EP3862496B1 - Channel inspection and / or channel cleaning head and channel inspection and / or channel cleaning apparatus and method for operating a channel inspection and / or cleaning head - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning head, abbreviated "KIR head", for a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning device, i.e. a "KIR device". Furthermore, a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning device, KIR device, is described, as well as a method for operating a sewer inspection and/or cleaning head, which can also be referred to as a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning method.

State of the art

Although in principle applicable to any sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning situation, the present invention and the problems on which it is based are explained using sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning heads for pipes.

In the following, the term "inspection" should not only include a visual inspection, but also an additional or alternative mechanical maintenance or sanitation of the sewer. With such a sewer inspection device, any desired pipeline systems, cavity systems, sewer systems and the like can be visited in a targeted manner in order, for example, to identify and/or eliminate defects or blockages. Corresponding pipeline systems can occur, for example, in waste water pipe systems, but also in air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, cooling systems and the like. Sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning can thus refer to sewage ducts, cooling ducts, ventilation ducts and the like.

In particular, when blockages are to be removed, one can speak of a sewer cleaning device or a sewer cleaning head. The tasks of sewer inspection and sewer cleaning sometimes overlap, for example when an inspection reveals a problem that can be solved immediately. Sewer cleaning devices are primarily used for cleaning pipes, shafts and channels that are inaccessible to people, also referred to more generally as pipelines. To this end, they usually have a KIR head with cleaning nozzles through which a cleaning medium, usually water, exits at high pressure. This cleaning medium is fed to the KIR head through a resource line.

Sewer cleaning devices are known in the prior art, which are designed as cleaning nozzles attached to the end of a high-pressure hose. The operating fluid line, i.e. the high-pressure hose, is usually arranged on a hose reel, from where the cleaning head drives into the pipeline by independent propulsion and cleans it. This propulsion is generated, for example, by a corresponding alignment of nozzles counter to the propulsion direction. In part, a desired cleaning effect is simultaneously achieved by these propulsion/approaching nozzles.

For example, in the EP 2 676 058 A2 describes a high-pressure liquid spray nozzle with a switching valve with flow control, wherein different discharge nozzles can be selected by means of the switching valve. A cleaning device with a valve ball is, for example, from US3802449 known.

With such solutions, the targeted control of the nozzles is usually very complex and may require a complex mechanical design.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a sewer inspection and/or cleaning device, a sewer inspection and/or cleaning head and a corresponding method which enables a particularly simple option for selecting or controlling ejection nozzles for an operating resource.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

Advantages of the Invention

The basic idea here is a gravity-adjustable valve element, by means of which one of a plurality of exit nozzle devices (i.e. resource ejection structures with at least one exit nozzle) can be selectively closed. A supplied resource is thus concentrated on the at least one remaining open exit nozzle device and ejected there. A particular advantage of the solutions described is that the valve element can be easily adjusted in a state in which no operating medium is supplied ("unpressurized operating state"), while it is firmly fixed when operating medium is supplied.

• einem ersten Betriebsmitteleingang, mittels welchem ein Betriebsmittel in den KIR-Kopf einleitbar ist;
• einer ersten Ausgangsdüseneinrichtung und einer zweiten Ausgangsdüseneinrichtung;
• wobei die erste Ausgangsdüseneinrichtung mindestens eine erste Ausgangsdüse zum Ausstoßen des Betriebsmittels aufweist und wobei die zweite Ausgangsdüseneinrichtung mindestens eine zweite Ausgangsdüse zum Ausstoßen des Betriebsmittels aufweist;
• einem ersten Betriebsmittelleitungssystem, mittels welchem der Betriebsmitteleingang fluidisch mit der ersten und der zweiten Ausgangsdüseneinrichtung verbindbar oder verbunden ist;
• einem Ventilelement, welches beweglich in dem ersten Betriebsmittelleitungssystem angeordnet ist;
• einem ersten Ventilsitz, welcher durch das Ventilelement verschließbar ist, um einen Betriebsmittelzufluss von dem Betriebsmitteleingang zu der ersten Ausgangsdüseneinrichtung zu verschließen; und
• einem zweiten Ventilsitz, welcher durch das Ventilelement verschließbar ist, um einen Betriebsmittelzufluss von dem Betriebsmitteleingang zu der zweiten Ausgangsdüseneinrichtung zu verschließen;
• wobei das Ventilelement unter Verwendung der Schwerkraft durch Bewegen des KIR-Kopfes selektiv zumindest in den ersten Ventilsitz oder den zweiten Ventilsitz einführbar ist.

According to the invention, a sewer inspection and/or cleaning head, KIR head, is provided for a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning device, KIR device. The KIR head is designed with:

• a first resource input, by means of which a resource can be introduced into the KIR head;
• first exit nozzle means and second exit nozzle means;
• wherein the first exit nozzle means has at least one first exit nozzle for ejecting the operating medium and wherein the second exit nozzle means has at least one second outlet nozzle for ejecting the operating medium;
• a first operating fluid line system, by means of which the operating fluid inlet can be fluidly connected or is connected to the first and the second outlet nozzle device;
• a valve element which is movably arranged in the first operating fluid line system;
• a first valve seat which can be closed by the valve element in order to close an inflow of operating medium from the operating medium inlet to the first outlet nozzle device; and
• a second valve seat which can be closed by the valve element in order to close an inflow of operating medium from the operating medium inlet to the second outlet nozzle device;
• wherein the valve member is selectively insertable into at least one of the first valve seat and the second valve seat using gravity by moving the KIR head.

The operating medium can in particular be a fluid, i.e. a liquid or a gas, preferably water. Since the operating medium is usually introduced or is to be introduced under high pressure, the operating medium inlet can preferably be designed in such a way that the cleaning agent can be received under a corresponding high pressure. A resource line for conducting the resource to the resource inlet can be screwed to the resource inlet by means of a thread, for example.

A gas can also be used as the operating medium, for example compressed air. A KIR head provided with compressed air as the operating medium or such a KIR device can be used, for example, for cleaning and/or inspecting pipes in air conditioning or ventilation systems in building technology.

An outlet nozzle device is to be understood in particular as a structure which has at least one outlet nozzle (or: ejection nozzle) and, if appropriate, lines for conducting at least part of the operating medium to the at least one outlet nozzle. An outlet nozzle device can have several outlet nozzles. The outlet nozzles of an outlet nozzle device can be, for example, a plurality of outlet nozzles arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the KIR head. The operating medium can thus be ejected in a correspondingly rotationally symmetrical manner by means of this outlet nozzle device. The rotational symmetry can in particular be a Cn symmetry, where n is preferably greater than or equal to 3.

A multiplicity of suitable geometric bodies or more complicated structures can be used as the movable valve element in the operations support system, which are correspondingly adapted and matched to the first resource line system. The valve element preferably has at least one rotational symmetry, so that it can be, for example, a cylindrical, in particular circular-cylindrical, valve element.

The valve element is particularly preferably designed as a ball (so-called “valve ball”). The spherical shape has the particular advantage that less attention has to be paid to the correct and current orientation of the valve element in the first operating fluid line system, and instead essentially only the current direction of gravity needs to be taken into account.

The use of gravity should be understood in particular to mean that the KIR head is moved in such a way that the valve element moves due to gravity and inserts itself, for example, in the first valve seat or in the second valve seat in a sealing manner. Depending on the specific configuration of the first operating fluid line system, this can be done simply by aligning the KIR head such that the valve seat into which the valve element is currently to be inserted is oriented downwards and the valve element is then oriented falls down into the corresponding valve seat and is thus inserted into it.

A simple, particularly preferred structure of the first operating fluid line system is that it has a linear connecting line between the first valve seat and the second valve seat, which is designed such that the valve element can only move within this linear connecting line. For example, it should be impossible for the valve element to penetrate the operating medium inlet. A linear movement of the valve element (for example valve ball) is forced by the linear connecting line. In this way, the movement of the valve element is easily predictable and can be performed without obstacles by simply rotating the KIR head. The linear connecting line can preferably be arranged orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the KIR head, so that the linear connecting line moves within a plane when the KIR head rotates about the longitudinal axis.

In the case of more complicated structures of the first operating fluid line system, a more complicated sequence of movements of the KIR head may be necessary in order to move the valve element accordingly. However, the simple variant is preferred, in which the valve element simply falls into this valve seat and is thus inserted by appropriately aligning the desired valve seat downwards.

The KIR head is preferably configured such that the valve member is moveable using gravity when no resource is currently being introduced into the KIR head and/or when no resource is currently present in the KIR head. It can be seen that the valve element can be displaced more easily by moving the KIR head when the first operating fluid line system is only filled with air but not filled with operating fluid.

In addition, the valve seats, that is, the first and the second valve seat (and optionally further valve seats) are preferably designed such that when the valve element once inserted into the corresponding valve seat using gravity and then in this position the operating medium is introduced into the KIR head via the first operating medium inlet, the pressure difference between the operating medium on the one hand of the valve element and the ambient pressure on the other hand, i.e. outside the exit nozzle of the exit nozzle device , which belongs to the valve seat, the valve element is firmly pressed/sucked into the valve seat.

In this way, for example, by designing an outlet nozzle device with a single outlet nozzle with a small diameter (in particular the smallest diameter of all outlet nozzles of the KIR head), a restraint position or reserve position of the valve element can be realized. If it is not otherwise required, the valve element is held in this reserve position due to the pressure difference described, but can be moved from there if it is to close another valve seat while the operating medium is not introduced.

Thus, when the fluid is then reintroduced, the first exit nozzle means with the smaller diameter exit nozzle remains open. Due to the small diameter of this outlet nozzle (which can also be described as a "holding nozzle"), only a small amount of operating medium exits from it, which has no negative effects in most applications. On the other hand, this holding nozzle makes it possible for the valve element to be held in place at a defined point during operation of the KIR head, thus preventing undesired movements of the valve element within the first operating fluid line system.

The holding nozzle can have a diameter of, for example, less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 mm or less. In comparison, the other outlet nozzles can have nozzle diameters of, for example, 1 mm or more.

Moving the KIR head can in particular be understood to mean rotating and/or tilting the KIR head. The state in which this occurs, ie the state in which the operating medium is not introduced or is not introduced under pressure, can also be described as the non-pressurized operating state of the KIR head.

The first valve seat and/or the second valve seat are preferably formed by V-shaped constrictions in the first operating fluid line system. As a result, the movement of the valve element, for example a valve ball, can be easily calculated and a more targeted control of the valve element is possible. The corresponding valve seat formed by the V-shaped constriction can thus be closed by the valve element by contact. In particular, if a valve ball is used as the valve element, the constriction should be designed in a V-shape such that the valve ball tightly closes the corresponding constriction, at least in cross section. For this purpose, the constriction can preferably be designed conically, so that the contact surface between the valve ball and the constriction is ideally a closed circle, so that the valve ball tightly closes the constriction in its entirety upon contact.

The constrictions mentioned preferably represent rest positions for such a valve ball. In this way, the described limitation of the movement of the valve ball is initially guaranteed. In addition, this prevents the valve ball from being moved out of the position at the constriction even if the KIR head is tilted slightly, especially in the depressurized operating state, and/or the contact between the valve ball and the constriction (i.e. valve seat) is not maintained. The term resting position is therefore to be understood in particular as meaning that a valve ball assumes a stable position on such a constriction as a valve seat, in which the valve ball performs a sealing function in interaction with the valve seat and only when the system tilts significantly in the pressureless operating state from this stable position Rest position can be solved.

Further preferred variants, modifications and developments result from the dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.

According to some preferred embodiments, variants or developments of embodiments, the valve element can be selectively introduced at least into the first valve seat or into the second valve seat by rotating the KIR head about an axis using gravity.

Usually, a resource source (e.g. pump) supplies the resource input with the resource via a resource hose. Thus, for example, the KIR head can be rotated in a simple manner by rotating the operating medium hose or (preferably) by rotating a protective hose surrounding it. This in turn thus enables the valve element to be inserted into the desired valve seat. In this way, one of the exit nozzle devices can also be selected efficiently from a distance using simple mechanical manipulations.

According to some preferred embodiments, variants or developments of embodiments, the at least one first outlet nozzle and the at least one second outlet nozzle have at least partially different nozzle diameters. For example, it can be provided that all outlet nozzles of the first outlet nozzle device have a different nozzle diameter than all outlet nozzles of the second outlet nozzle device, in particular if the outlet nozzles of the first outlet nozzle device all have the same nozzle diameter and/or the outlet nozzles of the second outlet nozzle device each have the same nozzle diameter.

However, it is also conceivable that the respective outlet nozzle device has only a single outlet nozzle, with the nozzle diameters differing, see above that by selecting an exit nozzle means (by moving the valve member away from the appropriate valve seat) a nozzle diameter can be selected. It is also possible, as described above, for an outlet nozzle device to be configured with just a single outlet nozzle, which, for example, implements a holding nozzle.

• radiale Ausrichtung (bezogen auf eine Längsachse des KIR-Kopfs);
• im Wesentlichen rückwärts gewandte Ausrichtung (Schrägstellung der Ausgangsdüse von weniger als 45° zur Rückwärtsrichtung, bevorzugt weniger als 30°, besonders bevorzugt weniger als 15°, ganz besonders bevorzugt 0°); oder
• im Wesentlichen vorwärts gewandte Ausrichtung (Schrägstellung der Ausgangsdüse von weniger als 45° zur Vorwärtsrichtung, bevorzugt weniger als 30°, besonders bevorzugt weniger als 15°, ganz besonders bevorzugt 0°).

According to some preferred embodiments, variants or developments of embodiments, the at least one first exit nozzle has one of the following orientations:

• radial orientation (relative to a longitudinal axis of the KIR head);
• essentially rearward-facing orientation (inclination of the exit nozzle of less than 45° to the rearward direction, preferably less than 30°, more preferably less than 15°, most preferably 0°); or
• Substantially forward-facing orientation (oblique position of the exit nozzle of less than 45° to the forward direction, preferably less than 30°, more preferably less than 15°, most preferably 0°).

Furthermore, the at least one second outlet nozzle preferably has a different orientation from those mentioned. In this way, by selecting an outlet nozzle device, ie by moving the valve element accordingly, an ejection direction of the operating medium through the corresponding outlet nozzle can also be selected.

A radially oriented outlet nozzle can function as a cleaning nozzle, for example, since the operating medium can spray away dirt on a duct wall, for example. A substantially backward-facing exit nozzle can function as a propulsion nozzle, ie as a means of propelling the KIR head in the forward direction. Accordingly, a substantially forward-facing exit nozzle can function as a rear-drive nozzle, ie as a means of propelling the KIR head in the reverse direction.

All outlet nozzles of one and the same outlet nozzle device preferably have the same orientation. In other words, for example, the first exit nozzle device can only have forward-facing exit nozzles and the second exit nozzle device can only have backward-facing exit nozzles, or vice versa. In this case, by moving the valve element, a forward drive or backward drive of the KIR head can be realized accordingly.

As a further example, the first exit nozzle means may have only (one or more) radially directed exit nozzles, while the second exit nozzle means only have (one or more) backward-facing exit nozzles. In this configuration, by appropriately arranging the valve element, it is possible to choose between a propulsion function of the KIR head and a channel wall cleaning function of the KIR head. In any case in which a combination of two such functions is also to be implemented as an option (e.g. simultaneous propulsion function and cleaning function), it is therefore advantageous if the valve element can be moved to a further position which does not stand in the way of these functions. In this case, a third exit nozzle device with a single exit nozzle can advantageously be provided as a holding nozzle (as described above). Any other combinations are easily imaginable.

According to some preferred embodiments, variants or developments of embodiments, the KIR head also has an attachment element which has an operating medium inlet, a second operating medium line system and at least one third outlet nozzle device with at least one third outlet nozzle.

The second fluid inlet is configured and, when the attachment element is connected to the remainder of the inspection head, arranged such that the second fluid inlet is discharged from at least one of the first and/or second outlet nozzles receives the resource and forwards it to the third exit nozzle device.

Due to the free formability of the attachment element, a variable redesign of the KIR head can take place. For example, if the original KIR head has a forward-facing exit nozzle that is not desired in a particular application, the cap member can be fitted such that the second fluid inlet closes that forward-facing exit nozzle and the fluid introduced into that forward-facing exit nozzle through the second Resource line is forwarded to a differently aligned outlet nozzle of the third outlet nozzle device.

Furthermore, the attachment element offers the advantage that it can be used to provide additional functions of the KIR head and the second resource line system can be designed in such a way that the resource is routed harmlessly around these functions. For example, the attachment element can include a camera around which the equipment is routed. The second operating medium inlet can have a protruding line section which can be inserted into at least one of the first and/or second outlet nozzles, in particular in order to completely introduce all the operating medium that leaves the corresponding outlet nozzle into the second operating medium line system.

In some variants, the KIR head can have an attachment element, by means of which at least one outlet nozzle can be completely closed.

According to some preferred embodiments, variants or developments of embodiments, the first outlet nozzle device is at least partially arranged in at least one insert that is detachably connected (by means of detachable fastening means). The detachably connected insert can be an exchangeable threaded insert, for example. Accordingly, the KIR head advantageously has a recess with fastening means for the detachably connectable Use, in particular a recess with an internal thread. The recess is connected to the first operating fluid line system in such a way that the operating fluid can be introduced into the detachable insert.

According to preferred developments, the first outlet nozzle device and the first valve seat are arranged in the detachably connected insert, in particular an exchangeable threaded insert. This has the particular advantage that, by dismantling the threaded insert, the first operating fluid line system and the valve element are accessible for assembly, maintenance and/or cleaning. In addition, the detachably connected insert can thus be cleaned separately and, if necessary, replaced when worn. Furthermore, by exchanging the threaded insert, a KIR head can be provided with a new type of outlet nozzle device, so that the functionality of the KIR head can be changed as a result.

Analogously to what is described above, the second outlet nozzle device can also be arranged partially or completely, as well as the second valve seat, in a corresponding detachably connected insert.

The invention thus also provides a threaded insert for a KIR head according to the invention, having an outlet nozzle device with at least one outlet nozzle and with a valve seat fluidically connected to the outlet nozzle, which can be tightly closed for the operating medium by means of a valve element that can be moved by gravity.

According to some preferred embodiments, variants or developments of embodiments, the KIR head has a sensor element, by means of which a current position and/or orientation of the valve element and/or the KIR head can be determined. For example, the sensor element can be a camera and/or a position sensor. In this way, a user can determine the position and/or orientation of the valve element, for example on a valve ball within the first resource management system and draw conclusions about the current operating status of the KIR head.

In other words, the sensor element can be used to determine which nozzle device is currently in operation and which nozzle device is currently cut off from the supply of operating materials by the valve element. A sensor signal output by the sensor element can be transmitted wirelessly, for example. Alternatively, the sensor signal can be output to a control device or display device in a wired manner via a hose connected along or within a hose connected to the KIR head.

The invention also provides a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning device, KIR device, which is designed with: a KIR head according to the invention; a resource line fluidically connected to the first resource inlet of the KIR head; and a resource source configured to deliver the resource into the resource line.

According to some preferred embodiments, variants or developments of embodiments, the KIR device has a protective hose which is detachably connected (for example by means of a thread) to the KIR head and which encloses the operating medium line and shields it from the outside. A signal line, which, for example, controls a sensor device or a camera on the KIR head and/or receives signals from it, can be arranged and routed between the protective hose and the equipment line, for example.

According to some preferred embodiments, variants or developments of embodiments, the KIR device additionally includes a motor which is designed to move, in particular rotate, the KIR head of the valve element. If a sensor element is provided for determining the current position and/or orientation of the valve element and/or the KIR head, the sensor signal of the sensor element can also be used, for example, to regulate a control signal of the motor.

Alternatively or additionally, the KIR device can also be designed in such a way that the KIR head can be rotated simply by rotating the operating fluid line and/or the protective hose by a user who is positioned on the operating fluid source side, for example.

• Bewegen, während kein Betriebsmittel in den KIR-Kopf eingeleitet wird (druckloser Betriebszustand), des KIR-Kopfs eine erste Position derart, dass das Ventilelement aufgrund der Schwerkraft den ersten Ventilsitz verschließend angeordnet wird;
• Einleiten des Betriebsmittels in den KIR-Kopf, während der KIR-Kopf in der ersten Position verbleibt;
• Bewegen, während kein Betriebsmittel in den KIR-Kopf eingeleitet wird (druckloser Betriebszustand), des KIR-Kopfes in eine zweite Position derart, dass das Ventilelement aufgrund der Schwerkraft den zweiten Ventilsitz verschließend angeordnet wird (das heißt den ersten Ventilsitz nicht näher verschließt); und Einleiten des Betriebsmittels in den KIR-Kopf, während der KIR-Kopf in der zweiten Position verbleibt.

The invention further provides a method for operating a KIR head and/or a KIR device according to the invention. The method comprises at least the following steps:

• moving, while no fluid is being introduced into the KIR head (non-pressurized operating condition), the KIR head to a first position such that the valve member is disposed by gravity to close the first valve seat;
• injecting the resource into the KIR head while the KIR head remains in the first position;
• moving, while no fluid is introduced into the KIR head (non-pressurized mode), the KIR head to a second position such that the valve member is disposed occluding the second valve seat (i.e., does not further occlude the first valve seat) due to gravity; and injecting the resource into the KIR head while the KIR head remains in the second position.

The method described thus includes setting a first operating state in which the first valve seat is closed and the operating medium can thus flow through the second valve seat into the second outlet nozzle device. The method also includes steps to change from this first operating state to a second operating state in which the second valve seat is closed and thus the operating medium can flow through the then open first valve seat into the first outlet nozzle device.

The movement of the KIR head can be manual or motorized, that is, control signals can be sent to at least one motor to control it, set the KIR head to a desired movement, or rotate or tilt position , in order to realize the desired arrangement of the valve element.

The method can particularly advantageously and preferably be performed while the KIR head is inserted into a duct or pipe system, i.e. while the KIR head is positioned remote from the resource source and a user.

The above embodiments, refinements and developments can be combined with one another as desired, insofar as this makes sense. Further refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic forms of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig.1

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch einen Kanalinspektions- und/oder Kanalreinigungskopf gemäß einer Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch einen Kanalinspektions- und/oder Kanalreinigungskopf gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch einen Kanalinspektions- und/oder Kanalreinigungskopf gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch einen Kanalinspektions- und/oder Kanalreinigungskopf gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch eine Kanalinspektions- und/oder Kanalreinigungsvorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform;

Fig. 6

eine weitere Darstellung der Kanalinspektions- und/oder Kanalreinigungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 5; und

Fig. 7

ein schematisches Flussdiagramm zum Erläutern eines Verfahrens gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

Further features and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures. show:

Fig.1

a schematic cross-sectional representation through a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning head according to an embodiment;

2

a schematic cross-sectional representation through a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning head according to a further embodiment;

3

a schematic cross-sectional representation through a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning head according to a further embodiment;

4

a schematic cross-sectional representation through a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning head according to a further embodiment;

figure 5

a schematic cross-sectional view through a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning device according to one embodiment;

6

a further representation of the sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning device figure 5 ; and

7

a schematic flow chart for explaining a method according to an embodiment.

In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same or similar elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, but in some embodiments can be used to scale. Numbering of procedural steps serves for better comprehensibility, but does not necessarily imply a certain order, unless something else results from the content.

Description of Embodiments

1 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation through a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning head, KIR head 100, according to a first embodiment.

The KIR head 100 has a resource inlet 105, by means of which a resource F, in particular water, can be introduced into the KIR head 100. Operating fluid F is introduced, for example, through an operating fluid line 170 .

The KIR head 100 has a longitudinal axis 1 along which the resource line 170 meets the KIR head 100 and along which the resource F in the resource input 105 is initiated. The first resource inlet 105 is fluidically connected to a first resource line system 140 of the KIR head 100, ie it can transfer a fluid, namely the resource, to it.

The first resource line system 140 has according to 1 a linear connecting line section 142 in which a valve element 150 is movably arranged. Here and in the following, the valve element 150 is described and illustrated as a valve ball. However, it is also conceivable for the valve element 150 to be in the form of a circular cylinder, for example, with the circular cylinder always being shown in the figures with its circular cross section.

According to 1 valve seats 115, 125 are attached to the two ends of the linear connecting section 142 of the first resource line system 140, which are completely closed by the valve ball 150 when it is inserted or applied into the respective valve seat 115, 125. In 1 a first valve seat 115 is shown, against which the valve ball 150 is present in a closing manner. Each valve seat 115, 125 can therefore be designed in particular with a truncated cone shape, with which the valve ball 150 forms an annular sealing surface such that operating medium F introduced through the operating medium inlet 105 cannot pass through the first valve seat 115 while the valve ball 150 is in contact.

The first valve seat 115 connects the first operating fluid line system 140 to a first nozzle device 110 which has a first outlet nozzle 111 . Although in the cross-section in 1 only a single first outlet nozzle 11 is shown, it goes without saying that the first outlet nozzle device 110 can also comprise a plurality of first outlet nozzles 110 . The operating medium F leaving the first outlet nozzle 111 is only intended to show how this operating medium F would leave the first outlet nozzle 111 if the first valve seat 115 were not closed by the valve ball 150 . At the in 1 currently shown first operating state in which the valve ball 150 blocks the first valve seat 115 and closed, accordingly, no operating medium F would be able to escape from the first outlet nozzle.

In this first operating state, as in 1 also shown, a second valve seat 125 at the other end of the linear connecting portion 142 open, ie not closed by the valve ball 150. The second valve seat 125 connects the first operating fluid line system 140 with a second outlet nozzle device 120 with a corresponding second outlet nozzle 121.

The term "second exit nozzle" refers to the fact that this exit nozzle is part of the second exit nozzle device 120 and not to the fact that it is a second of at least two exit nozzles of the second exit nozzle device 120 . Nevertheless, although in 1 only a single second outlet nozzle 121 is shown, the second outlet nozzle device 120 also has a plurality of second outlet nozzles 121 . At the in 1 illustrated first operating state, in which the second valve seat 125 is open, the operating medium F introduced in the operating medium inlet 105 would thus be guided completely into the second outlet nozzle device 120 and be ejected from there through the second outlet nozzle 121.

Due to the pressure in the operating medium F and the atmospheric pressure outside the first outlet nozzle 111, the valve ball 150 is likewise pressed against the first valve seat 115 and sucked into it. Thus, with continuously introduced operating medium F, the valve ball 150 is firmly arranged in the first valve seat 115 and cannot be detached from the first valve seat 115 even by turning the KIR head 100 during this operating state, for example.

However, if the operating fluid supply is switched off and therefore either no operating fluid F or only unpressurized operating fluid F is present in the KIR head 100 (so-called unpressurized operating state), the valve ball 150 can be removed from the position by simply turning D the KIR head 100 the first valve seat 115 can be moved to a position on the second valve seat 125 using gravity. In other words, the KIR head 100 can be rotated in such a way that the valve ball falls into the other, eg the second, valve seat 125 due to gravity.

It is sufficient here if the valve ball 150 rests lightly on the second valve seat 125 . As soon as operating medium F is again applied to operating medium inlet 105, valve ball 150 is now pressed against second valve seat 125 due to the pressure of operating medium F, so that second outlet nozzle device 120 is closed (second operating state) and all the operating medium is now discharged from the first Exit nozzle means 110 is ejected.

In 1 the variant is shown in which the outlet nozzles 111, 121 of the two outlet nozzle devices 110, 120 each have different nozzle diameters. In this way, an ejection speed and a diameter of the ejected jet of operating medium can be selected by switching between the first and the second operating state. As stated, the direction or orientation in which the resource F is ejected from a particular exit nozzle can be adjusted by rotating D the KIR head 100 while the resource F continues to be introduced into the resource inlet 105 . That is, the KIR head 100 is rotated in the depressurized mode to position the valve element 150 as desired, and then may be rotated again in a pressurized mode.

Due to the pressure conditions described, the valve ball 150 will then also remain firmly in a corresponding valve seat (for example on the first valve seat 115 in 1 ), if the respective other exit nozzle (second exit nozzle 121 in 1 ) is arranged, for example, vertically downwards.

According to 1 both the first exit nozzle 111 and the second exit nozzle 121 are arranged radially, i.e. perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis 1 of the KIR head 100; in addition, the first exit nozzle 111 and the second exit nozzle 121 are aligned antiparallel to one another.

It goes without saying that the two outlet nozzle devices 110, 120 can additionally or alternatively differ in properties of the outlet nozzles 111, 121 other than in the nozzle diameter. For example, the number of exit nozzles, orientation of the exit nozzles, shape of the exit nozzles and the like are conceivable.

2 12 shows a KIR head 200 according to another embodiment. The KIR head 200 is a variant of the KIR head 100 and differs from it in the design of the first outlet nozzle device 210 with the first outlet nozzle 211 (instead of the outlet nozzle device 110 in 1 ) and the first valve seat 215 (instead of the first valve seat 115 in 1 ).

As in 2 shown, in the KIR head 200 both the first valve seat 215 and the first exit nozzle device 210 with the first exit nozzle 211 are arranged entirely in a detachable threaded insert 213 . This detachable threaded insert 213 can be removed (unscrewed). In this case, the linear connecting line 142 of the first resource line system 140 is accessible from the outside and can be cleaned. Also, for example, the valve ball 150 (or other shaped valve element) can be removed from the linear connection line 142, for example to clean or replace it.

In 2 the first exit nozzle 211 and the second exit nozzle 121 are now shown as having the same diameter. However, the outlet nozzles can be designed regardless of whether they are already arranged in a detachable threaded insert or not. It goes without saying that even with the KIR head 200 the first and the second exit nozzles 121, 211 can be formed with any different or same characteristics.

3 12 shows a KIR head 300 according to another embodiment. The KIR 300 head is a variant of the KIR 200 head 2 and differs from this in the configuration of the second outlet nozzle device 320 (instead of the second outlet nozzle device 120 according to 2 ). The second outlet nozzle device 320 has according to 3 a second outlet nozzle 321, which instead of radially is now oriented forward axially, that is to say in the direction of forward movement of the KIR head 300. in the in 3 First operating state shown, in which the valve ball 150 closes the first valve seat 215 of the first outlet nozzle device 210, a resource F can thus be ejected forward, for example in order to inject a path for the KIR head 300 free.

4 12 shows a KIR head 400 according to another embodiment. The KIR 400 head is a variant of the KIR 300 head 3 . The KIR head 400 differs from the KIR head 300 in the configuration of the second exit nozzle means 420 (instead of the second exit nozzle means 320 of 3 ). At the second exit nozzle means 420 off 4 a second exit nozzle 421 is provided which is again arranged axially, but this time faces backwards and which can be used, for example, as a thrust nozzle for the KIR head 400. The provision of a plurality of second exit nozzles 421 of the second exit nozzle device 420, in particular symmetrically around the axis 1 of the KIR head 400, can bring about a particularly stable movement of the KIR head 400 by recoil.

figure 5 10 shows a sewer inspection and/or sewer cleaning device, KIR device 1000 according to a further embodiment. The KIR device 1000 comprises a KIR head 500 , a resource line 570 and a resource source (eg pump; not shown) which is designed to convey a resource F into the resource line 570 .

As in 6 is shown even more clearly, the KIR head 500 includes a connection element 501 and an attachment element 502. The connection element 501 is a variant of the KIR head 300 according to FIG 3 and thus includes a resource inlet, a valve ball 150, a first valve seat 215, which connects a first resource line system 140 and, via this, the first resource inlet 105 to a first outlet nozzle device 210 to a first outlet nozzle 211. The first resource line system 140 also connects the resource inlet to a second valve seat 325 and via this to a second outlet nozzle device 320 with a second outlet nozzle 321, the second outlet nozzle 321 being oriented forward. All of these elements can be configured as described above with reference to FIG Figures 1 to 4 has been described in detail.

In particular, by rotating D the KIR head, in particular the connecting element 501, the valve ball 150 can be moved back and forth between the first and the second valve seat 215, 125 in the pressureless operating state in order to inject liquid either through the first outlet nozzle device 210 or through the second Eject output nozzle device 320 when resource F is introduced into the resource inlet again.

In 6 it is shown that the attachment element 502 of the KIR head 500 has a second resource input 565 which has a protruding line section 566 . The protruding line section 566 can be inserted into the second outlet nozzle 321 in such a way that any operating medium F ejected through the second outlet nozzle 321, instead of being ejected, is guided completely via the protruding line section 566 into the second operating medium inlet 565 of the attachment element 502.

figure 5 shows the state in which the attachment element 502 is inserted into the connection element 501. The connection between attachment element 502 and connection element 501 can be improved with additional equipment, such as detachable screws.

in the in 5 and 6 embodiment shown, the attachment element 502 has a camera 580 . A third outlet nozzle device 530 with at least one third outlet nozzle 531 is arranged on the front of the attachment element 502, from which the operating medium F received via the second operating medium inlet 565 is ejected. The operating medium F is routed via a second operating medium line system 560 within the attachment element 502 from the second operating medium inlet 565 to the third outlet nozzle device 530 .

The third outlet nozzle 531 is also switched on or off by the positioning or non-arranging of the valve ball 150 on the second valve seat 125 within the connecting element 501. There may be other interfaces between the attachment element 502 and the connecting element 501, for example electronic interfaces, which are used for this purpose are suitable for transmitting signals from the camera 580 or to the camera 580. The corresponding interface on the connection element 501 can be forwarded to a user by means of wire connections, for example.

It is understood that each of the KIR heads 100; 200; 300, 400 from the Figures 1 to 4 can each act as a connection element for another attachment element, or that each of these KIR heads 100; 200; 300; 400 can each be composed of a connection element and an attachment element, depending on the planned application.

As in figure 5 is shown in particular, the resource line 570, via which the resource F is transmitted to the resource input of the connection element 501, can be surrounded by a protective hose 572, which is detachably connected to the KIR head 500 and which connects the resource line 570 shielded from the outside. Signal lines can be routed between the equipment line 570 and the protective hose 572, for example.

The protective hose 572 can advantageously be extruded onto the operating fluid line 570 and thus firmly connected to the operating fluid line 570 . Electrical lines, for example signal and/or control lines for one or more sensor elements and/or for the camera 580, can be embedded in the extruded layer. A filling material, for example cotton, e.g.

7 shows a schematic flowchart for explaining a method for operating a KIR head 100 according to the invention; 200; 300; 400; 500 and/or for operating a KIR device 1000, according to a further embodiment.

In a step S10, while no resource F is in the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 is initiated (non-pressurized mode), the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 is moved to a first position such that the valve element 150 of the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 due to gravity the first valve seat 115; 215 is arranged occlusively.

This can be done either at the beginning of a channel inspection and/or channel cleaning (KIR) operation, where the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 has not yet been inserted into a duct or pipe, or it can be done while the supply of supplies has been interrupted while the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400 is already in the duct or pipe.

In a step S20, the resource F is transferred to the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 initiated while the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 remains in the first position. As has already been described in detail above, the valve element 150 is now pressed against the first valve seat by the pressure in the operating medium 115; 215 pressed and is thus fixed there. The KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 can now be rotated, if necessary, during the ongoing supply of resources, for example to change the direction or orientation of the ejection of the resource by the second outlet nozzle device 120; 320 to change.

In a step S30, while no resource F is in the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400, 500 is initiated (non-pressurized mode), the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 is moved to a second position in such a way that the valve element 150 is arranged to close the second valve seat 125 due to gravity. This can be done, for example, at the start of the KIR operation, or after performing steps S10 and S20 and an optional step in which the supply of resources is temporarily shut off.

In a step S40, the resource F is loaded into the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 initiated while the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 remains in the second position. The KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 can now be rotated, if required, during the ongoing supply of operating medium, e.g. 210 to change.

Moving S10, S30 of the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 can be done manually or by means of a motor as discussed above. Particularly preferably, the KIR head 100 is moved S10, S30; 200; 300; 400; 500 in at least one instance during the process while the KIR head 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 is inserted into the duct or pipe, i.e. remotely, for example by turning the operating fluid line 570 or the protective hose 572.

Claims (15)

1. Channel inspection and/or channel cleaning (KIR-)head, (100; 200; 300; 400; 500), for a channel inspection and/or channel cleaning apparatus, i.e. for a KIR-apparatus (1000), comprising:

   a first operating medium inlet (105), by means of which an operating medium (F) can be introduced into the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500);

   a first outlet nozzle device (110; 210) and a second outlet nozzle device (120; 320; 420);

   wherein the first outlet nozzle device (110; 210) has at least one first outlet nozzle (111; 211) for ejecting the operating medium (F) and wherein the second outlet nozzle device (120; 320; 420) has at least one second outlet nozzle (121; 321; 421) for ejecting the operating medium (F);

   a first operating medium line system (140), by means of which the operating medium inlet (105) can be or is fluidically connected to the first and the second outlet nozzle device (110, 120; 210, 120; 210, 320; 210, 420);

   a valve element (150) which is movably arranged in the first operating medium line system (140);

   a first valve seat (115; 215) which can be closed by the valve element (150) in order to close off a supply of operating medium from the operating medium inlet (105) to the first outlet nozzle device (110; 210); and

   a second valve seat (125) which can be closed by the valve element (150) in order to close off a supply of operating medium from the operating medium inlet (105) to the second outlet nozzle device (120; 320; 420);

   characterised in that the valve element (150) can be introduced selectively at least into the first valve seat (115; 215) or the second valve seat (125) using the force of gravity by moving the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400).
2. KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve element (150) can be introduced selectively at least into the first valve seat (115; 215) or the second valve seat (125) by rotating the inspection head (100; 200; 300; 400) about an axis (1) using the force of gravity.
3. KIR-head (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the at least one first and the at least one second outlet nozzle (111, 121; 211, 121; 211, 321; 211; 421) have at least partially different nozzle diameters.
4. KIR-head (300) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

   wherein the at least one first outlet nozzle (211) has one of the following orientations:

   - radial orientation;

   - substantially rearwards-facing orientation; or

   - substantially forwards-facing orientation;

   and

   wherein the at least one second outlet nozzle (321; 421) has another one of these orientations.
5. KIR-head (500) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

   wherein the KIR-head (500) additionally has an attachment element (502) which has a second operating medium inlet (565), a second operating medium line system (560) and at least one third outlet nozzle device (530) with at least one third outlet nozzle (531);

   wherein the second operating medium inlet (565) is configured and, when the attachment element (502) is connected to the remainder (501) of the KIR-head (500), is arranged so as to receive from at least one of the first and/or second outlet nozzles (321) the operating medium (F) and so as to transfer same to the third outlet nozzle device (530).
6. KIR-head (500) as claimed in claim 5,
   wherein the second operating medium inlet (565) has a protruding line portion (566) which can be inserted into the at least one of the first and/or second outlet nozzles (321) .
7. KIR-head (500) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6,
   wherein the attachment element (502) comprises a camera (580).
8. KIR-head (200; 300; 400; 500) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outlet nozzle device (210) is arranged at least partially in at least one releasably connected insert (213).
9. KIR-head (200; 300; 400; 500) as claimed in claim 8,
   wherein the first outlet nozzle device (210) and the first valve seat (215) are arranged in the releasably connected insert (213).
10. Channel inspection and/or channel cleaning apparatus, abbreviated as KIR-apparatus (1000), comprising:

    an inspection and/or cleaning head, KIR-head (400), as claimed in any one of the preceding claims;

    an operating medium line (570) which is fluidically connected to the first operating medium inlet; and

    an operating medium source which is configured to deliver the operating medium (F) into the operating medium line (570) .
11. KIR-apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
    a protective hose (572) which is releasably connected to the KIR-head (500) and which encloses and outwardly shields the operating medium line (570).
12. KIR-apparatus (1000) as claimed in claim 10 or 11, comprising additionally a motor which is designed to move, in particular rotate, the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) in order to move the valve element (150).
13. Method for operating a KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least the method steps of:

    moving (S10), while no operating medium (F) is being introduced into the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500), the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) to a first position such that the valve element (150) is arranged so as to close the first valve seat (115; 215) by reason of the force of gravity;

    introducing (S20) the operating medium (F) into the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) while the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) remains in the first position;

    moving (S30), while no operating medium (F) is being introduced into the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500), the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) to a second position such that the valve element (150) is arranged so as to close the second valve seat (125) by reason of the force of gravity; and

    introducing (S40) the operating medium (F) into the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) while the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) remains in the second position.
14. Method as claimed in claim 12,
    wherein moving (S10, S30) the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) is effected manually.
15. Method as claimed in claim 12,
    wherein moving (S10, S30) the KIR-head (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) is performed in a motor-driven manner.

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