FR3104040A1 - Motorization system for nozzle holder rack trolley - Google Patents

Abstract

Motorization system (1) for a trolley (100) comprising a nozzle holder rack (101) and a flexible pipe (200) configured to supply the nozzle holder rack (101), said motorization system (1) comprising: - a frame (2), - a motorized roller (3) movable in rotation, - a counter-bearing roller (4), - a drive means for the motorized roller (3), in which the motorized roller (3) and the counter-bearing roller (4) are configured so as to cause the movement of said pipe (200) by friction with said pipe (200) said motorization system (1) further comprising transmission means ensuring the synchronization of the rotation of the motorized roller (3) and of the counter-support roller (4), and configured so as to ensure a direct transmission of torque from the motorized roller (3) to the counter-support roller (4). Abstract figure: Figure 6

Description

Motorization system for nozzle rack trolley

The present invention relates to a motorization system for a nozzle-holder rack carriage equipped with a flexible pipe for supplying the nozzle-holder rack carriage with fluid, and in particular the nozzle-holder rack, as well as an assembly comprising a nozzle holder rack equipped with a flexible pipe to supply fluid to the nozzle holder rack trolley and a motorization system.

For various known industrial applications, and in particular for cleaning the surfaces of industrial devices, and in particular the surfaces of fluid/air heat exchangers (steam/air, water/air), it is known to use a rack trolley carrying nozzles for carrying out cleaning tasks, said carriage moving over the surface of said device to be cleaned, and in particular the heat exchanger, by projecting a cleaning liquid under pressure onto said surface via the nozzle holder rack of which it is equipped, supplied with fluid via a flexible pipe.

Document FR 2955651 A1 and patent application FR 1872482 thus disclose a mobile surface cleaning device, in particular for cleaning exchanger cooling elements comprising:
- a nozzle holder rack carriage, intended to be arranged in a movable manner facing the surface to be cleaned, carrying a nozzle holder rack, with at least one nozzle,
- a flexible pipe for a cleaning fluid supplying said nozzle holder rack,
- A motorization system and transmission means for driving the movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage along the guide section.

Notably, in these references FR 2 955 651 A1 and FR 1872482:
- said transmission means consist essentially of said flexible pipe which combines a driving function for a cleaning fluid and a transmission function for moving said nozzle-holder rack carriage,
- Said motorization system cooperates with said flexible pipe to push or, on the contrary, pull said flexible pipe, and thus move the nozzle holder rack carriage over said surface to be cleaned.

In the prior art FR 2955651 A1, the motorization system is in particular remote from the trolley, and is not on board the trolley, for example being positioned on the ground near the surface to be cleaned, and the flexible pipe is mobile with respect to the surface to be cleaned during movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage over the surface in the direction of extension of said pipe, the latter following the movement of the carriage with respect to the surface to be cleaned. To this end, at least one guide rail receiving said pipe internally is provided, so as to guide the pipe, and therefore the carriage, with respect to the surface to be cleaned when the carriage moves over said surface to be cleaned.

On the contrary, in the prior art FR 1872482, the motorization system is in particular embedded on the trolley, and the flexible pipe remains substantially immobile with respect to the surface to be cleaned during the movement of the trolley on said surface to be cleaned in the direction of extension of said pipe. Therefore, the flexible pipe simultaneously fulfills the function of transmission means and guide means of the carriage during its movement on the surface to be cleaned in the direction of extension of said pipe.

In all cases, said motorization system comprises, on the one hand, two diabolo-shaped motor rollers, driven by at least one drive means, and arranged in two distinct positions along the direction of extension of the pipe, resting on the flexible pipe, and on the other hand, two rollers, diametrically opposed to the dollies with respect to the pipe, in counter-support, in order to maintain the support of the flexible pipe on the two motorized rollers in the form of a diabolo, but not driven by a drive means.

Such a configuration of the carriage motorization means has several drawbacks.

First of all, the compactness of the motorization system and of the transmission means is low, and in particular according to the direction of extension of the pipe, due to the need for a drive with double motorized rollers, which (the motorized rollers or counter-support rollers) must be in two distinct positions along the pipe, which is essential to obtain the force necessary to provide the flexible pipe to ensure the movement of the carriage on the surface to be cleaned.

Also, the force transmitted to the carriage by such motorization means could be increased, at least better controlled, in that only the motorized rollers exert a pushing action on the pipe thanks to the friction generated between these rollers and the pipe of so as to create a pushing action on the pipe, the counter-support rollers being provided so as not to generate friction on the pipe and to ensure only that said pipe is held in position against the motorized rollers. In practice, and according to the findings of the inventor, the counter-support rollers nevertheless tend to rub with the flexible pipe and thus generate a force opposing the pipe driving force supplied by the motorized rollers to the drive, which reduces the overall drive force transmitted by the motorization system to the drive, or at least complicates the control of the value of this drive force, which complicates the control of the driving movement.

Technical problem

The objective of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of motorization systems for nozzle rack trolleys of the prior art by proposing a motorization system for nozzle rack trolleys with improved compactness.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a motorization system for a nozzle holder rack carriage making it possible to provide a greater and better controlled force to the carriage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a motorization system of simplified design and reduced cost price.

A motorization system is proposed for a nozzle rack trolley, said nozzle rack trolley comprising:
- a nozzle holder rack having at least one nozzle configured to project pressurized liquid onto a surface,
- a flexible pipe, configured to supply the nozzle holder rack with liquid,
said motorization system being configured to cooperate with said flexible pipe to drive the movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage relative to said surface.

According to the invention, said motorization system comprises:
- a frame,
- a motorized roller mobile in rotation relative to the frame around a first axis of rotation, and having a first tread configured to press and rub against said pipe,
- a counter-support roller movable in rotation relative to the frame around a second axis of rotation, substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation, and also having a second tread configured to come to rest and rub against said pipe,
- a drive means connected to the motorized roller and configured so as to drive the rotation of the motorized roller relative to the frame around the first axis of rotation,
wherein the motorized roller and the counter-bearing roller are configured to be arranged opposite each other and diametrically opposite with respect to said pipe, each with their respective tread bearing against said pipe, so to cause the displacement of said pipe relative to the frame by friction between said flexible pipe and each of said treads during their respective rotation, synchronized, relative to the frame, respectively around the first axis of rotation and around the second axis of rotation .

According to the invention, said motorization system further comprising transmission means ensuring the synchronization of the rotation of the motorized roller with respect to the frame and of the rotation of the counter-support roller with respect to the frame, configured so as to synchronize the rotation of the counter-support roller relative to the frame around the second axis of rotation with the rotation of the motorized roller relative to the frame around the first axis of rotation driven by the motorization means, the transmission means being configured so as to ensure a direct transmission of torque from the motorized roller to the counter-support roller so that the friction between the tread of the motorized roller and the pipe and the friction between the tread of the counter-support roller and the pipe are each driven for driving the movement of the pipe relative to the frame.

According to optional characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in combination:
- means of transmission include:
-- at least one first synchronization band of substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the periphery of the motorized roller, and
-- at least one second synchronization strip of substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the periphery of the counter-support roller, the first synchronization strip of the motorized roller being configured to come to press and rub against the second synchronization strip of the counter-support roller - support when the motorized roller and the counter-support roller each have their tread bearing against said pipe so as to cause the movement of the pipe relative to the frame by friction, and the first synchronization band and the second band synchronization are configured so as to synchronize the rotation of the counter-support roller relative to the frame around the second axis of rotation with the rotation of the motorized roller relative to the frame around the first axis of rotation, by friction of the first band of synchronization of the motorized roller on the second synchronization band of the counter-support roller, during the rotation of the motorized roller relative to the frame around the first axis of rotation by means of the drive means;
- the at least one first synchronization strip is substantially cylindrical in shape with a radius R32 and an axis coinciding with the first axis of rotation of the motorized roller relative to the frame, and the at least one second synchronization strip is substantially cylindrical in shape of radius R42 and of axis coinciding with the second axis of rotation of the counter-support roller with respect to the frame;
- the at least one first synchronization band and the at least one second synchronization band are made of elastic material, and, when the first synchronization band of the motorized roller presses and rubs against the second synchronization band of the counter-roller support and that the motorized roller and the counter-support roller each have their tread bearing against said pipe so as to cause the movement of the pipe relative to the frame by friction, the distance DA separating the first axis of rotation from the motorized roller of the second axis of rotation of the counter-support roller is less than the sum of the radius R1 of the first synchronization band and the radius R2 of the second synchronization band, so that the first synchronization band of the motorized roller exerts a force oriented substantially in a radial direction of the motorized roller on the second synchronization band of the counter-support roller;
- the at least one first synchronization band of the motorized roller and the at least one second synchronization band of the counter-support roller are made of elastomeric material, the elastomeric material of the first synchronization band and the elastomeric material of the second band synchronization being chosen so that the coefficient of friction between the first synchronization strip and the second synchronization strip, when resting one on the other, is greater than 0.5, preferably greater than 0.7 ;
- the width of the first synchronization strip, in the axial direction of the motorized roller, is less than the width of the first tread, and the width of the second synchronization strip, in the axial direction of the counter-support roller , is less than the width of the second tread;
- the drive roller has two first synchronization bands, arranged on either side of the first tread, in the axial direction of the drive roller, and the counter-support roller has two second synchronization bands, arranged on either side of the second tread, in the axial direction of the counter-support roller;
- the first two synchronization bands of the motorized roller are identical and/or the two second synchronization bands of the counter-support roller are identical;
- the at least one first synchronization band is made in one piece and integral with the first tread of the motorized roller, and/or the at least one second synchronization band is made in one piece and integral of material with the second tread of the counter-support roller;
- the motorization roller and the counter-support roller are identical.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising:
- a nozzle rack trolley comprising:
-- a nozzle holder rack having at least one nozzle configured to project pressurized liquid onto a surface,
-- a flexible pipe, configured to supply the nozzle holder rack with liquid,
- A motorization system according to one of the embodiments above.

According to the invention, the motorized roller and the counter-support roller of the motorization system are arranged opposite each other and diametrically opposite with respect to said pipe, each resting against said pipe at the level of its band bearing, so as to cause the displacement of said pipe relative to the frame of the drive system by friction between said flexible pipe and each of said treads during their respective rotation, synchronized, relative to the frame, respectively about the first axis of rotation and around the second axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the motorization system is embedded on the nozzle holder rack carriage.

According to an alternative embodiment, the motorization system is remote from the nozzle holder rack carriage.

The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a surface of an industrial device comprising the steps:
(a) supply of an assembly according to one of the above embodiments,
(b) supplying the nozzle rack of the nozzle rack trolley with cleaning fluid via the flexible pipe,
(c) spraying cleaning liquid onto said surface through the nozzle rack of the nozzle rack carriage,
(d) displacement of the nozzle-holder rack carriage on said surface by means of the motorization system of the nozzle-holder rack carriage cooperating with said flexible pipe of the assembly.

According to one embodiment, the industrial device is a heat exchanger.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

shows a sectional view along line II of FIG. 2 of a motorization system according to an embodiment in accordance with the invention, a flexible pipe cooperating with said motorization system being represented in dotted lines.

Fig. 2

shows a sectional view along the line II-II of Figure 1 of the motorization system of Figure 1.

Fig. 3

shows a sectional view along the line III-III of Figure 2 of the motorization system of Figure 1.

Fig. 4

shows a perspective view of the motorized roller and the counter-support roller of the motorization system of FIG. 1, isolated from the rest of the motorization system.

Fig. 5

shows a front view of the motorized roller and the counter-support roller of the motorization system of FIG. 1, isolated from the rest of the motorization system.

Fig. 6

shows a schematic side view of an assembly according to a first embodiment in accordance with the invention with the nozzle holder rack carriage on a surface to be cleaned.

Fig. 7

shows a schematic side view of an assembly according to a second embodiment in accordance with the invention with the nozzle holder rack carriage on a surface to be cleaned.

The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, certain elements. They may therefore not only be used to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

The invention relates to a motorization system 1 for a nozzle holder rack carriage 100, said nozzle holder rack carriage 100 comprising:
- a nozzle holder rack 101 having at least one nozzle 102 configured to project pressurized liquid onto a surface S,
- A flexible pipe 200, configured to supply the nozzle holder rack 101 with liquid.

According to the invention, said motorization system 1 is configured to cooperate with said flexible pipe 200 to drive the movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 with respect to said surface S.

According to the invention, said motorization system 1 comprises:
- a frame 2,
- a motorized roller 3 movable in rotation relative to the frame 2 around a first axis of rotation A3, and having a first tread 31 configured to press and rub against said pipe 200,
- a counter-support roller 4 rotatable relative to the frame 2 around a second axis of rotation A4, substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation A3, and also having a second tread 41 configured to come to press and rub against said conduct 200,
- A drive means connected to the motorized roller 3 and configured so as to drive the rotation of the motorized roller 3 with respect to the frame 2 around the first axis of rotation A3.

According to the invention, the motorized roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4 are configured to be arranged opposite each other and diametrically opposite with respect to said pipe 200, each with their tread 31, 41 respective bearing against said pipe 200, so as to cause the displacement of said pipe 200 relative to the frame 2 by friction between said flexible pipe 200 and each of said treads 31, 41 during their respective rotation, synchronized, relative to the frame 2, respectively around the first axis of rotation A3 and around the second axis of rotation A4.

According to the invention, said motorization system 1 further comprises transmission means ensuring the synchronization of the rotation of the motorized roller 3 with respect to the frame 2 and of the rotation of the counter-support roller 4 with respect to the frame 2, configured so as to synchronize the rotation of the counter-support roller 4 with respect to the frame 2 around the second axis of rotation A4 with the rotation of the motorized roller 3 with respect to the frame 2 around the first axis of rotation A3 driven by the means of coaching.

According to the invention, the transmission means are configured so as to ensure a direct transmission of torque from the motorized roller 3 to the counter-support roller 4, so that the friction between the tread 31 of the motorized roller 3 and the pipe 200 and the friction between the tread 41 of the counter-bearing roller 4 and the pipe 200 are each a motor for driving the movement of the pipe 200 relative to the frame 2.

Thus, with the motorization system 1 according to the invention, and as visible in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, 6 and 7, the longitudinal size, i.e. substantially along the direction of extension of the pipe 200, is significantly reduced, and in particular compared to the motorization means of the prior art, as described in particular in the prior art FR 2955651 A1 and FR 1872482, in that said motorization system 1 comprises only two rollers facing each other relative to pipe 200, and in a single longitudinal position.

Also, the means of transmission between the motorized roller 3 and the counter-bearing roller 4, by directly transmitting torque from the motorized roller 3 to the counter-bearing roller 4 allow the counter-bearing roller 4 to simultaneously fulfill a function of guide for pipe 200 and a drive function by transmitting a force to said pipe 200, via the friction between its tread 41 and said pipe 200.

Thus, and contrary to the motorization means of the prior art, as described in particular in the prior art FR 2955651 A1 and FR 1872482, the friction between the tread 41 of the counter-bearing roller 4 and the pipe 200 does not generate a braking force on said pipe 200, opposing the drive force generated by the friction between the tread 31 of the motorized roller 3, but creates an additional drive force, adding to the effort driving the motorized roller 3 on the pipe 200, which advantageously makes it possible to increase the driving force for the movement of the pipe 200 relative to the frame 2 compared to the drive means of the prior art, or at least to more easily control the value of this training effort.

In the present application, it is meant by synchronization of the rotation of the motorized roller 3 relative to the frame 2 with the rotation of the counter-support roller 4 relative to the frame 2, that the transmission means allow a transmission of force, and in particular of torque, between said motorized roller 3 and said counter-support roller 4 so as to drive the rotation of the counter-support roller 4 with respect to the frame 2 around the second axis of rotation A4, and advantageously in the opposite direction with respect to the rotation of the motorized roller 3 with respect to the frame 2 around the first axis of rotation A3.

By direct transmission of torque from the motorized roller 3 to the counter-bearing roller 4 is also meant that the force is directly transmitted from the motorized roller 3 to the counter-bearing roller 4, without passing through an intermediate element distinct from said transmission means. , and in particular by the flexible pipe 200.

The motorization system 1 according to the invention advantageously also makes it possible to reduce the number of rollers used for driving the pipe 200 with respect to the frame 2, with respect to the motorization means of the prior art, and in particular those described in prior art FR 2955651 A1 and FR 1872482 (two instead of four), which simplifies the design of such a motorization system 1 and reduces its cost price. Thus, a single motorized roller/support roller pair makes it possible to transmit the necessary torque according to the present disclosure, and compared to the drive system of the two aforementioned prior art which requires two pairs of motorized roller/support roller, one behind the other to ensure transmission of effort to driving of the same intensity.

The drive means (not shown) can advantageously comprise a motor, and in particular a hydraulic motor, advantageously supplied with water, for its operation, by said flexible pipe 200.

According to one embodiment, the transmission means comprise:
- at least one first synchronization strip 32 of substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the periphery of the motorized roller 3, and
- at least one second synchronization band 42 of substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the periphery of the counter-support roller 4.

The first synchronization strip 32 of the motorized roller 3 can be configured to come to press and rub against the second synchronization strip 42 of the counter-support roller 4 when the motorized roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4 each have their bearing 31, 41 bearing against said pipe 200 so as to cause the movement of the pipe 200 relative to the frame 2 by friction.

The first synchronization band 32 and the second synchronization band 42 can be configured so as to synchronize the rotation of the counter-support roller 4 with respect to the frame 2 around the second axis of rotation A4 with the rotation of the motorized roller 3 with respect to to the frame 2 around the first axis of rotation A3, by friction of the first synchronization strip 32 of the motorized roller 3 on the second synchronization strip 42 of the counter-support roller 4, during the rotation of the motorized roller 3 by relative to the frame 2 around the first axis of rotation A3 via the drive means.

Such a design of the transmission means is particularly simple, in that these are arranged directly on the motorized roller 3 and on the counter-support roller 4. This also makes it possible to reduce the size of the transmission means and therefore of the motorization system 1 according to the invention.

Advantageously, and as can be seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the motorized roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4 can be provided which can move in translation relative to each other, and in particular in a substantially radial direction. of said pipe 200.

This advantageous arrangement of the invention makes it possible in particular to be able to separate or bring together the first tread 31 of the motorized roller 3 and/or the second tread 42 of the counter-support roller 4 of the pipe 200 and in a substantially perpendicular direction. to the extension direction of said pipe 200.

This makes it possible in particular to be able to release said pipe 200 from the first tread 31 of the motorized roller 3 and from the second tread 41 of the counter-support roller 4, for example in the context of maintenance operations. This can also make it possible to adjust the position, in said direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the pipe 200, of the counter-support roller 4 relative to the motorized roller 3, and in particular in order to adjust the support force between said first synchronization band 32 of motorized roller 3 and said second synchronization band 42 of motorized roller 4 and therefore the force transmitted by motorized roller 3 to counter-support roller 4 by said transmission means.

For this purpose, and as seen more particularly in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the counter-support roller 4 may in particular be provided movable in translation relative to the frame 2, while the motorized roller 3 remains substantially immobile in translation relative to the frame 2. The counter-support roller 4 can for example be received on a support 43 movable relative to the frame 2, and in particular movable in rotation relative to the frame 2 around an axis of rotation A43, advantageously substantially parallel to said second axis of rotation A4 of counter-support roller 4 with respect to frame 2.

According to one embodiment:
- the at least one first synchronization strip 32 is of substantially cylindrical shape with radius R32 and axis A32 coinciding with the first axis of rotation A3 of the motorized roller 3 with respect to the frame 2,
- the at least one second synchronization band 42 is of substantially cylindrical shape with a radius R42 and an axis A42 coinciding with the second axis of rotation A4 of the counter-support roller 4 with respect to the frame 2.

Advantageously, and as visible in particular in the embodiments of Figures 2, 4 and 5:
- the at least one first synchronization strip 32 of the motorized roller 3 can be offset in the axial direction of the motorized roller 3 with respect to the first tread 31 of the motorized roller 3, and
- the at least one second synchronization strip 42 of the counter-bearing roller 4 can be offset in the axial direction of the counter-bearing roller 4 with respect to the second tread 41 of the counter-bearing roller 4.

Also:
- the radius R32 of the first synchronization band of the motorized roller can be greater than the radius R31 of the first tread 31, and
- the radius R42 of the second synchronization band 42 of the counter-support roller 4 can be strictly greater than the radius R41 of the second tread 41.

As seen more particularly in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 5, the cross section of the first tread 31 of the motorized roller 3 and / or the cross section of the second tread 41 of the counter-support roller 4 can have a variable shape and dimensions along the axial direction of the motorized roller 3, respectively of the counter-support roller 4. As a result, the radius R31 of the first tread 31 and/or the radius R41 of the second tread 41 can be variable according to the axial direction of the motorized roller 3, respectively of the counter-support roller 4, but nevertheless remains constantly smaller than the radius R32 of the first synchronization strip 32, respectively the radius R42 of the second synchronization strip. synchronization.

Thus, the first synchronization strip 32, respectively the second synchronization strip 42 can also ensure the stop in translation of the pipe 200 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the pipe 200, so as to prevent the disengagement driving 200 of the motorization system 1 during its operation.

Also, as seen more particularly in the embodiments of Figures 2 to 5, said first tread 31 and / or said second tread 41 can be shaped so as to enclose, at least partially said pipe 200 on its periphery so as to maximize the contact surface between said first tread 31, respectively the second tread 41, and said pipe 200, in order to increase the force transmitted by the motorized roller 3, respectively the counter-support roller 4, to the pipe 200, but also to ensure the stop in translation of the pipe 200 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the pipe 200, so as to prevent the disengagement of the pipe 200 from the system of motorization 1 during its operation.

According to one embodiment, the at least one first synchronization band 32 and the at least one second synchronization band 42 are made of elastic material.

By elastic material is meant a material capable of deforming under stress and of recovering its initial shape on the disappearance of this stress, such as for example an elastomer.

Also, when the first synchronization band 32 of the motorized roller 3 presses and rubs against the second synchronization band 42 of the counter-support roller 4 and the motorized roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4 each have their bearing 31, 41 bearing against said pipe 200 so as to cause the movement of the pipe 200 relative to the frame 2 by friction, the distance DA separating the first axis of rotation A3 of the motorized roller 3 from the second axis of rotation A4 of the roller counter-support 4 may be less than the sum of the radius R32 of the first synchronization band 32 and the radius R42 of the second synchronization band 42.

Thus, said first synchronization strip 32 and said second synchronization strip 42 are deformed at their contact surface, which then forms a plane.

Therefore, as seen more particularly in the embodiments of Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, the force oriented substantially in a radial direction of the motorized roller 3 exerted by the first synchronization band 32 of the motorized roller 3 on the second synchronization band 42 of the counter-support roller 4, generating the frictional force causing the rotation of the counter-support roller 4 with respect to the frame 2 around the second axis of rotation A4, is increased, and in particular with respect to the situation where said distance DA corresponds to the sum of said radii R32 and R42, and in which the contact surface between said first synchronization strip 32 and the second synchronization strip 42 substantially forms a straight line.

The force transmitted from the motorized roller 3 to the counter-support roller 4 can advantageously be adjusted by modifying the value of said distance DA, and in particular in the case where, as described above, the motorized roller 3 and the counter-support 4 can be provided movable in translation relative to each other, and in particular in a substantially radial direction of said pipe 200.

According to one embodiment, the at least one first synchronization strip 32 of the motorized roller 3 and the at least one second synchronization strip 42 of the counter-support roller 4 are made of elastomeric material, the elastomeric material of the first synchronization strip 32 and the elastomer material of the second synchronization strip 42 being chosen so that the coefficient of friction between the first synchronization strip 32 and the second synchronization strip 42, when resting one on the other, is greater than 0.5, preferably greater than 0.7.

According to the findings of the inventor, such a coefficient of friction between said first synchronization band 32 and the second synchronization band 42 allows optimum transmission of force by friction between the first synchronization band 32 and the second synchronization band 42 for ensuring the synchronization of the rotation of the motorized roller 3 with respect to the frame 2 around the first axis of rotation A3 with the rotation of the counter-support roller 4 with respect to the frame 2 around the second axis of rotation A4.

An elastomeric material has the advantage of having sufficient elasticity to ensure the operation of the motorization system 1 as described above, with the coefficient of friction between the first synchronization band 32 and the second synchronization band 42 desired, and to exhibit satisfactory wear resistance. The elastomer material in which the motorized roller 3 and/or the counter-support roller 4 is made can thus for example be nitrile.

According to one embodiment:
- the width W32 of the first synchronization strip 32, in the axial direction of the motorized roller 3, is less than the width W31 of the first tread 31, and
- the width W42 of the second synchronization strip 42, in the axial direction of the counter-support roller 4, is less than the width W41 of the second tread 41.

This advantageous arrangement of the invention makes it possible to reduce the size of the motorized roller 3 and of the counter-support roller 4 according to their respective axial direction, and therefore the size of the motorization system 1 according to the invention, while ensuring a optimal transmission of forces between the motorized roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4 to ensure the synchronization of the rotation of the motorized roller 3 with respect to the frame 2 around the first axis of rotation A3 with the rotation of the counter-support roller 4 with respect to the frame 2 around the second axis of rotation A4.

Advantageously, and as can be seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the width W32 of the first synchronization strip 32 can be at least twice as small as the width W31 of the first tread 31 and/or the width W42 of the second synchronization strip 42 can be at least twice as small as the width W41 of the second tread 41.

In order to further reduce the size of the motorized roller 3 in its axial direction and the size of the counter-support roller 4 in its axial direction, the width W32 of the first synchronization strip 32 may be substantially equal to the width W42 of the second synchronization band 42, and the width W31 of the first tread 31 can be substantially equal to the width W41 of the second tread 41.

According to one embodiment:
- the drive roller 3 has two first synchronization strips 32, arranged on either side of the first tread 31, in the axial direction of the drive roller 3, and
- the counter-bearing roller 4 has two second synchronization bands 42, arranged on either side of the second tread 41, in the axial direction of the counter-bearing roller 4.

This advantageous arrangement of the invention makes it possible to increase, advantageously at least to double, the contact surface between the motorization roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4, in order to increase the force transmitted by friction of the motorization 3 to the counter-bearing roller 4. This also makes it possible to distribute on either side of the first tread 31, respectively of the second tread 41, this friction force, in order to ensure the balancing rollers 3, 4 during their rotation relative to the frame 2, respectively around the first axis of rotation A3 and the second axis of rotation A4.

According to one embodiment, the two first synchronization strips 32 of the motorized roller 3 are identical and/or the two second synchronization strips 42 of the counter-support roller 4 are identical.

Identical is understood to mean that the two first synchronization strips 32 and/or the two second synchronization strips 42 are at least of the same shape and of the same dimensions, and optionally made of the same material.

This advantageous arrangement of the invention further improves the balancing of the motorized roller 3 and of the counter-support roller 4 during their respective rotation relative to the frame 2 respectively around the first axis of rotation A3 and the second axis of rotation A4, in that the forces transmitted by friction from the motorized roller 3 to the counter-bearing roller 4 are substantially identical at the level of each of the synchronization bands 32, 42 of the motorized roller 3 and of the counter-bearing roller 4, on both sides other of the motorized roller 3, respectively on either side of the counter-support roller 4, in their respective axial direction.

Advantageously, and in order to have an optimal balance, the motorized roller 3 and/or the counter-support roller 4 can have at least one plane of symmetry substantially perpendicular to their respective axis of rotation A3, A4.

According to one embodiment, the at least one first synchronization band 32 is made in one piece and made in one piece with the first tread 31 of the motorized roller 3, and/or the at least one second synchronization band 42 is made in one piece and made in one piece with the second tread 41 of the counter-support roller 4.

This advantageous arrangement of the invention facilitates the manufacture of the motorized roller 3 and/or of the counter-support roller 4, and in particular when they are made of elastomeric material, these being able for example to be manufactured in one piece, and in particular by molding .

This also makes it possible to reduce the cost price of the motorized roller 3 and/or of the counter-support roller 4, and therefore of the motorization system 1 according to the invention.

According to one embodiment, the drive roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4 are identical.

By identical is meant that the motorized roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4 are at least of the same shape and the same dimensions, and optionally made of the same material.

This advantageous arrangement of the invention makes it possible to reduce the cost price of the motorization system 1 according to the invention and possibly to simplify the maintenance operations, in that the same roller can be used as a motorized roller 3 or as a counter-support 4.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising:
- a nozzle rack trolley 100 comprising:
-- a nozzle holder rack 101 having at least one nozzle 102 configured to project pressurized liquid onto a surface S,
-- a flexible pipe 200, configured to supply the nozzle holder rack 101 with liquid,
- A motorization system 1 according to one of the embodiments described above.

According to the invention, the motorized roller 3 and the counter-support roller 4 of the motorization system 1 are arranged one in front of the other and diametrically opposite with respect to said pipe 200, each resting against said pipe 200 at its tread 31, 41, so as to cause the displacement of said pipe 200 relative to the frame 2 of the motorization system 1 by friction between said flexible pipe 200 and each of said treads 31, 41 during their respective rotation, synchronized with respect to the frame 2, respectively around the first axis of rotation A3 and around the second axis of rotation A4.

All of the provisions and advantages described above concerning the motorization system 1 according to the invention apply to the assembly according to the invention.

In particular, the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 of the assembly according to the invention may have a footprint, in particular along the direction of extension of the pipe 200, reduced compared to the nozzle holder rack carriages of the prior art and in particular those described in the prior art FR 2955651 A1 and FR 1872482.

Also, the drive force exerted by the motorization system 1 on the pipe 200 being greater than those exerted by the motorization systems of the state of the art, or at least more easily controllable, the speed of movement of the carriage to the nozzle holder rack 100 on the surface S can be greater than that of the nozzle holder rack carriages of the state of the art, or at least more easily controllable.

According to one embodiment, the motorization system 1 is embedded on the nozzle holder rack carriage 100.

In such an embodiment, as can be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the pipe 200 can thus also fulfill a function of guiding the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 during its movement on the surface S, so as to similar to what is provided in the prior art FR 1872482, because it remains substantially immobile with respect to the surface S during the movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 on the surface S in the direction of extension of said pipe 200.

The provisions and advantages concerning the fixing of the motorization system 1 on the nozzle-holder rack carriage 100, but also concerning the structure and operation of the nozzle-holder rack carriage described in this prior art can be applied to the rack carriage - nozzles 100 of the assembly according to the invention.

According to an alternative embodiment, the motorization system 1 is remote from the nozzle holder rack carriage 100.

In such an embodiment, as visible in the example embodiment of FIG. 7, the motorization system 1 can thus be positioned at a distance from the surface S to be cleaned, for example on the ground near said surface S to clean, which makes it more accessible to an operator, for example to carry out maintenance operations.

Similar to what is provided in the prior art FR 2955651 A1, the flexible pipe 200 can thus be provided to move relative to the surface S to be cleaned during the movement of the nozzle rack carriage 100 on the surface S according to the extension direction of said pipe 200, the latter following the movement of the carriage 100 relative to the surface S to be cleaned. To this end, at least one guide rail (not shown) receiving said pipe internally can be provided, so as to ensure the guiding of the pipe, and therefore of the carriage, with respect to the surface to be cleaned during the movement of the carriage on said surface to be cleaned.

The provisions and advantages concerning the fixing of the motorization system 1 on the nozzle-holder rack carriage 100, but also concerning the structure and operation of the nozzle-holder rack carriage described in this prior art can be applied to the rack carriage - nozzles 100 of the assembly according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a surface S of an industrial device comprising the steps:
(a) supply of an assembly according to one of the embodiments described above,
(b) feeding the nozzle holder rack 101 of the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 with cleaning liquid via the flexible pipe 200,
(c) projection of cleaning liquid onto said surface S via the nozzle holder rack 101 of the nozzle holder rack carriage 100,
(d) movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 on said surface S via the motorization system 1 of the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 cooperating with said flexible pipe 200 of the assembly.

Such a cleaning method makes it possible to easily and quickly carry out effective cleaning of the surface S of the industrial device, in that the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 moves directly on the surface S by projecting the cleaning liquid as close as possible to said surface S, as described in the prior art FR 2955651 A1 and FR 1872482.

However, in the method according to the invention, thanks to the use of the assembly according to the invention, described previously, the movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage 100 on the surface S can be done more quickly, or at least with a better controlled speed of movement, which improves the efficiency of cleaning said surface S and can reduce the duration of execution of the cleaning method compared to the cleaning methods of the prior art, in particular as described in the prior art FR 2955651 A1 and FR 1872482.

According to one embodiment, the industrial device is a heat exchanger.

Indeed, the cleaning method according to the invention is particularly well suited for cleaning heat exchangers, in that by providing for the movement of the nozzle rack carriage 100 directly on the surface S of the exchanger to be cleaned, that -it can easily reach all corners of the exchanger, and in particular the dirtiest, such as the inter-spaces between the fins located outside the cooling tubes, in which the fluid to be cooled circulates, which are particularly difficult to clean.

Naturally, other embodiments could have been envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

1. Motorization system
2. Frame
3. Motorized roller
A3. First axis of rotation
31. First tread
W31. Width
32. First Sync Band
R32. Ray
W32. Width
4. Backing roller
A4. Second axis of rotation
41. Second tread
W41. Width
42. Second Sync Band
R42. Ray
43. Bracket
A43. Rotation axis
AD. Distance
100. Nozzle rack trolley
101. Nozzle rack
102. Nozzle
200. Smooth ride
S. Soft surface

Claims (15)

Motorization system (1) for a nozzle rack trolley (100), said nozzle rack trolley (100) comprising:
- a nozzle holder rack (101) having at least one nozzle (102) configured to project pressurized liquid onto a surface (S),
- a flexible pipe (200), configured to supply the nozzle holder rack (101) with liquid,
said motorization system (1) being configured to cooperate with said flexible pipe (200) to drive the movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage (100) relative to said surface (S),
wherein said motorization system (1) comprises:
- a frame (2),
- a motorized roller (3) movable in rotation relative to the frame (2) around a first axis of rotation (A3), and having a first tread (31) configured to press and rub against said pipe (200 ),
- a counter-bearing roller (4) rotatable relative to the frame (2) around a second axis of rotation (A4), substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation (A3), and also having a second strip of bearing (41) configured to press and rub against said pipe (200),
- a drive means connected to the motorized roller (3) and configured so as to drive the rotation of the motorized roller (3) relative to the frame (2) around the first axis of rotation (A3),
wherein the motorized roller (3) and the backing roller (4) are configured to be arranged opposite each other and diametrically opposite with respect to said pipe (200), each with their tread (31, 41) resting against said pipe (200), so as to cause the displacement of said pipe (200) relative to the frame (2) by friction between said flexible pipe (200) and each of said treads ( 31, 41) during their respective rotation, synchronized, with respect to the frame (2), respectively around the first axis of rotation (A3) and around the second axis of rotation (A4).
said motorization system (1) further comprising transmission means ensuring the synchronization of the rotation of the motorized roller (3) relative to the frame (2) and of the rotation of the counter-support roller (4) relative to the frame (2), configured so as to synchronize the rotation of the counter-support roller (4) relative to the frame (2) around the second axis of rotation (A4) with the rotation of the motorized roller (3) relative to the frame ( 2) around the first axis of rotation (A3) driven by the drive means, the transmission means being configured so as to ensure direct transmission of torque from the motorized roller (3) to the counter-support roller (4) of so that the friction between the tread (31) of the motorized roller (3) and the pipe (200) and the friction between the tread (41) of the counter-support roller (4) and the pipe (200) are each motor for driving the movement of the pipe (200) relative to the frame (2). Motorization system (1) according to claim 1, in which the transmission means comprise:
- at least one first synchronization strip (32) of substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the periphery of the motorized roller (3), and
- at least one second synchronization band (42) of substantially cylindrical shape, provided on the periphery of the counter-support roller (4),
wherein the first synchronization strip (32) of the motorized roller (3) is configured to come to press and rub against the second synchronization strip (42) of the counter-support roller (4) when the motorized roller (3) and the counter-bearing roller (4) each have their tread (31, 41) resting against said pipe (200) so as to cause the movement of the pipe (200) relative to the frame (2) by friction,
and wherein the first synchronization band (32) and the second synchronization band (42) are configured so as to synchronize the rotation of the backing roller (4) with respect to the frame (2) around the second axis of rotation (A4) with the rotation of the motorized roller (3) relative to the frame (2) around the first axis of rotation (A3), by friction of the first synchronization strip (32) of the motorized roller (3) on the second strip synchronization (42) of the counter-support roller (4), during the rotation of the motorized roller (3) relative to the frame (2) around the first axis of rotation (A3) by means of the means of 'coaching. Drive system (1) according to claim 2, in which:
- the at least one first synchronization strip (32) is of substantially cylindrical shape with a radius (R32) and an axis coinciding with the first axis of rotation (A3) of the motorized roller (3) with respect to the frame (2),
- the at least one second synchronization strip (42) is of substantially cylindrical shape with a radius (R42) and an axis coinciding with the second axis of rotation (A4) of the counter-support roller (4) with respect to the frame ( 2). Motorization system (1) according to claim 3, in which the at least one first synchronization band (32) and the at least one second synchronization band (42) are made of elastic material,
and in which, when the first synchronization strip (32) of the motorized roller (3) presses and rubs against the second synchronization strip (42) of the counter-support roller (4) and the motorized roller (3) and the counter-support roller (4) each have their tread (31, 41) resting against said pipe (200) so as to cause the movement of the pipe (200) relative to the frame (2) by friction, the distance (DA) separating the first axis of rotation (A3) of the motorized roller (3) from the second axis of rotation (A4) of the counter-support roller (4) is less than the sum of the radius (R32) of the first synchronization strip (32) and the radius (R42) of the second synchronization strip (42), so that the first synchronization strip (32) of the motorized roller (3) exerts a force oriented substantially in a radial direction of the roller motor (3) on the second synchronization strip (42) of the counter-support roller (4). Motorization system (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, in which the at least one first synchronization strip (32) of the motorized roller (3) and the at least one second synchronization strip (42) of the counter-support (4) are made of elastomeric material, the elastomeric material of the first synchronization band and the elastomeric material of the second synchronization band (42) being chosen so that the coefficient of friction between the first synchronization band ( 32) and the second synchronization strip (42), when bearing one on the other, is greater than 0.5, preferably greater than 0.7. Motorization system (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 5, in which:
- the width (W32) of the first synchronization strip (32), in the axial direction of the motorized roller (3), is less than the width (W31) of the first tread (31), and
- the width (W42) of the second synchronization strip (42), in the axial direction of the counter-support roller (4), is less than the width (W41) of the second tread (41). Drive system (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 6, in which:
- the drive roller (3) has two first synchronization strips (32), arranged on either side of the first tread (3), in the axial direction of the drive roller (3), and
- the counter-support roller (4) has two second synchronization bands (42), arranged on either side of the second tread (41), in the axial direction of the counter-support roller (4) . Motorization system (1) according to claim 7, in which the two first synchronization bands (32) of the motorized roller (3) are identical and/or the two second synchronization bands (42) of the counter-support roller (4 ) are the same. Motorization system (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 8, in which the at least one first synchronization band (32) is made in one piece and made in one piece with the first tread (31) of the motorized roller (3), and/or the at least one second synchronization strip (42) is made in one piece and made in one piece with the second tread (41) of the counter-bearing roller (4). Motorization system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the motorization roller (3) and the counter-support roller (4) are identical. Set including:
- a nozzle rack trolley (100) comprising:
-- a nozzle holder rack (101) having at least one nozzle (102) configured to project pressurized liquid onto a surface (S),
-- a flexible pipe (200), configured to supply the nozzle holder rack (101) with liquid,
- a motorization system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10,
in which the motorized roller (3) and the counter-support roller (4) of the motorization system (1) are arranged one in front of the other and diametrically opposed with respect to the said pipe (200), each in bearing against said pipe (200) at the level of its tread (31, 41), so as to cause the displacement of said pipe (200) relative to the frame (2) of the motorization system (1) by friction between said flexible pipe (200) and each of said treads (31, 41) during their respective rotation, synchronized, with respect to the frame (2), respectively around the first axis of rotation (A3) and around the second axis of rotation ( A4). Assembly according to claim 11, in which the motorization system (1) is mounted on the nozzle holder rack carriage (100). Assembly according to Claim 11, in which the motorization system (1) is remote from the nozzle holder rack carriage (100). Method for cleaning a surface (S) of an industrial device comprising the steps:
(a) supply of an assembly according to one of claims 11 to 13,
(b) supplying the nozzle holder rack (101) of the nozzle holder rack carriage (100) with cleaning liquid via the flexible pipe (200),
(c) projection of cleaning liquid onto said surface (S) via the nozzle holder rack (101) of the nozzle holder rack carriage (100),
(d) movement of the nozzle holder rack carriage (100) on said surface (S) by means of the motorization system (1) of the nozzle holder rack carriage (100) cooperating with said flexible pipe (200) of all. Method according to claim 14, in which the industrial device is a heat exchanger.