Patent Description:
This type of nozzles is used for cleaning the interior of pipes, such as pipes for storm water, surface water, waste water, sewage water, industrial waste water and similar. This type of nozzles is commonly used for cleaning a pipe connecting two manholes in a pipe system having manholes.

The present invention also relates to a system for cleaning the interior of pipes, and also a method for cleaning the interior of pipes by means of such a nozzle.

A plurality of nozzles for cleaning the interior of pipes, such as sewage pipes, is disclosed in the prior art. One type of such nozzles is described in <CIT>. <CIT> discloses a hydrodynamic nozzle for rinsing the interior of a pipe, comprising a forward end, a rear end, a rinsing water inlet arranged in the rear end, internal rinsing water channels redirecting rinsing water from the inlet to a plurality of rinsing water discharges in the rear end of the nozzle. The nozzle of <CIT> also includes through air passages having air intakes in the forward end and air discharges in the rear end of the nozzle.

Even though the nozzle of <CIT> has many advantages in relation to other prior art, it is desirable to further improve the cleaning capability of such nozzles for cleaning the interior of pipes, such as pipes for storm water, waste water, sewage water and similar. Another example of prior art can be found in <CIT>, which discloses a nozzle according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

One problem of such prior art nozzles is that the suction efficiency can be low.

Another problem with such prior art nozzles is that they can get stuck in material inside the pipe.

One object of the present invention is to overcome or at least alleviate the above-mentioned problems and provide a more efficient and reliable nozzle for cleaning the interior of pipes, such as pipes for storm water, waste water, sewage water and similar.

The present invention relates to a nozzle for cleaning the interior of a pipe, according to claim <NUM> and comprising a forward end, a rear end, a centre axis extending between the front and rear ends, a rinsing fluid inlet and a plurality of rinsing fluid discharges, wherein the rinsing fluid inlet is arranged for introducing rinsing fluid into the nozzle in a forward direction and wherein each of the rinsing fluid discharges is arranged for discharging fluid in a direction at least partially being in a rearward direction, characterised in that the nozzle further comprises a plurality of rinsing fluid outlets for discharging rinsing fluid in a direction at least partially being in the rearward direction, wherein each of the rinsing fluid outlets is enclosed by a tube forming a passage between the tube and the rinsing fluid outlet, and wherein each tube is connected to a material suction inlet and comprises a tube outlet for discharging material and rinsing fluid, wherein the tubes comprise a first tube section and a second tube section, wherein the rinsing fluid outlet is arranged inside the first tube section to form a chamber inside the first tube section for material and rinsing fluid, wherein the first tube section is wider than the second tube section, and wherein the second tube section ends with the tube outlet. The rinsing fluid outlets, the material suction inlets and the tubes surrounding the rinsing fluid outlets result in an ejector function which can draw fluids and/or material located in front of the nozzle into and through the nozzle, wherein said fluids and/or material are discharged in the backward direction through the tube outlets. Simultaneously, the rinsing fluid discharges makes it possible to efficiently propel the nozzle in the forward direction inside the pipe while cleaning the interior surface of the pipe, e.g. by rinsing fluid jets discharged through the rinsing fluid discharges. The combination of the cleaning and propelling possibilities by the rinsing fluid discharges and the ejector functions achieved by the rinsing fluid outlets and tubes result in an efficient and reliable nozzle for cleaning the interior of pipes, particularly when the nozzle, or at least one of the tubes thereof, is immersed in fluid and/or material inside the pipe.

The rinsing fluid discharges, the rinsing fluid outlets and the tube outlets can be arranged radially outside the rinsing fluid inlet. The rinsing fluid discharges and the tube outlets can be distributed around the rinsing fluid inlet and can be arranged in an alternating manner, so that the discharged fluids and material, and thereby the propelling of the nozzle, is balanced. Also, distributing the rinsing fluid discharges and the tube outlets around the rinsing fluid inlets makes it possible to achieve a central rinsing fluid inlet for a more even distribution of rinsing fluid throughout the nozzle. Alternatively, the rinsing fluid discharges and the rinsing fluid outlets can be arranged radially outside the rinsing fluid inlet substantially in a common plane to form a flat nozzle. Alternatively, the rinsing fluid discharges and the rinsing fluid outlets can be arranged radially outside the rinsing fluid inlet in any desired manner or pattern.

The rinsing fluid discharges can be axially displaced in relation to the rinsing fluid outlets, wherein the rinsing fluid discharges can be arranged further backward than the rinsing fluid outlets and hence the cleaning function by the jets through the rinsing fluid discharges can be balanced with the ejector functions through the rinsing fluid outlets in an efficient manner.

The nozzle can comprise a forward rinsing fluid discharge for discharging rinsing fluid in the forward direction, wherein blockages in front of the nozzle, such as by waste material, can be opened up. Hence, material in front of the nozzle can be dispersed, dissolved or mixed in the rinsing fluid for further transport in the backward direction, either through the nozzle via the material suction inlets or by the rinsing fluid jets from the rinsing fluid discharges. The combination of the rinsing fluid discharges, the rinsing fluid outlets inside the tubes and the forward rinsing fluid discharge has proven to result in a very efficient nozzle for cleaning pipes.

Disclosed is also a system for cleaning the interior of a pipe, comprising a water source, a hose, a pump and a nozzle according to the present invention, wherein the nozzle is connected to the water source through the hose and the pump for cleaning the pipe by means of pressurized rinsing fluid.

Disclosed is also a method for cleaning the interior of a pipe, according to claim <NUM> and comprising the steps of.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments below, the appended drawings and the dependent claims.

The invention will now be described more in detail with the aid of embodiment examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which.

With reference to <FIG> a nozzle <NUM> for cleaning the interior of pipes is illustrated according to one embodiment of the invention. The nozzle <NUM> is arranged for cleaning pipes, such as pipes for surface water, storm water, waste water, sewage water, industrial waste water and similar. For example, the nozzle <NUM> is arranged for cleaning a pipe containing material, such as storm water, waste water, sewage water, industrial waste water and similar, which contains fluids, semi-fluid materials, or a mixture of fluid and solid substances and/or semi-fluid materials or solid material. The nozzle <NUM> is arranged for cleaning the pipe with a pressurised fluid, such as water, optionally heated or provided with detergents or similar. For example, the nozzle <NUM> is arranged to be connected to a fluid source, such as a water tank on a vehicle, through a hose and a pump, so that the nozzle <NUM> can be introduced in the pipe and clean the pipe by means of the pressurised fluid. The nozzle <NUM> is arranged to be driven along the pipe by means of the pressurised fluid while cleaning the interior of the pipe. For example, the nozzle <NUM> is a hydrodynamic nozzle adapted to be driven through material inside the pipe, if applicable.

The nozzle <NUM> comprises a rear end and a forward end. The forward end is the leading end of the nozzle <NUM> when it is driven by the pressurised fluid, wherein the rear end is the opposite end. The nozzle <NUM> also comprises a centre axis A, such as a longitudinal centre axis, which is indicated in <FIG> by means of a dot and dash line and extends between the forward end and the rear end of the nozzle <NUM>.

The nozzle <NUM> comprises a rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> for a rinsing fluid, such as water. The rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is arranged for introducing a rinsing fluid into the nozzle <NUM> in a forward direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is arranged in the rear end of the nozzle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle <NUM> comprises a single rinsing fluid inlet. Alternatively, the nozzle <NUM> comprises a plurality of rinsing fluid inlets, e.g. arranged in parallel to each other. For example, the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is arranged centrally, i.e. coaxial to the centre axis A. The rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is arranged to be connected to a hose (not illustrated) for supplying rinsing fluid to the nozzle <NUM> from a rinsing fluid source, such as a water tank or similar on a vehicle (not illustrated), e.g. by means of a pump for supplying the rinsing fluid at elevated pressure, such as <NUM>-<NUM> bar (<NUM>-<NUM> kPa).

The rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is connected to a plurality of rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> arranged radially outside the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>. The rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged for discharging rinsing fluid substantially in a backward direction, such as inclined radially outward and backward for driving the nozzle <NUM> in the forward direction and simultaneously rinse the interior of the pipe. For example, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged for discharging rinsing fluid at relatively high velocity for driving the nozzle <NUM> in the forward direction and clean the interior of the pipe also by mechanical force. According to one embodiment, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged for outputting a jet of rinsing fluid. In the illustrated embodiment, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are distributed around the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>. For example, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are evenly distributed around the rinsing fluid inlet. Alternatively, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged in a common plane (not illustrated), such as a horizontal plane, wherein at least one rinsing fluid discharge <NUM> is arranged on each side of the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>. Alternatively, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged radially outside the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> in any desired manner or pattern. The nozzle <NUM> comprises at least two rinsing fluid discharges <NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> rinsing fluid discharges <NUM>.

The rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is also connected to a plurality of rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>, which are illustrated in <FIG>. The rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are arranged radially outside the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>. The rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are arranged for discharging rinsing fluid substantially in a backward direction, such as inclined radially outward and backward. For example, the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are arranged for discharging rinsing fluid at relatively high velocity and thereby output a rinsing fluid jet or similar. In the illustrated embodiment, the rinsing fluid outlets are distributed around the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>. For example, the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are evenly distributed around the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>. Alternatively, the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are arranged in a common plane (not illustrated), such as a horizontal plane, wherein at least one rinsing fluid outlet <NUM> is arranged on each side of the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>. Alternatively, the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are radially outside the rinsing fluid inlet in any desired manner or pattern. The nozzle <NUM> comprises at least two rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> and the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged alternatingly, so that each of the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> is arranged between two rinsing fluid discharges <NUM>. Alternatively, the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> and the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are grouped together in sets on each side of the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG> the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is connected to an inlet pipe portion <NUM>. The inlet pipe portion <NUM> is arranged centrally and extends axially for conducting rinsing fluid in the forward direction inside the nozzle <NUM>. The inlet pipe portion <NUM> connects the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> with the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> and the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> through curved channels <NUM>, wherein a flow of rinsing fluid is redirected from the forward direction in the inlet pipe portion <NUM> to a substantially backward and inclined backward direction by means of the curved channels <NUM>. In <FIG> the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are connected to a nozzle tube <NUM>, wherein each of the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are connected to a nozzle conduit <NUM>, and wherein the nozzle tubes <NUM> and the nozzle conduits <NUM> are connected to the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> through the inlet pipe portion <NUM>.

Each of the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> is enclosed by a tube <NUM> forming a passage <NUM> between the tube <NUM> and the rinsing fluid outlet <NUM>. Hence, the rinsing fluid outlet <NUM> is arranged within the tube <NUM>. Each of the tubes <NUM> is connected to a material suction inlet <NUM>, which is illustrated particularly in <FIG> and <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the material suction inlets <NUM> are arranged substantially in the forward end of the nozzle <NUM>. The material suction inlets <NUM> are arranged for conducting material from the interior of the pipe, such as fluids, solid particles, and any other materials and mixtures thereof, and into the tube <NUM>, passing the rinsing fluid outlet <NUM> in the passage <NUM>. Hence, the material suction inlets <NUM> are in fluid communication with the tubes <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, two material suction inlets <NUM> are connected to each tube <NUM>, e.g. on opposite sides of the rinsing fluid outlet <NUM>, the corresponding nozzle conduit <NUM> and the corresponding curved channel <NUM>. Alternatively, a single material suction inlet <NUM> is connected to each tube <NUM>. Alternatively, more than two material suction inlets <NUM> are connected to each tube <NUM>, such as four or even more. Each tube <NUM> comprises a tube outlet <NUM> for discharging material and rinsing fluid. The tubes <NUM> comprise a first tube section <NUM> and a second tube section <NUM>, wherein the rinsing fluid outlet <NUM> is arranged inside the first tube section <NUM> to form a chamber <NUM> inside the first tube section <NUM> where material is sucked in by rinsing fluid, wherein the second tube section <NUM> ends with the tube outlet <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tube section <NUM> is wider than the second tube section <NUM>. As can be understood particularly from <FIG>, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> and the tube outlets <NUM> are distributed around the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> and are alternately arranged in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the tube outlets <NUM> and the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged substantially at the same radial distance from the centre axis A of the nozzle <NUM>, substantially forming a ring around the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>. Alternatively, the tube outlets <NUM> and the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged at different radial distances from the centre axis A of the nozzle <NUM>. Alternatively, the tube outlets <NUM> and the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are substantially arranged in a common plane, wherein centre axes of the tube outlets <NUM> and the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged in a common plane. For example, centre axes of the nozzle tubes <NUM> and the tubes <NUM> are arranged in a common plane, such as a substantially horizontal plane when the nozzle <NUM> is in use. Alternatively, the tube outlets <NUM> and the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are arranged in in any desired pattern. According to the embodiment of <FIG>, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are axially displaced in relation to the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>. For example, the nozzle tubes <NUM> are longer than the nozzle conduits <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle <NUM> comprises an piping part <NUM> and a cover <NUM> enclosing the piping part <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the piping part <NUM> is an interior piping part. Alternatively, one or more portions of the piping part is/are not covered by the cover <NUM>. The piping part includes inlet pipe portion <NUM>, the nozzle tubes <NUM>, the nozzle conduits <NUM>, the curved channels <NUM> and the tubes <NUM>, which are illustrated more in detail in <FIG>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is arranged for enclosing the interior piping part <NUM> and provide a more hydrodynamic form to the nozzle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward portion of the cover <NUM> is rounded. For example, the cover <NUM> is formed with a substantially smooth surface. For example, the cover <NUM> is formed in a plastic material. Alternatively, the cover <NUM> is formed in a composite material, fiber composite material or metal. For example, the piping part <NUM> is formed in metal, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the piping part <NUM> is formed in a fiber composite material or a durable and abrasive resistant polymer material.

With reference particularly to <FIG> the nozzle <NUM> includes an optional forward rinsing fluid discharge <NUM> for discharging rinsing fluid in the forward direction. The forward rinsing fluid discharge <NUM> is connected to the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>, e.g. through the inlet pipe portion <NUM> and a straight channel <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward rinsing fluid discharge <NUM> is arranged centrally and coaxial with the central axis A. For example, the forward rinsing fluid discharge <NUM> is arranged for discharging less rinsing fluid than the substantially backward directed rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> and the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> together, so that the nozzle <NUM> is driven forward by the output of rinsing fluid through the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> and the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> the function of the nozzle <NUM> is explained schematically. The different fluid flows of the nozzle <NUM> are depicted schematically by means of arrows in <FIG>. The rinsing fluid is introduced into the nozzle <NUM> through the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> in a direction forward as indicated by means of the arrow B. In the illustrated embodiment, the rinsing fluid is introduced into the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> at the rear end of the nozzle <NUM> and conducted substantially axially in the forward direction through the inlet pipe portion <NUM> and towards the curved channels <NUM>. Hence, the flow of rinsing fluid introduced through the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is divided into a plurality of separate flow portions. A first set of flow portions is conducted to the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> through the curved channels <NUM> and the nozzle tubes <NUM>, which is illustrated by means of the arrow C. Hence, the rinsing fluid is redirected from the forward direction inside the inlet pipe portion <NUM> to a substantially backward direction or inclined backward and outward direction to propel the nozzle <NUM> forward inside the pipe. At the same time the rinsing fluid discharged backward can, depending on the angle of the discharged rinsing fluid, clean the inside walls of the pipe and transport material from the inside of the pipe backward. Also, the material inside the pipe can be mixed with the rinsing fluid to facilitate transport thereof, such as by rinsing, or removal thereof, such by pumping, e.g. to a tank or container (not illustrated) for collecting used rinsing fluid and material from the inside of the pipe after cleaning. It is understood that the angle and velocity of discharge of rinsing fluid through the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are balanced for favourable cleaning of the pipe while propelling the nozzle <NUM> forward. For example, the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> are arranged for discharging rinsing fluid at an angle of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees in relation to the axially incoming rinsing fluid through the inlet pipe portion <NUM>. For example, said angle is <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, such as <NUM>-<NUM> degrees.

A second set of flow portions is conducted to the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> through the curved channels <NUM> and the nozzle conduits <NUM>, which is illustrated by means of the arrow D in <FIG>. Hence, the rinsing fluid is redirected by the curved channels <NUM> from the forward direction inside the inlet pipe portion <NUM> to a substantially backward direction or inclined backward and outward direction before it is conducted out from the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>. The flow of rinsing fluid out from the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> sucks a flow of material into the tubes <NUM> through the material suction inlets <NUM>, which is illustrated by means of the arrows E. Hence, material, such as fluids, waste etc., in front of the nozzle <NUM> is sucked into the tubes <NUM> through the material suction inlets <NUM> and conducted to the chambers <NUM> at the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> by means of the passages <NUM>, wherein the material is sucked in by the rinsing fluid discharged from the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM> and then the material and rinsing fluid, which may or may not be mixed, is/are conducted out from the tube through the tube outlets <NUM>, which is illustrated by means of the arrow F in <FIG>. Hence, the combination of the tube <NUM>, the material suction inlet <NUM> and the rinsing fluid outlet <NUM> forms an ejector, wherein a plurality of ejectors are distributed radially outside of the rinsing fluid inlet. The tube outlets <NUM> are arranged to discharge the material and rinsing fluid in a direction substantially backward or inclined backward and outward. Hence, also the discharged material and rinsing fluid will, at least to some extent, contribute to propelling the nozzle <NUM> forward and transport material inside the pipe in the backward direction. For example, the tube outlets <NUM> are arranged for discharging rinsing fluid at an angle of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees, <NUM>-<NUM> degrees or <NUM>-<NUM> degrees in relation to the axially incoming rinsing fluid through the inlet pipe portion <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, one flow portion is conducted into the optional forward fluid discharge <NUM> through the straight channel <NUM> connecting the inlet pipe portion <NUM> and the forward fluid discharge <NUM> to discharge rinsing fluid in the forward direction, which is illustrated by means of the arrow G in <FIG>. For example, the forward fluid discharge <NUM> is arranged to discharge a jet of rinsing fluid to process material in front of the nozzle <NUM> mechanically and mix material with the rinsing fluid for cleaning purposes and to facilitate for such material to be sucked into the material suction inlets <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> the piping part <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> is illustrated according to one embodiment, wherein the exterior cover <NUM> has been removed. The piping part <NUM> comprises the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>, the inlet pipe portion <NUM>, the curved channels <NUM>, the nozzle tubes <NUM>, the nozzle conduits <NUM>, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM>, the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>, the tubes <NUM>, the chambers <NUM>, the tube outlets <NUM>, the optional forward rinsing fluid discharge <NUM> and the straight channel <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the piping part <NUM> comprises a single rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> and a single inlet pipe portion <NUM> leading to a plurality of curved channels <NUM> and the straight channel <NUM> as illustrated particularly in <FIG>. Alternatively, the piping part <NUM> comprises a plurality of rinsing fluid inlets and/or a plurality of inlet pipe portions leading to the curved channels <NUM> and optionally to the straight channel <NUM>. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the piping part <NUM> comprises six curved channels <NUM>. Hence, the piping part <NUM> comprises three nozzle tubes <NUM> each terminated with a rinsing fluid discharge <NUM>, and three nozzle conduits <NUM> each terminated with a rinsing fluid outlet <NUM>, wherein the nozzle tubes <NUM> and the nozzle conduits <NUM> are arranged alternatingly around the inlet pipe portion <NUM>. However, alternatively the piping part <NUM> comprises at least four curved channels <NUM>, such as at least six or eight or even more curved channels <NUM>. For example, the curved channels <NUM> alternatingly lead to nozzle tubes <NUM> and nozzle conduits <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment the piping part <NUM> comprises a single straight channel <NUM> leading to a single forward rinsing fluid discharge <NUM>. Alternatively, the piping part <NUM> comprises a plurality of forward rinsing fluid discharges or a plurality of straight channels leading to a plurality of forward rinsing fluid discharges. Alternatively, the nozzle <NUM> does not comprise any forward rinsing fluid discharge <NUM>.

With reference particularly to <FIG> the nozzle tubes <NUM> is longer than the nozzle conduits, wherein the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> are axially displaced backward in relation to the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>. For example, the nozzle tubes <NUM> are at least twice as long as the nozzle conduits <NUM>, such as at least three times or four times as long. For example, the tubes <NUM> are arranged with a length corresponding to or longer than the length of the nozzle tubes <NUM>.

The nozzle <NUM> according to the present invention is, e.g. part of a system for cleaning pipes, such as storm water pipes, waste water pipes, sewage pipes and similar, wherein the system further comprises a rinsing fluid source, a pump and a hose connecting the nozzle <NUM> and the rinsing fluid source, wherein the nozzle is connected to the water source through the hose and the pump for cleaning the pipe by means of pressurized rinsing fluid. For example, the rinsing fluid source is a mobile tank. For example, the system includes vehicle with the rinsing fluid source, the pump, the hose and the nozzle <NUM>. Optionally, said vehicle also comprises a tank or container for collecting fluid and material after cleaning of the pipe.

A cleaning operation using the nozzle <NUM> as described above includes the steps of introducing the nozzle <NUM> in a pipe to be cleaned. wherein the nozzle <NUM> is connected to a rinsing fluid source through a hose and a pump for providing pressurized rinsing fluid, such as water, to the nozzle <NUM> inside the pipe. The nozzle <NUM> is positioned inside the pipe with the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM>, the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> and the tube outlets <NUM> in a backward direction, so that the nozzle <NUM> is driven in a forward direction by the action of the rinsing fluid exiting the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the nozzle <NUM> is entirely or at least partially immersed in fluid and/or material inside the pipe. Hence, the nozzle <NUM> is propelled forward by the force of rinsing fluid jets exiting the rising fluid discharges <NUM> and the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>. Hence, the rinsing fluid inlet <NUM> is directed backward, so that rinsing fluid is introduced into the nozzle <NUM> in the forward direction, wherein the incoming flow of rinsing fluid is divided into the curved channels <NUM> and further into the nozzle tubes <NUM> and nozzle conduits <NUM>, respectively, and further out through the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM> and the rinsing fluid outlets <NUM>. While the nozzle <NUM> is being propelled forward inside the pipe it rinses and cleans the interior of the pipe by means of the rinsing fluid jets exiting the rinsing fluid discharges <NUM>. Simultaneously, material in front of the nozzle <NUM> is sucked into the material suction inlets <NUM> and inside the chambers <NUM> by the rinsing fluid, wherein the material and rinsing fluid is discharged through the tube outlets <NUM>. Optionally, a flow of rinsing fluid, such as a jet or spray, is also directed forward through the forward rinsing fluid discharge <NUM>. Optionally, fluid and material behind the nozzle <NUM> is collected, such as by means of a hose and a pump, and conducted to a tank or container for further processing. In some cases the pipe is cleaned by means of the nozzle <NUM> also when the nozzle <NUM> is pulled back through the pipe.

Claim 1:
A nozzle (<NUM>) for cleaning the interior of a pipe, comprising a forward end, a rear end, a centre axis (A) extending between the front and rear ends, a rinsing fluid inlet (<NUM>) and a plurality of rinsing fluid discharges (<NUM>), wherein the rinsing fluid inlet (<NUM>) is arranged for introducing rinsing fluid into the nozzle (<NUM>) in a forward direction and wherein each of the rinsing fluid discharges (<NUM>) is arranged for discharging fluid in a direction at least partially being in a rearward direction,
wherein the nozzle (<NUM>) further comprises a plurality of rinsing fluid outlets (<NUM>) for discharging rinsing fluid in a direction at least partially being in the rearward direction, wherein each of the rinsing fluid outlets (<NUM>) is enclosed by a tube (<NUM>) forming a passage (<NUM>) between the tube (<NUM>) and the rinsing fluid outlet (<NUM>), and wherein each tube (<NUM>) is connected to a material suction inlet (<NUM>) and comprises a tube outlet (<NUM>) for discharging material and rinsing fluid, wherein the tubes (<NUM>) comprise a first tube section (<NUM>) and a second tube section (<NUM>), wherein the rinsing fluid outlet (<NUM>) is arranged inside the first tube section (<NUM>) to form a chamber (<NUM>) inside the first tube section (<NUM>) for material and rinsing fluid, wherein the second tube section (<NUM>) ends with the tube outlet (<NUM>),characterised in that
the first tube section (<NUM>) is wider than the second tube section (<NUM>).