Hose reel assembly

Abstract

A mobile hose reel assembly (100) includes a housing (110). The housing (110) includes a first wall portion (112), a second wall portion (114) coupled to the first wall portion (112) and arranged opposite the first wall portion, and a handle portion (116) coupled to the first wall portion (112) and the second wall portion (114). The housing (110) also includes a hose reel module (120) housed within the housing (110). The hose reel module (120) includes a hose reel (122), a drive motor (124) operatively coupled to the hose reel (122), and a transmission mechanism (126) adapted to transmit motion of the drive motor (124) to the hose reel (122). Wherein the hose reel module (120) is adapted to exhibit a rocking motion relative to the housing (110). Further, the drive motor (124) is selectively activated and deactivated based on the rocking motion of the hose reel module (120) relative to the housing (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to hose reel assemblies. More specifically, this disclosure relates to mobile hose reel assemblies that allow for efficient and user-friendly operation. Background Technology

[0002] Hose reel assemblies are used to provide fluid (e.g., water) flow in spaces such as lawns and parks. Typically, hose reel assemblies are fixedly mounted to a wall or the ground. However, such hose reel assemblies are not ergonomic and have limited range due to their fixed installation.

[0003] An improvement on historically (or traditionally) used hose reel assemblies is the mobile hose reel assembly. Mobile hose reel assemblies are portable and can be carried from one location to another for a variety of domestic and industrial applications.

[0004] Portable hose reel assemblies can be fluidly connected to a fluid source (such as a faucet) and can also be carried to places like gardens to supply fluid received from the fluid source. When moved away from the fluid source, the hose of the portable hose reel assembly fluidly connected to the fluid source may unwind from the corresponding (or associated) hose reel due to hose tension. Hose tension may arise from the fluid connection between the fluid source and the hose.

[0005] Furthermore, when moving away from the fluid source, the deployed hose comes into contact with every obstacle on the road, especially on balconies, patios, small gardens, etc., and may even get stuck due to the tension in the hose. This can cause trouble for the operator of the hose reel assembly. Therefore, there is a need for an improved mobile hose reel assembly that can release hose tension during the deployment operation and can be easily and subtly moved around obstacles.

[0006] Korean Patent KR102127318 (hereinafter referred to as '318 Reference) provides an example of a hose reel assembly. '318 Reference provides an automatic hose reel device for agriculture. The automatic hose reel device includes: a pair of guide rollers for guiding the hose during release; a sensor unit attached to the pair of guide rollers to measure the tension of the hose released from the hose reel; a motor that passes through a central axis that rotates the hose reel; a control unit that receives the measured hose tension value from the sensor unit and controls the rotation speed of the motor based on the measured tension value; and a wireless remote controller for winding the hose or stopping the rotation of the motor. The unfolding and winding speed of the hose reel is variably controlled by the control unit based on the tension value applied to the hose, thus increasing work efficiency by eliminating the need for the operator to operate the automatic hose reel device on and off each time. However, '318 Reference does not appear to disclose a user-friendly, portable hose reel assembly that can be moved to different locations for watering, storage, or any other application. Furthermore, hose tension is determined using a sensor unit that measures the tension value and communicates it to the control unit. The motor is then driven based on a complex algorithm stored in the control unit, which increases the complexity of the hose reel assembly and adds maintenance and operating costs for the operator.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for improved hose reel assemblies with a simple operating design that allows for easy, portable, and ergonomic operation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the foregoing, the object of the present invention is to solve or at least mitigate the disadvantages discussed above. This object is achieved at least in part by a movable hose reel assembly. The movable hose reel assembly includes a housing. The housing includes: a first wall portion; a second wall portion coupled to and arranged opposite the first wall portion; and a handle portion coupled to the first and second walls portions. The housing also includes a hose reel module housed within the housing. The hose reel module includes: a hose reel; a drive motor operatively coupled to the hose reel; and a transmission mechanism adapted to transmit motion of the drive motor to the hose reel. The hose reel module is adapted to exhibit a rocking motion relative to the housing. Furthermore, the drive motor is selectively started and stopped based on the rocking motion of the hose reel module relative to the housing.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure provides a portable hose reel assembly that can be moved or carried to different locations for fluid distribution in various industrial and domestic applications. The portable hose reel assembly is simple and ergonomic for operator use. The portable hose reel assembly is compact and includes a hose reel module that advantageously presents a swinging motion within the housing of the portable hose reel assembly. The hose reel module includes: a hose reel; and a drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) mechanically coupled to the hose reel. The drive motor facilitates the automatic deployment of the hose of the hose reel assembly. The drive motor selectively starts and stops based on the swinging motion of the hose reel module relative to the housing. When tension is applied to the hose reel or the hose reel module (possibly due to the fluid connection between the hose and a fluid source), the hose reel module tends to rotate toward the hose outlet of the portable hose reel assembly. This is detected by control electronics provided with the portable hose reel assembly, and the drive motor automatically starts to deploy the hose. The drive motor also releases tension in the hose, allowing the operator to move skillfully around one or more obstacles in the fluid distribution area without the hose getting caught or stuck by one or more obstacles (such as, but not limited to, trees, flower pots, etc.), thereby improving the overall efficiency of the mobile hose reel assembly.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the drive motor is selectively started and stopped by a switch. The drive motor can also be manually started or stopped via the switch according to application requirements. The drive motor can be started or stopped in the event of a failure of the electronic equipment associated with the oscillating movement of the hose reel module. Furthermore, these switches are inexpensive, compact, and easy to use with a variety of applications.

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the drive motor selectively starts and stops by detecting the angle of the hose wound on the hose reel. The hose can undergo an angular (or orientation) change relative to the hose reel module when exposed to tension (e.g., when the hose is connected to a fluid source). The angle change can be detected or measured by any means known in the art and can be used to selectively start and stop the drive motor to enable smooth operation of the movable hose reel assembly.

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a gear mechanism is suitable for transmitting the motion of a drive motor to a hose reel. However, in some embodiments, a belt drive mechanism is suitable for transmitting the motion of a drive motor to a hose reel. Each of the gear mechanism or belt drive mechanism can be used depending on application requirements, space constraints, maintenance, expected lifespan, and other factors.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the amount of hose on the hose reel changes during unwinding, the speed of the hose reel is adapted to be equal to the operator's walking speed. The operator can fluidly connect the hose to the fluid source and walk away from the fluid source to unwind the hose. The rotational speed of the hose reel can vary with the radius of the hose wound on the reel and can differ from the constant speed of the hose or the operator's walking speed. This can cause problems with hose unwinding. Therefore, a set of equalizing or differential gears can be used to control the rotational speed of the hose reel.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a mobile hose reel assembly includes a pair of guide rollers for guiding the hose during hose winding and unwinding operations. The pair of guide rollers allows for efficient hose winding and unwinding. The pair of guide rollers prevents hose tangling or knotting within the hose reel.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a movable hose reel assembly includes a slider adapted to adjust the speed of the hose reel. The slider can be used to adjust the speed of the hose reel such that tension in the hose is always released during deployment operations. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the slider disconnects the power transmission between the drive motor and the hose reel.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of the guide rollers is driven by a drive motor. This improves the unwinding of the hose from the hose reel. While it is apparent that the hose reel and at least one guide roller could be coupled and driven together, this is not always the case. In one embodiment, the hose reel and at least one guide roller may also be driven only during hose winding or unwinding. Where a driven coupling is not required, a freewheel clutch or similar device may be used.

[0017] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the pair of guide rollers and the hose reel are simultaneously driven during winding and unwinding by a balancing gear set or a differential gear set installed between the pair of guide rollers and the hose reel. It is apparent that, alternatively, or in addition to the gear set, simultaneous driving can also be achieved by sensing the hose speed and controlling the speed or rotational speed accordingly. By means of this, hose tangling during tool use can be largely avoided.

[0018] Other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1A perspective view of a movable hose reel assembly according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 This illustrates one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 A perspective view of the hose reel module of the mobile hose reel assembly;

[0022] Figure 3 This illustrates one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 2 Another perspective view of the hose reel module;

[0023] Figure 4 This illustrates one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the mobile hose reel assembly; and

[0024] Figure 5 This illustrates one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 1 Detailed internal view of a portion of the mobile hose reel assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the invention may be used in other embodiments, and even in other types of structures and / or methods. In the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0026] Certain terms used herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. For example, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “forwards,” “backwards,” “sideways,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upwards,” “inner,” “outer,” “inwards,” “outer,” “top,” “bottom,” “higher,” “above,” “below,” “center,” “middle,” “central,” “between,” “end,” “adjacent,” “near,” “far,” “remote,” “radial,” “circumferential,” etc., describe only the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings. In fact, components can be oriented in any direction; therefore, the terms should be understood to cover such variations unless otherwise specified.

[0027] Figure 1A mobile hose reel assembly 100 is shown. The mobile hose reel assembly 100 of this disclosure can be found in various technical fields, such as fire fighting, gardening, and surface cleaning. The mobile hose reel assembly 100 is easily and ergonomically moved or carried to different locations for fluid distribution in various applications.

[0028] The mobile hose reel assembly 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 includes a first wall portion 112 and a second wall portion 114 coupled to and arranged opposite the first wall portion 112. The first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 can be temporarily or permanently attached to each other, for example, by fasteners, bolts, or any suitable means used or known in the art. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 are coupled to each other using a pair of brackets 111, such that one bracket of the pair of brackets 111 connects the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 in the front portion 113 of the housing 110 of the mobile hose reel assembly 100, and the other bracket connects the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 in the rear portion 113' of the housing 110 of the mobile hose reel assembly 100.

[0029] Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 may have a circular, rectangular, or any other shape. In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 may have the same shape and size. However, in some embodiments, depending on the application requirements of this disclosure, the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 may have different shapes and sizes.

[0030] In some embodiments, for maintenance or other purposes, the first wall portion 112 or the second wall portion 114 includes a plurality of windows 115 (or cutouts) for viewing or accessing the interior of the housing 110. In some embodiments, both the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 include a plurality of windows 115. The plurality of windows 115 can have any number, shape, or size depending on the functional requirements of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the plurality of windows 115 can be covered by a transparent door (not shown), such that the transparent door can be hingedly engaged with the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 and can be opened only when needed. The transparent door can prevent unwanted entry of foreign elements into the interior of the housing 110.

[0031] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the first wall portion 112 or the second wall portion 114, or both the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114, include a plurality of pre-drilled holes 117. Depending on the application requirements, the plurality of pre-drilled holes 117 can be advantageously used to fasten various accessories, either internally or externally, to the housing 110. For example, the pre-drilled holes 117 can be used to fasten angle-adjustable retainers. An angle-adjustable retainer can allow for easy storage of different accessories, such as nozzles, which can be removably attached to the hose 121 of the movable hose reel assembly 100.

[0032] Multiple pre-drilled holes 117 prevent unintended or accidental damage to the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 of the housing 110 by the operator's drilling efforts. The number, shape, size, and positioning of the multiple pre-drilled holes 117 can be predetermined in the manufacturing facility based on other factors such as possible application requirements. In some embodiments, the multiple pre-drilled holes 117 may be provided with removable plugs, so that the plugs can be removed from the selected holes 117 when further use of the holes 117 is required.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 of the housing 110 may be made of metal, fiberglass, or plastic. However, any other material may be used without limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. Furthermore, the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 may be manufactured by any known manufacturing means commonly used in the related art.

[0034] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The housing 110 also includes a handle portion 116 coupled to the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114. The handle portion 116 includes a handle 118 and a connecting portion 119. The handle 118 can be connected to the connecting portion 119 by any means known in the art. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, the handle 118 includes a protrusion on each side of the handle such that each protrusion inserts into a corresponding groove provided on each side of the connecting portion 119. The protrusion and the groove provide a secure attachment between the handle 118 and the connecting portion 119 of the handle portion 116. Furthermore, without limiting the scope of this disclosure, the handle portion 116 can be coupled to the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 by any means known and understood in the related art. Thus, the first wall portion 112, the second wall portion 114, and the handle portion 116, when coupled together, form the housing 110 of the movable hose reel assembly 100.

[0035] An operator can easily carry the movable hose reel assembly 100 from one location to another by gripping the handle 118 of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the handle 118 may be defined as an inverted U-shaped portion. However, without limiting the scope of this disclosure, the handle 118 may also have any other shape.

[0036] In some embodiments, the handle 118 may be pivotally fixed to the connection 119 of the handle portion 116. The pivotable handle 118 makes it easier and safer to put down and pick up the mobile hose reel assembly 100, for example, from a ground surface (not shown). The pivotable handle 118 may rotate upwards when the mobile hose reel assembly 100 is in a grounded position for easy access by different individuals. The pivotable handle 118 also allows for a more compact design of the mobile hose reel assembly 100 for packaging, storage, and transport. In some embodiments, the handle 118 may include a locking mechanism to lock the handle 118 in the pivotable position. The locking mechanism provides safe and trouble-free operation by preventing any accidental movement of the pivotable handle 118.

[0037] In some embodiments, the handle 118 may be a telescopic handle to allow for changes in its length and further improve ergonomics when picking up the mobile hose reel assembly 100. In some embodiments, the handle 118 may include a gripping portion, such that the gripping portion of the handle 118 provides better holding and safer operation, as well as mobility of the mobile hose reel assembly 100 between positions. The material used for the gripping portion may preferably be, but does not necessarily have to be, PVC or nitrile rubber, or any other plastic or polymer to meet application requirements.

[0038] In some embodiments, housing 110 may include one or more wheels (not shown). The one or more wheels may preferably be disposed near the proximal end of a portion of the bottom of housing 110 by any means known in the art. The one or more wheels may facilitate support and movement of the mobile hose reel assembly 100 on a ground surface or improve portability between different locations / installations. In some embodiments, the one or more wheels may be of any size, shape, or type to facilitate easy and convenient movement of the mobile hose reel assembly 100 on a ground surface or for any other application requirements.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more wheels may be casters. Casters can facilitate easy maneuvering of the mobile hose reel assembly 100 on ground surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more wheels may be powered by an electric motor (not shown) or any other power source. In some embodiments, one or more wheels may be removably coupled to the housing 110. The removability of one or more wheels allows for easy maintenance or even replacement of the wheels. Furthermore, the removable feature of one or more wheels allows for a more compact mobile hose reel assembly 100 for packaging.

[0040] Figure 1 The housing 110 shown also includes a hose reel module 120 housed within the housing 110. The hose reel module 120 of this disclosure... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The details are shown below. The hose reel module 120 includes a pair of sidewall portions 123 that are coupled to each other and arranged on opposite sides of each other. The pair of sidewall portions 123 can be temporarily or permanently attached to each other, for example, by fasteners, bolts, or any suitable means used or known in the art. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, the pair of sidewall portions 123 are coupled to each other using a pair of brackets 125, such that one bracket of the pair of brackets 125 connects the pair of sidewall portions 123 in the front portion 127 of the hose reel module 120 of the mobile hose reel assembly 100, and the other bracket connects the pair of sidewall portions 123 in the rear portion 127' of the hose reel module 120 of the mobile hose reel assembly 100. The pair of sidewall portions 123 are also coupled by brackets 125' to give the connection between the pair of sidewall portions 123 greater strength.

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the hose reel module 120 includes a central portion 128 disposed between and connected to the opposing sidewall portions 123. The central portion 128 is connected to the opposing sidewall portions 123 by any means known and understood in the related art. Furthermore, the central portion 128 is connected to a connecting portion 119 of the handle portion 116 of the housing 110. The connection between the central portion 128 and the connecting portion 119 adapts the hose reel module 120 to exhibit a rocking motion relative to the housing 110. The hose reel module 120 is adapted to rotate relative to the housing 110. The hose reel module 120 is adapted to oscillate relative to the housing 110. The hose reel module 120 is adapted to exhibit a pendulum-like motion relative to the housing 110.

[0042] In some embodiments, the hose reel module 120 may be suspended within the housing 110, such that the bottom portion of the hose reel module 120 remains above the pair of supports 111. In this embodiment, the swaying motion of the hose reel module 120 may preferably be limited to the proximal ends of the front portion 113 and the rear portion 113' of the housing 110. The swaying motion of the hose reel module 120 is limited so that the hose reel module 120, when exhibiting swaying motion, does not injure an operator standing near or holding the movable hose reel assembly 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, the hose reel module 120 can be suspended within the housing 110 such that the bottom portion of the hose reel module 120 is at the same level as the pair of supports 111. In this embodiment, the swinging motion of the hose reel module 120 can be restricted within the front portion 113 and the rear portion 113' of the housing 110, preventing the hose reel module 120 from colliding with the pair of supports 111, thereby increasing the service life of the portable hose reel module 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, the hose reel module 120 may include a pair of protrusions 132 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the pair of protrusions 132 protrude from one of the plurality of windows 115 provided in the first wall portion 112 of the housing 110 and one of the corresponding windows 115 provided in the second wall portion 114 of the housing. The window portion 115 then defines the degree to which the hose reel module 120 can exhibit swaying or rotating motion within the housing 110.

[0045] In some embodiments, the hose reel module 120 may be made of the same material used to manufacture the housing 110. In some embodiments, the hose reel module 120 may be made of a different material than that used to manufacture the housing 110. In some embodiments, the shape of the pair of sidewall portions 123 is similar to the shape of the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 of the housing 110. However, in some embodiments, the shape of the pair of sidewall portions 123 is different from the shape of the first wall portion 112 and the second wall portion 114 of the housing 110.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The hose reel module 120 includes: a hose reel 122; a drive motor 124 operatively coupled to the hose reel 122; and a transmission mechanism 126 adapted to transmit motion of the drive motor 124 to the hose reel 122. The hose reel 122, drive motor 124, and transmission mechanism 126 are mechanically connected to each other for operation of the mobile hose reel assembly 100. The mechanically connected portions, as described above, work together to wind and unwind the hose 121 stored or wound on the hose reel 122 for various non-limiting fluid dispensing applications.

[0047] The hose reel 122 can be confined within the opposite sidewall portions 123 and the central portion 128 of the hose reel module 120 by any means known and understood in the related art. The hose reel 122 can have any shape and size such that it can be suitably confined within the hose reel module 120 and sufficient space can be provided for the installation of other accessories within the hose reel module 120. The hose reel 122 can preferably be cylindrical in shape. The hose reel 122 can be made of metal, fiberglass, or plastic. The hose reel 122 can be spring-driven, manually crank-driven, or motor-driven. However, in a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the hose reel 122 is motor-driven, as described above. The hose reel 122 stores the hose 121 for further use in various industrial and domestic applications.

[0048] Furthermore, the drive motor 124 can be a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, the drive motor 124 is an electric motor. Considering application requirements and other factors, the electric motor can also be selected from DC motors, AC motors, stepper motors, brushless motors, hysteresis motors, etc. The drive motor 124 is connected to a pair of sidewall portions 123 of the hose reel module 120 at the proximal end of the front portion 127 of the hose reel module 120. However, depending on application requirements, space constraints, and other factors, the drive motor 124 can be positioned at different locations within the hose reel module 120. The drive motor 124 is adapted to wind and unwind the hose 121 housed on the hose reel 122 by changing the rotation direction of the drive motor 124. The rotation direction of the drive motor 124 can be achieved by any means known in the related art. Furthermore, the drive motor 124 is selectively activated and deactivated based on the oscillating motion of the hose reel module 120 relative to the housing 110.

[0049] The drive motor 124 transmits rotational motion to the hose reel 122 via a transmission mechanism 126. In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism 126 suitable for transmitting the motion of the drive motor 124 to the hose reel 122 is a gear mechanism. However, in some embodiments, the transmission mechanism 126 suitable for transmitting the motion of the drive motor 124 to the hose reel 122 is a belt drive mechanism. Depending on application requirements, space constraints, maintenance, expected lifespan, and other factors, either a gear mechanism or a belt drive mechanism may be used. Furthermore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission mechanism 126 is covered or locked to a transparent cover 130 (e.g., Figure 2 The interior (shown in the diagram) is designed to prevent the transmission mechanism 126 from being damaged by the housing 110, the entry of foreign elements, etc.

[0050] In operation, the operator connects the hose 121 of the hose reel 122 to the fluid source and walks away from the fluid source to the fluid distribution area. Once the hose 121 is connected to the fluid source, the operator carries the mobile hose reel assembly 100 away from the fluid source or moves the mobile hose reel assembly away from the fluid source. This results in a lower traction, tension, or pulling force on the hose 121 on the hose reel 122 (or hose reel module 120). The traction on the hose reel 122 (or hose reel module 120) causes the hose reel module 120 to oscillate relative to the housing 110. When tension or traction is applied to the hose reel 122 or hose reel module 120, the hose reel module 120 tends to rotate toward the hose outlet 129 of the mobile hose reel assembly 100.

[0051] The oscillating motion of the hose reel module 120 can be detected by a control electronics device (not shown) provided with the movable hose reel assembly 100, causing the control electronics device to activate the drive motor 124 for unwinding the hose 121 from the hose reel 122. This is a relatively simple method of activating the drive motor 124 for the unwinding process of the hose 121, compared to prior art methods that involve measuring the tension value of the hose 121 by a sensor and communicating the tension value measured by the sensor with the control electronics device. The prior art also relies on a stored set of algorithms to determine when to activate or deactivate the drive motor 124. This disclosure does not involve the measurement of tension, nor does it involve activating the drive motor 124 upon detection of the oscillating motion of the hose reel module 120.

[0052] Once the drive motor 124 is started, it releases the tension in the hose 121, allowing the operator to move skillfully around one or more obstacles in the fluid distribution area without the hose 121 getting caught or stuck by one or more obstacles (such as, but not limited to, trees, flower pots, etc.), thereby improving the overall efficiency of the mobile hose reel assembly 100. Furthermore, when there is no traction on the hose 121, the hose reel module 120 returns to its original position, causing the drive motor 124 to automatically shut off.

[0053] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 4 As shown, the drive motor 124 is selectively started and stopped by switch 134. When carrying the mobile hose reel assembly 100, the drive motor 124 can be manually started or stopped by pressing switch 134. Switch 134 may be particularly advantageous in the event of an electronic failure associated with detecting the swaying movement of the hose reel module 120. Furthermore, switch 134 is inexpensive, compact, and easy to use in a variety of applications.

[0054] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the drive motor 124 selectively starts and stops by detecting the angle of the hose 121 wound on the hose reel 122. The hose 121 may undergo an angular (or orientation) change relative to the hose reel module 120 when exposed to tension or traction forces (e.g., when the hose 121 is connected to a fluid source). The angle change can be detected or measured by any means known in the art and can be used to selectively start and stop the drive motor 124 to enable smooth operation of the movable hose reel assembly 100.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the mobile hose reel assembly 100 includes a pair of guide rollers 131, 133 for guiding the hose 121 during the winding and unwinding operations (e.g., ...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The pair of guide rollers 131, 133 allows for efficient winding and unwinding of the hose 121. The pair of guide rollers 131, 133 prevents hose winding or tangling from occurring inside the hose reel 122 or the hose reel module 120. The pair of guide rollers 131, 133 are positioned near the hose outlet 129 of the hose reel module 120.

[0056] The hose 121 is clamped between the pair of guide rollers 131, 133, and during winding or unwinding, at least one of the guide rollers 131, 133 is driven by a drive motor 124 to pull the hose 121 out of or into the hose reel module 120. In embodiments of this disclosure, the drive motor 124 is mounted in the guide roller 133. However, the drive motor 124 may be mounted in the guide roller 131 depending on other factors such as the arrangement of the transmission mechanism 126. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the pair of guide rollers 131, 133 and the hose reel 122 may be driven simultaneously during winding and unwinding by installing a balancing gear set or a differential gear set between the pair of guide rollers 131, 133 and the hose reel 122.

[0057] In some embodiments, the rotational speed of the hose reel 122 is adapted to be equal to the operator's walking speed as the amount of hose 121 on the reel changes during unwinding. The operator can fluidly connect the hose 121 to a fluid source and walk away from the source to unwind the hose 121. The rotational speed of the hose reel 122 can vary with the radius of the hose 121 wound on the reel and can differ from a constant speed of the hose 121 or the operator's walking speed. This can cause difficulties in unwinding the hose 121. Therefore, a set of balancing gears or differential gears can be used to control the rotational speed of the hose reel 122.

[0058] Furthermore, as disclosed herein Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the movable hose reel assembly 100 includes a slider 135 adapted to adjust the rotational speed of the hose reel 122. The slider 135 can be used to adjust the rotational speed of the hose reel such that tension in the hose 121 is always released during unfolding operations. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the slider 135 disconnects the power transmission between the drive motor 124 and the hose reel 122. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the slider 135 can be used to change the operating direction of the drive motor 124.

[0059] Therefore, this disclosure provides a portable hose reel assembly 100 that can be moved or carried to different locations for fluid distribution in various industrial and domestic applications. The portable hose reel assembly 100 is simple and ergonomic for operator use. The portable hose reel assembly 100 is compact and includes a hose reel module 120 that advantageously presents a swinging motion within a housing 110 of the portable hose reel assembly 100. The hose reel module 120 includes: a hose reel 122; and a drive motor 124 (e.g., an electric motor) mechanically coupled to the hose reel 122. The drive motor 124 facilitates the automatic unwinding or winding of the hose 121 of the hose reel assembly 100. The drive motor 124 is selectively activated and deactivated based on the swinging motion of the hose reel module 120 relative to the housing 110. When tension or traction is applied to hose reel 122 or hose reel module 120 (possibly due to the fluid connection between hose 121 and the fluid source), hose reel module 120 tends to rotate toward hose outlet 129 of the mobile hose reel assembly 100. This is detected by control electronics provided with the mobile hose reel assembly 100, and drive motor 124 automatically starts to unwind hose 121. Drive motor 124 also releases tension in hose 121, allowing the operator to move skillfully around one or more obstacles in the fluid distribution area without the hose 121 being tripped or jammed by one or more obstacles (e.g., but not limited to trees, flower pots, etc.), thereby improving the overall efficiency of the mobile hose reel assembly 100.

[0060] Preferred embodiments and examples of the invention have been disclosed in the accompanying drawings and description. Although specific terminology has been used, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

[0061] Component list

[0062] 100 Mobile Hose Reel Assembly

[0063] 110 Casing

[0064] 111 bracket

[0065] 112 First wall section

[0066] 113 Front section

[0067] 113' rear section

[0068] 114 Second wall section

[0069] 115 Window Department

[0070] 116 handle part

[0071] 117 holes

[0072] 118 Handle

[0073] 119 Connecting part

[0074] 120 Hose Reel Module

[0075] 121 Hose

[0076] 122 Hose Reel

[0077] 123 Side wall portion

[0078] 124 drive motor

[0079] 125, 125' bracket

[0080] 126 Transmission Mechanism

[0081] 127 Front section

[0082] 127' rear section

[0083] 128 in the middle

[0084] 129 Hose outlet

[0085] 130 Transparent Cover

[0086] 131 Guide roller

[0087] 132 Protrusion

[0088] 133 Guide Roller

[0089] 134 Switch

[0090] 135 Slider.

Claims

1. A mobile hose reel assembly (100), comprising: A housing (110), wherein the housing (110) comprises: First wall section (112); The second wall portion (114) is connected to the first wall portion (112) and arranged opposite to the first wall portion; and The handle portion (116) is connected to the first wall portion (112) and the second wall portion (114); A hose reel module (120), housed within the housing (110), the hose reel module (120) comprising: Hose reel (122); A drive motor (124) is operatively connected to the hose reel (122); and The transmission mechanism (126) is adapted to transmit the motion of the drive motor (124) to the hose reel (122). Its features are: The hose reel module (120) is adapted to exhibit a swinging motion relative to the housing (110); The drive motor (124) is selectively started and stopped based on the swinging motion of the hose reel module (120) relative to the housing (110); The drive motor (124) is selectively started and stopped by detecting the angle of the hose (121) wound on the hose reel (122).

2. The mobile hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive motor (124) is selectively started and stopped by a switch (134).

3. The mobile hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (126) adapted to transmit the motion of the drive motor (124) to the hose reel (122) is a gear mechanism.

4. The mobile hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (126) adapted to transmit the motion of the drive motor (124) to the hose reel (122) is a belt drive mechanism.

5. The mobile hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the amount of hose (121) on the hose reel (122) changes during unwinding, the speed of the hose reel (122) is adapted to be equal to the operator’s walking speed.

6. The mobile hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mobile hose reel assembly (100) includes a pair of guide rollers (131, 133) for guiding the hose (121) during the winding and unwinding operations.

7. The mobile hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The movable hose reel assembly (100) includes a slider (135) adapted to adjust the speed of the hose reel (122).

8. The mobile hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the pair of guide rollers (131, 133) is driven by the drive motor (124).

9. The mobile hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pair of guide rollers (131, 133) and the hose reel (122) are driven simultaneously during winding and unwinding by a balancing gear set or a differential gear set installed between the pair of guide rollers (131, 133) and the hose reel (122).

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