Method, device for producing a flexible hose and flexible hose

Abstract

A flexible hose, more specifically a vacuum cleaner hose, has a wall (12) whose inner side (14) defines a cavity (16) for conveying a medium, and at least one outer side (18) of the wall has a profile (20) that, in cross-section along the longitudinal axis (22) of the hose, has protrusions (24) and recesses (26). At least one conductive track (28) is provided on the outer side of the wall, extending around the wall and electrically contacting at least one conductive wire (30) electrically connecting the opposite ends of the hose. The conductive wire is secured to the outer wall in a manner that extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the hose and transverse to the conductive track, thus making the hose more suitable for recycling by using a correspondingly small amount of conductive material. Furthermore, methods for producing such a hose and apparatus for use therein are also proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to flexible hoses, methods for mass-producing such hoses, and apparatus for use in this purpose. Specifically, this invention relates to flexible vacuum cleaner hoses, such as those used on a large scale in industrial, commercial, and private homes, and their production. Background Technology

[0002] When a flexible hose made of plastic materials (such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAC)) is used, for example, to suck up or transport very fine particles using a vacuum cleaner, the friction between the particles and the hose wall generates a strong static charge. These charges can suddenly discharge, sometimes even creating sparks, for example, if the charged suction hose comes into contact with a grounded component or a user. The intensity of the discharge can damage electronic equipment and / or trigger severe pain in the user; in the worst case, it can be life-threatening, for example, if it stops a pacemaker.

[0003] Furthermore, spark discharges can ignite explosive dust / air mixtures, gas / air mixtures, and solvent-vapor / air mixtures. In such cases, the danger of electrostatic ignition can come not only from charged conveying materials but also from charged components of the vacuum cleaner, particularly the suction hose.

[0004] If all the components of a vacuum cleaner that conduct particles are electrically connected to each other to achieve potential equalization, and are electrically connected to the protective conductor of the associated electrical connector, such sudden discharge can be prevented.

[0005] Against this backdrop, suction hoses made of high-resistivity conductive materials (e.g., PE) with embedded fine carbon particles are increasingly used for suctioning fine dust. However, this material is more expensive than pure PE, and undesirable abrasion marks are left if the suction hose is pulled across the substrate by its outer peripheral surface. These abrasion marks can be prevented by applying an additional protective layer to the outer periphery of the hose, but this is associated with additional costs and makes the suction hose more expensive.

[0006] To create a remedy, a coiled suction hose made of economically basic materials has been proposed in document DE 20 2009 016 596 U1, which has at least one electrical conductor extending substantially along the coil length of the suction hose to dissipate static charge, wherein the width of the conductor is at most equal to the channel width of the suction hose. The conductor can be formed, for example, as a layer of plastic material with embedded carbon components, a helically extending conductive wire, or a conductive strip. Regarding the location of the conductor, it can be inferred from this prior art that the conductor is either embedded in the material of the suction hose, or arranged inside the base of the helical channel, outside the base of the helical channel, or arranged inward or outward at the web that demarcates the helical channel.

[0007] Document DE 296 02 061 U1 discloses another type of electrically dissipative flexible tube with spirally extending crests and adjacent troughs on its outer side. Outwardly stripped electrical conductors, consisting of non-insulated wires suitable for dissipating static charge, are deposited in the troughs. The electrical conductors are covered by strips made of thermoplastic material, and the longitudinal edges of these strips are secured to the sides of the crests by welding or gluing.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to improve charge dissipation, particularly compared to the aforementioned hoses that include a "single conductive device," a transport hose has been proposed in document WO 2005 / 047748 A1, which provides a combination of "two conductive devices" for conducting away charge. One conductive device is a region concentrically surrounding the interior of the hose and defined by the inner surface of the hose wall, which has significantly increased conductivity compared to the base material by embedding conductive particles in the base material. The other conductive device is a local electrical conductor element extending in the axial direction, which is directly connected to the region of increased conductivity and conducts the charge collected by this region to ground.

[0009] In the case of the pressure hose according to the prior art, during the extrusion or co-extrusion of the corresponding pressure hose, two conductive devices are directly embedded in the hose wall, so that an integral, ready-to-use pressure hose is manufactured in one working step.

[0010] On the other hand, regarding the satisfactory ability to maintain shape under a generally vacuum environment, a particularly preferred and widely used practice for producing flexible suction hoses involves first extruding a profile of plastic material, and then spirally or coiling the profile, wherein adjacent coils or windings of the profile are welded or glued together. In this regard, for example, document WO 2012 / 160524 A1 discloses a flexible plastic material hose produced by winding an extruded profile, wherein an electrical conductor may also be embedded in the profile during extrusion.

[0011] Finally, a flexible hose having an outer wall made of multiple windings of an extruded and helically wound profile is known from document DE 20 2017 107 890 U1, which defines the background features of the flexible hose of the present invention. Adjacent windings of the profile are connected together by a seam, wherein the outer wall has a conductive track comprising conductive sections of the extruded and helically wound profile and / or the seam. In this case, the conductive sections are composed of a conductive plastic material. The conductive track additionally comprises conductive wires that are in electrical contact with the conductive sections of the extruded and helically wound profile and / or the seam at the outer wall of the hose, and specifically, are embedded in the seam or in a groove provided in the profile. Thus, the conductive wires are similarly integral components of the helically wound finished suction hose.

[0012] The previously known disadvantages of flexible hoses with "dual dissipation" are that, in order for the hose to have good electrical dissipation capabilities, a relatively large amount of conductive material must be provided in the hose, which is difficult to recycle even if it can be recycled, because it is integrated into the hose. Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to document DE 20 2017 107 890 U1, starting from the prior art, the object of the present invention is to develop a flexible hose, specifically a vacuum cleaner hose, that possesses good electrostatic dissipation capabilities, thereby resolving the problems discussed above regarding the prior art. Specifically, the electrostatic dissipation hose using a relatively small amount of conductive material should have improved recyclability. The object of the invention also includes instructions for a method for producing such an electrostatic dissipation flexible hose and an apparatus for applying a conductive wire to such hose, the apparatus being capable of mass-producing or partially manufacturing hoses having at least one conductive wire in a manner that is as simple, rapid, and economical as possible.

[0014] These objectives are achieved by flexible hoses, particularly vacuum cleaner hoses, having the features of the invention, by methods for producing flexible hoses using the steps of the invention, and by means of devices having the features of the invention for applying conductive wires to the outside of the flexible hose. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in further detail.

[0015] According to the invention, a flexible hose, specifically a vacuum cleaner hose, has a wall that defines a cavity for conveying a medium on its inner side and has a profile at least on its outer side. When viewed in cross-section along the longitudinal axis of the hose, the profile has a wavy shape with protrusions and recesses. At least one conductive track is provided on the outer side of the wall, extending around the wall and configured to be in electrical contact with at least one conductive wire electrically connected to mutually distant ends of the hose. The conductive wire extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the hose and transverse to the conductive track and is fixed to the outer side of the wall.

[0016] In other words, unlike the prior art discussed above, the conductive wire is not laid in the circumferential direction of the hose, but extends in the longitudinal direction of the hose according to the invention. In this case, it passes through the surrounding conductive track, thus creating an electrical contact and therefore a quasi-electrical short circuit. Therefore, the static charge collected in the conductive track as a "first conductive device" is directly conducted away to the end of the hose via the conductive wire as a "second conductive device".

[0017] Because the conductive wires at the wall of the hose according to the invention do not wrap around its longitudinal axis, but rather extend along or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hose as seen in the plan view, this second conductive device requires less conductive material compared to the prior art described above. This not only offers advantages in terms of relatively low resistance, but also comes with advantages in terms of cost and weight.

[0018] The possibility of this effect of the conductive wires constructed or arranged according to the invention on the resistance of the hose can also have the effect of distributing the individual resistance of the tracks and wires in different ways, depending on the corresponding desired or required electrical dissipation capacity, for example, by reducing the carbon content in the plastic material used for the conductive track (by adding carbon to make it conductive), which also provides a cost advantage.

[0019] Furthermore, since the conductive wires are already mounted on the outside of the wall, it is easier (again by comparing with the prior art discussed in the background, where all conductive devices are integrated into the hose, or more precisely, into the wall of the hose) to remove the conductive wires of the hose to be discarded from the rest of the hose for recycling purposes.

[0020] Equally important, the structure of the hose according to the invention advantageously allows for at least a two-stage process in its manufacture, wherein a basic hose with conductive tracks is first manufactured as a first conductive device, and then, only in a second step, the basic hose is enhanced in terms of improved power dissipation capability by applying conductive wires as a second conductive device. Due to this modular structure of the hose, hoses with different power dissipation capabilities can be produced in kit form as needed or required, ensuring a high degree of flexibility in hose production and also providing cost advantages.

[0021] The term "conductive thread" here represents the most general understanding of an electrical conductor, whose length is much greater than its width and thickness. In this context, a "thread" can also be both an electrical conductor and a fastening measure, for example, a narrow adhesive tape or adhesive that is conductive and coated on a narrow longitudinal track (depending on the type of curing that occurs), such as two-component or multi-component adhesives, adhesives that react under visible or ultraviolet light, or adhesives with thermoplastic properties (hot melt adhesives).

[0022] If the conductive wire and the fastening member for the conductive wire are two separate components, the conductive wire can essentially be laid out along the contour of the hose and then, or subsequently, concealed or coated with a trail of, for example, a thermal adhesive, UV adhesive, or UV paint, or a suitably reacted or cured synthetic material foam or casting resin. On the other hand, particularly regarding the economics and process reliability of production, it is currently preferred, however, that the conductive wire be secured to the outside of the wall with an adhesive strip. In an advantageous embodiment, in this case, the adhesive strip can cover both sides of the conductive wire, as seen in the circumferential direction of the hose, which facilitates optimal contact retention of the conductive wire at the conductive track.

[0023] Furthermore, a conductive wire or an adhesive strip covering the conductive wire may be provided, which is wrapped (in certain cases as a further reinforcement) around the conductive wire or the adhesive strip covering the conductive wire at the outer side of the wall by the braid of the hose. In this respect, the braid can advantageously serve as (additional) fixation and / or (further) protection for the conductive wire at the outer side of the hose wall. In suitable embodiments of the device for braiding flexible hoses, at least one conductive wire may also be applied and secured to the outer side of the wall during braiding. Particularly when the application and braiding of the conductive wire occur at different locations and / or at different times, the conductive wire is presented in itself through the combination of the fastening of the adhesive strip and the braiding of the hose.

[0024] In principle, a conductive track can be provided at any location on the outside of the hose wall, provided that at least one conductive wire can make electrical contact with and short-circuit the conductive track. However, it is preferable if the conductive track is formed on or near a protrusion in the profile on the outside of the wall, particularly regarding the easiest and most reliable contact between the conductive wire and the conductive track.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the flexible hose, a hose mounting member of conductive material disposed at one or both of the mutually distant ends of the hose may be additionally provided, optionally also serving as an adapter. This hose mounting member preferably rotatably holds another connector at the finished hose, which has, for example, a cone or bayonet, to ensure proper connection of the hose to an associated end device (e.g., a vacuum cleaner) or tool. Static charge collected by the conductive tracks of the hose can then be transferred to the end device and grounded by means of the hose mounting member and the connector optionally mounted thereon, specifically, by means of conductive wires to the ends of the hose, thereby conducting away or removing these charges. If desired, the hose mounting member and / or the connector mounted thereon may additionally be provided with metal contacts. In corresponding embodiments of the hose mounting member and / or the connector mounted thereon, it is also advantageous to conduct static charge away via the hose to the end device, such as a vacuum cleaner, whose charge occurs, for example, during a grinding or polishing process in / at a grinder. This can be of interest, especially when the machine itself does not have a grounded power connection or is driven by compressed air or uses battery technology.

[0026] Specifically, the following two variations are used to attach the aforementioned hose mounting member to the end of the hose: In the first variation, when the profile on the outer side of the hose is helical, the end of the hose can be screwed into the associated internal thread section of the hose mounting member through the helical profile, wherein the conductive wire is clamped between the profile and the internal thread section to form an electrical contact.

[0027] Such an embodiment advantageously allows for the "modification" of defective hoses, as desired by professional users, because the hose mounting member is unscrewed from the defective hose, the defective or leaking portion of the hose is cut off, and then the hose mounting member is screwed back onto the appropriately shortened hose. Another advantage of this variation is that, in the case of hose repair, the re-establishment of contact between the conductive wire and the hose mounting member occurs in a particularly simple manner, as a result of the conductive wire being held between the contour of the hose and the internal threaded section.

[0028] If this repair capability of the hose is not required, or for example, to reduce production costs, in another variation, the end of the hose can be inserted into an associated receiving section of the hose mounting member and glued to the hose mounting member by conductive adhesive, with conductive wires extending therein and forming electrical contact. Clearly, if the hose is not equipped with only one variant of the hose mounting member, two variations can also be achieved at the same end of the hose.

[0029] In principle, the basic hose can be formed, for example, by blow molding a suitable plastic material, optionally with conductive tracks wound around the hose in a subsequent step. However, it is preferable that the hose wall is generally formed of a helically wound profile, and that adjacent windings of this profile are connected together in a media-sealed manner. The advantages of this helically wound hose compared to blow-molded hoses are particularly that it can be formed with a substantially smooth inner surface, resulting in low flow loss and only slight noise output during operation. Furthermore, a higher level of suction performance can be achieved due to the hose's good shape stability and resilience.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the wound hose, adjacent windings of the profile are joined together in a medium-sealed manner using a hot-melt adhesive. This ensures that the production of the basic hose is process-reliable, rapid, and economical. However, other possibilities for connection, such as creating material connections between individual profile windings via laser welding, are also conceivable.

[0031] Regarding this method, the present invention provides a method for producing a flexible hose, comprising at least the following three method steps a) to c): a) forming a basic hose having a wall that defines a cavity by means of an inner side about a longitudinal axis and has a profile at least on the outer side, as seen in the cross section, the profile having a wavy shape with protrusions and recesses, wherein the wall is formed of a conductive material, or at least one conductive track is formed on the outer side of the wall such that the conductive track extends about the wall; b) applying at least one conductive wire to the outer side of the wall such that the conductive wire extends substantially along the longitudinal axis and transverse to the conductive track; and c) securing the conductive wire to the outer side of the wall such that the conductive wire is in electrical contact with the conductive track.

[0032] The key point here is to separate the method steps a) of forming the basic flexible tube on one hand, and b) of applying the conductive wire to the outside of the wall and c) of securing the conductive wire to the outside of the wall on the other hand. As a result, this leads to the aforementioned recycling advantage, because the conductive wire subsequently applied / secured to the outside of the wall is substantially easier to remove again than the conductor, which is an integral component of the basic flexible tube.

[0033] However, this separation of method steps a) in one aspect and b) and c) in the other also provides the advantage that, in the manner of constructing the kit system, the same basic type of hose (which does have conductive tracks but (still) does not increase electrical dissipation capability) can be further enhanced by applying / fixing conductive wires according to the corresponding electrical dissipation requirements, or even not enhanced in this way if it is not necessary or desired. Therefore, the same basic type of hose can also be selectively further electrically equipped according to the corresponding requirements or desires by applying / fixing different conductive wires, for example, different in type, material, size, and / or quantity.

[0034] As further mentioned above, in step a) of forming the basic hose, it can in principle be made by a blow molding process. On the other hand, particularly regarding the simplest possible integration of conductive tracks in the hose, it is preferred, however, that if in step a) of forming the basic hose a profile of conductive plastic material is initially extruded or a profile of two plastic materials with different conductivity is co-extruded, such that the profile includes at least one conductive track, thereby spirally winding the profile to form the wall of the basic hose, in which case the adjacent windings of the profile are connected together in a medium-sealed manner. In this invention, preferably, the adjacent windings of the profile are medium-sealed together in a manner particularly reliable in terms of process by a hot-melt adhesive.

[0035] Furthermore, in principle, steps b) of applying the conductive wire to the outside of the wall and c) of securing the conductive wire to the outside of the wall can be performed consecutively, especially when the conductive wire and the fastening member for the conductive wire are two different parts of the hose. However, particularly with regard to the fastest and most efficient production possible, it is preferable to perform steps b) of applying the conductive wire to the outside of the wall and c) of securing the conductive wire to the outside of the wall simultaneously, even when the conductive wire and the fastening member for the conductive wire are two different parts of the hose.

[0036] After performing steps a) to c), the hose already exists as a semi-finished plastic material product, which, in a given case, can be supplied as a roll product for further manufacturing, for example at a terminal equipment manufacturer such as a vacuum cleaner. However, preferred further manufacturing of the hose can also be carried out at the hose manufacturer, for example after the production of the semi-finished plastic material product, because after step c), a hose mounting member of conductive material that makes electrical contact with the conductive wire is attached to one or two of the mutually distant ends of the hose cut to a certain length.

[0037] Regarding this device, according to the invention, an apparatus is proposed for applying a conductive wire to the outside of a flexible hose, the apparatus having a profile there (i.e., on the outside), as seen in cross-section along the longitudinal axis of the hose, the profile having a wavy shape with protrusions and recesses, characterized in that an applicator for the conductive wire is provided, and having a rotatable applicator wheel similar to a storage wheel or unit wheel, to which the conductive wire can be fed to the outer periphery, and the applicator wheel is adapted to interlock with the profile of the hose that can be placed in a hose support, such that when the applicator wheel rotates, a relative forward movement occurs between the hose and the applicator, wherein the applicator wheel applies the conductive wire to the profile of the hose along the longitudinal axis of the hose to follow the protrusions and recesses.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the applicator wheel of the invention, it is capable of engaging with the contour at the outer side of the hose in a rack-driven manner, advantageously resulting in a constrained connection between the forward movement of the conductive wire and the coating / application movement. As a result, in one aspect, it can be ensured that conductive wire of appropriate or associated length is always deposited or applied to each length of hose, which is particularly advantageous for applying the conductive wire uniformly and / or stress-free to the contour of the hose.

[0039] In another aspect, it is advantageous to use only one actuator to generate two movements: the relative forward movement of the hose and the coating or application movement of the conductive wire. Thus, for example, the applicator can move actively relative to the hose, or the hose can move actively relative to the applicator (relative forward movement), while the applicator wheel passively rolls over and places the conductive wire (coating or depositing) due to its interlocking engagement with the hose. Alternatively, the applicator can be fixed and the applicator wheel actively, rotatably driven (coating or depositing the conductive wire), wherein the hose is passively withdrawn below the applicator wheel (relative forward movement) due to the interlocking engagement between the applicator wheel and the profile of the hose. Furthermore, it is possible to design the applicator to be movable and to actively, rotatably drive the applicator wheel (coating or depositing the conductive wire), thereby causing the applicator and applicator wheel together to passively move relative to the optionally suitably fixed hose (relative forward movement) by means of the interlocking between the applicator wheel and the profile of the hose.

[0040] If at least two actuators are provided, each associated with an applicator, applicator wheel, or hose, then in addition to using, for example, a suitable electronic system to coordinate the resulting motion (velocity, acceleration) performed relative to the motion, the conductive wire can be deposited or attached to the profile of the hose with very little tension or, in particular, “relaxedly”, thereby reducing tension.

[0041] One criterion for determining which components or subassemblies of the device are constructed or arranged to be stationary and which are constructed or arranged to be movable is the length of the flexible hose containing the conductive wire. In cases where the hose is a rolled product or in cyclic production, for example, the applicator can be constructed to be stationary, and the hose can be moved relative to the applicator. In particular, for a simple implementation of the application process using a hose of a defined length, the preferred configuration is currently one in which the hose support is mounted in a stationary position on a frame of the device, wherein the applicator includes an applicator carrier that carries applicator wheels and is guided at the frame to be movable along the hose support.

[0042] Furthermore, regarding reliable process performance, it is also preferable if the applicator wheel is drivably connected to a rotary drive, so that the applicator wheel can be actively rotated.

[0043] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the device, the applicator includes an applicator arm on which an applicator wheel is rotatably mounted, and the applicator arm is pivotable relative to the hose support about a selectively fixed pivot axis. Therefore, the device and its applicator can be used for hoses of varying thicknesses and / or basic shapes (e.g., cylindrical or tapered at the outer periphery) without significant conversion work. In the case of, for example, tapered hoses, the applicator wheel can thus follow the hose thickness as it increases and decreases along the hose length without any problems. By fixing the pivot axis of the applicator arm, the inherent elasticity of the hose can also be utilized to advantageously generate and set a specific pressing pressure of the applicator wheel against the hose, in the case of, for example, a hose that is cylindrical at the outer periphery.

[0044] Furthermore, this arrangement preferably positions the applicator arm, together with the applicator wheel and its pivot axis, relative to the hose support such that torque is generated about the pivot axis in the hose support direction and / or the applicator arm is elastically biased about its pivot axis in the hose support direction. In this embodiment, the inherent weight of the applicator arm and the components mounted thereon or their center of gravity relative to the pivot axis and / or the spring force acting on the applicator arm can be provided or selected in a simple manner such that when the conductive wire is applied to the hose, the applicator wheel always bears pressure against the hose.

[0045] As mentioned in the background art, in principle, the conductive wire can be initially positioned at or within the contour of the hose by the applicator wheel, and secured to the hose only in a subsequent step, such that the conductive wire is in permanent electrical contact with the conductive track of the hose. However, particularly regarding the maximum possible throughput and high level of process reliability in hose production, it is preferable that the application of the conductive wire to the hose and the securing of the conductive wire to the hose occur simultaneously. For this purpose, one embodiment of the apparatus is currently preferred, wherein the applicator includes a feeding device for the conductive wire and a feeding device for the adhesive strip, wherein the conductive wire and the adhesive strip can be fed from these feeding devices to a pair of guide rollers adapted to combine the wire and the adhesive strip before being guided forward to the applicator wheel. Thus, in one aspect, it can be easily ensured that the conductive wire undergoes precise positioning and is well secured to the hose, and in another aspect, the conductive wire can therefore be protected from, for example, excessive tension by the adhesive strip during application.

[0046] Finally, preferably, the applicator wheel has multiple pins between the two hub sections, these pins being evenly distributed around the periphery, and each pin being rotatably mounted with a hollow cylindrical sleeve as a pressing body for the conductive wire. This feature also advantageously helps to reduce the mechanical load on the conductive wire during application and securing to the hose.

[0047] Further features, characteristics, and advantages of the electrically dissipative flexible hose according to the invention, the method for producing such a hose according to the invention, and the apparatus according to the invention for applying conductive wires to the contoured outer side of the flexible hose will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to some schematic drawings and preferred embodiments, wherein the same or corresponding parts or sections are provided with the same reference numerals, wherein in the drawings: Figure 1 The illustration shows a two-part side view of a flexible hose, i.e., a vacuum cleaner hose, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein hose mounting members are provided on both sides; Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the flexible hose with two interruptions; Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 In the middle area of ​​the flexible hose Figure 2 Enlarged view of detail III; Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 1 Flexible hoses in Figure 1 and Figure 2The hose mounting component located on the left side Figure 2 A magnified view of detail IV in the image; Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 1 Flexible hoses in Figure 1 and 2 The hose mounting component located on the right side Figure 2 A magnified view of the detail V in the image; Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 1 A scaled-up cross-sectional view of the flexible hose, with the viewing direction corresponding to... Figure 1 Arrow VI in the diagram shows a conductive wire, which is fixed to the outside of the hose by an adhesive strip to conduct away static charge. Figure 7 A partial perspective view of the device according to the invention is shown from the upper oblique angle and left side, the device being used to apply conductive wires to... Figure 1 A flexible hose, and has a view of an applicator for a conductive wire in the starting position relative to the hose; Figure 8 It is shown at an angle from above and to the left. Figure 7 The device and Figure 7 The corresponding three-dimensional view of an interruption, in which the applicator is positioned in the middle of the flexible hose; Figure 9 It is shown at an angle from above and to the left. Figure 7 The device and Figure 7 The corresponding three-dimensional view of an interruption, in which the applicator is positioned at the end relative to the flexible hose; Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 A scaled-up view of detail X in the image, used to illustrate the details based on... Figure 7 Further details of the applicator of the device; Figure 11 It shows according to Figure 7 A side view of the device cropped at both sides, showing the connection with... Figure 8 The view of the applicator set in the middle position; Figure 12 It shows according to Figure 7 A front view of the device, having from Figure 11 The observation direction on the right side of the image; Figure 13 It shows the relationship with Figure 11 The offset profile line XIII-XIII in the middle corresponds to the data according to... Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the device; Figure 14 It shows the relationship with Figure 12According to the section line XIV-XIV in the middle Figure 7 A side view of the device with both sides cut off; Figure 15 A side view of a flexible hose, i.e. a vacuum cleaner hose, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, is shown cut off from both sides, wherein the hose has a braid on its outer side; Figure 16 It shows according to Figure 15 A longitudinal sectional view of the flexible hose cut off from both sides; and Figure 17 It is shown in accordance with Figure 15 In the middle area of ​​the flexible hose Figure 16 A scaled-up image of details from XVII. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Vacuum cleaner hoses, as an example of flexible hoses, are generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. Specifically, according to Figures 2 to 5 Alternatively, 16 and 17, the hose 10 has a wall 12 that defines a cavity 16 for conveying the medium via an inner side 14. On the outer side, the wall 12 has a profile 20, as seen in cross-section along the longitudinal axis 22 of the hose 10, which has a wavy shape with protrusions 24 and recesses 26. Figures 3 to 6 and Figure 17 As shown, at least one conductive track 28 is provided on the outer side 18 of the wall 12. The conductive track extends around the wall 12 and serves to collect and transfer static charge. As explained in more detail below, the conductive track 28 is in electrical contact with at least one conductive wire 30, which is electrically connected to the mutually distant ends 32, 34 of the flexible tube 10 to conduct away the static charge thereon.

[0050] In this regard, according to, for example Figure 6 The conductive wire 30 extends substantially along the longitudinal axis 22 of the flexible tube 10 and transverse to or through the conductive track 28, wherein the conductive wire 30 is fixed to the outer side 18 of the wall 12, particularly as shown in the figure. Figures 3 to 5 As shown in Figure 17. In this embodiment, the conductive wire 30 follows the protrusions 24 and recesses 26 of the contour 20, wherein the wire 30 directly bears contact with the protrusions 24 and, in order to establish electrical contact, clearly abuts against the conductive track 28, while the wire 30 in the region of the recess 26 is spaced from the wall 12. Therefore, a greater degree of flexibility of the flexible hose 10 can be achieved, for example, compared to the same possible "stretching" path of the conductive wire 30.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the hose is a wound flexible hose 10, i.e., the wall 12 of the hose 10 is formed of a profile 36 spirally wound around a longitudinal axis 22, wherein adjacent windings of the profile 36 are connected together to seal relative to the medium. The profile 36 shown here by way of example has two regions in cross-section, i.e. in... Figures 3 to 5 The area on the right side of each of 17 has a cross-section that is essentially in the form of the letter U written in the shape of an "angle," and forms a recess 26 with contour 20 at the location of the wound hose 10, and in Figures 3 to 5 The region on the left side of each of 17, which is considered in cross-section to have a substantially letter C shape at a horizontal position or at a 90° angle clockwise, and forms a protrusion 24 of contour 20 at the location of the wound hose 10. (As in...) Figures 3 to 5 As can be easily seen in section 17, the C-shaped region of the winding of profile 36 is similar to a "hooked" joint on the right-hand side of the U-shaped region of the adjacent winding of profile 36, such that in each case a short profile overlap along the longitudinal axis 22 will appear there. To provide a dielectric-sealed connection between the adjacent windings of profile 36, a hot-melt adhesive 38 is provided, for example, in the area of ​​the profile overlap, which forms... Figures 3 to 5 And the spiral-wrap joint shown in 17.

[0052] from Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 17 It can also be clearly seen that the conductive track 28 of the hose 10 is formed on the outer side 18 of the wall 12, near or at the protrusion 24 of the profile 20, particularly as a sub-region of the profile 36, which similarly extends spirally around the longitudinal axis 22 in the wound state of the profile 36.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, profile 36 is co-extruded from two plastic materials with different electrical conductivity, such that profile 36 includes conductive tracks 28. In this respect, the main portion of profile 36 may be composed of a non-conductive plastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAC), while the conductive tracks 28 are formed of a conductive plastic material. The latter may be, for example, a PE, PP, or EVAC base material that becomes conductive by adding conductive components such as carbon particles.

[0054] However, in an alternative, the corresponding electrical dissipation requirements can also be met by co-extruding the profile 36 entirely from this conductive plastic material, and, in a given case, even extruding with material uniformity. In this case, the profile generally forms conductive tracks through its outer surface.

[0055] As for the hot melt adhesive 38, it can similarly be composed of plastic materials such as PE or EVAC, which are either non-conductive or made to be conductive.

[0056] The term "conductive wire" 30, as commonly used herein, can be understood in one sense as a metallized wire, cord, or yarn, such as an elastic yarn of a plastic material like polyamide (PA) with, for example, a silver or copper, gold, or platinum coating promising very good conductivity, or, however, as a track or (adhesive) strip made of a suitable conductive plastic material or synthetic resin. In another sense, it can also be understood as a pure metallic conductor, such as a wire or copper strand. The actual implementation of the conductive wire 30 depends on the requirements of the flexible hose 10, particularly regarding its electrical and mechanical properties. Therefore, for example, in the case of a flexible hose 10 subjected to greater alternating bending or tensile loads in use, it must be ensured that the conductive wire 30 does not break or tear, or break or tear prematurely. This tends to exclude potentially work-hardening metallic conductors from such applications. Regarding conductivity, specifications for conductivity may include, for example, that the entire hose must have only a predetermined resistive impedance, which can be achieved, for example, by appropriately selecting the conductive wire 30.

[0057] As further mentioned above, at least one conductive wire 30 is provided; that is, several conductive wires may also be provided depending on the requirements, in order to, for example, reduce the resistance in the overall arrangement and / or provide an optional multi-redundant overall arrangement. In this respect, the conductive wires 30 may extend adjacent to each other, or at least partially cross or intersect each other in the case of electrical contact. In this case, the electrical connection between the mutually distant ends 32, 34 of the hose 10 and the electrical contact with the conductive track 28 are achieved through the overall arrangement of the conductive wires 30. In other words, it is theoretically possible that the conductive wires 30 in this overall arrangement do not themselves bridge the entire path between the mutually distant ends 32, 34 of the hose 10, but that this overall arrangement and / or a portion or one of the conductive wires 30 in this overall arrangement contacts the conductive track 28.

[0058] In addition, such as Figures 3 to 6 As specifically shown in Figure 17, at least one conductive wire 30 in the illustrated embodiment is secured to the outer side 18 of the wall 12 by an adhesive strip 40. Figure 6 As shown, in this configuration, the adhesive strip 40 can cover both sides of the conductive wire 30, as seen in the circumferential direction of the hose 10. The adhesive strip 40 is then designed to reliably adhere its adhesive sides to the plastic material of the wall 12 or profile 36. Depending on the respective application of the hose 10, the possible backing of the adhesive strip 40 may be a foil, nonwoven fabric, or textile of a synthetic material, such as PE, PP, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or polyurethane (PUR).

[0059] According to Figures 15 to 17In this embodiment, an additional feature is that the adhesive strip 40 covering the conductive wire 30 is surrounded by a braid 42 at the outer side 18 of the wall 12 of the hose 10. The braid 42 may consist of monofilaments and / or polyfilaments of a thermoplastic material such as PA or PE. During bending of the hose 10, the polyfilaments lie flat on the hose 10 on the stretch side and are compressed transversely to the wires on the compression side of the hose 10, and thus also compressed toward the wall 12 of the hose 10, such that the braid 42 always bears abutment against the wall 12. In addition, in a particularly advantageous mix ratio of 50% polyfilaments to 50% monofilaments, the braided surface of the hose 10 always remains closed. In embodiments not shown here, the conductive wire can thus be held in place at the wall by the braid, even without the adhesive strip covering it, wherein, in practice, electrical contact is achieved by ensuring that the conductive wire passes through the conductive track under contact by properly placing the conductive track at the protrusion of the profile.

[0060] The aforementioned hose 10 can, in principle, be manufactured in rolls by a hose manufacturer and supplied, for example, to a manufacturer of the relevant end-use equipment (e.g., a vacuum cleaner), where further manufacturing of the hose 10 is carried out. This typically involves cutting the hose 10 to a certain length and providing end members for specific purposes at the ends of the hose 10. However, it is also possible (and often is) for the hose manufacturer to further manufacture the hose 10.

[0061] exist Figure 1 and 2 In one embodiment, the hose 10 is cut to a certain length, and hose mounting members 44 and 46 made of conductive material are provided at two mutually distant ends 32 and 34. These hose mounting members allow for the desired conduction of static charge away from, for example, a terminal device and grounding. Figure 1 , 2 In sections 4 and 5, two different forms of hose mounting members 44 and 46 are illustrated at the same hose 10. These hose mounting members 44 and 46 may optionally be connected to or provided with another end member (not shown) for a specific purpose, in order to provide, for example, a connection geometry suitable for a specific purpose, but generally also provide the possibility of relative rotation between the hose mounting member and the end member. Such hose mounting members and end members are familiar to those skilled in the art, and therefore only briefly discuss below how the respective hose mounting members 44 and 46 are secured to the wall 12 of the hose 10, and in this case, electrical contact is achieved between the conductive wire 30 and the respective hose mounting members 44 and 46.

[0062] In the hose mounting member 44, the end 32 of the hose 10 is screwed together with the helical profile 20 in the associated internal threaded section 48 of the annular hose mounting member 44. Figure 1 and Figure 2The center is located on the left, and its outer contour 20 is spiral-shaped as previously described. The advantage of this reversible threaded connection is that, in the case of, for example, a damaged hose 10, the hose mounting member 44 can be unscrewed, the hose 10 can be recut to a certain length by removing the defective hose section, and then easily restored to a finished state by screwing back the hose mounting member 44. In this fixing configuration, the conductive wire 30 is clamped between the contour 20 and the internal thread section 48, forming an electrical contact. This... Figure 4 The left side is shown as an example, where the protrusion of the conductive wire 30 beyond the end 49 of the adhesive strip 40 undergoes that clamping.

[0063] On another front, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the case of the hose mounting member 46 on the right side of the hose 10, the end 34 of the hose 10 is inserted into the associated (here, substantially hollow cylindrical) receiving section 50 of the annular hose mounting member 46 and glued to the hose mounting member 46 by conductive adhesive 52. Figure 5 As shown by the dashed line on the right, the conductive line 30 extends into the conductive adhesive 52 through the end 53 protruding beyond the adhesive strip 40 and forms an electrical contact.

[0064] So far, the method of demonstrating the flexible hose 10 generally includes the following three steps a) to c): In the first step a), a basic hose is formed, which includes a wall 12 that defines a cavity 16 about a longitudinal axis 22 via its inner side 14, and has a profile 20 at least at its outer side 19, as seen in the cross section, the profile 20 having a wavy shape with protrusions 24 and recesses 26, wherein the wall 12 is formed entirely of a conductive material or at least at the outer side 18 of the wall 12, such that the conductive track 28 extends about the wall 12. A basic hose produced to this extent is already usable in principle, i.e., there are no special requirements for its electrostatic charge dissipation capability, and therefore such a basic hose can be made by cutting it to a certain length and providing suitable end fittings.

[0065] In the next step b), where there is a higher requirement for the ability of the flexible tube 10 to conduct away static charge, at least one conductive wire 30 is now applied only to the outer side 18 of the wall 12, such that the conductive wire 30 extends substantially along the longitudinal axis 22 and transversely to the conductive track 28. In other words, in this step, the surrounding conductive track 28 is short-circuited or at least prepared for this purpose by the conductive wire 30.

[0066] Finally, in order to maintain or achieve this electrical state during further processing and subsequent use of the hose 10, at least one conductive wire 30 is secured to the outer side 18 of the wall 12 in another step c), such that the conductive wire 30 is permanently electrically in contact with the conductive track 28. As described above, this securing can be achieved by attaching or applying adhesive strips 40 and / or braids 42 to the outer side 18 of the wall 12 of the hose 10.

[0067] As described above, the preferred sub-steps of step a) in forming the basic hose include an initial sub-step in which profile 36 is extruded from a conductive plastic material or co-extruded from two plastic materials with different conductivity, such that profile 36 has at least conductive tracks 28, even if not fully conductive. In another sub-step, profile 36 is then spirally wound to form the wall 12 of the basic hose, wherein adjacent windings of profile 36 are media-sealed together by, for example, hot melt adhesive 38, which is known in itself.

[0068] For the rapid and efficient mass production of the hose 10, it is particularly preferred that step b) of applying the conductive wire 30 to the outer side 18 of the wall 12 and step c) of securing the conductive wire 30 to the outer side 18 of the wall 12 are performed simultaneously. Apparatus suitable for this purpose will be further described below.

[0069] Finally, after step c) of securing the conductive wire 30 to the outer side 18 of the wall 12, the aforementioned flexible hose mounting members 44, 46, made of conductive material, can, for example, be attached to one or both of the mutually distant ends 32, 34 of the flexible hose 10, which is cut to the desired or necessary length and makes electrical contact with the conductive wire 30.

[0070] from Figures 7 to 14 Details of the device 54 for applying conductive wires 30 (or multiple conductive wires 30) to, for example, the outer side 18 of the aforementioned flexible hose 10 can be deduced. The device 54 has a frame 56, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is assembled from aluminum segments, and the various components or sub-assemblies of the device 54 are arranged within this frame. Specifically, as... Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the frame 56 is constructed in the form of a trapezoidal frame, which has two longitudinal profile members 58 that are fixedly connected together by a plurality of transverse profile members 60.

[0071] The flexible hose support 64, composed of slender angled profile members with a V-shaped cross-section, is established on the transverse profile members 60 of the frame 56 by means of mounting profile members 62 (see particularly the left side). Figure 7 and 8 And the right side Figure 9 The corner profile component is fixed to the mounting profile component 62 by means of a fixing strip 66. For example... Figures 7 to 13As shown, the hose support 64 is used to receive the hose 10 to be equipped with the conductive wire 30, and due to the V-shaped shape of the hose support 64, the hose 10 automatically moves to a stable lower end position in the hose support 64.

[0072] The core component of the device 34 is the applicator 68 for the conductive wire 30, which, as described in more detail below, has a rotatable applicator wheel 70 similar to a stock wheel or cell wheel (see below). Figure 10 and Figures 12 to 14 The conductive wire 30 is fed to the outer periphery of the applicator wheel, and the applicator wheel is adapted to interlock with the profile 20 of the hose laid in the hose support 64. As a result, when the applicator wheel 70 rotates, there is a relative forward motion between the hose 10 and the applicator 68, wherein the applicator wheel 70 applies the conductive wire 30 to the profile 20 of the hose 10 along the longitudinal axis 22 of the hose 10, while following the protrusions 24 and recesses 26.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is such that the hose support 64 is mounted in a rest position at the frame 56, while the applicator 68 includes an applicator carrier 72 that carries the applicator wheel 70 in a manner still to be described, and (as in Figures 7 to 9 (As can be clearly seen in the comparison) it is guided at frame 56 to be displaceable along hose support 64 (see also) Figure 10 , 11 (and the double arrow 74 in 14 for longitudinal movement). For this purpose, the longitudinal profile members 58 of the frame 56 are respectively provided with corresponding continuous guide grooves 76 on their upper sides. On each side of the frame 56, a pair of profile sliders 78 engage in the guide groove to be able to slide, a portion of which is fixedly connected to the applicator carrier 72. In specific accordance with Figures 10 to 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator carrier 72 itself is again assembled from multiple aluminum profile segments, one of which extends as a cross member 80 above the hose support 64.

[0074] The applicator 68 also includes an applicator arm 82, on which an applicator wheel 70 is rotatably mounted in a manner to be described further, and which is pivotable relative to the hose support 68 about a selectively defined pivot axis 84. Figure 11 and 14This can be best seen in the diagram (see the double arrow 86 for pivoting movement in these figures). For this purpose, the applicator arm 82 is pivotally connected to the cross member 80 of the applicator carrier 72 by means of a joint 88 with a clamping rod 90. If the clamping rod 90 is fixed, the applicator arm 82 is fixed in its corresponding angular position about the pivot axis 84. Therefore, when the clamping rod 90 is released, the applicator arm 82 can pivot about the pivot axis 84.

[0075] according to Figure 14 The pivot axis 84 and the applicator wheel 70 are located at the mutually distant ends of the applicator arm 82. Especially in Figure 10 and Figure 14 As can be further seen, the applicator arm 82, together with the applicator wheel 70 and its pivot axis 84, is arranged relative to the hose support 64 such that a torque is generated about the pivot axis 84 in the direction of the hose support 64, particularly due to the inherent weight of the applicator arm 82 and the components or subassemblies mounted thereon. As a result of this torque, the applicator wheel 70 presses against the hose 10, which is placed in or at the hose support 64 and remains engaged with its contour 20.

[0076] If necessary, the applicator arm 82 can also be manually pushed in the direction of the hose 10, and then secured in the pressed position by the retaining clamp 90. In a variant not shown in the figures, the applicator arm 82 can also be additionally elastically biased about its pivot axis 84 in the direction of the hose support 64, for example by means of a tension spring arranged to be effective in actuation between the applicator arm 82 and the lower portion of the applicator carrier 72.

[0077] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, through these measures, the applicator wheel 70 can reliably maintain engagement with the contour 20 of the hose 10 resting on the hose support 64. In this case, hoses 10 with different diameters and shapes (e.g., substantially cylindrical or conical) can be processed, i.e., provided with conductive wires 30.

[0078] In addition, from Figure 10 , 11 It can be best inferred from 14 that the applicator arm 82 has a head portion 92 composed of aluminum profile segments, on which other components or sub-assemblies of the applicator 68 are mounted, as described below. These components and sub-assemblies are specifically a feeding device 94 for the conductive wire 30, a feeding device 96 for the adhesive strip 40, a guide roller arrangement 96 having pairs of guide rollers 100, 102 for combining the conductive wire 30 with the adhesive strip 40 before transfer to the applicator wheel 70, and a mounting and driving device 104 for the applicator wheel 70.

[0079] according to Figure 10 , 11 And 14, the guide roller arrangement 98 is initially mounted on top of the head 92 of the applicator arm 82 via the mounting profile section 106, such that the guide rollers 100, 102 are positioned above the applicator wheel 70 and aligned relative to the applicator wheel 70, as in Figure 12 and 13 This can be clearly seen in the image. In this case, the guide rollers 100 and 102 are rotatably mounted on the mounting profile section 106 in a cantilevered manner.

[0080] Furthermore, a roller retainer 108 is mounted on the head portion 92 and the mounting profile section 106 on the side away from the pivot axis 84. An adhesive strip roller 110 is rotatably mounted at the free end of this roller retainer, and similarly, a feed device 96 is cantilevered. Specifically, according to... Figure 12 and Figure 13 The adhesive strip roller 110 is arranged above the guide roller arrangement 98 with its axis of rotation, and similarly arranged to be aligned with the guide rollers 100 and 102.

[0081] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a spool retainer 112 carrying four spools 114 with conductive wires 30 is mounted at the top of the mounting profile section 106. These spools are rotatably inserted into parallel pins (not shown) of the feed device 94. A fastening angle member 116 for the end of a hose 118 is mounted on the end of the spool retainer 112 away from the adhesive strip roller 110. The other end of the hose 118 is laterally secured to the mounting profile section 106 via a bracket 120. Finally, the bracket 120 also holds a small tube 122 for feeding, more precisely guiding, the conductive wires 30 to the guide roller arrangement 98.

[0082] In this respect, it is evident that the adhesive strip 40 can be unwound from the adhesive strip roller 110 of the feeding device 96 and fed to the guide roller arrangement 98. Simultaneously, the conductive wire 30 can be unwound from the spool 114, collected by means of the hose 118, and guided through the tube 122 to be fed to the guide roller arrangement 98, where the conductive wire 30 is bonded to the adhesive strip 40.

[0083] Furthermore, a mounting block 124 for mounting and driving the applicator wheel 70 is mounted below the head portion 92 of the applicator arm 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting block 124 has a two-part structure, one part of which is located below the head portion 92 of the applicator arm 82. Figure 13 Located on the left, the drive shaft 126 for the applicator wheel 70 is rotatably mounted by means of two roller bearings, while the other part is... Figure 13Located on the right side, a pin 128 for mounting the applicator wheel 70 is mounted thereon via a roller bearing on the wheel side. Additionally, a preferred electric rotary drive 132, which is driven to the applicator wheel 70 via a drive shaft 126, is flanged on one side of the mounting block 124 via a mounting flange 130. Figure 12 and 13 The center is located on the left.

[0084] Finally, from Figure 10 and Figures 12 to 14 Further details regarding the applicator wheel 70 can be deduced. Thus, the applicator wheel 70 has a plurality of pins 138 evenly distributed around its periphery between the two hub sections 134, 136, five in the illustrated embodiment (see...). Figure 14 Each of the pivot pins 138 is rotatably mounted with a corresponding hollow cylindrical sleeve 140 as the pressing body for the conductive wire 30. Figure 13 It can also be inferred that the hub section 134 of the applicator wheel 70 on the left side of the figure is connected to the drive shaft 126 as a coupling to prevent relative rotation, while the hub section 136 of the applicator wheel 70 on the right side of the figure receives a roller bearing that mates with the pin 128 in the mounting block 124 of the applicator wheel 70 to provide rotational mounting.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 10 and Figure 14 As shown, the adhesive strip 40, bonded to the conductive wire 30, begins from the guide roller arrangement 98, passes through the head portion 92 of the applicator arm 82 and the slotted cutout 142 in the mounting block 124 mounted thereon, and is guided to the applicator wheel 70. The applicator wheel applies and secures the conductive wire 30 to the outer side 18 of the hose 10 beneath the adhesive strip 40. In this configuration, the applicator wheel 70 rolls on the hose 10, and its sleeve 140 engages with the contour 20 of the hose 10 in an interlocking manner.

[0086] Clearly, by driving the applicator wheel 70 by the rotary driver 132, not only is the electrical contact of the conductive wire 30 applied and secured to the hose 10, but also a forward movement is generated between the applicator 68 and the hose 10 resting on the hose support 64, wherein, as Figures 7 to 9 The applicator carrier 72 shown moves above the hose support 64, which is fixed to the frame 56. Finally, the hose 10, whose conductive track 28 is plated or short-circuited by means of the applied conductive wire 30, can be removed from the hose support 64 by means of the device 54 before further assembly of the hose 10 by possibly cutting the hose 10 to a certain length and attaching the hose mounting members 44, 46.

[0087] A flexible hose, particularly a vacuum cleaner hose, has a wall that defines a cavity for conveying a medium on its inner side and has a profile, as seen in cross-section along the hose's longitudinal axis, with protrusions and recesses on its outer side. At least one conductive track is provided on the outer side of the wall, extending around the wall and electrically contacting at least one conductive wire electrically connecting the mutually distant ends of the hose. The conductive wire, extending substantially along the hose's longitudinal axis and transverse to the conductive track, is secured to the outer side of the wall, thereby improving the hose's recyclability with the use of a relatively small amount of conductive material. Furthermore, a method for producing such a hose and an apparatus suitable for this purpose are proposed.

[0088] List of reference numerals

[0089] 10 Hose

[0090] 12 walls

[0091] 14. Inner side

[0092] 16 cavities

[0093] 18 Outer side

[0094] 20 Outlines

[0095] 22 Longitudinal axis

[0096] 24 protrusions

[0097] 26. Depression

[0098] 28 conductive tracks

[0099] 30 Conductive wire

[0100] 32 end

[0101] 34 end

[0102] 36 profile

[0103] 38 Hot melt adhesive

[0104] 40 Adhesive Strips

[0105] 42 Woven fabrics

[0106] 44 Hose mounting components

[0107] 46. ​​Hose mounting components

[0108] 48 Internal thread section

[0109] 49 end

[0110] 50 Receiving Section

[0111] 52 Conductive adhesives

[0112] 53 end

[0113] 54 devices

[0114] 56 Framework

[0115] 58. Longitudinal profile components

[0116] 60 Horizontal profile components

[0117] 62. Install profile components

[0118] 64. Hose support

[0119] 66 Fixed strip

[0120] 68 Applicator

[0121] 70 Applicator Wheel

[0122] 72 Applicator carrier

[0123] 74 Double arrow (axial movement)

[0124] 76 Guide groove

[0125] 78 Profile Sliding Part

[0126] 80 Cross-shaped components

[0127] 82 Applicator Arm

[0128] 84 Pivot axis

[0129] 86 Double arrow (pivoting movement)

[0130] 88 connector

[0131] 90 clamping rod

[0132] 92. Head section

[0133] 94 Feeding device

[0134] 96 Feeding device

[0135] 98 Guide roller arrangement

[0136] 100 guide rollers

[0137] 102 Guide Rollers

[0138] 104 Installation and Driver Layout

[0139] 106 Installation Profile Section

[0140] 108 Roller Holder

[0141] 110 Adhesive Strip Roller

[0142] 112 Borehole Retainer

[0143] 114 Bollards (Thread Rolls)

[0144] 116 Fastening corner components

[0145] 118 Hose

[0146] 120 bracket

[0147] 122 small tubes

[0148] 124 Installation Blocks

[0149] 126 drive shaft

[0150] 128 shaft pin

[0151] 130 Install flange

[0152] 132 Rotary Driver

[0153] 134 Wheel hub section

[0154] 136 Wheel hub section

[0155] 138 shaft pin

[0156] 140 sleeve

[0157] 142 Groove cut

Claims

1. A method for producing flexible hoses, characterized in that, Produced using the following methods and steps: a) Forming a basic hose having a wall (12) that defines a cavity (16) about a longitudinal axis (22) via an inner side (14) and has a profile (20) at least at an outer side (18) that, as seen in the cross section, has a wavy shape with protrusions (24) and recesses (26), wherein the wall (12) is formed of a conductive material, or at least one conductive track (28) is formed at the outer side (18) of the wall (12) such that the conductive track (28) extends about the wall (12); b) Apply at least one conductive wire (30) to the outer side (18) of the wall (12) such that the conductive wire (30) extends along the longitudinal axis (22) and transversely to the conductive track (28); and c) Fix the conductive wire (30) to the outer side (18) of the wall (12) such that the conductive wire (30) is in electrical contact with the conductive track (28).

2. The method for producing flexible hoses according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step a) of forming the basic hose, a profile (36) is first extruded from a conductive plastic material, or the profile (36) is co-extruded from two plastic materials with different conductivity, such that the profile (36) includes at least one conductive track (28), whereby the profile (36) is spirally wound to form the wall (12) of the basic hose, wherein adjacent windings of the profile (36) are connected together in a sealed manner.

3. The method for producing flexible hoses according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjacent windings of the profile (36) are dielectrically sealed together by hot melt adhesive (38).

4. The method for producing flexible hoses according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Step b) of applying the conductive wire (30) to the outer side (18) of the wall (12) and step c) of fixing the conductive wire (30) to the outer side (18) of the wall (12) are performed simultaneously.

5. The method for producing flexible hoses according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, After step c) of fixing the conductive wire (30) to the outer side (18) of the wall (12), a flexible hose mounting member (44, 46) of conductive material in electrical contact with the conductive wire (30) is attached to one or both of the mutually distant ends (32, 34) of the flexible hose cut to a certain length.

6. An apparatus for applying a conductive wire (30) to the outside (18) of a flexible hose, wherein, The outer side (18) of the flexible hose has a profile (20), as seen in cross-section along the longitudinal axis (22) of the flexible hose, the profile having a wavy shape with protrusions (24) and recesses (26), characterized in that an applicator (68) for the conductive wire (30) has a rotatable applicator wheel (70), the applicator wheel being similar to a storage wheel or unit wheel, and the conductive wire (30) can be fed at the outer periphery of the applicator wheel, the applicator wheel being adapted to interlock with the profile (20) of the flexible hose that can be placed in a hose support (64), such that when the applicator wheel (70) rotates, a relative forward movement occurs between the flexible hose and the applicator (68), wherein the applicator wheel (70) applies the conductive wire (30) to the profile (20) of the flexible hose along the longitudinal axis (22) of the flexible hose to follow the protrusions (24) and the recesses (26).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The applicator (68) includes an applicator arm (82), an applicator wheel (70) which is rotatably mounted on the applicator arm, and the applicator arm is pivotable relative to the hose support (64) about a selectively fixable pivot axis (84).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The applicator arm (82), together with the applicator wheel (70) and its pivot axis (84), is arranged relative to the hose support (64) such that a torque about the pivot axis (84) is generated in the direction of the hose support (64), and / or the applicator arm (82) is elastically biased about its pivot axis (84) in the direction of the hose support (64).

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The frame (56) on which the hose support (64) is mounted in a stationary position, wherein the applicator (68) includes an applicator carrier (72) that carries the applicator wheel (70) and is guided at the frame (56) to be displaceable along the hose support (64).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The applicator (68) includes a feeding device (94) for the conductive wire (30) and a feeding device (96) for the adhesive strip (40), wherein the conductive wire (30) and the adhesive strip (40) are feedable from the feeding devices (94, 96) to a pair of guide rollers (100, 102) adapted to combine the wire (30) and the adhesive strip (40) before being passed to the applicator wheel (70).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The applicator wheel (70) has a plurality of pins (138) between two hub sections (134, 136), the plurality of pins being evenly distributed on the periphery, and each pin being rotatably mounted with a corresponding hollow cylindrical sleeve (140) as the pressing body of the conductive wire (30).

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The applicator wheel (70) is drivably connected to the rotary driver (132).

13. A flexible hose prepared by the method of producing a flexible hose according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having a wall (12) defining a cavity (16) for conveying a medium by means of an inner side (14) and having a profile (20) at least at an outer side (18), as seen in cross-section along the longitudinal axis (22) of the flexible hose, the profile having a wavy shape with protrusions (24) and recesses (26), wherein, At least one conductive track (28) is provided on the outer side (18) of the wall (12), the conductive track extending around the wall (12) and electrically contacting at least one conductive wire (30) electrically connecting the mutually distant ends (32, 34) of the flexible hose, wherein the conductive wire (30) extending along the longitudinal axis (22) of the flexible hose and transverse to the conductive track (28) is fixed to the outer side (18) of the wall (12).

14. The flexible hose according to claim 13, wherein, The flexible hose is a vacuum cleaner hose.

15. The flexible hose according to claim 13, wherein, The conductive wire (30) is fixed to the outer side (18) of the wall (12) by an adhesive strip (40).

16. The flexible hose according to claim 15, wherein, As seen in the circumferential direction of the flexible hose, the adhesive strip (40) covers both sides of the conductive wire (30).

17. The flexible hose according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The conductive wire or the adhesive strip (40) covering the conductive wire (30) is surrounded by the braid (42) of the flexible hose on the outer side (18) of the wall (12).

18. The flexible hose according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The conductive track (28) on the outer side (18) of the wall (12) is formed near the protrusion (24) of the profile (20) or at the protrusion (24) of the profile (20).

19. The flexible hose according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The flexible hose is provided with a hose mounting member (44, 46) of conductive material at one or both of the mutually distant ends (32, 34).

20. The flexible hose according to claim 19, wherein, The flexible hose has a spiral profile (20) on its outer side, and the end (32) of the flexible hose is screwed into the associated internal threaded section (48) of the hose mounting member (44) via the spiral profile (20), wherein the conductive wire (30) is clamped between the profile (20) and the internal threaded section (48) and forms an electrical contact.

21. The flexible hose according to claim 19, wherein, The end (34) of the flexible hose is inserted into the associated receiving section (50) of the hose mounting member (46) and glued to the hose mounting member (46) by conductive adhesive (52), wherein the conductive wire (30) extends therein and forms an electrical contact.

22. The flexible hose according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The wall (12) of the flexible hose is formed of a spirally wound profile (36), wherein adjacent windings of the profile (36) are connected together in a medium-sealed manner.

23. The flexible hose according to claim 22, wherein, The adjacent windings of the profile (36) are dielectrically sealed together by hot melt adhesive (38).

24. A flexible hose having a wall (12) defining a cavity (16) for conveying a medium by means of an inner side (14), and having a profile (20) at least at an outer side (18), as seen in cross-section along the longitudinal axis (22) of the flexible hose, the profile having a wavy shape with protrusions (24) and recesses (26), wherein, At least one conductive track (28) is provided on the outer side (18) of the wall (12), the conductive track extending around the wall (12) and in electrical contact with at least one conductive wire (30) that electrically connects the mutually distant ends (32, 34) of the flexible hose, characterized in that the conductive wire (30) is applied to the outer side (18) of the wall (12) by means of the device (54) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, extending along the longitudinal axis (22) of the flexible hose and transverse to the conductive track (28).

25. The flexible hose according to claim 24, characterized in that, The flexible hose is a vacuum cleaner hose.

26. The flexible hose according to claim 24, characterized in that, The conductive wire (30) is fixed to the outer side (18) of the wall (12) by an adhesive strip (40).

27. The flexible hose according to claim 26, characterized in that, As seen in the circumferential direction of the flexible hose, the adhesive strip (40) covers both sides of the conductive wire (30).

28. The flexible hose according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that, The conductive wire or the adhesive strip (40) covering the conductive wire (30) is surrounded by the braid (42) of the flexible hose on the outer side (18) of the wall (12).

29. The flexible hose according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that, The conductive track (28) on the outer side (18) of the wall (12) is formed near the protrusion (24) of the profile (20) or at the protrusion (24) of the profile (20).

30. The flexible hose according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that, The flexible hose is provided with a hose mounting member (44, 46) of conductive material at one or both of the mutually distant ends (32, 34).

31. The flexible hose according to claim 30, characterized in that, The outline (20) of the flexible hose on the outer side is helical, and the end (32) of the flexible hose is screwed into the associated internal threaded section (48) of the hose mounting member (44) through the helical outline (20), wherein the conductive wire (30) is clamped between the outline (20) and the internal threaded section (48) and forms an electrical contact.

32. The flexible hose according to claim 30, characterized in that, The end (34) of the flexible hose is inserted into the associated receiving section (50) of the hose mounting member (46) and glued to the hose mounting member (46) by conductive adhesive (52), wherein the conductive wire (30) extends therein and forms an electrical contact.

33. The flexible hose according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that, The wall (12) of the flexible hose is formed of a spirally wound profile (36), wherein adjacent windings of the profile (36) are connected together in a medium-sealed manner.

34. The flexible hose according to claim 33, characterized in that, The adjacent windings of the profile (36) are dielectrically sealed together by hot melt adhesive (38).

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