleaning the inside of the pipe by the in-pipe cleaning device. The purpose is to do.

The pipe cleaning device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a suction mechanism, a suction nozzle communicating with the suction mechanism, and a support that supports the suction nozzle and is movable in the pipe, and the suction. The nozzle has a base that communicates with the suction mechanism and is fixed to the support, and an opening that communicates an internal space that communicates with the base and the outside of the suction nozzle, and the pipe with respect to the base. The tip portion is provided with a flexible tip portion that can be moved in the radial direction of the pipe, and a first elastic member configured to press the tip portion radially outward of the pipe, and the tip portion is the first elastic member. (1) A second elastic member extending in a direction crossing the pressing direction of the elastic member and being configured to press the tip portion along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe is provided at the tip portion, and the second elastic member is provided. The member is a leaf spring provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion .

According to such a configuration, the suction nozzle is composed of a base fixed to a support that can move in the pipe and a flexible tip that can move in the radial direction of the pipe with respect to the base. Since the tip portion is pressed toward the outer side in the radial direction of the pipe by the first elastic member, the tip portion is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, so that the powdery substance in the pipe can be efficiently sucked. Further, with only the first elastic member configured to press the tip portion toward the outside in the radial direction of the pipe, depending on the configuration of the tip portion, both ends of the tip portion may warp and be between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. There may be a partial gap. However, if the second elastic member as described above is provided, even if both ends of the tip end are to warp, the second elastic member can press the tip portion along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. The adhesion of the tip of the pipe to the inner peripheral surface can be further improved.

In some embodiments, the support comprises at least one body portion comprising at least three rod-shaped members, wherein the body portion comprises a joint portion to which one ends of the at least three rod-shaped members are joined together. Each of the at least three rod-shaped members extends radially from the joint portion in the radial direction of the pipe, and the base portion is fixed to the main body portion between two adjacent rod-shaped members among the at least three rod-shaped members. At least one rod-shaped member other than the two adjacent rod-shaped members extends to the side opposite to the base portion with the joint portion interposed therebetween.

According to such a configuration, the end portion of at least one rod-shaped member other than the two adjacent rod-shaped members to which the base is fixed is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, so that the pressing force by the first elastic member is exerted. Since the reaction force can be supported by at least one rod-shaped member, the suction nozzle can be stably arranged in the pipe.

In some embodiments, the tip is provided with at least one roller that is rotatable while in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. Among these embodiments, when two or more of the rollers are provided, the tip portion extends along a direction crossing the pressing direction of the first elastic member, and the two or more rollers have the tip portion thereof. It is arranged symmetrically with respect to the central position of the tip portion in the extending direction.

According to such a configuration, since at least one roller can rotate while being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, the movement of the suction nozzle in the pipe can be promoted. When two or more rollers are provided, if the rollers are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center position of the tip portion, slipping on the side with the larger number of rollers with respect to the center position is promoted, and the tip portion The placement is not stable. However, by arranging each roller as described above, the entire tip portion can move with the same slipperiness, so that the tip portion can be stably arranged.

In some embodiments, the tip comprises a deformation-suppressing member formed of a material that is not deformed by the pressing force of the first elastic member and / or the second elastic member, and the deformation-suppressing member is the tip. When the pressing force of the first elastic member and / or the second elastic member is applied to the first elastic member and / or the second elastic member, the tip portion of the tip portion counteracts the pressing force of the first elastic member and / or the second elastic member. It is configured to suppress deformation so as to be crushed in the radial direction of the pipe.

According to such a configuration, even if the pressing force of the first elastic member and / or the second elastic member is excessive, the deformation suppressing member can counter the pressing force, so that the tip portion is crushed in the radial direction of the pipe. It is possible to suppress deformation.

In some embodiments, the deformation suppressing member comprises at least one annular member, the annular member is arranged in the interior space, and the annular member communicates with both sides of the annular member in the interior space. Has a hole to allow. In these embodiments, the inner peripheral surface of the internal space and the inner peripheral surface of the hole may be flush with each other. In these embodiments, the deformation suppressing member includes at least one annular member, and the annular member may be arranged inside the wall at the tip portion so as to surround the internal space.

According to such a configuration, the powdery substance sucked into the internal space of the tip portion through the opening of the tip portion can move through the entire internal space through the hole of the annular member, and thus interferes with the annular member. It is possible to move to the suction mechanism without doing so. In this case, by making the inner peripheral surface of the internal space and the inner peripheral surface of the hole flush with each other, there is no portion of the annular member that hinders the movement of the powdery substance in the internal space, so that the powdery state is formed. It can also further facilitate the movement of the substance to the suction mechanism. Further, in this case, even if the annular member is arranged inside the flexible wall constituting the tip portion, the portion of the annular member that hinders the movement of the powdery substance does not exist in the internal space. It is also possible to further promote the movement of the powdery substance to the suction mechanism.

In some embodiments, a brush is provided on the downstream side of the tip portion with respect to the moving direction of the suction nozzle and for sweeping the inner peripheral surface in the pipe. In these embodiments, the brush may be located at a distance from the tip portion within three times the length of the tip portion in the pressing direction of the first elastic member.

According to such a configuration, the suction efficiency of the powdery substance can be improved by collecting the powdery substance in a relatively narrow range with a brush and sucking the powdery substance with a suction nozzle. In this case, by setting the distance between the brush and the tip to the above configuration, the powdery substance collected by the brush can be sucked before being dissipated by vibration, wind, etc., so that the suction efficiency of the powdery substance is further improved. You can also do it.

In some embodiments, the support comprises two main bodies , including at least three rod-shaped members, and two spaced fixing members, the brush having two brushes. It is attached to the fixing member between the main bodies. In these embodiments, the tip may be placed between the two main bodies.

According to such a configuration, the support itself has a stable configuration, and by attaching the brush to the fixing member of a part of the stable support, the brush can be stably arranged in the pipe. In this case, by arranging the tip portion between the two main body portions, the brush and the tip portion can be arranged as close as possible, which can lead to improvement in the suction efficiency of the powdery substance.

In some embodiments, a hose extending between the base and the suction mechanism and at least one hose cover that holds the hose away from the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, wherein the hose cover is the pipe. It is possible to move inside.

According to such a configuration, even if the support is moved in the pipe, the hose moves away from the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, so that the hose is damaged by being dragged with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. Can be prevented.

In some embodiments, a hose extending between the base and the suction mechanism is provided, and the base and the hose are connected via a universal joint.

With such a configuration, the base and the hose can be easily connected and disconnected, and the preparation and tidying up of the pipe cleaning device can be facilitated.

The method of cleaning the inside of the pipe by the in-pipe cleaning device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a suction mechanism, a suction nozzle communicating with the suction mechanism, and a support that supports the suction nozzle and is movable in the pipe. The suction nozzle comprises a body, the suction nozzle has a base portion that communicates with the suction mechanism and is fixed to the support, an internal space that communicates with the base portion, and an opening that communicates with the outside of the suction nozzle. A tip portion having flexibility that can be moved in the radial direction of the pipe with respect to the base portion, and a first elastic member configured to press the tip portion toward the radial side of the pipe. The tip portion extends in a direction crossing the pressing direction of the first elastic member, and the tip portion is provided with a second elastic member configured to push the tip portion along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. The second elastic member is a method of cleaning the inside of a pipe by a pipe in-pipe cleaning device which is a leaf spring provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion, and the suction nozzle is arranged in the pipe. This includes pressing the suction nozzle against the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, sucking by the suction mechanism, and moving the support in the pipe.

According to such a configuration, the suction nozzle is composed of a base fixed to a support that can move in the pipe and a flexible tip that can move in the radial direction of the pipe with respect to the base. By pressing the tip portion toward the outside in the radial direction of the pipe, the tip portion is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, so that the powdery substance in the pipe can be efficiently sucked. Further, with only the first elastic member configured to press the tip portion toward the outside in the radial direction of the pipe, depending on the configuration of the tip portion, both ends of the tip portion may warp and be between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. There may be a partial gap. However, if the second elastic member as described above is provided, even if both ends of the tip end are to warp, the second elastic member can press the tip portion along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. The adhesion of the tip of the pipe to the inner peripheral surface can be further improved.

According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle has a base fixed to a support that is movable in the pipe and a flexible tip that is movable in the radial direction of the pipe with respect to the base. By pressing the tip portion toward the outside in the radial direction of the pipe, the tip portion is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, so that the powdery substance in the pipe can be efficiently sucked.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the pipe cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view of the recovery part of the pipe cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view of the main body part of the recovery part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the suction nozzle of the collection part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the line VV of FIG. It is a front view of the brush of the recovery part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the brush of the recovery part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structure of the hose cover of the pipe cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the tip part of the suction nozzle of the collection part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe of the tip part of the suction nozzle of the collection part of the cleaning device in a pipe which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the tip part of the suction nozzle of the collection part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the deformation example of the deformation suppressing member provided in the tip part of the suction nozzle of the recovery part of the collecting part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows another deformation example of the deformation suppressing member provided in the tip part of the suction nozzle of the recovery part of the collecting part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a top view of the tip part of the suction nozzle of the collection part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a top view which shows the modification of the tip part of the suction nozzle of the collection part of the pipe cleaning device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the suction nozzle of the collection part of the pipe cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to that, but are merely explanatory examples.

(Embodiment 1)
The pipe cleaning device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is for cleaning the inside of the pipe 1, particularly the powdery substance such as rust and adhering dust generated on the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1. The pipe cleaning device 10 includes a drive unit 11 that moves the entire pipe cleaning device 10 in the pipe 1, a removing unit 12 that scrapes off the powdery substance on the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1, and a powdery substance. The collection unit 13 for collection, a suction mechanism 15 communicating with the collection unit 13 via the hose 14, and a hose cover 16 for holding the hose 14 away from the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 are provided. The suction mechanism 15 is, for example, an ordinary industrial vacuum cleaner, and is arranged outside the pipe 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the recovery unit 13 includes a support 20 that can move in the pipe 1. The support 20 has a pair of main body portions 21a and 21b and a horizontally extended fixing rod 22 (fixing member) for fixing the pair of main body portions 21a and 21b at intervals from each other. .. The main body 21a is located upstream of the main body 21b in the moving direction (arrow B) of the support 20. With such a configuration, the support 20 has a stable configuration.

A suction nozzle 23 is provided between the main bodies 21a and 21b to which one end of the hose 14 is connected via a universal joint 90. The suction nozzle 23 has a base portion 23a to which one end of the hose 14 is connected and fixed to the main body portion 21a, and a tip portion 23b that can move in the radial direction of the pipe 1 with respect to the base portion 23a. The base portion 23a has a horizontal portion 23a1 having one end connected to the hose 14 and extending in the horizontal direction, and a vertical portion 23a2 having one end connected to the other end of the horizontal portion 23a1 and extending downward in the vertical direction. The fixed rod 22 is provided with two brushes 32 on the downstream side of the tip portion 23b of the suction nozzle 23 with respect to the moving direction of the support 20 (arrow B) (FIG. 2 shows only one brush). ing). Since the suction nozzle 23 and the brush 32 are attached to the support 20 having a stable configuration, the suction nozzle 23 and the brush 32 can be stably arranged in the pipe 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the main body portion 21a. The main body portion 21a includes four rod-shaped members 30, and one end of each rod-shaped member 30 is joined together to form a joint portion 31. Each rod-shaped member 30 extends radially from the joint portion 31, and the main body portion 21a has an X-shaped shape as a whole. At the other end of each rod-shaped member 30, a roller 33 that can rotate while being in contact with the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 is provided. The other main body portion 21b (see FIG. 2) has the same configuration. The roller 33 allows the support 20 (see FIG. 2) including the main body portions 21a and 21b to smoothly move in the pipe 1 (see FIG. 1).

In one main body portion 21a, of the four rod-shaped members 30, the horizontal portion 23a1 of the base portion 23a is fixed to the main body portion 21a between the two adjacent rod-shaped members 30 and 30 on the lower side. Of the four rod-shaped members 30, the two upper rod-shaped members 30 and 30 other than the two rod-shaped members 30 and 30 that fix the horizontal portion 23a1 extend to the side opposite to the vertical portion 23a2 with the joint portion 31 interposed therebetween. There is.

As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical portion 23a2 and the tip portion 23b of the base portion 23a are connected via a cylindrical connecting portion 24 connected to the tip portion 23b. The connecting portion 24 has an outer peripheral surface in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the vertical portion 23a2, is inserted into the vertical portion 23a2, and is slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the vertical portion 23a2. An annular flange portion 24a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 24 so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface. A spring 25, which is a first elastic member, is provided so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 24 so that one end abuts on the lower end portion of the vertical portion 23a2 and the other end abuts on the flange portion 24a. With this configuration, the tip portion 23b is given a pressing force from the spring 25 that is pressed toward the outer side in the radial direction of the pipe 1 (see FIG. 1).

The tip portion 23b preferably has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction of the spring 25 so as to cross the pressing direction. The tip portion 23b is formed of a flexible material such as resin or rubber, and is configured to be deformable in the length direction, the radial direction, or the like of a cylindrical shape. Inside the tip portion 23b, an internal space 29, which is a cylindrical space, is formed. A hole 26 is formed in the tip portion 23b at a connecting portion with the connecting portion 24, and the internal space 29 communicates with the vertical portion 23a2 via the hole 26 and the connecting portion 24.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tip portion 23b is formed with a slit 27, which is an opening elongated along the length direction of the tip portion 23b, on the side in contact with the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1. The opening area of the slit 27 is preferably the same as the opening area of the cross section of the hose 14 (see FIG. 1). With such a configuration, the flow velocity of the air sucked from the slit 27 and the flow velocity of the air sucked by the suction mechanism 15 (see FIG. 1) can be made the same, so that the flow of the suction air is stable. The powdery substance accompanying the suction air can be stably collected by the suction mechanism 15.

However, when the slit 27 is completely opened downward in the vertical direction L, the slit 27 is blocked by the inner peripheral surface 2 and cannot suck the powdery substance. Therefore, the slit 27 is formed so as to be tilted at a certain angle θ with respect to the vertical downward L in the moving direction (arrow B) (see FIG. 2) of the support 20. Here, θ is preferably an angle so that the slit 27 is not blocked by the inner peripheral surface, and is preferably 10 ° to 75 °, preferably 20 ° to 70 °, and more preferably 40 ° to 60 °. .. The gap S between one edge 27a of the slit 27 and the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 is 1 mm to 15 mm, preferably 2 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably 3 mm to 7 mm.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the brush 32, and FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the peripheral portion of the brush 32 seen from above the fixed rod 22. As shown in FIG. 6, the fixing rod 22 is provided with a mounting fixing member 37 extending downward in the vertical direction. A groove 38 is formed in the mounting / fixing member 37 so as to extend downward in the vertical direction. A slide shaft 39 is inserted into the groove 38 so as to be slidable along the groove 38. A mounting slide member 34 extending in the horizontal direction is fixed to the slide shaft 39, and the slide shaft 39 slides in the vertical direction along the groove 38, so that the mounting slide member 34 moves in the vertical direction while maintaining the horizontal posture. It is designed to slide.

The mounting slide member 34 is formed so that two grooves 35, 35 extending in the horizontal direction are located on both sides of the fixing rod 22 with respect to the horizontal direction. A rotating shaft 36 is slidably inserted into each groove 35 along the groove 35, and a mounting rod 28 is rotatably attached to each rotating shaft 36 about the rotating shaft 36. Each mounting rod 28 is provided with a circular brush 32 and a motor 80 for rotating the brush 32. By sliding the mounting slide member 34 up and down, the brush 32 can move up and down, that is, in the radial direction of the pipe 1. As the rotation shaft 36 slides along the groove 35, the brush 32 moves in the horizontal direction (arrow G), that is, in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the brush 32 moves in the radial direction of the pipe 1, and is spaced from each other. Can be changed. By rotating the mounting rod 28 around the rotation shaft 36, the brush 32 can swing in the circumferential direction (arrow H) of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 1. By these operations, the brush 32 can sweep the inner peripheral surface of the pipe having various inner diameters.

As shown in FIG. 7, the distance D between each brush 32 and the tip portion 23b is preferably as short as possible, and more preferably so that they are in contact with each other, that is, D = 0. Even when a space is provided between each brush 32 and the tip portion 23b, the distance D is preferably within 3 times the outer diameter d of the cylindrical shape of the tip portion 23b, that is, D ≦ 3d. When the shape of the tip portion 23b is not a perfect cylindrical shape, the length of the tip portion 23b with respect to the pressing direction of the spring 25 (see FIG. 4) is set to d. By arranging each brush 32 and the tip portion 23b as close to each other as possible in this way, the powdery substance collected by the brush 32 is sucked before being dissipated by vibration, wind, or the like. The suction efficiency of the powder can be improved. By arranging each brush 32 and the tip portion 23b between the pair of main body portions 21a and 21b (see FIG. 2), each brush 32 and the tip portion 23b can be arranged as close as possible.

As shown in FIG. 8, the hose cover 16 has a cylindrical body portion 70 having an insertion hole portion 75 into which the hose 14 (see FIG. 1) can be inserted. The main body portion 70 is composed of two half body portions 71 and 72, and the half body portion 71 and the half body portion 72 are connected by a hinge portion 73. When the half body portion 72 is rotated with respect to the half body portion 71 by the hinge portion 73, the flat surface portions 71a and 72a facing each other appear in the half body portions 71 and 72, respectively. Grooves 76 and 77 forming the insertion hole 75 are formed in the flat surfaces 71a and 72a. When the hose 14 is fitted into the groove 76 with the grooves 76 and 77 appearing and the half body portion 72 is rotated with respect to the half body portion 71 by the hinge portion 73, the hose 14 is held in the insertion hole portion 75. Become so.

Next, the operation of the pipe cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the pipe cleaning device 10 is inserted into the pipe 1 from the drive unit 11 to the hose cover 16. When the pipe cleaning device 10 is activated, the removing unit 12 scrapes off the powdery substance on the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1. The suction mechanism 15 is activated, and the collection unit 13 collects the powdery substance scraped off by the removal unit 12 by an operation described later, and the powdery substance is sucked into the suction mechanism 15 via the hose 14. While performing these operations, the drive unit 11 moves in the pipe 1 in the direction of the arrow A, so that the pipe cleaning device 10 cleans while moving in the pipe 1. Since the hose 14 is held away from the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 by the hose cover 16, the hose 14 is dragged with respect to the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 when the cleaning device 10 in the pipe is moved. Can be prevented from being hurt.

Next, the operation of recovering the powdery substance by the recovery unit 13 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, each brush 32 rotates in the direction of arrow E, that is, in the direction in which the portions of the brushes 32 facing each other rotate toward the tip portion 23b, so that each brush 32 is connected to the pipe 1. The inner peripheral surface 2 (see FIG. 1) is swept to collect the powdery substance in a relatively narrow area near the tip portion 23b. As a result, the powdery substance can be efficiently sucked from the slit 27 (see FIG. 5) of the tip portion 23b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tip portion 23b is pressed outward in the radial direction of the pipe 1 (see FIG. 1) by the spring 25. Then, the tip portion 23b is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 as shown in FIG. Since the tip portion 23b is deformable, when it is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1, it is deformed along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 2 and comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 2. Therefore, the suction efficiency of the powdery substance can be improved.

When the tip portion 23b is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 by the spring 25, the reaction force of the pressing force of the spring 25 is applied to the vertical portion 23a2 of the base portion 23a, and the vertical portion 23a2 moves the main body portion 21a upward. It pushes it up. However, since the upper two rod-shaped members 30 and 30 of the four rod-shaped members 30 extend to the opposite side to the vertical portion 23a2 with the joint portion 31 interposed therebetween, the ends of these two rod-shaped members 30 and 30 The rollers 33 and 32 provided in the above are in contact with the inner peripheral surface 2 to support a force that pushes up the main body 21a upward, that is, a reaction force of the pushing force of the spring 25. As a result, the position of the main body portion 21a is stable in the pipe 1 with respect to the radial direction of the pipe 1, so that the suction nozzle 23 fixed to the main body portion 21a can be stably arranged in the pipe 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the powdery substance sucked from the slit 27 (see FIG. 5) flows into the internal space 29 and sequentially moves between the connecting portion 24 and the vertical portion 23a2 through the hole 26. .. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2, the horizontal portion 23a and the hose 14 are sequentially moved, and finally, as shown in FIG. 1, the powdery substance is sucked by the suction mechanism 15 and the powdery substance is discharged from the pipe 1. Will be removed. That is, the inside of the pipe 1 is cleaned.

In this way, the suction nozzle 23 has a base portion 23a fixed to the main body portion 21a of the support 20 that can move in the pipe 1, and a flexibility that allows the suction nozzle 23 to move in the radial direction of the pipe 1 with respect to the base portion 23a. It is composed of the tip portion 23b, and by pressing the tip portion 23b toward the outer side in the radial direction of the pipe 1, the tip portion 23b is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1, so that the powdery substance in the pipe 1 is efficiently used. Can be sucked well.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the pipe cleaning device according to the second embodiment will be described. In the pipe cleaning device according to the first embodiment, the tip portion 23b is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 by the spring 25 which is the first elastic member, so that the tip portion 23b is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 2. However, if the length of the tip portion 23b in the longitudinal direction becomes long, both ends of the tip portion 23b may warp and a gap may be partially formed between the tip portion 23b and the inner peripheral surface 2. The pipe cleaning device according to the second embodiment solves such a problem by providing a second elastic member at the tip portion 23b with respect to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the configuration requirements of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, a leaf spring 40, which is a second elastic member, is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 23b. The leaf spring 40 has a shaft portion 40a extending from the connecting portion 24 toward both ends of the tip portion 23b, and a circumferential portion 40b extending from the shaft portion 40a along the outer periphery of the tip portion 23b. The circumferential portion 40b is provided one by one at the end of the shaft portion 40a on the opposite side of the connecting portion 24 and between the end portion and the connecting portion 24. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the pipe cleaning device according to the second embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, the spring 25 presses the tip portion 23b against the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 by the same principle as in the first embodiment. Further, the shaft portion 40a of the leaf spring 40 presses the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 23b toward the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1. By pressing the shaft portion 40a, the tip portion 23b is pressed toward the inner peripheral surface 2 along the longitudinal direction thereof. By pressing the shaft portion 40a, the portions (both ends of the tip portion 23b) that the spring 25 tends to partially warp when the tip portion 23b is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 2 are pressed toward the inner peripheral surface 2. Therefore, even in such a case, the adhesion of the tip portion 23b to the inner peripheral surface 2 can be improved.

Further, the circumferential portion 40b of the leaf spring 40 applies a pressing force that presses the tip portion 23b inward in the radial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 23b. Due to this pressing force, the tip portion 23b is partially tightened or gripped by the circumferential portion 40b. In this state, when the shaft portion 40a applies a pressing force to the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 23b toward the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1, the portion gripped by the circumferential portion 40b in particular is the entire shaft portion 40a. Since the pressing force is transmitted, the entire gripped portion is pressed toward the inner peripheral surface 2. As a result, the effect of the pressing force of the shaft portion 40a can be further enhanced, and the adhesion of the tip portion 23b to the inner peripheral surface 2 can be further improved.

In this way, when the spring 25 presses the tip portion 23b toward the outside in the radial direction of the pipe 1, both ends of the tip portion 23b warp and a gap is partially formed between the tip portion 23b and the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1. Even in the case of obtaining the tip, if the leaf spring 40 is provided, the leaf spring 40 can press the tip 23b along the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 even if both ends of the tip 23b try to warp. The adhesion of the portion 23b to the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 can be further improved.
Since the configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the leaf spring 40 is provided, all the various effects obtained in the first embodiment can also be obtained in the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, the pipe cleaning device according to the third embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the spring 25 applies a pressing force to the tip portion 23b, and in the second embodiment, the spring 25 and the leaf spring 40 apply a pressing force to the tip portion 23b, but the tip portion 23b is a deformable flexible material. Therefore, depending on the magnitude of the pressing force thereof, the tip portion 23b may be crushed in the radial direction of the pipe 1 and the suction of the powdery substance may be hindered. The pipe cleaning device according to the third embodiment solves such a problem by providing a deformation suppressing member at the tip portion 23b for each of the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first and second embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The deformation suppressing member can be applied to any of the in-pipe cleaning devices of the first and second embodiments, but the case where the deformation suppressing member is applied to the in-pipe cleaning device of the second embodiment will be described below. The configuration, shape, material, arrangement, number, and the like of the deformation suppressing member in the following description can be directly applied to the in-pipe cleaning device of the first embodiment unless explicitly mentioned.

As shown in FIG. 11, four annular members 50, which are deformation suppressing members, are arranged at intervals from each other inside the internal space 29 of the tip portion 23b. The annular member 50 is provided at the same position as the circumferential portion 40b of the leaf spring 40, and can receive the pressing force of the circumferential portion 40b. The annular member 50 is made of a material that is not deformed by the pressing force of the spring 25 and the leaf spring 40, and any material such as resin, metal, or wood may be used as long as it has such hardness. ..

As shown in FIG. 12, the annular member 50 has a ring shape having a hole 51 in the center. The annular member 50 is formed with a notch 52 that is positioned at the slit 27 of the tip 23b when the annular member 50 is provided in the internal space 29, and the tip portion is formed through the slit 27 and the notch 52. The outside of 23b and the hole 51 communicate with each other. Other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

Next, the operation of the pipe cleaning device according to the third embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 13, the spring 25 and the leaf spring 40 apply a pressing force to the tip portion 23b in the same operation as in the second embodiment. The annular member 50 is provided at the same position as the circumferential portion 40b of the leaf spring 40 and receives the pressing force of the circumferential portion 40b, so that the annular member 50 is subjected to the pressing force of the circumferential portion 40b. It is possible to prevent the tip portion 23b from being deformed so as to contract inward in the radial direction. Further, the pressing force of the shaft portion 40a of the spring 25 and the leaf spring 40 toward the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1 can also be received by the annular portion 50 in the portion where the annular portion 50 is provided, so that the tip portion 23b It is possible to prevent the entire pipe 1 from being deformed so as to be crushed in the radial direction. Therefore, even if the pressing force of the spring 25 and the leaf spring 40 is excessive, it is possible to prevent the tip portion 23b from being deformed so as to be crushed in the radial direction of the pipe 1.

Since the plurality of annular members 50 are provided at intervals from each other, the tip portion 23b can be deformed so as to be curved between the adjacent annular members 50. Then, when the spring 25 presses the tip portion 23b against the inner peripheral surface 2 of the pipe 1, the tip portion 23b bends between the adjacent annular members 50, so that the state as shown in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment is the same. In addition, the tip portion 23b can be brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 2. That is, the tip portion 23b can be brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 2 while suppressing the tip portion 23b from being deformed so as to be crushed in the radial direction of the pipe 1.

In the same operation as in the second embodiment, the powdery substance flows into the internal space 29 through the slit 27, but when both sides of each annular member 50 are completely partitioned in the internal space 29, the powdery substance becomes a hole 26. And, it becomes impossible to move to the base portion 23a via the connecting portion 24. However, since the annular member 50 has a hole 51, both sides of each annular member 50 communicate with each other through the hole 51. Then, the powdery substance that has flowed between the arbitrary adjacent annular members 50 can move between the adjacent annular members 50 provided on both sides of the hole 26 via the hole 51 inside the internal space 29, and then can be moved. It can be moved to the connecting portion 24 and the base 23a through the hole 26.

In this way, even if the pressing force of the spring 25 and / or the leaf spring 40 is excessive, the annular member 50 can counter the pressing force, so that the tip portion 23b is deformed so as to be crushed in the radial direction of the pipe 1. Can be suppressed. Further, since the powdery substance sucked into the internal space 29 of the tip portion 23b through the slit 27 of the tip portion 23b can move in the entire internal space 29 through the hole 51 of the annular member 50, the annular member 50 It is possible to move to the suction mechanism 15 without being disturbed by.
Since the configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments except that the annular member 50 is provided, all the various effects obtained in the first and second embodiments can be obtained in the third embodiment as well.

In the third embodiment, the deformation suppressing member includes four annular members 50, but the number is not limited to four, and an arbitrary number, that is, depending on the size and material (easiness of deformation) of the tip portion 23b and the like. At least one annular member 50 can be included. However, in the embodiment in which the leaf spring 40 is provided, it is preferable that the same number of annular members 50 as the number of the circumferential portions 40b of the leaf spring 40 are arranged at positions where the pressing force of the circumferential portion 40b can be received. ..

Further, the deformation suppressing member is not limited to the annular member 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a recess 59 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 29a of the internal space 29 along the circumferential direction, and an annular member 53, which is another form of deformation suppressing member, is fitted into the recess 59. The inner peripheral surface 29a and the inner peripheral surface of the hole 54 of the annular member 53 may be flush with each other. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, an annular member 55, which is another form of the deformation suppressing member, may be arranged so as to be embedded inside the wall of the tip portion 23b. Since the annular members 53 and 55 of FIGS. 13 and 14 do not have a portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface 29a of the internal space 29, the annular member 50 does not hinder the movement of the powdery substance inside the internal space 29. The powdery substance can be moved to the suction mechanism 15 more smoothly than the above.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, the pipe cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the pipe cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment, for each of the first to third embodiments, a roller that rotates while being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 1 is provided on the tip portion 23b, and the tip portion 23b is provided in the pipe 1. It is designed to make the movement smooth. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first to third embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The addition of the roller to the tip portion 23b can be applied to any of the in-pipe cleaning devices of the first to third embodiments, but in the following, when the roller is applied to the tip portion 23b of the in-pipe cleaning device of the first embodiment. Will be explained. The configuration, shape, material, arrangement, number, and the like of the rollers in the following description can be directly applied to the in-pipe cleaning devices of the second and third embodiments, except when explicitly mentioned.

As shown in FIG. 15, the tip portion 23b is located on the inner peripheral surface 2 (see FIG. 2) of the pipe 1 so as to be located on the upstream side of the tip portion 23b with respect to the moving direction (arrow F) of the tip portion 23b. One roller 60 that can rotate while being in contact is provided. As described in the first embodiment, the slit 27 is formed so as to be tilted at a certain angle θ with respect to the vertically downward L toward the moving direction of the tip portion 23b, so that the roller 60 is, in other words, The tip portion 23b is provided so that the slit 27 is located on the side opposite to the direction in which the slit 27 is tilted. The roller 60 is located at the central position P with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tip portion 23b.

After the tip portion 2 is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 2 in the same operation as in the first embodiment, the frictional force between the tip portion 23b and the inner peripheral surface 2 may be large, or the inner peripheral surface 2 may have irregularities. In such a case, the tip portion 23b may not be able to move smoothly in the pipe 1. However, since the tip portion 23b becomes slippery as the roller 60 rolls on the inner peripheral surface 2, the movement of the tip portion 23b in the pipe 1 can be promoted.
Since the configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first to third embodiments except that the roller 60 is provided, all the various effects obtained in the first to third embodiments can be obtained in the fourth embodiment as well.

In the fourth embodiment, only one roller 60 is provided on the tip portion 23b, but two or more rollers 60 may be provided. However, when two or more rollers 60 are provided, it is preferable to arrange each roller 60 symmetrically with respect to the central position P as shown in FIG. If the rollers 60 are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center position P, the side with a large number of rollers 60 can move more smoothly with respect to the center position P. The tip portion 23b is not stably arranged in the pipe 1 because it precedes the arrow F). On the other hand, if the rollers 60 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central position P as shown in FIG. 16, the entire tip portion 23b moves at the same speed, so that the tip portion 23b can be stably arranged.

In the first to fourth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body portions 21a and 21b are composed of four rod-shaped members 30, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Since it is sufficient that there is at least one rod-shaped member 30 extending on the side opposite to the vertical portion 23a2 across the joint portion 31, the main body portions 21a and 21b may be composed of three rod-shaped members or five or more rod-shaped members. .. Further, although the fixing member is also one fixing rod 22, the main body portions 21a and 21b can be fixed by two or more fixing rods 22.

In the first to fourth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 (and FIG. 11), the connecting portion 24 is inserted into the vertical portion 23a2 of the base portion 23a, and the spring 25 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 24, respectively. Although it was provided, it is not limited to this form. As shown in FIG. 17, the vertical portion 23a2 may be inserted into the connecting portion 24. In this case, an annular flange portion 24a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 24 so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface, and one end thereof is a vertical portion 23a2 so as to be along the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 24. A spring 25 may be provided that abuts on the lower end and the other end abuts on the flange 24a.

In the first to fourth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the mounting slide member 34 slides up and down with respect to the mounting fixing member 37 to make the brush 32 movable in the radial direction of the pipe 1, and the rotation shaft. The 36 slides along the groove 35 to make the brush 32 move in the horizontal direction, and the mounting rod 28 rotates around the rotation shaft 36 to move the brush 32 in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 1. Although it was possible to swing, it is not limited to such a form. The brush 32 moves in the radial direction of the pipe 1 and the brush 32 moves in the radial direction of the pipe 1 by using any known member such as an elastic member, an elastic member, or a hydraulic member. It may be possible to move in a direction perpendicular to the direction and to swing in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 1.

1 Piping 2 Inner peripheral surface (of piping) 10 Cleaning device inside piping 20 Support 21a Main body 21b Main body 22 Fixing rod (fixing member)
23 Suction nozzle 23a Base 23b Tip 25 Spring (first elastic member)
27 Slit (opening)
29 Internal space 30 Rod-shaped member 31 Joint 32 Brush 40 Leaf spring (second elastic member)
50 Circular member (deformation suppressing member)
51 Hole 53 Circular member (deformation suppressing member)
54 Hole 55 Circular member (deformation suppressing member)
60 Roller 90 Universal Joint

Claims (16)

With suction mechanism,
A suction nozzle that communicates with the suction mechanism and
A support that supports the suction nozzle and is movable in the pipe is provided.
The suction nozzle is
A base that communicates with the suction mechanism and is fixed to the support,
An internal space communicating with the base portion and an opening communicating with the outside of the suction nozzle, and a tip portion that can move in the radial direction of the pipe with respect to the base portion.
A first elastic member configured to press the tip portion radially outward of the pipe is provided.
The tip portion extends in a direction crossing the pressing direction of the first elastic member, the longitudinal direction of the tip portion is arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, and the tip portion is the pipe. It has flexibility so that the longitudinal direction of the tip portion is deformed along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe when pressed outward in the radial direction.
The opening is formed so as to be inclined downward in the vertical direction toward the moving direction of the support.
The tip portion is provided with a second elastic member configured to press the tip portion along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe.
The second elastic member is a pipe cleaning device which is a leaf spring provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion. The support comprises at least one main body including at least three rod-shaped members, the main body including a joint to which one ends of the at least three rod-shaped members are joined together, and the at least three rod-shaped members. Each of them extends radially from the joint in the radial direction of the pipe.
The base portion is fixed to the main body portion between two adjacent rod-shaped members among the at least three rod-shaped members.
The in-pipe cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein at least one rod-shaped member other than the two adjacent rod-shaped members extends to the side opposite to the base portion with the joint portion interposed therebetween. The pipe cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tip is provided with at least one roller that can rotate while being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. With two or more of the rollers
The tip portion extends along a direction crossing the pressing direction of the first elastic member.
The pipe cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein the two or more rollers are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central position of the tip portion with respect to the direction in which the tip portion extends. The tip portion includes a deformation suppressing member formed of a material that is not deformed by the pressing force of the first elastic member.
When the pressing force of the first elastic member is applied to the tip portion of the deformation suppressing member, the tip portion is crushed in the radial direction of the pipe by countering the pressing force of the first elastic member. The in-pipe cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is configured to suppress such deformation. The tip portion includes a deformation suppressing member formed of a material that is not deformed by the pressing force of the second elastic member.
When the pressing force of the second elastic member is applied to the tip portion of the deformation suppressing member, the tip portion is crushed in the radial direction of the pipe by countering the pressing force of the second elastic member. The in-pipe cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is configured to suppress such deformation. The deformation suppressing member includes at least one annular member, and the deformation suppressing member includes at least one annular member.
The in-pipe cleaning device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the annular member is arranged in the internal space, and the annular member has a hole for communicating both sides of the annular member in the internal space. The pipe cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the internal space and the inner peripheral surface of the hole are flush with each other. The deformation suppressing member includes at least one annular member, and the deformation suppressing member includes at least one annular member.
The pipe cleaning device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the annular member is arranged inside the wall at the tip portion so as to surround the internal space. The in-pipe cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is provided on the downstream side of the tip portion with respect to the moving direction of the suction nozzle and includes a brush for sweeping the inner peripheral surface in the pipe. The tip portion has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction of the first elastic member.
The brush is separated from the tip portion by a distance within 3 times the outer diameter of the cylindrical shape in a direction parallel to the moving direction when viewed from the pressing direction of the first elastic member (planar view) . The in-pipe cleaning device according to claim 10, which is located. The support is
Two body parts including at least three rod-shaped members,
It is provided with a fixing member for fixing the two main bodies at intervals.
The pipe cleaning device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the brush is attached to the fixing member between the two main bodies. The pipe cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the tip portion is arranged between the two main body portions. A hose extending between the base and the suction mechanism,
Provided with at least one hose cover that holds the hose away from the inner peripheral surface of the pipe.
The pipe cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the hose cover is movable in the pipe. A hose extending between the base and the suction mechanism
The in-pipe cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base and the hose are connected via a universal joint. With suction mechanism,
A suction nozzle that communicates with the suction mechanism and
A support that supports the suction nozzle and is movable in the pipe is provided.
The suction nozzle is
A base that communicates with the suction mechanism and is fixed to the support,
An internal space communicating with the base portion and an opening communicating with the outside of the suction nozzle, and a tip portion that can move in the radial direction of the pipe with respect to the base portion.
A first elastic member configured to press the tip portion radially outward of the pipe is provided.
The tip portion extends in a direction crossing the pressing direction of the first elastic member, the longitudinal direction of the tip portion is arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, and the tip portion is the pipe. It has flexibility so that the longitudinal direction of the tip portion is deformed along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe when pressed outward in the radial direction.
The opening is formed so as to be inclined downward in the vertical direction toward the moving direction of the support.
The tip portion is provided with a second elastic member configured to press the tip portion along the inner peripheral surface of the pipe.
The second elastic member is a method of cleaning the inside of a pipe by a pipe inside cleaning device which is a leaf spring provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion.
By arranging the suction nozzle in the pipe,
By pressing the suction nozzle against the inner peripheral surface of the pipe,
The suction mechanism sucks and
A method comprising moving the support within the pipe.

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