JP2001271968A - Multiple resin hose with binding protector and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multiple resin house with a binding protector and its manufacturing method to form metallic piping, used in automobile fuel piping, by using a resin, simplify its manufacture and mounting of it on a car body, and reduce a cost. SOLUTION: A multiple resin hose with a binding protector comprises a plurality of resin tubes formed in a bending shape and a protector 12 of thermoplastic elastomer extruded to the outer periphery of the resin tube for covering. The protectors 12 approaching each other are intercoupled in the direction of length except opposite end parts through a coupling part 13. The multiple resin hose 10 with a binding protector is manufactured such that the thermoplastic elastomer is extruded on the outer peripheries of a plurality of the evenly drawn resin tubes 11. After the resin tubes are cooled and bound together by the protector 12, the tubes are cut to given lengths. The coupling parts 13 of the protectors 12 at the opposite end parts are torn off for division and further, bending molding is carried out for manufacture.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a resin tube or hose used for a fuel pipe of an automobile, and more particularly to a multiple resin hose with a binding protector in which a plurality of resin tubes are bound by a protector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multiple metal pipe in which a plurality of metal pipes are partially bound by clips, brackets, or the like has been used as a fuel pipe connecting an automobile fuel tank and an engine. Further, the multiple metal pipe has a complicatedly bent shape for installation on the bottom of the vehicle body.

In recent years, however, it has been required to reduce the weight of vehicles and reduce manufacturing costs. Fuel pipes made of multiple metal pipes are also heavy in weight and have a problem of corrosion due to rust. It has been proposed to. In particular, it is desired that all the pipes from the engine side of the automobile to the fuel tank side be made of resin, and that one pipe be used.

In response to such a demand, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open
As shown in FIG. 6, JP-A-346195 discloses that a plurality of resin hose bodies 1 and a plurality of protectors 2 made of foamed silicone rubber having a plurality of insertion holes are respectively formed into a straight line by an extrusion molding method. In addition, a method of manufacturing a converging resin hose 3 in which the hose body 1 is fitted into each of the insertion holes of the protector 2 to form a hose intermediate body, and then the hose intermediate body is bent, is described.

[0005]

However, in the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-346195, after a resin hose body 1 and a protector 2 made of foamed silicone rubber are separately extruded, a plurality of resin hoses are formed. It was necessary to insert one hose main body 1 into each insertion hole of the protector 2, and the work efficiency was poor, so it was difficult to respond to the demand for cost reduction. In particular, when a single convergent resin hose 3 is used from the engine side of the automobile to the fuel tank side,
Since both the resin hose body 1 and the protector 2 are extremely long, the insertion work is extremely troublesome, and the working efficiency is further reduced.

In the converging resin hose 3, since the protector 2 has a thick sheath, each resin hose body 1 is exposed from both ends of the protector 2 and must not be protruded long. It cannot be guided to each connection port, and it is not possible to attach a connector for connection by expanding the end of each resin hose body 1. Therefore, it is necessary to protrude each resin hose body 1 from the protector 2 long, and it is necessary to separately provide a protective protector to each protruding resin hose body 1, which is satisfactory. Was not.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional situation,
To provide a multiple resin hose with a bundling protector and a method for manufacturing the same, in which metal pipes used for automobile fuel pipes and the like are made of resin, and their manufacture and attachment to a vehicle body are easy and cost reduction can be achieved. With the goal.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a multiple resin hose with a binding protector provided by the present invention comprises a plurality of single layers or a plurality of layers which are aligned in the axial direction with a certain gap therebetween. A resin tube with a binding protector comprising a resin tube made of a layer and a protector formed by extruding and covering each of the resin tubes in a buried state, wherein the protector is made of a thermoplastic elastomer, and A plurality of resin tubes aligned with the protector at least at the intermediate portion, while an intermediate portion excluding both ends in the length direction are connected in the length direction by filling the gap by a connecting portion of the protector. And a bent portion formed by bending together.

Further, the method of manufacturing a multiple resin hose with a binding protector according to the present invention includes a step of extruding a plurality of single-layer or multiple-layer resin tubes in advance, and a method of forming the plurality of resin tubes at a predetermined distance from each other. A step of extrusion-coating a thermoplastic elastomer on the outer periphery of each resin tube so as to fill the gap and connect with each other along the length direction while aligning them at intervals; and A step of connecting the resin tubes in the length direction at the connecting portion to form a multiple resin hose long body, and cutting the obtained multiple resin hose long body to a predetermined length, and forming a multiple resin hose body And a step of splitting the connecting portion of the protector connecting the resin tubes of the multiple resin hose body to each other by a predetermined length at both ends thereof and dividing the resin tube into each of the resin tubes. Both end portions is heated and softened the divided multi communicating resin hose body, characterized in that to set in a mold and a step of forming bent into a predetermined curved shape.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the present invention, FIGS.
As shown in the figure, a multiple resin hose 10 with a binding protector
Is composed of a plurality of resin tubes 11 having a constant thickness and a cylindrical wall extending parallel to the axis, and protectors 12 each of which is coated by extrusion on the outer periphery of each of the resin tubes 11. The protector 12 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer. Have been. Protector 12 made of this thermoplastic elastomer
The connecting portion 1 covers the outer periphery of each of the resin tubes 11 adjacent to each other, and at the same time, except for both end portions 12a, has an intermediate portion filling the gap between the resin tubes 11 adjacent to each other.
3 are connected in the length direction.

That is, in the multiple resin hose 10 with a binding protector according to the present invention, each resin tube 11 aligned in parallel with a gap therebetween has substantially the same outer circumference with a protector 12 having substantially the same thickness. At both ends 1 by the connecting portion 13 of the protector 12.
Except for 2a, they are bound together. Therefore, each protector 12 has substantially the same thickness except for the connecting portion 13, has a substantially cylindrical cross section, and is arranged concentrically with the resin tube 11. Also, the connecting portion 13 of the protector 12
Are formed in such a manner that a part of the outer peripheral surface of each protector 12 adjacent to each other is in contact with or overlaps with each other.
Is preferably about 1 to 2 mm.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show two resin tubes 11, the number of resin tubes 11 is not limited to three and may be three or more. The resin tube may be a single layer or a multi-layer, and may be made of nylon 11 or nylon 12
Thermoplastic resin excellent in gasoline resistance such as is preferred,
More preferably, a multilayer resin tube in which a polyamide resin is coated on the outer periphery of an inner layer of an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer can be employed.

Since the thermoplastic elastomer constituting the protector of the present invention comprises a resin component (hard block) and a rubber component (soft block), it exhibits properties as an elastomer (vulcanized rubber) at room temperature, Is a material capable of plastic deformation. Such thermoplastic elastomers include various types such as styrene-based, olefin-based, urethane-based, and ester-based thermoplastic elastomers, and may be a solid type or a sponge type as long as damage to the resin tube can be prevented. Among them, use of Santoprene (trade name) having excellent flame retardancy and oil resistance is preferred.

In order to manufacture such a multiple resin hose with a binding protector of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a long resin tube 11 having a constant thickness and extending substantially straight is extruded in advance. In advance, the plurality of long resin tubes 11 are pulled out from the respective rolls 11a, and are continuously supplied to the elastomer extruder 6 while being aligned with a predetermined gap from each other by the spacing fixing guides 5.

In the elastomer extruder 6, the thermoplastic elastomer covers the outer periphery of each resin tube 11 to a substantially constant thickness, and at the same time, the thermoplastic elastomer extrudes so as to fill the gap between the aligned resin tubes 11. Then, the nipple and the die of the elastomer extruder 6 are produced in accordance with the above. As a result, the outer periphery of each long resin tube 11 is covered with the thermoplastic elastomer in an embedded state, and the connecting portion 1 of the thermoplastic elastomer is formed.
3, the resin tubes 11 adjacent to each other are formed in a state of being connected to each other along the length direction.

The thermoplastic elastomer is cured by being cooled in the cooling bath 6a to form the protector 12. Thus, each of the long resin tubes 11 is made of a substantially cylindrical thermoplastic elastomer.
2 and a continuous resin hose long body bound by the protector 12 connected by the connecting portion 13 filling the gap between the adjacent resin tubes 11. The multiple resin hose long body is sent to the cutting machine 9 via the length measuring device 7 and the take-off machine 8, and is cut into a predetermined length to form the multiple resin hose body.

The steps from the step of extruding the plurality of resin tubes to the step of cutting the multiple resin hoses into a predetermined length to form the multiple resin hoses are continuously performed. For example, it is even more efficient. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a plurality of resin tubes 11 are simultaneously extruded from a resin extruder 4 and cooled by a cooling device 4a. Guided by guide 5, elastomer extruder 6
And continuously coat the outer periphery of each resin tube 11 with a thermoplastic elastomer. Subsequent steps may be performed in the same manner as in the case of FIG.

As described above, the multiple resin hose body obtained by cutting the multiple resin hose long body into a predetermined length is then subjected to two ends 12a of the protector 12 connected to each other.
The center of the connecting portion 13 is cut by a predetermined length along the length direction and divided. Note that the length of the multiple resin hose body is appropriately determined according to the application. For example, when piping from the engine side to the fuel tank side is performed with a single hose, the length is 2 to 4 m depending on the length of the automobile. Length.

The reason why the ends 12a are cut off and divided is to guide the ends 12a to the connection points on the engine side and the fuel tank side for each of the resin tubes 11, respectively. 12a is subjected to a bending process later. Each protector 12 has substantially the same thickness and is arranged concentrically with each resin tube 11, and a part of the outer peripheral surface thereof is in contact with or overlaps to form a connecting portion 13. Therefore, each of the two end portions 12a cut and divided by the connecting portion 13 has substantially the same cross-sectional shape in which the protector 12 is concentrically covered on the outer periphery of the resin tube 11, and each functions as a resin tube with a protector. I do.

Finally, the multi-piece resin hose body manufactured as described above is heated and softened, and the entire body including both ends 12a is set in a molding die, and then cooled and bent to form the binding of the present invention. The multiple resin hose 10 with a protector can be manufactured. By this bending, a bent portion is formed at least at an intermediate portion of the multiple resin hose 10 with a binding protector.
2a is also provided with a predetermined bent shape for leading to a connection point of each device.

Further, when piping the multiple resin hose 10 with a binding protector to an automobile, as shown in FIG.
If necessary, the end of each resin tube 11 at both ends 12a is enlarged by flaring or the like, and a connector 14 such as a well-known quick connector is pressed into the enlarged end and attached. Thereafter, the multiple automobile hose 10 with the binding protector may be attached and fixed to the bottom of the vehicle body with a bracket or a clip, and the connectors 14 at both ends 12a may be connected to the respective connection points on the engine side and the fuel tank side.

Particularly, in the related art, a resin tube with a protector is piped only in the vehicle body on the engine side and the fuel tank side, and a metal pipe is arranged on the bottom of the vehicle body in the middle thereof, and these are often connected using connectors. Was. However, if the multiple resin hose with the binding protector of the present invention is used,
Since the entire bending process is easy, the whole from the engine side to the fuel tank side can be connected with a single multiple resin hose with a binding protector, reducing the number of connection points and reducing the number of parts and connecting It is possible to reduce the cause of liquid leakage from a location.

In the case of a rubber material, a vulcanization step is required due to the characteristics of rubber, which increases the investment of equipment and the like, and also complicates the work process. Since the process is not required, the cost can be reduced by omitting the equipment and simplifying the operation process.

[0024]

According to the present invention, a metal pipe used for a fuel pipe of an automobile or the like is made of resin, and its manufacture and mounting on a vehicle body are simple, and a reduction in cost can be achieved. It is possible to provide a multiple resin hose with a binding protector, which can be piped from the side to the fuel tank side with one piece, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a multiple resin hose with a binding protector of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which the other end side of the multiple resin hose with a binding protector of the present invention is omitted.

FIG. 3 is a process diagram for explaining a manufacturing process up to a long continuous resin hose body according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a process chart for explaining a continuous manufacturing process up to a long continuous resin hose body according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view in which a central portion of a multiple resin hose with a binding protector having connectors attached to both ends is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a conventional converging resin hose.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Resin Extrusion Machine 5 Spacing Fixing Guide 6 Elastomer Extruder 7 Length Measuring Device 8 Take-Off Machine 9 Cutting Machine 10 Multiple Resin Hose with Bundling Protector 11 Resin Tube 12 Protector 12a Both Ends 13 Connecting Portion 14 Connector

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A binding protector comprising: a plurality of single-layer or multiple-layer resin tubes which are aligned in the axial direction with a certain gap therebetween; and a protector formed by extruding and covering each of the resin tubes in an embedded state. A multi-piece resin hose, wherein the protector is made of a thermoplastic elastomer, and an intermediate portion excluding both ends in the length direction of the resin tubes adjacent to each other is filled with the gap by a connecting portion of the protector. A multiple resin hose with a binding protector, characterized in that it has a bent portion formed by bending together a plurality of resin tubes aligned with the protector at least at the intermediate portion, while being connected in the same direction. 2. The multiple resin hose with a binding protector according to claim 1, wherein the protector is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having flame retardancy and oil resistance. 3. A step of extruding a plurality of single-layer or multi-layer resin tubes in advance, and filling the gaps in the length direction while aligning the plurality of resin tubes at a predetermined interval. A step of extrusion-coating a thermoplastic elastomer on the outer periphery of each resin tube so as to be connected to each other along with the protector in which the thermoplastic elastomer is cured,
A step of connecting the plurality of resin tubes in the length direction at the connecting portion to form a multiple resin hose long body, and cutting the obtained multiple resin hose long body into a predetermined length,
A step of forming a multiple resin hose body, and a connecting portion of the protector connecting the respective resin tubes of the multiple resin hose body to each other is cut off by a predetermined length at both ends to divide each of the resin tubes. And heating and softening the multiple resin hose body having both ends divided,
Setting the mold in a mold and bending it into a predetermined bent shape. A method for manufacturing a multiple resin hose with a binding protector. 4. A continuous process from the step of extruding the plurality of resin tubes to the step of cutting the continuous resin hose long body into a predetermined length to form a multiple resin hose body. The method for producing a multiple resin hose with a binding protector according to claim 3, characterized in that: