EP4012126B1 - Suction cleaning appliance for suction cleaning of sewage channels - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hydro-cleaning device, that is to say a device for carrying out pumping of effluents, in particular in septic tanks or in sewers.

Devices of this type which exist on the market generally comprise a suction cistern, a suction pipe and pumping means making it possible to pump the effluents towards the suction cistern by means of the suction pipe.

Such a device can typically be mounted on a wheeled chassis, this chassis possibly taking the form of a trailer intended to be hitched to a towing vehicle, or else forming part of a self-propelled vehicle.

Such a hydro-cleaning device must be driven as close as possible to the site on which one wishes to carry out the pumping operations, the last meters towards the pumping zone being crossed by unrolling the suction pipe from a reel integral with the frame. or the suction tank of the device.

In the case in particular where one wishes to use such a device to carry out pumping operations of septic tanks or sewers in private homes, one is often confronted with problems of difficulty of access, which can be linked for example to the presence of low tree branches, or other obstacles impeding access.

There is therefore a need for a particularly compact hydro-cleaning apparatus, compatible with operations in areas encumbered with various obstacles.

This object of the invention is achieved with a hydro-cleaning apparatus, comprising a frame, a suction tank mounted on this frame, a suction pipe, means for pumping effluents by means of this pipe towards the cistern, a suction reel for storing this suction pipe, this suction reel being rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis, between said frame and said suction tank.

Thanks to its substantially vertical axis of rotation, the reel extends in a substantially horizontal plane, and can be placed between the chassis and the suction tank, that is to say in a zone which does not increase not the size of the hydro-cleaning vehicle.

This vehicle can thus go into areas with difficult access, in particular in private homes to carry out septic tank or sewer pumping operations, which can be hindered for example by relatively low tree branches, or by other obstacles making access to these areas complicated for larger vehicles.

It is therefore the combination of these characteristics of rotation of the reel of the suction pipe around a vertical axis, and of the arrangement of this reel under the tank, which make it possible to obtain a hydro-cleaning vehicle particularly easy to handle, suitable for interventions in private homes on sites that may be difficult to access.

In addition, this suction reel which allows the turns of the suction pipe to remain in a substantially horizontal plane, makes it possible to limit or even eliminate the pressure drops of the pumped effluents, which can be observed in conventional devices. where the winding of the suction pipe is done around a substantially horizontal axis, and where consequently each turn induces a pressure drop on pumping.

It is thus possible to achieve much more efficient pumping, with a suction pump power which remains reasonable.

• ledit enrouleur d'aspiration est motorisé : ceci facilite considérablement l'utilisation de l'appareil d'hydro-curage, en évitant à l'opérateur les opérations fastidieuses de déroulement/enroulement du tuyau d'aspiration, ce dernier pouvant présenter un diamètre relativement important et donc nécessiter des efforts de manoeuvre pénibles ;
• cet appareil comprend en outre un dispositif de nettoyage haute pression comprenant une citerne de nettoyage montée sur ledit châssis, un tuyau de nettoyage, des moyens de pompage haute pression du liquide nettoyage de la citerne de nettoyage vers le tuyau de nettoyage, un enrouleur de nettoyage pour ranger ce tuyau de nettoyage, cet enrouleur de nettoyage étant monté rotatif autour d'un axe sensiblement horizontal sur un support lui-même monté rotatif autour d'un axe sensiblement vertical sur ladite citerne d'aspiration, entre une position repliée et une position déployée : ce dispositif de nettoyage haute pression permet par exemple de nettoyer des canalisations en projetant de l'eau haute pression contre les parois intérieures de celles-ci ;
• ledit support comporte dans sa partie inférieure des moyens de guidage dudit tuyau d'aspiration : ces moyens de guidage permettent de rapprocher l'extrémité du tuyau d'aspiration vers la zone où l'on doit réaliser les opérations de pompage des effluents ;
• lesdits moyens de guidage comprennent un cadre muni de galets rotatifs : ce cadre et ces galets permettent de réduire les frottements du tuyau d'aspiration sur le support, et donc de faciliter les opérations de déroulement/enroulement de ce tuyau d'aspiration ;
• lesdits moyens de guidage comprennent un bras télescopique : ces moyens de guidage permettent de rapprocher encore plus l'extrémité du tuyau d'aspiration de la zone de pompage.

According to other optional characteristics of the hydro-cleaning device according to the invention, taken alone or in combination:

• said suction reel is motorized: this considerably facilitates the use of the hydro-cleaning device, by sparing the operator the tedious operations of unwinding/winding up the suction pipe, the latter being able to have a relatively large diameter and therefore require tedious maneuvering efforts;
• this apparatus further comprises a high pressure cleaning device comprising a cleaning tank mounted on said frame, a cleaning pipe, means for high pressure pumping of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning tank to the cleaning pipe, a cleaning reel to store this cleaning hose, this cleaning reel being rotatably mounted about a substantially horizontal axis on a support itself rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis on said suction tank, between a folded position and a position deployed: this high-pressure cleaning device makes it possible, for example, to clean pipes by projecting high-pressure water against the internal walls thereof;
• said support comprises in its lower part means for guiding said suction pipe: these guiding means make it possible to bring the end of the suction pipe closer to the area where the effluent pumping operations are to be carried out;
• said guide means comprise a frame provided with rotating rollers: this frame and these rollers make it possible to reduce the friction of the suction pipe on the support, and therefore to facilitate the unwinding/winding operations of this suction pipe;
• said guide means comprise a telescopic arm: these guide means make it possible to bring the end of the suction pipe even closer to the pumping zone.

The present invention also relates to a hydro-cleaning trailer, equipped with an apparatus in accordance with the above: such a trailer can be hitched to a tractor vehicle, in order to be driven over the pumping areas.

The present invention also relates to a self-propelled hydrocleaning vehicle, equipped with an apparatus in accordance with the foregoing: such a vehicle is completely autonomous, both in terms of pumping and movement.

• [Fig. 1] : une vue en perspective de l'arrière d'un véhicule automoteur selon invention, le dispositif de nettoyage haute pression étant représenté en position repliée ;
• [Fig. 2] : une vue analogue à celle de la figure 1, le dispositif de nettoyage haute pression étant représenté en position déployée ;
• [Fig. 3] : une vue en perspective analogue à celle de la figure 2, prise sous un autre angle ;
• [Fig. 4] : une vue en perspective du véhicule automoteur des figures précédentes, l'ensemble comprenant la citerne aspiration et le dispositif de nettoyage haute pression ayant été ôté pour permettre de visualiser la disposition de l'enrouleur du tuyau d'aspiration de l'appareil d'hydro-curage selon l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

• [ Fig. 1 ]: a perspective view of the rear of a self-propelled vehicle according to the invention, the high-pressure cleaning device being shown in the folded position;
• [ Fig. 2 ]: a view similar to that of the figure 1 , the high-pressure cleaning device being shown in the deployed position;
• [ Fig. 3 ]: a perspective view analogous to that of the figure 2 , taken from another angle;
• [ Fig. 4 ]: a perspective view of the self-propelled vehicle of the preceding figures, the assembly comprising the suction tank and the high-pressure cleaning device having been removed to allow viewing the arrangement of the reel of the suction hose of the device hydro-cleaning according to the invention.

For greater clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs in all of the figures.

In these figures, an XYZ reference has been shown, in which the horizontal axis X is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the self-propelled vehicle according to the invention, the horizontal axis Y is perpendicular to this direction, and the axis Z is vertical.

In the following, the term “horizontal” designates a direction parallel to the XY plane, “vertical” a direction parallel to the Z axis, and “front” and “rear” must be understood with respect to the direction of the arrow l X axis, this arrow pointing to the front of the device.

We now refer to figure 1 , 2 , And 3 , on which there is shown a self-propelled vehicle according to the invention, comprising a frame 1 mounted on axles provided with wheels 3, and supporting a hydro-cleaning device according to the invention 5.

This hydro-cleaning device 5 comprises a suction tank 7, a suction pipe 9 and pumping means, not shown, located in a compartment machines 11 located at the front of the tank 7, making it possible to suck in the pipe 9 effluents such as sludge or waste water towards the interior of the suction tank 7.

As is known per se, this suction pipe 9 can typically have a diameter of 65 to 100 mm, and be provided at its end with a connector allowing it to be connected to pumping accessories (rigid suction pipe for example ).

As is particularly visible on the figure 1 , 2 And 3 , the hydro-cleaning device according to the invention can also optionally comprise a high-pressure cleaning device, comprising a high-pressure pump not visible in these figures, but located in the area of the machines 11, and a high-pressure cleaning tank 13 located in front of the suction tank 7, which can contain a cleaning liquid such as water, and generally has a lower volume than that of the suction tank 7.

As is particularly visible on the figure 2 And 3 , this high-pressure cleaning device also comprises a hydraulically motorized reel 15 around which a high-pressure cleaning hose (not shown) is wound, this winding taking place around a substantially horizontal axis.

The diameter of the high pressure cleaning pipe is smaller than that of the suction pipe 9: this diameter can typically be of the order of % inch or 1 inch.

The high pressure reel 15 comprises a support 19 pivotally mounted on the suction tank between a folded position visible on the figure 1 , and a deployed position, visible on the figure 2 , And 3 , around a substantially vertical axis, that is to say substantially parallel to the Z axis.

This support 19 can typically be made of mechanically welded metal alloy.

In its lower part, the support 19 comprises a frame 21 provided with rollers, through which passes the suction pipe 9: during the rotational movement of the support 19 between its folded position and its deployed position, this frame 21 drives the suction pipe 9.

There is also provided a telescopic arm fixed in the lower part of the support 19, making it possible to accompany the end of the suction pipe 9 as close as possible to the pumping zone.

Referring now to the figure 4 , it can be seen that the hydrocleaning device according to the invention comprises a suction reel 23, around which the suction pipe 9 is wound, this reel being rotatably mounted on the frame 1 about a substantially vertical axis, c i.e. substantially parallel to the Z axis.

Means for motorizing the hub 25 of the suction reel 23 are provided, so as to allow rotational movement of this reel without manual intervention.

These motorization means can comprise a hydraulic or electric motor in direct or reduced drive with the reel 23.

When the suction tank 7 is positioned on the frame 1, the reel 23 and the suction pipe 9 are therefore arranged under the suction tank 7.

The mode of use and the advantages of the hydro-cleaning apparatus which has just been written result directly from the foregoing.

The suction cistern 7 and the suction pipe 9 make it possible to suck up effluents (sludge, waste water, etc.) originating for example from septic tanks or manholes.

For this, the hydro-cleaning device according to the invention is brought closer to the point of intervention.

Once you have arrived in the area, the means for motorizing the reel of the suction pipe 23 are activated, so as to allow the end of the suction pipe 9 to be driven to the suction point. .

In the optional case where the hydro-cleaning device according to the invention comprises a high-pressure cleaning device, the support 19 is pivoted around its vertical axis, from its folded position ( figure 1 ) to its deployed position ( figure 2 And 3 ).

In doing so, thanks to the guide frame 21 and, where applicable, to the optional telescopic arm, the end of the suction pipe 9 can be brought as close as possible to the suction zone, without excessive effort.

The pumping operations are then carried out, by starting the suction pump located in the machine part 11 of the hydro-cleaning apparatus according to the invention.

When the suction tank 7 is filled, or when the desired volume of effluent has been pumped, the suction pump is stopped, the end of the pumping pipe 9 is extracted from the suction zone, then the motorization of the suction reel 23 is started in the opposite direction, so as to allow the winding of the suction pipe 9 around this reel, under the suction tank 7.

It is then possible to fold the support 19 towards its folded position against the rear of the suction tank 7, this rotational movement having the effect of also folding the end of the suction pipe 9, so that the latter does not does not exceed the gauge of the device.

The effluent suction operation can be supplemented with a high-pressure cleaning operation by means of the high-pressure cleaning hose (not shown), wound around the high-pressure reel 15: to do this, this high-pressure hose is unrolled and its end is brought to the area where the cleaning operations are to be carried out.

The high-pressure cleaning pump located in the machine zone 11 is then started, which makes it possible to project water under high pressure from the high-pressure tank 13 against the surfaces to be cleaned.

Once these cleaning operations have been completed, the high pressure cleaning hose is wound around the high pressure reel 15, then the support 19 is folded down towards its folded position against the rear of the suction tank 7.

As can be understood in the light of the foregoing, the arrangement of the suction reel 23 and the suction pipe 9 horizontally on the frame 1 is under the suction tank 7, makes it possible to obtain a particularly compactness of the hydro-cleaning device: this reel and this hose do not increase the external size of the device, which makes it particularly agile to intervene in areas that are difficult to access, for example where there are lower branches.

The invention therefore makes it possible to obtain a device, and if necessary a trailer or a self-propelled vehicle equipped with such a device, which is particularly suitable for interventions in private homes (emptying of septic tanks in particular), where the accesses are often difficult.

Furthermore, the horizontal arrangement of the reel 23 makes it possible to eliminate pressure losses in the turns of the suction pipe 9, and therefore to use a suction pump of lesser power, with equal suction.

The optional guide means provided by the support 19, the frame 21 and, where appropriate, by the telescopic arm, greatly facilitate the manipulations of the operator to lead the end of the suction pipe 9 with precision towards the area of aspiration.

Naturally, the invention is described in the foregoing by way of example.

Claims (8)

1. A hydro-flushing apparatus comprising a chassis (1), a suction tank (7) mounted to this chassis (1), a suction pipe (9), means for pumping effluents by means of this pipe (9) to the tank (7), a suction reel (23) to store this suction pipe (9), this suction reel (23) being rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis,
   characterised in that
   this suction reel (23) is mounted between said chassis (1) and said suction tank (7).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said suction reel (23) is motor-driven.
3. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a high pressure cleaning device comprising a cleaning tank (13) mounted to said chassis (5), a high pressure cleaning pipe, high pressure means for pumping the cleaning liquid from the cleaning tank (13) to the cleaning pipe, a cleaning reel (15) to store this high pressure cleaning pipe, this cleaning reel (15) being rotatably mounted about a substantially horizontal axis to a holder (19) in turn rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis, to said suction tank (7), between a folded position and an extended position.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said holder (19) includes in the lower part thereof means (21) for guiding said suction pipe (9).
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said guiding means comprise a frame (21) provided with rotary rollers.
6. The apparatus according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein said guiding means comprise a telescopic arm.
7. A hydro-flushing trailer, fitted with an apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims.
8. A hydro-flushing automotive vehicle, fitted with an apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1 to 6.

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