Drainage device for pipes

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pipe cleaning device, which comprises a housing and a drum assembly accommodated in the housing. The drum assembly comprises an inner drum, a flexible shaft and a motor. The inner drum is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing. The flexible shaft comprises a hollow sleeve and an inner core accommodated in the sleeve, and the flexible shaft is wound around the inner drum. The motor is connected to the inner drum and rotatable together with the inner drum, and the motor is connected to the inner core of the flexible shaft and configured to drive the inner core to rotate. The present disclosure integrates the power source for driving the inner core of the flexible shaft in the pipe cleaning device through a simple and compact structure, so that an external power source is not required to be connected during use, and the operation process is simplified. The motor is arranged to rotate together with the inner drum, which can effectively avoid the entanglement of the motor wire during rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to tools for pipes, specifically to a pipe unblocking device. Background Technology

[0002] The content in this section provides only background information related to this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] A typical drain cleaning device includes a flexible shaft with a hollow sleeve and a rotatable inner core housed within the sleeve for unblocking pipes. In the non-use state, the flexible shaft is coiled around a drum within the device's housing. In the use state, the coiled shaft is pulled out and inserted into the pipe to be unclogged, and the inner core is rotated by a power source (e.g., a drill or motor) to clear the pipe. Such drain cleaning devices typically require connection to an external power source, causing inconvenience. An improved drain cleaning device mounts the motor and battery to the housing, but this arrangement usually requires a complete redesign of the existing device's housing and other components. Furthermore, because the flexible shaft rotates the drum during withdrawal and retraction, conventionally mounting the motor to the housing can easily lead to entanglement of various linear structures (e.g., electrical wires) during drum rotation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of this disclosure is to provide an easy-to-use pipe cleaning device with an integrated power source. Another object of this disclosure is to optimize the structure and layout of the pipe cleaning device.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure provides a drain cleaning device including a housing and a drum assembly housed within the housing. The drum assembly includes an inner drum, a flexible shaft, and a motor. The inner drum is configured to rotate relative to the housing. The flexible shaft includes a hollow sleeve and an inner core housed within the sleeve, and the flexible shaft is wound around the inner drum. The motor is connected to the inner drum and is capable of rotating with the inner drum; the motor is connected to the inner core of the flexible shaft and configured to drive the inner core to rotate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the drum assembly may further include a rotating disk connected to the inner drum for rotating together with the inner drum, at least a portion of which is exposed through an opening provided in the housing.

[0007] In some implementations, the motor may be positioned between the rotating disk and the inner drum.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drum assembly may also include a start switch configured to control the opening and closing of the motor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the start switch may be configured as a foot-operated pneumatic start switch, which may include a foot pedal airbag connected to a motor via a hose, thereby controlling the motor to turn on and off by using the air pressure change caused by the user stepping on the foot pedal airbag.

[0010] In some embodiments, the foot pedal airbag can be connected via a hose to a rotatable pneumatic connector arranged on a rotating disk, and then connected to a motor via the rotatable pneumatic connector.

[0011] In some implementations, the rotatable pneumatic joint can be located at the center of rotation of the rotary disk.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drum assembly may also include a control switch configured to control the rotational speed and / or rotational direction of the motor, the control switch being arranged on the rotary disk.

[0013] In some implementations, the control switch may be provided with a forward rotation position, a neutral position, and a reverse rotation position. The control switch and the start switch are linked and configured such that: when the control switch is in the forward rotation position or the reverse rotation position, the start switch can control the motor to open and close; when the control switch is in the neutral position, the start switch cannot control the motor to open and close.

[0014] In some implementations, the inner drum and the rotating disk can be formed as a single unit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the drum assembly may also include a battery electrically connected to the motor, the battery being arranged on the rotating disk.

[0016] In some embodiments, the drum assembly may also include a battery holder arranged on a rotating disk, the battery holder being configured to receive a battery.

[0017] In some implementations, the battery holder and the rotating disk are integrated into a single structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the drum assembly may further include an outer drum, an inner drum disposed within the outer drum, and a flexible shaft received between the sidewalls of the inner drum and the outer drum.

[0019] This disclosure integrates a motor, which serves as the power source to drive the inner core of the flexible shaft, into a pipe cleaning device. The motor is configured to rotate together with an inner drum around which the flexible shaft is wound, while the motor and the inner drum remain relatively stationary. This effectively prevents the motor's wiring from becoming tangled when the inner drum rotates. The pipe cleaning device according to this disclosure also preferably includes a rotating disc connected to the inner drum for rotation. Some components arranged on the rotating disc are exposed to the user through openings in the housing, facilitating operation and maintenance. The rotating disc also serves as a protective housing; components that do not require direct operation, are easily damaged, or may pose a hazard to the user are preferably arranged between the inner drum and the rotating disc. Thus, this disclosure provides a compact and rational layout of pipe cleaning device components. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same features or components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pipe clearing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the pipe unblocking device in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the drum assembly of the pipe cleaning device;

[0024] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Exploded view of the drum assembly;

[0025] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A top view of the drum assembly; and

[0026] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the drum assembly is taken by line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or its application and uses. It should be understood that in all these figures, similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts and features. The figures are only schematic representations of the concept and principles of embodiments of this disclosure and do not necessarily show the specific dimensions and scale of the various embodiments of this disclosure. Certain parts of particular figures may be exaggerated to illustrate relevant details or structures of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, the directional terms related to "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the upper and lower positions of the views shown in the accompanying drawings. In practical applications, the positional relationships of "upper" and "lower" used herein can be defined according to actual circumstances, and these relationships can be reversed. That is to say, in this application, the use of directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" is merely for the purpose of convenience of description and definition, and should not be regarded as restrictive.

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pipe clearing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the pipe unblocking device 1 in the diagram. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drain cleaning device 1 may include a housing 10 and a drum assembly 20 housed within the housing 10. The drum assembly 20 is rotatable relative to the housing 10. In this embodiment, the housing 10 is configured as a two-part housing, comprising a first half-shell 11 and a second half-shell 12, which are connected to each other by one or more latches 13 to form a chamber that at least partially encloses the drum assembly 20. Figure 2 As shown, the second half-shell 12 has an opening 121 located generally at its center, which exposes at least a portion of the drum assembly 20, thereby allowing a user to access and operate the drum assembly 20 through the opening 121. In other embodiments, any other suitable form of housing may be used. The housing 10 may also include a handle 14 to facilitate the user's carrying of the drain cleaning device 1.

[0030] The following is combined with Figures 3 to 6 The structure and arrangement of the drum assembly 20 are further explained. Figure 3 A perspective view of the drum assembly 20 is shown. Figure 4 An exploded view of the drum assembly 20 is shown. Figure 5 A top view of the drum assembly 20 is shown. Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the drum assembly 20 taken by line AA in the figure.

[0031] like Figures 3 to 6As shown, the drum assembly 20 may include an outer drum 21 and an inner drum 22. The outer drum 21 includes a generally circular bottom wall 211 and side walls 212 extending around the periphery of the bottom wall 211 and generally perpendicular to it, such that the outer drum 21 is generally cylindrical. The inner drum 22 includes a generally circular bottom wall 221 and side walls 222 extending around the periphery of the bottom wall 221 and generally perpendicular to it, such that the inner drum 22 is generally cylindrical. The inner drum 22 is nested within the outer drum 21, and the side walls 222 of the inner drum 22 are radially spaced from the side walls 212 of the outer drum 21. The outer drum 21 and the inner drum 22 are arranged to rotate integrally with respect to the housing 10. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown in the preferred embodiment, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 211 of the outer drum 21 is provided with a groove 213 for arranging the bearing 30, so that the bearing 30 rotatably supports the outer drum 21 and the inner drum 22 nested within the outer drum 21. In other embodiments, the outer drum 21 may be omitted, and the inner drum 22 may be directly supported in the housing 10. Furthermore, although providing the bearing 30 can effectively reduce the frictional resistance when the outer drum 21 and the inner drum 22 rotate, it should be understood that the bearing 30 is not essential. In some embodiments, the bearing 30 may be omitted, or it may be replaced by other mechanisms that can reduce frictional resistance.

[0032] The drum assembly 20 also includes a flexible shaft 23 for extending into the pipe to unclog it. For example... Figure 6 As best shown, the sidewalls 212 of the outer drum 21 and 222 of the inner drum 22 are spaced apart in the radial direction, and the flexible shaft 23 is arranged around the sidewall 212 of the inner drum 22 and received between the sidewalls 212 of the outer drum 21 and the sidewalls 222 of the inner drum 22. Figure 2 As best shown, the flexible shaft 23 includes a hollow sleeve 231 and an inner core 232 housed within the sleeve 231 and rotatable relative to the sleeve 231. Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the drum assembly 20 may further include a motor 24 for driving the inner core 232 of the flexible shaft 23 to rotate. The output shaft of the motor 24 may be connected to the inner core 232 of the flexible shaft 23, for example, via a reducer (not shown). In this embodiment, the motor 24 is connected to the inner drum 22 and can rotate with the inner drum 22. This arrangement of the motor 24 and the inner drum 22 helps to prevent entanglement of the flexible shaft 23 and various linear structures such as wires connected to the motor 24. Figure 4 As shown, the inner core 232 of the flexible shaft 23 is connected to the motor 24 via a reducer (not shown) at the first end 233 of the flexible shaft 23. The second end 234 (i.e., the free end) of the flexible shaft 23, opposite to the first end 233, can pass through the opening 223 on the side wall 222 of the inner drum 22 and coil around the side wall 222 of the inner drum 22. (Return to reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2The second end 234 of the flexible shaft 23 then protrudes from the opening 214 on the side wall 212 of the outer drum 21, and a tapper 40 can be connected to the inner core 232 of the flexible shaft 23 at the second end 234. The tapper 40 can be inserted into the pipe to be unclogged and rotate together with the inner core 232 of the flexible shaft 23 to clear the blockage in the pipe.

[0033] The drum assembly 20 may further include a rotating disk 25 that is integrally rotatable with the inner drum 22. In this embodiment, the rotating disk 25 is connected to the bottom wall 221 of the inner drum 22 and is preferably arranged concentrically with the inner drum 22. In the assembled state, at least a portion of the rotating disk 25 is exposed through an opening 121 in the housing 10. The rotating disk 25 is used to mount some additional components of the drum assembly 20 and allows the user to easily access and operate these additional components through the opening 121 in the housing 10. On the other hand, the rotating disk 25 itself can also serve as a protective housing to protect the components disposed between the rotating disk 25 and the inner drum 22. That is, components that require frequent operation or maintenance by the user can be disposed on the rotating disk 25, such as the switch of the motor 24, batteries, etc.; components that do not need to be directly operated, easily damaged, or may pose a danger to the user are preferably disposed between the inner drum 22 and the rotating disk 25, such as the motor 24. In other embodiments of this disclosure, any other suitable component layout may be used. For example, the motor 24 may also be disposed on the rotating disk 25. For example, the rotating disk 25 can be integrated with the inner drum 22. Alternatively, the rotating disk 25 can be omitted, and all components mounted on the rotating disk 25 can be directly mounted on the inner drum 22.

[0034] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a battery 26 electrically connected to a motor 24 for supplying power to the motor 24 and a battery holder 27 configured to receive the battery 26 are arranged on the rotating disk 25, wherein the battery 26 is preferably a rechargeable battery. The battery holder 27 may also be integrally formed with the rotating disk 25. A start switch 28 and a control switch 29 for the motor 24 may also be arranged on the rotating disk 25, wherein the start switch 28 can be configured to control the opening and closing of the motor 24, and the control switch 29 can be configured to control the rotational speed and / or rotational direction (forward or reverse) of the motor 24. The start switch 28 and the control switch 29 can be configured to have an interlocking relationship. For example, the control switch 29 can be set with three positions for controlling the rotational direction of the motor 24: forward position, intermediate position (i.e., neutral), and reverse position. Only when the control switch 29 is in the forward or reverse position can the motor 24 be opened or closed accordingly by opening or closing the start switch 28. When the control switch 29 is in the intermediate position, the start switch 28 cannot control the opening and closing of the motor 24. This interlocking configuration of the switches prevents the user from accidentally activating the motor.

[0035] In this embodiment, the start switch 28 is configured as a foot-operated pneumatic start switch. The foot-operated pneumatic start switch may include a foot pedal airbag 281, which is connected to the motor 24 via a hose 282. The motor 24 is controlled to open and close by the pressure change caused by the user stepping on the foot pedal airbag 281. Preferably, the foot pedal airbag 281 is connected via a hose 282 to a rotatable pneumatic connector 283 arranged on a rotating disk 25, and then connected to the motor 24 via the rotatable pneumatic connector 283. In use, the foot pedal airbag 281 can be removed and placed at the user's feet. When the user steps on the foot pedal airbag 281, compressed air is delivered to the motor 24 through the hose 282 and the rotatable pneumatic connector 283, causing the motor 24 to switch its open / closed state. The rotatable pneumatic connector 283 allows the hose 282 to rotate around it while ensuring the airtightness of the hose connection, thereby preventing the hose 282 from tangling due to the rotation of the inner drum 22 and the rotating disc 25. Specifically, the rotatable pneumatic connector 283 is preferably located at the center of rotation of the rotating disc 25, which further prevents the hose 282 from tangling. The principle and basic structure of such rotatable pneumatic connectors are known in the art and will not be described in detail here. For example, a high-speed pneumatic rotary connector of model KSH06-02S manufactured by SMC can be used. In other embodiments, any other suitable connector can be used to replace the rotatable pneumatic connector 283, such as a quick connector. When performing pipe unclogging operations, users usually need to hold the flexible shaft 23 with both hands or one hand. Therefore, providing a foot pedal start switch to control the opening and closing of the motor 24 frees the user's hands and facilitates operation. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, any other suitable type of start switch 28 may be provided, and the start switch 28 and the control switch 29 may also be integrated into a single switch.

[0036] According to the present disclosure, the pipe cleaning device 1 integrates the power source and its accessories (e.g., motor 24, its battery, switch, etc.) for driving the inner core 232 of the flexible shaft 23 into the pipe cleaning device 1 through a simple and compact structure. Therefore, the user no longer needs to connect an external power source when performing pipe cleaning operations, simplifying the operation process. By setting the motor 24 and its accessories, such as the battery, switch, and wires, to rotate together with the inner drum 22, the motor 24 and its accessories remain relatively stationary with the inner drum 22, thus effectively preventing the linear structures such as wires connected to the motor 24 from getting tangled during rotation. In addition, in this disclosure, it is preferable to place the components that require frequent operation or maintenance by the user (e.g., the switch and battery of the motor 24) on the rotating disk 25 and expose them through the opening 121 of the housing 10, and arrange the components that do not need to be directly operated, the easily damaged components, or the components that may pose a danger to the user (e.g., the motor 24) between the inner drum 22 and the rotating disk 25, thereby improving the reliability, safety, and maintainability of the pipe cleaning device 1.

[0037] The design of arranging the built-in power source on the inner drum and / or the rotating disk connected to the inner drum in this disclosure can be directly applied to existing conventional pipe cleaning devices without redesigning the housing, outer drum, inner drum and other components of conventional pipe cleaning devices, thus resulting in lower production costs.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the pipe clearing device according to this disclosure have been described in detail herein; however, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described and shown above. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art without departing from its spirit and scope. All such modifications and variations fall within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, all components described herein can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. A pipe unblocking device (1) comprising a housing (10) and a drum assembly (20) disposed within the housing. Its features are, The drum assembly includes: The inner drum (22) is configured to rotate relative to the housing. The inner drum (22) includes a generally circular bottom wall (221) and side walls (222) extending around the periphery of the bottom wall (221) and generally perpendicular to the bottom wall (221). A flexible shaft (23) includes a hollow sleeve (231) and an inner core (232) housed within the sleeve, the flexible shaft being coiled around the inner drum (22); A motor (24) is connected to the inner drum (22) and is capable of rotating with the inner drum. The motor is connected to the inner core (232) of the flexible shaft and is configured to drive the inner core to rotate. A rotating disk (25) is connected to and rotates together with the inner drum (22), at least a portion of which is exposed through an opening (121) provided on the housing (10); A control switch (29) for controlling the motor (24) is disposed on the rotating disk (25) and accessible through the opening (121), the control switch (29) rotating together with the inner drum (22); and A start switch (28) for controlling the opening and closing of the motor (24) is configured as a foot-operated pneumatic start switch, which includes a foot pedal airbag (281). The foot pedal airbag is connected via a hose (282) to a rotatable pneumatic connector (283) arranged on the rotating disk, and then connected to the motor via the rotatable pneumatic connector. Thus, the opening and closing of the motor is controlled by the air pressure change caused by the user stepping on the foot pedal airbag. The rotating disk (25) is spaced apart from the bottom wall (221) of the inner drum (22), and the motor (24) is disposed between the rotating disk (25) and the bottom wall (221) of the inner drum (22).

2. The pipe dredging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotatable pneumatic connector (283) is located at the rotation center of the rotary disk (25).

3. The pipe dredging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control switch (29) is configured to control the rotational speed and / or rotational direction of the motor (24).

4. The pipe dredging device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control switch (29) is provided with a forward rotation position, a middle position and a reverse rotation position. The control switch (29) and the start switch (28) are linked and configured such that: when the control switch (29) is in the forward rotation position or the reverse rotation position, the start switch (28) can control the motor (24) to open and close; when the control switch (29) is in the middle position, the start switch cannot control the motor (24) to open and close.

5. The pipe dredging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner drum (22) and the rotating disk (25) are formed as an integral structure.

6. The pipe dredging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drum assembly also includes a battery (26) electrically connected to the motor, the battery being arranged on the rotating disk (25).

7. The pipe dredging device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drum assembly also includes a battery holder (27) arranged on the rotating disk (25), the battery holder being configured to receive the battery (26).

8. The pipe dredging device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The battery holder (27) and the rotating disk (25) are integrated into one structure.

9. The pipe dredging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drum assembly (20) further includes an outer drum (21), the inner drum is disposed inside the outer drum, and the flexible shaft (23) is received between the sidewall (222) of the inner drum (22) and the sidewall (212) of the outer drum (21).

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