TWI680251B - Extensible flexible hose - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a flexible hose for conveying fluid, and particularly relates to a flexible garden hose for conveying water. The hose comprises: at least one inner layer ( 10 ) made of a first elastic polymer material; at least one outer layer ( 20 ) made of a second elastic polymer material; inserted into the at least one inner layer ( 10 ) And at least one textile reinforcement layer ( 30 , 40 ) between at least one outer layer ( 20 ). The at least one inner layer ( 10 ) and the at least one outer layer ( 20 ) are reciprocally coupled to form a single tubular member ( 50 ), and the at least one textile reinforcing layer ( 30 , 40 ) is embedded in the single tubular member ( 50) )internal. The single tubular member ( 50 ) has an elasticity, thereby being automatically elongated to increase its original length based on a given working pressure of the liquid flowing through it, and thus automatically restored for use when the working pressure stops The original length is rendered again. The at least one textile reinforcement layer ( 30 , 40 ) is easy to move from a static configuration when the working pressure is stopped to the single tubular member ( 50 ) when a working configuration is elongated based on the working pressure, And vice versa.

Description

Extendable flexible hose

The present invention is generally applicable to the technical field of flexible hoses, and more particularly to flexible hoses, preferably irrigation hoses or gardening hoses for transporting water. The hoses are extendable, that is, It is easy to automatically extend after the fluid passes through it and to automatically shrink when the pressure of the liquid stops.

Extendable flexible hoses known for transporting liquids, such as irrigation water, tend to automatically extend after the fluid has passed through them and automatically contract when the pressure of the liquid stops.

The working pressure of the delivered liquid results in an elongation relative to its original length and a more or less original diameter, which makes it easier for the flexible hose to transport the liquid over a greater distance relative to its length when not in use .

In a manner known per se, the auto-elongation is due to a restriction inside the hose or connected to it (for example, inside the connector or connected to a diffuser or irrigation water gun).

The restriction generates a pressure drop such that the pressure of the restriction acts upstream on the inside of the casing, so the casing is elongated and enlarged.

For example, it is known from US2003 / 098084 that an irrigation hose has an inner layer, an outer layer, and a coil integrated therebetween. Under the pressure of the delivered liquid, the spiral is automatically extended, allowing the casing to be stretched. Once the pressure of the liquid ceases, the spiral automatically contracts, allowing the sleeve to return to its original length.

Obviously, it is difficult to manufacture this hose due to the presence of the coil. In addition, its use is cumbersome and impractical. For example, it is difficult (if possible) to wind the hose on a hose reel.

Another disadvantage of this hose is the relatively low burst pressure. In fact, resistance to bursting is exclusively imparted by the inner and outer polymer layers.

It is known from document EP2520840 that another extendable irrigation hose consisting of an inner elastic sleeve and a rigid outer fabric. Under the pressure of the liquid being conveyed, the inner sleeve stretches its diameter and enlarges it up to the maximum length and maximum diameter determined by the outer fabric. When the fluid pressure stops, the inner sleeve contracts and the outer fabric is placed on the inner sleeve in a wave-like manner.

The obvious disadvantage of this hose is that it is difficult and expensive to manufacture. In fact, for each hose, it is necessary to produce the inner sleeve and the outer fabric separately, then insert the former through the latter and then connect the sleeve and the fabric to each other via an end fitting.

Performing these operations in a continuous manner is extremely difficult and almost impossible to perform in a line (ie, with the aid of a single automated production line). In fact, to make this hose, a human operator is needed.

In addition, the presence of fabrics makes the hoses bulky and difficult to handle for use and storage. For example, this sleeve is extremely difficult to store on a typical hose reel because the fabric takes up a relatively high space that is much larger than the actual volume of the inner sleeve.

In addition, the burst pressure is extremely low, because in practice it is only determined by the inner casing.

In addition, if the inner sleeve is broken, the hose cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a new inner sleeve.

For the same reason, it is not possible to customize the length of the sleeve (for example) to obtain two hoses from a single longer hose.

Another known disadvantage of this known hose is that it necessarily includes end fittings, because the outer fabric and inner sleeve are separate elements from each other. Therefore, if the original fitting is broken or slightly damaged, the hose must be replaced with a new hose.

This further limits the user's freedom to customize the hose, as the original accessories cannot be replaced.

In addition, the outer fabric tends to get dirty, making the use of the hose extremely cumbersome and difficult. In fact, when dragged on wet ground, textile fabrics tend to collect dirt and / or dirt and become heavy. In addition, the sludge solidly adheres to the fabric once hardened, thus increasing the difficulty of using and storing this known hose.

Other documents belonging to the present advanced technology of the present invention are: US3028290, EP2778491, US4009734, WO2011 / 161576, WO00 / 77433, WO97 / 37829, GB740458, GB1481227, US2003 / 062114, WO2015 / 177664, US2014 / 130930, US2013 / 087205, FR2784447 and WO2013 / 105853.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the above disadvantages by providing a significantly more efficient and relatively inexpensive extendable flexible hose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extendable flexible hose that can be manufactured in a simple and fast manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extendable flexible hose that can be manufactured automatically in a circuit.

Another object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-use, extendable flexible hose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide easy cleaning due to drag on wet soil. Any remaining dirt and / or dirt can be extended by a flexible hose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extendable flexible hose having a relatively high burst pressure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extendable flexible hose with minimal expansion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extendable flexible hose which is simple and practical to store.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extendable flexible hose which is repairable in the event of a break.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extendable flexible hose with a customizable length.

This and other goals are achieved by using an extendable flexible hose for transporting liquids as described in item 1 of the patent application.

Advantageous specific examples of the invention are described in the scope of the accompanying patent application.

definition

As used herein, the expression "textile reinforcing layer" or a derivative thereof means a layer composed of at least one textile yarn disposed on a layer supporting it. This "textile reinforcement layer" is placed on the support layer in order to retain its free parts, which are usually square, rectangular or diamond-shaped.

As used herein, the expression "textile yarn" or its derivative includes an elongated linear member of any shape and is made of any material, provided that the magnitude of the length significantly exceeds the others. For example, the textile yarn may be a polymer yarn, which may have a unitary structure or may consist of a combination of several basic threads or a textile belt with rectangular sections.

As used herein, the expression "spiral textile layer" or "spiral" or a derivative thereof The object means a layer composed of a single yarn having a predetermined pitch wound as a spiral on the support layer or a group of yarns which do not overlap each other as a spiral wound on the support layer.

As used herein, the expression "textile plaited layer" or "knitted fabric" or a derivative thereof means at least two yarns or yarns having opposite slopes and overlapping but not connected to each other that are spirally wound on a support layer Layers of groups of lines. Therefore, the knitwear consists of two or more overlapping spirals.

As used herein, the expression "textile knitting layer" or "knit fabric" or a derivative thereof means that a plurality of chain knits are formed by laying on a support layer and connected to each other (also known as "warp knit" type chain knitting) A layer consisting of at least two layers of yarn or a group of yarns.

As used herein, the expression "textile braided layer" or "braid" or a derivative thereof refers to the composition of at least two layers of yarns or yarns laid on a support layer with opposite slopes and connected to each other to alternately form a braid. Group composed of layers. In the braid, the yarn is interwoven with another yarn, above the latter and then below the latter. Depending on the tilt, the braid is also called a fabric.

As used herein, the expression "textile knotted layer" or "knotted object" or a derivative thereof means at least two by laying on a supporting layer with opposite slopes and connected to each other by means of one or more knotting points A layer of yarn or a group of yarns. In knots, the yarn cannot slide relative to another yarn due to the constraints imposed by the knots.

As used herein, the expression "compatible material" or its derivative material means that it is chemically and / or physically compatible with each other, that is, once coupled, it is adapted to support tensile stress through the contact surface Or the material of the interface where shear stress is transmitted. Therefore, materials that are equivalent, or in any case have the same substrate, have the greatest compatibility.

As used herein, the expression "matrix" of a polymer or its derivative means capable of Provides polymeric materials for the molecular structure of the finished product.

As used herein, the expression "provide" or derivative thereof means that the element of interest is prepared for the processing step of interest and therefore includes simple withdrawal and possible storage and / or chemical and / or Or any preventive processing action that makes the best use of the same steps of interest by physical processing and the like.

As used herein, the expression "film" or its derivative means a layer of polymeric material whose thickness is less than 0.5 mm.

1‧‧‧ extension flexible hose

10‧‧‧Inner polymer layer / inner layer

11‧‧‧ separation membrane

12‧‧‧ outer surface

12'‧‧‧ Outer surface

13‧‧‧ Open area / Uncovered area

13'‧‧‧ Open area / Uncovered area

15‧‧‧Intermediate polymer layer / intermediate layer / film

16‧‧‧ inner surface

20‧‧‧ Outer polymer layer / outer layer / film

21‧‧‧Inner surface

25‧‧‧The first semi-finished product

25'‧‧‧Second semi-finished product

25 "‧‧‧The third semi-finished product

30‧‧‧First inner knitted fabric layer / first fabric reinforcement layer

40‧‧‧Second knitted fabric layer / second fabric reinforcement layer

50‧‧‧Single tubular member

51‧‧‧ end

52‧‧‧ end

60‧‧‧ coupler

61‧‧‧ coupler

100‧‧‧flow line

101‧‧‧ entrance

102‧‧‧Exit

110‧‧‧The first extruder

120‧‧‧Rotary reel / first upstream reel

121‧‧‧Rotary reel / second downstream reel

122‧‧‧Rotating reel

123‧‧‧Rotating reel

124‧‧‧Rotating reel

130‧‧‧First stage

131‧‧‧knitting machine

135‧‧‧Second Extruder

136‧‧‧Extrusion head

137‧‧‧Vacuum pump

140‧‧‧Second stage

141‧‧‧Screw machine

142‧‧‧Screw machine

150‧‧‧third extruder

151‧‧‧Squeeze head

152‧‧‧Vacuum pump

D‧‧‧ Sprinkler accessories

R‧‧‧faucet

X‧‧‧ axis

After reading the detailed description of the preferred non-exclusive specific example of the extendable flexible hose 1 and the line 100 used to make it, other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent. The extendable flexible hose 1 and line 100 is described as a non-limiting example by means of the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIGS. 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams of specific examples of the hose 1 during use; and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the specific example of the stationary hose 1 Side view; Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a specific example of the hose 1 under pressure of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a specific example of the line 100 ; Figure 7 is a specific side view of the hose 1 of Figure 4 A radial cross-sectional view of an example; FIGS. 8 and 9 show two examples of a woven textile reinforcement layer; and FIG. 10 shows an example of a knotted textile reinforcement layer.

With reference to the above figures, the extendable hose 1 is advantageously used for the transport of liquids. In particular, the flexible hose 1 may be an irrigation hose or a garden hose for transporting water.

The hose has a non-corrugated and non-curly tubular structure, typically an irrigation hose or a garden hose.

An example of a corrugated hose is known from the document US3028290, and an example of a coiled hose is known from the document US4009734.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the extendable hose 1 may include an inner polymer layer 10 and an outer polymer layer 20 .

Inside the inner layer 10 , a separation film 11 which can be easily contacted with the conveyed liquid may be provided, and its function will be clarified later.

The extendable flexible hose 1 may further include a first inner knitted textile layer 30 and a second knitted textile layer 40 having a warp-knitted type chain knitted fabric overlapping each other. The distance between the spirals of the second braided textile layer 40 may be relatively short, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm.

The extendable flexible hose 1 may further include an intermediate polymer layer 15 interposed between the textile reinforcing layer 30 and the textile reinforcing layer 40 for its separation.

It should be understood that although the flexible hose 1 having the above-mentioned structure is described below, the hose according to the present invention may include a minimum of three layers according to the hose defined by the scope of the attached patent application.

For example, a single textile reinforcement layer may be provided, or one or more other polymeric layers inside or outside the aforementioned layers.

It should be further understood that although the flexible hose 1 having the above-mentioned structure is described below, the technical features described herein are applicable to a hose including at least three layers according to the hose defined by the scope of the attached patent application.

It should be further understood that, although reference is made below to horticultural hoses for transporting water, according to the hoses defined by the scope of the attached application patent, the extendable flexible hose 1 can have any destination and can transport any liquid.

Elongation is visible and visually visible, while enlargement is less visible and ultimately visually invisible.

The first and second polymeric materials may be elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

A suitable TPE may be TPE-S (such as PP / SEBS or PP / EPDM) or TPE-O (such as an ethylene-octene copolymer).

Suitable elastomers may be natural rubber or latex.

In a preferred but non-exclusive specific example, the inner layer 10 , the middle layer 15, and the outer layer 20 may be made of a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-S) with a polypropylene (PP) -based matrix, such as Nilflex® SH (Taro Plast SpA) with a Shore A hardness of 40 measured according to ASTM D2240 (3 "). This material has a tensile strength of about 6.5 MPa measured according to ASTM D412 / C And an elongation at break of approximately 880% measured according to ASTM D412 / C.

Indicatively, the inner layer 10 may have a thickness of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm (preferably 1.6 mm to 2 mm). On the other hand, the film 11 may have a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm (preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm).

Preferably, the separation film 11 may also be composed of the same material as described above, and a small percentage of a lubricant release additive may be added to the material.

For example, about 1 wt% of CRODAMIDE® (CRODA polymer additive) can be added to the material, which is a migratory agent designed to reduce friction and blocking on the material itself.

The textile yarn of at least one textile layer may be polyester, nylon 6.6, polyvinyl alcohol, Parabens fiber, metaramine fiber, Rayon®.

Advantageously, the textile yarns of the at least one textile layer may have a break elongation of less than 30%, and preferably less than 25%, as measured according to BISFA (Section 7).

Advantageously, the textile yarns of the at least one textile layer may have a tenacity of at least 50 cN / tex as measured according to BISFA (chapter 7).

In a preferred but non-exclusive specific example, fabric reinforcement layers 30 and 40 may be made of polyester (PET) -based yarns (eg, Brilen GLE® (Brilen Tech SA) with a linear density of 550 dtex). This type of yarn has an ultimate tensile strength of 42.7 +/- 4.2N measured according to BISFA (chapter 7), an elongation at break of 12.5 +/- 2.5% measured according to BISFA (chapter 7), and a tensile elongation at break according to BISFA (chapter 7). Chapter 7) Measured toughness of 75.5 +/- 7cN / tex.

The first fabric reinforcement layer 30 can be placed on the outer surface 12 of the inner layer 10 so as to retain a plurality of open areas 13 thereon, which open areas directly face the corresponding portions of the inner surface 16 of the intermediate layer 15 .

On the other hand, the second fabric reinforcement layer 40 may be placed on the outer surface 12 ′ of the intermediate layer 15 so as to retain a plurality of open areas 13 ′ thereon, which open areas directly face the inner surface 21 of the outer layer 20 . Corresponding part.

Suitably, the inner layer 10 , the middle layer 15 and the outer layer 20 can be reciprocally joined to the respective uncovered areas 13 , 13 ' .

The bonding between the inner layer 10 , the middle layer 15 and the outer layer 20 can be ensured by the use of materials compatible with each other or by a layer of an adhesive material interposed therebetween.

To implement this coupling, the inner layer 10 , the middle layer 15, and the outer layer 20 form a single tubular member 50. Inside the single tubular member, the reinforcing fabric layers 30 and 40 can be integrated or embedded.

The possible choice of the same material for all polymeric layers of the hose makes the mechanical behavior of the single tubular member 50 homogeneous and ensures maximum compatibility between the materials.

Suitably, the single tubular member may have a Shore A hardness of 30 ShA to 50 ShA as measured in accordance with ASTM D2240 (3 ").

As particularly shown in Figs. 1 to 3, at the ends 51 , 52 of the hose 1, suitable inter-engaging elements may be provided.

For example, separate couplings 60 , 61 may be provided.

In a preferred but non-exclusive specific example, the coupler 60 may be, for example, a female coupler, and may be adapted to connect the hose 1 to a point of use, such as a faucet R. On the other hand, the coupler 61 may be a male coupler and may be adapted to connect the hose 1 to one or more sprinkler attachments D , such as a water gun or sprinkler.

In another specific example, the end 52 of the hose 1 may be fixedly coupled to a sprinkler attachment D , such as a water gun or sprinkler. In this case, the hose 1 does not include the coupling 61 and cannot be coupled to more sprinkler accessories. At the other end 51 , a coupler 60 may be provided for connecting the hose 1 to a point of use, such as a faucet R.

Due to the above features, the extendable hose 1 can be easily expanded automatically by the working pressure given by the water flowing inside it, thereby increasing its original length and diameter.

For this operation, in a manner known per se, at least one restriction can be provided inside or connected to the hose.

In a preferred, but not exclusive, specific example, in a manner known per se, at least one restriction can be defined by a flow restrictor located inside the coupler 61 .

On the other hand, the hose 1 may include one or more restraints inside, such as a thickened portion or the like.

At least one restriction may also be provided in the sprinkler attachment D ( for example, a water gun or sprinkler).

The at least one restriction can generate a pressure drop such that its pressure acts on the inside of the hose 1 upstream, so the hose is axially elongated along the axis X and the hose is enlarged radially perpendicular to the same axis X.

In practice, once the hose 1 is connected to the point of use (for example, connected to the faucet R ), after the faucet is opened, the axial extension and radial enlargement of the hose 1 are promoted, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 As shown.

In other words, the water flow promotes the hose 1 from the original length and diameter (FIG. 1) of the same hose 1 to the working length and diameter (FIG. 3) when no water passes through the hose.

The transition from the original diameter and length to the working diameter and length gradually occurs through the intermediate stage (shown in Figure 2), where the hose begins to enlarge and stretch under the thrust of water pressure.

In contrast, after the faucet R is closed, the hose 1 automatically contracts, and thus returns to its original length and diameter.

To achieve the above operation, the single tubular member 50 and the fabric layers 30 , 40 may cooperate with each other.

More precisely, the single tubular member 50 may have elasticity so as to automatically expand under the working pressure imparted by water, and so as to automatically shrink when the working pressure stops.

In addition, due to its elasticity, the single tubular member 50 can be enlarged radially to increase its original diameter under the working pressure and then automatically shrink when the working pressure stops.

On the other hand, the elongation and enlargement of the single-tubular member 50 promotes the fabric reinforcement layers 30 , 40 from the standing configuration possessed by the waterless flow through the hose shown in FIG. 4 to the working pressure shown in FIG. Has a working configuration.

Conversely, when the working pressure stops, the automatic shrinkage of the single tubular member 50 returns the fabric reinforcement layers 30 , 40 to their rest configuration.

Under working pressure, in addition to the increase in the length and diameter of the hose, further thinning of its entire thickness occurs. With the configuration and materials shown above, the wall thickness under pressure is reduced by about half.

Suitably, the first fabric reinforcement layer 30 may be configured to intercept the single tubular member 50 after the single tubular member 50 is elongated to determine the maximum length.

Similarly, the second fabric layer 40 may be configured to intercept the single tubular member 50 after the single tubular member 50 is enlarged or radially expanded to determine a maximum diameter.

To do this, the yarns of the fabric reinforcement layers 30 , 40 and the material of the single tubular member 50 may be appropriately selected, for example, as described above.

Suitably, the second fabric reinforcement layer 40 may be placed externally relative to the first fabric reinforcement layer 30 .

In fact, due to its configuration, the latter tends to constrain axial elongation, but breaks in the radial direction. In contrast, the second fabric reinforcement layer 40 tends to restrict radial enlargement but break in the axial direction. The cooperation of the two fabric reinforcement layers 30 , 40 allows the restraint hose to expand in both the axial and radial directions, thus determining the maximum length and diameter.

As an alternative to a warp-knitted configuration, the first fabric reinforcement layer 30 may be a knitted fabric or a knot. Figures 8 and 9 show two examples of fabric-reinforced woven layers that differ from each other in yarn orientation, number, and configuration. Figure 10 shows an example of a fabric-reinforced knotted layer.

On the other hand, the second fabric reinforcement layer 40 may be composed of one or more spirals, in other words, a single spiral or a braid.

Suitably, the single tubular member 50 and the fabric reinforcement layers 30 , 40 can cooperate with each other so that the flexible hose 1 can easily increase its length at least 1.5 times its original length at a working pressure of 2 bar, preferably Increase at least 2 times relative to its original length and more preferably at least 2.5 times relative to its original length.

For example, for a hose with the structure described above and made of the above materials, its inner diameter is 9mm when standing, and its outer diameter is 14mm and its weight is 80g / mt when standing. Provides elongation at different internal working pressures.

For such hoses, the radial expansion relative to the diameter of the tube at rest under a working pressure of 3 bar is 0.8 mm and 1 mm at a working pressure of 5 bar.

Obviously, such information may vary depending on the material and / or characteristics of the hose, such as its inner or outer diameter or weight / mt.

Specific examples of the preferred but non-exclusive, the outer layer 20 may be a protective film having a weight per meter may be 3-10% of the total weight of the single tubular member 50 of, e.g., 5% of the total weight of the single tubular member 50 .

Preferably, the thin film 20 can be made according to the teachings of the application PCT / IB2014 / 067091, which has been referred to for appropriate consultation.

Indicatively, the film 20 may have a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm (preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm).

This film 20 has the purpose of protecting the bottom layer, specifically the fabric layer, so as to obtain the appearance of the hose. Resistance to slippage of external reagents and hoses on the ground is also important. In fact, it minimizes the fouling of the hose due to its use in muddy ground or gardens.

Similarly, the intermediate layer 15 may be a thin film having the same characteristics as the thin film 20 .

The extendable flexible hose 1 can be manufactured by means of a continuously operating line 100 .

The line 100 may be fed by an inner layer 10 , which may be extruded, for example, through a first extruder 110 at the entrance 101 of the line 100 .

In a manner known per se, the extruder 110 may be co-extruded inner layer 10 and the release film 11, the inner layer 10 and the film 11 may then be separated easily by pressing the first hose facing the rotation drum 120 .

Subsequently, the inner layer 10 and the separation film 11 can pass through the first stage 130 for manufacturing the fabric reinforcement layer 30 to obtain the first semi-finished product 25 .

Advantageously, the stage 130 may include a knitting machine 131 of a type known per se to make a first textile knitting layer having a knitting type 30 (for example, a common fabric type).

Subsequently, the first semi-finished product 25 may be passed through a second pair of facing rotating reels 121 which are easy to press the hose.

Advantageously, the reel 121 may rotate faster than the reel 120 . Advantageously, the speed ratio of one of the first upstream reel 120 and the second downstream reel 121 may be 1: 2 to 1: 5, and more preferably 1: 3 to 1: 5.

In this way, two pairs of rolls 120 , 121 continuously stretch the inner layer 10 with the inner film 11 so that the textile reinforcement layer 30 is made on the stretched inner layer 10 .

Subsequently, the semi-finished product 25 can be extruded by the second extruder 135 constituting the film of the intermediate layer 15 described above. Advantageously, according to the teachings of the application PCT / IB2014 / 067091, the extrusion head 136 of the extrusion stage 135 can be placed under vacuum by a vacuum pump 137 , for example, at a pressure of 250-400 mmHg.

The second semi-finished product 25 ' at the exit of the second extruder 135 passes through a third pair of facing rotating rolls 122 which are easy to press the hose. Advantageously, the reel 122 may rotate at substantially the same (or slightly higher) speed as the reel 121 .

In this way, the film 15 is extruded on the fabric reinforcement layer 30 in a stretched working configuration.

Subsequently, the second semi-finished product 25 ' at the exit of the reel 122 passes through a fourth pair of opposing rotating reels 123, which are easy to press the hose. Advantageously, the reel 123 rotates slower than the reel 122 .

Advantageously, the ratio between the speed of the fourth upstream reel 123 and the speed of the third downstream reel 122 may be 2: 1 to 5: 1, and more preferably 3: 1 to 5: 1.

In this manner, the semi-finished product 25 'is returned to the resting configuration in which the layers 10 , 11 and 15 have the original length and the fabric-reinforced knitted layer 30 is in the resting configuration.

The semi-finished product 25 ' in the standing configuration may be fed to a second stage 140 for fabric reinforcement layer 40 thereon.

Advantageously, the stage 140 may include a pair of screw machines 141 , 142 to make a corresponding pair of spirals, one spiral in a clockwise direction and the other in the opposite direction. The collection of two spirals constitutes a fabric reinforcement layer 40 .

The third semi-finished product 25 " at the exit of the stage 140 can then be fed to a third extruder 150 that can make the film 20. Similar to what has been described for the second extruder 135 , according to the application PCT / IB2014 / 067091 teaches that the extrusion head 151 can be placed under vacuum by the vacuum pump 152 , for example, at a pressure of 250-400mmHg.

After extrusion, the inner layer 10 , the intermediate film 15, and the film 20 correspond to the uncovered regions 13 and 13 ' and adhere to each other to form a single tubular member 50 . In this way, the fabric reinforcement layers 30 , 40 remain embedded therein.

Due to the fact that the intermediate film 15 and the film 20 are manufactured according to the teachings of the application PCT / IB2014 / 067091, the same intermediate film 15 and the film 20 have a uniform thickness and are strongly adhered to the bottom layer, as shown in FIG. 7.

This minimizes material waste and gives the hose 1 the best aesthetic finish.

The manufactured hose 1 can then be passed through a fifth pair of rotating drums 124 facing each other, which is easy to press the hose.

Advantageously, the reel 124 may rotate at substantially the same (or slightly higher) speed as the reel 123 .

In this way, the second fabric layer 40 and the film 20 are made on the semi-finished products 25 ' and 25 " in the standing configuration.

The separation film 11 allows the inner wall of the hose 1 to be separated immediately after pressing through the rolls 120 , 121 , 122 , 123, and 124 .

In a preferred but non-exclusive specific example, the second fabric layer 40 and the film 20 can also be made on the semi-finished product 25 ' in an elongated configuration. To perform this operation, the reels downstream of the stage 140 and the extruder 150 rotate faster than the reels upstream thereof, preferably at the above ratio.

In this case, the inner diameter of the elongated semi-finished product 25 ' can preferably reach the inner diameter of the hose at rest by blowing air under sufficient pressure.

To do this, suitable means of a type known per se can be provided at the outlet 102 of the line 100 for blowing air.

Advantageously, the reels 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 and 124 can be configured with each other such that the air blown in at the outlet 102 returns upward through the hose corresponding to the reel 121 .

It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the appended patent application, any rotary conveying device may be used in the line 100 instead of the reels 120 , 121 , 122 , 123, and 124 .

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention meets the intended objectives.

It is easy to make many modifications and changes to the present invention, and all the modifications and changes belong to the concept of the present invention expressed in the scope of the attached patent application. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, all details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements, and materials may be different according to requirements.

Although the invention has been described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, the reference numbers used in this description and in the scope of the patent application are used to improve the understanding of the invention and do not constitute any limitation on the claimed scope.

Claims (10)

An extendable flexible hose for transporting liquid, especially water, comprising: at least one inner layer ( 10 ) made of a first elastic polymer material; at least one made of a second elastic polymer material Outer layer ( 20 ); at least one textile reinforcement layer ( 30 , 40 ) inserted between the at least one inner layer (10) and at least one outer layer ( 20 ); wherein the at least one inner layer ( 10 ) and at least one outer layer ( 20 ) are reciprocally coupled to form a single tubular member ( 50 ), the at least one textile reinforcing layer ( 30 , 40 ) is embedded in the single tubular member ( 50 ); wherein the single tubular member ( 50 ) has an elasticity, Thus, based on the working pressure given by the liquid flowing through it, it is automatically elongated and enlarged to increase its original length and diameter, respectively, and thus automatically restored when the working pressure stops for re-presenting the original length and Diameter; wherein the at least one textile reinforcement layer ( 30 , 40 ) is easy to have a standing configuration when no liquid flows through the single tubular member ( 50 ) and is pulled on the single tubular member ( 50 ) based on the working pressure Move between a working configuration when it is enlarged and enlarged; where The single tubular member ( 50 ) and the at least one textile reinforcement layer ( 30 , 40 ) cooperate with each other so that the hose can easily increase its length at least 1.5 times its original length at a working pressure of 2 bar. For example, the hose of the scope of patent application, wherein the automatic elongation and enlargement of the single tubular member ( 50 ) promotes the at least one textile layer ( 30 , 40 ) from the standing configuration to the working configuration. Moving, the automatic recovery of the single tubular member ( 50 ) facilitates the movement of the at least one textile layer ( 30 , 40 ) from the working configuration back to the resting configuration. For example, the hose of the first or second scope of the patent application, wherein the at least one textile reinforcement layer ( 30 , 40 ) and the single tubular member ( 50 ) are reciprocally configured so that after being elongated and enlarged The former ( 30 , 40 ) captures the latter ( 50 ) to define its maximum length and diameter. For example, the hose of the first or second scope of the patent application, wherein the at least one textile reinforcement layer ( 30 , 40 ) is laid on the outer surface ( 12 ) of the at least one inner layer ( 10 ) so as to retain a plurality thereof. Uncovered areas ( 13 ), the at least one outer layer ( 20 ) and at least one inner layer ( 10 ) are reciprocally coupled to the uncovered areas ( 13 ) in a reciprocal manner. For example, if the hose of the first or second scope of the patent application is applied, when the at least one textile reinforcing layer ( 30 , 40 ) is in the standing configuration, the single tubular member ( 50 ) has the original diameter and the The original length, when the at least one textile reinforcement layer ( 30 , 40 ) is in the working configuration, the single tubular member ( 50 ) is enlarged and stretched. For example, the hose of the scope of patent application No. 5 includes at least one first textile reinforcement layer ( 30 ) and at least one second textile reinforcement layer ( 40 ), the at least one first textile reinforcement layer ( 30 ), and the single tube The component ( 50 ) is reciprocally configured so that after its elongation, the former ( 30 ) captures the latter ( 50 ) in order to define the maximum length, the at least one second textile reinforcement layer ( 40 ), and the single tubular member ( 50 ) Reciprocally configured so that after its enlargement, the former ( 40 ) captures the latter ( 50 ) to define the maximum diameter. For example, the hose of the sixth item of the patent application, wherein the second textile reinforcement layer ( 40 ) is placed outside with respect to the first textile reinforcement layer ( 30 ), and the at least one first textile reinforcement layer ( 30 ) is selected from A group consisting of: a knitted fabric, a knitted fabric, or a knot, and the at least one second textile reinforcing layer ( 40 ) is a spiral or a knot. For example, the hose of the first or second scope of the patent application, wherein the single tubular member ( 50 ) and the at least one textile reinforcing layer ( 30 , 40 ) cooperate with each other so that the softness is at a working pressure of 2 bar. The tube can easily increase its length at least 2 times relative to its original length, preferably at least 2.5 times relative to its original length. For example, the hose of the first or second scope of the patent application, in which, once stretched and enlarged by the working pressure, the single tubular member ( 50 ) is exclusive due to its elasticity without any other biasing means Return to its original length. For example, the hose of the first or second scope of the patent application, further comprising at least one restrictor or at least one flow restrictor ( 61 ) to generate the extension and the enlargement of the hose in the hose which are easy to promote. At the working pressure, the at least one restrictor or at least one flow restrictor ( 61 ) is inside or connected to the hose.