EP2825836A1

EP2825836A1 - Cleaning and maintaining the inner surface of a pipe

Info

Publication number: EP2825836A1
Application number: EP13712709.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans Niebling
Original assignee: Niebling GmbH
Current assignee: Niebling GmbH
Priority date: 2012-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-11
Publication date: 2015-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-11
Also published as: WO2013135622A1; EP2825836B1

Abstract

In a method for cleaning and maintaining the inner surface (14) of a pipe (16), a) a maintaining element (6) of a maintaining device (2) is applied to the inner surface (14) in a frictionally-engaged manner with a friction force (F_R) and b) cyclically: I) a fixing element (8) is applied to the inner surface (14) in a frictionally-engaged manner with a fixing force (F_F) greater than the friction force (F_R), II) the maintaining element (6) moves in a desired maintaining direction (28), III) the fixing element (8) is lifted from the inner surface (14) so that the fixing element can be moved with a displacement force (F_V) less than the friction force (F_R), IV) the fixing element (8) moves in a desired displacement direction (29). A maintaining device (2) contains a maintaining element (6) that can be moved in the pipe (16) with a friction force (F_R), a fixing element (8), which can be fixed in the pipe (16) with a fixing force (F_F) and which can be lifted from the inner surface (14) so that the fixing element can be moved with a displacement force (FV), a fixing drive (10) for applying or lifting the fixing element (8), and a motion drive (12) for moving the maintaining element (6) and the fixing element (8) relative to one another.

Description

Cleaning and care of the inner surface of a pipe

The invention relates to a method for cleaning and / or care of the inner surface of a pipe, in particular a gun barrel, using a self-propelled care device and a corresponding care device. In particular, large-caliber weapons tubes from about caliber 50 upwards are considered here.

For the sake of simplicity, the term "care" is to be used below to represent "cleaning and / or care". Pipes, especially gun barrels, must be maintained again and again. A purely manual care is usually eliminated, as the inside of the tube is not sufficiently accessible. The use of care equipment is therefore indispensable for pipe care.

For the care of weapons, it is known to use so-called cleaning utensils as cleaning utensils, on which a variety of plaster attachments, e.g. Brushes, felts, towels, sponges, etc. are placed. The pipe care is then carried out manually using the cleaning rod. For the above-mentioned large-caliber weapons, this may be a time-consuming and tedious task.

From DE 197 08 001 A1 a self-propelled device for pipe cleaning is known, with articulated spreader bodies and means for relative movement between the Spreizkörpern. The device moves by means of a tensioner-like motion through a pipe. The device itself is the first part only a traction means for a second part in the form of a cleaning device. The known solution is therefore designed in two parts for care purposes and therefore expensive.

The object of the invention is to propose an improved method for pipe care and an improved care device.

The object is achieved with regard to the method by a method according to claim 1. The inventive method for Cleaning and / or care of the inner surface of a pipe, in particular a gun barrel is done using a self-propelled one-piece care device. The method comprises the following steps: a) A care element of the care device is frictionally applied to the inner surface of the tube. The application is made such that the care element is then displaced by overcoming a frictional force in the form of a frictional force in the axial direction of the tube.

B) The following partial steps I to IV are then carried out cyclically: I.) A fixing of the care device is frictionally applied to the inner surface of the tube. The system is made such that it is fixed axially in the tube with a fixing force, wherein the fixing force greater than the frictional force is selected. The fixing force also represents a frictional force; The fixing is thus displaced by overcoming the fixing force in the axial direction of the tube. II.) The care element is moved by support on the fixing element overcoming the friction force axially in the tube relative to the fixing in a desired caring direction.

III.) The fixing element is lifted from the inner surface. The lifting takes place such that the fixing element is now displaceable with an offset force in the axial direction of the tube. The offset force is a frictional force, ie, the fixing is now displaced by overcoming the offset force in the axial direction of the tube. The offset force is chosen to be smaller than the friction force. IV.) Now, the fixing element is moved by supporting the care element overcoming the offset force axially in the tube relative to the care element in a desired offset direction. It is crucial in the process only that in steps I and II, the friction force is smaller than the fixing force, in steps III and IV, the frictional force is greater than the displacement force. In the process, however, the frictional force of the care element on the pipe will remain constant in particular. The frictional force with which the fixing element is held in the tube, however, is varied from the fixing force to the offset force. This is done by lifting and donning at the Inner surface of the tube, usually with the help of a Fixierantriebs, which in particular operates pneumatically, so that different frictional forces.

The relative movement between the fixing and care element in steps II and IV is usually carried out by a movement drive, which in particular works pneumatically. e.g. a pneumatic cylinder. In particular, the drive is designed as a linear drive, since a linear movement between the care element and fixing element is sufficient to operate the care device. It suffices here that a force is generated between the two elements. The element with the greater frictional force to the tube will then remain at rest and move the other element. Because of the different ratios of the frictional forces, this is the care element in step II and the fixing element in step IV.

Assign care direction and offset direction in the same direction in space or pipe direction, it is carried out by cyclic repetition of steps I-IV movement of the care device along the pipe in this direction. The "lifting" in step III may be a complete lifting of the fixing element from the inner surface of the pipe so that there is no more friction between the fixing element and the pipe, the displacement force will then be zero. that is, the fixing element remains in contact with the inner surface of the pipe, the contact pressure or the contact force are reduced, however, from the larger frictional force in the form of the fixing force to the smaller frictional force in the form of the offset force. Depending on the choice of care direction and offset direction in the process, the care device according to step b) of a first to a second end of the tube or in the opposite direction to be moved. As a rule, during a care procedure, the tube is passed once or several times completely from one end to the other and back again. However, by changing the care and offset direction also any forward and backward steps in the tube possible or any combination of movements can be realized. In particular, in this case, certain pipe sections are traversed differently often, so that there are different care intensities in the pipe sections. The "cyclic" execution of steps I-IV means that the steps are cyclically repeated one after the other, starting at any one of steps I-IV and ending at any one of the steps In each cycle according to step b) only a real part, ie a longitudinal section of the inner wall of the pipe is maintained in step 2. Successively, through several cycles according to step b), the entire pipe The movement of a cycle of steps I to IV is also referred to as a stroke and represents the axial length that the care device has then moved in its entirety.

The actual pipe care is thus in step II, since here the care element is moved relative to the inner surface of the tube and thereby unfolds its care effect. The remaining steps I and III-IV are only for the movement of the remaining care device. According to the invention, the care element fulfills a dual function: First, it serves the pipe care, as long as the fixing element is locked with the fixing force in the pipe and serves to support for the movement of the care element. More precisely, a movement drive, which acts between the care element and the fixing element, is supported on the fixing element and thereby moves the care element. However, if the fixing lifted from the pipe, the care element in turn serves as by its friction force axially fixed in the pipe support member to enable the fixing relative to the care element to a new fixing position can. Here then the movement drive is supported on the care element and moves the fixing.

In particular, weapon tubes are generally circular, have the same diameter over their entire length and are also straight. Optionally, however, channels with different cross-section and also with curvatures can be maintained by the method. Care and fixing element are adapted to the respective pipe diameter and cross section to unfold the corresponding frictional forces in cooperation with the pipe can. The adjustment is made by adjusting the geometry, materials, elasticity, etc. of the individual components.

The invention has the advantage that a simpler method is possible by the dual function of the care element, as with known two-piece care equipment. Even simpler running, namely one-piece self-propelled and nourishing care equipment are possible. The free choice of care and offset direction in each of steps II and IV any movement pattern for the movement back and forth in the tube are possible, resulting in a particularly free design of the cleaning process. The care device can be stopped at any point in the tube to interrupt the care process and e.g. continue at a later time or break completely.

In a preferred embodiment, the care element is applied in step a) by elastic deformation on the inner surface. This is particularly advantageous because care elements are usually designed in the form of brushes, felts, fabrics, etc. and already have elastic properties. By adapting the outer diameter of the care element and its elasticity to the pipe to be cleaned so a corresponding frictional force can be dimensioned, with which the care element is held axially in the pipe. The elastic deformation takes place in particular when inserting the care element in the tube. For example, with a brush or a sponge having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the tube, the bristles or the sponge are elastically deformed during insertion into the tube, so that the desired frictional force arises. In other words, the care device can thus have an elastically deformable care element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the fixing element is applied in step I by radial expansion on the inner surface and raised in step III by radial reduction of the inner surface. This embodiment allows particularly simple embodiments for fixing elements, for example in the form of radially expandable and reducible Telescopic devices or inflatable balloons or bellows. Again, by simple adjustment of the variable outer diameter of the fixing element to the inner diameter of the tube, the desired frictional forces (fixing / offset force) dimensioned and adapted to the frictional force of a selected care element. Especially with an inflatable balloon or bellows, the fixing force can be selected in a wide range depending on the filling pressure in order to cooperate with different friction forces of different care elements. In other words, the care device can thus have a fixing element that can be radially expanded or reduced by a fixing drive. Here too, it makes sense to carry out the fixing drive or the fixing element pneumatically, for example as a pneumatically inflatable bellows or balloon.

In a further preferred embodiment, the care element is designed with two axially spaced longitudinal sections. In the axial space between the two longitudinal sections, the fixing element is moved back and forth in steps II and IV. The care element unfolds at the two longitudinal sections in each case a care effect on the tube when it is moved, the longitudinal sections are, for example, two axially spaced brushes. The fixing element is then located in the axial space between the two brushes and is moved back and forth between them and thereby lifted from the inner surface of the tube or applied to this. So a particularly compact care device can be designed. In addition, the care element is held particularly stable by the two longitudinal sections in the tube. The care element can then be used as a basic carrier of the entire care device. In other words, in a care device whose care element is performed at least in two parts with two axially spaced care elements. The fixing element is arranged axially between the care elements. The frictional force of the care element in the tube is then the sum of the frictional forces of the two part care elements. In particular, a fixed axial distance between the care elements is provided. Analogously, it is also possible to provide three-part or multi-part care elements, but also two- or multi-part fixing elements in the care device. In a preferred embodiment, the care element is additionally moved counter to the care direction in step II. In step II, in which the actual pipe care takes place, there is thus a reciprocating movement of the care element in a certain longitudinal section of the pipe. The corresponding longitudinal section is repeated and thus maintained very effectively, without moving the entire care device by displacement of the fixing. In total, however, a movement in the direction of care always remains in step II in order to achieve or enable a successive movement in the tube. In a further preferred embodiment of the

Care device from a care product, in particular in the form of a spray, at least partially applied to the inner surface of the tube. For generating the spray, pneumatic gas may again be used, e.g. is the oil mist mixed with pneumatic gas oil. The use of care products, such as gun oils usually requires large amounts of the care product, since this is usually introduced from the pipe end in liquid form during pipe care in the pipe. By using a spray, on the one hand, the required amount of care agent is significantly reduced, since this can be applied particularly finely distributed on the inner surface of the tube. In addition, the application can be carried out in a particularly targeted manner, since it takes place on the spot, namely by care equipment. In other words, the care device therefore has an applicator for the care product, in particular, this can also work pneumatically again. The applicator, e.g. a spray nozzle for oil mist, then generates from the care agent the corresponding spray, for example, an oil mist. The introduction can take place permanently, only temporarily or only during forward and / or backward movement of the care element, only in the area of the care element, etc.

In a further preferred embodiment, a degree of contamination of a control section of the inner surface of the tube is determined by the care device and maintained the control section as a function of its degree of soiling different intensity. From the care unit, the determination of the degree of soiling can be very precise and precise take place, since this takes place inside the tube. If the control section is then appropriately intensively maintained depending on the degree of soiling, and the inner surface of the pipe is divided over the entire area into control sections, it can be ensured that the entire pipe is maintained as required. For example, if only a few control sections are heavily soiled in the pipe, it is sufficient to care for them intensively and to maintain the remaining pipe sections more easily. This leads to an overall shorter cleaning time for the entire tube. The different intensive care can be done in particular in connection with the above-mentioned movement in the opposite direction in step II, so that the care element is moved differently often over the control section. The different intensive care can also be done by additional or increased introduction of a special cleaning agent or at the control section.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the care device according to step b) is moved to such an end of the tube, which is followed by a pipe extension. On the care device, a care extension is attached, which projects into the tube extension. Subsequently, the care device according to step b) is moved along the tube. In doing so, it takes along the care extension and moves it along the tube extension, so that the care extension maintains the tube extension. In this process variant, the care device is indeed used as a traction device for the nursing process, but there is the double effect that in this case the care device at the same time maintains the pipe.

In this case, the nursing extension is then adapted to the tube extension, for example, again with respect to the corresponding outer diameter of the brush or sponges to the inner diameter of the tube extension. The movement patterns can again take place as explained above. In particular, however, a fixed cleaning program for the pipe extension can be selected by, for example, a certain number of strokes is specified when the dimensions, in particular the axial length of the pipe extension and the stroke length of the care device is known. A detection of the tube extension end is in this case, for example, not necessary. A corresponding pipe extension is, for example, a cartridge chamber adjoining a weapon barrel.

To the above embodiments, it should be added that with pneumatic execution of several or all of the above components has the advantage that only a single pneumatic line is to be provided for care device to supply all drive elements that work pneumatically with pneumatic gas.

With regard to the care device, the object is achieved by a care device according to claim 9 for cleaning and / or care of the inner surface of a pipe, in particular a gun barrel. The care appliance contains a care element which can be frictionally engaged with the inner surface of the tube such that it can be displaced by overcoming a frictional force in the axial direction of the tube. The care device further includes a fixing member which can be frictionally applied to the inner surface of the tube, that it is fixed with a fixing force in the tube, wherein the fixing force is greater than the frictional force, ie that it is displaceable by overcoming the fixing force in the axial direction of the tube. The fixing member is also liftable from the inner surface so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the pipe by overcoming an offset force smaller than the frictional force. The care device further comprises a fixing drive acting on the fixing element in order to apply the fixing element to the inner surface or to lift it from the latter. In addition, the care device comprises a movement drive acting between the care element and the fixing element in order to move the care element and the fixing element along a longitudinal axis of the care device relative to one another. Although the care device is an independent device, which is adapted to the respective pipe to be cleaned. This is necessary in order to be able to dimension, in particular, the frictional force under which the care element is then displaceable in the axial direction of the tube during operation, that is to say when it is inserted into the tube. Especially with weapon tubes exist standard dimensions for their inner diameter, so that here care equipment independent of the actual tube, universal for certain calibers can be provided. The care device may in any case comprise a basic device suitable for all tubes, wherein only different care elements and / or fixing elements are provided in order to adapt the basic device to different tubes. The device can then be available in the manner of a modular system with basic device and various care / fixing elements. The basic unit then comprises all components except the care element and / or the fixing element. If the care device is introduced into the pipe to be cleaned, its longitudinal axis is parallel to the axial direction of the tube or coincides with this or its central longitudinal axis. The care device and various of the following embodiments, together with its advantages, have already been explained in connection with the care method according to the invention.

Optionally, a camera may be attached to the care device, which provides image information from the tube interior. Thus, e.g. a visual inspection of the inner surface take place or e.g. the progress and success of the cleaning and / or care continuation are observed. Also, an automatic image evaluation can be done to e.g. Automatically detect and locate soiling in the pipe. In particular, the camera can be arranged on the front end of the care appliance, viewed in the direction of insertion into the tube. In a preferred embodiment, the care device includes an end detector for detecting a pipe end. The end detector can be used to detect whether the care device has reached a pipe end. In particular, then, for example, the forward movement of the care device can be stopped or its direction of movement reversed. The pipe end may also be a transition to a radially expanded section, e.g. from the barrel of a gun barrel to the chamber of patrons.

In a further preferred embodiment, the care device includes a dirt detector for determining a degree of contamination of a control section of the inner surface of the tube. This allows a needs-based care of various pipe sections. In a preferred embodiment, the end detector and / or the dirt detector on electrical contacts, which can be applied to two different contact points on the inner surface of the tube to produce a path leading over the tube current path between the contacts. The contacts of the care device, for example, be led out of the pipe to the outside and evaluated there. However, an evaluation unit can also be part of the care unit on site in the pipe. With the help of the electrical contacts and the current path closed via the tube, it is possible to detect and evaluate electrical properties of the contact points, for example, to determine the ohmic contact resistances of the contact points to the tube. A contact break in the current path can be, for example, close to a particularly strong, the current path interrupting contamination or reaching the pipe end (exit of the contact from the pipe). When changing the electrical properties of the current path (eg, ohmic resistance), it is possible, for example, to deduce the type and intensity of soiling at the contact points. The contact points are preferably axially end of the care device. To determine the electrical properties of the contact points, for example, a voltage between the two contacts can be generated. The resulting current flow is then measured and evaluated. In a preferred variant of this embodiment, at least a part of the care agent is formed as an electrical contact, for example, its bristles. In particular, in connection with the above-mentioned embodiment, that the care element has two longitudinal sections, both sections can each be formed as a contact. The current path then passes over the respective care products. In other words, therefore, the care products are formed electrically conductive. A conductive care agent is realized for example by a brush with conductive bristles.

In a further preferred embodiment, the care device also comprises a supply unit, which preferably remains outside the tube and is connected via supply lines to the care device. The supply unit contains a drive, eg internal combustion engine, a driven by the drive motor generator for generating electrical Energy and driven by the drive motor compressor for the production of pneumatic gas, in particular compressed air. With a single supply unit and a single primary energy, such as fuel for the internal combustion engine, both pneumatic and electrical components of the care unit can be supplied in this case. In this case, only the only drive motor with primary energy, such as diesel powered. The supply unit is particularly suitable for field use.

The care device - also called cleaning head - can be run as a fully automatic cleaning device for cleaning large-caliber weapons tubes from caliber 50 upwards. The caliber refers to a diameter in weapons technology. The care device is inserted into the pipe, the care is then fully automatic if desired, then the pipe is clean and oiled. In the following part of the special terms bellows, brush, etc. are used in place of the general means fixing element, care element, etc.

The cleaning head is e.g. inserted into the pipe at one end and automatically moves through the pipe. He recognizes the other end of the pipe, turns around and moves back to the first end. The end is recognized by the brushes. For this, the brushes are equipped with a special mixture. Wires are built into the brush and these wires make electrical contact with the tube and make contact with a brass bushing of the brush. Thus, a circuit is closed by the tube through the brush. The care device contains e.g. at both axial ends one brush each, in the middle it is insulated. That is, when the contact between the two brushes breaks, it can be seen that one of the brushes protrudes from the tube. The bristles of the brush are therefore electrically conductive and thus form a contact with the metal of the tube.

If, however, for example, a device control determines that the ohmic resistance decreases, the controller recognizes that the brush rests in the pipe and starts, for example, the automatic cleaning program. In order to make the detection of the electrical contact safe, for example, a multiple forward and backward movement to detect whether actually the pipe end is reached. If there is still no contact, cleaning is stopped or the direction of movement of the care unit is reversed.

The detection takes place, for example, in which the ohmic resistance is measured. When this resistance reaches a certain level, the cause is determined: when the device leaves the pipe, the contact breaks completely. If the contact breaks inside the tube, then it is tried by forward and backward movements of the contact at this point, if still contact with the tube can be found. If no contact is found, the device will usually run back, as it is assumed that the end of the pipe has been reached. If contact is found, the device continues to run, since the contact break was obviously due to a strong contamination. This ensures that - if in the pipe there is a strong contamination - run over this point with the contact and thereby cleaned several times and the device then moves on again. Repeated overrunning of a spot generally cleans the dirt so far, eg free scratched, that contact is formed again. The device can then continue. In addition, a defined amount of oil can be sprayed into the tube during operation of the device via an applicator or sprayer. This is an oil mist, such as an oil-air mixture, ie it is sprayed an oil mist, which applies much better to the outer surfaces than liquid oil. This is also an environmental progress, since only about 10% of the conventional amount of oil is consumed in the process. The introduction can be controlled via control electronics. With known methods, about 1 -2 liters of oil are consumed in the pipe cleaning, about 100ml of oil are sufficient by spraying according to the invention, since quite defined an oil-air mixture is blown. This also guarantees that the inside of the tube is completely oiled, which can not be achieved with manual cleaning. Liquid oil is poured into the pipe and the pipe is then cleaned with a brush. This can lead to an oil break: If there is too much oil, it ruptures Oil film and it leads an oil-free point in the pipe. The oil distributed over the surface according to the invention protects the pipe for years considerably longer than with manual cleaning, since the oil is distributed throughout the barrel.

The drive of the care device is a linear drive combined with the principle of an expandable bellows. The bellows - e.g. in the middle of the arrangement - inflates, presses against the inner wall or empties and oscillates between the brushes. The movement of the care device is therefore caterpillar-like. When the bladder is inflated and fixed in the tube, the brushes in the tube move back and forth, i. linear in the pipe back and forth. When the bladder is emptied, the brushes take over the fixation and then the bladder moves in the tube. Then the bellows inflates again and the brushes can oscillate again in the tube, but now in an axially offset area.

The control for the care device may be an electronic and pneumatic control. Pneumatic valves are controlled by the electronic control, the valves inflate and deflate the bellows and move it relative to the brushes. The compressed air also serves to supply the nozzles for the oil to be sprayed.

In weapon technology, each projectile comprises a sleeve. The sleeve is always thicker than the bullet, so as the caliber. The sleeve is located in a chamber. Since the care device is adapted to the caliber, it can not clean the chamber, since its diameter is too large. For this purpose, there is a special attachment which is mounted axially on the care device, e.g. is screwed on. When mounted on top then the chamber can be cleaned. Cleaning is then also via the control, also fully automatic.

The care device is thus used at the gun muzzle and passes through the pipe to the transition to the cartridge chamber. There, the essay is attached. Then the control is reactivated and the care unit - with attachment - automatically cleans the chamber. Then the device stays automatically stand back, the attachment is removed and the device cleans the pipe to an end.

The entire device is e.g. operated via control buttons on the control. Available options include: A start button for automatic cleaning, the ability to retrieve the device from any position in the pipe to the muzzle, if it gets stuck, an on / off switch, various cleaning options (intensive cleaning and easy cleaning), permanent cleaning, d. H. The device runs continuously in the entire tube back and forth. Then there is the possibility to clean on the spot, that is, if a special point in the pipe is known, which is particularly dirty, then the device remains fixed at this point with inflated bellows and the brushes oscillate to continuously this one pipe location clean.

The care device requires e.g. Compressed air for movement and oil supply and 24V supply voltage for control and contact measurement. The device should be usable in the field, both are hardly available there. Only 24V voltage are u.U. from a truck. Therefore, in a system, a compressor is also provided with various components. The compressor constantly supplies compressed air, but also 24V from a generator. Both are operated by a diesel engine. With a medium or heavy cleaning program, with each fixation of the bellows, the brushes are moved back and forth a different number of times, i. E. Each pipe section is cleaned several times before the device moves on in the pipe, ie the bellows is moved. The degree of contamination can optionally be recognized again via the determined ohmic resistance. If e.g. the pollution is very high in one place, then the device remains in place and cleans, until the contact gets better again and then the device continues to run.

The oil entry is determined in the control, for example, that at each stroke (forward movement of the device) once an oil-air mixture is blown. The oil nozzle sits behind the brushes, for example. In the device, a plastic plate is provided to prevent oil from being in gear o.ä. einzulaufen. The brushes are provided with brass parts that allow electrical contact with the pipe and means to extract dust.

The control is e.g. an AVR control that prevents intrusion. The control enables fully automatic cleaning, in particular due to the possibility of detecting the pipe end with a sensor.

For a further description of the invention reference is made to the embodiments of the drawings. They show, in each case in a schematic outline sketch:

Fig. 1. a care device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows the care device from FIG. 1 in a tube, FIG.

Movement of the care device of Figure 1 in the tube, alternative care device with nursing extension,

5 shows a care device with nursing process in a tube with tube extension,

6 shows contact points and a current path through a tube,

7 shows a contact point from FIG. 6 when leaving the tube, FIG.

Fig. 8 a care system

9 shows a control panel of a control of the care system from FIG. 8.

FIG. 1 shows a care device 2 which extends along a longitudinal axis 4. The care device comprises a care element 6 and a fixing element 8. The fixing element 8 is by means of a fixing drive 10 from the shown, radially reduced position in a radially indicated position indicated by dashed lines movable. The care device 2 also comprises a movement drive 12, by which care element 6 and fixing element 8 along the longitudinal axis 4 to each other or away from each other are movable. The care device 2 is used for cleaning and / or care of

Inner surface 14 of a tube 16, which is indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 1. The care device 2 is matched in terms of its dimensions to the tube 16 and its inner diameter D _R. The care element 6 is designed in the embodiment as a brush with brush body 18 and bristles 20. The adaptation of the care element 6 to the tube 16 is such that the outer diameter of the bristles 20 and the care element 6 is slightly larger than the inner diameter D _{R is} executed. The adaptation of the fixing element 8 is such that, in the radially reduced form, the outer diameter of the fixing element 8 is slightly smaller and, in the radially expanded position, the outer diameter is slightly larger than the inner diameter DR.

FIG. 2 shows the care device 2, in operation, ie inserted into the tube 16. The care element 6 or its bristles 20 dimensioned with a slight oversize are elastically deformed as soon as they become lodged in the tube 16, for which reason the care element 6 is frictionally locked in the Tube 16 rests. The longitudinal axis 4 now coincides with a central longitudinal axis 22 of the tube 16 and thus provides an axial direction 24. Due to the frictional engagement of the care element 6 in the tube 16, this can be moved only by overcoming a frictional force F _R in the axial direction 24, ie in Figure 2 to the left or right. The fixing element 8 is located in the radially reduced position upon insertion into the tube 16. In the radially reduced position, no friction takes place between the fixing element 8 and the tube 16. The fixing element 8 is displaceable in the axial direction 24 by overcoming an offset force F _v , which is zero here.

The fixing element 8 is then brought by actuation of the fixing drive 10 in the radially expanded position shown in dashed lines. As a result, the fixing element 8 is applied to the inner surface 14 such that it with a fixing force F _F , which is greater than the frictional force F _R , frictionally engaged in the pipe 16th is held against displacement in the axial direction 24. In other words, at least the fixing force F _F would have to be expended in order to displace the fixing element 8 in the axial direction 24.

FIG. 2 also shows, in an alternative embodiment, an applicator 90 for care agent 92 for applying it to the inner surface 14. The applicator 90 is attached to the care device 2. In particular, the conditioning agent 92 is in the form of a spray by a mixture of oil and pneumatic gas, e.g. Compressed air generated.

3 shows the various steps for moving the care device 2 in the tube 16. In step I, the fixing element 8 is first radially expanded in the direction of arrows 26 to apply it to the inner surface 14 and in the axial direction shown in FIG 24 with the fixing force F _F in the tube 16 to fix. The fixing force F _F is greater than the frictional force F _R selected. In step II, the movement drive 12 is now activated and care element 6 and fixing 8 moves towards each other. Since the fixing force F _{F is} greater than the friction force F _R , the fixing element 8 remains in place. The care element 6 is therefore moved axially in the direction of the desired care direction 26 in the tube 16, in Fig. 3 to the right. This is how it reaches the dashed end position.

In a step III, the fixing element 8 is now radially reduced against the arrows 26 and thus at least raised from the inner surface 14 or completely lifted. By the lifting, the force with which the fixing element is held in the tube is reduced to an offset force F _v , which is smaller than the frictional force F _R. The complete lift off makes the fixation force zero. In step IV, care element 6 and fixing element 8 are moved away from each other in the axial direction 24 by actuation of the movement drive 12 in the opposite direction. Since the fixing element 8 is no longer held with a fixing force but with an offset force in the tube 16, which is in any case smaller than the frictional force F _R of the care element 6, the care element 6 now remains in place as an alternative to the top and the fixing element 8 is in an offset direction 29 is shifted to the position shown in dashed lines, in Fig. 3 also to the right. The above-mentioned steps I-IV are now again through which the care device 2 is moved further to the right through the tube 16, etc.

Fig. 3 also shows an alternative embodiment, namely a care device 2 with a dirt detector 60 for detecting a contamination 62 or caused by the pollution 62 degree of contamination G in an axial longitudinal section of the tube 16, namely a control section 64. Depending on Degree of contamination G is then a more or less intensive cleaning of the control section 64. A more intensive cleaning is accomplished in the embodiment that in step II, the care element 6 several times in and against the care direction 28 on the control section 64 and thus the contamination 62 is moved. The last movement in step II then takes place in the care direction 28, so that the care device 2 can be moved on as usual.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a care device 2, wherein the care element 6 has two axially spaced longitudinal sections 30a, b. Each of the longitudinal sections 30a, b is in turn made up of a pre-cleaning brush 32 and a main cleaning brush 34. The fixing element 8 in the form of an inflatable rubber bellows is arranged axially between the two longitudinal sections 30a, b in a gap 31 and can be moved back and forth between them. 4 also shows a protective tube 36 in the interior of which pneumatic and electrical supply lines for actuating the fixing drive 10 and movement drive 12 of the care device 2, not shown in FIG. 4, run. FIG. 4 also shows a care extension 38 that can be placed on the care appliance 2. As shown in FIG. 5, a tube extension 42 adjoining an end 40 of a tube 16 can be maintained with the aid of the care extension 38. For this purpose, the care device 2 is advanced to the end 40 of the tube 16, the nursing attachment 38 is mounted, and then the nursing attachment 38 is moved in the tube extension 42 by moving the care device 2 in the tube 16 in and counter to the direction of the arrow 44. For this purpose, the care extension 38 comprises, in particular, a bearing cleaning brush 46, a cone brush 48 and an abutment disk 50. An extension section 52 can here be made flexible. Fig. 5 shows in an alternative embodiment, a care device 2, which includes an end detector 70, which detects whether the care device 2 has reached an end 40 of the tube 16. Upon detection of the pipe end the care device is stopped to either attach the pipe extension 38 or to be able to remove. The use of the end detector 70 is not limited to use with the care cap 38, but may be combined with the other embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a care device 2 with two longitudinal sections 30a, b of the care element 6, which are electrically conductive. For example, At least a part of the bristles 20 of the care element 6 is made electrically conductive, e.g. in that electrically conductive wires are incorporated in the care elements 6 in the form of brushes. The longitudinal sections 30a, b thus form electrical contacts 84. Thus, contact points 80 are formed at the contact surfaces of the contacts 84 with respect to the inner surface 14 of the tube 16 and between them a current path 82 leaves the electrical contacts 84 formed by the brushes 20 via the tube 16. FIG. As indicated in Fig. 7, the portion 30a, the end 40 of the tube 16, first increases the contact resistance between the bristles 20 and pipe 16 successively and finally ruptures the current path 82 from. Thus, a pipe end or its reaching can be detected. As shown in FIG. 6, if the contact 84 encounters a contamination 62 which is electrically insulating, the contact resistance increases and the electrical characteristics of the 82 change, whereby the contamination 62 can be detected.

8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the care device 2, here as part of a care system "RGW 120 mm." In the example, the care device is suitable, for example, for 120 mm Pipe Weapons The system is designed for the maintenance and cleaning of gun tubes from quayside 100mm.

The care system includes a hose 36 with control unit 102, a top 38 for storage cleaning and a carrying case 104. The care system is a maintenance-free cleaning system for weapons tubes with Kai. 120mm. This is for cleaning and conservation of weapon tubes. The cleaning itself is fully automatic. For field use, a supply unit 108 is also available. This includes a drive motor 1 10, for example, a solar engine or an internal combustion engine, which together drives a generator 1 12 and a compressor 1 14. The generator 1 12 provides electrical energy, symbolized by a voltage U and the compressor 1 14 pneumatic gas, symbolized by a pressure p, for the care system. For operation, only primary energy for the drive motor 1 10 is required, for example, sunlight or fuel.

The overall system consists of the following components: A control unit (electro-pneumatic) is permanently installed in the transport container 104 and not visible in Fig. 8. However, its control panel is shown in FIG. 9. A container for care agent 92 in the form of cleaning fluid, likewise not visible in FIG. 8, is located in the transport container 104. The system also includes the cleaning head 100, the attachment 38 for bearing cleaning, the hose 36 with the control unit 102 and the transport container 104.

As the cleaning fluid, e.g. the specially designed cleaning fluid "LUPUS OK 70-U" LUPUS OK 70-U ensures good cleaning and preservation, but the RGW 120 mm can also be operated with other oils, such as "S 761". The control and control components, not shown, are equipped with maintenance-friendly integral technology. The cleaning head 100 is connected by means of hose and cable line within the protective tube 36 to the control unit in the case 104.

On the central axes of the cleaning head 100, two cleaning brushes 34 are mounted quickly exchangeable. At the rear end of the axes, a pre-cleaning brush 32 is additionally arranged. At the front end another pre-cleaning brush 32, or the wick brush is arranged. By spray nozzles (not visible) cleaning fluid is supplied. The polluted cleaning fluid is absorbed via the "wick." Sensors control the flow and return of the device. The control elements of the control unit are shown in FIG. 8. In principle, two different operating modes can be selected: a. "Mode I" (fast cleaning) and b "mode 2" (intensive cleaning). By switching to the "Chamber cleaning" switch position, the "Warehouse cleaning" procedure is activated The basic sequence of movements is identical for all operating modes:

After introduction of the cleaning body (cleaning head 100) in the tube and switching on the device of the clamping body (fixing 8) is stretched and the cleaning heads (care element 6) begin to oscillate automatically. After the oscillation stroke of the clamping body (fixing 8) is released (radially reduced) and also automatically pushed forward and stretched again (radially enlarged). The insertion direction in the axial direction of the tube is the direction "front".

In the "mode I" mode, a film of cleaning fluid is sprayed into the pipe during the oscillation of the brushes to the front (cleaning fluid or oil can be switched on and off via the "oil" toggle switch). If the cleaning head hits a heavily soiled spot (as detected by the contacts in the form of the electrically conductive bristles, as described above), it will automatically clean several times, e.g. 5 times in the same place and then continue its normal cleaning process. After passing through the tube, a sensor (end detector 70, not shown) automatically initiates the reversal. The run is 1 time.

In mode "mode 2", however, as in "mode I", it is more thoroughly cleaned since the cleaning head always oscillates twice in the spot before the next forward movement of the fixing element 8. This pass is also performed twice.

The following additional functions are optionally available: The function "Warehouse cleaning" is activated via the "Chamber cleaning" switch position This function is available for both operating modes The "clean hose" pushbutton allows the oil line to be free from preserving oil be blown. This feature can also be used to blow oil into the cleaning head prior to cleaning and to provide fluid immediately at the start of cleaning. With the switch position "permament run" we activate a permanent cleaning The cleaning head runs until the switch position is set to "OFF". The started cleaning cycle is ended. The "part cleaning" switch position is used for cleaning at a specific point, and when the switch position is set to "ON", this point is specifically cleaned until the switch position is reset to "OFF".

The installation of the cleaning device is done as follows: The cleaning head with hose is removed from the transport container. The hose (with handle) is connected by means of coupling with the cleaning head and must be secured by turning the coupling. The power supply is connected as follows: The compressed air is connected, the power supply is connected (power supply 24 volts), the "Voltage" LED lights up green when "emergency STOP" is unlocked. The "Operation" LED flashes yellow and the "emergency STOP" button (red button removed) must be unlocked.

Now, a mode can be selected: With the selector switch mode I = fast cleaning or mode 2 = intensive cleaning is selected. If a tube extension (cartridge chamber) is to be cleaned, the "Chamber cleaning" selector switch is set to "ON". Cleaning is possible with or without oil. If oil / cleaning fluid is to be brought in, the selector switch "OH" is set to "ON".

Now the cleaning process can begin. The bellows (fixing element 8) must be completely inserted in the pipe. When the "Operation" LED is lit, the cleaning head is in the pipe, detected by electrical contact. When the "Operation" LED is flashing, the cleaning head in the pipe has no electrical contact.

[0076] 1.) The "Operation" LED lights up / flashes yellow The display shows: "insert brushes when ready Start". 2.) It is followed by pressing the "Start" button. The cleaning head moves one step into the tube. When the "Operation" LED is lit, the cleaning head is in the pipe and in contact with the display: "brushes in gun confirm by start". 3.) By pressing the "Start" button again, the cleaning head will begin the cleaning process, the display will show "pollution [%] 0". The display shows if there is electrical contact. "0" is best contact, "90" is bad contact, or heavily soiled. The direction of the cleaning head is also shown on the display. 4.) Now the cleaning process is awaited. When the cleaning process is finished, the cleaning head automatically stops at the end. The display reads: "insert brushes when ready Start" 5.) Now the cleaning head can be removed from the pipe.

The cleaning process can at any time by pressing the "man. Rewind "or" EMERGENCY OFF "is stopped and pressed with the" man. In the case of coarse soiling, the wick can be changed before the last run.There are various special operating modes available:

[0078] Operating mode "Fast return / Cancel cleaning": It can at any time during the work process (not during the cartridge storage cleaning) by pressing the key "manually reverse" initiated a fast return. The cleaning head then moves back directly - without oscillation - and stops at the end of the pipe. During storage cleaning, no fast return is possible

Operating mode "Clean on the spot": "Clean on the spot" can be activated at any point in the pipe, not in the chamber, to clean the desired location arbitrarily long. This process can take place during a cleaning at different places in a row. To initiate cleaning on the spot, the "part cleaning" switch must be set to "ON".

Operating mode "continuous": By turning the selector switch "permanent run" to "ON", the system cleans endlessly until the switch position The started cycle is then continued until the end of the pipe and the cleaning head can be removed.

[0081] "Storage cleaning" operating mode: For cartridge chamber cleaning, the "chamber cleaning" toggle switch is set to "on". Now, a cover with screw at the end 106, so the front side of the cleaning head 101, and loosened at the same location, the extension 52 for the bearing cleaning (nursing extension 38) unscrewed, but initially without the limiting disc (stop disc 50) and bearing cleaning brush 46 and cone brush 48th The cleaning head 101 with the extension (part of the care extension 38) is pushed into the tube mouth. It follows a procedure as described above, the cleaning head 101 passes through the tube.

The cleaning head 101 with extension then stops at the pipe end, the extension protrudes into the camp. The display reads: "mount brush NO 2 when ready Start." Then, from the other end of the pipe (bearing), push the cone brush 48, limiting disk 50 and bearing cleaning brush 46 onto the waiting device and secure it with a cover with a screw "Start" pressed, the device now cleans automatically. The display shows "cleaning Chamber In Progress." When the cartridge chamber cleaning process is complete, the cleaning head with extension will remain in the warehouse with "remove brush NO 2 when ready Start".

The cover with screw is loosened and the bearing cleaning brush, limiting disc and cone brush are removed. Once again, the "Start" button on the control panel is pressed in. The device then automatically cleans the pipe to its end (as described above) and stops at the pipe mouth.The cleaning head is then removed from the pipe and the extension screwed off screwed onto the cleaning head.

The brushes are mounted as follows on the extension for the bearing cleaning. First, the cone brush 48 on the extension 52 be deferred. This is followed by the limiting disk 50, then the bearing cleaning brush 46. After the bearing cleaning brush 46 has been applied, the fastening screw must be screwed on again. After completion of the cleaning of the cartridge chamber, the brushes and the boundary plate are to be removed from the extension and can be put back in the transport case 104.

In order to replace the cleaning head 100, the end piece of the hose 36 can be opened on the grip piece by turning the locking coupling and separated from the cleaning head 100. Hose 36 with handle can now be removed and a new hose 36 with handle in reverse order to be mounted.

To change the brushes, proceed as follows: The front brushes are changed as follows: The cover is removed by loosening the screw. Both brushes, cleaning brush and wick brush are pulled out. The cleaning brush is used, the wick brush is used.

The order, first the cleaning brush and then wick holder brush must be observed. The cleaning brush should be used so that it fits snugly against the glass. If the brush does not touch clean brush should be turned.

The rear brushes are changed as follows: The hose with handle is opened and removed by turning the locking coupling, then the locking coupling is unscrewed behind the brushes. Both brushes - pre-cleaning brush and cleaning brush (with brass insert) are taken out. With the new brushes, make sure that the cleaning brush is pushed first. Then the Vorreinigungsbürste is then postponed. Now the handle is attached.

To change a wick, the wick is pulled over the entire wick brush. He is pulled up to the cleaning brush, so that one Pulling down during the oscillation is avoided. After the wick sits firmly on the wick brush, it is taken at the front area and tied with a string over the fixing screw. Subsequently, the other side of the wick is slipped over the already wound wick, so that the fastening screw is visible again. When the wick is pulled up, it is tied with another string between cleaning brush and wick brush. It is important to ensure that the wick is tight and not pulled over the cleaning brush. After use, the soiled wick can be pulled off the brush. When changing the oil, the line to the cleaning head must be blown free with the "clean hose" button.To do so, first remove the proboscis from the canister, then press and hold the "clean hose" button until it reaches the nozzle Head only air comes. Then the proboscis can be put into the other canister. When changing the oil, the line must be removed from the previous oil using the "clean hose" button.

List of Reference Numeric 2 care device

4 longitudinal axis

6 care element

8 fixing element

10 fixing drive

12 motor drive

14 inner surface

16 pipe

18 brush body

20 bristles

22 central longitudinal axis

24 axial direction

26 arrow

28 care direction 29 offset direction

30a, b longitudinal section

31 gap

32 Pre-cleaning brush 34 Main cleaning brush

36 protective hose

38 care extension

40 end

42 pipe extension

44 arrow

46 Bearing cleaning brush

48 cone brush

50 stop disc

52 Extension section 60 Dirt detector

62 pollution

64 control section

70 end detector

80 contact point

82 current path

84 contact

90 applicator

92 care products

100 cleaning head 102 control unit

104 transport case

106 end

108 Supply unit 1 10 Drive motor

1 12 generator

1 14 compressor

U voltage

p pressure D _R Internal diameter F _R Friction force

F _F Fixing force

F _v Offset force G Pollution degree

Claims

claims

1 . Method for cleaning and / or maintaining the inner surface (14) of a pipe (16), in particular a weapon barrel, using a self-propelled care device (2), comprising the following steps:

a) a care element (6) of the care device (2) is frictionally applied to the inner surface (14) such that it is displaceable by overcoming a frictional force (FR) in an axial direction (24) of the tube,

b) the following steps are carried out cyclically:

I) a fixing element (8) of the care device (2) is frictionally applied to the inner surface (14) such that it is fixed axially with a fixing force (F _F ) in the tube (16), wherein the fixing force (F _F ) greater Frictional force (FR) is selected,

II) the care element (6) by supporting the fixing element (8) by overcoming the friction force (FR) axially in the tube (16) relative to the fixing element

(8) moves in a desired care direction (28),

III) the fixing element (8) is raised by the inner surface (14) in such a way that it is displaceable axially in the tube (16) while overcoming an offset force (F _v ) smaller than the frictional force (F _R ),

IV) the fixing element (8) is supported by support on the care element (6)

Overcoming the offset force (F _v ) axially in the tube (16) relative to the care element (6) in a desired offset direction (29) moves.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the care element (6) in step a) by elastic deformation on the inner surface (14) is applied.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (8) in step I) by radial expansion on the inner surface (14) is applied and in step III) by radial reduction of the inner surface (14) is raised.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the care element (6) with two axially spaced longitudinal sections (30a, b) is performed and in steps II) and IV) the fixing element (8) in the axial Interspace (31) between the two longitudinal sections (30a, b) is moved.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step II) the care element (6) is additionally moved counter to the care direction (28).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the care device (2) from a care agent (92), in particular in the form of a spray, at least partially applied to the inner surface (14) of the tube (16).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the care device (2) from a degree of contamination (G) of a control section (64) of the inner surface (14) is determined and the control section (64) depending on its degree of contamination (G) maintained different intensity becomes.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

- the care device (2) according to step b) is moved to an end (40) of the tube (16), which is followed by a tube extension (42),

- a care extension (38) projecting into the tube extension (42) is attached to the care appliance (2),

- the care device (2) according to step b) is moved along the tube (16), wherein it moves the nursing process (38) along the tube extension (42), wherein the care extension (38) maintains the tube extension (42).

9. care device (2) for cleaning and / or care of the inner surface (14) of a tube (16), in particular a weapon barrel, with:

a care element (6) which can be frictionally engaged with the inner surface (14) such that it can be displaced by overcoming a frictional force (F _R ) in an axial direction (24) of the tube (16),

- A fixing (8), the frictionally engaged to the inner surface (14) can be applied, that it is fixed with a fixing force (F _F ) greater than the frictional force (FR) in the axial direction (24) in the tube (16), and such can be raised by the inner surface (14) such that it is displaceable in the axial direction (24) of the tube (16) while overcoming an offset force (FV) smaller than the frictional force (FR), a fixing drive (10) acting on the fixing element (8) in order to apply or lift the fixing element (8) against the inner surface (14),

- A between drive element (6) and fixing (8) acting movement drive (12) to care element (6) and fixing element (8) along a longitudinal axis (4) of the care device (2) to move relative to each other.

10. Maintenance device (2) according to claim 9, with an end detector (70) for detecting an end (40) of the tube (16).

1 1. Maintenance device (2) according to one of Claims 9 to 10, having a dirt detector (60) for determining a degree of soiling (G) of a control section (64) of the inner surface (14).

12. Maintenance device (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 1 1, wherein the end detector (70) and / or the dirt detector (60) electrical contacts (84) which at two different contact points (80) of the inner surface (14). can be applied to generate a current path (82) leading through the tube (16) between the contacts (84).

13. Maintenance device (2) according to claim 12, wherein a part of the care agent (6) as an electrical contact (84) is formed.

14. Maintenance device (2) according to one of claims 9 to 13, with a supply unit (108), which contains:

a drive motor (1 10),

- A driven by the drive motor (1 10) generator (1 12) for generating electrical energy (U),

- One of the drive motor (1 10) driven compressor (1 14) for generating pneumatic gas (p).