Infinitely widening mechanism for hose reels and hose reels

Abstract

This disclosure generally relates to the field of hose reels, and particularly to a stepless width adjustment mechanism. The stepless width adjustment mechanism includes a drive unit, a driven unit, and a transmission mechanism; the drive unit is configured to receive the driving force required for the rotation of the hose reel; the driven unit is configured to rotate synchronously with the drive unit when it rotates, and together with the drive unit, defines the effective width of the hose reel; the transmission mechanism is disposed between the drive unit and the driven unit, and is configured to transmit the driving force from the drive unit to the driven unit, and is also configured to infinitely change the effective width between the drive unit and the driven unit through extension and retraction. The stepless width adjustment mechanism can greatly improve the applicability and versatility of hose reels.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the field of hose reels, and particularly to stepless width adjustment mechanisms. [Background Technology]

[0002] Mobile cleaning trucks and stationary cleaning machines are typically equipped with hose reels for storing water pipes. One application of hose reels is mounting them on the truck's frame. The hose reels have brackets at both ends that are fixedly connected to the sides of the frame, so the hose reel's width must match the frame's width. However, there is no standardized width for mobile cleaning truck frames, and different manufacturers use hose reels with custom widths, increasing manufacturing costs due to inconsistent materials. Another application is in many home yards, where hose reels are mounted on brackets on the yard walls. Because wall space varies between homes, a uniform width of hose reel cannot meet the actual installation requirements of different homes, limiting its application.

[0003] The applicant's Chinese patent 202421758624.5 proposes a width-adjustable pipe reel, which uses a fixed gear adjustment to align the threaded holes on the first and second pipe reel frames and tighten them with fixing bolts in the threaded holes to achieve width adjustment. However, due to the limited number of threaded holes distributed along the axial direction, this pipe reel can only be adjusted in a limited number of width dimensions and cannot be well adapted to various width types of vehicle frames and various width types of courtyard wall supports, thus limiting its application range. [Utility Model Content]

[0004] In order to solve at least some of the above-mentioned technical problems and potential other problems in the prior art, embodiments of this disclosure provide a stepless width adjustment mechanism for a hose reel and a hose reel.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a stepless width adjustment mechanism for a hose reel is provided. The stepless width adjustment mechanism includes:

[0006] The device comprises a drive unit, a driven unit, and a transmission mechanism. The drive unit is configured to receive the driving force required for the rotation of the hose reel. The driven unit is configured to rotate synchronously with the drive unit when the drive unit rotates, and together with the drive unit, defines the effective width of the hose reel. The transmission mechanism is disposed between the drive unit and the driven unit, and is configured to transmit the driving force from the drive unit to the driven unit. It is also configured to infinitely change the effective width between the drive unit and the driven unit through telescopic extension. The transmission mechanism includes a group of multiple drive rods and a driven rod corresponding to each drive rod. At least one of the drive rods and the driven rods is a hollow structure, such that the two types of rods are interlocked, and the drive rods and the driven rods are telescopically connected. One end of each drive rod is fixedly connected to the drive unit, and one end of each driven rod is fixedly connected to the driven unit. In this way, the distance between the driving part and the driven part, i.e. the effective width of the hose reel, can be adjusted by adjusting the telescopic length between the driving rod and the driven rod of the transmission mechanism. Since the telescopic position between the driving rod and the driven rod can be arbitrarily adjusted within a certain length, the width adjustment of this mechanism has the characteristic of being stepless.

[0007] In some embodiments, the portion of the drive rod connected to the drive unit, and the portion of the driven rod connected to the driven unit, are both solid columns. This strengthens the end stiffness of the drive rod connected to the drive unit and the driven rod connected to the driven unit, ensuring sufficient torque transmission for the rod-shaped transmission mechanism.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drive rod and the driven rod are circumferentially distributed along the rotation axis of the hose reel. This ensures that the hose has a regular circular profile support when wound around the hose reel, allowing the rod-shaped transmission mechanism to guarantee sufficient torque transmission.

[0009] In some embodiments, the number of driving rods and driven rods is at least three, forming a robust connection structure capable of transmitting driving torque. In this way, the rod-shaped transmission mechanism can ensure sufficient torque transmission.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drive unit includes a drive disk and a drive bracket, the drive bracket being disposed at the center of the drive disk. This increases the rotational stiffness of the drive disk, ensuring sufficient torque transmission.

[0011] In some embodiments, the driven part includes a driven disc and a water pipe connector, the water pipe connector being disposed at the center of the driven disc and capable of rotating relative to the driven disc while maintaining a seal. In this manner, one end of a hose can be easily connected to the water pipe connector.

[0012] In a second aspect, a hose reel is provided, comprising the stepless width adjustment mechanism as described above, as well as a fixing member, an elastic limiting member, and a crank handle. The fixing members are located on both sides of the stepless width adjustment mechanism for fixing the mechanism to a support of a certain width; the elastic limiting member is located on the fixing member on one side of the hose reel for limiting the rotational freedom of the stepless width adjustment mechanism. The stepless width adjustment mechanism of this invention can be used with any suitable hose reel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hose reel also includes a crank handle, the end of which is fixedly connected to the drive unit.

[0014] It should be understood that the present invention is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments disclosed herein, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other features of the disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. [Attached Image Description]

[0015] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation.

[0016] Figure 1 A front view of a stepless width adjustment mechanism according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view of a hose reel according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A front view of a stepless width adjustment mechanism according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A front view of a tube reel according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 5 A perspective view of a hose reel according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] In the diagram: 1-Drive unit, 101-Drive disc, 102-Drive bracket, 2-Driven unit, 201-Driven disc, 201a-Limiting hole, 202-Water pipe connector, 202a-Outlet, 202b-Inlet, 3-Transmission mechanism, 301-Drive rod, 302-Driven rod, 3a-Solid column, 4-Fixing component, 5-Crank handle, 6-Elastic limiting component, 7-Rotation axis.

[0022] In the various figures, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0024] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein signify an open-ended inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". Terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", and "rear", indicating placement or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the purpose of describing the principles of this disclosure, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0025] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1 A stepless width modulation mechanism according to some illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 1As shown, the stepless width adjustment mechanism includes: a drive unit 1, a driven unit 2, and a transmission mechanism 3. The drive unit 1 is configured to receive the driving force required for the rotation of the hose reel. It should be understood that the source of the driving force is not limited; manual drive and / or electric drive can both be used as the power source in the specific implementation. The driven unit 2 is configured to rotate synchronously when the drive unit rotates, and together with the drive unit 1, defines the effective width L of the hose reel. The purpose of the synchronous rotation of the driven unit 2 and the drive unit 1 is to ensure that the hose reel is used to limit the width L during operation. The drive section 1 and driven section 2 of the hose reel will not cause hose winding chaos due to speed difference; the transmission mechanism 3 is disposed between the drive section 1 and the driven section 2, and is configured to transmit the driving force from the drive section 1 to the driven section 2, and is also configured to infinitely change the effective width L between the drive section 1 and the driven section 2 by extension and retraction; the transmission mechanism 3 includes a group of multiple drive rods 301 and driven rods 302 corresponding to each drive rod 301, the drive rods 301 and the driven rods 302... At least one of the rods 302 is a hollow structure, allowing the two rods to be nested together. The driving rod 301 and the driven rod 302 are telescopically connected. In one embodiment, the driving rod 301 is a hollow structure, i.e., tubular. In this case, the driven rod 302 passes through the inner hole of the driving rod 301, and the inner surface of the driving rod 301 and the outer cylindrical surface of the driven rod 302 form a clearance fit. To ensure smooth telescopic sliding and stable transmission of driving force and support stiffness after the fit, the clearance is selected to be 0.05-0.1m on one side. m; It should be understood that, in other embodiments, the driven rod 302 may be configured as a hollow structure, and the driving rod 301 may be inserted into the inner hole of the driven rod 302, or both the driving rod 301 and the driven rod 302 may be configured as hollow structures to reduce weight; In addition, in some other embodiments, the fitting clearance may be selected with other dimensional tolerances, and the appropriate fitting clearance is related to the specific rod diameter and rod length selected; One end of the driving rod 301 is fixedly connected to the driving part 1, and one end of the driven rod 302 is fixedly connected to the driven part 2.

[0027] Continue to refer to Figure 1In one embodiment, the portion of the drive rod 301 connected to the drive unit 1, and the portion of the driven rod 302 connected to the driven unit 2, are both solid columns 3a. The solid columns 3a can be fixedly connected to the drive rod 301 and / or the driven rod 302 in various ways, including but not limited to welding, interference fitting, or integral molding. The solid columns 3a have threaded holes, and the drive unit 1 and / or the driven unit 2 are fixedly connected to the solid columns 3a using screws. Testing has shown that the connection is very stable and can effectively provide support. Multiple rods working together can effectively transmit driving force. The lengths of the drive rod 301 and the driven rod 302 can be set in various ways, meaning that the infinitely adjustable width mechanism can be defined with several specific specifications, each covering a certain width adjustment range, thereby adapting to the needs of cleaning machines or fixed supports of different sizes on the market.

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view of a hose reel according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive rod 301 and the driven rod 302 are circumferentially distributed along the rotation axis 7 of the hose reel. In this way, the hose is ensured to have a regular circular profile support when wound on the hose reel, so that the rod-shaped transmission mechanism can guarantee sufficient torque transmission.

[0029] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the number of driving rods 301 and driven rods 302 is at least three. Figure 2 The diagram shows five rods forming a robust connection structure capable of transmitting driving torque. This method ensures sufficient torque transmission for the rod-shaped transmission mechanism.

[0030] Figure 3 A front view of a stepless width adjustment mechanism according to another illustrative embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the drive unit 1 includes a drive disk 101 and a drive bracket 102. The drive disk 101 has a central opening, and the drive bracket 102 is disposed at the center of the drive disk 101. A portion of the drive bracket 102 passes through the drive disk 101 and is welded on one or both sides to achieve a secure connection. In other embodiments, the drive bracket 102 can also be pressed into the center of the drive disk 102 with an interference fit. In this way, the rotational stiffness of the drive disk is improved, ensuring sufficient torque transmission.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the driven part 2 includes a driven plate 201 and a water pipe connector 202. The driven plate 201 has a central opening. The water pipe connector 202 comprises two parts: one end is an outlet 202a for connecting a hose, and the other end is an inlet 202b with a rotary seal. The inlet 202b is implemented using a rotary joint, while the outlet 202a is a fixed joint. The fixed joint passes through the central hole of the driven plate 201 and is then welded to one or both sides of the driven plate, so that the housing of the water pipe connector 202 is fixed to the driven plate 201. It is understood that in some other embodiments, the fixed joint can also be fixed to the driven plate 201 using other fixing methods, such as interference fit.

[0032] The stepless width adjustment mechanism of this invention can be used with any suitable hose reel. The stepless width adjustment mechanism can be configured as part of a hose reel and can be used with any suitable hose reel. For example... Figures 4-5 As shown, in some embodiments, the hose reel also includes a fixing member 4, an elastic limiting member 6, and a crank handle 5. The fixing member 4 is located on both sides of the stepless width adjustment mechanism and is used to fix the stepless width adjustment mechanism on a bracket of a certain width. For example, although the width of the frame of cleaning carts of different sizes is not the same, the fixing members 4 on both sides can still be fixed to the two sides of the frame because the stepless width adjustment mechanism can extend and retract arbitrarily within a certain range. The elastic limiting member 6 is located on the fixing member 4 on one side of the hose reel and is used to limit the rotational freedom of the stepless width adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, the elastic limiting member 6 has a spring-preloaded locking pin. The rotation is limited by the locking pin passing through the through hole provided on the drive part 1 or the driven part 2. The locking pin can also be locked so that it cannot extend out of the elastic limiting member 6, thereby releasing the rotational restriction of the stepless width adjustment mechanism.

[0033] refer to Figures 3-5 In some embodiments, the hose reel also includes a crank handle 5, the end of which is fixedly connected to a drive bracket 102 on the drive unit 1. Power is transmitted to the drive disc 101 by cranking the handle. It should be understood that the crank handle 5 on the hose reel is a manually driven configuration. The hose reel can also be electrically driven by connecting to the drive bracket 102 via a motor drive.

[0034] According to the actual required installation width, the fixing parts 4 on both sides are fixed to the mounting bracket, such as the fixing bracket on the cleaning machine frame or the wall. The drive rod 301 and driven rod 302 in the transmission mechanism 3 will infinitely extend and retract according to the installation width to achieve the matching of the hose reel's installation width. The hose, usually a water pipe, is fixedly connected to the outlet 202a at one end. Since the transmission mechanism 3 in the infinitely adjustable width mechanism is a multi-set telescopic tubular structure, the water pipe naturally extends from the gap of the pipe-turning structure to the outside of the transmission mechanism 3. Then, by rotating the drive part 1, the water pipe is wound along the transmission mechanism 3. The external water supply is connected to the inlet 202b. When the drive disc 101, the transmission mechanism 3 and the driven disc 201 rotate, the outlet 202a rotates with the water pipe. In other words, the outlet 202a and the end of the water pipe do not pull when rotating, and the connection is stable. At the same time, the inlet 202 is fixed at this time because it is implemented with a rotary joint. In other words, the inlet 202 and the end of the hose connected to the water source do not pull, and the connection is stable.

[0035] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

[0036] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A stepless width adjustment mechanism for a hose reel, characterized in that... ,include: - The drive unit is configured to receive the driving force required for the rotation of the hose reel; - The driven part is configured to rotate synchronously when the drive part rotates, and together with the drive part defines the effective width of the hose reel; as well as A transmission mechanism is disposed between the driving part and the driven part, and is configured to transmit the driving force from the driving part to the driven part, and is also configured to infinitely change the effective width between the driving part and the driven part by extension and retraction. The transmission mechanism includes a group of multiple drive rods and a driven rod corresponding to each drive rod. At least one of the drive rods and the driven rods is a hollow structure, so that the two types of rods are nested together, and the drive rods and the driven rods are telescopically connected. One end of the drive rod is fixedly connected to the drive part, and one end of the driven rod is fixedly connected to the driven part.

2. The stepless width adjustment mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The portion of the drive rod connected to the drive unit, and the portion of the driven rod connected to the driven unit, are both solid columns.

3. The stepless width adjustment mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The driving rod and the driven rod are circumferentially distributed along the rotation axis of the tube reel.

4. The stepless width adjustment mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The number of driving rods and driven rods is at least three, forming a robust connection structure capable of transmitting driving torque.

5. The stepless width adjustment mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a drive disk and a drive bracket, with the drive bracket disposed at the center of the drive disk.

6. The stepless width adjustment mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The driven part includes a driven disc and a water pipe connector. The water pipe connector is located at the center of the driven disc and can rotate relative to the driven disc while maintaining a seal.

7. A hose reel, characterized in that, include The stepless width adjustment mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, and - Fixing members are configured to be located on both sides of the stepless width adjustment mechanism for fixing the stepless width adjustment mechanism on a bracket of a certain width; - The elastic limiting component, located on one side of the fixing component of the hose reel, is used to limit the rotational freedom of the stepless width adjustment mechanism.

8. The tube reel as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a crank handle, the end of which is fixedly connected to the drive unit.

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