US20150246789A1 - Hose reel assembly - Google Patents
Hose reel assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150246789A1 US20150246789A1 US14/713,664 US201514713664A US2015246789A1 US 20150246789 A1 US20150246789 A1 US 20150246789A1 US 201514713664 A US201514713664 A US 201514713664A US 2015246789 A1 US2015246789 A1 US 2015246789A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- drum
- hose
- section
- assembly
- indexer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/44—Constructional details
- B65H75/4457—Arrangements of the frame or housing
- B65H75/446—Arrangements of the frame or housing for releasably or permanently attaching the frame to a wall, on a floor or on a post or the like
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
- F28G1/00—Non-rotary, e.g. reciprocated, appliances
- F28G1/16—Non-rotary, e.g. reciprocated, appliances using jets of fluid for removing debris
- F28G1/163—Non-rotary, e.g. reciprocated, appliances using jets of fluid for removing debris from internal surfaces of heat exchange conduits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
- B08B9/0433—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes provided exclusively with fluid jets as cleaning tools
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/40—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable
- B65H75/403—Carriage with wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/34—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables
- B65H75/38—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material
- B65H75/44—Constructional details
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
- F28G15/00—Details
- F28G15/003—Control arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
- F28G15/00—Details
- F28G15/02—Supports for cleaning appliances, e.g. frames
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
- F28G15/00—Details
- F28G15/04—Feeding and driving arrangements, e.g. power operation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B2203/00—Details of cleaning machines or methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B2203/02—Details of machines or methods for cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
- B08B2203/0276—Hose reels specific for high pressure cleaners
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B3/02—Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0318—Processes
- Y10T137/0402—Cleaning, repairing, or assembling
- Y10T137/0419—Fluid cleaning or flushing
- Y10T137/0424—Liquid cleaning or flushing
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/6851—With casing, support, protector or static constructional installations
- Y10T137/6918—With hose storage or retrieval means
- Y10T137/6954—Reel with support therefor
- Y10T137/6958—Ground supported
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of hose reels. More particularly, this invention relates to a hose reel used for cleaning objects such as heat exchanger tubes. Specifically, this invention is directed to a hose reel assembly having a swivel assembly used to connect an incoming water hose to hoses that are wound into a groove on the drum; and an indexer that feeds the hoses into and out of the groove and which automatically shuts off the drum's rotation if too much pressure builds up in the hoses during a cleaning operation.
- Heat exchangers transfer heat or cold from one fluid to another.
- heat exchangers There are several different types of heat exchanger which are used in different applications but one of the more commonly used types is known as a shell and tube heat exchanger.
- an external shell having an interior chamber within which is disposed a plurality of tubes.
- the tubes are positioned substantially parallel to each other in a group known in the industry as a tube bundle.
- Each tube in the tube bundle is surrounded by open space which separates the tube from adjacent tubes.
- a first fluid is caused to flow through the bores of the tubes and a second fluid is caused to flow through the chamber of the shell in which the tube bundle is located.
- first fluid is hotter than the second fluid then as the second fluid flows through the chamber and through the spaces surrounding the tubes, heat from the first fluid in the tubes is transferred to the second fluid.
- Shell and tube type heat exchangers are designed to maximize the heat transfer between the first and second fluid.
- Drill-type rods may be inserted into the tube bores to remove the deposits or high-pressure water jets may be used to blast deposits from the interior surfaces.
- the high velocity water jet is provided by a hose that is rotated at a high speed.
- the hose is engaged on a hose reel that is able to be moved to a location proximate the site where cleaning is to occur.
- a first hose is used to connect the hose reel assembly to a remote water source and one or more secondary hoses are fed from the hose reel assembly and inserted into the heat exchanger tubes.
- the secondary hoses are wound off a drum provided on the hose reel assembly in order to perform the cleaning operation.
- One such hose reel assembly is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/406,014 to the same inventor and assignee, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the hose reel assembly includes a rotatable drum mounted on a frame and having a groove defined in a sidewall thereof.
- a swivel assembly is engaged with a first end of the drum.
- the swivel assembly includes a first section that is selectively connected to a remote fluid source and a second section that is connected to one or more hoses that are wound into the groove or out of the groove on the drum.
- the second section rotates with the drum while the first section remains stationary.
- An indexer is provided to feed the hoses onto or off of the. Limit switches on the indexer control the movement thereof and shut off the drum's rotation in the event of a pressure build-up in the hoses which extend outwardly from the indexer.
- the invention may provide a hose reel assembly including a drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof; a swivel assembly engaged with the first end of the drum; said swivel assembly having a first section adapted to be connected to a first hose which is connectable to a remote fluid source; and a second section that is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the second section of the swivel assembly rotates in unison with the drum while the first section of the swivel assembly remains stationary.
- the invention may provide a hose reel assembly including a frame; a drum operatively mounted on the frame, said drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof; a groove defined in the exterior surface of the sidewall; wherein the groove is adapted to windably receive a hose therein; a guide rod extending from proximate the first end of the drum to proximate the second end thereof; an indexer engaged on the guide rod and being movable therealong, wherein the indexer is adapted to receive a portion of the hose therethrough; and the indexer moves in a first direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound onto the drum and the indexer moves in a second direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound off the drum.
- the invention may provide a swivel assembly for use in a hose reel assembly having a rotatable drum; said swivel assembly including a first section having a first end and a second end region; where the first end of the first section is adapted to be connected to a first hose which is, in turn connectable to a remote fluid source; and a second section having a first end region and a second end; where the first end region of the second section is engaged with the second end region of the first section; and wherein the second section is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the swivel assembly has a longitudinal axis which extends from the first end of the first section to the second of the second section; and wherein the second section rotates relative to the first section and about the longitudinal axis.
- the invention may provide a method of cleaning a tube utilizing a high pressure water jet including the steps of providing a hose reel assembly having a frame upon which a rotatable drum is mounted; where the drum has a first end and a second end and defines an interior bore which extends between the first and second ends; and wherein a sidewall which extends between the first and second ends defines a groove on an exterior surface thereof.
- the method further includes providing a swivel assembly which includes a first section and a second section; where the second section is rotatable relative to the first section thereof.
- the operator will engage a hose with the second section of the swivel assembly, passing the hose through the bore of the drum and threading the hose through a hose clamp assembly located proximate the second end of the drum.
- the hose is then threaded through a section of the groove on the exterior surface of the drum and through an indexer mounted on at least one guide rod which extends between the first and second ends of the drum.
- the operator will engage the swivel assembly on the first end of the drum such that the first section of the swivel assembly extends outwardly from the first end of the drum in a first direction; and a second section of the swivel assembly extends into the bore of the drum.
- the operator will then engage a water hose with a connector provided on the first section of the swivel assembly and will then send a quantity of water down the water hose, through a fluid passageway defined in the swivel assembly and into the hose engaged with the second section thereof.
- the drum is rotated in a first direction to unwind a length of the hose out of the groove and move the unwound length of hose through the indexer.
- the tube is then cleaned with a jet of water which sprays outwardly from a nozzle attached to a free end of the unwound length of hose. When the tube is cleaned, the water is shut off to the hose reel assembly and the drum is rotated in a second direction to wind the hose back into the groove on the drum.
- FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a hose reel assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention illustrating a swivel assembly and a first embodiment of an indexer, each of which being engaged with the hose reel assembly;
- FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the hose reel assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hose reel assembly with the indexer exploded outwardly therefrom and having a number of roller tubes cut away therefrom and a pair of guide rods omitted from the figure so that an exterior surface of a sidewall of an interior drum may be better seen;
- FIG. 3A is a cross-section of a hose clamp assembly taken along line 3 A- 3 A of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 4 is a first perspective view of a first end of the hose reel assembly with the swivel assembly exploded outwardly therefrom;
- FIG. 4A is a front view of a swivel shaft wedge shown alone;
- FIG. 4B is a rear view of the swivel shaft wedge of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the swivel assembly taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is an enlargement of the highlighted region of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-section of the first end of the hose reel assembly showing a pair of hoses engaged with the swivel assembly and extending into an interior bore of the drum;
- FIG. 8 is perspective view of the indexer shown alone
- FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the indexer of FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a right side view of the indexer
- FIG. 11 is an end view of the indexer taken along line 11 - 11 of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer taken along line 12 - 12 of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer with a hose shown extending therethrough;
- FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer showing the hoses illustrated in a kinked position where the hose deactivates the indexer;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the hose reel assembly showing a second embodiment of an indexer engaged therewith.
- Hose reel assembly 10 includes a hose reel 12 having a swivel assembly 14 in accordance with one aspect of the invention mounted at a first end of the hose reel 12 .
- An indexer 16 in accordance with another aspect of the invention is engaged with a side region of hose reel 12 and extends laterally outwardly therefrom and generally at right angles to a longitudinal axis “Y” ( FIG. 5 ) of hose reel assembly 10 .
- Hose reel 12 , swivel assembly 14 and indexer 16 will be described in greater detail hereafter.
- Hose reel 12 includes a first mounting plate 18 and a second mounting plate 20 which are parallel to each other and spaced longitudinally a distance apart. Each of the first and second mounting plates 18 , 20 are oriented substantially at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”. First mounting plate 18 defines a generally central aperture 18 a ( FIG. 7 ) therein and second mounting plate 20 defines a generally central aperture therein (not shown). Central aperture 18 a is aligned with the central aperture in second mounting plate 20 .
- a drum 22 extends between first and second mounting plates 18 , 20 .
- An end plate is provided at each end of drum 22 .
- FIG. 7 shows a first end plate 24 secured to a first end of drum 22 by fasteners 26 and a second end plate 25 ( FIG. 3A ) is similarly secured to a second end of drum 22 .
- First end plate 24 is positioned adjacent first mounting plate 18 and second end plate 25 is positioned adjacent second mounting plate 20 .
- First end plate 24 defines an aperture 24 a therein. At least a portion of aperture 24 a is generally aligned with central aperture 18 a.
- a bearing carrier 28 is secured to first end plate 24 . As shown in FIG.
- bearing carrier 28 includes a bore which extends from a first end wall 28 f to a second end wall 28 g thereof.
- the bore includes a first region 28 a which is of a substantially constant diameter and a second region 28 b which is tapered from a wider diameter located proximate first end wall 28 f down to a narrower diameter that is located proximate first region 28 a.
- the first region 28 a of constant diameter is generally aligned with aperture 24 a of first end plate 24 and aperture 18 a in first mounting plate 18 .
- Bearing carrier 28 is secured to first end plate 24 of drum 22 by positioning second end wall 28 g thereof at least partially in abutting contact with the exterior surface of first end plate 24 and inserting fasteners 30 through apertures (not numbered) in an annular portion 28 c of bearing carrier 28 .
- the annular portion 28 c is located between an interior surface of first mounting plate 18 and first end plate 24 . Because bearing carrier 28 is secured to first end plate 24 , when drum 22 is caused to rotate about longitudinal axis “Y”, first end plate 24 and therefore bearing carrier 28 will rotate in unison with drum 22 . Swivel assembly 14 is engaged with bearing carrier 28 as will be later described herein.
- a cover may be selectively placed over at least the drum 22 during periods of non-use.
- a gear assembly and a drive shaft 31 a or 31 b ( FIG. 2 ) are operatively engaged with drum 22 .
- Drive shaft 31 a or 31 b is selectively operatively engaged with a gear box 33 depending on the speed that is desired for rotating drum 22 .
- the gear assembly is mounted interiorly of second mounting plate 20 and is secured to second mounting plate 20 via mounting bracket 32 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the drive shaft 31 a or 31 b is driven by motor 34 to selectively rotate drum 22 about longitudinal axis “Y” ( FIG. 7 ) in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction.
- Drum 22 has a sidewall with an exterior surface 22 a ( FIG. 7 ) which extends between the end plates 24 , 25 .
- a groove 36 is defined in exterior surface 22 a and groove 36 extends from first end plate 24 to second end plate 25 ( FIG. 3A ).
- Groove 36 may be a substantially continuous groove that is helical in nature. Groove 36 is provided to receive a windably receive one or two hoses 38 therein as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the sidewall of drum 22 further includes an interior surface (not numbered) which defines a bore 22 b ( FIGS. 3A and 7 ) therein. Bore 22 b extends from first end plate 24 to second end plate 25 .
- Hose reel 12 further includes a plurality of roller tubes 40 which extend between first mounting plate 18 and second mounting plate 20 and are arranged in a generally circular pattern when viewed from either end of drum 22 .
- Roller tubes 40 are spaced at intervals from each other about a circumference of this circular pattern.
- Roller tubes 40 are positioned radially outwardly and adjacent exterior surface 22 a of drum 22 as is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 7 .
- Each roller tubes 40 is oriented generally parallel to longitudinal axis “Y” and includes a tube 42 which defines a bore 42 a therethrough ( FIG. 3A ).
- a rod 44 extends through bore 42 a of tube 42 and extends outwardly for a distance beyond each end of tube 42 ( FIG. 7 ).
- the portions of rod 44 which extend outwardly beyond the ends of tube 42 are threaded with threads 46 ( FIG. 7 ).
- a first threaded portion 46 of each rod 44 extends through one of a plurality of apertures 18 b defined in first mounting plate 18 .
- a second threaded portion of each rod 44 extends through one of a plurality of apertures 20 a ( FIG. 3A ) in second mounting plate 20 .
- the threaded portions 46 are secured to the respective mounting plates 18 or 20 by nuts 48 ( FIG. 7 ).
- Bushings 50 are provided between the ends of tube 42 and rod 44 and these bushings 50 permit tube 42 to rotate about an axis which extends along rod 44 in either of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
- a pair of legs 52 is provided on hose reel 12 .
- Each leg 52 is mounted to one of the first and second mounting plates 18 , 20 and may be oriented substantially at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”.
- Legs 52 may be comprised of sections which telescope so that legs 52 are selectively adjustable in length as indicated by arrows “J” in FIG. 1 .
- at least one of the legs 52 may include a pair of wheels 54 mounted thereon. Wheels 54 may be used to move hose reel 12 over a surface upon which assembly 10 rests.
- One or both legs 52 also includes ground-engaging feet 56 which support hose reel assembly 10 a distance above the surface upon which assembly 10 rests.
- Feet 56 may be vertically adjustable so that they may be used to level hose reel 12 if necessary.
- Handles 58 may also be provided on the exterior surfaces of first and second mounting plates 18 , 20 . Handles 58 may be used to lift and maneuver hose reel 12 as needed.
- a pair of holes 18 c ( FIG. 3 ) is defined in first mounting plate 18 and a pair of holes 20 b ( FIG. 3A ) is defined in second mounting plate 20 .
- Holes 18 c are spaced a distance from each other and holes 20 b are similarly spaced a distance from each other.
- Holes 18 c are aligned with holes 20 b.
- Holes 18 c and 20 b are spaced a distance radially outwardly of roller tubes 40 and may be positioned inwardly from an upper corner region of each of the first and second end plates 18 , 20 . This position is selected simply for ease of access thereto.
- a first guide rod 60 and a second guide rod 62 extend between an interior surface of first mounting plate 18 and an interior surface of second mounting plate 20 .
- Fasteners 63 extend through holes 18 c in first mounting plate 18 and additional fasteners 63 extend through holes 20 b in second mounting plate 20 .
- Fasteners 63 are threadably engaged with a threaded interior surface defined in each end of first and second guide rods 60 , 62 .
- First and second guide rods 60 , 62 are thus spaced a distance apart from each other and from the adjacent roller tubes 40 .
- Guide rods 60 , 62 may be located in a region of hose reel 12 where one or two roller tubes are omitted so as to make space for guide rods 60 , 62 .
- Guide rods 60 , 62 may be secured in such as way as to fix them in position and so that they do not rotate in a manner similar to roller tubes 40 .
- indexer 16 is engaged with first and second guide rods 60 , 62 and is movable therealong during operation of hose reel assembly 10 .
- FIG. 2 shows that a tapered collar 64 is provided proximate a first end of first guide rod 60 .
- Collar 64 is positioned adjacent the interior surface of first mounting plate 18 and tapers in diameter in a direction moving away from first mounting plate 18 .
- FIG. 1 shows that a collar 66 is provided proximate a second end of second guide rod 62 .
- Collar 66 may be generally cylindrical in shape. It will be understood that the collar 64 , 66 may be differently shaped to the way shown in the attached figures.
- the two collars 64 , 66 are also shown on guide rods 60 , 62 engaged with the exploded-away indexer 16 in FIG. 3 . The purpose of the collars 64 , 66 will be discussed later herein.
- Swivel assembly 14 is removably secured to a first end of drum 22 and allows an operator to connect a fluid source to the assembly 10 without having to reach into the interior of drum 22 or lifting a cover (not shown) off assembly 10 .
- Swivel assembly 14 also allows a water hose to be connected to one end of swivel assembly 14 and enables another hose to be secured to a second end of the swivel assembly 14 .
- the second hose 14 is wound onto or off an exterior sidewall of drum 22 and the second hose rotates in unison with drum 22 . Swivel assembly 14 allows the water hose to remain stationary while drum 22 and the second hose are being rotated.
- Swivel assembly 14 is engaged with first mounting plate 18 by way of a mounting assembly 68 .
- Mounting assembly 68 includes a swivel shaft wedge 70 ( FIGS. 4A , 4 B and 7 ), a bearing retainer 72 , and a bearing 74 .
- Fasteners 76 FIG. 7
- Fasteners 78 secure swivel shaft wedge 72 to bearing carrier 28 .
- Bearing 74 is positioned between bearing retainer 72 , swivel shaft wedge 70 and bearing carrier 28 . Bearing 74 enables bearing carrier 28 to rotate relative to mounting assembly 68 as drum 22 rotates.
- swivel assembly 14 includes a connector member 80 , a top hat 82 , a swivel body 84 , a ring 86 , a tapered seal 88 , a base member 90 , a center piece 92 , a swivel collar 94 , the swivel shaft wedge 70 , and a mounting block 96 .
- One or two hoses 38 are engaged with mounting block 96 .
- Connector member 80 includes a first threaded region 80 a, a central region 80 b and a second threaded region 80 c.
- First and second threaded regions 80 a, 80 c extend outwardly from central region 80 b in opposite directions to each other.
- central region 80 b has the configuration of a hex-nut that may be engaged by a wrench.
- Each of the first and second threaded regions 80 a, 80 c ( FIG. 5 ) include threads on their exterior surfaces.
- Connector member 80 further defines a bore 80 d which extends from one end of first threaded region 80 a to an end of second threaded region 80 c .
- First threaded region 80 a is selectively engageable with a water hose (not shown).
- Second threaded region 80 c is selective engageable with top hat 82 .
- Bore 80 d allows water flowing from a water hose connected to first region 80 a to flow through connector member 80 and towards top hat 82 .
- Top hat 82 includes a first region 82 a and a second region 82 b.
- First region 82 a is of a greater diameter than second region 82 b.
- the exterior surface of first region 82 a may include at least one planar region 82 a ′ as shown in FIG. 4 .
- This planar region 82 a ′ provides an area where a wrench may more easily be engaged with top hat 82 .
- First region 82 a defines an internally threaded first recess 82 c ( FIG. 5 ) which is complementary to second threaded region 80 c of connector member 80 .
- Second threaded region 80 c of connector member 80 is inserted into recess 82 c and is threadably engaged therewith.
- a portion of the exterior surface of second region 82 b is provided with threads 82 d ( FIG. 6 ).
- Second region 82 b is threadably engaged with swivel body 84 .
- the exterior surface of second region 82 b defines a groove (not numbered) therein. This groove is located a distance inwardly beyond the threads 82 d and an O-ring 100 ( FIG. 6 ) is seated in this groove.
- Second region 82 b of top hat 82 defines a second recess 82 e therein. Second recess 82 e is longitudinally aligned with first recess 82 c.
- Second region 82 b also defines a bore 82 f therein which extends from between first recess 82 c and second recess 82 e.
- bore 80 d of connector member 80 is longitudinally aligned with bore 80 f of top hat 82 and is in fluid communication therewith.
- water flowing through bore 80 d will flow into a tapered region 82 g defining first recess 82 c and then through bore 82 f.
- Swivel body 84 includes a first region 84 a and a second region 84 b where the second region 84 b is of a greater diameter than first region 84 a.
- First region 84 a may include at least one planar face 84 a ′ ( FIG. 4 ) which enables a user to more easily grip swivel body 84 with a wrench.
- Second region 84 b defines a shoulder 84 c ( FIG. 6 ) therein a distance away from first region 84 b .
- Swivel body 84 defines a first recess 84 d, a second recess 84 e, a third recess 84 f, and a fourth recess 84 g therein which are all in communication with each other.
- First recess 84 d is defined in first region 84 a and a plurality of threads 84 h are defined in an interior wall which defines first recess 84 d. Threads 84 h are provided for threadable engagement with threads 82 d ( FIG. 6 ) on top hat 82 . Second, third and fourth recesses 84 e, 84 f and 84 g are all defined in second region 84 b of swivel body 84 .
- Second recess 84 e is of a smaller diameter than first recess 84 d
- third recess 84 f is of a smaller diameter than second recess 84 e
- fourth recess 84 g is of a greater diameter than first recess 84 d.
- An annular seal 102 is seated in third recess 84 f and a bearing 104 is seated in fourth recess 84 g.
- a projection 84 i is formed between second recess 84 e and fourth recess 84 g.
- Third recess 84 f is defined in this projection 84 i.
- ring 86 comprises a first region 86 a and a second region 86 b.
- First region 86 a is of a greater diameter than second region 86 b .
- Threads 86 c are provided on an exterior surface of first region 86 a and are utilized for selective engagement of ring 86 with swivel collar 94 .
- Ring 86 defines a bore 86 d therein and through which first region 82 a of top hat 82 extends.
- tapered seal 88 is sized to fit in second recess 82 e of top hat 82 .
- the exterior surface of tapered seal 88 includes a groove (not numbered) into which an O-ring 106 is seated.
- Tapered seal 88 includes a first flat end 88 a which abuts an interior wall of top hat 82 which defines one end of second recess 82 e.
- Seal 88 further includes a tapered end 88 b spaced from the first flat end 88 a.
- Seal 88 defines a bore 88 c therethrough which is positioned to be substantially continuous with bore 82 f of top hat 82 .
- Base member 90 includes a first region 90 a and a second region 90 b , where first region 90 a is of a smaller diameter than second region 90 b.
- First region 90 a is shaped and sized to be received within second recess 82 e of top hat 82 .
- Second region 90 b of base member 90 is of a greater diameter than the first region 90 a thereof.
- Second region 90 b is positionable within second recess 84 e of top hat 82 .
- Base member 90 defines a flared first recess 90 c that is complementary to the tapered end 88 b of seal 88 and abuts the same when base member 90 is engaged with top hat 82 .
- Base member 90 further defines a bore 90 d and a second recess 90 e therein that are in fluid communication with first recess 90 c.
- center piece 92 includes a first region 92 a, a second region 92 b, a third region 92 c, a fourth region 92 d, and a firth region 92 e.
- First region 92 a is of a first diameter that is complementary to the bore 88 e of seal 88 , bore 90 d of base member 90 and a hole 102 a in seal 102 .
- First region 92 a is received through these aligned hole 102 a, and bores 90 d, 88 e and is inserted inwardly until a tip of first region 92 a is adjacent the planar end 88 a of seal 88 .
- a shoulder 92 f ( FIG.
- center piece 92 , base member 90 , swivel body 84 and top hat 82 is formed between first region 92 a and second region 92 b.
- shoulder 92 f of center piece 92 abuts an outer surface of projection 84 i of swivel body 84 .
- Center piece also defines a bore 92 g therethrough which is in fluid communication with bore 82 f of top hat 82 .
- bore 92 g in the first region 92 a and a portion of second region 92 b of center piece 92 is of a reduced diameter relative to bore 82 f, thus increasing the pressure of any water flowing through that region of swivel assembly 14 .
- a shoulder 92 h is defined between second and third regions 92 b , 92 c of center piece 92 . Shoulder 92 h engages bearing 104 , locking the same within fourth recess 84 g of swivel body 84 .
- a shoulder 92 i ( FIG. 5 ) is defined between third region 92 c and fourth region 92 d of center piece 92 .
- Second region 92 b and fourth region 92 d may be of generally the same diameter and that diameter is greater than that of first region 92 a.
- Third region 92 c may be of a greater diameter than second and fourth regions 92 b, 92 d.
- Fifth region 92 e may be of a smaller diameter than second and fourth regions 92 b, 92 d but of a greater diameter than first region 92 a.
- Threads 92 j are provided on the exterior surface of fifth region 92 e and these threads 92 j are provided for engagement with a threaded region of box 96 .
- Swivel collar 94 may be of a generally a uniform exterior diameter except for one or more annular grooves 94 a defined in the exterior surface thereof. Grooves 94 a provide regions which help a user grip swivel collar 94 . Swivel collar 94 defines a bore therein which extends from one end of collar 94 to the other. The bore includes a first recessed region 94 b, a second recessed region 94 c, a third recessed region 94 d, a fourth recessed region 94 e, and a fifth recessed region 94 f.
- First recessed region 94 b is of a greater diameter than second recessed region 94 c which in turn is of a greater diameter than third recessed region 94 d, which in turn is of a greater diameter than fourth recessed region 94 e, which is in turn of a greater diameter than fifth recessed region 94 f .
- the portion of swivel collar 94 which defines first recessed region 94 b is internally threaded and the threads provided therein are threadably engageable with the exterior threads 86 c of ring 86 .
- An annular shoulder 94 g ( FIG. 6 ) is defined between second recessed region 94 c and third recessed region 94 d .
- a bearing 108 is seated within fourth recessed region 94 e and a seal 110 is seated within fifth recessed region 94 f.
- Bearing 108 is captured between shoulder 92 i ( FIG. 5 ) of center piece 92 and an interior surface 94 h of swivel collar 94 . Both bearing 108 and seal 110 contact the exterior surface of fourth region 92 d of center piece 92 .
- swivel shaft wedge 70 includes a first region 70 a and a tapered second region 70 b; where the first region 70 a is of a greater diameter than second region 70 b.
- a first recess 70 c is defined in first region 70 a and an end of swivel collar 94 is received with first recess 70 c.
- a gap 71 is thus created between an end wall 94 j and interior surface 70 d.
- a second recess 70 e is defined in second region 70 b of swivel shaft wedge 70 and this second recess 70 e is sized so that a portion of fourth region 92 d of center piece 92 d passes therethrough.
- second recess 70 e becomes narrowed in diameter and the wall which defines second recess 70 e that engages and claims around fourth region 92 d of center piece 92 . This engagement causes swivel shaft wedge 70 and center piece 92 to move in unison.
- Swivel shaft wedge 70 also defines a plurality of through holes 70 f and 70 g ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ) therein for selectively receiving fasteners 78 therethrough, as will be later described herein.
- swivel shaft wedge 70 also defines a radial first slot 70 h and a radial second slot 70 i.
- First and second slots 70 h, 70 i extend inwardly from the circumferential edge of each of the first and second regions 70 a, 70 b of swivel shaft wedge 70 .
- First and second slots 70 h, 70 i are aligned with each other along a diameter of swivel shaft wedge 70 .
- First slot 70 h terminates in second recess 70 e while second slot 70 i terminates a distance outwardly away from second recess 70 e.
- Second region 70 b of swivel shaft wedge 70 is inserted into the tapered second region 28 b of bearing carrier 28 .
- Tapered second region 28 b is of slightly smaller relative diameters to the tapered second region 70 b of swivel shaft carrier 70 . Consequently, when second region 70 b of swivel shaft wedge 70 is inserted into second region 28 b of bearing carrier 28 and fasteners 78 are screwed in a direction so as to secure swivel shaft wedge 70 to bearing carrier 28 , the tapered second region 70 becomes progressively compressed and first and second slots 70 h, 70 i become somewhat narrowed, thereby wedging swivel shaft wedge 70 in place. Since bearing collar 28 rotates in unison with drum 22 and because swivel shaft wedge 70 is secured to bearing collar 28 by fasteners 78 , rotation of drum 22 will also cause swivel shaft wedge 70 to rotate in unison with drum 22 .
- fasteners 78 are unscrewed from holes 70 f and are instead inserted through holes 70 g in swivel shaft wedge 70 .
- Holes 70 g are not aligned with any holes in bearing collar 28 and thus screwing fasteners 78 through holes 70 g will bring the tips 78 a ( FIG. 7 ) of fasteners 78 into contact with first end wall 28 f of bearing collar 28 .
- fasteners 78 will thus cause swivel shaft wedge 70 to be pushed outwardly away from first end wall 28 f of bearing collar 28 , thereby separating swivel shaft wedge 70 from bearing collar 28 .
- Block 96 defines a threaded first recess 96 a in a first end thereof. Threaded fifth region 92 e of center piece 92 is received in this internally threaded first recess 96 a, thus engaging center piece 92 and block 96 together in such a way that they will move as a unit.
- Block 96 also defines a bore 96 b that is continuous with first recess 96 a and one or more passageways 96 c which are continuous with bore 96 b. Each passageway 96 c terminates in an internally threaded recess 96 d.
- a sealed fluid passage is defined through swivel assembly 14 , said fluid passage comprising bore 80 d of connector member 80 , bore 82 f of top hat 82 , bore 92 g of center piece 92 , bore 96 b and the one or more passageways 96 c of block 96 .
- a first end of one or two hoses 38 is secured, by suitable hose fittings 114 to block 96 .
- Each hose 38 defines a bore 38 a therein that is thus brought into fluid communication with the second recess 96 d and fluid passage through swivel assembly 14 .
- center piece 92 extends along longitudinal axis “Y” through aperture 28 a defined by bearing carrier 28 and into bore 22 b of drum 22 .
- Block 96 is located with bore 22 b and hoses 38 extend through bore to a hose clamp assembly 116 ( FIG. 3 ) located proximate the second end plate 25 .
- Hose clamp assembly 116 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 3A .
- Hose clamp assembly 116 includes a housing which is seated within a notch 25 a ( FIG. 3A ) of second mounting plate 24 and a notch 22 c of the drum 22 .
- a first portion 116 a of hose clamp assembly 116 is located proximate the exterior surface 22 a of drum 22 and a second portion 116 b of hose clamp assembly 116 is located within bore 22 b of drum 22 .
- Hose clamp assembly 116 is located in such a manner that as drum 22 rotates, hose clamp assembly 116 will rotate in unison therewith.
- Hose clamp assembly 116 defines one or two passageways 116 c therein and through which one or both hoses 38 are threaded.
- Hoses 38 extend from block 96 , through bore 22 b of drum 22 through passageways 116 c of hose clamp assembly 116 and to the outside of drum 22 .
- Passageways 116 c on hose clamp assembly 116 are aligned with one or two regions of groove 36 so that, as hoses 38 exit passageways 116 c, they are automatically seated within the regions of groove 36 .
- Connector member 80 , top hat 82 , swivel body 84 , ring 86 , seal 88 , base member 90 , and swivel collar 94 are all engaged with each other and form a substantially single component, i.e., a first section of swivel assembly 14 .
- Center piece 92 is engaged with block 96 and passes through second recess 70 e of swivel shaft wedge 70 and through swivel collar 94 , base member 90 and through seal 88 .
- Center piece 92 and block 96 form a substantially single component, i.e. a second section of swivel assembly 14 .
- the second section of swivel assembly 14 rotates about a longitudinal axis of swivel assembly and relative to the first section thereof.
- the second section of the swivel assembly 14 i.e., center piece 92 and block 36 along with the first ends of hoses 38 will be caused to rotate in unison with drum 22 .
- Bearings 104 and 108 allow for center piece 92 to rotate while the first section of swivel assembly 14 , i.e., connector member 80 , top hat 82 , swivel body 84 , ring 86 , seal 88 , base member 90 and swivel collar 94 , remain substantially stationary. Rotation of first region 92 a of center piece 92 within seal 88 may cause seal 88 to become damaged over time.
- seal 88 It is relatively easy to replace seal 88 by disengaging connector member 80 and top hat 82 from swivel body 84 , removing the damaged seal, placing a new seal in position, and then reengaging the top had 82 and connector member 80 .
- hoses 38 exiting hose clamp assembly 116 are fed through an indexer 16 that is able to move longitudinally back and forth along guide rods 60 , 62 .
- Indexer 16 extends laterally outwardly from guide rods 60 , 62 .
- Hoses 38 extend outwardly from hose clamp assembly 116 , pass through at least a section of groove 36 and are then engaged with indexer 16 .
- Indexer 16 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 8 - 12 .
- indexer comprises a guide block 118 , a mounting bracket 120 , a first plate 122 , a first limit switch 124 , a second plate 126 , a second limit switch 128 , a support block 130 having a door 132 , a third plate 134 , a third limit switch 136 , a clamping block 138 , and one or more umbilical members 140 .
- Each of these components will be described in greater detail below.
- guide block 118 includes a first surface 118 a, a second surface 118 b, a first end 118 c, a second end 118 d, a first side 118 e ( FIG. 11 ), and a second side 118 f.
- a pair of fingers 118 g, 118 h extends outwardly from guide block 118 and beyond second surface 118 b.
- Each finger 118 g, 118 hi has a curved tip which is shaped to be complementary to the curvature of groove 36 in drum 22 ( FIG. 13 ).
- Guide block 118 also defines through holes 118 i, 118 j ( FIG. 12 ).
- Holes 118 i, 118 j extend from first side 118 e to second side 118 f. Hole 118 i is spaced both vertically and horizontally from hole 118 j (with the vertical and horizontal directions being taken in reference to the orientation of guide block 118 shown in FIG. 12 ).
- First guide rod 60 extends through hole 118 i and second guide rod 62 extends through hole 118 j when guide block 118 is engaged with hose reel 12 .
- Guide block 118 also defines a channel 118 k ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) which extends from first surface 118 a to second surface 118 b. The purpose of channel 118 k will be described later herein.
- Mounting block 120 may be generally L-shaped when viewed from the side as in FIG. 10 .
- Mounting block 120 includes a first surface 120 a, a second surface 120 b, a first end 120 c, a second end 120 d, a first side 120 e ( FIG. 9 ) and a second side 120 f.
- An L-shaped cut-out 120 g is defined in first surface 120 a and first end 120 c.
- Second surface 120 b is placed in abutting contact with first surface 118 a of guide block 118 and fasteners 142 ( FIG. 12 ) are used to secure mounting block 120 to guide block 118 .
- fasteners 142 FIG. 12
- passageways 120 h are defined in mounting block 120 , said passageways 120 h extending from first surface 120 a through to second surface 120 b. Passageways 120 h are provided in a location such that they will align with at least a portion of channel 118 k in guide block 118 when mounting block 120 and guide block 118 are secured together by fasteners 142 .
- a first plate 122 is provided to adjustably secure first limit switch 124 to mounting block 120 .
- First plate 122 may be a generally planar rectangular member which has a first surface 122 a and a second surface 122 b ( FIG. 10 ).
- a pair of slots 122 c is defined in first plate 122 . Each slot extends between the first and second surfaces 122 a and 122 b.
- First plate 122 is positioned so that second surface 122 b thereof is adjacent first end 120 c of mounting block 120 and a portion of first end 118 c of guide block 118 .
- a fastener 144 extends through each slot 122 b and into first end 120 c of mounting block.
- First limit switch 124 includes a block member which is mounted on first plate 122 by fasteners 146 . As shown in FIG. 12 , the block member has a first surface 124 a, a second surface 124 b, a first end 124 c and a second end 124 d . Fasteners 146 extend through holes (not numbered) from first end 124 c through second end 124 d and into first plate 122 . A pivot bushing 148 is provided on second surface 124 b and a first pivot 150 extends outwardly from pivot bushing 148 and secures an arm 152 thereto. First pivot 150 is oriented generally parallel to first end 124 c and first pivot 150 extends outwardly from second surface 124 b generally at right angles thereto.
- a wheel 154 is mounted to an opposite end of arm 152 by a second pivot 156 .
- Arm 152 angles downwardly away from first end 124 c and rides along guide rod 60 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the operation of first limit switch 124 will be described in greater detail later herein.
- Second limit switch 128 is secured to second plate 126 by fasteners 158 .
- Other fasteners 160 secure second limit switch 128 and second plate 126 to mounting block 120 .
- second plate 126 is positioned between second limit switch and second surface 120 d of mounting block 120 .
- Second limit switch 128 has a first surface 128 a and a second surface 128 b which are generally parallel to first and second surfaces 124 a, 124 b of first limit switch 124 .
- Second limit switch 128 also includes a first end 128 c and a second end 128 d which are generally parallel to first end 124 c and second end 124 d of first limit switch 124 .
- a pivot bushing 162 is provided on second surface 128 b and a first pivot 164 extends outwardly from pivot bushing 162 and secures an arm 166 thereto.
- First pivot 164 is oriented generally parallel to first end 128 c and first pivot 164 extends outwardly from second surface 128 b generally at right angles thereto.
- a wheel 168 is mounted to an opposite end of arm 166 by a second pivot 170 .
- Arm 166 angles upwardly away from second end 128 d and rides along guide rod 62 as shown in FIG. 2 . The operation of second limit switch 128 will be described in greater detail later herein.
- Indexer 16 also includes support block 130 which is shown most fully in FIG. 9 .
- Support block 130 includes a first surface 130 a, a second surface 130 b , a first end 130 c, a second end 130 d, a first side 130 e and a second side 130 f .
- Support block 130 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above (with the direction referred to as it relates to the view shown in FIG. 9 ).
- First surface 130 a includes an L-shaped cut-out when viewed from the side with the cut-out being identified by the reference character 130 g.
- Second surface 130 b includes a cut-out 130 h ( FIG. 8 ) which is complementary to the cut-out of mounting block 120 . Cut-out 130 h is seated within cut-out 120 g of mounting block 12 and support block 130 is secured to mounting block 120 by fasteners 172 .
- Support block 130 defines a pair of channels 174 , 176 therein.
- Channels 174 , 176 are oriented substantially parallel to each other and extend from adjacent first surface 130 a through to cut-out 130 h adjacent second surface 130 b.
- Channels 174 , 176 are separated from each other by a divider 178 and will at least partially align with the one or more passageways 120 h in mounting block 120 and thereby with at least a portion of channel 118 k in guide block 118 .
- Channels 174 , 176 may be of any cross-sectional shape but, as illustrated herein, each channel 174 , 176 is generally U-shaped in cross-section.
- a channel end region 174 a is defined in cut-out 130 g as is a channel end region 176 a.
- Each of the channel end regions 174 a, 176 a is continuous with the associated channel 174 , 176 but is of a reduced depth relative to channels 174 , 176 .
- a hole 174 b is defined in support block 130 at the end of channel 174 that is opposite channel end region 174 a.
- a hole 176 b is defined in support block 130 at the end of channel 176 that is opposite channel end region 176 a.
- Support block 130 defines a pair of threaded apertures 180 ( FIG. 9 ) in the cut-out 130 g.
- Apertures 180 are provided to receive fasteners 182 therein in order to secure clamping block 138 to support block 130 .
- Holes 184 are defined in a region of each of the first and second sides 130 e, 130 f adjacent cut-out 130 g. Holes 184 are aligned with each other and are provided to receive a pivot rod 186 therethrough in order to secure door 132 to support block 130 .
- Door 132 is a generally planar, rectangular member that is secured to support block 130 to close off access to the portions of channels 174 , 176 which are positioned a distance inwardly from cut-out 130 g.
- Pivot rod 186 is passed through a hole 184 adjacent a first side 130 e of support block 130 , then through a through-hole 132 a defined adjacent one side of door 132 and then through the other hole 184 which is located adjacent second side 130 f of support block 130 .
- Pivot rod 186 enables door 132 to be moved between an open position and a closed position as will be described further herein.
- Third plate 134 is provided to secure third limit switch 136 to support block 130 .
- Third plate 134 is an L-shaped component having a first region 134 a and a second region 134 b. A plurality of slots 134 c is defined in first region 134 a. Slots 134 c are provided to receive fasteners 188 which extend through holes 137 of third limit switch 136 . Fasteners 188 may be loosened and slid along slots 134 c to adjust the position of third limit switch 136 . Fasteners 188 are tightened to lock third limit switch 136 in position on third plate 134 . Additional fasteners 135 ( FIG. 11 ) are used to secure second region 134 b to support block 130 and possibly to mounting block 120 .
- Third limit switch 136 is substantially similar to first and second limit switches 124 and 128 .
- Third limit switch 136 has a first surface 136 a and a second surface 136 b which are generally at right angles to first and second surfaces 124 a, 124 b of first limit switch 124 .
- Third limit switch 136 also includes a first end 136 c and a second end 136 d which are generally parallel to first end 124 c and second end 124 d of first limit switch 124 .
- a pivot bushing 190 is provided on second surface 136 b and a first pivot 192 extends outwardly from pivot bushing 190 and secures an arm 194 thereto.
- First pivot 192 is oriented generally parallel to first end 136 c and first pivot 192 extends outwardly from second surface 136 b generally at right angles thereto.
- a wheel 196 is mounted to an opposite end of arm 194 by a second pivot 198 .
- Arm 194 angles downwardly away from first end 136 c and wheel 196 thereon abuts an outer surface 132 b of door 132 as illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- wheel 198 contacts door 132 a distance inwardly away from pivot rod 186 .
- third limit switch 136 will be described in greater detail later herein.
- Clamping block 138 is selectively engageable to cut-out 130 g of support block 130 .
- Clamping block 138 has a first surface 138 a, a second surface 138 b , a first end 138 c and a second end 138 d.
- Recessed regions 138 e, 138 f are provided in second surface 138 b.
- Recessed regions 138 e, 138 f extend from first end 138 c to second end 138 d.
- Recessed regions 138 e, 138 f are positioned to align with channel end regions 174 a and 176 a in support block 130 when clamping block 138 is engaged with support block 130 .
- Through-holes 200 are defined in clamping block.
- Each through-hole 200 extends from first surface 138 a through to second surface 138 b and is positioned to align with one of the apertures 180 in support block 130 .
- Fasteners 182 extend through holes 200 and into apertures 180 to secure clamping block 138 to support block 130 .
- a pair of umbilical members 140 , 141 is selectively clamped within channel end regions 174 a, 176 a, respectively.
- Each umbilical member 140 , 141 defines a bore 140 a, 141 a therein ( FIG. 9 ).
- bore 141 a is substantially continuous with channel 176 , passageway 120 h and channel 118 k.
- Bore 140 a is substantially continuous with channel 174 , passageway 120 h and channel 118 k.
- a hose 38 is threaded through the bore 140 a or 141 a of one of the umbilical members 140 , 141 , through the associated channel 174 or 176 , through the passageway 120 h and associated channel 118 k and then into groove 36 in the exterior of drum 22 . This is illustrated in FIG. 12 .
- Drum 22 is able to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as indicated by arrows “A” in FIG. 1 .
- Hoses 38 may move through umbilical members 140 , 141 in either of the directions indicated by arrows “B” in FIG. 1 .
- hoses 38 may be drawn inwardly toward drum 22 and wound into groove 36 on drum 22 ; or hoses may be withdrawn from groove 36 and wound off drum, moving outwardly away therefrom.
- Rotation of drum 22 is effected by motor 34 .
- indexer 16 is moved longitudinally in either of a first direction or a second direction, as indicated by arrows “C” in FIG. 1 .
- the rotation of drum 22 in one or the other of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction also causes a similar rotation in parts of swivel assembly 14 .
- the rotation of swivel assembly is indicated by arrow “D” in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates drum 22 being rotated in a counterclockwise direction “A 1 ”. This motion causes hose 38 to be fed through indexer 16 in such a manner that a length of each hose 38 is wound off drum and fed outwardly through indexer 16 and umbilical members 140 , 141 in the direction of arrow “B 1 ”.
- FIG. 14 illustrates drum 22 being rotated in a counterclockwise direction “A 1 ”. This motion causes hose 38 to be fed through indexer 16 in such a manner that a length of each hose 38 is wound off drum and fed outwardly through indexer 16 and umbilical members 140 , 141 in the direction of arrow “B 1 ”.
- FIG. 14 illustrates drum 22 being rotated in the direct “A 1 ” and some issue, such as a pressure spike occurring in the hose 38 , this pressure spike causes hose 38 to kink and move within support block 130 in the direction indicated by arrow “D” and thereby drawing hose 38 back toward drum 22 in the direction indicated by arrow “B 2 ”.
- the movement of hose 38 in the direction of arrow “D” causes the door 132 to pivot upwardly in the direction of arrow “E”.
- First and second limit switches 124 and 128 control the rotation of drum 22 and the winding of the hose 38 onto or off of drum 22 .
- First limit switch 124 controls the winding of hose 38 onto drum 22 .
- indexer 16 moves in the direction indicated by arrow “G” in FIG. 1 .
- wheel 154 of first limit switch rides along guide rod 60 slightly in advance of the rest of indexer 16 .
- wheel 154 rides up the exterior surface of collar 64 .
- first limit switch 124 stops further rotation of drum 22 .
- indexer 16 When drum 22 is rotated in the opposite direction, i.e. to wind hose 38 off drum 22 , indexer 16 is caused to move in the opposite direction to arrow “G” ( FIG. 1 ). As indexer 16 moves in this direction, wheel 168 of second limit switch 128 rides along guide rod 62 a small distance ahead of indexer. When wheel 168 reaches collar 66 wheel 168 rides vertically up the surface of collar 66 , thereby causing arm 166 to rotate about pivot 164 in the direction of arrow “I” ( FIG. 11 ). When arm 166 reaches a preset position, second limit switch shuts off motor 34 and stops rotation of drum 22 and thereby unwinding of hose 38 .
- Indexer includes a guide block 218 that is substantially identical to guide block 218 ; a mounting block 220 that is substantially identical to mounting block 120 ; a clamping block 238 that is substantially identical to clamping block 138 and umbilical members 240 and 241 which are substantially identical to umbilical members 140 and 141 .
- the components which are omitted from this second embodiment indexer 216 are the support block and the three limit switches.
- Mounting block 220 is engaged with guide block 218 in the same manner as mounting block 120 is engaged with guide block 118 .
- Clamping block 238 is disengaged from mounting block 220 by disengaging fasteners 272 .
- Umbilical members 240 and 241 are inserted between clamping block 238 and mounting block 220 and fasteners 272 are tightened to lock ends of umbilical members 240 and 241 in recessed regions of the clamping block 238 (where the recessed regions are substantially identical to regions 138 e, 138 f of clamping block 138 ).
- mounting block 220 may be provided with similar recessed regions to accommodate portions of umbilical members 240 , 241 therein.
- Hoses 38 are fed through the bores of umbilical members 240 , 241 and through the associated passageways and channels in mounting block 220 and guide block 218 .
- Indexer 216 is free to move in either direction indicated by arrows “K” in FIG. 15 . Motion of indexer 216 in either direction will not be automatically shut off when indexer 216 reaches either of the first and second mounting plates 18 , 20 . Instead, the operator will have to shut off motor 34 to cause drum 22 to stop rotating.
- a method is disclosed of cleaning a tube, such as a heat exchanger tube, utilizing a high pressure water jet issuing from hose reel assembly 10 .
- the method includes the steps of providing the hose reel assembly 10 and swivel assembly 14 .
- the method further includes engaging one or two hoses 38 with the second section of swivel assembly 14 , i.e., hose(s) 38 are engaged with block 96 .
- Hose(s) 38 are passed through bore 22 b of drum 22 and are threaded through hose clamp assembly 116 located proximate second end 24 of drum 22 .
- Hose(s) 38 are then threaded through a section of groove 36 on exterior surface 22 a of drum 22 .
- Hose(s) 38 are then threaded through indexer 16 mounted on at least one guide rod 60 or 62 which extends between the first and second ends 24 , 25 of drum 22 .
- Swivel assembly 14 may be engaged with first end 24 of the drum 22 (when swivel shaft wedge 70 is secured to bearing carrier 28 which in turn may be secured to first end 24 .
- first section of swivel assembly 14 extends outwardly from first end 24 of drum 22 in a first direction; and a second section of swivel assembly 14 extends into bore 22 b of drum 22 .
- a water hose (not shown) is then engaged with the first section of the swivel assembly 14 , namely with connector member 80 thereof.
- a remote water source (not shown) is activated and a quantity of water is sent down the water hose and through a fluid passageway defined in the swivel assembly (namely bores 80 d, 82 f, 92 g, 96 c , and into one or more hose(s) 38 engaged with the second section of swivel assembly 14 .
- Drum 22 is then rotated in a first direction to unwind a length of each of the hoses 38 out of groove 36 and to move the unwound length(s) of hose(s) 38 through the indexer 16 .
- a nozzle (not shown) at the free end of one or both hoses 38 is positioned adjacent the entrance of the heat exchanger tube to be cleaned. A water jet spraying out of this nozzle is used to clean the tube's bore.
Abstract
A hose reel assembly and a method of using the same is disclosed. The hose reel assembly includes a rotatable drum mounted on a frame and having a groove defined in a sidewall thereof. A swivel assembly is engaged with a first end of the drum. The swivel assembly includes a first section that is selectively connected to a remote fluid source and a second section that is connected to one or more hoses that are wound into the groove or out of the groove on the drum. The second section rotates with the drum while the first section remains stationary. An indexer is provided to feed the hoses onto or off of the. Limit switches on the indexer control the movement thereof and shut off the drum's rotation in the event of a pressure build-up in the hoses which extend outwardly from the indexer.
Description
- This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/406,014 filed Feb. 27, 2012 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/524,127, filed Aug. 16, 2011, the entire specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The present invention relates generally to the field of hose reels. More particularly, this invention relates to a hose reel used for cleaning objects such as heat exchanger tubes. Specifically, this invention is directed to a hose reel assembly having a swivel assembly used to connect an incoming water hose to hoses that are wound into a groove on the drum; and an indexer that feeds the hoses into and out of the groove and which automatically shuts off the drum's rotation if too much pressure builds up in the hoses during a cleaning operation.
- 2. Background Information
- Heat exchangers transfer heat or cold from one fluid to another. There are several different types of heat exchanger which are used in different applications but one of the more commonly used types is known as a shell and tube heat exchanger. In this device, there is provided an external shell having an interior chamber within which is disposed a plurality of tubes. The tubes are positioned substantially parallel to each other in a group known in the industry as a tube bundle. Each tube in the tube bundle is surrounded by open space which separates the tube from adjacent tubes. A first fluid is caused to flow through the bores of the tubes and a second fluid is caused to flow through the chamber of the shell in which the tube bundle is located. If the first fluid is hotter than the second fluid then as the second fluid flows through the chamber and through the spaces surrounding the tubes, heat from the first fluid in the tubes is transferred to the second fluid. Shell and tube type heat exchangers are designed to maximize the heat transfer between the first and second fluid.
- One of the issues that these systems experience is that the heated fluid flowing through the tubes tends to deposit impurities from the fluid onto the interior surfaces of the tube wall that defines the bore. The impurities build up over time and narrow the bore, thus restricting the flow of fluid therethrough. The slowing of the fluid flow tends to accelerate the rate of deposition on the tube walls, restricting the flow even further. This build-up of impurities tends to lead to a loss of efficiency in the system. This fouling is especially problematic when long, thin tubes are utilized in the tube bundle.
- It is therefore necessary to periodically clean the tubes to remove the deposits from the interior surfaces of the tube walls. There are several known methods for undertaking this cleaning. Drill-type rods may be inserted into the tube bores to remove the deposits or high-pressure water jets may be used to blast deposits from the interior surfaces. The high velocity water jet is provided by a hose that is rotated at a high speed. The hose is engaged on a hose reel that is able to be moved to a location proximate the site where cleaning is to occur. A first hose is used to connect the hose reel assembly to a remote water source and one or more secondary hoses are fed from the hose reel assembly and inserted into the heat exchanger tubes. The secondary hoses are wound off a drum provided on the hose reel assembly in order to perform the cleaning operation. One such hose reel assembly is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/406,014 to the same inventor and assignee, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. When the cleaning operation is completed, the secondary hoses are wound back onto the drum of the hose reel assembly, the first hose is disengaged from the assembly and the assembly is moved to the next job site.
- One of the issues which may be experienced in previously known hose reel assemblies is that the delivery of this high pressure, high velocity water to cut through deposits in heat exchanger tubes may present a safety issue for the operators of the machinery. The narrowness or even blockage of the tube bores may cause the high pressure water jet to be deflected back toward the operator, potentially injuring him or her. In other instances, the hose itself may experience a pressure build-up that causes it to kink and start moving back towards the hose reel assembly. The operator must immediately stop the rotation of the drum to avoid damage to the machinery and/or injury to himself or herself.
- Another issue that is quite common in previously known hose reel assemblies is that it may be quite difficult to connect a water hose to the secondary hoses on the rotatable drum in a way that does not result in leaks during operation of the hose reel assembly.
- The device and method disclosed herein address these and other issues.
- A hose reel assembly and a method of using the same is disclosed. The hose reel assembly includes a rotatable drum mounted on a frame and having a groove defined in a sidewall thereof. A swivel assembly is engaged with a first end of the drum. The swivel assembly includes a first section that is selectively connected to a remote fluid source and a second section that is connected to one or more hoses that are wound into the groove or out of the groove on the drum. The second section rotates with the drum while the first section remains stationary. An indexer is provided to feed the hoses onto or off of the. Limit switches on the indexer control the movement thereof and shut off the drum's rotation in the event of a pressure build-up in the hoses which extend outwardly from the indexer.
- In one aspect, the invention may provide a hose reel assembly including a drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof; a swivel assembly engaged with the first end of the drum; said swivel assembly having a first section adapted to be connected to a first hose which is connectable to a remote fluid source; and a second section that is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the second section of the swivel assembly rotates in unison with the drum while the first section of the swivel assembly remains stationary.
- In another aspect, the invention may provide a hose reel assembly including a frame; a drum operatively mounted on the frame, said drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof; a groove defined in the exterior surface of the sidewall; wherein the groove is adapted to windably receive a hose therein; a guide rod extending from proximate the first end of the drum to proximate the second end thereof; an indexer engaged on the guide rod and being movable therealong, wherein the indexer is adapted to receive a portion of the hose therethrough; and the indexer moves in a first direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound onto the drum and the indexer moves in a second direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound off the drum.
- In another aspect, the invention may provide a swivel assembly for use in a hose reel assembly having a rotatable drum; said swivel assembly including a first section having a first end and a second end region; where the first end of the first section is adapted to be connected to a first hose which is, in turn connectable to a remote fluid source; and a second section having a first end region and a second end; where the first end region of the second section is engaged with the second end region of the first section; and wherein the second section is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the swivel assembly has a longitudinal axis which extends from the first end of the first section to the second of the second section; and wherein the second section rotates relative to the first section and about the longitudinal axis.
- In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of cleaning a tube utilizing a high pressure water jet including the steps of providing a hose reel assembly having a frame upon which a rotatable drum is mounted; where the drum has a first end and a second end and defines an interior bore which extends between the first and second ends; and wherein a sidewall which extends between the first and second ends defines a groove on an exterior surface thereof. The method further includes providing a swivel assembly which includes a first section and a second section; where the second section is rotatable relative to the first section thereof. The operator will engage a hose with the second section of the swivel assembly, passing the hose through the bore of the drum and threading the hose through a hose clamp assembly located proximate the second end of the drum. The hose is then threaded through a section of the groove on the exterior surface of the drum and through an indexer mounted on at least one guide rod which extends between the first and second ends of the drum. The operator will engage the swivel assembly on the first end of the drum such that the first section of the swivel assembly extends outwardly from the first end of the drum in a first direction; and a second section of the swivel assembly extends into the bore of the drum. The operator will then engage a water hose with a connector provided on the first section of the swivel assembly and will then send a quantity of water down the water hose, through a fluid passageway defined in the swivel assembly and into the hose engaged with the second section thereof. The drum is rotated in a first direction to unwind a length of the hose out of the groove and move the unwound length of hose through the indexer. The tube is then cleaned with a jet of water which sprays outwardly from a nozzle attached to a free end of the unwound length of hose. When the tube is cleaned, the water is shut off to the hose reel assembly and the drum is rotated in a second direction to wind the hose back into the groove on the drum.
- A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a hose reel assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention illustrating a swivel assembly and a first embodiment of an indexer, each of which being engaged with the hose reel assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the hose reel assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hose reel assembly with the indexer exploded outwardly therefrom and having a number of roller tubes cut away therefrom and a pair of guide rods omitted from the figure so that an exterior surface of a sidewall of an interior drum may be better seen; -
FIG. 3A is a cross-section of a hose clamp assembly taken alongline 3A-3A ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 4 is a first perspective view of a first end of the hose reel assembly with the swivel assembly exploded outwardly therefrom; -
FIG. 4A is a front view of a swivel shaft wedge shown alone; -
FIG. 4B is a rear view of the swivel shaft wedge ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the swivel assembly taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlargement of the highlighted region ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-section of the first end of the hose reel assembly showing a pair of hoses engaged with the swivel assembly and extending into an interior bore of the drum; -
FIG. 8 is perspective view of the indexer shown alone; -
FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the indexer ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a right side view of the indexer; -
FIG. 11 is an end view of the indexer taken along line 11-11 ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer taken along line 12-12 ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer with a hose shown extending therethrough; -
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer showing the hoses illustrated in a kinked position where the hose deactivates the indexer; and -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the hose reel assembly showing a second embodiment of an indexer engaged therewith. - Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-14 there is shown a hose reel assembly generally indicated at 10.Hose reel assembly 10 includes ahose reel 12 having aswivel assembly 14 in accordance with one aspect of the invention mounted at a first end of thehose reel 12. Anindexer 16 in accordance with another aspect of the invention is engaged with a side region ofhose reel 12 and extends laterally outwardly therefrom and generally at right angles to a longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 5 ) ofhose reel assembly 10.Hose reel 12,swivel assembly 14 andindexer 16 will be described in greater detail hereafter. -
Hose reel 12 includes a first mountingplate 18 and a second mountingplate 20 which are parallel to each other and spaced longitudinally a distance apart. Each of the first and second mountingplates plate 18 defines a generallycentral aperture 18 a (FIG. 7 ) therein and second mountingplate 20 defines a generally central aperture therein (not shown).Central aperture 18 a is aligned with the central aperture in second mountingplate 20. - A
drum 22 extends between first and second mountingplates drum 22.FIG. 7 shows afirst end plate 24 secured to a first end ofdrum 22 byfasteners 26 and a second end plate 25 (FIG. 3A ) is similarly secured to a second end ofdrum 22.First end plate 24 is positioned adjacent first mountingplate 18 andsecond end plate 25 is positioned adjacent second mountingplate 20.First end plate 24 defines anaperture 24 a therein. At least a portion ofaperture 24 a is generally aligned withcentral aperture 18 a. A bearingcarrier 28 is secured tofirst end plate 24. As shown inFIG. 7 , bearingcarrier 28 includes a bore which extends from afirst end wall 28 f to asecond end wall 28 g thereof. The bore includes afirst region 28 a which is of a substantially constant diameter and asecond region 28 b which is tapered from a wider diameter located proximatefirst end wall 28 f down to a narrower diameter that is located proximatefirst region 28 a. Thefirst region 28 a of constant diameter is generally aligned withaperture 24 a offirst end plate 24 andaperture 18 a in first mountingplate 18.Bearing carrier 28 is secured tofirst end plate 24 ofdrum 22 by positioningsecond end wall 28 g thereof at least partially in abutting contact with the exterior surface offirst end plate 24 and insertingfasteners 30 through apertures (not numbered) in anannular portion 28 c of bearingcarrier 28. Theannular portion 28 c is located between an interior surface of first mountingplate 18 andfirst end plate 24. Because bearingcarrier 28 is secured tofirst end plate 24, whendrum 22 is caused to rotate about longitudinal axis “Y”,first end plate 24 and therefore bearingcarrier 28 will rotate in unison withdrum 22.Swivel assembly 14 is engaged withbearing carrier 28 as will be later described herein. - Although not illustrated herein, it should be understood that a cover may be selectively placed over at least the
drum 22 during periods of non-use. Furthermore, it will be understood that a gear assembly and a drive shaft 31 a or 31 b (FIG. 2 ) are operatively engaged withdrum 22. Drive shaft 31 a or 31 b is selectively operatively engaged with agear box 33 depending on the speed that is desired for rotatingdrum 22. The gear assembly is mounted interiorly of second mountingplate 20 and is secured to second mountingplate 20 via mounting bracket 32 (FIG. 2 ). The drive shaft 31 a or 31 b is driven bymotor 34 to selectively rotatedrum 22 about longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 7 ) in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction. -
Drum 22 has a sidewall with anexterior surface 22 a (FIG. 7 ) which extends between theend plates groove 36 is defined inexterior surface 22 a andgroove 36 extends fromfirst end plate 24 to second end plate 25 (FIG. 3A ).Groove 36 may be a substantially continuous groove that is helical in nature.Groove 36 is provided to receive a windably receive one or twohoses 38 therein as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 . The sidewall ofdrum 22 further includes an interior surface (not numbered) which defines abore 22 b (FIGS. 3A and 7 ) therein.Bore 22 b extends fromfirst end plate 24 tosecond end plate 25. -
Hose reel 12 further includes a plurality ofroller tubes 40 which extend between first mountingplate 18 and second mountingplate 20 and are arranged in a generally circular pattern when viewed from either end ofdrum 22.Roller tubes 40 are spaced at intervals from each other about a circumference of this circular pattern.Roller tubes 40 are positioned radially outwardly and adjacentexterior surface 22 a ofdrum 22 as is illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 7 . Eachroller tubes 40 is oriented generally parallel to longitudinal axis “Y” and includes atube 42 which defines abore 42 a therethrough (FIG. 3A ). Arod 44 extends throughbore 42 a oftube 42 and extends outwardly for a distance beyond each end of tube 42 (FIG. 7 ). The portions ofrod 44 which extend outwardly beyond the ends oftube 42 are threaded with threads 46 (FIG. 7 ). A first threadedportion 46 of eachrod 44 extends through one of a plurality ofapertures 18 b defined in first mountingplate 18. A second threaded portion of eachrod 44 extends through one of a plurality ofapertures 20 a (FIG. 3A ) in second mountingplate 20. The threadedportions 46 are secured to the respective mountingplates FIG. 7 ).Bushings 50 are provided between the ends oftube 42 androd 44 and thesebushings 50permit tube 42 to rotate about an axis which extends alongrod 44 in either of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. - A pair of
legs 52 is provided onhose reel 12. Eachleg 52 is mounted to one of the first and second mountingplates Legs 52 may be comprised of sections which telescope so thatlegs 52 are selectively adjustable in length as indicated by arrows “J” inFIG. 1 . As further illustrated inFIG. 1 , at least one of thelegs 52 may include a pair ofwheels 54 mounted thereon.Wheels 54 may be used to movehose reel 12 over a surface upon whichassembly 10 rests. One or bothlegs 52 also includes ground-engagingfeet 56 which support hose reel assembly 10 a distance above the surface upon whichassembly 10 rests.Feet 56 may be vertically adjustable so that they may be used tolevel hose reel 12 if necessary.Handles 58 may also be provided on the exterior surfaces of first and second mountingplates Handles 58 may be used to lift and maneuverhose reel 12 as needed. - In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a pair of
holes 18 c (FIG. 3 ) is defined in first mountingplate 18 and a pair of holes 20 b (FIG. 3A ) is defined in second mountingplate 20.Holes 18 c are spaced a distance from each other and holes 20 b are similarly spaced a distance from each other.Holes 18 c are aligned with holes 20 b.Holes 18 c and 20 b are spaced a distance radially outwardly ofroller tubes 40 and may be positioned inwardly from an upper corner region of each of the first andsecond end plates - A
first guide rod 60 and asecond guide rod 62 extend between an interior surface of first mountingplate 18 and an interior surface of second mountingplate 20.Fasteners 63 extend throughholes 18 c in first mountingplate 18 andadditional fasteners 63 extend through holes 20 b in second mountingplate 20.Fasteners 63 are threadably engaged with a threaded interior surface defined in each end of first andsecond guide rods second guide rods adjacent roller tubes 40.Guide rods hose reel 12 where one or two roller tubes are omitted so as to make space forguide rods Guide rods roller tubes 40. As will be later described herein,indexer 16 is engaged with first andsecond guide rods hose reel assembly 10. -
FIG. 2 shows that atapered collar 64 is provided proximate a first end offirst guide rod 60.Collar 64 is positioned adjacent the interior surface of first mountingplate 18 and tapers in diameter in a direction moving away from first mountingplate 18.FIG. 1 shows that acollar 66 is provided proximate a second end ofsecond guide rod 62.Collar 66 may be generally cylindrical in shape. It will be understood that thecollar collars guide rods away indexer 16 inFIG. 3 . The purpose of thecollars - Referring to
FIGS. 4-7 , there is shown aswivel assembly 14 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.Swivel assembly 14 is removably secured to a first end ofdrum 22 and allows an operator to connect a fluid source to theassembly 10 without having to reach into the interior ofdrum 22 or lifting a cover (not shown) offassembly 10.Swivel assembly 14 also allows a water hose to be connected to one end ofswivel assembly 14 and enables another hose to be secured to a second end of theswivel assembly 14. Thesecond hose 14 is wound onto or off an exterior sidewall ofdrum 22 and the second hose rotates in unison withdrum 22.Swivel assembly 14 allows the water hose to remain stationary whiledrum 22 and the second hose are being rotated. -
Swivel assembly 14 is engaged with first mountingplate 18 by way of a mountingassembly 68. Mountingassembly 68 includes a swivel shaft wedge 70 (FIGS. 4A , 4B and 7), a bearingretainer 72, and abearing 74. Fasteners 76 (FIG. 7 )secure bearing retainer 72 to first mountingplate 18.Fasteners 78 secureswivel shaft wedge 72 to bearingcarrier 28.Bearing 74 is positioned between bearingretainer 72,swivel shaft wedge 70 and bearingcarrier 28.Bearing 74 enables bearingcarrier 28 to rotate relative to mountingassembly 68 asdrum 22 rotates. - Referring to
FIG. 5 and moving generally from the left side of the figure to the right side thereof,swivel assembly 14 includes aconnector member 80, atop hat 82, aswivel body 84, aring 86, a taperedseal 88, abase member 90, acenter piece 92, aswivel collar 94, theswivel shaft wedge 70, and a mountingblock 96. One or twohoses 38 are engaged with mountingblock 96. Each of these components will be described in greater detail below. -
Connector member 80 includes a first threadedregion 80 a, acentral region 80 b and a second threadedregion 80 c. First and second threadedregions central region 80 b in opposite directions to each other. As best seen inFIG. 4 ,central region 80 b has the configuration of a hex-nut that may be engaged by a wrench. Each of the first and second threadedregions FIG. 5 ) include threads on their exterior surfaces.Connector member 80 further defines abore 80 d which extends from one end of first threadedregion 80 a to an end of second threadedregion 80 c. First threadedregion 80 a is selectively engageable with a water hose (not shown). Second threadedregion 80 c is selective engageable withtop hat 82.Bore 80 d allows water flowing from a water hose connected tofirst region 80 a to flow throughconnector member 80 and towardstop hat 82. -
Top hat 82 includes afirst region 82 a and asecond region 82 b.First region 82 a is of a greater diameter thansecond region 82 b. The exterior surface offirst region 82 a may include at least oneplanar region 82 a′ as shown inFIG. 4 . Thisplanar region 82 a′ provides an area where a wrench may more easily be engaged withtop hat 82.First region 82 a defines an internally threadedfirst recess 82 c (FIG. 5 ) which is complementary to second threadedregion 80 c ofconnector member 80. Second threadedregion 80 c ofconnector member 80 is inserted intorecess 82 c and is threadably engaged therewith. A portion of the exterior surface ofsecond region 82 b is provided withthreads 82 d (FIG. 6 ).Second region 82 b is threadably engaged withswivel body 84. The exterior surface ofsecond region 82 b defines a groove (not numbered) therein. This groove is located a distance inwardly beyond thethreads 82 d and an O-ring 100 (FIG. 6 ) is seated in this groove.Second region 82 b oftop hat 82 defines asecond recess 82 e therein.Second recess 82 e is longitudinally aligned withfirst recess 82 c.Second region 82 b also defines abore 82 f therein which extends from betweenfirst recess 82 c andsecond recess 82 e. Whentop hat 82 andconnector member 80 are engaged with each other, bore 80 d ofconnector member 80 is longitudinally aligned with bore 80 f oftop hat 82 and is in fluid communication therewith. Thus, water flowing throughbore 80 d will flow into a taperedregion 82 g definingfirst recess 82 c and then throughbore 82 f. -
Swivel body 84 includes afirst region 84 a and asecond region 84 b where thesecond region 84 b is of a greater diameter thanfirst region 84 a.First region 84 a may include at least oneplanar face 84 a′ (FIG. 4 ) which enables a user to more easily gripswivel body 84 with a wrench.Second region 84 b defines ashoulder 84 c (FIG. 6 ) therein a distance away fromfirst region 84 b.Swivel body 84 defines afirst recess 84 d, asecond recess 84 e, athird recess 84 f, and afourth recess 84 g therein which are all in communication with each other.First recess 84 d is defined infirst region 84 a and a plurality ofthreads 84 h are defined in an interior wall which definesfirst recess 84 d.Threads 84 h are provided for threadable engagement withthreads 82 d (FIG. 6 ) ontop hat 82. Second, third andfourth recesses second region 84 b ofswivel body 84.Second recess 84 e is of a smaller diameter thanfirst recess 84 d,third recess 84 f is of a smaller diameter thansecond recess 84 e, andfourth recess 84 g is of a greater diameter thanfirst recess 84 d. Anannular seal 102 is seated inthird recess 84 f and abearing 104 is seated infourth recess 84 g. Aprojection 84 i is formed betweensecond recess 84 e andfourth recess 84 g.Third recess 84 f is defined in thisprojection 84 i. - Referring to
FIG. 6 ,ring 86 comprises afirst region 86 a and asecond region 86 b.First region 86 a is of a greater diameter thansecond region 86 b.Threads 86 c are provided on an exterior surface offirst region 86 a and are utilized for selective engagement ofring 86 withswivel collar 94.Ring 86 defines abore 86 d therein and through whichfirst region 82 a oftop hat 82 extends. - Referring still to
FIG. 6 , taperedseal 88 is sized to fit insecond recess 82 e oftop hat 82. The exterior surface of taperedseal 88 includes a groove (not numbered) into which an O-ring 106 is seated.Tapered seal 88 includes a firstflat end 88 a which abuts an interior wall oftop hat 82 which defines one end ofsecond recess 82 e.Seal 88 further includes atapered end 88 b spaced from the firstflat end 88 a.Seal 88 defines abore 88 c therethrough which is positioned to be substantially continuous withbore 82 f oftop hat 82. -
Base member 90 includes afirst region 90 a and asecond region 90 b, wherefirst region 90 a is of a smaller diameter thansecond region 90 b.First region 90 a is shaped and sized to be received withinsecond recess 82 e oftop hat 82.Second region 90 b ofbase member 90 is of a greater diameter than thefirst region 90 a thereof.Second region 90 b is positionable withinsecond recess 84 e oftop hat 82.Base member 90 defines a flaredfirst recess 90 c that is complementary to thetapered end 88 b ofseal 88 and abuts the same whenbase member 90 is engaged withtop hat 82.Base member 90 further defines abore 90 d and asecond recess 90 e therein that are in fluid communication withfirst recess 90 c. Whenbase member 90 is engaged betweentop hat 82 and swivelbody 84 a channel is formed throughseal 88,base member 90 and seal 102 that is in fluid communication withbore 82 f oftop hat 82. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 ,center piece 92 includes afirst region 92 a, asecond region 92 b, athird region 92 c, afourth region 92 d, and afirth region 92 e.First region 92 a is of a first diameter that is complementary to the bore 88 e ofseal 88, bore 90 d ofbase member 90 and ahole 102 a inseal 102.First region 92 a is received through these alignedhole 102 a, and bores 90 d, 88 e and is inserted inwardly until a tip offirst region 92 a is adjacent theplanar end 88 a ofseal 88. Ashoulder 92 f (FIG. 6 ) is formed betweenfirst region 92 a andsecond region 92 b. Whenfirst region 92 a is inserted into the aligned bores 88 e, 90 d and hole 102 a,shoulder 92 f ofcenter piece 92 abuts an outer surface ofprojection 84 i ofswivel body 84. Thus, a sealing engagement ofcenter piece 92,base member 90,swivel body 84 andtop hat 82 is accomplished by thevarious seals ring 106. Center piece also defines a bore 92 g therethrough which is in fluid communication withbore 82 f oftop hat 82. It should be noted that bore 92 g in thefirst region 92 a and a portion ofsecond region 92 b ofcenter piece 92 is of a reduced diameter relative to bore 82 f, thus increasing the pressure of any water flowing through that region ofswivel assembly 14. Ashoulder 92 h is defined between second andthird regions center piece 92.Shoulder 92 h engages bearing 104, locking the same withinfourth recess 84 g ofswivel body 84. Ashoulder 92 i (FIG. 5 ) is defined betweenthird region 92 c andfourth region 92 d ofcenter piece 92.Second region 92 b andfourth region 92 d may be of generally the same diameter and that diameter is greater than that offirst region 92 a.Third region 92 c may be of a greater diameter than second andfourth regions Fifth region 92 e may be of a smaller diameter than second andfourth regions first region 92 a.Threads 92 j are provided on the exterior surface offifth region 92 e and thesethreads 92 j are provided for engagement with a threaded region ofbox 96. -
Swivel collar 94 may be of a generally a uniform exterior diameter except for one or moreannular grooves 94 a defined in the exterior surface thereof.Grooves 94 a provide regions which help a usergrip swivel collar 94.Swivel collar 94 defines a bore therein which extends from one end ofcollar 94 to the other. The bore includes a first recessedregion 94 b, a second recessedregion 94 c, a third recessedregion 94 d, a fourth recessedregion 94 e, and a fifth recessedregion 94 f. First recessedregion 94 b is of a greater diameter than second recessedregion 94 c which in turn is of a greater diameter than third recessedregion 94 d, which in turn is of a greater diameter than fourth recessedregion 94 e, which is in turn of a greater diameter than fifth recessedregion 94 f. The portion ofswivel collar 94 which defines first recessedregion 94 b is internally threaded and the threads provided therein are threadably engageable with theexterior threads 86 c ofring 86. Anannular shoulder 94 g (FIG. 6 ) is defined between second recessedregion 94 c and third recessedregion 94 d.Shoulder 94 g engagesshoulder 84 c ofswivel body 84 whenswivel assembly 14 is assembled. Abearing 108 is seated within fourth recessedregion 94 e and aseal 110 is seated within fifth recessedregion 94 f. Bearing 108 is captured betweenshoulder 92 i (FIG. 5 ) ofcenter piece 92 and aninterior surface 94 h ofswivel collar 94. Both bearing 108 and seal 110 contact the exterior surface offourth region 92 d ofcenter piece 92. - Referring still to
FIG. 5 , swivelshaft wedge 70 includes afirst region 70 a and a taperedsecond region 70 b; where thefirst region 70 a is of a greater diameter thansecond region 70 b. Afirst recess 70 c is defined infirst region 70 a and an end ofswivel collar 94 is received withfirst recess 70 c. An annular projection 941 on the second end ofswivel collar 94 contacts aninterior surface 70 d ofswivel shaft wedge 70. Agap 71 is thus created between anend wall 94 j andinterior surface 70 d. Asecond recess 70 e is defined insecond region 70 b ofswivel shaft wedge 70 and thissecond recess 70 e is sized so that a portion offourth region 92 d ofcenter piece 92 d passes therethrough. Whenswivel shaft wedge 70 is engaged withbearing carrier 28, as will be later described herein,second recess 70 e becomes narrowed in diameter and the wall which definessecond recess 70 e that engages and claims aroundfourth region 92 d ofcenter piece 92. This engagement causesswivel shaft wedge 70 andcenter piece 92 to move in unison.Swivel shaft wedge 70 also defines a plurality of throughholes FIGS. 4A and 4B ) therein for selectively receivingfasteners 78 therethrough, as will be later described herein. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , swivelshaft wedge 70 also defines a radialfirst slot 70 h and a radialsecond slot 70 i. First andsecond slots second regions swivel shaft wedge 70. First andsecond slots swivel shaft wedge 70.First slot 70 h terminates insecond recess 70 e whilesecond slot 70 i terminates a distance outwardly away fromsecond recess 70 e.Second region 70 b ofswivel shaft wedge 70 is inserted into the taperedsecond region 28 b of bearingcarrier 28. Taperedsecond region 28 b is of slightly smaller relative diameters to the taperedsecond region 70 b ofswivel shaft carrier 70. Consequently, whensecond region 70 b ofswivel shaft wedge 70 is inserted intosecond region 28 b of bearingcarrier 28 andfasteners 78 are screwed in a direction so as to secureswivel shaft wedge 70 to bearingcarrier 28, the taperedsecond region 70 becomes progressively compressed and first andsecond slots swivel shaft wedge 70 in place. Since bearingcollar 28 rotates in unison withdrum 22 and becauseswivel shaft wedge 70 is secured to bearingcollar 28 byfasteners 78, rotation ofdrum 22 will also causeswivel shaft wedge 70 to rotate in unison withdrum 22. - If it is desired to remove
swivel shaft wedge 70 from its engagement with bearingcollar 28,fasteners 78 are unscrewed fromholes 70 f and are instead inserted throughholes 70 g inswivel shaft wedge 70.Holes 70 g are not aligned with any holes in bearingcollar 28 and thus screwingfasteners 78 throughholes 70 g will bring thetips 78 a (FIG. 7 ) offasteners 78 into contact withfirst end wall 28 f of bearingcollar 28. Continued rotation offasteners 78 will thus causeswivel shaft wedge 70 to be pushed outwardly away fromfirst end wall 28 f of bearingcollar 28, thereby separatingswivel shaft wedge 70 from bearingcollar 28. -
Block 96 defines a threadedfirst recess 96 a in a first end thereof. Threadedfifth region 92 e ofcenter piece 92 is received in this internally threadedfirst recess 96 a, thus engagingcenter piece 92 and block 96 together in such a way that they will move as a unit.Block 96 also defines abore 96 b that is continuous withfirst recess 96 a and one ormore passageways 96 c which are continuous withbore 96 b. Eachpassageway 96 c terminates in an internally threadedrecess 96 d. Thus, a sealed fluid passage is defined throughswivel assembly 14, said fluid passage comprising bore 80 d ofconnector member 80, bore 82 f oftop hat 82, bore 92 g ofcenter piece 92, bore 96 b and the one ormore passageways 96 c ofblock 96. A first end of one or twohoses 38 is secured, bysuitable hose fittings 114 to block 96. Eachhose 38 defines abore 38 a therein that is thus brought into fluid communication with thesecond recess 96 d and fluid passage throughswivel assembly 14. When water is introduced intobore 80 d ofconnector member 80 by way of a water hose (not shown) engaged therewith, water will flow throughhoses 38. - As illustrated in
FIG. 7 , whenswivel assembly 14 is engaged with first mountingplate 18center piece 92 extends along longitudinal axis “Y” throughaperture 28 a defined by bearingcarrier 28 and intobore 22 b ofdrum 22.Block 96 is located withbore 22 b andhoses 38 extend through bore to a hose clamp assembly 116 (FIG. 3 ) located proximate thesecond end plate 25. -
Hose clamp assembly 116 is shown in greater detail inFIGS. 3 and 3A .Hose clamp assembly 116 includes a housing which is seated within anotch 25 a (FIG. 3A ) of second mountingplate 24 and anotch 22 c of thedrum 22. A first portion 116 a ofhose clamp assembly 116 is located proximate theexterior surface 22 a ofdrum 22 and asecond portion 116 b ofhose clamp assembly 116 is located withinbore 22 b ofdrum 22.Hose clamp assembly 116 is located in such a manner that asdrum 22 rotates,hose clamp assembly 116 will rotate in unison therewith. -
Hose clamp assembly 116 defines one or twopassageways 116 c therein and through which one or bothhoses 38 are threaded.Hoses 38 extend fromblock 96, throughbore 22 b ofdrum 22 throughpassageways 116 c ofhose clamp assembly 116 and to the outside ofdrum 22.Passageways 116 c onhose clamp assembly 116 are aligned with one or two regions ofgroove 36 so that, ashoses 38exit passageways 116 c, they are automatically seated within the regions ofgroove 36. Whendrum 22 rotates in a first direction thehoses 38 are wound into thegroove 36 and whendrum 22 rotates in asecond direction hoses 38 are wound out ofgroove 36. -
Connector member 80,top hat 82,swivel body 84,ring 86,seal 88,base member 90, and swivelcollar 94 are all engaged with each other and form a substantially single component, i.e., a first section ofswivel assembly 14.Center piece 92 is engaged withblock 96 and passes throughsecond recess 70 e ofswivel shaft wedge 70 and throughswivel collar 94,base member 90 and throughseal 88.Center piece 92 and block 96 form a substantially single component, i.e. a second section ofswivel assembly 14. In operation, the second section ofswivel assembly 14 rotates about a longitudinal axis of swivel assembly and relative to the first section thereof. - When
swivel shaft wedge 70 rotates withdrum 22, the second section of theswivel assembly 14, i.e.,center piece 92 and block 36 along with the first ends ofhoses 38 will be caused to rotate in unison withdrum 22.Bearings center piece 92 to rotate while the first section ofswivel assembly 14, i.e.,connector member 80,top hat 82,swivel body 84,ring 86,seal 88,base member 90 andswivel collar 94, remain substantially stationary. Rotation offirst region 92 a ofcenter piece 92 withinseal 88 may causeseal 88 to become damaged over time. It is relatively easy to replaceseal 88 by disengagingconnector member 80 andtop hat 82 fromswivel body 84, removing the damaged seal, placing a new seal in position, and then reengaging the top had 82 andconnector member 80. - In accordance with an aspect of the invention,
hoses 38 exitinghose clamp assembly 116 are fed through anindexer 16 that is able to move longitudinally back and forth alongguide rods Indexer 16 extends laterally outwardly fromguide rods Hoses 38 extend outwardly fromhose clamp assembly 116, pass through at least a section ofgroove 36 and are then engaged withindexer 16. -
Indexer 16 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 8-12. Referring firstly toFIG. 9 , indexer comprises aguide block 118, a mountingbracket 120, afirst plate 122, afirst limit switch 124, asecond plate 126, asecond limit switch 128, asupport block 130 having adoor 132, athird plate 134, athird limit switch 136, aclamping block 138, and one or moreumbilical members 140. Each of these components will be described in greater detail below. - Referring to
FIG. 10 ,guide block 118 includes afirst surface 118 a, asecond surface 118 b, afirst end 118 c, asecond end 118 d, afirst side 118 e (FIG. 11 ), and asecond side 118 f. A pair offingers guide block 118 and beyondsecond surface 118 b. Eachfinger groove 36 in drum 22 (FIG. 13 ).Guide block 118 also defines throughholes FIG. 12 ).Holes first side 118 e tosecond side 118 f.Hole 118 i is spaced both vertically and horizontally fromhole 118 j (with the vertical and horizontal directions being taken in reference to the orientation ofguide block 118 shown inFIG. 12 ).First guide rod 60 extends throughhole 118 i andsecond guide rod 62 extends throughhole 118 j whenguide block 118 is engaged withhose reel 12.Guide block 118 also defines achannel 118 k (FIGS. 11 and 12 ) which extends fromfirst surface 118 a tosecond surface 118 b. The purpose ofchannel 118 k will be described later herein. - Mounting
block 120 may be generally L-shaped when viewed from the side as inFIG. 10 . Mountingblock 120 includes afirst surface 120 a, asecond surface 120 b, afirst end 120 c, asecond end 120 d, afirst side 120 e (FIG. 9 ) and asecond side 120 f. An L-shaped cut-out 120 g is defined infirst surface 120 a andfirst end 120 c.Second surface 120 b is placed in abutting contact withfirst surface 118 a ofguide block 118 and fasteners 142 (FIG. 12 ) are used to secure mountingblock 120 to guideblock 118. As best seen inFIG. 12 , at least one and preferably twopassageways 120 h are defined in mountingblock 120, saidpassageways 120 h extending fromfirst surface 120 a through tosecond surface 120 b.Passageways 120 h are provided in a location such that they will align with at least a portion ofchannel 118 k inguide block 118 when mountingblock 120 and guide block 118 are secured together byfasteners 142. - A
first plate 122 is provided to adjustably securefirst limit switch 124 to mountingblock 120.First plate 122 may be a generally planar rectangular member which has afirst surface 122 a and asecond surface 122 b (FIG. 10 ). A pair ofslots 122 c is defined infirst plate 122. Each slot extends between the first andsecond surfaces First plate 122 is positioned so thatsecond surface 122 b thereof is adjacentfirst end 120 c of mountingblock 120 and a portion offirst end 118 c ofguide block 118. Afastener 144 extends through eachslot 122 b and intofirst end 120 c of mounting block. -
First limit switch 124 includes a block member which is mounted onfirst plate 122 byfasteners 146. As shown inFIG. 12 , the block member has afirst surface 124 a, asecond surface 124 b, afirst end 124 c and asecond end 124 d.Fasteners 146 extend through holes (not numbered) fromfirst end 124 c throughsecond end 124 d and intofirst plate 122. Apivot bushing 148 is provided onsecond surface 124 b and afirst pivot 150 extends outwardly frompivot bushing 148 and secures anarm 152 thereto.First pivot 150 is oriented generally parallel tofirst end 124 c andfirst pivot 150 extends outwardly fromsecond surface 124 b generally at right angles thereto. Awheel 154 is mounted to an opposite end ofarm 152 by asecond pivot 156.Arm 152 angles downwardly away fromfirst end 124 c and rides alongguide rod 60 as shown inFIG. 1 . The operation offirst limit switch 124 will be described in greater detail later herein. -
Second limit switch 128 is secured tosecond plate 126 byfasteners 158.Other fasteners 160 securesecond limit switch 128 andsecond plate 126 to mountingblock 120. In particular,second plate 126 is positioned between second limit switch andsecond surface 120 d of mountingblock 120.Second limit switch 128 has afirst surface 128 a and asecond surface 128 b which are generally parallel to first andsecond surfaces first limit switch 124.Second limit switch 128 also includes afirst end 128 c and asecond end 128 d which are generally parallel tofirst end 124 c andsecond end 124 d offirst limit switch 124. Apivot bushing 162 is provided onsecond surface 128 b and afirst pivot 164 extends outwardly frompivot bushing 162 and secures anarm 166 thereto.First pivot 164 is oriented generally parallel tofirst end 128 c andfirst pivot 164 extends outwardly fromsecond surface 128 b generally at right angles thereto. Awheel 168 is mounted to an opposite end ofarm 166 by asecond pivot 170.Arm 166 angles upwardly away fromsecond end 128 d and rides alongguide rod 62 as shown inFIG. 2 . The operation ofsecond limit switch 128 will be described in greater detail later herein. -
Indexer 16 also includes support block 130 which is shown most fully inFIG. 9 .Support block 130 includes afirst surface 130 a, asecond surface 130 b, afirst end 130 c, asecond end 130 d, afirst side 130 e and asecond side 130 f.Support block 130 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above (with the direction referred to as it relates to the view shown inFIG. 9 ).First surface 130 a includes an L-shaped cut-out when viewed from the side with the cut-out being identified by thereference character 130 g.Second surface 130 b includes a cut-out 130 h (FIG. 8 ) which is complementary to the cut-out of mountingblock 120. Cut-out 130 h is seated within cut-out 120 g of mountingblock 12 andsupport block 130 is secured to mountingblock 120 byfasteners 172. -
Support block 130 defines a pair ofchannels Channels first surface 130 a through to cut-out 130 h adjacentsecond surface 130 b.Channels divider 178 and will at least partially align with the one ormore passageways 120 h in mountingblock 120 and thereby with at least a portion ofchannel 118 k inguide block 118.Channels channel channel end region 174 a is defined in cut-out 130 g as is achannel end region 176 a. Each of thechannel end regions channel channels hole 174 b is defined insupport block 130 at the end ofchannel 174 that is oppositechannel end region 174 a. Similarly, ahole 176 b is defined insupport block 130 at the end ofchannel 176 that is oppositechannel end region 176 a. -
Support block 130 defines a pair of threaded apertures 180 (FIG. 9 ) in the cut-out 130 g.Apertures 180 are provided to receivefasteners 182 therein in order to secure clampingblock 138 to supportblock 130.Holes 184 are defined in a region of each of the first andsecond sides Holes 184 are aligned with each other and are provided to receive apivot rod 186 therethrough in order to securedoor 132 to supportblock 130. -
Door 132 is a generally planar, rectangular member that is secured to supportblock 130 to close off access to the portions ofchannels Pivot rod 186 is passed through ahole 184 adjacent afirst side 130 e ofsupport block 130, then through a through-hole 132 a defined adjacent one side ofdoor 132 and then through theother hole 184 which is located adjacentsecond side 130 f ofsupport block 130.Pivot rod 186 enablesdoor 132 to be moved between an open position and a closed position as will be described further herein. -
Third plate 134 is provided to securethird limit switch 136 to supportblock 130.Third plate 134 is an L-shaped component having afirst region 134 a and asecond region 134 b. A plurality ofslots 134 c is defined infirst region 134 a.Slots 134 c are provided to receivefasteners 188 which extend throughholes 137 ofthird limit switch 136.Fasteners 188 may be loosened and slid alongslots 134 c to adjust the position ofthird limit switch 136.Fasteners 188 are tightened to lockthird limit switch 136 in position onthird plate 134. Additional fasteners 135 (FIG. 11 ) are used to securesecond region 134 b to supportblock 130 and possibly to mountingblock 120. -
Third limit switch 136 is substantially similar to first andsecond limit switches Third limit switch 136 has afirst surface 136 a and asecond surface 136 b which are generally at right angles to first andsecond surfaces first limit switch 124.Third limit switch 136 also includes afirst end 136 c and asecond end 136 d which are generally parallel tofirst end 124 c andsecond end 124 d offirst limit switch 124. Apivot bushing 190 is provided onsecond surface 136 b and afirst pivot 192 extends outwardly frompivot bushing 190 and secures anarm 194 thereto.First pivot 192 is oriented generally parallel tofirst end 136 c andfirst pivot 192 extends outwardly fromsecond surface 136 b generally at right angles thereto. Awheel 196 is mounted to an opposite end ofarm 194 by asecond pivot 198.Arm 194 angles downwardly away fromfirst end 136 c andwheel 196 thereon abuts anouter surface 132 b ofdoor 132 as illustrated inFIG. 8 . In particular, wheel 198contacts door 132 a distance inwardly away frompivot rod 186. The operation ofthird limit switch 136 will be described in greater detail later herein. - Clamping
block 138 is selectively engageable to cut-out 130 g ofsupport block 130. Clampingblock 138 has afirst surface 138 a, asecond surface 138 b, afirst end 138 c and asecond end 138 d. Recessedregions second surface 138 b. Recessedregions first end 138 c tosecond end 138 d. Recessedregions channel end regions support block 130 when clampingblock 138 is engaged withsupport block 130. Through-holes 200 are defined in clamping block. Each through-hole 200 extends fromfirst surface 138 a through tosecond surface 138 b and is positioned to align with one of theapertures 180 insupport block 130.Fasteners 182 extend throughholes 200 and intoapertures 180 to secure clampingblock 138 to supportblock 130. - A pair of
umbilical members channel end regions umbilical member bore FIG. 9 ). As illustrated inFIG. 12 , bore 141 a is substantially continuous withchannel 176,passageway 120 h andchannel 118 k. Bore 140 a is substantially continuous withchannel 174,passageway 120 h andchannel 118 k. Ahose 38 is threaded through thebore umbilical members channel passageway 120 h and associatedchannel 118 k and then intogroove 36 in the exterior ofdrum 22. This is illustrated inFIG. 12 . -
Drum 22 is able to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as indicated by arrows “A” inFIG. 1 .Hoses 38 may move throughumbilical members FIG. 1 . Depending on the direction of rotation ofdrum 22,hoses 38 may be drawn inwardly towarddrum 22 and wound intogroove 36 ondrum 22; or hoses may be withdrawn fromgroove 36 and wound off drum, moving outwardly away therefrom. Rotation ofdrum 22 is effected bymotor 34. Asdrum 22 rotates andhoses 38 are wound intogroove 36 or out ofgroove 36,indexer 16 is moved longitudinally in either of a first direction or a second direction, as indicated by arrows “C” inFIG. 1 . The rotation ofdrum 22 in one or the other of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction also causes a similar rotation in parts ofswivel assembly 14. The rotation of swivel assembly is indicated by arrow “D” inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 13 illustratesdrum 22 being rotated in a counterclockwise direction “A1”. This motion causeshose 38 to be fed throughindexer 16 in such a manner that a length of eachhose 38 is wound off drum and fed outwardly throughindexer 16 andumbilical members FIG. 14 -
FIG. 14 illustratesdrum 22 being rotated in the direct “A1” and some issue, such as a pressure spike occurring in thehose 38, this pressure spike causeshose 38 to kink and move withinsupport block 130 in the direction indicated by arrow “D” and thereby drawinghose 38 back towarddrum 22 in the direction indicated by arrow “B2”. The movement ofhose 38 in the direction of arrow “D” causes thedoor 132 to pivot upwardly in the direction of arrow “E”. - The motion of
door 132 in turn causes wheel 196 to roll acrossupper surface 132 b ofdoor 132. Aswheel 196 moves across the risingupper surface 132 b,arm 194 onthird limit switch 136 pivots about an axis extending alongpivot 192 in the direction of arrow “F”. Whenarm 194 reaches a preset position thelimit switch 136 switches offmotor 34 shutting down rotation ofdrum 22 and thereby allowing the pressure inhose 38 to normalize. - First and
second limit switches drum 22 and the winding of thehose 38 onto or off ofdrum 22.First limit switch 124 controls the winding ofhose 38 ontodrum 22. Asdrum 22 rotates in a direction to causehose 38 to be wound ontodrum 22,indexer 16 moves in the direction indicated by arrow “G” inFIG. 1 . Asindexer 16 moves in the direction of arrow “G”,wheel 154 of first limit switch rides alongguide rod 60 slightly in advance of the rest ofindexer 16. Whenwheel 154 reaches the taperedcollar 64 adjacent first mountingplate 18,wheel 154 rides up the exterior surface ofcollar 64. Aswheel 154 moves along the surface ofcollar 64arm 152 is caused to pivot about an axis extending alongpivot 150 and thereby move in the direction of arrow “H” (FIG. 11 ). Whenarm 152 reaches a preset position,first limit switch 124 stops further rotation ofdrum 22. - When
drum 22 is rotated in the opposite direction, i.e. to windhose 38 offdrum 22,indexer 16 is caused to move in the opposite direction to arrow “G” (FIG. 1 ). Asindexer 16 moves in this direction,wheel 168 ofsecond limit switch 128 rides along guide rod 62 a small distance ahead of indexer. Whenwheel 168 reachescollar 66wheel 168 rides vertically up the surface ofcollar 66, thereby causingarm 166 to rotate aboutpivot 164 in the direction of arrow “I” (FIG. 11 ). Whenarm 166 reaches a preset position, second limit switch shuts offmotor 34 and stops rotation ofdrum 22 and thereby unwinding ofhose 38. - Referring to
FIG. 15 there is shown a second embodiment of an indexer, generally indicated at 216. Indexer includes aguide block 218 that is substantially identical to guideblock 218; amounting block 220 that is substantially identical tomounting block 120; aclamping block 238 that is substantially identical to clamping block 138 andumbilical members umbilical members second embodiment indexer 216 are the support block and the three limit switches. Mountingblock 220 is engaged withguide block 218 in the same manner as mountingblock 120 is engaged withguide block 118. Clampingblock 238 is disengaged from mountingblock 220 by disengagingfasteners 272.Umbilical members block 238 and mountingblock 220 andfasteners 272 are tightened to lock ends ofumbilical members regions block 220 may be provided with similar recessed regions to accommodate portions ofumbilical members Hoses 38 are fed through the bores ofumbilical members block 220 and guideblock 218.Indexer 216 is free to move in either direction indicated by arrows “K” inFIG. 15 . Motion ofindexer 216 in either direction will not be automatically shut off whenindexer 216 reaches either of the first and second mountingplates motor 34 to causedrum 22 to stop rotating. - A method is disclosed of cleaning a tube, such as a heat exchanger tube, utilizing a high pressure water jet issuing from
hose reel assembly 10. The method includes the steps of providing thehose reel assembly 10 and swivelassembly 14. The method further includes engaging one or twohoses 38 with the second section ofswivel assembly 14, i.e., hose(s) 38 are engaged withblock 96. Hose(s) 38 are passed throughbore 22 b ofdrum 22 and are threaded throughhose clamp assembly 116 located proximatesecond end 24 ofdrum 22. Hose(s) 38 are then threaded through a section ofgroove 36 onexterior surface 22 a ofdrum 22. Hose(s) 38 are then threaded throughindexer 16 mounted on at least oneguide rod drum 22.Swivel assembly 14 may be engaged withfirst end 24 of the drum 22 (whenswivel shaft wedge 70 is secured to bearingcarrier 28 which in turn may be secured tofirst end 24. When this occurs, at least a portion of the first section ofswivel assembly 14 extends outwardly fromfirst end 24 ofdrum 22 in a first direction; and a second section ofswivel assembly 14 extends intobore 22 b ofdrum 22. A water hose (not shown) is then engaged with the first section of theswivel assembly 14, namely withconnector member 80 thereof. A remote water source (not shown) is activated and a quantity of water is sent down the water hose and through a fluid passageway defined in the swivel assembly (namely bores 80 d, 82 f, 92 g, 96 c, and into one or more hose(s) 38 engaged with the second section ofswivel assembly 14.Drum 22 is then rotated in a first direction to unwind a length of each of thehoses 38 out ofgroove 36 and to move the unwound length(s) of hose(s) 38 through theindexer 16. A nozzle (not shown) at the free end of one or bothhoses 38 is positioned adjacent the entrance of the heat exchanger tube to be cleaned. A water jet spraying out of this nozzle is used to clean the tube's bore. - When all of the tubes of the heat exchanger have been adequately cleaned then the operator will switch off the water at a remote water source so that water no longer travels down the water hose and into
swivel assembly 14. Thedrum 22 is then rotated in the second and opposite direction to wind the length(s) of hose(s) 38 back into thegroove 36 ondrum 22. - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodiment of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (20)
1. A hose reel assembly comprising:
a drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof;
a swivel assembly engaged with the first end of the drum; said swivel assembly having:
a first section adapted to be connected to a first hose which is connectable to a remote fluid source; and
a second section that is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the second section of the swivel assembly rotates in unison with the drum while the first section of the swivel assembly remains stationary.
2. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first section of the swivel assembly extends in a first direction outwardly away from the first end of the drum.
3. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein the drum has an interior surface which defines a bore, and at least a portion of the second section of the swivel assembly extends inwardly in a second direction from the first end of the drum and into the bore.
4. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein the swivel assembly defines a fluid passage therethrough, and the fluid passage extends through each of the first section and the second section of the swivel assembly
5. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a groove defined in an exterior surface of the drum, and wherein the second hose is selectively wound into the groove or out of the groove.
6. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 5 , wherein the groove is a helical groove and extends from proximate the first end of the drum to proximate the second end thereof.
7. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1 , further comprising:
a first mounting plate adjacent the first end of the drum;
a second mounting plate adjacent the second end of the drum,;
at least one guide rod extending between the first and second mounting plates; and
an indexer engaged on the at least one guide rod and being movable along the at least one guide rod between the first and second mounting plates.
8. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 7 , wherein an aperture is defined in the drum proximate the second end thereof; and a hose clamp assembly is engaged in the aperture; and wherein the hose clamp assembly is adapted to receive the secondary hose therethrough.
9. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 7 , further comprising a stop provided on the at least one guide rod, said stop being positioned to limit travel of the indexer along the at least one guide rod.
10. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 9 , wherein the indexer further includes at least one limit switch which engages the stop to limit travel of the indexer along the at least one guide rod.
11. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 7 , wherein the indexer includes a base, a channel defined in the base; and a door hingedly engaged at one end to the base, said door extending at least partially over the channel and being moveable between a closed position where the door covers the channel and an open position where access to the channel is permitted; and wherein the channel is adapted to receive a portion of the secondary hose therein.
12. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 11 , further comprising a limit switch provided on the indexer, said limit switch being activated when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position; and wherein activation of the limit switch stops rotation of the drum.
13. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 11 , further comprising an umbilical clamp extending partially into the channel defined in the base and extending partially out of the channel and away from the drum; and wherein the umbilical clamp is adapted to receive a section of the secondary hose which extends outwardly from the channel of the indexer.
14. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 11 , wherein the indexer further includes a finger extending outwardly from the base and into the groove defined in the drum.
15. The hose reel assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first mounting plate adjacent the first end of the drum;
a second mounting plate adjacent the second end of the drum; and
a plurality of support members circumscribing the drum and extending between the first and second mounting plates and adapted to keep a portion of the secondary hose wrapped around the drum.
16. A hose reel assembly comprising:
a frame;
a drum operatively mounted on the frame, said drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof;
a groove defined in the exterior surface of the sidewall; wherein the groove is adapted to windably receive a hose therein;
a guide rod extending from proximate the first end of the drum to proximate the second end thereof;
an indexer engaged on the guide rod and being movable therealong, wherein the indexer is adapted to receive a portion of the hose therethrough; and the indexer moves in a first direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound onto the drum and the indexer moves in a second direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound off the drum
17. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 16 , wherein the indexer includes a finger which extends outwardly from a first end thereof and the finger is received in the groove on the drum.
18. A swivel assembly for use in a hose reel assembly having a rotatable drum; said swivel assembly comprising:
a first section having a first end and a second end region; where the first end of the first section is adapted to be connected to a first hose which is, in turn connectable to a remote fluid source; and
a second section having a first end region and a second end; where the first end region of the second section is engaged with the second end region of the first section; and wherein the second section is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the swivel assembly has a longitudinal axis which extends from the first end of the first section to the second of the second section; and wherein the second section rotates relative to the first section and about the longitudinal axis.
19. A method of cleaning a tube utilizing a high pressure water jet including the steps of:
providing a hose reel assembly having a frame upon which a rotatable drum is mounted; where the drum has a first end and a second end and defines an interior bore which extends between the first and second ends; and wherein a sidewall which extends between the first and second ends defines a groove on an exterior surface thereof;
providing a swivel assembly which includes a first section and a second section; where the second section is rotatable relative to the first section thereof;
engaging a hose with the second section of the swivel assembly;
passing the hose through the bore of the drum;
threading the hose through a hose clamp assembly located proximate the second end of the drum;
threading the hose through a section of the groove on the exterior surface of the drum;
threading the hose through an indexer mounted on at least one guide rod which extends between the first and second ends of the drum;
engaging the swivel assembly on the first end of the drum such that the first section of the swivel assembly extends outwardly from the first end of the drum in a first direction; and a second section of the swivel assembly extends into the bore of the drum;
engaging a water hose with a connector provided on the first section of the swivel assembly;
sending a quantity of water down the water hose, through a fluid passageway defined in the swivel assembly and into the hose engaged with the second section thereof;
rotating the drum in a first direction to unwind a length of the hose out of the groove and move the unwound length of hose through the indexer;
cleaning the tube with a jet of water which sprays outwardly from a nozzle at a free end of the unwound length of hose.
20. The method as defined in claim 19 , further including the steps of:
switching off the water at a remote water source so that water no longer travels down the water hose;
rotating the drum in a second direction to wind the length of hose back through the indexer and onto the drum.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/713,664 US20150246789A1 (en) | 2011-08-16 | 2015-05-15 | Hose reel assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161524127P | 2011-08-16 | 2011-08-16 | |
US13/406,014 US9062921B2 (en) | 2011-08-16 | 2012-02-27 | Apparatus, system and method for cleaning heat exchanger tubes |
US14/713,664 US20150246789A1 (en) | 2011-08-16 | 2015-05-15 | Hose reel assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/406,014 Continuation-In-Part US9062921B2 (en) | 2011-08-16 | 2012-02-27 | Apparatus, system and method for cleaning heat exchanger tubes |
Publications (1)
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US20150246789A1 true US20150246789A1 (en) | 2015-09-03 |
Family
ID=54006424
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/713,664 Abandoned US20150246789A1 (en) | 2011-08-16 | 2015-05-15 | Hose reel assembly |
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US (1) | US20150246789A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10596605B1 (en) * | 2016-11-15 | 2020-03-24 | Tri-State Environmental, LLC | Method and apparatus, including hose reel, for cleaning an oil and gas well riser assembly with multiple tools simultaneously |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US6382241B1 (en) * | 2001-04-05 | 2002-05-07 | Arthur Setrum | Vacuum hose assembly for a permanently installed building vacuum cleaner system |
US6971605B1 (en) * | 2002-11-26 | 2005-12-06 | Martin Jay K | Device for winding / taking up cables, ribbons, or other coilable structures |
US8720811B2 (en) * | 2011-03-07 | 2014-05-13 | Stoneage, Inc. | Apparatus and method for storing and dispensing a pressure hose |
-
2015
- 2015-05-15 US US14/713,664 patent/US20150246789A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6382241B1 (en) * | 2001-04-05 | 2002-05-07 | Arthur Setrum | Vacuum hose assembly for a permanently installed building vacuum cleaner system |
US6971605B1 (en) * | 2002-11-26 | 2005-12-06 | Martin Jay K | Device for winding / taking up cables, ribbons, or other coilable structures |
US8720811B2 (en) * | 2011-03-07 | 2014-05-13 | Stoneage, Inc. | Apparatus and method for storing and dispensing a pressure hose |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10596605B1 (en) * | 2016-11-15 | 2020-03-24 | Tri-State Environmental, LLC | Method and apparatus, including hose reel, for cleaning an oil and gas well riser assembly with multiple tools simultaneously |
US11819891B1 (en) * | 2016-11-15 | 2023-11-21 | Tri-State Environmental, LLC | Method and apparatus, including hose reel, for cleaning an oil and gas well riser assembly with multiple tools simultaneously |
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