WO2007037632A1

WO2007037632A1 - Pipe examination apparatus and pipe examination method using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007037632A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/003891
Authority: WO
Inventors: Je Kun Lee
Original assignee: Hangangcc Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-09-28
Filing date: 2006-09-28
Publication date: 2007-04-05

Abstract

Disclosed are a pipe examination apparatus capable of performing pipe examination in a pipe more favorably without being disturbed by a water diversion hose while performing water diversion with the water diversion hose installed in the pipe, and further capable of moving more conveniently using the water diversion hose as necessary, and a pipe examination method using the same.

Description

PIPE EXAMINATION APPARATUS AND PIPE EXAMINATION

METHOD USING THE SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a pipe examination apparatus and a method thereof.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a pipe examination apparatus capable of performing pipe examination inside a pipe favorably without being disturbed by a water diversion hose while performing water diversion with the water diversion hose installed in the pipe, and further capable of moving more conveniently using the water diversion hose as necessary, and a pipe examination method using the same. Background Art

[2] Recently, a non-excavating pipe examination has been actively performed as a non- excavating construction is widely used for repair of a pipe instead of an excavating construction that necessitates heavy machinery. The non-excavating pipe examination checks up a pipe using a closed-circuit television (CCTV) to determine whether the pipe has any defect and find an accurate position requiring the repair.

[3] Utilization of such a pipe examination method using the CCTV has been rapidly increasing from the downtown area and housing site developing fields of a new town, because the pipe examination method can overcome various problems of a conventional excavating examination method, such as damage to roads and communication cables, power cables and city gas pipes laid underground. Furthermore, the conventional excavating examination method impedes traffic flow for a long time and bears risks.

[4] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the conventional pipe examination method.

[5] As shown in FIG. 1, before pipe examination is performed, stream of water W is diverted in advance using a water pump 13. This is because the pipe examination cannot be normally performed when a pipe P is filled with the water W. More specifically, when the water W pools in the pipe P, defects at a bottom of the pipe cannot be detected since a camera 12 cannot photograph the bottom. Also, defects at the other inner portions of the pipe P can be indirectly detected by whether the water W pools or not in the pipe P. Accordingly, detection of the other inner portions is impossible with the water W pooling in the pipe P. Therefore, an inner wall of the pipe P is examined by inserting an examination machine 10 having the camera 12 into the pipe P, while diverting the water stream.

[6] However, the water diversion method for the conventional pipe examination ne- cessitates the water pump 13 to draw up the water W, and a water diversion hose 14 needs to be mounted passing over the ground. Therefore, mounting and demounting of equipment become so complicated, accordingly requiring much human power and work time.

[7] Moreover, a serious demerit of the conventional water diversion method using the water pump 13 is in restriction on divertible water quantity. Therefore, the pipe examination cannot be performed when a diameter of the pipe or quantity of the water stream is just a bit great.

[8] According to a certain water diversion method, the water diversion hose 14 may be mounted passing through an inside of the pipe P instead of passing over the ground. This method is more convenient since the water pump P is not required, and a greater quantity of water can be diverted.

[9] However, with the water diversion hose 14 mounted in the pipe P, pipe examination cannot be even tried because the conventional examination machine 10 having the camera 12 is unable to move in the pipe P due to the water diversion hose 14 drooping on the inner bottom of the pipe P. More specifically, movement of the conventional examination machine 10 that moves along the inner bottom of the pipe P is obstructed by the water diversion hose 14. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[10] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a pipe examination apparatus capable of favorably performing water diversion and pipe examination with a water diversion hose mounted inside a pipe, and a pipe examination method using the same. Technical Solution

[11] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe examination apparatus comprising a main frame; a lifting unit mounted to the main frame to lift a water diversion hose slidably forward and backward; a camera unit mounted to the main frame to photograph an inner wall of a pipe including an inner bottom being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit; and a driving wheel mounted to the main frame to support the main frame in the pipe.

[12] The lifting unit comprises a plurality of conveyer rollers arranged rollably in a train along a length direction of the main frame to load the water diversion hose thereon slidably in a forward and backward direction.

[13] The main frame comprises a left frame and a right frame mounted on the left and the right respectively and spaced from each other to dispose the conveyer rollers therebetween.

[14] The conveyer roller comprises a driving roller for generating impellent force forward and backward to the loaded water diversion hose, being rolled by rotative force.

[15] The lifting unit comprises, for rolling of the driving roller, a driving motor for supplying the rotative force, and a plurality of gears for transmitting the rotative force from the driving motor to the respective driving rollers.

[16] The plurality of gears are implemented by spur gears mounted along an outer flank of the main frame, and comprise a driving gear mounted to a motor rotational shaft, an auxiliary gear mounted to a driving rotational shaft of the driving roller, and an idle gear mounted between the auxiliary gears to control a rotational direction.

[17] The driving wheel is rotated by the rotative force supplied from the driving roller mounted nearby.

[18] For power transmission between the driving wheel and the driving roller, the driving wheel comprises a driving sprocket mounted to the driving rotational shaft, an auxiliary sprocket mounted to a wheel rotational shaft of the driving wheel and a power transmission chain power-transmittably interconnecting the driving sprocket and the auxiliary sprocket with each other.

[19] The main frame comprises a left frame and a right frame mounted on the left and the right respectively and spaced from each other to dispose the conveyer roller therebetween.

[20] The camera unit comprises a vertical frame vertically connected to a distal end at one of left and right sides of the main frame; a horizontal frame connected to an upper end of the vertical frame and extended up to the middle width of the apparatus; a swing arm connected the horizontal frame to move horizontally and swing vertically and extended forward; and a camera mounted to an end of the swing arm.

[21] The vertical frame comprises a first vertical frame connected to the main frame, and a second vertical frame connected to the first vertical frame to move vertically and tilt toward the other side of the main frame.

[22] In addition, the camera is mounted to the swing arm to be rolled and tilted.

[23]

[24] The pipe examination apparatus may further comprise an auxiliary camera mounted to the main frame at a lower part of the lifting unit so as to photograph the inner bottom of the pipe being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit.

[25] A pipe examination apparatus comprises a main frame comprising a left frame and a right frame mounted on the left and the right, respectively, being distanced from each other; a lifting unit comprising a plurality of conveyer rollers arranged rollably in a train along a length direction of the main frame to load the water diversion hose thereon slidably in a forward and backward direction, a driving motor mounted to the main frame to supply rotative force to the driving roller, a driving gear mounted to a motor rotational shaft of the driving motor, an auxiliary gear mounted to a driving rotational shaft of the driving roller, and an idle gear mounted between the auxiliary gears to control a rotational direction; a camera unit comprising a vertical frame constituted by a first vertical frame vertically connected to a distal end at one of left and right sides of the main frame and a second vertical frame connected to the first vertical frame to move vertically and tilt toward the other side of the main frame, a horizontal frame connected to an upper end of the second vertical frame and extended up to the middle width of the apparatus, a swing arm connected to the horizontal frame to move horizontally and swing vertically and extended forward, and a camera mounted to an end of the swing arm to be rolled and tilted, in order to photograph an inner wall of a pipe including an inner bottom being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit; and a driving wheel mounted to the main frame to support the main frame inside the pipe, and rolled by rotative force supplied through a wheel rotational shaft from the driving roller mounted nearby.

[26] A pipe examination apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a main plate; a loading unit mounted at a lower part of the main plate and moving along a water diversion hose loaded on the water diversion hose; and a camera unit mounted to an upper part of the main plate to photograph an inside of a pipe.

[27] The loading unit comprises a plurality of driving rollers mounted along a length direction of the main plate and by being rolled by rotative force, generating impellent force forward and backward to the water diversion hose.

[28] The driving roller comprises a plurality of friction grooves formed in a length direction thereof and arranged along outer circumference.

[29] The loading unit further comprises a loading rotational shaft longitudinally penetrating a center of the driving roller and implemented by an expandable cylinder, and a driving wheel mounted on both sides of the loading rotational shaft.

[30] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe examination method comprising a water diversion step performing water diversion from an upper-stream pipe connected to upper stream to a lower-stream pipe connected to lower stream of an intermediate pipe which is an object of pipe examination, with an exit of the upper- stream pipe blocked except an outlet for discharge of water, and with a water diversion hose connected from the outlet up to an entrance of the lower- stream pipe, passing through the intermediate pipe; and a camera photographing step photographing an inner wall of the intermediate pipe by moving a cameral during the water diversion by the water diversion hose, while lifting the water diversion hose part by part according to movement of the camera so that the camera is able to photograph even an inner bottom of the intermediate pipe covered by the water diversion hose. [31] The pipe examination method utilizes a pipe examination apparatus having a camera for photographing while lifting the water diversion hose part by part, the pipe apparatus comprising a main frame, a lifting unit including a plurality of conveyer rollers arranged rollably in a train along a length direction of the main frame to load thereon and lift the water diversion hose slidably in a forward and backward direction, and a camera unit mounted to the main frame and having a camera for photographing the inner wall of the pipe including the inner bottom being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit.

Advantageous Effects

[32] As described above, according to a pipe examination apparatus and a pipe examination method using the same of the present invention, not only water diversion but also a thorough examination on an inner bottom of a pipe can be achieved although a water diversion pipe is mounted inside the pipe.

[33] According to the pipe examination apparatus and the method of the present invention, mounting and demounting of the apparatus can be simplified by saving use of a water pump and a process of mounting the water diversion hose on the ground. Consequently, the construction cost can be highly saved.

[34] In addition, since the pipe examination apparatus and the method of the present invention adopt a water diversion method capable of diverting a great quantity of water with only a small-diameter water diversion hose, the pipe examination does not have to be interrupted midway in order to release water.

[35] Furthermore, the pipe examination apparatus and the method of the present invention can be adopted in medium-size and large-size pipes dealing with a great quantity of water.

[36] Moreover, the pipe examination apparatus of the present invention is capable of favorably moving along the pipe although a lot of sediment is accumulated on an inner bottom of the pipe.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[37] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[38] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a conventional pipe examination method;

[39] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a structure of a pipe examination apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [40] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, without a camera;

[41] FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away plan view of the pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, without the camera;

[42] FIG. 5 is a perspective reference view for explaining a structure of the camera of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[43] FIG. 6 is a reference view showing a water diversion hose mounted to the pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[44] FIGS. 7 and 8 are reference views for explaining a pipe examination method for the first embodiment of the present invention;

[45] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining a structure of a pipe examination according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[46] FIG. 10 is a reference view for explaining a laterally expandable structure of a loading unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[47] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the pipe examination apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[48] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of FIG. 11 cut along a line I-I ;

[49] FIG. 13 is a partially-sectional front view for explaining a structure of a loading unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

[50] FIGS. 14 and 15 are reference views for explaining operations of the pipe examination apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[51] Hereinafter, reference will now be made in detail to a first embodiment of the present invention as a most preferred embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[52] The pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment and a pipe examination method using the same are designed to thoroughly examine a pipe up to a bottom side where a water diversion hose is drooped, as well as performing water diversion with the water diversion hose mounted through the pipe.

[53] Accordingly, defects in the pipe can be accurately detected even in a large-diameter pipe holding a great quantity of flowing water, while facilely performing water diversion. In addition, the water diversion hose does not have to pass over the ground, thereby facilitating mounting and demounting thereof.

[54] Photographing an inner bottom of the pipe is a significant work in the pipe examination. In a state where the water is not flowing, if water pools in a certain area of the inner bottom of the pipe, it is determined that the certain area has a damaged spot. Because the inner bottom almost always bears the water flowing thereon, damage of the inner bottom may induce serious problems.

[55] Hereinafter, the structures of the pipe examination apparatus and method according to the first embodiment will be described in more detail. Explanation for the pipe examination apparatus will be followed by explanation for the pipe examination method.

[56] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, without a camera, FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away plan view of the pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, without the camera, FIG. 5 is a perspective reference view for explaining a structure of the camera of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a reference view showing a water diversion hose mounted to the pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[57] As shown in the drawings, the pipe examination apparatus comprises a main frame

110, a lifting unit 120, a camera unit 130, and a driving wheel 140. Using this structure, the pipe examination apparatus lifts the water diversion hose drooping on the inner bottom of the pipe by the lifting unit 120, while moving. The camera unit 130 is able to photograph the inner bottom of the pipe as the water diversion hose is being lifted. The above component elements will now be described more particularly.

[58] The main frame 110 for mounting and supporting the other elements can be divided into a left frame 111 and a right frame 113 that are spaced out from each other. The left and the right frames 111 and 113 respectively have a series of through holes for mounting the lifting unit 120. Also, a spacing member 115 is provided between the left and the right frames 111 and 113 to maintain a predetermined interval between the left and the right frames 111 and 113 in connection with each other.

[59] The lifting unit 120 comprises a plurality of conveyer rollers 121 and 122 for slidably loading the water diversion hose thereon. The conveyer rollers 121 and 122 are arranged in rows between the left and the right frames 111 and 113, so that the water diversion hose can be loaded on an upper part of the conveyer rollers 121 and 122. The conveyer rollers 121 and 122 comprise a driving roller 121 and an idle roller 122. The driving roller 121 is rolled by rotative force supplied from a driving motor 125, thereby generating impellent force forward and backward to the loaded water diversion hose. Whereas, the idle roller 122 is merely idly rotated, stably supporting the water diversion hose. For this, the driving roller 121 and the idle roller 122 are a little differently structured from each other. Both comprise a bobbin-type body and a rotational shaft. However, whereas the body of the driving roller 121 is rotated fixedly along with a driving rotational shaft 126, the body of the idle roller 122 is connected to idly rotate with respect to an idle rotational shaft 127. Both ends of the rotational shafts 126 and 127 are rotatably connected to the main frame 110. For this purpose, a bearing 129 is mounted to the series of through holes formed at the main frame 110, so that the both ends of the rotational shafts 126 and 127 of the driving roller 121 and the idle roller 122 are fit with an inner race of the bearing 129.

[60] The lifting unit 120 includes the driving motor 125 for supplying rotative force to the driving roller 121. Additionally, a gear train 124 of spur gears is mounted to transmit the rotative force from the driving motor 125 up to the driving roller 121. The driving motor 125 is disposed between the left and the right frames 111 and 113 of the main frame 110. The driving rotational shaft 126 of the driving roller 121 is protruded to the outside of the right frame 113 mounting the gear train 124, passing through the through hole formed on the main frame 110. The gear train 124 comprises a driving gear 124A mounted to a motor rotational shaft 128 of the driving motor 125, a driven gear 124C mounted to the driving rotational shaft 126 of the driving roller 121, and an idle gear 124B mounted to the idle rotational shaft 127 of the idle roller 122. The idle gear 124B interconnects the driving gear 124A with the plurality of driven gears 124C, and controls a rotational direction of the driving gear 124A. Referring to the drawings, the driven gear 124C, the idle gear 124B, the driven gear 124C, and the idle gear 124B are sequentially arranged in front of the driving gear 124A. The driven gear 124C and the idle gear 124B are sequentially arranged behind the driving gear 124A. The idle gears 124B arranged at both the outermost positions supply the rotative force to the driving wheel 140. The configuration of the gear train 124 is very flexible according to a mounting position of the driving motor, as long as the gear train 124 can transmit the rotative force from the driving motor 125 to the driving roller 121 and the driving wheel 140.

[61] The camera unit 130 is capable of photographing not only an inner wall of the pipe but also the inner bottom being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit 120. The camera unit 130 comprises a camera 136 for photographing, and vertical frames 131 and 132, a horizontal frame 133, and a swing arm 134 for adjusting position and angle of the camera 136. The vertical frames 131 and 132 comprise a first vertical frame 131 vertically connected to a distal end of the right frame 113 (or, the left frame 111), and a second vertical frame 132 capable of moving up and down and tilting to the left with respect to the first vertical frame 131. The horizontal frame 133 is extended from an upper end of the second vertical frame 132 up to the middle width of the apparatus. A linear motion (LM) guide is used for the horizontal frame 133 for guiding horizontal movement of the swing arm 134. The LM guide comprises a guide rail 133 A formed in a horizontal direction and a moving medium 135 moving along the guide rail 133 A as supporting the swing arm 134. The swing arm 134 is hinged upon the moving medium 135 of the LM guide to swing up and down. Swinging motion of the swing ami 134 may be performed using a worm gear assembly for remote control. However, other various systems may be adopted instead of the worm gear assembly. The camera 136 is mounted to an end 134A of the swing arm 134 to be rolled and tilted. Also, the camera unit 130 is structured to be operated through remote control using generally known arts. Referring to FIG. 5, the camera 136 of the camera unit 130 can be variably adjusted in position and angle by the vertical frames 131 and 132, the horizontal frame 133 and the swing arm 134. As a result, as the water diversion hose is being lifted by the lifting unit 120, the camera unit 130 can photograph the whole inner wall including the inner bottom effectively.

[62] An auxiliary camera 138 is further comprised to photograph the inner bottom being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted. The auxiliary camera 138 is mounted at an inside of the left and the right frames 111 and 113 under the conveyer rollers 121 and 122 to be capable of photographing the inner bottom all the time. By dedicatedly comprising the auxiliary camera 138, the camera unit 130 does not have to photograph the inner bottom of the pipe. Accordingly, the operation of the camera unit 130 can be highly simplified, also saving photographing time. However, the camera 136 of the camera unit 130 is enough to photograph the inner bottom alone.

[63] The driving wheel 140 is mounted at a front end and a rear end of the main frame

110, and rotated by driving force supplied. Although being separately cited by a reference numeral 141 in the drawing, a wheel rotational shaft of the driving wheel 140 actually serves as the idle rotational shaft 127 of the idle roller 122 as well. The wheel rotational shaft 141 of the driving wheel 140 is supplied with rotative force from the idle rotational shaft 127 of the idle roller 122 which is supplied with the rotative force from the idle gears 140C disposed near the driving wheel 140, because the idle rotational shaft 127 and the driving wheel 140 are rotated in the same direction. For this, the idle rotational shaft 127 of the idle roller 122 disposed near the driving wheel

140 is mounted with a driving sprocket 143 (FIG. 4) whereas the wheel rotational shaft

141 of the driving wheel 140 is mounted with a driven sprocket 144. Additionally, a power transmission chain 145 is mounted to interconnect the driving and the driven sprockets 143 and 144 for power transmission. A bracket 142 helps mount the driven sprocket 144 to the wheel rotational shaft 141 of the driving wheel 140. When the driving wheel 140 is supplied with the driving force from the idle roller 122 nearby, both the conveyer rollers 121 and 122 and the driving wheel 140 can be driven by the driving motor 125 alone. Here, the connection between the driving wheel 140 and the conveyer rollers 121 and 122 may be achieved using other structures, rather than the sprockets 143 and 144 and the power transmission chain 145 as used in this embodiment. For example, a spur gear having a relatively large diameter may be mounted to the wheel rotational shaft 141 and meshed with the idle gear 124C mounted to the idle rotational shaft 127 disposed nearby. The connection structure may be constituted by a pulley and an electric belt.

[64] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the pipe examination method using the pipe examination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter.

[65] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, water diversion is performed from an upper-stream pipe P2 connected to an upper stream of an intermediate pipe Pl to a lower-stream pipe P3 connected to a lower stream of the intermediate pipe Pl. The intermediate pipe Pl the object of examination located between manholes Ml and M2. An outlet for discharge of the water W is provided, and an exit of the upper-stream pipe P2 is closed. A water diversion hose 150 is installed to connect the outlet with an entrance of the lower-stream pipe P3, passing through the intermediate pipe Pl. Here, a water stop device 160 can be provided in order to close the exit of the upper-stream pipe P2 with the outlet provided. For this, Water standing apparatus for water diverting filed in Korea (Application No. 10-2005-0088796) is appropriately used. After completing the water diversion, photographing by the camera unit 130 is performed.

[66] During the photographing, the camera 136 is moved to photograph the inner wall of the intermediate pipe Pl while the water W is being diverted by the water diversion hose 150. Here, the water diversion hose 150 is lifted part by part corresponding to the movement of the camera 136 so that the camera 136 is able to photograph especially the inner bottom covered by the water diversion hose 150. The pipe examination apparatus 100 according to the present invention is utilized in order to lift the water diversion hose 150 part by part.

[67] More particularly, the pipe examination apparatus 100 is put in the first manhole

Ml, and the water diversion hose 150 drooping in the intermediate pipe Pl is loaded onto the conveyer rollers 121 and 122. The pipe examination apparatus 100 is moved by being remotely controlled. Therefore, the water diversion hose 150 loaded on the conveyer rollers 121 and 122 is naturally lifted in a sliding manner along the moving path of the pipe examination apparatus 100. Accordingly, the inner bottom of the intermediate pipe Pl is exposed and photographed by the camera unit 130.

[68] Although the conveyer rollers 121 and 122 are applied with considerable weight during this by the water diversion hose 150 holding the water W flowing therein, the pipe examination apparatus 100 is capable of moving inside the pipe without difficulty because the driving roller 121 which is one of the conveyer rollers generates impellent force to the water diversion hose 150, rotating by the driving force from the driving motor 125.

[69] Meanwhile, since the camera 136 of the camera unit 130 is movable horizontally and vertically and adjustable in photographing angle by the vertical frames 131 and 132, the horizontal frame 133, and the swing arm 134, photographing of the whole inner wall of the pipe including the inner bottom can be effectively performed. Mode for the Invention

[70] Description about a second embodiment of the present invention will be following.

[71] A pipe examination apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is structured to examine an inside of a pipe, moving along an upper part of the water diversion hose by a loading unit loaded onto the water diversion hose and generating impellent force.

[72] According to this, the pipe examination apparatus is able to perform the examination conveniently even in irregular circumstances, for example, although a mounting state of the water diversion hose varies in each section of the pipe due to sundry substances such as sludge accumulated on the inner bottom of the pipe.

[73] Hereinafter, the structure of the pipe examination apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly regarding the loading unit.

[74] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for explaining the structure of the pipe examination apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a reference view for explaining a laterally expandable structure of the loading unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the pipe examination apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of FIG. 11 cut along a line I-I . FIG. 13 is a partially cut-away sectional view for explaining the structure of the loading unit according to the second embodiment.

[75] Referring to the drawings, the pipe examination apparatus according to the second embodiment comprises a main plate 210, a loading unit 220, and a camera unit 230.

[76] Although being illustrated in a plate form, the main plate 210 may have a frame form in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[77] The loading unit 220 is loaded to be supported by the water diversion hose, and generates impellent force for moving the pipe examination apparatus along the water diversion hose. This is the distinctive feature of the second embodiment over the first embodiment. The loading unit 220 comprises a plurality of driving rollers 221 for generating the impellent force to the water diversion hose, a loading rotational shaft 226 expandable laterally, and a driving wheel 225 supported by the inner wall of the pipe.

[78] The plurality of driving rollers 221 of the loading unit 220 are disposed at front and rear portions of the main plate 210 and rotatably mounted by a bearing 224 (FIG. 13). The driving roller 221 is rotated by rotative force supplied from a driving motor 229 (FIG. 11) mounted to a lower part of the main plate 210. Thus, the driving roller 221 generates the impellent force for moving forward and backward, being contactingly loaded on the water diversion hose. A plurality of friction grooves 222 (FIG. 12) are formed along outer circumference of the driving roller 221 in a length direction. Therefore, as the driving roller 221 rotates in contact with the water diversion hose, the friction grooves 222 enhance frictional force at the contacting area, thereby improving the impellent force. In addition, the driving roller 221 further comprises a penetration hole 223 (FIG. 12) longitudinally formed in the center thereof, for mounting the loading rotational shaft 226.

[79] The loading rotational shaft 226 longitudinally penetrates the driving roller 221 through the penetration hole 223, and is engaged with the driving roller 221 in a rotational direction so as to be rotated along with the driving roller 221. The loading rotational shaft 226 is implemented by an expandable pneumatic cylinder to flexibly cope with various circumstances of the pipe examination by controlling the length thereof. For example, when diameter of the pipe is great, the loading rotational shaft 226 is expanded so that the driving wheel 225 is contactingly supported by the inner wall of the pipe. When the diameter of the pipe is small, on the other hand, the loading rotational shaft 226 is contracted. The driving wheel 225 of the loading unit 220 is mounted to both ends of the loading rotational shaft 226 to be contactingly supported by the inner wall of the pipe.

[80] The camera unit 230 comprises a camera 236, a horizontal frame 233 and a moving medium 235. The horizontal frame is implemented by an LM guide equipped with a guide rail 233A for adjusting horizontal position of the camera 236. Since the camera unit 230 has almost the same structure as the camera unit 130 of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[81] FIGS. 14 and 15 are reference views for explaining operations of the pipe examination apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[82] As shown in FIG. 14, when there is almost no sludge S accumulated on the inner bottom of the intermediate pipe Pl and therefore the water diversion hose 150 is normally placed, the pipe examination apparatus according to the second embodiment is normally contacted with and supported by the inner wall of the intermediate pipe Pl upon loading of the driving roller 221 on the water diversion hose 150.

[83] As shown in FIG. 15, when there is much sludge S on the inner bottom and the water diversion hose 150 is irregularly placed, any one of the driving wheels 225 would be contacted with the inner wall. Nevertheless, the pipe examination apparatus can be supported by at least two parts since the driving roller 221 is loaded on and supported by the water diversion hose 150. As a result, the pipe examination apparatus can be stably supported to perform the pipe examination without difficulty.

[84] As described above, the pipe examination apparatus according to the second embodiment is capable of efficiently moving and performing the pipe examination in spite of unfavorable circumstances.

[85] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Industrial Applicability

[86] Although the pipe examination apparatus and the method of the present invention have been described mainly regarding medium and large water pipes, the apparatus and the method are applicable to any other pipes hard to deal with water flowing therein.

Sequence Listing

[87] pipe, pipe examination apparatus, pipe examination method, water diversion

Claims

[1] A pipe examination apparatus comprising: a main frame; a lifting unit mounted to the main frame to lift a water diversion hose slidably forward and backward; a camera unit mounted to the main frame to photograph an inner wall of a pipe including an inner bottom being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit; and a driving wheel mounted to the main frame to support the main frame in the pipe.

[2] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lifting unit comprises a plurality of conveyer rollers arranged rollably in a train along a length direction of the main frame to load the water diversion hose thereon slidably in a forward and backward direction.

[3] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 2, wherein the main frame comprises a left frame and a right frame mounted on the left and the right respectively and spaced from each other to dispose the conveyer rollers therebetween.

[4] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 2, wherein the conveyer roller comprises a driving roller for generating impellent force forward and backward to the loaded water diversion hose, being rolled by rotative force.

[5] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 4, wherein the lifting unit comprises, for rolling of the driving roller, a driving motor for supplying the rotative force, and a plurality of gears for transmitting the rotative force from the driving motor to the respective driving rollers.

[6] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of gears are implemented by spur gears mounted along an outer flank of the main frame, and comprise a driving gear mounted to a motor rotational shaft, an auxiliary gear mounted to a driving rotational shaft of the driving roller, and an idle gear mounted between the auxiliary gears to control a rotational direction.

[7] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 4, wherein the driving wheel is rotated by the rotative force supplied from the driving roller mounted nearby and for power transmission between the driving wheel and the driving roller, comprises a driving sprocket mounted to the driving rotational shaft, an auxiliary sprocket mounted to a wheel rotational shaft of the driving wheel and a power transmission chain power-transmittably interconnecting the driving sprocket and the auxiliary sprocket with each other.

[8] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 4, wherein the main frame comprises a left frame and a right frame mounted on the left and the right respectively and spaced from each other to dispose the conveyer roller therebetween.

[9] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 1, wherein the camera unit comprises: a vertical frame vertically connected to a distal end at one of left and right sides of the main frame; a horizontal frame connected to an upper end of the vertical frame and extended up to the middle width of the apparatus; a swing arm connected the horizontal frame to move horizontally and swing vertically and extended forward; and a camera mounted to an end of the swing arm.

[10] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 9, wherein the vertical frame comprises a first vertical frame connected to the main frame, and a second vertical frame connected to the first vertical frame to move vertically and tilt toward the other side of the main frame, and the camera is mounted to the swing arm to be rolled and tilted.

[11] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary camera mounted to the main frame at a lower part of the lifting unit so as to photograph the inner bottom of the pipe being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit.

[12] A pipe examination apparatus comprising: a main frame comprising a left frame and a right frame mounted on the left and the right, respectively, being distanced from each other; a lifting unit comprising a plurality of conveyer rollers arranged rollably in a train along a length direction of the main frame to load the water diversion hose thereon slidably in a forward and backward direction, a driving motor mounted to the main frame to supply rotative force to the driving roller, a driving gear mounted to a motor rotational shaft of the driving motor, an auxiliary gear mounted to a driving rotational shaft of the driving roller, and an idle gear mounted between the auxiliary gears to control a rotational direction; a camera unit comprising a vertical frame constituted by a first vertical frame vertically connected to a distal end at one of left and right sides of the main frame and a second vertical frame connected to the first vertical frame to move vertically and tilt toward the other side of the main frame, a horizontal frame connected to an upper end of the second vertical frame and extended up to the middle width of the apparatus, a swing arm connected to the horizontal frame to move horizontally and swing vertically and extended forward, and a camera mounted to an end of the swing arm to be rolled and tilted, in order to photograph an inner wall of a pipe including an inner bottom being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit; and a driving wheel mounted to the main frame to support the main frame inside the pipe, and rolled by rotative force supplied through a wheel rotational shaft from the driving roller mounted nearby.

[13] An pipe examination apparatus comprising: a main plate; a loading unit mounted at a lower part of the main plate and moving along a water diversion hose loaded on the water diversion hose; and a camera unit mounted to an upper part of the main plate to photograph an inside of a pipe.

[14] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 13, wherein the loading unit comprises a plurality of driving rollers mounted along a length direction of the main plate and by being rolled by rotative force, generating impellent force forward and backward to the water diversion hose.

[15] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 14, wherein the driving roller comprises a plurality of friction grooves formed in a length direction thereof and arranged along outer circumference.

[16] The pipe examination apparatus of claim 14, wherein the loading unit further comprises a loading rotational shaft longitudinally penetrating a center of the driving roller and implemented by an expandable cylinder, and a driving wheel mounted on both sides of the loading rotational shaft.

[17] A pipe examination method comprising: a water diversion step performing water diversion from an upper- stream pipe connected to upper stream to a lower-stream pipe connected to lower stream of an intermediate pipe which is an object of pipe examination, with an exit of the upper- stream pipe blocked except an outlet for discharge of water, and with a water diversion hose connected from the outlet up to an entrance of the lower- stream pipe, passing through the intermediate pipe; and a camera photographing step photographing an inner wall of the intermediate pipe by moving a cameral during the water diversion by the water diversion hose, while lifting the water diversion hose part by part according to movement of the camera so that the camera is able to photograph even an inner bottom of the intermediate pipe covered by the water diversion hose.

[18] The pipe examination method of claim 17 utilizing a pipe examination apparatus having a camera for photographing while lifting the water diversion hose part by part, the pipe apparatus comprising a main frame, a lifting unit including a plurality of conveyer rollers arranged rollably in a train along a length direction of the main frame to load thereon and lift the water diversion hose slidably in a forward and backward direction, and a camera unit mounted to the main frame and having a camera for photographing the inner wall of the pipe including the inner bottom being exposed as the water diversion hose is lifted by the lifting unit.