EP0583885A1 - Gasbetriebenes Gerät zum Entstopfen von Rohren - Google Patents

Gasbetriebenes Gerät zum Entstopfen von Rohren Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0583885A1
EP0583885A1 EP93305657A EP93305657A EP0583885A1 EP 0583885 A1 EP0583885 A1 EP 0583885A1 EP 93305657 A EP93305657 A EP 93305657A EP 93305657 A EP93305657 A EP 93305657A EP 0583885 A1 EP0583885 A1 EP 0583885A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
pressure
valve
operated
pipe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP93305657A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
John Enver Emin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0583885A1 publication Critical patent/EP0583885A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid
    • B08B9/0325—Control mechanisms therefor
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
    • E03C1/30—Devices to facilitate removing of obstructions in waste-pipes or sinks
    • E03C1/304—Devices to facilitate removing of obstructions in waste-pipes or sinks using fluid under pressure

Definitions

  • This invention relates to gas-operated apparatus for unblocking pipes.
  • Gas-operated apparatus for unblocking pipes is known.
  • There are various types of such known apparatus but they generally comprise first connector means for connecting the apparatus to a pipe which is blocked by a blockage, a gas chamber, and trigger means for releasing compressed gas from the gas chamber as a sudden single pulse which is designed to travel down the pipe which is blocked and to strike the blockage with a view to shifting it.
  • Some of the known types of gas-operated apparatus provide the gas manually whilst others provide the gas from a source of compressed gas such as a compressor or carbon dioxide mini-bottles.
  • French Patent No. 79-02151 discloses one such type of known gas-operated apparatus in which the gas for the gas chamber is provided by a manually operable pump.
  • the known types of gas-operated apparatus are not satisfactory in that the trigger means enables the apparatus only to provide the compressed air as a single pressure pulse. Often the pressure of this single pulse is too high and it tends to lead to fractured pipes and pipe joints, especially where the blocked pipes are made of plastics materials.
  • gas-operated apparatus for unblocking pipes which apparatus comprises first connector means for connecting the apparatus to a pipe which is blocked by a blockage, a gas chamber, a manually operable pump for manually providing gas in the gas chamber, second connector means for connecting the apparatus to a source of compressed gas for providing gas in the chamber, and pressure-operated valve means which operates at a predetermined pressure automatically to allow gas under pressure in the gas chamber to escape as a series of pulses into the pipe which is blocked thereby to subject the blockage in the pipe to a series of pressure pulses designed to shift the blockage, and the valve means being such as to allow the automatic escape of the gas under pressure in the gas chamber.
  • the gas-operated apparatus of the present invention can be operated either manually for a single measured pulse via the manually operable pump or substantially automatically with repeated pulses simply by providing the source of compressed gas such for example as a compressor or a container of carbon dioxide.
  • the blockage can be subjected to a series of pulses which can be generally at a lower pressure than is the case with the known gas-operated apparatus which applies only one single pulse of pressure.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is able to help to avoid damage in pipes and pipe joints caused by a single pressure pulse which is at too high a pressure for the pipe work.
  • the application of a series of pulses can have a greater accumulative effect in shifting the blockage rather than the application of one single pulse at a higher pressure.
  • the manually operable pump can also be used for test purposes.
  • the pressure-operated valve means is preferably adjustable so that it can be set to operate at different predetermined pressures.
  • the second connector means may be for connecting to any suitable and appropriate source of compressed gas, for example a source of compressed gas in the form of a compressor or in the form of a carbon dioxide mini-bottle or cylinder. Generally, any suitable and appropriate gas may be employed.
  • the first connector means is advantageously a frusto-conical device for fitting in different sizes of blocked pipe or in sink wastes forming the entrance to the blocked pipes.
  • the gas-operated apparatus of the present invention may include trigger means for causing operation of the apparatus in a single firing mode as opposed to the automatic pulsed firing mode.
  • gas-operated apparatus 2 for unblocking pipes (not shown).
  • the apparatus 2 comprises first connector means 4 for connecting the apparatus 2 to a pipe which is blocked by a blockage.
  • the apparatus 2 also comprises a gas chamber 6 and a manually operable pump 8 for manually providing gas in the gas chamber 6.
  • the apparatus 2 still further comprises second connector means 10 for connecting the apparatus 2 to a source of compressed gas for providing gas in the gas chamber 6.
  • the source of compressed gas may be a compressor (not shown) or a carbon dioxide mini-bottle (not shown).
  • the apparatus 2 further comprises pressure-operated valve means 12 which operates at a predetermined pressure automatically to allow gas under pressure in the gas chamber 6 to escape as a series of pulses into the pipe which is blocked, thereby to subject the blockage in the pipe to a series of pressure pulses designed to shift the blockage.
  • the valve means 12 is such as to allow the automatic escape of the gas under pressure in the gas chamber 6.
  • the gas will normally be provided by a source of compressed gas. If desired, the function of the valve means 12 may be tested by manually testing the apparatus 2 to provide the required gas.
  • the valve means 12 is adjustable so that it can be set to operate at different predetermined pressures.
  • the first connector means 4 is frusto-conical as shown in Figure 1 and 2 for ease of fitting in different sized blocked pipes or sink wastes forming the entrance to the blocked pipes.
  • the apparatus 2 includes trigger means 14 causing operation of the apparatus 2 in a single firing mode in conjunction with the manually operated pump, as opposed to an automatic pulsed firing mode. While using compressed gas to operate the apparatus 2, the trigger means 14 acts as a stop to the automatic mode. So therefore the trigger means 14 acts in two ways. Firstly, the trigger means 14 acts to enable single shot use when the apparatus 2 is being manually pumped. Secondly, the trigger means 14 when pulled will stop the apparatus 2 from working in an automatic mode when the apparatus 2 is being continually powered by a compressor.
  • the apparatus 2 is able to work such that water in a blocked pipe can be shocked to utilise kinetic energy.
  • the apparatus 2 operates to cause the series of air pulses to strike the water rapidly and set up shock waves which travel along the pipe until they reach the blockage.
  • the blockage is then jarred by the series of shock waves and the blockage may then be caused to shift and unblock the pipe.
  • the series of shock wave pulses are able to provide considerably less strain on modern plumbing waste pipes than a single high pressure pulse as is employed in known devices. Damage to plumbing waste pipes and possible consequent flooding of homes is thus avoided or reduced.
  • the apparatus 2 is able to be connected to the source of compressed gas, much of the hard work of pumping the gas-operated apparatus by the manually operated pump can be avoided. If desired however, the apparatus 2 can be used manually with a measured single pulse capability, but operation times will then be appreciably slower than if the source of compressed gas is used.
  • the use of the source of compressed gas is particularly useful for professional plumbers who will normally automatically have available an appropriate source of compressed gas.
  • the pump 8 is however useful for testing the function of the valve means 12 in order to ensure that it is in good working order and therefore the apparatus 2 is safe for use. More specifically, the diameter ratios of the pump 8 and the gas chamber 6 may be chosen such that around twenty manual pumps. It may be difficult to pump more air into the gas chamber 6.
  • the valve means 12 can be set to the equivalent of approximately eighteen pumps or 40 lbs per square inch as the highest pressure obtainable using the valve means 12. Thus, a user can pump air into the apparatus 2 by hand using the pump 8 and, if the apparatus 2 does not allow air to escape via the valve means 12, then this is an indication that the valve means 12 may need to be serviced.
  • the apparatus 2 of the present invention is advantageously injection moulded in a plastics material.
  • the valve means 12 is advantageously adjustable so that it can be set to operate at different predetermined pressures as will be described hereinbelow. This enables a user to reduce or increase the working pressure of the apparatus 2 in order to most appropriately suit any particular plumbing system and the blockage encountered.
  • valve means 12 Once the valve means 12 has been set, it is able to function in two separate ways. Whilst manually pumping the apparatus 2 with the pump 8, when the required pressure is reached, any subsequently applied over-pressure can be automatically released, whereupon a slight pop might be heard. Thus the valve means 12 enables the apparatus 2 manually to be pumped to a preset pressure but not to be over-pumped. Still further, whilst using the apparatus 2 with the source of compressed gas, the valve means 12 is able to act due to the larger flow of air and to cause any potential over-pressure situation to lift an internal valve 16 faster than the compressed air can be supplied, and high enough to cause the apparatus 2 to vent to atmosphere through vent aperture 18.
  • valve means 12 can be set to various desired predetermined pressures.
  • the apparatus 2 of the present invention is able to be used with all types of industrial and domestic pipe work including pipe work made of plastics materials, copper and cast iron.
  • the pulses of air pass from the gas chamber 6 into a pipe 20 and through the first connector means 4.
  • the first connector means 4 is advantageously made of rubber or a similar flexible material.
  • the first connector means 4 is able to form a seal in a blocked pipe so that air pressure is not lost. Also, by obtaining a good seal with the first connector means 4, water splashing back due to the air pulses is avoided.
  • the second connector means 10 may be a pneumatic valve connected to an air compressor (not shown). Whilst the air compressor is charging, the apparatus 2 will continue to receive the compressed air and discharge a train of air pulses in an automatic manner at a predetermined pressure. The operation of the apparatus 2 is easily stopped simply by pulling the trigger means 14 and holding the trigger means 14. This allows the compressed air passing into the gas chamber 6 to escape down the pipe 20, no matter what the pressure setting is on the valve means 12. Obviously if desired, an alternative way of stopping the operation of the apparatus 2 is to turn off the source of compressed gas or to disconnect it at the second connector means 10.
  • the apparatus 2 may be operated using the pump 8, for example when the source of compressed gas is not available.
  • the pump means 8 is operated to pass air through a one way valve 22 in order to charge the gas chamber 6 with compressed air.
  • the apparatus 2 is designed such that the valve 22 and also a valve 24 shut off.
  • the valve 24 is shut, part of its body is still in the bore 25 of a boss 27.
  • the valve 24 is a loose fit in the bore 25 so that air can be pumped past the solid valve 24 and into the gas chamber 6.
  • the trigger means 14 can be pulled to release a single pressure pulse of air.
  • valve means 12 If the valve means 12 has been appropriately set, the continual pumping via the pump 8 will result in automatic operation of the valve means 12 and a series of pressure pulses of air to be emitted from the apparatus 2. Such continual pumping will normally be used for pump checking purposes only as it would normally be too difficult to hold the apparatus 2 in position to clear a sink and pump at the same time.
  • the action of pulling the trigger means 14 allows the higher pressure air in a vent passage 26 to escape as well as air within an area 28 above the valve 24, see Figure 1. In doing so, the pressure within the gas chamber 6 pushes up the valve 24 for a brief moment.
  • the valve 24 thus acts as a differential pressure valve.
  • the face area 30 of the valve 24 is greater than the area that it covers at the top of the pipe 20.
  • valve 24 is a solid valve which is provided with an inset rubber or plastics seal 32 which seals the top of the pipe 20.
  • the valve means 12 has a cap 34 which screws over a threaded portion 36 of a body 38. By screwing the cap 34 in or out, more or less pressure can be brought to bear on a spring 40 which is provided in the body 38.
  • the spring 40 is guided by a valve stem 42.
  • the valve stem 42 is connected to a piston 44 which has a frusto-conical member 46.
  • the member 46 is provided with an O-ring seal 48 which seals a passage 50.
  • the passage 50 is formed in a threaded boss part 52 which screws into an appropriate part of the apparatus 2 as shown in the drawings.
  • the valve stem 42 is not essential to the working of the valve means 12.
  • the valve stem 42 is able to act as an override to the detected or chosen air pressure. More specifically, if an operator puts his or her thumb on the valve stem 42 while the apparatus 2 is being powered by a compressor, the operator can interrupt the pulses being given and get a higher single pressure pulse for clearing, for example, a really bad blockage. If desired, the overriding facility provided by the valve stem 42 may be omitted, for example to minimise on manufacturing costs.
  • a passage 54 is provided for allowing gas to pass from the second connector means 10 into the gas chamber 6.
  • the pump 8 comprises a body 56 having a bore 58.
  • a leather washer 60 is provided on the end of a pump rod 62.
  • the pump rod 62 is provided with a pump handle 64.
  • the pump handle 64 is held in position by a screw threaded cap 66 which screws over the body 56 as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Removal of the cap 66 enables the leather washer 60 to be maintained and replaced as may be appropriate.
  • the pipe 20 ends in a ball portion 68.
  • the first connector means 4 is thus able to swivel about the ball portion 68 in the manner of a universal joint. This facilitates good positioning of the apparatus 2 on a sink waste or pipe, with the apparatus 2 being able to be positioned at the most appropriate angle for easy operation of the apparatus 2.
  • valve means 12 When the cap 34 has been appropriately screwed to give a desired pressure, then the valve means 12 operates such that when the generated gas pressure on the seal 48 is greater than the pressure exerted by the spring 40, the piston 44 is forced to the right as shown in Figure 4. Sufficient movement of the piston 44 to the right as shown in Figure 4 uncovers the aperture 18 in the body 38. This action in turn causes the valve 24 to go up, allowing air to escape down the pipe 20.
  • the size tolerance between the valve 24 and the walls of the area 28 are arranged to be such that air can pass to pressurize the gas chamber 6 with sufficient restriction to give ease of action but at the same time sufficient that, when the valve means 12 is activated, the differential pressure causes the valve 24 to move upward and the apparatus 2 automatically to be triggered.
  • the gas chamber 6 has a body part 70 which screws into a housing 72.
  • An O-ring seal 74 is trapped between the body part 70 and the housing 72 in order to ensure a good airtight connection at this point.
  • the trigger means 14 comprises a trigger lever 76 which pivots about a pivot 78.
  • the trigger lever 76 has a seal 80 which in the closed position shown in Figure 1 seals the vent passage 26.
  • the trigger lever 76 In the open position shown in Figure 2, the trigger lever 76 has been pivoted upwardly over a locater member 82 provided on a trigger guard 84, and the seal 80 has been moved away from making sealing contact with the vent passage 26.
  • the valve 22 is a one way valve. There are no springs to stop air escaping from the gas chamber 6.
  • the valve 22 has a valve spool 86 which slides up and down in a housing part 88.
  • the housing part 88 is provided with an inward deformation 90 which acts as an abutment shoulder for an O-ring seal 92 mounted on the valve spool 86.
  • the upper part of the valve spool 86 is provided with a slot 94 which allows air to pass as shown by the arrows 96 when the valve 22 is in the open position shown in Figure 6.
  • valve spool 86 is very light and, in relation to one stroke of the pump 8, the pressure within the gas chamber 6 is such that this pressure will lift the valve spool 86 and seat the seal 92 in sealing engagement with the inward deformation or shoulder 90, and thus provide the required seal at this point.
  • seal 92 is smaller in diameter than the bore 98 of the housing part 88.
  • the apparatus of the invention may normally be operated in an automatic pulsing mode. However, if an optional and different type of pulse action is required, a vent passage 100 may be provided. With the vent passage 100, the apparatus of the invention may be operated such that after it gives one pulse, the trigger has to be pulled to reset the valve.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
EP93305657A 1992-07-24 1993-07-19 Gasbetriebenes Gerät zum Entstopfen von Rohren Withdrawn EP0583885A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9215722 1992-07-24
GB929215722A GB9215722D0 (en) 1992-07-24 1992-07-24 Gas-operated apparatus for unblocking pipes

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0583885A1 true EP0583885A1 (de) 1994-02-23

Family

ID=10719217

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93305657A Withdrawn EP0583885A1 (de) 1992-07-24 1993-07-19 Gasbetriebenes Gerät zum Entstopfen von Rohren

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0583885A1 (de)
GB (2) GB9215722D0 (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1059392A2 (de) * 1999-06-10 2000-12-13 Per Otto S.R.L. Tragbare Vorrichtung zum Entstopfen von Rohren, insbesondere Abwasserrohre von Spülbecken und dergleichen
WO2010094129A1 (en) * 2009-02-23 2010-08-26 Kihs Josef K Valve mechanism for controlling release of pressurized fluid
CN114541534A (zh) * 2022-02-08 2022-05-27 曹娟 生活排污管道用自动防堵疏通设备

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6032301A (en) * 1999-02-03 2000-03-07 Chntuo Industrial Co., Ltd. Plunger
GB2353580B (en) * 1999-08-26 2003-01-29 George Patrick Locke Blockage buster
US6393625B1 (en) * 2001-11-20 2002-05-28 John Tsai Plumbing device for a basin drainage
EP1872877B1 (de) 2006-06-29 2010-07-28 Fluidor Equipment B.V. Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Reinigen von Röhren

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2386870A (en) * 1943-09-10 1945-10-16 Lawton Jarvis Kenneth Drain pipe cleaning gun
GB686842A (en) * 1950-01-25 1953-02-04 Airnesco Products Ltd Fluid pressure actuated blast gun primarily for cleaning purposes
US3426774A (en) * 1965-10-25 1969-02-11 Surrey Steel Components Ltd Hydraulic rams
FR2417347A3 (fr) * 1978-02-16 1979-09-14 Frati Giuseppe Appareil pour le degorgement et la fluidification des substances stagnantes dans les tuyauteries en general
US4542543A (en) * 1984-04-20 1985-09-24 Lawrence Irwin F Impact device

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2697842A (en) * 1950-10-14 1954-12-28 Meyer Howard Combination hand and air force pressure pump and plunger
GB855370A (en) * 1959-03-02 1960-11-30 Michael John Miller Plumber's drain flushing gun

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2386870A (en) * 1943-09-10 1945-10-16 Lawton Jarvis Kenneth Drain pipe cleaning gun
GB686842A (en) * 1950-01-25 1953-02-04 Airnesco Products Ltd Fluid pressure actuated blast gun primarily for cleaning purposes
US3426774A (en) * 1965-10-25 1969-02-11 Surrey Steel Components Ltd Hydraulic rams
FR2417347A3 (fr) * 1978-02-16 1979-09-14 Frati Giuseppe Appareil pour le degorgement et la fluidification des substances stagnantes dans les tuyauteries en general
US4542543A (en) * 1984-04-20 1985-09-24 Lawrence Irwin F Impact device

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1059392A2 (de) * 1999-06-10 2000-12-13 Per Otto S.R.L. Tragbare Vorrichtung zum Entstopfen von Rohren, insbesondere Abwasserrohre von Spülbecken und dergleichen
EP1059392A3 (de) * 1999-06-10 2003-04-16 Per Otto S.R.L. Tragbare Vorrichtung zum Entstopfen von Rohren, insbesondere Abwasserrohre von Spülbecken und dergleichen
WO2010094129A1 (en) * 2009-02-23 2010-08-26 Kihs Josef K Valve mechanism for controlling release of pressurized fluid
CN114541534A (zh) * 2022-02-08 2022-05-27 曹娟 生活排污管道用自动防堵疏通设备

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9215722D0 (en) 1992-09-09
GB9314925D0 (en) 1993-09-01
GB2268994B (en) 1995-11-08
GB2268994A (en) 1994-01-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5775439A (en) Method of cooling an impulse tool
US5249311A (en) Fluid pressure device for opening clogged pipes
US4428478A (en) Self-limiting pump
US2867086A (en) Portable pressure fluid power devices
US2729198A (en) Pneumatic nailer
US4834131A (en) Safety system for pneumatic tools
EP0583885A1 (de) Gasbetriebenes Gerät zum Entstopfen von Rohren
US3561465A (en) Jet level sensor
US2821170A (en) Stapler
US7877821B1 (en) Portable compressed-air gun for unclogging single drains
US4898210A (en) Gas-cylinder valve
US2684784A (en) Inflator for pneumatic life preserving apparatus
TWI457215B (zh) Air pressure tool with blower
CN207595223U (zh) 可调压便携式救生抛投器
US2750071A (en) Portable tire inflating apparatus
US3420220A (en) Pneumatic rifle with adjustable valve
JPH0716752B2 (ja) ステム破断締着体取付具
TWI469854B (zh) Pneumatic tools
US3811622A (en) Air blow gun for chip and debris cleaning
US7350265B2 (en) Self-contained handheld drain clearing compressed air device
CA1094130A (en) Tamper proof safety cut-off fluid nozzle
US4573489A (en) Dump valve
US1998902A (en) Air pressure flushing gun
KR102341113B1 (ko) 수중용 에어 타카기
US4473934A (en) Method for extracting packing rings from a stuffing-box using a liquid jet

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR IT NL

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19940824