A detachable flexible shaft for use in electric drills

Abstract

This utility model discloses a detachable flexible shaft for use with electric drills, including a flexible shaft and a connector. The connector and the flexible shaft are fixedly connected. The flexible shaft is equipped with a protective device and a handheld device. The connector is equipped with a detachable cleaning head. The protective device includes a connecting sleeve, a protective shell, a first collar, a second collar, and a bolt. The connecting sleeve is movably connected to the connector and fixedly connected to the protective shell. The first collar and the second collar are both movably connected to the protective shell. The protective shell is movably connected to the flexible shaft. The handheld device includes a connecting ring, a connecting cylinder, a handle, a clamping seat, and a locking element. The connecting ring is movably connected to the connector. The connecting cylinder is fixedly connected to the handle and the connecting ring respectively. The connecting cylinder is equipped with a clamping seat, which is movably connected to the flexible shaft and the locking element respectively. This utility model solves the problems of traditional detachable flexible shafts for use with electric drills in terms of device protection, ease of replacement of cleaning components, and stability of handheld operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of pipeline cleaning equipment, and more specifically, it relates to a detachable flexible shaft for use with electric drills. Background Technology

[0002] A flexible tube spindle is a type of flexible transmission tool, typically made of multiple layers of wound steel wire. It can be used with power equipment such as electric drills and angle grinders to clean, unclog, or polish the inner walls of pipes. The flexible tube spindle, combined with the efficient rotational power of an electric drill, greatly improves cleaning efficiency and convenience. However, existing flexible tube spindles still have some drawbacks that affect daily use.

[0003] The primary problem is that the cleaning head connected to the existing tube cleaner's flexible shaft is not detachable. This fixed, non-removable design means that the size, shape, material, and other parameters of the cleaning head cannot be changed. However, in tube cleaner operations, the pipe diameter, the degree of internal wall contamination, and the pipe material often vary, requiring different specifications of cleaning heads to be used. The fixed design cannot meet diverse needs, which may lead to incomplete cleaning or scratches on the pipe's inner wall. Over time, the cleaning head will wear out, deform, or become contaminated. If it cannot be disassembled, it is difficult to clean, polish, repair, or replace the cleaning head individually. The fixed, non-removable tube cleaner's flexible shaft cleaning head significantly reduces the tool's practicality, economy, and safety.

[0004] More notably, existing flexible shafts for drills lack protective devices. Flexible shafts inherently possess a certain degree of flexibility, and during high-speed rotation, they are prone to irregular oscillations due to centrifugal force. Without protective devices, the oscillating shaft may entangle the operator's clothing, arms, or even drag body parts into the rotating area, causing abrasions, sprains, or even more serious mechanical injuries. When the flexible shaft jams, the drill may suddenly twist due to the reaction force, causing wrist injuries to the operator or the equipment to slip from their hand and cause injury. If the outer sheath of the flexible shaft is damaged, the exposed steel wire may scratch precision pipes. Without protective devices, the flexible shaft is easily subjected to external impacts, pressure, or friction, causing the sheath to crack or the steel wire structure to deform, shortening its service life.

[0005] Crucially, existing flexible shafts lack a handheld device. The flexible shaft itself is soft and relatively long, causing irregular swaying due to centrifugal force during high-speed rotation. Without a handheld device, operators can only grip the shaft body or connecting parts directly, making it difficult to stably control the direction of the cleaning head. The surface of the flexible shaft is usually made of metal or smooth plastic, which vibrates during high-speed rotation. When gripped directly, this vibration is transmitted through the hand to the arm, easily leading to numbness in the palm, muscle soreness, and even occupational injuries such as tenosynovitis during prolonged use. Utility Model Content

[0006] (a) Technical problems to be solved In view of the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a detachable flexible shaft for use with electric drills to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill, comprising a flexible shaft and a connector, wherein the connector and the flexible shaft are fixedly connected, the flexible shaft is provided with a protective device and a handheld device, the connector is provided with a detachable cleaning head, the protective device comprising a connecting sleeve, a protective shell, a first collar, a second collar, and bolts, the connecting sleeve being movably connected to the connector and fixedly connected to the protective shell, the first collar and the second collar being movably connected to the protective shell, the first collar and the second collar being fixedly connected by bolts, the protective shell being movably connected to the flexible shaft, the handheld device comprising a connecting ring, a connecting cylinder, a handle, a clamping seat, and a locking element, the connecting ring being movably connected to the connector, the connecting cylinder being fixedly connected to the handle and the connecting ring respectively, the connecting cylinder being provided with a clamping seat, the clamping seat being movably connected to the flexible shaft and the locking element respectively.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that the detachable cleaning head includes a cleaning body, an insert plate, a connecting plate, a fixing plate, and a stud. The cleaning body and the insert plate are fixedly connected. The insert plate is fixedly connected to the connecting plate and is movably connected to the groove of the rotating body of the connecting head. The fixing plate is movably connected to the connecting head and the connecting plate. The stud is threadedly connected to the fixing plate, the connecting plate, and the connecting head.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the flexible shaft is provided with a convergence device, the convergence device including a bead, a connecting rod, a retainer and a traction head, the connecting rod being fixedly connected to the retainer or the traction head respectively, the connecting rod being fixedly connected to the bead, the retainer being movably connected to the bead, and the bead and the connecting rod being movably connected to the flexible shaft, thereby improving the neatness of the flexible shaft convergence.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that the connecting sleeve and the connecting head are connected by threads.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the locking member and the clamping seat are connected by threads.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that there are two fixing plates, both of which are semi-circular, and each fixing plate is provided with a groove corresponding to the insert plate, thereby improving the ease of installation of the fixing plates.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that the connecting ring and the connecting head are connected by threads.

[0014] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a detachable flexible shaft for use with electric drills, which has the following advantages: 1. A complete set of detachable cleaning heads is formed by the tight fit between the cleaning body, insert plate, connecting plate, fixing plate, and studs. The detachable design allows for the replacement of the corresponding cleaning head according to the pipe diameter and the type of dirt, avoiding poor cleaning effect or pipe damage caused by mismatched cleaning heads. In curved pipes, pipes with multiple bends, or paths with narrow sections, shorter and smaller diameter cleaning heads can be replaced according to the specific location to reduce the risk of jamming. In straight pipe sections or large-diameter pipes, extended or unfolded cleaning heads can be used to increase the coverage of a single cleaning. The cleaning head is the part that comes into direct contact with dirt and is prone to failure due to wear, deformation, or aging. The detachable design only requires the replacement of the damaged cleaning head, without replacing the entire flexible shaft, which greatly reduces consumable costs.

[0015] 2. A complete protective device is formed by the tight fit between the connecting sleeve, protective shell, first ring, second ring, and bolts. The protective device covers the rotating part of the flexible shaft, preventing the operator's hands or clothing from being accidentally caught in the high-speed rotating parts during operation, thus reducing mechanical injuries such as cuts, abrasions, and dragging twists from the source. When the cleaning head gets stuck in the pipe, the flexible shaft will instantly transmit the strong counter torque of the electric drill. The protective device can absorb or disperse the reaction force, reducing the risk of arm sprains or equipment loss of control caused by sudden force on the operator. The protective device can provide an outer layer of protection for the flexible shaft, preventing it from directly colliding and rubbing against hard objects during operation, reducing the probability of wear on the outer rubber layer and breakage of the internal steel wire. At the same time, some protective devices can limit excessive bending of the flexible shaft, preventing structural fatigue caused by forced bending.

[0016] 3. A complete handheld device is formed through the tight cooperation of the connecting ring, connecting cylinder, handle, clamping seat, and locking component. This handheld device provides the operator with a stable point of force, effectively suppressing irregular swaying during high-speed rotation of the flexible shaft. In curved pipes or complex paths, the handheld device can precisely guide the cleaning head, preventing deviation from the target area and ensuring uniform contact between the cleaning head and the inner wall of the pipe, reducing missed cleaning or excessive pipe wear. The handheld device also distributes hand pressure, reducing the intensity of vibration directly transmitted to the arm. During prolonged operation, it reduces the probability of hand numbness and muscle soreness, delays fatigue, and allows the operator to maintain a stable operating state, indirectly improving work efficiency. The handheld device covers the rotating area of ​​the flexible shaft, forming a physical barrier to prevent the operator's hands from directly touching rotating parts, reducing the risk of mechanical injuries such as abrasions and cuts from the source. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the fixing plate, stud, and connector in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the cleaning body, the insert plate, and the connecting plate in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the detachable cleaning head and the connector in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the handheld device structure in this utility model.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Flexible shaft; 2. Connector; 3. Connecting sleeve; 4. Protective housing; 5. First collar; 6. Second collar; 7. Bolt; 8. Connecting ring; 9. Connecting cylinder; 10. Handle; 11. Clamping seat; 12. Locking element; 13. Cleaning body; 14. Insert plate; 15. Connecting plate; 16. Fixing plate; 17. Stud; 18. Bead; 19. Connecting rod; 20. Card seat; 21. Traction head. Detailed Implementation

[0019] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0021] In this utility model, unless otherwise stated, the orientations used, such as "up" and "down", usually refer to the direction shown in the accompanying drawings, or to the vertical, perpendicular, or gravitational direction; similarly, for ease of understanding and description, "left" and "right" usually refer to the left and right shown in the accompanying drawings; "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself, but the above directional terms are not used to limit this utility model.

[0022] Please see Figures 1-5A detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill includes a flexible shaft 1 and a connector 2. The connector 2 and the flexible shaft 1 are fixedly connected. The flexible shaft 1 is provided with a protective device and a handheld device. The connector 2 is provided with a detachable cleaning head. The protective device includes a connecting sleeve 3, a protective shell 4, a first collar 5, a second collar 6, and a bolt 7. The connecting sleeve 3 is movably connected to the connector 2 and fixedly connected to the protective shell 4. The first collar 5 and the second collar 6 are both movably connected to the protective shell 4 and fixedly connected by the bolt 7. The protective shell 4 is movably connected to the flexible shaft 1. The handheld device includes a connecting ring 8, a connecting cylinder 9, a handle 10, a clamping seat 11, and a locking element 12. The connecting ring 8 is movably connected to the connector 2. The connecting cylinder 9 is fixedly connected to the handle 10 and the connecting ring 8 respectively. The connecting cylinder 9 is provided with a clamping seat 11, which is movably connected to the flexible shaft 1 and the locking element 12 respectively.

[0023] In a further embodiment of this application, the detachable cleaning head includes a cleaning body 13, an insert plate 14, a connecting plate 15, a fixing plate 16, and a stud 17. The cleaning body 13 and the insert plate 14 are fixedly connected. The insert plate 14 is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 15 and is movably connected to the groove of the rotating body of the connector 2. The fixing plate 16 is movably connected to the connector 2 and the connecting plate 15. The stud 17 is threadedly connected to the fixing plate 16, the connecting plate 15, and the connector 2.

[0024] In a further embodiment of this application, the flexible shaft is provided with a convergence device, which includes a bead 18, a connecting rod 19, a retainer 20, and a traction head 21. The connecting rod 19 is fixedly connected to the retainer 20 or the traction head 21, and the connecting rod 19 is fixedly connected to the bead 18. The retainer 20 is movably connected to the bead 18 and the connecting rod 19, and both the bead 18 and the connecting rod 19 are movably connected to the flexible shaft 1. When it is necessary to converge the flexible shaft 1, the bead 18 and the connecting rod 19 are wrapped tightly around the flexible shaft 1. The traction head 21 is used to pass the bead 18 through the large hole of the retainer 20. After the traction head 21 extends to a suitable length, the connecting rod 19 is inserted into the small hole of the retainer 20 to tightly wrap and converge the flexible shaft 1. The bead 18 prevents the convergence device from loosening and causing the flexible shaft 1 to fall.

[0025] In a further embodiment of this application, the connecting sleeve 3 and the connecting head 2 are connected by threads.

[0026] In a further embodiment of this application, the locking member 12 and the clamping seat 11 are connected by threads.

[0027] In a further embodiment of this application, there are two fixing plates 16, both of which are semi-circular. Each fixing plate 16 has a groove corresponding to the insert plate 14. The fixing plates 16 provide stability for the connecting plate 15 by locking with studs 17. The semi-circular shape facilitates the installation of the fixing plates 16.

[0028] In a further embodiment of this application, the connecting ring 8 and the connecting head 2 are connected by threads.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the device is needed, when the cleaning head needs to be installed or replaced, the insert plate 14 with the cleaning body 13 is inserted into the groove of the rotating body in the connector 2, so that the connecting plate 15 contacts the connector 2. Then, the fixing plate 16 is placed on the connecting plate 15, corresponding to the insert plate 14. Finally, the cleaning head is fixed with the stud 17 to complete the installation and replacement of the cleaning head. When it is necessary to clean the short and shallow pipe opening, it is not necessary to insert the flexible shaft 1 into the pipe, but it is unsafe to clean by hand with the flexible shaft 1 and the rotational force of the flexible shaft 1 is not suitable for hand gripping. At this time, the handheld device needs to be installed. When the handheld device needs to be installed, the connecting ring 8 and the connector 2 are locked together by threads. Then, the locking part 12 is tightened to squeeze the clamping seat 11. The clamping seat 11 contacts and clamps the flexible shaft 1, so that the connecting cylinder 9 and the flexible shaft 1 are fixed. The cleaning operation can then be performed by holding the handle 10.

[0030] More specifically, when the flexible shaft 1 needs to be used for deep work, the handheld device is removed from the connector 2, and the connecting sleeve 3 is screwed onto the connector 2 to make the protective shell 4 wrap around the flexible shaft 1. Then, the first ring 5 and the second ring 6 are closed at the step of the protective shell 4 and the first ring 5 and the second ring 6 are locked together with bolts 7 so that the end of the protective shell 4 is in close contact with the flexible shaft 1 to complete the fixation and protect the flexible shaft 1 from being scratched by the pipe. When it is necessary to retract the flexible shaft 1, the beads 18 and the connecting rod 19 are wrapped around the flexible shaft 1 and tied tightly. The traction head 21 is used to pass the beads 18 through the large hole of the card seat 20. After the traction head 21 extends to a suitable length, the connecting rod 19 is locked in the small hole of the card seat 20 to tightly retract the flexible shaft 1. The beads 18 prevent the retraction device from loosening and causing the flexible shaft 1 to fall.

[0031] In summary, when using or running the overall equipment: when it is necessary to install or replace the cleaning head, insert the insert plate 14 with the cleaning body 13 into the groove of the rotating body in the connector 2, so that the connecting plate 15 contacts the connector 2. Then, place the fixing plate 16 on the connecting plate 15, corresponding to the insert plate 14. Finally, fix the cleaning head with the stud 17 to complete the installation and replacement of the cleaning head. When it is necessary to clean short and shallow pipe openings, it is not necessary to insert the flexible shaft 1 into the pipe. However, it is unsafe to clean by hand with the flexible shaft 1, and the rotational force of the flexible shaft 1 is not suitable for hand gripping. At this time, it is necessary to install the handheld device. When it is necessary to install the handheld device, install the connecting ring 8 and the connector 2 by thread locking. Then tighten the locking part 12 to squeeze the clamping seat 11. The clamping seat 11 contacts and clamps the flexible shaft 1, fixing the connecting cylinder 9 and the flexible shaft 1. Then, you can hold the handle 10 to perform cleaning operations.

[0032] When the flexible shaft 1 needs to be used for deep work, the handheld device is removed from the connector 2. The connecting sleeve 3 is screwed onto the connector 2 to make the protective shell 4 wrap around the flexible shaft 1. Then, the first ring 5 and the second ring 6 are closed at the step of the protective shell 4 and the first ring 5 and the second ring 6 are locked together with the bolt 7 so that the end of the protective shell 4 is in close contact with the flexible shaft 1 to complete the fixation and protect the flexible shaft 1 from being scratched by the pipe. When it is necessary to retract the flexible shaft 1, the beads 18 and the connecting rod 19 are wrapped around the flexible shaft 1 and tied tightly. The traction head 21 is used to pass the beads 18 through the large hole of the card seat 20. After the traction head 21 is extended to a suitable length, the connecting rod 19 is locked in the small hole of the card seat 20 to tightly retract the flexible shaft 1. The beads 18 prevent the retraction device from loosening and causing the flexible shaft 1 to fall.

[0033] Of all the solutions mentioned above, those involving the connection between two components can be selected according to the actual situation, such as welding, bolt and nut connection, bolt or screw connection, or other known connection methods, which will not be elaborated here. For all the fixed connections mentioned above, welding is preferred. Although embodiments of this utility model have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill, comprising a flexible shaft (1) and a connector (2), wherein the connector (2) and the flexible shaft (1) are fixedly connected, characterized in that, The flexible shaft (1) is equipped with a protective device and a handheld device. The connector (2) is equipped with a detachable cleaning head. The protective device includes a connecting sleeve (3), a protective shell (4), a first collar (5), a second collar (6), and a bolt (7). The connecting sleeve (3) is movably connected to the connector (2) and fixedly connected to the protective shell (4). The first collar (5) and the second collar (6) are both movably connected to the protective shell (4). The first collar (5) and the second collar (6) are connected by the bolt (7). The protective shell (4) is fixedly connected to the flexible shaft (1). The handheld device includes a connecting ring (8), a connecting cylinder (9), a handle (10), a clamping seat (11), and a locking element (12). The connecting ring (8) is movably connected to the connecting head (2). The connecting cylinder (9) is fixedly connected to the handle (10) and the connecting ring (8) respectively. The connecting cylinder (9) is provided with a clamping seat (11). The clamping seat (11) is movably connected to the flexible shaft (1) and the locking element (12) respectively.

2. The detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detachable cleaning head includes a cleaning body (13), an insert plate (14), a connecting plate (15), a fixing plate (16), and a stud (17). The cleaning body (13) and the insert plate (14) are fixedly connected. The insert plate (14) is fixedly connected to the connecting plate (15) and is movably connected to the groove of the rotating body of the connector (2). The fixing plate (16) is movably connected to the connector (2) and the connecting plate (15). The stud (17) is threadedly connected to the fixing plate (16), the connecting plate (15), and the connector (2).

3. A detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible shaft (1) is provided with a convergence device, which includes a bead (18), a connecting rod (19), a retainer (20), and a traction head (21). The connecting rod (19) is fixedly connected to the retainer (20) or the traction head (21), and the connecting rod (19) is fixedly connected to the bead (18). The retainer (20) is movably connected to the bead (18) and the connecting rod (19), and both the bead (18) and the connecting rod (19) are movably connected to the flexible shaft (1).

4. A detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting sleeve (3) and the connecting head (2) are connected by threads.

5. A detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking element (12) and the clamping seat (11) are connected by threads.

6. A detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixing plate (16) has two parts, both of which are semi-circular, and each fixing plate (16) has a groove corresponding to the insert plate (14).

7. A detachable flexible shaft for use with an electric drill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting ring (8) and the connecting head (2) are connected by threads.

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