HK1112272B - A method and apparatus for cleaning a conduit - Google Patents

Description

Method and device for cleaning pipes

Background

The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning fluid flow passages in a pipe. The present invention may be used to clean discharge pipes in any application, either commercial or residential, and is not necessarily limited to sewage systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing buildup in a collector in an exhaust system that can block the flow of fluid from the exhaust system. In one embodiment of the invention, the motive force for cleaning the flow path is provided by angularly positioning and orienting the inlet and outlet tube portions of the device.

In most drainage systems, a collector is provided to capture or collect the material passing through the system. In commercial or residential plumbing systems, traps are used to capture items that fall into the drain so that they do not pass directly through the drain into the main sewer system. The trap also prevents back-smelling of sewer gases into the house. However, the trap often accumulates excessive debris and debris, blocking the flow of drainage through the system.

The existing devices are heavy and inefficient. Many such "solutions" create other problems for the user, including impeding the flow of sewage when not in use. Any means of restricting full flow through the trap curve when not in use may result in more problems than it solves.

Embodiments of flow channels that remain clean are provided. In one embodiment, the inlet and outlet channels are designed with unique flow characteristics to provide the device with a self-cleaning action. The design of the approach angle of the device and the exit angle of the outlet portion of the device is critical to the self-cleaning characteristics of the collector. A typical collector system (discharge elbow) is generally U-shaped and has inlet and outlet pipes that are substantially perpendicular with respect to the curvature of the collector body. Fluid flowing into a conventional collector tends to migrate to the inner center of the pipe. When this occurs, the incoming fluid loses its ability to effectively carry solids. Furthermore, when the influent fluid reaches the substantially horizontal portion of the collector or the bottom of the U-tube, the influent fluid loses most of its energy and thus causes solids to remain at the bottom or lowest point of the collector. The present invention maximizes the solids carrying capacity of the influent and effluent fluids. The inlet tube (inlet leg) of one embodiment is designed to redirect the incoming fluid flow and thereby cause solids in the flow path to turbulently mix with the fluid so that the solids can be effectively removed as the fluid and solids exit the collector device.

A further feature of the present design is that the lowest point of the collector is a recessed collector region. Since the fluid flow entering through the inlet pipe has been directed, a disturbance zone is created near the bottom of the collector, which causes the solids to "float" or remain dispersed so that the solids can be easily discharged through the inclined outlet pipe portion of the apparatus. It can be further appreciated that the shape of the flow channels is important for solids removal. The present design provides a circular or elliptical cross-section of the entire fluid flow path in the collector, which results in maximum flow efficiency. One collector design, as depicted in U.S. patent No.6385799, utilizes parallel sides and a somewhat rectangular cross-section. Those skilled in the art will understand that: parallel side ducts create "dead" zones of lost flow energy, which results in less turbulence and affects the removal of solids from the collector.

In another embodiment, the user can rotate the cleaning or object retrieval assembly past the curvature of the collector assembly without removing the collector body from the attached conduit and position the cleaning or object retrieval assembly so that full flow through the curvature diameter is not restricted when the assembly is not rotated through the flow passage. The present invention may be manually operated or connected to a sensor system having a mechanism to time rotate the cleaning assembly either based solely on a selected time interval or depending on pressure or flow rate characteristics in the exhaust system. In addition, the present invention provides an embodiment wherein the cleaning assembly is rotated on a known journal using a fluid driven power wheel or electric motor.

Another unique feature of the present invention is: the device is transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the condition of the collector to see when cleaning is required. The transparency or translucency also allows the user to view objects falling into the drain so that the falling objects can be retrieved or removed.

Another unique feature of the present invention is the provision of the use of a hydrophobic material which reduces the surface tension of the internal conduit, reduces the friction between the conduit wall and the fluid, and improves its solids carrying efficiency.

Another unique feature of the present invention is the use of an antimicrobial material that will prevent the growth of bacteria in the collector area that could impede fluid flow.

Additionally, it has been found that cleaning the flow passage may be facilitated by locating the fluid ejector adjacent the lowest point of the flow passage. Several embodiments of such "jet collectors" are described herein.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in a preferred embodiment in a plumbing/sewer environment, it will be appreciated that the invention can also be used in industrial situations where the product in a pipeline needs to be periodically flushed or wiped from the pipeline. In this case, the invention may be used not as a collector, but as an inlet line cleaning or purging device.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 shows a prior art drain trap that is well known to be connectable to a sink and drain.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention as connected to a fluid inlet supply pipe and a fluid outlet discharge pipe.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with the rotating assembly in a first position inside the housing assembly; the rotating assembly is shown in phantom in the next position moving toward the object or debris at the lowest point of the collector.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, where the object or debris has been dug onto the rotating assembly and is being retrieved through the use of a hook or suitable tool.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of fig. 3, wherein debris is dispersed by fluid flowing from the inlet tube of the device. The debris flows out of the outlet pipe.

FIG. 6 is one embodiment of the present invention with an induction system coupled to rotate the rotating assembly when appropriate. Further illustrating the maintenance of weir spacing by the structural arrangement of the example elements.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a two-part housing assembly, a rotation assembly, a one-way ratchet mechanism and a rotation knob.

FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention with an extended known journal that may be connected to a fluid turbine or motor to drive a rotating assembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates a conduit structure with a fluid ejection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a rotatable fluid ejection mechanism disposed in a housing assembly.

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention having a non-rotatable fluid ejection mechanism.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a fluid ejection journal of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an end cross-sectional view of the spray journal of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side view of one embodiment of a fluid ejection mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 15 illustrates a side view of another fluid ejection mechanism of the present invention.

Description of The Preferred Embodiment

Fig. 1 shows a typical (prior art) drain collector (drain trap) 10 connected to a sink and sewer line (not shown). The collector 10 has a U-shaped configuration with generally perpendicular inlet 12 and outlet 14 tube portions, each having a longitudinal axis L extending therethrough₁And L₂. Between the two perpendicular inlet and outlet pipes 12, 14, in the curved part 16 of the collector is the region H₁In this region, water of low energy flow passes through the collector. The water flow WF from the inlet pipe 12 into the bend accumulates at the center of the branch pipe and considerable flow energy is already lost when it reaches the bend. Thus, in conventional traps, debris falling to the lowest point of the bight does not experience excessive agitation or turbulence. This is the reason for creating obstructions and blockages that impede the flow of fluid through the collector.

Fig. 2 shows a basic embodiment 20 of the invention in a side view with an inlet supply pipe 21 and an outlet discharge pipe 23. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that: standard pipe and tubing configurations may be used to form the present invention. Circular or elliptical tubes may be used. The separate housing assembly 22 may be made of a strong plastic or other suitable material. The housing assembly 22 may be transparent or translucent to enhance visibility of the conditions within the housing assembly 22. (FIG. 7 shows two halves 22A and 22B of housing 22)

The device 20 also has a conduit inlet portion 24, a conduit outlet portion 26, and a curved portion 28 connecting the inlet and outlet portions to form a fluid flow path through the device 20. The inlet fitting assembly 30 has a standard threaded connector 32 on a first end for connection to a mating connector (not shown) on the inlet supply tube. When connected to the inlet feed tube, the inlet fitting assembly 30 is in a generally vertical orientation and has a longitudinal vertical axis L₃Extending through the center tube portion of the inlet fitting assembly. This is shortThe vertical joint assembly 30 makes it easy for the present invention to replace conventional collectors. The inlet fitting assembly 30 allows for proper line alignment and for insertion of an inlet supply tube into the inlet fitting assembly 30 for proper plumbing connection.

Unlike the conventional collector 10, the device 20 has an angled inlet pipe portion 34 extending from a first end 36 of the inlet fitting assembly 30 to a second end 38 at the bend 28. The inlet pipe section 34 is tubular with a circular or oval cross-section. Longitudinal axis L₄Extends through the central portion of the inlet pipe portion at an inclination angle or angle a. While improved operation can be achieved at low approach angles (greater than about 5), it is believed that the angle of inclination or tilt A is at a distance L from the vertical longitudinal axis of the inlet fitting assembly 30₃A significant improvement can be obtained in the range from about 15 deg. to about 35 deg.. The highest efficiency can be achieved when the angle a approaches 20 °.

The device 20 further has a unique angled outlet tube portion 40 extending from a first end 41 at the outlet fitting assembly 33. The outlet fitting assembly 33 is similar to the inlet fitting assembly 30 and has a threaded connector 35 for connection to a mating fitting (not shown) on an outlet drain. The outlet fitting assembly 33 has a generally vertical orientation when connected to an outlet line, and a longitudinal vertical axis L₅Extending through the central tube portion of the outlet fitting assembly 33. Like the inlet fitting assembly 30, the outlet fitting assembly 33 is used for plumbing alignment and for inserting an outlet drain into the fitting assembly 33 for proper plumbing connection.

The outlet tube portion 40 is tubular with a circular or elliptical cross-section. Longitudinal axis L₆Extends through the central portion of the discharge pipe portion at an inclination angle or angle B. Still further, improvements are made even when the angle B is small (greater than about 5). Angle B is spaced from the vertical longitudinal axis L of the outlet fitting assembly 33₅A significant improvement can be obtained in the range from about 15 deg. to about 35 deg.. The highest efficiency is achieved when the angle B is about 20 °.

This simple but unique angled configuration and arrangement of the inlet and outlet tube portions of the device 20 enhances the flow dynamics within the housing and particularly the bends, thereby reducing blockages in the flow channels of the device.

Turning to fig. 3 and 7, one embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating assembly 54 located in the cavity 46 of the housing assembly 22. The assembly 54 moves objects or debris 61 from the bend up into the fluid flow path in the inlet leg portion 34. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that: one end 57 of the journal 56 extends through a journal opening 62 in the side of the first housing half 22A. The opening 62 is provided with a journal bearing shoulder and suitable seals to support the journal 56 and prevent leakage around the journal. A rotating hub or handle 60 may be mounted to the journal to assist the user in rotating the assembly 54. The other end 59 of the journal 56 is suitably supported and sealed within a support shaft bearing shoulder 68 in the second housing half 22B.

It will be further appreciated that the end 59 of the journal 56 can project through a wall of the housing half 22B that is provided with suitable seals and bearings to enable rotation or driving of the rotating assembly 54 on the other side of the housing assembly 22.

The rotating assembly 54 has a plurality of spaced apart teeth 70, the teeth 70 extending radially from the journal 56. In the curvature of the device, the teeth 70 scoop, scrape or scoop debris or sludge from the fluid path. A paddle assembly 80 is also provided on the rotating assembly 54. The paddle 80 may be rigid or flexible while it extends radially from the journal 56. The paddle drags the teeth 70 and, in operation, wipes the inner wall of the bight during rotation, discharging loosened sludge or sludge out of the chamber 46 and into the inlet tube portion 34. Fig. 3 illustrates the movement of the rotating assembly 54, the teeth 70, and the paddle 80 from the first position (out of the flow path) to near the object or debris 61. The rotation of the assembly 54 is a unidirectional movement (clockwise as viewed in fig. 3) from the outlet portion 26 toward the inlet portion 24. This rotational direction ensures that large objects or concentrated debris are not inadvertently pushed toward the outlet drain, which could cause a blockage or blockage outside the reach or range of the rotating assembly. By moving the debris towards the inlet portion, the fluid flow energy breaks up the debris into tiny fragments (fragments) that are allowed to more easily rush out of the device.

Fig. 4 shows the situation where an object or debris 61 has been dug up and moved to another location in the device 20 at the inlet pipe portion 34. Figure 4 shows the use of a suitable tool 90 to salvage retrieved objects or debris from extending down through the inlet feed tube into the inlet leg portion 34.

As described above, the unidirectional rotation of the assembly 54 moves debris into the inlet pipe portion 34 such that the debris is subjected to the high energy fluid flow HF created by the angled configuration of the pipe portions 34 and 40. Fig. 5 shows the debris broken into smaller pieces 61 a. The chips 61 are moved by the turbulence generated in the fluid flow channel. This reduces the likelihood of large pieces of debris moving beyond the reach or range of the assembly 54. If a large piece of debris is present, it may be fished out of the way as shown in FIG. 4. Once the objects or debris are removed from the flow path, the rotating assembly 54 is further rotated (clockwise) to the starting or rest position shown in FIG. 3.

Unidirectional rotation is achieved by using a ratchet mechanism as shown in fig. 7. A simple two-part ratchet 72 is shown in fig. 7, although a number of alternative mechanisms may be used, such as a slip clutch and meshing teeth. A plurality of projections 72 may be formed on the outer surface of housing half 22A that cooperate with ratchet teeth 72b on ratchet hub 73. The protrusion 72 may be located on a separate plate attached to the housing. The teeth 72b are angled on one side and generally straight on the opposite side (as is well known in the art) to allow the ratchet hub 73 to easily rotate in one direction and to limit rotation in the opposite direction.

Rotation of the assembly 54 may be manual or automatic. Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a sensing system connected to the present invention to trigger a rotation device RD connected to a rotating assembly 54 in a housing. Fig. 6 shows two sensors in the system that have the assembly 54 rotated through the channel as described above. The first is a pressure or flow sensing probe PS inserted into the inlet portion 24 of the housing 22. When a predetermined pressure or flow rate has been reached (indicating a restriction to fluid flow through the device 20), the probe senses and triggers a motor or other drive RD via a pressure sensor PT. In combination or in the alternative, a timer T may be connected to the rotation device (motor/driver) RD to periodically trigger the motor/driver to rotate the assembly 54 in the chamber 46. This timing system has the advantage of triggering the operation of the apparatus before large sludge accumulates. It will be appreciated that operation of the device may be effected manually by using the ratchet hub 60 itself to rotate the journal.

Fig. 6 also shows that the apparatus 20 of the present invention conforms to a recognized pipeline specification (plombingcode). For example, a uniform specification may dictate that each stationary collector (fixed trap) will have a water seal of no less than 2 inches (51mm) and no more than 4 inches (102mm) unless the authority of the responsible person finds a deeper seat required for a particular situation or for a particular design of a fixture accessible to disabled persons. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, when this unified specification requirement is met, two locations must be considered:

a) the weir 1(W1) distance D1 must be maintained to provide a minimum water seal depth of 2 inches so that the paddle 80 does not seal in the top chamber portion 46a, or if the paddle 80 "rests" in a position that does not interfere with the seal in the top chamber portion 46 a;

b) the weir 2(W2) distance D2 must remain to provide a maximum water seal depth of 4 inches, with the paddle 80 sealed in the top chamber portion 46a either intentionally carrying a seal such as a gasket or unintentionally being lodged by debris between the paddle 80 and the housing wall. Thus, unlike some prior devices, the present invention conforms to a uniform specification.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment 230 of the present invention. The housing 232 of the rotating assembly 254 is adapted to include a power housing portion 233. In fig. 8, the plastic half shell is molded with a power housing portion integral with the cleaning assembly housing portion. The shaft or rotating journal 256 extends to include a turbine support journal portion 257 to which is secured a turbine or power wheel assembly 259. The extended journal is provided with suitable support bearings 290. The power housing portion 233 is provided with an inlet portion 261 and an outlet portion 263. Drive fluid (liquid or gas) may be injected into inlet 261 into power cavity 265 such that as the drive fluid exits through outlet 263, turbine 259 rotates, turbine journal 267 turns, rotating shaft or journal 256 and rotating assembly 254. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the construction of the turbine or power wheel 259 as having fins or blades 280 that extend radially from the wheel body 282 and convert the energy input from the drive fluid F into rotational energy on the turbine journal 257.

In the embodiment of fig. 8, an alternative drive may be a motor M suitably connected to the journal 257. In many applications of the embodiment of FIG. 8, the driving fluid is water flowing through power housing 233, out outlet 263 and into a tub or shower. The waste water from the basin or shower has a waste pipe connected to the inlet feed pipe of the housing. Thus, it is only suitable for rotating the cleaning assembly when the basin or shower is used and water flows out of the basin/shower. In this application, the water used for the basin/shower is the same water that drives the turbine and rotates the cleaning assembly.

It has further been found that the rotating assembly in the housing may be a fluid ejection assembly (or injector) disposed proximate the lowest point of the bight portion. Various injector designs are shown in fig. 9-15.

FIG. 9 is a line configuration of one embodiment of the injector mechanism of the present invention. The jet collector mechanism 100 is connected between the sink drain 102 and drain 104 by suitable fittings 103 and 105. The ejector collector housing assembly 122 contains and supports the ejector shaft 106. The shaft 106 may or may not rotate, as described below with respect to fig. 10-13. A fluid (typically water, but may be other liquids or gases in some applications) is provided to the shaft 106, and the shaft 106 injects the fluid into the housing 122. Fig. 9 shows the shaft being supplied with water from a cold water pipe 108, but a hot water pipe 110 may alternatively be utilized. The one-way or return valve 112 must be provided according to a uniform specification if potable water is provided.

The jet trap water supply line and valve 114 diverge from the supply line and lead to a jet trap control valve 116. Water enters the shaft 106 in the housing 122 from the control valve 116 through the jet collector feed pipe 118. As will be described in greater detail below, the shaft 106 primarily injects fluid into the bend region from the exit side direction of the mechanism 100. This allows the oversupplied fluid to drain out of the outlet side when a unclogging attempt is made.

FIG. 10 shows a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the injector design of the present invention. This embodiment has a rotatable shaft assembly 106. One of ordinary skill will understand that: the shaft 106 is supported and sealed into a housing 122 by a suitable bearing housing 120 and seal 121. The forward end 130a of the shaft 106a extends through the forward support housing and is provided with a hub 160 to rotate the shaft 106. As described above, the rotation may be effected manually or automatically. The jet collector feed tube 118 provides fluid to a shaft inlet 140, which inlet 140 communicates with a central vessel or duct 142 in the shaft 106. Fluid is discharged from the jet ports 144, which are radially disposed about the shaft 106, into the curved portion of the device 100. Fig. 13 shows an end cross-sectional view of one arrangement of jet ports 144.

The rotatable shaft 106 may be provided with the one-way ratchet mechanism described above to prevent rotation in the direction from the outlet side to the inlet side of the mechanism 100.

Some pipeline specifications limit moving parts in the discharge collector. One non-rotatable jet shaft 106 is shown in fig. 11. The vascular plug 132 is inserted into the vascular tube 142 so that the known shaft may be used in both rotatable and non-rotatable jet shafts.

A more detailed view of the injection shaft 106 is shown in fig. 12. The shaft is provided with an O-ring groove 145. When a rotating device is used to turn the shaft, threads 147 may be provided in the conduit 142. The engagement assembly 149 may also be used when desired.

Other embodiments of the present invention are shown in fig. 14 and 15. The tubular spray collector 160 of fig. 14 is simply attached to any discharge collector to prevent debris from settling in the curved portion. The adapter 171 is connected to the inlet feed tube 21. The fitting is provided with a collar 172 to retain the neck 173 of the spray tube 174. The injection pipe 174 passes downwardly through the inlet portion 24 of the collector 160 and extends into the curved portion 28. Injection ports 176 are provided on the distal end 177 of the injection tube to inject injection supply fluid into the bight portion 28 to dislodge and evacuate any obstructions. This will note that: the spray pipe sprays fluid at the lowest point of the collector near any plugged or fouled bottom. Thus, the injection from the inlet side of the collector is generally very effective.

Fig. 15 shows another spray mechanism 180. Adjacent to the curved portion 28, an inlet nozzle 181 is provided in the wall of the housing 22 and is in fluid communication with the curved portion. Suitable conduits are provided to provide a spray supply fluid into the housing through the nozzle. A valve 182 (which may be rotatable or non-rotatable) is disposed within the interior of the housing and is in fluid communication with the nozzle 181. The valve may be configured similar to the shaft 106 described above. The discharge nozzle 183 may be directed at any obstruction in the curved portion 28 to eject fluid to break up the obstruction. The nozzle 183 may be rotated to various angular positions to cut and remove debris that may be deposited in the curved portion. Again, since the fluid is sprayed at the lowest point near the bottom of the blockage, the direction of the spray can be from the inlet direction to the outlet direction.

All of the above discussed and described embodiments provide a method for cleaning a fluid flow path between an inlet supply pipe and an outlet drain pipe. The method includes providing an apparatus having a housing assembly forming a chamber with inclined inlet and outlet tube portions having longitudinal axes therethrough, the longitudinal axes being inclined from vertical by an angle greater than about 5 °, preferably in the range of about 15 ° to about 35 °, and more preferably at about 20 °, as described above. The apparatus may further have: 1) a rotatable assembly disposed in the housing that is only rotatable in a direction from the outlet tube portion to the inlet tube portion, 2) a fluid injection assembly disposed in the housing adjacent a lowest point of the housing curvature. The method further comprises the step of connecting the device in fluid communication with the inlet supply pipe and the outlet drain pipe.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. On the contrary, various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications, substitutions and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

1. A pipe cleaning apparatus connectable to a fluid inlet supply pipe and an outlet discharge pipe, comprising:

a housing assembly having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a curved portion connecting the inlet portion and the outlet portion to form a fluid flow passage therebetween, the inlet portion comprising:

an inlet fitting assembly at a first end for connection to the inlet feed tube, the inlet fitting assembly having a vertical longitudinal axis;

an inlet pipe portion extending from said first end at said fitting assembly to a second end at said curved portion, said inlet pipe portion having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough at an oblique angle to said vertical longitudinal axis of said inlet fitting assembly;

the outlet portion includes:

an outlet fitting assembly at a first end for connection to the outlet drain pipe, the outlet fitting assembly having a vertical longitudinal axis;

an outlet tube portion extending from said first end at said outlet fitting assembly to a second end at said curved portion, said outlet tube portion having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough at an oblique angle to said vertical longitudinal axis of said outlet fitting assembly,

a concave collector region is formed at the bottom of the curved portion, and a disturbance region is generated near the bottom of the collector due to the fact that the flow of fluid entering through the inlet pipe has been directed obliquely.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tilt angle is in the range of 15 ° to 35 °.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rotatable assembly disposed in the housing assembly, the rotatable assembly being rotatable only in a direction from the outlet tube portion to the inlet tube portion.

4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a rotation device coupled to the rotatable assembly to rotate the rotatable assembly from a first position to a second position in the housing assembly, the rotation device having a first ratchet portion that cooperates with a second ratchet portion on the housing assembly to limit rotational movement of the rotatable assembly in one direction in the housing assembly from the outlet tube portion to the inlet tube portion.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a fluid injection assembly disposed in the housing assembly proximate a lowest point of the curved portion.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the fluid injection assembly is rotatable in the housing.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the fluid injection assembly is non-rotatable within the housing.

8. The device of claim 4, further comprising a sensor for triggering and rotating a rotating device connected to said rotatable assembly.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said rotating means further comprises a drive connected to a common journal that rotatably secures said rotating assembly in said housing assembly.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing assembly is transparent or translucent.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inlet tube portion, the outlet tube portion, and the inner wall of the curved portion all have a hydrophobic coating thereon.