Flexible shaft feeding control structure and pipeline cleaning device

Abstract

The invention discloses a flexible shaft feeding control structure which comprises a shaft sleeve (210). The outer wall of the first sleeve (220) is provided with a threaded section (221) connected with the inner wall of the shaft sleeve, so that the shaft sleeve rotates around the axis of the shaft sleeve to drive the first sleeve to move in a first direction (L1) or a second direction (L2) opposite to the first direction in the axial direction; the clamping assembly (230) and the first sleeve are arranged in a related mode, so that the first sleeve moves in the first direction to drive the clamping assembly to clamp the flexible shaft, and when the clamping assembly clamps the flexible shaft, the clamping assembly is meshed with threads of the flexible shaft, so that the flexible shaft can be driven by a driving device connected with the clamping assembly to be fed in the axial direction; when the clamping assembly releases the flexible shaft, the flexible shaft is not fed in the axial direction based on driving of the driving device any more; the axial locking mechanism (240) and the first sleeve are arranged in a related mode, so that the first sleeve moves in the second direction to drive the axial locking mechanism to lock the flexible shaft, and when the axial locking mechanism locks the flexible shaft, the axial locking mechanism rotates along with rotation of the flexible shaft around the axis of the axial locking mechanism, so that the flexible shaft cannot be fed in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a power tool and its components, and more particularly to a flexible shaft feed control structure. Background Technology

[0002] A pipe cleaning device is a tool used to remove hard-to-reach dirt and debris from sewers or other pipes. A typical pipe cleaning device is equipped with a flexible shaft (or "snake") coiled inside a housing, which can be pulled out to the desired length when needed. The shaft is inserted into the pipe to remove debris.

[0003] Some pipe cleaning devices use a manually withdrawable flexible shaft for axial feeding. Others use a motor-driven method. However, manual feeding is less efficient, while relying solely on a motor to drive the linear motion of the flexible shaft may result in insufficient control precision, especially when precise adjustment of the feed length or position is required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a flexible shaft feed control structure that, when installed on a pipe cleaning device, can conveniently switch between three functional states: axial feed driven by a drive device, axial feed manually, and locking of the desired axial feed length or position.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a flexible shaft feed control structure for connection with a flexible shaft of a pipe cleaning device, wherein the outer surface of the flexible shaft has threads, and the flexible shaft feed control structure includes:

[0006] bushing;

[0007] The first sleeve is coaxially disposed inside the bushing, and the outer wall of the first sleeve has a threaded section that connects to the inner wall of the bushing, so that the rotation of the bushing about its axis drives the first sleeve to move along the axial direction in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0008] A clamping assembly is sleeved around the flexible shaft. The clamping assembly is associated with the first sleeve so that the movement of the first sleeve in a first direction causes the clamping assembly to clamp the flexible shaft. When the clamping assembly clamps the flexible shaft, it engages with the thread of the flexible shaft so that the flexible shaft can be fed in the axial direction under the drive of the drive device connected to it. When the clamping assembly releases the flexible shaft, the flexible shaft is no longer fed in the axial direction based on the drive of the drive device.

[0009] An axial locking mechanism is provided inside the bushing and sleeved around the flexible shaft. The axial locking mechanism is associated with the first sleeve so that the movement of the first sleeve in the second direction drives the axial locking mechanism to lock the flexible shaft. When the axial locking mechanism locks the flexible shaft, it rotates with the rotation of the flexible shaft around its axis, so that the flexible shaft cannot be fed in the axial direction.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pipe cleaning device that can conveniently realize multiple functions such as axial feeding of a flexible shaft under the drive of a drive device, axial feeding based on manual mode, and locking the required axial feeding length or position.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a pipe cleaning device, comprising a housing, a drive device disposed within the housing, and a flexible shaft connected to the drive device and extending from a port of the housing; wherein the pipe cleaning device further comprises a flexible shaft feed control structure as described above, wherein the bushing is rotatably connected to the housing and is limited in the axial direction relative to the housing.

[0012] The flexible shaft feed control structure described in this invention enables convenient switching between multiple flexible shaft feed modes, thereby significantly improving the ease of use of the product and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the external structure of the pipe cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the flexible shaft feed control structure described in this invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This shows the state of the flexible shaft feed control structure of the present invention when the clamping assembly clamps the flexible shaft in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This invention provides another perspective on the state of the flexible shaft feed control structure in one embodiment when the clamping assembly clamps the flexible shaft.

[0017] Figure 5 This illustrates the state of the flexible shaft feed control structure of the present invention when the clamping assembly releases the flexible shaft in one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This shows the state of the flexible shaft feed control structure of the present invention when the axial locking mechanism locks the flexible shaft in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7The diagram shows a structural schematic of the clamping assembly of the flexible shaft feed control structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the clamping assembly of the flexible shaft feed control structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 The structure of the flexible shaft feed control structure described in this invention is shown in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following will further explain and describe the flexible shaft feed control structure and pipeline cleaning device of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, this explanation and description do not constitute an undue limitation on the technical solution of the present invention.

[0023] A pipe cleaning device is a tool used to remove hard-to-reach dirt and debris from sewers or other pipes. A typical pipe cleaning device is equipped with a flexible shaft (or "snake") coiled inside a housing, which can be pulled out when needed and inserted into the pipe to remove debris.

[0024] Some pipe cleaning devices use a manually withdrawable flexible shaft for axial feeding. Others use a motor-driven method. However, manual feeding is less efficient, while relying solely on a motor to drive the linear motion of the flexible shaft may result in insufficient control precision, especially when precise adjustment of the feed length or position is required.

[0025] Based on this, the present invention provides a flexible shaft feed control structure in one embodiment, and further provides a pipe cleaning device on this basis. When the flexible shaft feed control structure is installed on the pipe cleaning device, it can conveniently switch between three functional states: axial feed under the drive of the flexible shaft based on the drive device, axial feed based on manual operation, and locking of the required axial feed length or position.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the external structure of the pipe cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the pipe cleaning device of the present invention includes a housing 100, a drive device, such as a drive motor, is provided inside the housing, and a flexible shaft is also provided inside the housing and connected to the drive device. When needed, the flexible shaft can extend from the port 101 of the housing by axial feed to clean the pipe.

[0028] In addition, the pipe cleaning device of the present invention also includes a flexible shaft feed control structure 200. By applying an external force, the bushing 210 of the flexible shaft feed control structure rotates relative to the outer shell 100 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, which enables the flexible shaft to switch between multiple feed modes.

[0029] Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the flexible shaft feed control structure described in this invention.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the flexible shaft feed control structure is connected to the flexible shaft 300 of the pipe cleaning device, and the outer surface of the flexible shaft has threads 301. The flexible shaft feed control structure includes:

[0031] The bushing 210 is rotatably connected to the housing 100, and when an external force is applied to the bushing 210, it can... Figure 1 As shown, it rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around its axis.

[0032] The first sleeve 220 is coaxially disposed inside the bushing 210, and the outer wall of the first sleeve 220 has a threaded section 221 that connects to the inner wall of the bushing, so that the rotation of the bushing about its axis can drive the first sleeve 220 to move along the axial direction in the first direction L1 or the second direction L2 opposite to the first direction.

[0033] The clamping assembly 230 is sleeved around the flexible shaft 300. The clamping assembly 230 is associated with the first sleeve so that the movement of the first sleeve 220 in the first direction L1 can drive the clamping assembly 230 to clamp the flexible shaft 300.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the clamping assembly 230 clamps the flexible shaft 300, the clamping assembly functions as the nut in a lead screw and nut structure, while the flexible shaft is equivalent to the lead screw in the lead screw and nut structure. Therefore, when the drive device (e.g., a motor) (not shown in the figure) drives the flexible shaft 300 to rotate, the flexible shaft can be fed axially while rotating. For example, when the motor drives the flexible shaft to rotate forward, the flexible shaft can be fed in the second direction L2, thereby extending out from the port 101. When the motor drives the flexible shaft to rotate in reverse, the flexible shaft can be fed in the first direction L1, thereby retracting inward into the housing. Thus, by clamping the flexible shaft 300 with the clamping assembly 230, the drive device can control the axial feed of the flexible shaft.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown, when the clamping assembly 230 releases the flexible shaft 300, the clamping assembly 230 no longer engages with the thread on the outer surface of the flexible shaft. At this time, even if the drive device is still driving the flexible shaft to rotate, the flexible shaft will not produce axial feed. In this case, the operator can manually pull the flexible shaft to achieve axial feed.

[0036] Continue reading Figure 2 The flexible shaft feed control structure of the present invention further includes an axial locking mechanism 240, which is disposed inside the bushing 210 and sleeved around the flexible shaft. The axial locking mechanism 240 is also associated with the first sleeve 220 so that the movement of the first sleeve 220 in the second direction L2 drives the axial locking mechanism 240 to lock the flexible shaft 300.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, when the axial locking mechanism 240 locks the flexible shaft 300, the axial locking mechanism rotates with the rotation of the flexible shaft around its axis, thus preventing the flexible shaft 300 from feeding in the axial direction. In this case, the length of the flexible shaft extending from the housing or the length of the flexible shaft inserted into the pipe to be cleaned is fixed, and the pipe cleaning device can clean the pipe at this position, effectively avoiding the inconvenience caused by sudden changes in the axial length of the flexible shaft to the cleaning operation.

[0038] According to this configuration, it can be seen that the feed mode of the flexible shaft can be adjusted solely by the rotational state of the bushing 210 relative to the housing 100. For example, if the position of the bushing corresponding to the state where the clamping assembly 230 releases the flexible shaft 300 is taken as the rotation zero position, a manual mode for axial feed of the flexible shaft can be achieved at this zero position, as described above. From the zero position, rotating the bushing in the first rotational direction to move the first sleeve in the first direction allows the axial feed of the flexible shaft to enter the motor-driven electric mode. From the zero position, rotating the bushing in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction to move the first sleeve in the second direction locks the axial feed of the flexible shaft.

[0039] In some specific implementation methods, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the rotatable connection between the bushing 210 and the housing 100 can be achieved by a circumferential flange 211 and a circumferential groove 212 disposed between the two. The circumferential flange fits perfectly into the circumferential groove and is limited by the circumferential groove in the axial direction, so that the bushing 210 can rotate relative to the housing about the axis, but cannot move linearly in the axial direction L.

[0040] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the clamping assembly 230 may include:

[0041] The second sleeve 231 is axially movable, and its first end 2311 in the axial direction is associated with the first sleeve 220, such that movement of the first sleeve 220 in the first direction L1 causes the second sleeve 231 to also move in the first direction L1. In some more specific embodiments, the axial end face 222 of the first sleeve near the second sleeve abuts against the first end 2311 in the axial direction of the second sleeve to achieve this association. In other more specific embodiments, the first sleeve can also be directly connected to the first end in the axial direction of the second sleeve via a connector to achieve this association.

[0042] Several grippers 232, such as three grippers, are disposed at the second end of the second sleeve in the axial direction and arranged circumferentially at the second end. The tail end of the gripper 232 is hinged to the second sleeve 231 by a pin P, and the head end of the gripper can contact the flexible shaft.

[0043] The bracket 233 is fixedly installed to limit the axial displacement of the head end of the gripper.

[0044] With this configuration, when the bushing 210 rotates around the axis in the first rotation direction, it drives the first sleeve to move in the first direction L1, thereby pushing the second sleeve 231 to move towards the bracket 233 in the first direction, so that the axial distance between the second sleeve and the bracket becomes smaller. During this process, the jaw 232 hinged to the second sleeve will rotate around the hinge point, so that its head end approaches the flexible shaft in the radial direction and finally clamps the flexible shaft, and engages with the thread of the flexible shaft.

[0045] In some specific implementation methods, such as Figure 8 As shown, the clamping assembly may further include a first elastic element 234, which applies an elastic force to the gripper to move its tip away from the flexible shaft. With this configuration, when the operator removes the rotational force applied to the bushing to switch it to the drive unit driving the flexible shaft axial feed, the clamping assembly releases the flexible shaft under the restoring force of the first elastic element. Simultaneously, the second sleeve moves in the second direction, pushing the first sleeve back to its initial position, while the bushing resets to its zero position.

[0046] In some more specific embodiments, in order to further simplify the structure of the first elastic element, such as... Figure 8 As shown, a groove 2321 can be provided at the head end of each gripper, and the grooves at the head end of each gripper are on the same circumference. The first elastic element 234 may include an elastic ring, such as a rubber ring, which is provided in the groove 2321 at the head end of each gripper with a certain elastic preload.

[0047] In some more specific implementations, such as Figure 8As shown, the gripper includes a connecting rod 2322, the second sleeve at the tail end of the connecting rod is hinged by a pin, and the head 2323 at the head end of the connecting rod is hinged to it. When the gripping assembly clamps the flexible shaft, the gripping head 2323 engages with the thread on the outer surface of the flexible shaft.

[0048] Continue reading Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 In some specific embodiments, the axial locking mechanism 240 may include:

[0049] The third sleeve 241 is rotatably mounted about its own axis. In some more specific embodiments, the third sleeve can be rotatably mounted about its own axis via the first bearing 245. Furthermore, the third sleeve 241 can also be axially movable and is also associated with the first sleeve 220, such that movement of the first sleeve 220 in the second direction L2 drives movement of the third sleeve 241 in the second direction as well. In some more specific embodiments, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the axial end face 223 of the first sleeve near the third sleeve abuts against the axial end face of the third sleeve to achieve this association. In some other, more specific embodiments, the third sleeve may also be directly connected to the first sleeve via a connector to achieve this association.

[0050] The fourth sleeve 242 is fixed in the axial direction and is rotatable about its own axis. In some more specific embodiments, the fourth sleeve can be rotatable about its own axis by means of the second bearing 246.

[0051] Locking assembly 243, connected between the third sleeve and the fourth sleeve, clamps the flexible shaft 300 when the third sleeve 241 moves in the second direction L2 and approaches the fourth sleeve 242 under the pushing action of the first sleeve. Figure 6 As shown; when the third sleeve 241 moves away from the fourth sleeve 242 in the first direction L1, the locking assembly releases the flexible shaft 300, for example as... Figure 3 shown.

[0052] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in some more specific embodiments, the locking assembly 243 may include: a first link 2431, the tail end of which is hinged to a third sleeve 241; a second link 2432, the tail end of which is hinged to a fourth sleeve 242; and a locking block 2433, which is hinged to the head end of the first link and the head end of the second link.

[0053] In some more specific embodiments, the first link, the second link, and the locking block are all arranged in pairs, respectively above and below the flexible shaft. During locking and releasing, the two locking blocks move towards or away from each other to lock or release the flexible shaft.

[0054] In some other, more specific embodiments, the first link, the second link, and the locking block may be provided only above or below the flexible shaft, while a fixed locking block may be provided on the opposite side. During locking and releasing, the movable locking block 2433 driven by the first link and the second link moves relative to the fixed locking block to achieve locking or releasing of the flexible shaft.

[0055] In some more specific embodiments, in order to further provide frictional force for locking, the locking block 2433 has teeth 2434 on the surface that contacts the flexible shaft.

[0056] In some more specific implementations, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the axial locking mechanism may further include a second elastic element 244 disposed between the third sleeve 241 and the fourth sleeve 242 to apply an elastic force that causes them to move away from each other. With this arrangement, when the operator removes the rotational force applied to the sleeve to switch it to the axial feed locked state, the locking assembly releases the flexible shaft under the return force of the second elastic element. Simultaneously, the third sleeve moves in the first direction, pushing the first sleeve back to its initial position, while the sleeve resets to its zero position.

[0057] In some more specific embodiments, the second elastic element may include a helical spring.

[0058] Therefore, by adopting the flexible shaft feed control structure described in this invention, when using the pipe cleaning device, the operator only needs to apply external force to make the bushing 210 rotate relative to the outer shell 100 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This simple operation allows the flexible shaft to switch between three modes: motor-driven axial feed, manual control of flexible shaft axial feed, and locked flexible shaft axial feed. This greatly facilitates the operator's use and significantly improves the user experience.

[0059] It should be noted that the prior art portion within the scope of protection of this invention is not limited to the embodiments given in this invention. All prior art that does not contradict the solution of this invention, including but not limited to prior patent documents, prior publications, prior public uses, etc., can be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0060] Furthermore, the combination of the technical features in this case is not limited to the combination methods described in the claims of this case or the combination methods described in the specific embodiments. All technical features described in this case can be freely combined or combined in any way, unless they contradict each other.

[0061] It should also be noted that the embodiments listed above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and similar changes or modifications made thereto are those that can be directly derived or easily conceived by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed in the present invention, and should all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible shaft feed control structure for connecting to a flexible shaft (300) of a pipe cleaning device, the outer surface of the flexible shaft having a thread (301), characterized in that, The flexible shaft feed control structure includes: Bushing (210); The first sleeve (220) is coaxially disposed inside the bushing. The outer wall of the first sleeve has a threaded section (221) that connects to the inner wall of the bushing, so that the rotation of the bushing about its axis drives the first sleeve to move along the axial direction in the first direction (L1) or the second direction (L2) opposite to the first direction. A clamping assembly (230) is sleeved around the flexible shaft. The clamping assembly is associated with the first sleeve so that the movement of the first sleeve in a first direction causes the clamping assembly to clamp the flexible shaft. When the clamping assembly clamps the flexible shaft, it engages with the thread of the flexible shaft so that the flexible shaft can be fed in the axial direction under the drive of the drive device connected to it. When the clamping assembly releases the flexible shaft, the flexible shaft is no longer fed in the axial direction based on the drive of the drive device. An axial locking mechanism (240) is provided inside the bushing and sleeved around the flexible shaft. The axial locking mechanism is associated with the first sleeve so that the movement of the first sleeve in the second direction drives the axial locking mechanism to lock the flexible shaft. When the axial locking mechanism locks the flexible shaft, it rotates with the rotation of the flexible shaft around its axis so that the flexible shaft cannot be fed in the axial direction.

2. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes: The second sleeve (231) is axially movable, and the first end (2311) of the second sleeve in the axial direction is associated with the first sleeve so that the movement of the first sleeve in the first direction pushes the second sleeve to move in the first direction as well. A plurality of grippers (232) are disposed at the second end of the second sleeve in the axial direction and arranged in the circumferential direction of the second end. The tail end of the gripper is hinged to the second sleeve, and the head end of the gripper can contact the flexible shaft. The bracket (233) is fixedly installed to limit the axial displacement of the head end of the gripper.

3. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping assembly further includes a first elastic element (234) that applies an elastic force to the jaws to move their tips away from the flexible shaft.

4. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the grippers has a groove (2321) at its head end, and the grooves at the head ends of each gripper are on the same circumference. The first elastic element includes an elastic ring, which is disposed in the groove at the head end of each gripper.

5. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the jaws has a rotatable gripping head (2323) at its head end. When the gripping assembly clamps the flexible shaft, the gripping head engages with the thread on the outer surface of the flexible shaft.

6. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The axial locking mechanism includes: The third sleeve (241) is rotatably and axially movable about its own axis, and is associated with the first sleeve such that the movement of the first sleeve in the second direction causes the third sleeve to move in the second direction as well. The fourth sleeve (242) is rotatably mounted about its own axis and is fixed in the axial direction; A locking assembly (243) is connected between the third sleeve and the fourth sleeve so that when the third sleeve moves in the second direction and approaches the fourth sleeve, the locking assembly clamps the flexible shaft; when the third sleeve moves in the first direction and moves away from the fourth sleeve, the locking assembly releases the flexible shaft.

7. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes: The first connecting rod (2431) has its tail end hinged to the third sleeve; The second link (2432) has its tail end hinged to the fourth sleeve; The locking block (2433) is hinged to the first end of the first link and the first end of the second link, respectively.

8. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The locking block has teeth on the surface that contacts the flexible shaft.

9. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The axial locking mechanism further includes a second elastic element (244) disposed between the third and fourth sleeves to apply an elastic force to them to move them away from each other.

10. The flexible shaft feed control structure as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The second elastic element includes a helical spring.

11. A pipe cleaning device, comprising a housing, a drive mechanism disposed within the housing, and a flexible shaft connected to the drive mechanism and extending from a port of the housing; characterized in that, The pipe cleaning device further includes a flexible shaft feed control structure as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the bushing is rotatably connected to the housing and is limited in the axial direction relative to the housing.

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