HOSE REEL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A hose reel assembly and a method of using the same is disclosed. The hose reel assembly includes a rotatable drum mounted on a frame and having a groove defined in a sidewall thereof. A swivel assembly is engaged with a first end of the drum. The swivel assembly includes a first section that is selectively connected to a remote fluid source and a second section that is connected to one or more hoses that are wound into the groove or out of the groove on the drum. The second section rotates with the drum while the first section remains stationary. An indexer is provided to feed the hoses onto or off of the. Limit switches on the indexer control the movement thereof and shut off the drum's rotation in the event of a pressure build-up in the hoses which extend outwardly from the indexer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/406,014 filed Feb. 27, 2012 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/524,127, filed Aug. 16, 2011, the entire specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of hose reels. More particularly, this invention relates to a hose reel used for cleaning objects such as heat exchanger tubes. Specifically, this invention is directed to a hose reel assembly having a swivel assembly used to connect an incoming water hose to hoses that are wound into a groove on the drum; and an indexer that feeds the hoses into and out of the groove and which automatically shuts off the drum's rotation if too much pressure builds up in the hoses during a cleaning operation.

2. Background Information

Heat exchangers transfer heat or cold from one fluid to another. There are several different types of heat exchanger which are used in different applications but one of the more commonly used types is known as a shell and tube heat exchanger. In this device, there is provided an external shell having an interior chamber within which is disposed a plurality of tubes. The tubes are positioned substantially parallel to each other in a group known in the industry as a tube bundle. Each tube in the tube bundle is surrounded by open space which separates the tube from adjacent tubes. A first fluid is caused to flow through the bores of the tubes and a second fluid is caused to flow through the chamber of the shell in which the tube bundle is located. If the first fluid is hotter than the second fluid then as the second fluid flows through the chamber and through the spaces surrounding the tubes, heat from the first fluid in the tubes is transferred to the second fluid. Shell and tube type heat exchangers are designed to maximize the heat transfer between the first and second fluid.

One of the issues that these systems experience is that the heated fluid flowing through the tubes tends to deposit impurities from the fluid onto the interior surfaces of the tube wall that defines the bore. The impurities build up over time and narrow the bore, thus restricting the flow of fluid therethrough. The slowing of the fluid flow tends to accelerate the rate of deposition on the tube walls, restricting the flow even further. This build-up of impurities tends to lead to a loss of efficiency in the system. This fouling is especially problematic when long, thin tubes are utilized in the tube bundle.

It is therefore necessary to periodically clean the tubes to remove the deposits from the interior surfaces of the tube walls. There are several known methods for undertaking this cleaning. Drill-type rods may be inserted into the tube bores to remove the deposits or high-pressure water jets may be used to blast deposits from the interior surfaces. The high velocity water jet is provided by a hose that is rotated at a high speed. The hose is engaged on a hose reel that is able to be moved to a location proximate the site where cleaning is to occur. A first hose is used to connect the hose reel assembly to a remote water source and one or more secondary hoses are fed from the hose reel assembly and inserted into the heat exchanger tubes. The secondary hoses are wound off a drum provided on the hose reel assembly in order to perform the cleaning operation. One such hose reel assembly is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/406,014 to the same inventor and assignee, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. When the cleaning operation is completed, the secondary hoses are wound back onto the drum of the hose reel assembly, the first hose is disengaged from the assembly and the assembly is moved to the next job site.

SUMMARY

One of the issues which may be experienced in previously known hose reel assemblies is that the delivery of this high pressure, high velocity water to cut through deposits in heat exchanger tubes may present a safety issue for the operators of the machinery. The narrowness or even blockage of the tube bores may cause the high pressure water jet to be deflected back toward the operator, potentially injuring him or her. In other instances, the hose itself may experience a pressure build-up that causes it to kink and start moving back towards the hose reel assembly. The operator must immediately stop the rotation of the drum to avoid damage to the machinery and/or injury to himself or herself.

Another issue that is quite common in previously known hose reel assemblies is that it may be quite difficult to connect a water hose to the secondary hoses on the rotatable drum in a way that does not result in leaks during operation of the hose reel assembly.

The device and method disclosed herein address these and other issues.

A hose reel assembly and a method of using the same is disclosed. The hose reel assembly includes a rotatable drum mounted on a frame and having a groove defined in a sidewall thereof. A swivel assembly is engaged with a first end of the drum. The swivel assembly includes a first section that is selectively connected to a remote fluid source and a second section that is connected to one or more hoses that are wound into the groove or out of the groove on the drum. The second section rotates with the drum while the first section remains stationary. An indexer is provided to feed the hoses onto or off of the. Limit switches on the indexer control the movement thereof and shut off the drum's rotation in the event of a pressure build-up in the hoses which extend outwardly from the indexer.

In one aspect, the invention may provide a hose reel assembly including a drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof; a swivel assembly engaged with the first end of the drum; said swivel assembly having a first section adapted to be connected to a first hose which is connectable to a remote fluid source; and a second section that is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the second section of the swivel assembly rotates in unison with the drum while the first section of the swivel assembly remains stationary.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a hose reel assembly including a frame; a drum operatively mounted on the frame, said drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof; a groove defined in the exterior surface of the sidewall; wherein the groove is adapted to windably receive a hose therein; a guide rod extending from proximate the first end of the drum to proximate the second end thereof; an indexer engaged on the guide rod and being movable therealong, wherein the indexer is adapted to receive a portion of the hose therethrough; and the indexer moves in a first direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound onto the drum and the indexer moves in a second direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound off the drum.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a swivel assembly for use in a hose reel assembly having a rotatable drum; said swivel assembly including a first section having a first end and a second end region; where the first end of the first section is adapted to be connected to a first hose which is, in turn connectable to a remote fluid source; and a second section having a first end region and a second end; where the first end region of the second section is engaged with the second end region of the first section; and wherein the second section is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the swivel assembly has a longitudinal axis which extends from the first end of the first section to the second of the second section; and wherein the second section rotates relative to the first section and about the longitudinal axis.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of cleaning a tube utilizing a high pressure water jet including the steps of providing a hose reel assembly having a frame upon which a rotatable drum is mounted; where the drum has a first end and a second end and defines an interior bore which extends between the first and second ends; and wherein a sidewall which extends between the first and second ends defines a groove on an exterior surface thereof. The method further includes providing a swivel assembly which includes a first section and a second section; where the second section is rotatable relative to the first section thereof. The operator will engage a hose with the second section of the swivel assembly, passing the hose through the bore of the drum and threading the hose through a hose clamp assembly located proximate the second end of the drum. The hose is then threaded through a section of the groove on the exterior surface of the drum and through an indexer mounted on at least one guide rod which extends between the first and second ends of the drum. The operator will engage the swivel assembly on the first end of the drum such that the first section of the swivel assembly extends outwardly from the first end of the drum in a first direction; and a second section of the swivel assembly extends into the bore of the drum. The operator will then engage a water hose with a connector provided on the first section of the swivel assembly and will then send a quantity of water down the water hose, through a fluid passageway defined in the swivel assembly and into the hose engaged with the second section thereof. The drum is rotated in a first direction to unwind a length of the hose out of the groove and move the unwound length of hose through the indexer. The tube is then cleaned with a jet of water which sprays outwardly from a nozzle attached to a free end of the unwound length of hose. When the tube is cleaned, the water is shut off to the hose reel assembly and the drum is rotated in a second direction to wind the hose back into the groove on the drum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a hose reel assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention illustrating a swivel assembly and a first embodiment of an indexer, each of which being engaged with the hose reel assembly;

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the hose reel assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hose reel assembly with the indexer exploded outwardly therefrom and having a number of roller tubes cut away therefrom and a pair of guide rods omitted from the figure so that an exterior surface of a sidewall of an interior drum may be better seen;

FIG. 3A is a cross-section of a hose clamp assembly taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a first perspective view of a first end of the hose reel assembly with the swivel assembly exploded outwardly therefrom;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a swivel shaft wedge shown alone;

FIG. 4B is a rear view of the swivel shaft wedge of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the swivel assembly taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlargement of the highlighted region of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-section of the first end of the hose reel assembly showing a pair of hoses engaged with the swivel assembly and extending into an interior bore of the drum;

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the indexer shown alone;

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the indexer of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the indexer;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the indexer taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer with a hose shown extending therethrough;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of the indexer showing the hoses illustrated in a kinked position where the hose deactivates the indexer; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the hose reel assembly showing a second embodiment of an indexer engaged therewith.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-14 there is shown a hose reel assembly generally indicated at 10. Hose reel assembly 10 includes a hose reel 12 having a swivel assembly 14 in accordance with one aspect of the invention mounted at a first end of the hose reel 12. An indexer 16 in accordance with another aspect of the invention is engaged with a side region of hose reel 12 and extends laterally outwardly therefrom and generally at right angles to a longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 5) of hose reel assembly 10. Hose reel 12, swivel assembly 14 and indexer 16 will be described in greater detail hereafter.

Hose reel 12 includes a first mounting plate 18 and a second mounting plate 20 which are parallel to each other and spaced longitudinally a distance apart. Each of the first and second mounting plates 18, 20 are oriented substantially at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”. First mounting plate 18 defines a generally central aperture 18a (FIG. 7) therein and second mounting plate 20 defines a generally central aperture therein (not shown). Central aperture 18a is aligned with the central aperture in second mounting plate 20.

A drum 22 extends between first and second mounting plates 18, 20. An end plate is provided at each end of drum 22. FIG. 7 shows a first end plate 24 secured to a first end of drum 22 by fasteners 26 and a second end plate 25 (FIG. 3A) is similarly secured to a second end of drum 22. First end plate 24 is positioned adjacent first mounting plate 18 and second end plate 25 is positioned adjacent second mounting plate 20. First end plate 24 defines an aperture 24a therein. At least a portion of aperture 24a is generally aligned with central aperture 18a. A bearing carrier 28 is secured to first end plate 24. As shown in FIG. 7, bearing carrier 28 includes a bore which extends from a first end wall 28f to a second end wall 28g thereof. The bore includes a first region 28a which is of a substantially constant diameter and a second region 28b which is tapered from a wider diameter located proximate first end wall 28f down to a narrower diameter that is located proximate first region 28a. The first region 28a of constant diameter is generally aligned with aperture 24a of first end plate 24 and aperture 18a in first mounting plate 18. Bearing carrier 28 is secured to first end plate 24 of drum 22 by positioning second end wall 28g thereof at least partially in abutting contact with the exterior surface of first end plate 24 and inserting fasteners 30 through apertures (not numbered) in an annular portion 28c of bearing carrier 28. The annular portion 28c is located between an interior surface of first mounting plate 18 and first end plate 24. Because bearing carrier 28 is secured to first end plate 24, when drum 22 is caused to rotate about longitudinal axis “Y”, first end plate 24 and therefore bearing carrier 28 will rotate in unison with drum 22. Swivel assembly 14 is engaged with bearing carrier 28 as will be later described herein.

Although not illustrated herein, it should be understood that a cover may be selectively placed over at least the drum 22 during periods of non-use. Furthermore, it will be understood that a gear assembly and a drive shaft 31a or 31b (FIG. 2) are operatively engaged with drum 22. Drive shaft 31a or 31b is selectively operatively engaged with a gear box 33 depending on the speed that is desired for rotating drum 22. The gear assembly is mounted interiorly of second mounting plate 20 and is secured to second mounting plate 20 via mounting bracket 32 (FIG. 2). The drive shaft 31a or 31b is driven by motor 34 to selectively rotate drum 22 about longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 7) in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction.

Drum 22 has a sidewall with an exterior surface 22a (FIG. 7) which extends between the end plates 24, 25. A groove 36 is defined in exterior surface 22a and groove 36 extends from first end plate 24 to second end plate 25 (FIG. 3A). Groove 36 may be a substantially continuous groove that is helical in nature. Groove 36 is provided to receive a windably receive one or two hoses 38 therein as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The sidewall of drum 22 further includes an interior surface (not numbered) which defines a bore 22b (FIGS. 3A and 7) therein. Bore 22b extends from first end plate 24 to second end plate 25.

Hose reel 12 further includes a plurality of roller tubes 40 which extend between first mounting plate 18 and second mounting plate 20 and are arranged in a generally circular pattern when viewed from either end of drum 22. Roller tubes 40 are spaced at intervals from each other about a circumference of this circular pattern. Roller tubes 40 are positioned radially outwardly and adjacent exterior surface 22a of drum 22 as is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 7. Each roller tubes 40 is oriented generally parallel to longitudinal axis “Y” and includes a tube 42 which defines a bore 42a therethrough (FIG. 3A). A rod 44 extends through bore 42a of tube 42 and extends outwardly for a distance beyond each end of tube 42 (FIG. 7). The portions of rod 44 which extend outwardly beyond the ends of tube 42 are threaded with threads 46 (FIG. 7). A first threaded portion 46 of each rod 44 extends through one of a plurality of apertures 18b defined in first mounting plate 18. A second threaded portion of each rod 44 extends through one of a plurality of apertures 20a (FIG. 3A) in second mounting plate 20. The threaded portions 46 are secured to the respective mounting plates 18 or 20 by nuts 48 (FIG. 7). Bushings 50 are provided between the ends of tube 42 and rod 44 and these bushings 50 permit tube 42 to rotate about an axis which extends along rod 44 in either of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

A pair of legs 52 is provided on hose reel 12. Each leg 52 is mounted to one of the first and second mounting plates 18, 20 and may be oriented substantially at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”. Legs 52 may be comprised of sections which telescope so that legs 52 are selectively adjustable in length as indicated by arrows “J” in FIG. 1. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, at least one of the legs 52 may include a pair of wheels 54 mounted thereon. Wheels 54 may be used to move hose reel 12 over a surface upon which assembly 10 rests. One or both legs 52 also includes ground-engaging feet 56 which support hose reel assembly 10 a distance above the surface upon which assembly 10 rests. Feet 56 may be vertically adjustable so that they may be used to level hose reel 12 if necessary. Handles 58 may also be provided on the exterior surfaces of first and second mounting plates 18, 20. Handles 58 may be used to lift and maneuver hose reel 12 as needed.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a pair of holes 18c (FIG. 3) is defined in first mounting plate 18 and a pair of holes 20b (FIG. 3A) is defined in second mounting plate 20. Holes 18c are spaced a distance from each other and holes 20b are similarly spaced a distance from each other. Holes 18c are aligned with holes 20b. Holes 18c and 20b are spaced a distance radially outwardly of roller tubes 40 and may be positioned inwardly from an upper corner region of each of the first and second end plates 18, 20. This position is selected simply for ease of access thereto.

A first guide rod 60 and a second guide rod 62 extend between an interior surface of first mounting plate 18 and an interior surface of second mounting plate 20. Fasteners 63 extend through holes 18c in first mounting plate 18 and additional fasteners 63 extend through holes 20b in second mounting plate 20. Fasteners 63 are threadably engaged with a threaded interior surface defined in each end of first and second guide rods 60, 62. First and second guide rods 60, 62 are thus spaced a distance apart from each other and from the adjacent roller tubes 40. Guide rods 60, 62 may be located in a region of hose reel 12 where one or two roller tubes are omitted so as to make space for guide rods 60, 62. Guide rods 60, 62 may be secured in such as way as to fix them in position and so that they do not rotate in a manner similar to roller tubes 40. As will be later described herein, indexer 16 is engaged with first and second guide rods 60, 62 and is movable therealong during operation of hose reel assembly 10.

FIG. 2 shows that a tapered collar 64 is provided proximate a first end of first guide rod 60. Collar 64 is positioned adjacent the interior surface of first mounting plate 18 and tapers in diameter in a direction moving away from first mounting plate 18. FIG. 1 shows that a collar 66 is provided proximate a second end of second guide rod 62. Collar 66 may be generally cylindrical in shape. It will be understood that the collar 64, 66 may be differently shaped to the way shown in the attached figures. The two collars 64, 66 are also shown on guide rods 60, 62 engaged with the exploded-away indexer 16 in FIG. 3. The purpose of the collars 64, 66 will be discussed later herein.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, there is shown a swivel assembly 14 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Swivel assembly 14 is removably secured to a first end of drum 22 and allows an operator to connect a fluid source to the assembly 10 without having to reach into the interior of drum 22 or lifting a cover (not shown) off assembly 10. Swivel assembly 14 also allows a water hose to be connected to one end of swivel assembly 14 and enables another hose to be secured to a second end of the swivel assembly 14. The second hose 14 is wound onto or off an exterior sidewall of drum 22 and the second hose rotates in unison with drum 22. Swivel assembly 14 allows the water hose to remain stationary while drum 22 and the second hose are being rotated.

Swivel assembly 14 is engaged with first mounting plate 18 by way of a mounting assembly 68. Mounting assembly 68 includes a swivel shaft wedge 70 (FIGS. 4A, 4B and 7), a bearing retainer 72, and a bearing 74. Fasteners 76 (FIG. 7) secure bearing retainer 72 to first mounting plate 18. Fasteners 78 secure swivel shaft wedge 72 to bearing carrier 28. Bearing 74 is positioned between bearing retainer 72, swivel shaft wedge 70 and bearing carrier 28. Bearing 74 enables bearing carrier 28 to rotate relative to mounting assembly 68 as drum 22 rotates.

Referring to FIG. 5 and moving generally from the left side of the figure to the right side thereof, swivel assembly 14 includes a connector member 80, a top hat 82, a swivel body 84, a ring 86, a tapered seal 88, a base member 90, a center piece 92, a swivel collar 94, the swivel shaft wedge 70, and a mounting block 96. One or two hoses 38 are engaged with mounting block 96. Each of these components will be described in greater detail below.

Connector member 80 includes a first threaded region 80a, a central region 80b and a second threaded region 80c. First and second threaded regions 80a, 80c extend outwardly from central region 80b in opposite directions to each other. As best seen in FIG. 4, central region 80b has the configuration of a hex-nut that may be engaged by a wrench. Each of the first and second threaded regions 80a, 80c (FIG. 5) include threads on their exterior surfaces. Connector member 80 further defines a bore 80d which extends from one end of first threaded region 80a to an end of second threaded region 80c. First threaded region 80a is selectively engageable with a water hose (not shown). Second threaded region 80c is selective engageable with top hat 82. Bore 80d allows water flowing from a water hose connected to first region 80a to flow through connector member 80 and towards top hat 82.

Top hat 82 includes a first region 82a and a second region 82b. First region 82a is of a greater diameter than second region 82b. The exterior surface of first region 82a may include at least one planar region 82a′ as shown in FIG. 4. This planar region 82a′ provides an area where a wrench may more easily be engaged with top hat 82. First region 82a defines an internally threaded first recess 82c (FIG. 5) which is complementary to second threaded region 80c of connector member 80. Second threaded region 80c of connector member 80 is inserted into recess 82c and is threadably engaged therewith. A portion of the exterior surface of second region 82b is provided with threads 82d (FIG. 6). Second region 82b is threadably engaged with swivel body 84. The exterior surface of second region 82b defines a groove (not numbered) therein. This groove is located a distance inwardly beyond the threads 82d and an O-ring 100 (FIG. 6) is seated in this groove. Second region 82b of top hat 82 defines a second recess 82e therein. Second recess 82e is longitudinally aligned with first recess 82c. Second region 82b also defines a bore 82f therein which extends from between first recess 82c and second recess 82e. When top hat 82 and connector member 80 are engaged with each other, bore 80d of connector member 80 is longitudinally aligned with bore 80f of top hat 82 and is in fluid communication therewith. Thus, water flowing through bore 80d will flow into a tapered region 82g defining first recess 82c and then through bore 82f.

Swivel body 84 includes a first region 84a and a second region 84b where the second region 84b is of a greater diameter than first region 84a. First region 84a may include at least one planar face 84a′ (FIG. 4) which enables a user to more easily grip swivel body 84 with a wrench. Second region 84b defines a shoulder 84c (FIG. 6) therein a distance away from first region 84b. Swivel body 84 defines a first recess 84d, a second recess 84e, a third recess 84f, and a fourth recess 84g therein which are all in communication with each other. First recess 84d is defined in first region 84a and a plurality of threads 84h are defined in an interior wall which defines first recess 84d. Threads 84h are provided for threadable engagement with threads 82d (FIG. 6) on top hat 82. Second, third and fourth recesses 84e, 84f and 84g are all defined in second region 84b of swivel body 84. Second recess 84e is of a smaller diameter than first recess 84d, third recess 84f is of a smaller diameter than second recess 84e, and fourth recess 84g is of a greater diameter than first recess 84d. An annular seal 102 is seated in third recess 84f and a bearing 104 is seated in fourth recess 84g. A projection 84i is formed between second recess 84e and fourth recess 84g. Third recess 84f is defined in this projection 84i.

Referring to FIG. 6, ring 86 comprises a first region 86a and a second region 86b. First region 86a is of a greater diameter than second region 86b. Threads 86c are provided on an exterior surface of first region 86a and are utilized for selective engagement of ring 86 with swivel collar 94. Ring 86 defines a bore 86d therein and through which first region 82a of top hat 82 extends.

Referring still to FIG. 6, tapered seal 88 is sized to fit in second recess 82e of top hat 82. The exterior surface of tapered seal 88 includes a groove (not numbered) into which an O-ring 106 is seated. Tapered seal 88 includes a first flat end 88a which abuts an interior wall of top hat 82 which defines one end of second recess 82e. Seal 88 further includes a tapered end 88b spaced from the first flat end 88a. Seal 88 defines a bore 88c therethrough which is positioned to be substantially continuous with bore 82f of top hat 82.

Base member 90 includes a first region 90a and a second region 90b, where first region 90a is of a smaller diameter than second region 90b. First region 90a is shaped and sized to be received within second recess 82e of top hat 82. Second region 90b of base member 90 is of a greater diameter than the first region 90a thereof. Second region 90b is positionable within second recess 84e of top hat 82. Base member 90 defines a flared first recess 90c that is complementary to the tapered end 88b of seal 88 and abuts the same when base member 90 is engaged with top hat 82. Base member 90 further defines a bore 90d and a second recess 90e therein that are in fluid communication with first recess 90c. When base member 90 is engaged between top hat 82 and swivel body 84 a channel is formed through seal 88, base member 90 and seal 102 that is in fluid communication with bore 82f of top hat 82.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, center piece 92 includes a first region 92a, a second region 92b, a third region 92c, a fourth region 92d, and a firth region 92e. First region 92a is of a first diameter that is complementary to the bore 88e of seal 88, bore 90d of base member 90 and a hole 102a in seal 102. First region 92a is received through these aligned hole 102a, and bores 90d, 88e and is inserted inwardly until a tip of first region 92a is adjacent the planar end 88a of seal 88. A shoulder 92f (FIG. 6) is formed between first region 92a and second region 92b. When first region 92a is inserted into the aligned bores 88e, 90d and hole 102a, shoulder 92f of center piece 92 abuts an outer surface of projection 84i of swivel body 84. Thus, a sealing engagement of center piece 92, base member 90, swivel body 84 and top hat 82 is accomplished by the various seals 88, 102 and O-ring 106. Center piece also defines a bore 92g therethrough which is in fluid communication with bore 82f of top hat 82. It should be noted that bore 92g in the first region 92a and a portion of second region 92b of center piece 92 is of a reduced diameter relative to bore 82f, thus increasing the pressure of any water flowing through that region of swivel assembly 14. A shoulder 92h is defined between second and third regions 92b, 92c of center piece 92. Shoulder 92h engages bearing 104, locking the same within fourth recess 84g of swivel body 84. A shoulder 92i (FIG. 5) is defined between third region 92c and fourth region 92d of center piece 92. Second region 92b and fourth region 92d may be of generally the same diameter and that diameter is greater than that of first region 92a. Third region 92c may be of a greater diameter than second and fourth regions 92b, 92d. Fifth region 92e may be of a smaller diameter than second and fourth regions 92b, 92d but of a greater diameter than first region 92a. Threads 92j are provided on the exterior surface of fifth region 92e and these threads 92j are provided for engagement with a threaded region of box 96.

Swivel collar 94 may be of a generally a uniform exterior diameter except for one or more annular grooves 94a defined in the exterior surface thereof. Grooves 94a provide regions which help a user grip swivel collar 94. Swivel collar 94 defines a bore therein which extends from one end of collar 94 to the other. The bore includes a first recessed region 94b, a second recessed region 94c, a third recessed region 94d, a fourth recessed region 94e, and a fifth recessed region 94f. First recessed region 94b is of a greater diameter than second recessed region 94c which in turn is of a greater diameter than third recessed region 94d, which in turn is of a greater diameter than fourth recessed region 94e, which is in turn of a greater diameter than fifth recessed region 94f. The portion of swivel collar 94 which defines first recessed region 94b is internally threaded and the threads provided therein are threadably engageable with the exterior threads 86c of ring 86. An annular shoulder 94g (FIG. 6) is defined between second recessed region 94c and third recessed region 94d. Shoulder 94g engages shoulder 84c of swivel body 84 when swivel assembly 14 is assembled. A bearing 108 is seated within fourth recessed region 94e and a seal 110 is seated within fifth recessed region 94f. Bearing 108 is captured between shoulder 92i (FIG. 5) of center piece 92 and an interior surface 94h of swivel collar 94. Both bearing 108 and seal 110 contact the exterior surface of fourth region 92d of center piece 92.

Referring still to FIG. 5, swivel shaft wedge 70 includes a first region 70a and a tapered second region 70b; where the first region 70a is of a greater diameter than second region 70b. A first recess 70c is defined in first region 70a and an end of swivel collar 94 is received with first recess 70c. An annular projection 941 on the second end of swivel collar 94 contacts an interior surface 70d of swivel shaft wedge 70. A gap 71 is thus created between an end wall 94j and interior surface 70d. A second recess 70e is defined in second region 70b of swivel shaft wedge 70 and this second recess 70e is sized so that a portion of fourth region 92d of center piece 92d passes therethrough. When swivel shaft wedge 70 is engaged with bearing carrier 28, as will be later described herein, second recess 70e becomes narrowed in diameter and the wall which defines second recess 70e that engages and claims around fourth region 92d of center piece 92. This engagement causes swivel shaft wedge 70 and center piece 92 to move in unison. Swivel shaft wedge 70 also defines a plurality of through holes 70f and 70g (FIGS. 4A and 4B) therein for selectively receiving fasteners 78 therethrough, as will be later described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, swivel shaft wedge 70 also defines a radial first slot 70h and a radial second slot 70i. First and second slots 70h, 70i extend inwardly from the circumferential edge of each of the first and second regions 70a, 70b of swivel shaft wedge 70. First and second slots 70h, 70i are aligned with each other along a diameter of swivel shaft wedge 70. First slot 70h terminates in second recess 70e while second slot 70i terminates a distance outwardly away from second recess 70e. Second region 70b of swivel shaft wedge 70 is inserted into the tapered second region 28b of bearing carrier 28. Tapered second region 28b is of slightly smaller relative diameters to the tapered second region 70b of swivel shaft carrier 70. Consequently, when second region 70b of swivel shaft wedge 70 is inserted into second region 28b of bearing carrier 28 and fasteners 78 are screwed in a direction so as to secure swivel shaft wedge 70 to bearing carrier 28, the tapered second region 70 becomes progressively compressed and first and second slots 70h, 70i become somewhat narrowed, thereby wedging swivel shaft wedge 70 in place. Since bearing collar 28 rotates in unison with drum 22 and because swivel shaft wedge 70 is secured to bearing collar 28 by fasteners 78, rotation of drum 22 will also cause swivel shaft wedge 70 to rotate in unison with drum 22.

If it is desired to remove swivel shaft wedge 70 from its engagement with bearing collar 28, fasteners 78 are unscrewed from holes 70f and are instead inserted through holes 70g in swivel shaft wedge 70. Holes 70g are not aligned with any holes in bearing collar 28 and thus screwing fasteners 78 through holes 70g will bring the tips 78a (FIG. 7) of fasteners 78 into contact with first end wall 28f of bearing collar 28. Continued rotation of fasteners 78 will thus cause swivel shaft wedge 70 to be pushed outwardly away from first end wall 28f of bearing collar 28, thereby separating swivel shaft wedge 70 from bearing collar 28.

Block 96 defines a threaded first recess 96a in a first end thereof. Threaded fifth region 92e of center piece 92 is received in this internally threaded first recess 96a, thus engaging center piece 92 and block 96 together in such a way that they will move as a unit. Block 96 also defines a bore 96b that is continuous with first recess 96a and one or more passageways 96c which are continuous with bore 96b. Each passageway 96c terminates in an internally threaded recess 96d. Thus, a sealed fluid passage is defined through swivel assembly 14, said fluid passage comprising bore 80d of connector member 80, bore 82f of top hat 82, bore 92g of center piece 92, bore 96b and the one or more passageways 96c of block 96. A first end of one or two hoses 38 is secured, by suitable hose fittings 114 to block 96. Each hose 38 defines a bore 38a therein that is thus brought into fluid communication with the second recess 96d and fluid passage through swivel assembly 14. When water is introduced into bore 80d of connector member 80 by way of a water hose (not shown) engaged therewith, water will flow through hoses 38.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when swivel assembly 14 is engaged with first mounting plate 18 center piece 92 extends along longitudinal axis “Y” through aperture 28a defined by bearing carrier 28 and into bore 22b of drum 22. Block 96 is located with bore 22b and hoses 38 extend through bore to a hose clamp assembly 116 (FIG. 3) located proximate the second end plate 25.

Hose clamp assembly 116 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 3A. Hose clamp assembly 116 includes a housing which is seated within a notch 25a (FIG. 3A) of second mounting plate 24 and a notch 22c of the drum 22. A first portion 116a of hose clamp assembly 116 is located proximate the exterior surface 22a of drum 22 and a second portion 116b of hose clamp assembly 116 is located within bore 22b of drum 22. Hose clamp assembly 116 is located in such a manner that as drum 22 rotates, hose clamp assembly 116 will rotate in unison therewith.

Hose clamp assembly 116 defines one or two passageways 116c therein and through which one or both hoses 38 are threaded. Hoses 38 extend from block 96, through bore 22b of drum 22 through passageways 116c of hose clamp assembly 116 and to the outside of drum 22. Passageways 116c on hose clamp assembly 116 are aligned with one or two regions of groove 36 so that, as hoses 38 exit passageways 116c, they are automatically seated within the regions of groove 36. When drum 22 rotates in a first direction the hoses 38 are wound into the groove 36 and when drum 22 rotates in a second direction hoses 38 are wound out of groove 36.

Connector member 80, top hat 82, swivel body 84, ring 86, seal 88, base member 90, and swivel collar 94 are all engaged with each other and form a substantially single component, i.e., a first section of swivel assembly 14. Center piece 92 is engaged with block 96 and passes through second recess 70e of swivel shaft wedge 70 and through swivel collar 94, base member 90 and through seal 88. Center piece 92 and block 96 form a substantially single component, i.e. a second section of swivel assembly 14. In operation, the second section of swivel assembly 14 rotates about a longitudinal axis of swivel assembly and relative to the first section thereof.

When swivel shaft wedge 70 rotates with drum 22, the second section of the swivel assembly 14, i.e., center piece 92 and block 36 along with the first ends of hoses 38 will be caused to rotate in unison with drum 22. Bearings 104 and 108 allow for center piece 92 to rotate while the first section of swivel assembly 14, i.e., connector member 80, top hat 82, swivel body 84, ring 86, seal 88, base member 90 and swivel collar 94, remain substantially stationary. Rotation of first region 92a of center piece 92 within seal 88 may cause seal 88 to become damaged over time. It is relatively easy to replace seal 88 by disengaging connector member 80 and top hat 82 from swivel body 84, removing the damaged seal, placing a new seal in position, and then reengaging the top had 82 and connector member 80.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, hoses 38 exiting hose clamp assembly 116 are fed through an indexer 16 that is able to move longitudinally back and forth along guide rods 60, 62. Indexer 16 extends laterally outwardly from guide rods 60, 62. Hoses 38 extend outwardly from hose clamp assembly 116, pass through at least a section of groove 36 and are then engaged with indexer 16.

Indexer 16 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 8-12. Referring firstly to FIG. 9, indexer comprises a guide block 118, a mounting bracket 120, a first plate 122, a first limit switch 124, a second plate 126, a second limit switch 128, a support block 130 having a door 132, a third plate 134, a third limit switch 136, a clamping block 138, and one or more umbilical members 140. Each of these components will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 10, guide block 118 includes a first surface 118a, a second surface 118b, a first end 118c, a second end 118d, a first side 118e (FIG. 11), and a second side 118f. A pair of fingers 118g, 118h extends outwardly from guide block 118 and beyond second surface 118b. Each finger 118g, 118hi has a curved tip which is shaped to be complementary to the curvature of groove 36 in drum 22 (FIG. 13). Guide block 118 also defines through holes 118i, 118j (FIG. 12). Holes 118i, 118j extend from first side 118e to second side 118f. Hole 118i is spaced both vertically and horizontally from hole 118j (with the vertical and horizontal directions being taken in reference to the orientation of guide block 118 shown in FIG. 12). First guide rod 60 extends through hole 118i and second guide rod 62 extends through hole 118j when guide block 118 is engaged with hose reel 12. Guide block 118 also defines a channel 118k (FIGS. 11 and 12) which extends from first surface 118a to second surface 118b. The purpose of channel 118k will be described later herein.

Mounting block 120 may be generally L-shaped when viewed from the side as in FIG. 10. Mounting block 120 includes a first surface 120a, a second surface 120b, a first end 120c, a second end 120d, a first side 120e (FIG. 9) and a second side 120f. An L-shaped cut-out 120g is defined in first surface 120a and first end 120c. Second surface 120b is placed in abutting contact with first surface 118a of guide block 118 and fasteners 142 (FIG. 12) are used to secure mounting block 120 to guide block 118. As best seen in FIG. 12, at least one and preferably two passageways 120h are defined in mounting block 120, said passageways 120h extending from first surface 120a through to second surface 120b. Passageways 120h are provided in a location such that they will align with at least a portion of channel 118k in guide block 118 when mounting block 120 and guide block 118 are secured together by fasteners 142.

A first plate 122 is provided to adjustably secure first limit switch 124 to mounting block 120. First plate 122 may be a generally planar rectangular member which has a first surface 122a and a second surface 122b (FIG. 10). A pair of slots 122c is defined in first plate 122. Each slot extends between the first and second surfaces 122a and 122b. First plate 122 is positioned so that second surface 122b thereof is adjacent first end 120c of mounting block 120 and a portion of first end 118c of guide block 118. A fastener 144 extends through each slot 122b and into first end 120c of mounting block.

First limit switch 124 includes a block member which is mounted on first plate 122 by fasteners 146. As shown in FIG. 12, the block member has a first surface 124a, a second surface 124b, a first end 124c and a second end 124d. Fasteners 146 extend through holes (not numbered) from first end 124c through second end 124d and into first plate 122. A pivot bushing 148 is provided on second surface 124b and a first pivot 150 extends outwardly from pivot bushing 148 and secures an arm 152 thereto. First pivot 150 is oriented generally parallel to first end 124c and first pivot 150 extends outwardly from second surface 124b generally at right angles thereto. A wheel 154 is mounted to an opposite end of arm 152 by a second pivot 156. Arm 152 angles downwardly away from first end 124c and rides along guide rod 60 as shown in FIG. 1. The operation of first limit switch 124 will be described in greater detail later herein.

Second limit switch 128 is secured to second plate 126 by fasteners 158. Other fasteners 160 secure second limit switch 128 and second plate 126 to mounting block 120. In particular, second plate 126 is positioned between second limit switch and second surface 120d of mounting block 120. Second limit switch 128 has a first surface 128a and a second surface 128b which are generally parallel to first and second surfaces 124a, 124b of first limit switch 124. Second limit switch 128 also includes a first end 128c and a second end 128d which are generally parallel to first end 124c and second end 124d of first limit switch 124. A pivot bushing 162 is provided on second surface 128b and a first pivot 164 extends outwardly from pivot bushing 162 and secures an arm 166 thereto. First pivot 164 is oriented generally parallel to first end 128c and first pivot 164 extends outwardly from second surface 128b generally at right angles thereto. A wheel 168 is mounted to an opposite end of arm 166 by a second pivot 170. Arm 166 angles upwardly away from second end 128d and rides along guide rod 62 as shown in FIG. 2. The operation of second limit switch 128 will be described in greater detail later herein.

Indexer 16 also includes support block 130 which is shown most fully in FIG. 9. Support block 130 includes a first surface 130a, a second surface 130b, a first end 130c, a second end 130d, a first side 130e and a second side 130f. Support block 130 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above (with the direction referred to as it relates to the view shown in FIG. 9). First surface 130a includes an L-shaped cut-out when viewed from the side with the cut-out being identified by the reference character 130g. Second surface 130b includes a cut-out 130h (FIG. 8) which is complementary to the cut-out of mounting block 120. Cut-out 130h is seated within cut-out 120g of mounting block 12 and support block 130 is secured to mounting block 120 by fasteners 172.

Support block 130 defines a pair of channels 174, 176 therein. Channels 174, 176 are oriented substantially parallel to each other and extend from adjacent first surface 130a through to cut-out 130h adjacent second surface 130b. Channels 174, 176 are separated from each other by a divider 178 and will at least partially align with the one or more passageways 120h in mounting block 120 and thereby with at least a portion of channel 118k in guide block 118. Channels 174, 176 may be of any cross-sectional shape but, as illustrated herein, each channel 174, 176 is generally U-shaped in cross-section. A channel end region 174a is defined in cut-out 130g as is a channel end region 176a. Each of the channel end regions 174a, 176a is continuous with the associated channel 174, 176 but is of a reduced depth relative to channels 174, 176. A hole 174b is defined in support block 130 at the end of channel 174 that is opposite channel end region 174a. Similarly, a hole 176b is defined in support block 130 at the end of channel 176 that is opposite channel end region 176a.

Support block 130 defines a pair of threaded apertures 180 (FIG. 9) in the cut-out 130g. Apertures 180 are provided to receive fasteners 182 therein in order to secure clamping block 138 to support block 130. Holes 184 are defined in a region of each of the first and second sides 130e, 130f adjacent cut-out 130g. Holes 184 are aligned with each other and are provided to receive a pivot rod 186 therethrough in order to secure door 132 to support block 130.

Door 132 is a generally planar, rectangular member that is secured to support block 130 to close off access to the portions of channels 174, 176 which are positioned a distance inwardly from cut-out 130g. Pivot rod 186 is passed through a hole 184 adjacent a first side 130e of support block 130, then through a through-hole 132a defined adjacent one side of door 132 and then through the other hole 184 which is located adjacent second side 130f of support block 130. Pivot rod 186 enables door 132 to be moved between an open position and a closed position as will be described further herein.

Third plate 134 is provided to secure third limit switch 136 to support block 130. Third plate 134 is an L-shaped component having a first region 134a and a second region 134b. A plurality of slots 134c is defined in first region 134a. Slots 134c are provided to receive fasteners 188 which extend through holes 137 of third limit switch 136. Fasteners 188 may be loosened and slid along slots 134c to adjust the position of third limit switch 136. Fasteners 188 are tightened to lock third limit switch 136 in position on third plate 134. Additional fasteners 135 (FIG. 11) are used to secure second region 134b to support block 130 and possibly to mounting block 120.

Third limit switch 136 is substantially similar to first and second limit switches 124 and 128. Third limit switch 136 has a first surface 136a and a second surface 136b which are generally at right angles to first and second surfaces 124a, 124b of first limit switch 124. Third limit switch 136 also includes a first end 136c and a second end 136d which are generally parallel to first end 124c and second end 124d of first limit switch 124. A pivot bushing 190 is provided on second surface 136b and a first pivot 192 extends outwardly from pivot bushing 190 and secures an arm 194 thereto. First pivot 192 is oriented generally parallel to first end 136c and first pivot 192 extends outwardly from second surface 136b generally at right angles thereto. A wheel 196 is mounted to an opposite end of arm 194 by a second pivot 198. Arm 194 angles downwardly away from first end 136c and wheel 196 thereon abuts an outer surface 132b of door 132 as illustrated in FIG. 8. In particular, wheel 198 contacts door 132 a distance inwardly away from pivot rod 186. The operation of third limit switch 136 will be described in greater detail later herein.

Clamping block 138 is selectively engageable to cut-out 130g of support block 130. Clamping block 138 has a first surface 138a, a second surface 138b, a first end 138c and a second end 138d. Recessed regions 138e, 138f are provided in second surface 138b. Recessed regions 138e, 138f extend from first end 138c to second end 138d. Recessed regions 138e, 138f are positioned to align with channel end regions 174a and 176a in support block 130 when clamping block 138 is engaged with support block 130. Through-holes 200 are defined in clamping block. Each through-hole 200 extends from first surface 138a through to second surface 138b and is positioned to align with one of the apertures 180 in support block 130. Fasteners 182 extend through holes 200 and into apertures 180 to secure clamping block 138 to support block 130.

A pair of umbilical members 140, 141 is selectively clamped within channel end regions 174a, 176a, respectively. Each umbilical member 140, 141 defines a bore 140a, 141a therein (FIG. 9). As illustrated in FIG. 12, bore 141a is substantially continuous with channel 176, passageway 120h and channel 118k. Bore 140a is substantially continuous with channel 174, passageway 120h and channel 118k. A hose 38 is threaded through the bore 140a or 141a of one of the umbilical members 140, 141, through the associated channel 174 or 176, through the passageway 120h and associated channel 118k and then into groove 36 in the exterior of drum 22. This is illustrated in FIG. 12.

Drum 22 is able to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as indicated by arrows “A” in FIG. 1. Hoses 38 may move through umbilical members 140, 141 in either of the directions indicated by arrows “B” in FIG. 1. Depending on the direction of rotation of drum 22, hoses 38 may be drawn inwardly toward drum 22 and wound into groove 36 on drum 22; or hoses may be withdrawn from groove 36 and wound off drum, moving outwardly away therefrom. Rotation of drum 22 is effected by motor 34. As drum 22 rotates and hoses 38 are wound into groove 36 or out of groove 36, indexer 16 is moved longitudinally in either of a first direction or a second direction, as indicated by arrows “C” in FIG. 1. The rotation of drum 22 in one or the other of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction also causes a similar rotation in parts of swivel assembly 14. The rotation of swivel assembly is indicated by arrow “D” in FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 illustrates drum 22 being rotated in a counterclockwise direction “A1”. This motion causes hose 38 to be fed through indexer 16 in such a manner that a length of each hose 38 is wound off drum and fed outwardly through indexer 16 and umbilical members 140, 141 in the direction of arrow “B1”. FIG. 14

FIG. 14 illustrates drum 22 being rotated in the direct “A1” and some issue, such as a pressure spike occurring in the hose 38, this pressure spike causes hose 38 to kink and move within support block 130 in the direction indicated by arrow “D” and thereby drawing hose 38 back toward drum 22 in the direction indicated by arrow “B2”. The movement of hose 38 in the direction of arrow “D” causes the door 132 to pivot upwardly in the direction of arrow “E”.

The motion of door 132 in turn causes wheel 196 to roll across upper surface 132b of door 132. As wheel 196 moves across the rising upper surface 132b, arm 194 on third limit switch 136 pivots about an axis extending along pivot 192 in the direction of arrow “F”. When arm 194 reaches a preset position the limit switch 136 switches off motor 34 shutting down rotation of drum 22 and thereby allowing the pressure in hose 38 to normalize.

First and second limit switches 124 and 128 control the rotation of drum 22 and the winding of the hose 38 onto or off of drum 22. First limit switch 124 controls the winding of hose 38 onto drum 22. As drum 22 rotates in a direction to cause hose 38 to be wound onto drum 22, indexer 16 moves in the direction indicated by arrow “G” in FIG. 1. As indexer 16 moves in the direction of arrow “G”, wheel 154 of first limit switch rides along guide rod 60 slightly in advance of the rest of indexer 16. When wheel 154 reaches the tapered collar 64 adjacent first mounting plate 18, wheel 154 rides up the exterior surface of collar 64. As wheel 154 moves along the surface of collar 64 arm 152 is caused to pivot about an axis extending along pivot 150 and thereby move in the direction of arrow “H” (FIG. 11). When arm 152 reaches a preset position, first limit switch 124 stops further rotation of drum 22.

When drum 22 is rotated in the opposite direction, i.e. to wind hose 38 off drum 22, indexer 16 is caused to move in the opposite direction to arrow “G” (FIG. 1). As indexer 16 moves in this direction, wheel 168 of second limit switch 128 rides along guide rod 62 a small distance ahead of indexer. When wheel 168 reaches collar 66 wheel 168 rides vertically up the surface of collar 66, thereby causing arm 166 to rotate about pivot 164 in the direction of arrow “I” (FIG. 11). When arm 166 reaches a preset position, second limit switch shuts off motor 34 and stops rotation of drum 22 and thereby unwinding of hose 38.

Referring to FIG. 15 there is shown a second embodiment of an indexer, generally indicated at 216. Indexer includes a guide block 218 that is substantially identical to guide block 218; a mounting block 220 that is substantially identical to mounting block 120; a clamping block 238 that is substantially identical to clamping block 138 and umbilical members 240 and 241 which are substantially identical to umbilical members 140 and 141. The components which are omitted from this second embodiment indexer 216 are the support block and the three limit switches. Mounting block 220 is engaged with guide block 218 in the same manner as mounting block 120 is engaged with guide block 118. Clamping block 238 is disengaged from mounting block 220 by disengaging fasteners 272. Umbilical members 240 and 241 are inserted between clamping block 238 and mounting block 220 and fasteners 272 are tightened to lock ends of umbilical members 240 and 241 in recessed regions of the clamping block 238 (where the recessed regions are substantially identical to regions 138e, 138f of clamping block 138). It should be noted that mounting block 220 may be provided with similar recessed regions to accommodate portions of umbilical members 240, 241 therein. Hoses 38 are fed through the bores of umbilical members 240, 241 and through the associated passageways and channels in mounting block 220 and guide block 218. Indexer 216 is free to move in either direction indicated by arrows “K” in FIG. 15. Motion of indexer 216 in either direction will not be automatically shut off when indexer 216 reaches either of the first and second mounting plates 18, 20. Instead, the operator will have to shut off motor 34 to cause drum 22 to stop rotating.

A method is disclosed of cleaning a tube, such as a heat exchanger tube, utilizing a high pressure water jet issuing from hose reel assembly 10. The method includes the steps of providing the hose reel assembly 10 and swivel assembly 14. The method further includes engaging one or two hoses 38 with the second section of swivel assembly 14, i.e., hose(s) 38 are engaged with block 96. Hose(s) 38 are passed through bore 22b of drum 22 and are threaded through hose clamp assembly 116 located proximate second end 24 of drum 22. Hose(s) 38 are then threaded through a section of groove 36 on exterior surface 22a of drum 22. Hose(s) 38 are then threaded through indexer 16 mounted on at least one guide rod 60 or 62 which extends between the first and second ends 24, 25 of drum 22. Swivel assembly 14 may be engaged with first end 24 of the drum 22 (when swivel shaft wedge 70 is secured to bearing carrier 28 which in turn may be secured to first end 24. When this occurs, at least a portion of the first section of swivel assembly 14 extends outwardly from first end 24 of drum 22 in a first direction; and a second section of swivel assembly 14 extends into bore 22b of drum 22. A water hose (not shown) is then engaged with the first section of the swivel assembly 14, namely with connector member 80 thereof. A remote water source (not shown) is activated and a quantity of water is sent down the water hose and through a fluid passageway defined in the swivel assembly (namely bores 80d, 82f, 92g, 96c, and into one or more hose(s) 38 engaged with the second section of swivel assembly 14. Drum 22 is then rotated in a first direction to unwind a length of each of the hoses 38 out of groove 36 and to move the unwound length(s) of hose(s) 38 through the indexer 16. A nozzle (not shown) at the free end of one or both hoses 38 is positioned adjacent the entrance of the heat exchanger tube to be cleaned. A water jet spraying out of this nozzle is used to clean the tube's bore.

When all of the tubes of the heat exchanger have been adequately cleaned then the operator will switch off the water at a remote water source so that water no longer travels down the water hose and into swivel assembly 14. The drum 22 is then rotated in the second and opposite direction to wind the length(s) of hose(s) 38 back into the groove 36 on drum 22.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodiment of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A hose reel assembly comprising:

a drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof;

a swivel assembly engaged with the first end of the drum; said swivel assembly having: a first section adapted to be connected to a first hose which is connectable to a remote fluid source; and a second section that is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the second section of the swivel assembly rotates in unison with the drum while the first section of the swivel assembly remains stationary.

2. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the first section of the swivel assembly extends in a first direction outwardly away from the first end of the drum.

3. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the drum has an interior surface which defines a bore, and at least a portion of the second section of the swivel assembly extends inwardly in a second direction from the first end of the drum and into the bore.

4. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the swivel assembly defines a fluid passage therethrough, and the fluid passage extends through each of the first section and the second section of the swivel assembly

5. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising a groove defined in an exterior surface of the drum, and wherein the second hose is selectively wound into the groove or out of the groove.

6. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein the groove is a helical groove and extends from proximate the first end of the drum to proximate the second end thereof.

7. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

a first mounting plate adjacent the first end of the drum;

a second mounting plate adjacent the second end of the drum,;

at least one guide rod extending between the first and second mounting plates; and

an indexer engaged on the at least one guide rod and being movable along the at least one guide rod between the first and second mounting plates.

8. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 7, wherein an aperture is defined in the drum proximate the second end thereof; and a hose clamp assembly is engaged in the aperture; and wherein the hose clamp assembly is adapted to receive the secondary hose therethrough.

9. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 7, further comprising a stop provided on the at least one guide rod, said stop being positioned to limit travel of the indexer along the at least one guide rod.

10. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein the indexer further includes at least one limit switch which engages the stop to limit travel of the indexer along the at least one guide rod.

11. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 7, wherein the indexer includes a base, a channel defined in the base; and a door hingedly engaged at one end to the base, said door extending at least partially over the channel and being moveable between a closed position where the door covers the channel and an open position where access to the channel is permitted; and wherein the channel is adapted to receive a portion of the secondary hose therein.

12. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 11, further comprising a limit switch provided on the indexer, said limit switch being activated when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position; and wherein activation of the limit switch stops rotation of the drum.

13. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 11, further comprising an umbilical clamp extending partially into the channel defined in the base and extending partially out of the channel and away from the drum; and wherein the umbilical clamp is adapted to receive a section of the secondary hose which extends outwardly from the channel of the indexer.

14. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein the indexer further includes a finger extending outwardly from the base and into the groove defined in the drum.

15. The hose reel assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a first mounting plate adjacent the first end of the drum;

a second mounting plate adjacent the second end of the drum; and

a plurality of support members circumscribing the drum and extending between the first and second mounting plates and adapted to keep a portion of the secondary hose wrapped around the drum.

16. A hose reel assembly comprising:

a frame;

a drum operatively mounted on the frame, said drum having a first end, a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first end and the second ends; and wherein the drum is rotatable about a longitudinal axis which extends between the first and second ends thereof;

a groove defined in the exterior surface of the sidewall; wherein the groove is adapted to windably receive a hose therein;

a guide rod extending from proximate the first end of the drum to proximate the second end thereof;

an indexer engaged on the guide rod and being movable therealong, wherein the indexer is adapted to receive a portion of the hose therethrough; and the indexer moves in a first direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound onto the drum and the indexer moves in a second direction along the guide rod when the hose is wound off the drum

17. The hose reel assembly as defined in claim 16, wherein the indexer includes a finger which extends outwardly from a first end thereof and the finger is received in the groove on the drum.

18. A swivel assembly for use in a hose reel assembly having a rotatable drum; said swivel assembly comprising:

a first section having a first end and a second end region; where the first end of the first section is adapted to be connected to a first hose which is, in turn connectable to a remote fluid source; and

a second section having a first end region and a second end; where the first end region of the second section is engaged with the second end region of the first section; and wherein the second section is adapted to be connected to a secondary hose which is selectively windable onto and off of the drum; and wherein the swivel assembly has a longitudinal axis which extends from the first end of the first section to the second of the second section; and wherein the second section rotates relative to the first section and about the longitudinal axis.

19. A method of cleaning a tube utilizing a high pressure water jet including the steps of:

providing a hose reel assembly having a frame upon which a rotatable drum is mounted; where the drum has a first end and a second end and defines an interior bore which extends between the first and second ends; and wherein a sidewall which extends between the first and second ends defines a groove on an exterior surface thereof;

providing a swivel assembly which includes a first section and a second section; where the second section is rotatable relative to the first section thereof;

engaging a hose with the second section of the swivel assembly;

passing the hose through the bore of the drum;

threading the hose through a hose clamp assembly located proximate the second end of the drum;

threading the hose through a section of the groove on the exterior surface of the drum;

threading the hose through an indexer mounted on at least one guide rod which extends between the first and second ends of the drum;

engaging the swivel assembly on the first end of the drum such that the first section of the swivel assembly extends outwardly from the first end of the drum in a first direction; and a second section of the swivel assembly extends into the bore of the drum;

engaging a water hose with a connector provided on the first section of the swivel assembly;

sending a quantity of water down the water hose, through a fluid passageway defined in the swivel assembly and into the hose engaged with the second section thereof;

rotating the drum in a first direction to unwind a length of the hose out of the groove and move the unwound length of hose through the indexer;

cleaning the tube with a jet of water which sprays outwardly from a nozzle at a free end of the unwound length of hose.

20. The method as defined in claim 19, further including the steps of:

switching off the water at a remote water source so that water no longer travels down the water hose;

rotating the drum in a second direction to wind the length of hose back through the indexer and onto the drum.