A device for the exploration of narrow spaces

Abstract

The utility model provides a device to carry out detection to narrow space, including telescopic mechanism, set up in telescopic mechanism one end, with detection mechanism to the narrow space is shot or video recording, and set up in telescopic mechanism other end, with drive mechanism to drive telescopic mechanism to stretch out or contract. Among them, telescopic mechanism includes at least two with sealed way sleeve connection together, with telescopic rod of forming cavity, drive mechanism links to each other with telescopic rod, and is constructed into allowing to convey gas or exhaust gas to the inside of cavity to make telescopic rod can drive detection mechanism synchronous movement. In this setting mode, can need length directional adjustment drive mechanism to convey gas to the inside of cavity. Meanwhile, through this length adjustment mode still can reduce the degree of operation's intricacy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of narrow space detection technology, and in particular to a device for detecting narrow spaces. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production, it is often necessary to perform image detection on the interior of confined spaces (such as inside instruments) to obtain internal information and provide theoretical support for maintenance and other operations. In existing technologies, the detection device is typically placed at the end of a telescopic rod, and the length of the rod is adjusted to meet the detection requirements. A force is then applied to the rod to move the detection device into the confined space, thereby achieving the detection objective.

[0003] While this method achieves the detection effect, existing telescopic poles typically require manual extension or retraction by operators, with each section locked together via a locking mechanism after extension. This setup is not only cumbersome but also results in the extension of the pole being a single, continuous section. Specifically, if each section is 1m long, a three-section telescopic pole cannot be adjusted to achieve an overall length of 2.5m, making it inconvenient to use. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a device for detecting narrow spaces. To achieve the above objective, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: A device for detecting narrow spaces includes a telescopic mechanism, a detection mechanism disposed at one end of the telescopic mechanism for taking pictures or recording videos of the narrow space, and a drive mechanism disposed at the other end of the telescopic mechanism for driving the telescopic mechanism to extend or retract. The telescopic mechanism includes at least two telescopic rods that are fitted together in a sealed manner to form a cavity. The drive mechanism is connected to the telescopic rods and is configured to allow gas to be delivered into or discharged into the cavity, so that the telescopic rods can drive the detection mechanism to move synchronously.

[0005] Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism also includes a limiting mechanism, which includes a limiting ring disposed at the end of the outer telescopic rod and extending radially inward, and an abutment ring disposed on the inner telescopic rod and extending radially outward, and sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the outer telescopic rod. The abutment ring is configured to allow it to abut against the limiting ring during the continuous movement of the inner telescopic rod, so as to prevent the outer telescopic rod and the inner telescopic rod from separating.

[0006] Furthermore, the detection mechanism includes a connecting part that is fixed to the telescopic mechanism. A plurality of first cameras for circumferentially capturing images of the narrow space are arranged on the connecting part. A second camera for capturing images along the axial extension of the telescopic mechanism is also arranged at the end of the connecting part.

[0007] Furthermore, the detection mechanism also includes a first illumination part disposed around the connecting part for providing supplementary lighting to the first camera, and a second illumination part disposed at the end of the connecting part for providing supplementary lighting to the second camera.

[0008] Furthermore, the device also includes a cable connected to the detection mechanism and extending along the cavity to the outside for continuously receiving signals from the detection mechanism. A display device is also provided at the end of the cable to display the signals from the detection mechanism transmitted through the cable.

[0009] Furthermore, the device also includes a storage mechanism for storing the cable, which is fixedly disposed at the end of the telescopic mechanism. A force-applying part is also provided in the storage mechanism, and the cable is used to wrap around the force-applying part, so that the force-applying part continuously applies a force along the wrapping of the cable.

[0010] Furthermore, the device also includes a fixing mechanism disposed at the end of the telescopic mechanism, the fixing mechanism being used to apply force to the cable in a selective manner to fix the cable.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixing mechanism includes a rotating wheel and a locking wheel arranged in a corresponding manner. An electromagnetic clutch is provided on the locking wheel to apply force to the cable in a selective manner, so that the rotating wheel and the locking wheel jointly lock the cable.

[0012] Furthermore, a counting encoder is installed on the rotating wheel to count the number of rotations of the wheel, thereby determining the length of the cable traveled. The device also includes a control mechanism connected to the counting encoder, the drive mechanism, and the electromagnetic clutch respectively. The control mechanism is configured to allow the drive mechanism and the electromagnetic clutch to be activated according to a preset length of the telescopic mechanism, and to receive the length information of the cable movement detected by the counting encoder and compare it with a preset value to close the drive mechanism and the electromagnetic clutch.

[0013] Furthermore, a protective sleeve is fitted onto the cable, which is made of a material that allows for elastic deformation to increase the friction between the cable and the rotating wheel and the locking wheel.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention includes a telescopic mechanism, a detection mechanism at one end for capturing images or videos in confined spaces, and a drive mechanism at the other end for extending or retracting the telescopic mechanism. The telescopic mechanism comprises at least two telescopic rods fitted together in a sealed manner to form a cavity. The drive mechanism is connected to the telescopic rods and configured to allow gas to be supplied into or discharged from the cavity, enabling the telescopic rods to drive the detection mechanism synchronously. This configuration allows for the directional adjustment of the gas supplied into the cavity by the drive mechanism according to the required length. Furthermore, this length adjustment method reduces the complexity of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device for detecting narrow spaces according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device for detecting narrow spaces according to this utility model from another perspective; Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of section AA; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the detection mechanism in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of the device for detecting narrow spaces according to the present invention.

[0016] In the above figures: a device 100 for detecting narrow spaces, a telescopic mechanism 1, a cavity 11, a telescopic rod 12, a sealing plate 121, a limiting mechanism 13, a limiting ring 131, an abutment ring 132, a detection mechanism 2, a connecting part 21, a first camera 22, a second camera 23, a first lighting part 24, a second lighting part 25, a drive mechanism 3, a cable 4, a storage mechanism 5, a force application part 51, a fixing mechanism 6, a drive wheel 61, a locking wheel 62, an electromagnetic clutch 63, a counting encoder 64, a groove 65, and a protective sleeve 7. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0018] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this utility model, the following detailed description of a device for detecting narrow spaces, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is provided.

[0019] Figure 1The illustration schematically shows a device for detecting narrow spaces according to the present invention. In such a way... Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 for detecting confined spaces includes a telescopic mechanism 1 configured to allow movement along its axis. A detection mechanism 2 is provided at the end of the telescopic mechanism 1, configured to allow photographing or recording within the confined space.

[0020] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the device 100 further includes a drive mechanism 3 disposed at the other end of the telescopic mechanism. The drive mechanism 3 is configured to allow the telescopic mechanism to extend or retract. In this way, the force of the drive mechanism 3 can drive the telescopic mechanism 1 to move synchronously with the detection mechanism 2, thereby enabling the detection mechanism 2 to move into a narrow space to take pictures inside the narrow space, thus achieving the purpose of detecting the narrow space.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the telescopic mechanism 1 includes at least two telescopic rods 12, which are sleeved together in a sealed manner to form a cavity 11. Meanwhile, the drive mechanism 3 is configured to communicate with the cavity 11 and allows gas to be supplied or discharged into the cavity 11, so that the telescopic rods 12 can drive the detection mechanism 2 to move synchronously.

[0022] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the telescopic rod 12 is configured as a hollow circular cylindrical structure, with each telescopic rod 12 nested together to form a cavity 11. The telescopic mechanism 1 also includes sealing plates 121 at both ends for sealing the cavity 11. In this way, gas from the drive mechanism 3 can stably fill the cavity 11.

[0023] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the telescopic mechanism 1 also includes a limiting mechanism 13, which is configured to restrict continuous movement between the telescopic rods 12 to prevent them from disengaging from each other. Specifically, in this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the limiting mechanism 13 includes a limiting ring 131 disposed at the end of the outer telescopic rod 12 and extending radially inward, and an abutment ring 132 disposed on the inner telescopic rod 12 and extending radially outward.

[0024] Among them, such as Figure 3As shown, the abutment ring 132 extends to the inner wall of the outer telescopic rod 12 and abuts against it in a sealing manner, while allowing it to abut against the limiting ring 131 during the continuous movement of the inner telescopic rod 12. This prevents the outer telescopic rod 12 and the inner telescopic rod 12 from disengaging.

[0025] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the detection mechanism 2 includes a connecting portion 21 fixedly attached to the telescopic mechanism 1. A plurality of first cameras 22 are circumferentially arranged on the connecting portion 21 for circumferential imaging of the narrow space. Simultaneously, a second camera 23 is also provided at the end of the connecting portion 21 for imaging along the axial extension direction of the telescopic mechanism 1. In this way, comprehensive detection of the narrow space can be achieved through the actions of the first cameras 22 and the second cameras 23. It should be noted that the principles of imaging or recording by the first cameras 22 and the second cameras 23, as well as the principles of storing image signals, are well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the detection mechanism 2 also includes a first illumination part 24 surrounding the connecting part 21 for supplementing light to the first camera 22, and a second illumination part 25 disposed at the end of the connecting part 21 for supplementing light to the second camera 23. In this way, the image information collected by the first camera 22 and the second camera 23 in a narrow space can be clearer.

[0027] In this configuration, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when this device 100 is needed to probe a narrow space, the telescopic rod 12 located on the outer side is first fixed. Simultaneously, the drive mechanism 3 is activated, continuously supplying gas into the cavity 11. As the gas continuously enters the cavity 11, it exerts a force on the sealing plate 121, causing the inner telescopic rod 12 to move along the outer telescopic rod 12.

[0028] During this process, the telescopic rod 12 will drive the detection mechanism 2 to move synchronously until the abutment ring 132 on the inner telescopic rod 12 and the limiting ring 131 on the outer telescopic rod 12 abut against each other. This extends the length of the device 100, thereby enabling the telescopic mechanism 1 to transport the detection mechanism 2 to the location to be detected in a narrow space.

[0029] Then, the detection mechanism 2 is activated, and the first camera 22, the second camera 23, the first illumination unit 24, and the second illumination unit 25 are all turned on. Simultaneously, the detection mechanism 2 is positioned at the entrance of the narrow space, and a force is applied to the telescopic mechanism 1, causing it to move the detection mechanism 2 into the narrow space. During this process, the first camera 22 and the second camera 23 continuously capture images of the narrow space circumferentially and axially, thereby achieving the purpose of detecting the narrow space.

[0030] However, when it is necessary to recycle the device 100, the drive mechanism 3 is restarted, causing it to vent the cavity 11. During this process, the telescopic rod 12 located on the inner side will move in the opposite direction to the aforementioned direction under the action of negative pressure, thereby completing the recycling of the device 100. It should be noted that after the drive mechanism 3 has finished supplying gas into the cavity 11, it is allowed to maintain a constant gas pressure inside the cavity 11, and this function and principle are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the device 100 also includes a cable 4 made of a flexible material, which is connected to the detection mechanism 2 and extends along the cavity 11 to the outside for continuously receiving signals from the detection mechanism 2. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable 4 passes through a sealing plate 121 on one side and is sealed together with the sealing plate 121. A display device (not shown) is also provided at the end of the cable 4, which is configured to allow the reception of signals from the cable 4 and to display the signals in a visible manner.

[0032] In this way, staff can obtain real-time information about the confined space. It should be noted that the connections between cable 4, detection mechanism 2, and the visible display device, as well as the signal transmission and conversion relationships, are well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device 100 also includes a storage mechanism 5, which is disposed at the end of the telescopic mechanism 1 in a relatively fixed manner, allowing the cable 4 to be stored. In this embodiment, the storage mechanism 5 is configured in a disc shape so that the cable 4 can be distributed in the storage mechanism 5 in a winding manner.

[0034] At the same time, such as Figure 2As shown, a force-applying part 51 is also provided within the storage mechanism 5. The cable 4 is used to wrap around the force-applying part 51, so that the force-applying part 51 continuously applies a force along its wrapping to the cable. Specifically, the force-applying part 51 is configured as a coil spring. It should be noted that the structure of the coil spring and its method of winding up a flexible long strip are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 , 5 As shown, the device 100 also includes a fixing mechanism 6, which is disposed at the end of the telescopic mechanism 1. The fixing mechanism 6 is used to apply force to the cable 4 in a selective manner to fix the cable 4, thereby preventing the cable 4 from entering the storage mechanism 5 under the action of the force-applying part 51. In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 6 includes a rotating wheel 61 and a locking wheel 62 arranged in a corresponding manner. Simultaneously, grooves 65 are provided circumferentially on the rotating wheel 61 and the locking wheel 62, the grooves 65 being configured to accommodate the cable 4 for positioning.

[0036] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, an electromagnetic clutch 63 is provided on the locking wheel 62, which is used to selectively apply force to the cable 4 by the locking wheel 62, so that the rotating wheel 61 and the locking wheel 62 jointly lock the cable. Specifically, the electromagnetic clutch 63 is configured to allow the locking wheel 62 to move toward or away from the rotating wheel 61. In this way, the locking wheel 62 and the rotating wheel 61 can selectively tighten or loosen the cable 4.

[0037] In this process, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the telescopic mechanism 1 needs to extend, the electromagnetic clutch 63 causes the locking wheel 62 to move away from the rotating wheel 61, and the drive mechanism 3 is activated. At this time, the drive mechanism 3 drives the telescopic rod 12 to move, which in turn causes the telescopic rod 12 to move the cable 4 outward during the movement. However, as Figure 5 As shown, after the telescopic mechanism 1 moves to its position, the electromagnetic clutch 63 causes the locking wheel 62 to move close to the rotating wheel 61 until the rotating wheel 61 and the locking wheel 62 come into contact with the cable 4 together to fix the cable 4, thereby preventing the force applied by the force-applying part 51 from continuously applying force to the cable 4 and causing the telescopic mechanism 1 to retract.

[0038] It should be noted that the force exerted by the drive mechanism 3 on the telescopic mechanism 1 is greater than the force exerted by the force-applying part 51 on the cable 4 and the sum of the frictional force between the cable 4 and the sealing plate 121. Furthermore, the connection relationship between the electromagnetic clutch 63 and the locking wheel 62, as well as the driving method, are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, a counting encoder 64 is installed on the rotating wheel 61. The counting encoder 64 is used to measure the number of rotations of the rotating wheel 61 to obtain the length of the cable 4. The device 100 also includes a control mechanism connected to the counting encoder 64, the drive mechanism 3, and the electromagnetic clutch 63.

[0040] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the control mechanism is configured to allow the drive mechanism 3 and electromagnetic clutch 63 to be activated according to the preset length of the telescopic mechanism 1, and to receive the length information of the cable 4 movement detected by the counting encoder 64, compare it with the preset value, and close the drive mechanism 3 and electromagnetic clutch 63 when the cable 4 length value matches the preset value. In this way, the length of the telescopic mechanism 1 is stabilized.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, a protective sleeve 7 is also fitted onto the cable 4. The protective sleeve 7 is made of a material that allows for elastic deformation to increase the friction between it and the rotating wheel 61 and the locking wheel 62. At the same time, the protective sleeve 7 and the sealing plate 121 are fitted together in an interference fit to increase the sealing performance between the cable 4 and the sealing plate 121.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive mechanism 3 is configured as an air pump.

[0043] The operation of the device 100 for detecting narrow spaces according to this invention is as follows.

[0044] First, the length of the telescopic mechanism 1 is preset via the control mechanism (not shown in the figure), and the counting encoder 64, drive mechanism 3, and electromagnetic clutch 63 are activated, thereby disengaging the locking wheel 62 and the cable 4. Simultaneously, the drive mechanism 3 continuously extends the telescopic mechanism 1, causing the cable 4 to extend synchronously under the action of the telescopic mechanism 1. During this process, the rotating wheel 61 rotates under the action of the cable 4, and the counting encoder 64 continuously detects the distance rotated by the rotating wheel 61, transmitting this distance information to the control mechanism.

[0045] At this time, the control mechanism will continuously compare the distance information from the counting encoder 64 with its preset distance information. When the values ​​match, the drive mechanism 3 and the electromagnetic clutch 63 will be shut down. During this process, the locking wheel 62 will move toward the rotating wheel 61 and abut against the cable to lock the cable.

[0046] Then, the detection mechanism 2 is activated, and the first camera 22, the second camera 23, the first illumination unit 24, and the second illumination unit 25 are all turned on. Simultaneously, the detection mechanism 2 is positioned at the entrance of the narrow space, and a force is applied to the telescopic mechanism 1, causing it to move the detection mechanism 2 into the narrow space. During this process, the first camera 22 and the second camera 23 continuously capture images of the narrow space circumferentially and axially, transmitting the captured information via cable 4 to a display device (not shown in the figure), thus achieving the purpose of detecting the narrow space.

[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for detecting narrow spaces, characterized in that, It includes a telescopic mechanism (1), a detection mechanism (2) disposed at one end of the telescopic mechanism (1) for taking pictures or recording videos of narrow spaces, and a drive mechanism (3) disposed at the other end of the telescopic mechanism (1) for driving the telescopic mechanism (1) to extend or retract. The telescopic mechanism (1) includes at least two telescopic rods (12) that are fitted together in a sealed manner to form a cavity (11). The drive mechanism (3) is connected to the telescopic rods (12) and is configured to allow gas to be delivered or discharged into the cavity (11) so that the telescopic rods (12) can drive the detection mechanism (2) to move synchronously.

2. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism (1) also includes a limiting mechanism (13), which includes a limiting ring (131) disposed at the end of the outer telescopic rod (12) and extending radially inward, and an abutment ring (132) disposed on the inner telescopic rod (12) and extending radially outward, and sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the outer telescopic rod (12). The abutment ring (132) is configured to allow it to abut against the limiting ring (131) during the continuous movement of the inner telescopic rod (12) to prevent the outer telescopic rod (12) and the inner telescopic rod (12) from separating.

3. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (2) includes a connecting part (21) fixed to the telescopic mechanism (1), and a plurality of first cameras (22) for taking circumferential pictures of the narrow space are arranged on the connecting part (21) along the circumferential direction. A second camera (23) for taking pictures of the direction extending along the axial direction of the telescopic mechanism (1) is also arranged at the end of the connecting part (21).

4. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (2) further includes a first illumination part (24) disposed around the connecting part (21) for supplementing light to the first camera (22), and a second illumination part (25) disposed at the end of the connecting part (21) for supplementing light to the second camera (23).

5. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device (100) also includes a cable (4) connected to the detection mechanism (2) and extending along the cavity (11) to the outside for continuously receiving signals from the detection mechanism (2). A display device is also provided at the end of the cable (4) to display the signals of the detection mechanism (2) via the cable (4).

6. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device (100) further includes a storage mechanism (5) which is fixedly disposed at the end of the telescopic mechanism (1) for storing the cable (4). A force-applying part (51) is also provided in the storage mechanism (5), and the cable (4) is used to wrap around the force-applying part (51) so that the force-applying part (51) continuously applies a force along the wrapping of the cable.

7. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device (100) further includes a fixing mechanism (6) disposed at the end of the telescopic mechanism (1), the fixing mechanism (6) being used to apply force to the cable (4) in a selective manner to fix the cable (4).

8. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing mechanism (6) includes a rotating wheel (61) and a locking wheel (62) arranged in a corresponding manner. An electromagnetic clutch (63) is provided on the locking wheel (62) for selectively applying force to the cable (4) by the locking wheel (62) so that the rotating wheel (61) and the locking wheel (62) lock the cable together.

9. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 8, characterized in that, A counting encoder (64) is installed on the rotating wheel (61) to measure the number of rotations of the rotating wheel (61) in order to obtain the length of the cable (4) movement. The device (100) also includes a control mechanism connected to the counting encoder (64), the drive mechanism (3), and the electromagnetic clutch (63), respectively. The control mechanism is configured to allow the drive mechanism (3) and the electromagnetic clutch (63) to be activated according to the preset length of the telescopic mechanism (1), and to receive the length information of the cable movement detected by the counting encoder (64) and compare it with the preset value to close the drive mechanism and the electromagnetic clutch (63).

10. The apparatus for detecting narrow spaces according to claim 9, characterized in that, A protective sleeve (7) is also provided on the cable (4). The protective sleeve (7) is made of a material that allows elastic deformation to increase the friction between it and the rotating wheel (61) and the locking wheel (62).

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