Telescopic sleeve and flexible member conveying device

By setting the proximal concave ribs and distal concave ribs and closures on the telescopic sleeve, the bending deformation and disengagement of the flexible member during the transport process is solved, and the smooth conveying of the flexible member and the miniaturized support structure are achieved.

CN223232674UActive Publication Date: 2025-08-19PRECISON ROBOTICS (HONG KONG) LIMITED
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422188224.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-06
Publication Date
2025-08-19
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, flexible members are prone to undesired bending deformation during the conveying process, resulting in failure of insertion, and require a larger push and pull force and a longer support structure, resulting in a larger size of the conveying robot.

Method used

The telescopic sleeve structure is adopted, and by setting proximal concave ribs and distal concave ribs and recesses on the surface of the pipe fittings, multi-point support and smooth expansion of the pipe fittings are achieved, preventing the disconnection of radially adjacent pipe fittings, and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Benefits of technology

It realizes smooth expansion and contraction of the telescopic sleeve with a small push and pull force, prevents the pipe fittings from being disengaged, simplifies manufacturing and reduces manufacturing costs, and is suitable for support and guidance of flexible endoscopes for medical and industrial use.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a telescopic sleeve and a flexible component conveying device, the telescopic sleeve can stretch out and draw back with small push-pull force, and radial adjacent pipe fittings can be prevented from being separated from each other. The telescopic sleeve is provided with a near end and a far end and comprises a plurality of pipe fittings which are sequentially and coaxially arranged in a sleeved mode, the pipe fitting on the radial inner side can protrude towards the far end relative to the pipe fitting on the radial outer side so that the telescopic sleeve can be in an extension state, and the pipe fitting on the radial inner side can retract towards the near end so that the telescopic sleeve can be in a contraction state. A channel is formed in the radial center of the multiple pipe fittings for the flexible component to penetrate in the axial direction, a near-end concave rib and a near-end convex rib are formed on the outer surface of the near-end side of any one of the multiple pipe fittings, a far-end concave rib is formed on the outer surface of the far-end side of any one of the multiple pipe fittings, and / or a closing opening is formed in the end of the far-end side of any one of the multiple pipe fittings. The near-end concave rib can abut against the end face of the near-end side of the pipe fitting adjacent to the radial inner side when the telescopic sleeve shrinks, the near-end convex rib can abut against the far-end concave rib of the pipe fitting adjacent to the outer side when the telescopic sleeve stretches, and the far-end concave rib and the closing opening support the pipe fitting adjacent to the inner side.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a telescopic sleeve and a flexible component conveying device having the telescopic sleeve. Background Art

[0002] The delivery of flexible components plays an important role in many industries and application scenarios, such as the delivery of electrical cables, optical fibers, and robotic cables. Medical devices also have many applications for flexible wire delivery. For example, cardiovascular guidewires, as very slender and flexible metal or composite wires, play a guiding role in cardiovascular interventional treatments, helping doctors guide other devices (such as catheters and stents) within the patient's vascular system to the target lesion.

[0003] The delivery of flexible wires is also used in the field of flexible endoscopes, which can include industrial flexible endoscopes for industrial inspections and medical flexible endoscopes.

[0004] At present, medical endoscope insertion tube conveying robots are beginning to become popular in endoscopic surgery. As an endoscope conveying robot, it holds one end of the endoscope insertion tube through a push-pull mechanism, and conveys the endoscope insertion tube by moving the push-pull mechanism back and forth, thereby directly inserting the endoscope insertion tube into the patient's cavity. Generally speaking, the endoscope insertion tube is relatively slender and flexible (also called soft), and is a flexible component. When one end of such a flexible component is fixed, according to the cantilever beam theory, since the length-to-slenderness ratio of the flexible component is large and its bending stiffness is small, therefore, in the absence of other supports in the middle, a large bending deformation will occur. If unexpected bending deformation occurs during the insertion into the patient's cavity, it will hinder the insertion and may even cause the insertion to fail. For this reason, for the conveyance of the flexible endoscope insertion tube, it is necessary to configure an anti-bending structure for conveying flexible components such as the flexible endoscope insertion tube.

[0005] On the other hand, flexible members such as endoscope insertion tubes are relatively long. To adequately support the flexible member and prevent any undesirable bending deformation, the anti-bending structure used to support and transport the flexible member also needs to be correspondingly longer. This results in an increased size of the transport robot, particularly in the direction in which the flexible member is transported.

[0006] To address the above issues, a telescopic sleeve can be used to support and guide the endoscope insertion tube. For example, a Chinese invention patent application numbered 202410302208.2 has been previously applied for, which relates to an anti-bending structure for conveying flexible components, a floating support mechanism, and a conveying device for the flexible components.

[0007] When using a telescopic sleeve to support and guide an endoscope insertion tube, in order to smoothly transport the endoscope insertion tube, it is desired that the telescopic sleeve can be extended and retracted with a small push-pull force; on the other hand, in order to reliably transport the endoscope insertion tube, it is necessary to prevent radially adjacent tubes from disengaging from each other. Utility Model Content

[0008] The present invention is completed in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a telescopic sleeve and a flexible component conveying device having the telescopic sleeve, wherein the telescopic sleeve can be extended and retracted with a small push-pull force and can prevent radially adjacent pipes from being separated from each other.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides a telescopic sleeve for supporting and conveying a flexible member, wherein the telescopic sleeve has a proximal end and a distal end, and comprises a plurality of pipes, wherein the plurality of pipes are coaxially sleeved in sequence, and the radially inner pipe can protrude toward the distal end relative to the radially outer pipe to make the telescopic sleeve in an extended state, and can retract toward the proximal end to make the telescopic sleeve in a contracted state, and the plurality of pipes form a channel in the radial center for the flexible member to pass through in the axial direction, wherein any of the plurality of pipes A proximal concave rib and a proximal convex rib are formed on the outer surface of the proximal side, and a distal concave rib is formed on the outer surface of the distal side and / or a closing is formed at the end of the distal side, wherein the proximal concave rib can abut against the end surface of the proximal side of the pipe adjacent to the radial inside or the proximal convex rib when the telescopic sleeve is contracted, and the proximal convex rib can abut against the distal concave rib or the closing of the pipe adjacent to the radial outside when the telescopic sleeve is extended, and the distal concave rib and the closing support the pipe adjacent to the radial inside.

[0010] According to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, when the telescopic sleeve is extended and retracted, the distal concave ribs and / or the narrowing of the radially outer tube support the radially inner adjacent tube, thereby helping to reduce the contact area between the radially adjacent tubes. The telescopic sleeve can be extended and retracted with a smaller push-pull force, and the internal space of the distal concave rib is also easy for the flexible member to pass through. On the other hand, when the telescopic sleeve is extended, the proximal convex rib of the radially inner tube abuts against the distal concave rib or narrowing of the radially outer tube, thereby preventing the radially adjacent tubes from being disengaged from each other. In particular, when the distal concave ribs and the narrowing are formed at the same time, even if the proximal convex rib of the radially inner tube passes over the distal concave rib of the radially outer tube, when the radially inner tube further extends toward the distal side, the proximal convex rib of the radially inner tube will still be blocked by the narrowing of the radially outer tube, thereby further preventing the radially adjacent tubes from being disengaged from each other.

[0011] In addition, according to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, when the telescopic sleeve contracts, the proximal concave ribs of the radially outer tube will abut against the end face or proximal convex ribs on the proximal side of the radially inner tube, thereby preventing the radially inner tube from falling out of the radially outer tube toward the proximal side.

[0012] Optionally, the distal concave rib includes a first distal concave rib and a second distal concave rib closer to the end side than the first distal concave rib.

[0013] According to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, when the telescopic sleeve is extended or retracted, multi-point support can be formed by the contact between the first distal concave rib and the second distal concave rib of the radially outer tube and the (outer surface of) the radially inner tube, thereby enabling the telescopic sleeve to be extended or retracted more smoothly; on the other hand, when the telescopic sleeve is extended, even if the external force applied is large and causes the proximal convex rib of the radially inner tube to pass over the second distal concave rib of the radially outer tube, when the radially inner tube further extends toward the distal side, the proximal convex rib of the radially inner tube will still be blocked by the first distal concave rib of the radially outer tube, thereby more reliably preventing radially adjacent tubes from detaching from each other.

[0014] Optionally, the proximal concave rib is closer to the proximal side than the proximal convex rib, or the proximal convex rib is closer to the proximal side than the proximal concave rib.

[0015] According to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, the positions of the proximal concave rib and the proximal convex rib can be flexibly set.

[0016] Optionally, the innermost tube among the plurality of tubes does not have at least one of the closing end, the distal concave rib and the proximal concave rib.

[0017] The telescopic sleeve according to this technical solution can simplify the manufacturing of the innermost pipe fitting and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0018] Optionally, at least a portion of at least one of the proximal concave rib, the proximal convex rib, and the distal concave rib extends in the circumferential direction.

[0019] According to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, when at least a part of the proximal concave rib extends in the circumferential direction, the area where the proximal concave rib of the radially outer tube part abuts against the end face of the proximal end side of the radially inner tube part or the proximal convex rib can be increased when the telescopic sleeve contracts, thereby further preventing the radially inner tube part from slipping out from the radially outer tube part toward the proximal end side; when at least a part of the proximal convex rib extends in the circumferential direction, even if the radially inner tube part is relative to the radially outer tube part when the telescopic sleeve is extended, When the fittings are rotated by a certain angle relative to the radially outer fitting, the proximal convex rib of the radially inner fitting can still abut against the distal concave rib or the closing end of the radially outer fitting, thereby preventing radially adjacent fittings from being separated from each other; similarly, when at least a portion of the distal concave rib extends in the circumferential direction, when the telescopic sleeve is extended, even if the radially inner fitting is rotated by a certain angle relative to the radially outer fitting, the proximal convex rib of the radially inner fitting can still abut against the distal concave rib of the radially outer fitting, thereby preventing radially adjacent fittings from being separated from each other.

[0020] Optionally, at least one of the proximal concave rib, the proximal convex rib and the distal concave rib forms a circle in the entire circumferential direction.

[0021] According to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, when the proximal concave ribs form a circle over the entire circumference, the telescopic sleeve can more reliably prevent the radially inner pipe fitting from coming off from the radially outer pipe fitting toward the proximal end when the telescopic sleeve contracts; when the proximal convex ribs form a circle over the entire circumference, the telescopic sleeve can more reliably prevent radially adjacent pipe fittings from coming off from each other when the telescopic sleeve extends; similarly, when the distal concave ribs form a circle over the entire circumference, the telescopic sleeve can more reliably prevent radially adjacent pipe fittings from coming off from each other when the telescopic sleeve extends.

[0022] Optionally, the proximal rib supports the adjacent pipe on the radial outside.

[0023] According to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, when the telescopic sleeve is extended or retracted, multi-point support can be formed by the contact between the distal concave ribs and / or the closing end of the radially outer tube and the (outer surface) of the radially inner tube, and the contact between the proximal convex ribs of the radially inner tube and the (inner surface) of the radially outer tube, thereby enabling the telescopic sleeve to extend or retract more smoothly.

[0024] Optionally, the pipe is a round pipe.

[0025] According to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, the round tube is easy to process, has a more compact size, and is convenient for providing support for flexible components that are usually circular in cross-section.

[0026] Optionally, the pipe fitting is integrally formed. Also, the pipe fitting may be integrally formed by stamping. Optionally, the pipe fitting is made of metal.

[0027] According to the telescopic sleeve of this technical solution, the manufacture of the pipe can be simplified compared with the case where a plurality of parts are assembled to form the pipe.

[0028] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a flexible component conveying device, which includes: a telescopic sleeve of any one of the above-mentioned items; a supporting mechanism, which is used to support the innermost tube among the multiple tubes of the telescopic sleeve; and a push-pull mechanism, which is connected to the outermost tube among the multiple tubes of the telescopic sleeve and is used to push and pull the telescopic sleeve to change it between an extended state and a contracted state.

[0029] (Utility Model Effect)

[0030] According to the present invention, the telescopic sleeve can be extended and retracted with minimal push-pull force, and the internal space of the distal concave rib is easily accessible to flexible members. Furthermore, when the telescopic sleeve is extended, radially adjacent pipes are prevented from disengaging from one another. In particular, when the distal concave rib and the end are simultaneously formed, radially adjacent pipes are further prevented from disengaging from one another. Furthermore, when the telescopic sleeve is retracted, the radially inner pipe is prevented from dislodging from the radially outer pipe toward the proximal end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a side view schematically showing a flexible member conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing a flexible member conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram schematically showing a telescopic sleeve included in the flexible member conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a contracted state.

[0034] Figure 4 is with Figure 3 Corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a perspective view schematically showing a telescopic sleeve included in the flexible member conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an extended state.

[0036] Figure 6 is with Figure 5 Corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a side view schematically showing a tube in a telescopic sleeve included in the flexible component conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 is with Figure 7Corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of the portion near the proximal end and the portion near the distal end of the tube is shown.

[0040] Figure 10 It is a side view schematically showing two radially adjacent tubes in a telescopic sleeve included in a flexible member conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a contracted state.

[0041] Figure 11 is with Figure 10 Corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0042] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 An enlarged view of a detail of the two pipe fittings shown.

[0043] Figure 13 is with Figure 12 Corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0044] Figure 14 It is a side view schematically showing two radially adjacent tubes in a telescopic sleeve included in a flexible member conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an extended state.

[0045] Figure 15 is with Figure 14 Corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0046] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 An enlarged view of a detail of the two pipe fittings shown.

[0047] Figure 17 is with Figure 16 Corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0048] (Explanation of Symbols)

[0049] A Flexible component conveying device

[0050] B push-pull mechanism

[0051] C holding component

[0052] S telescopic sleeve

[0053] E Fixed support

[0054] F support mechanism

[0055] G input

[0056] L Flexible member

[0057] aProximal end of the telescopic sleeve

[0058] bThe distal end of the telescopic sleeve

[0059] Patient P

[0060] 10 pipe fittings

[0061] 10W radially outer pipe fittings

[0062] 10N radially inner pipe fittings

[0063] 101 proximal concave rib

[0064] 102 proximal rib

[0065] 103 distal concave rib

[0066] 1031 first distal concave rib

[0067] 1032 Second distal concave rib

[0068] 104 closing

[0069] OP1 opening

[0070] OP2 opening DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Next, combine Figures 1 to 17 A flexible member conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0072] The "distal end" mentioned in this article refers to the end of each component close to the patient P, that is, Figure 1 In the positive direction of the conveying direction shown, the "near end" refers to the end of each component close to the push-pull mechanism B. Figure 1 The "conveyance direction" shown is the direction from the push-pull mechanism B end toward the patient P end.

[0073] It should be understood that the present invention can be applied not only to medical flexible endoscopes, but also to industrial flexible endoscopes, and can also be used for supporting and guiding other types of flexible components in other fields.

[0074] —Overall structure of flexible member conveying device—

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the conveying device A includes a push-pull mechanism B, a holding component C, a telescopic sleeve S, a fixed support E, a supporting mechanism F and an input part G.

[0076] Here, a push-pull mechanism B (e.g., a robotic arm) is connected to the proximal end of the flexible member L and is electrically connected to a motor (e.g., a linear stepper motor, not shown). When driven by the motor, the push-pull mechanism B can move back and forth in the conveying direction relative to the stationary fixed support E, thereby pushing the proximal end of the flexible member L toward the distal end or pulling the proximal end of the flexible member L toward the proximal end.

[0077] The holding member C is fixedly connected to the push-pull mechanism B to hold the proximal end of the telescopic sleeve S. When the motor is driven, the holding member C and the push-pull mechanism B move forward and backward relative to the fixed support E along the conveying direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the telescopic sleeve S is a retractable structure formed by connecting multiple tubular components of varying diameters. A channel is formed within the telescopic sleeve S for conveying and supporting the flexible member L. (The detailed structure of the tubular components, the basic units that comprise the telescopic sleeve S, and the connections between them will be discussed in detail later.) When driven by the motor, as the gripping member C and the push-pull mechanism B move back and forth in the conveying direction, the proximal end of the telescopic sleeve S, connected to the gripping member C, moves back and forth relative to the distal end, causing the telescopic sleeve S to expand and contract. This, in turn, supports the flexible member L while enabling it to be advanced and retracted.

[0079] In addition, the fixed support E is fixed to, for example, a bed where the patient P is located, so that the push-pull mechanism B and the holding component C can move relative to the fixed support E.

[0080] Furthermore, the support mechanism F is used to support the innermost tube among the multiple tubes of the telescopic tube S. For example, the support mechanism F can support the distal end of the telescopic tube S in a floating manner (that is, the distal end of the telescopic tube S can move within a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction) to correct deviation of the telescopic tube S relative to the conveying direction.

[0081] Furthermore, an input portion G is connected to the fixed support E, and drugs such as anesthetics are supplied to the patient P (eg, the patient's oral cavity or esophagus) through the input portion G.

[0082] The flexible member L is, for example, an endoscope insertion tube or a catheter, and a micro camera and a sensor are mounted on the head thereof.

[0083] —Specific structure of telescopic sleeve—

[0084] like Figures 3 to 6As shown, the telescopic sleeve A has a proximal end a and a distal end b, and includes a plurality of (specifically 7 in this embodiment, but not limited to this, and can be set to more than 7 or less than 7) pipe fittings 10. The plurality of pipe fittings 10 are coaxially sleeved in sequence, and the radially inner pipe fitting 10 can protrude toward the distal end b relative to the radially outer pipe fitting 10 to make the telescopic sleeve A extended, and can retract toward the proximal end a to make the telescopic sleeve A contracted, and the plurality of pipe fittings 10 form a channel in the radial center for the flexible member L to pass axially.

[0085] Here, each pipe 10 of the telescopic sleeve A is made of metal (for example, stainless steel). Furthermore, the pipe 10 is integrally formed by stamping. Therefore, compared with the case where the pipe 10 is formed by assembling multiple parts, the manufacture of the pipe 10 can be simplified. However, the pipe 10 can also be integrally formed by injection molding using resin or the like, or can be formed by assembling multiple parts. Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , each pipe 10 is a round pipe with an inner diameter (e.g., Figure 13 D1 in) and the outer diameter of the tube (e.g. Figure 13 D2) is the same in the entire axial direction. Therefore, it is easy to process, more compact in size, and easy to support the flexible member L which is usually a circular cross-section. However, each pipe 10 can also be formed into other shapes such as a polygonal pipe. And, as Figure 4 As shown, except for the innermost pipe 10 which is slightly longer, the lengths of the other pipes 10 are substantially the same.

[0086] In addition, if Figures 3 to 9 As shown, any of the multiple tubes 10 except the innermost and outermost tubes is formed with a proximal concave rib 101 (or a protrusion is formed on the inner surface) and a proximal convex rib 102 (or a groove is formed on the inner surface) on the outer surface of the proximal end a side, and a distal concave rib 103 (or a protrusion is formed on the inner surface) is formed on the outer surface of the distal end b side, and a closing end 104 is formed at the end of the distal end b side; and when the telescopic sleeve S is contracted, the proximal concave rib 101 can abut against the end surface of the proximal end a side or the proximal convex rib 102 of the tube 10 adjacent to the radial inside (that is, when viewed in the axial direction). When the telescopic sleeve S is extended, the proximal concave rib 101 at least partially overlaps with the end surface on the proximal end a side of the radially inner adjacent tube 10 and the proximal convex rib 102); when the telescopic sleeve S is extended, the proximal convex rib 102 can abut against the distal concave rib 103 or the closing end 104 of the radially outer adjacent tube 10 (that is, when viewed in the axial direction, the proximal convex rib 102 at least partially overlaps with the distal concave rib 103 and the closing end 104 of the radially outer adjacent tube 10); and the distal concave rib 103 and the closing end 104 support the radially inner adjacent tube (that is, they abut against the outer surface of the radially inner adjacent tube from the radially outer side).

[0087] According to the above structure, when the telescopic sleeve S is extended or retracted, the distal concave ribs 103 and the closing end 104 of the radially outer tube 10 support the radially inner adjacent tube 10, thereby helping to reduce the contact area between the radially adjacent tubes 10. The telescopic sleeve S can be extended or retracted with a smaller push-pull force, and the internal space of the distal concave ribs 103 is also easy for the flexible member L to pass through. On the other hand, when the telescopic sleeve S is extended, the proximal convex ribs 102 of the radially inner tube 10 will abut against the distal concave ribs 103 of the radially outer tube 10. Even if the proximal convex rib 102 of the radially inner tube 10 passes over the distal concave rib 103 of the radially outer tube 10, it will abut against the closing end 104 of the radially outer tube 10, thereby preventing the radially adjacent tubes 10 from detaching from each other.

[0088] Moreover, according to the above structure, when the telescopic sleeve S contracts, the proximal concave rib 101 of the radially outer tube 10 will abut against the end face of the proximal end a side of the radially inner tube 10. Even if the end face of the proximal end a side of the radially inner tube 10 passes over the proximal concave rib 101 of the radially outer tube 10, the proximal concave rib 101 of the radially outer tube 10 will abut against the proximal convex rib 102 of the radially inner tube 10, thereby preventing the radially inner tube 10 from slipping out of the radially outer tube 10 toward the proximal end a side.

[0089] In addition, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the innermost tube among the plurality of tubes 10 is formed with only the proximal convex rib 102, without the proximal concave rib 101, the distal concave rib 103, and the closing 104. However, the innermost tube among the plurality of tubes 10 may also be formed with at least one of the proximal concave rib 101, the distal concave rib 103, and the closing 104. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the outermost tube among the plurality of tubes 10 is formed with only distal concave ribs 103 and closed ends 104, but does not have proximal concave ribs 101 (because the gripping member C connected to the proximal end of the outermost tube among the plurality of tubes 10 can prevent the tube radially inwardly adjacent to the outermost tube from detaching toward the proximal end a), nor does it have proximal convex ribs 102. However, the outermost tube among the plurality of tubes 10 may also be formed with at least one of the proximal concave ribs 101 and the proximal convex ribs 102.

[0090] In addition, if Figures 7 to 9 As shown, it is preferred that at least a portion of the proximal concave rib 101 extends in the circumferential direction, and it is more preferred that the proximal concave rib 101 forms a circle in the entire circumferential direction. Figure 13 As shown, the minimum inner diameter of the proximal concave rib 101 is smaller than the outer diameter of the end surface of the proximal end a side of the radially inner adjacent tube.

[0091] In addition, if Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the proximal convex rib 102 is closer to the distal end b side than the proximal concave rib 101 (i.e., the proximal concave rib 101 is closer to the proximal end a side than the proximal convex rib 102). However, the proximal convex rib 102 may also be closer to the proximal end a side than the proximal concave rib 101. Furthermore, it is preferred that at least a portion of the proximal convex rib 102 extends in the circumferential direction, and it is more preferred that the proximal convex rib 102 forms a circle in the entire circumferential direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown, the maximum outer diameter of the proximal rib 102 is less than the inner diameter D1 of the radially outer adjacent tube. Furthermore, the proximal rib 102 can also be formed to support the radially outer adjacent tube 10 (i.e., to abut the inner surface of the radially outer adjacent tube 10 from the radially inner side).

[0092] In addition, if Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the distal concave rib 103 includes a first distal concave rib 1031 and a second distal concave rib 1032 closer to the end a than the first distal concave rib 1031 .

[0093] According to the above structure, when the telescopic sleeve S is extended or retracted, the first distal concave rib 1031 and the second distal concave rib 1032 of the radially outer tube 10 are in contact with (the outer surface of) the radially inner tube 10, thereby forming a multi-point support, thereby enabling the telescopic sleeve S to be extended or retracted more smoothly. On the other hand, when the telescopic sleeve S is extended, even if the external force applied is large enough to cause the proximal convex rib 102 of the radially inner tube 10 to pass over the second distal concave rib 1032 of the radially outer tube 10, when the radially inner tube 10 further extends toward the distal end b, the proximal convex rib 102 of the radially inner tube 10 will still be blocked by the first distal concave rib 1032 of the radially outer tube 10, thereby more reliably preventing the radially adjacent tubes 10 from detaching from each other.

[0094] However, only one distal concave rib 103 may be provided.

[0095] In addition, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first distal concave rib 1031 and the second distal concave rib 1032 extend in the circumferential direction, and it is more preferred that the first distal concave rib 1031 and the second distal concave rib 1032 form a circle in the entire circumferential direction. Figure 13 As shown, the minimum inner diameter at the distal concave rib 103 is the same as the outer diameter D2 of the pipe member adjacent to the radial inner side.

[0096] In addition, if Figures 7 to 9 As shown, preferably at least a portion of the closing 104 extends in the circumferential direction, and more preferably the closing 104 forms a circle in the entire circumferential direction. Figure 13 As shown, the minimum inner diameter at the closing end 104 is greater than the outer diameter D2 of the adjacent pipe member on the radial inner side.

[0097] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, an opening OP1 for connecting the telescopic sleeve S to the support mechanism F is provided near the distal end b of the innermost pipe among the multiple pipes 10, and an opening OP2 for connecting the telescopic sleeve S to the holding member C is provided near the proximal end a of the outermost pipe.

[0098] —Extension and retraction action of the telescopic sleeve—

[0099] Next, the telescopic operation of the telescopic sleeve S will be described based on two radially adjacent pipe members 10 .

[0100] Here, for the sake of convenience, the radially outer pipe is referred to as 10W, and the radially inner pipe is referred to as 10N.

[0101] When the telescopic sleeve S is in the contracted state, Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the end surface of the proximal end a of the radially inner tube 10N abuts the proximal concave rib 101 of the radially outer tube 10W from the distal end b. Furthermore, the distal concave ribs 103 (specifically, the first distal concave rib 1031 and the second distal concave rib 1032) and the closure 104 of the radially outer tube 10W support the radially inner tube 10N (i.e., they abut the outer surface of the radially inner tube 10N from the radially outer side).

[0102] On the other hand, when the telescopic sleeve S is in an extended state, Figures 14 to 17 As shown, the proximal convex rib 102 of the radially inner tube 10N abuts the distal concave rib 103 (specifically, the second distal concave rib 1032) of the radially outer tube 10W from the proximal end a. Furthermore, the distal concave ribs 103 (specifically, the first distal concave rib 1031 and the second distal concave rib 1032) and the neck 104 of the radially outer tube 10W support the radially inner tube 10N (i.e., they abut the outer surface of the radially inner tube 10N from the radially outer side).

[0103] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0104] For example, in the above embodiment, the telescopic sleeve S is applied to the flexible component conveying device A, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The telescopic sleeve S can also be applied to other occasions.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, any one of the plurality of pipes 10 may be formed with only one of the distal end concave rib 103 and the narrowed opening 104 .

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the minimum inner diameter of the innermost tube among the plurality of tubes 10 may be formed to be the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flexible member L.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the proximal concave rib 101 , the proximal convex rib 102 and the distal concave rib 103 may extend continuously in the circumferential direction or may extend discontinuously in the circumferential direction.

[0108] In addition, in the above embodiment, the axial positions and widths of the proximal concave rib 101, the proximal convex rib 102, and the distal concave rib 103 can be appropriately set as needed, and the axial spacing between the first distal concave rib 1031 and the second distal concave rib 1032 included in the distal concave rib 103 can also be appropriately set as needed.

[0109] It should be understood that within the scope of the present invention, various parts in the embodiments can be freely combined, or various parts in the embodiments can be appropriately deformed or omitted.

Claims

1. A telescopic sleeve (S) for supporting and conveying a flexible member (L), the telescopic sleeve (S) having a proximal end (a) and a distal end (b), and comprising a plurality of tubes (10), the plurality of tubes being coaxially sleeved in sequence, and the radially inner tube being able to protrude toward the distal end relative to the radially outer tube to cause the telescopic sleeve to be in an extended state, and being able to retract toward the proximal end to cause the telescopic sleeve to be in a contracted state, and the plurality of tubes forming a channel in the radial center for the flexible member (L) to pass through in the axial direction, characterized in that: Any of the plurality of pipe fittings (10) is formed with a proximal concave rib (101) and a proximal convex rib (102) on the outer surface of the proximal end (a), and is formed with a distal concave rib (103) on the outer surface of the distal end (b) and / or a closing end (104) is formed at the end of the distal end (b), wherein: The proximal concave rib (101) can abut against the end surface of the proximal end (a) of the radially inner adjacent pipe or the proximal convex rib (102) when the telescopic sleeve (S) contracts. The proximal convex rib (102) can abut against the distal concave rib (103) or the closing end (104) of the radially outer adjacent pipe when the telescopic sleeve (S) is extended. The distal concave rib (103) and the closing opening (104) support the adjacent pipe fittings on the radial inner side.

2. The telescopic sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The distal concave rib (103) includes a first distal concave rib (1031) and a second distal concave rib (1032) closer to the end (a) than the first distal concave rib.

3. The telescopic sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The proximal concave rib (101) is closer to the proximal end (a) than the proximal convex rib (102). or, The proximal convex rib (102) is closer to the proximal end (a) side than the proximal concave rib (101).

4. The telescopic sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The innermost tube among the plurality of tubes (10) does not have at least one of the closing end (104), the distal concave rib (103) and the proximal concave rib (101).

5. The telescopic sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of at least one of the proximal concave rib (101), the proximal convex rib (102), and the distal concave rib (103) extends in the circumferential direction.

6. The telescopic sleeve according to claim 5, wherein: At least one of the proximal concave rib (101), the proximal convex rib (102) and the distal concave rib (103) forms a circle in the entire circumferential direction.

7. The telescopic sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The proximal rib (102) supports the adjacent pipe on the radial outside.

8. The telescopic sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The pipe (10) is a round pipe.

9. The telescopic sleeve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The pipe fitting (10) is integrally formed.

10. A flexible member conveying device, characterized in that: include: The telescopic sleeve (S) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A supporting mechanism (F) for supporting the innermost pipe among the plurality of pipes (10) of the telescopic sleeve (S); as well as A push-pull mechanism (B) is connected to the outermost tube among the multiple tubes (10) of the telescopic sleeve (S) and is used for pushing and pulling the telescopic sleeve (S) to change it between an extended state and a contracted state.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Bending-resistant structure for conveying flexible component, floating supporting mechanism and conveying device for flexible component

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