radially shrinkable textile tube

Abstract

Radially shrinkable textile tube for sheathing elongated objects, having the following features: a) an outer layer (2) made of shrinkable abrasion-resistant material and b) at least one inner layer (4) of thermally insulating material, wherein the outer layer (2) and the at least one inner layer (4) are connected to each other in places by textile weaves (26), and the outer layer (2) and the at least one inner layer (4) are formed as a woven fabric.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a radially shrinkable textile tube for sheathing elongated objects.

[0002] From EP 1 685 285 B1, a radially shrinkable textile hose is known, woven in two layers with an upper and a lower fabric layer. The fabric layers are connected at their edges by binding warp threads, thus forming a hose. Such hoses are used, for example, in automotive engineering for mechanical reinforcement and to increase the abrasion resistance of pipes and hoses. For this purpose, they are pulled over elongated objects such as pipes, hoses, and even foam cables, and then shrunk. This provides protection against mechanical abrasion. Foam pipes, such as EPDM foam cables, are also used for insulation. Currently, foam hoses, for example those based on EPDM, are used in practice to protect lines in automobiles against heat loss or the effects of cold. These can include lines carrying media such as coolant.Electrical wiring harnesses are also sheathed in this material. Insulation serves, among other things, to prevent potential performance losses in a vehicle's drive system that can result from heat loss. The aforementioned EPDM foam hoses offer high insulation capacity, but are also extremely susceptible to mechanical stresses such as abrasion. Further state-of-the-art information can be found in AT 42 499 E, AT 517 543 A1, and DE 698 10 964 T2.

[0003] Due to increasingly confined spaces in automotive manufacturing, there is a high probability that foam insulation cables used in a vehicle's engine compartment will come into contact with other components, such as hot or abrasive materials. Depending on the intensity of this contact, high abrasive forces can act on the foam cable, leading to its rapid destruction and thus severely limiting its insulating properties.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to propose a radially shrinkable textile tube for sheathing elongated objects, in which the disadvantages known from the prior art are avoided or at least greatly reduced.

[0005] The problem is solved by a hose according to claim 1, namely a radially shrinkable textile hose for encasing elongated objects, characterized by an outer layer of shrinkable, abrasion-resistant material and at least one inner layer of thermally insulating material. Such a hose according to the invention—with defined thermal conductivity and simultaneously high mechanical resistance to abrasion—can be shrunk onto thermally insulated and abrasion-prone rods, hoses, cable strands, conductors, profiles, and pipes, which do not need to be elongated but may exhibit any bends, in a single operation and be attached there in a substantially immovable manner. This advantageously eliminates the need for subsequent layering of several layers. Damage to the abrasion-prone insulating layer, e.g., EPDM foam cable, is also avoided.Such a hose can, for example, be designed to be woven with axially oriented multifilament warp threads and circumferentially oriented shrinkable monofilament weft threads. When the hose according to the invention shrinks, the outer layer of the sheathing tends to narrow the hose radially due to the shrinkable monofilament weft threads. Naturally, according to the invention, the outer layer has the property of shortening in the circumferential direction to effect this radial narrowing.

[0006] To minimize assembly effort during processing, the protective hose can preferably be assembled in a single production step. For this reason, the textile hose according to the invention is favored, since its multi-layered structure can be produced in one operation, thus eliminating the significant assembly effort required by subsequently layering multiple layers.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed such that the material of at least one inner layer is capable of swelling upon the application of heat. This offers the significant advantage that the inner layer swells simultaneously with the shrinkage of the outer layer, which in turn enables a secure arrangement of the sheathing on the elongated object.

[0008] According to the invention, the hose is designed such that the outer layer and the at least one inner layer are partially connected to each other by a textile weave. This embodiment further simplifies the installation of the hose according to the invention, since its two layers cannot move against each other or separate during installation. The assembly is therefore safer and more reliable.

[0009] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed such that the outer layer and the at least one inner layer are connected to each other along axially extending, spaced-apart zones. This advantageously results in a more compact and therefore more stable hose structure.

[0010] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed such that filling material in the form of threads or tapes, preferably made of foam, is arranged between the outer layer and the at least one inner layer in the area of ​​chambers located between the zones. This embodiment allows for a significant increase in the insulation properties of the hose according to the invention. The entire range of suitable insulation materials in the form of threads and tapes, particularly made of foam, is available.

[0011] According to the invention, the hose is designed such that the outer layer and at least one inner layer are formed as a woven fabric. This advantageously allows for very economical production of the hose according to the invention.

[0012] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed to have axially oriented multifilament threads and circumferentially oriented monofilament and multifilament threads. By adding circumferentially oriented multifilament threads, which, for example, float alongside the monofilament threads, the thermal conductivity of the hose can be controlled. Furthermore, it is possible to influence the shrinkage process. This advantageous embodiment also results in more uniform shrinkage patterns. So-called warp gaps are avoided. The stability of the bonds increases.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed such that the outer layer is coated or impregnated with an agent that increases wear resistance. This advantageous measure allows the service life of the hose according to the invention to be achieved as desired.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed such that at least one inner layer is coated or impregnated with an agent that increases thermal conductivity. This advantageous measure allows the insulating capacity of the hose according to the invention to be increased as desired.

[0015] These agents correspond to so-called finishing fluids known in the prior art. These agents for improving thermal conductivity, mechanical resistance, or cold-cutting ability can be applied, for example, by fouling, squeegeeing, or spraying.

[0016] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed such that it consists at least partially of equipped threads. This embodiment offers the advantage that, depending on the optimization requirements regarding thermal conductivity, mechanical resistance, and cold-cutting capability for the desired application, individually equipped threads positively influence the performance of the hose according to the invention.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed such that at least one inner layer is coated with an adhesive or glue. This further improves the secure attachment of the hose according to the invention to the selected elongated object, particularly when used in a vibrating environment.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hose is designed such that at least one inner layer is formed in the form of ribbons, in particular of foam. Within the inner layer in the form of ribbons, a higher air inclusion is advantageously possible compared to a regular thread, which further increases the insulating effect.

[0019] To better understand the invention and to show how it can be implemented, it will be briefly explained below using an exemplary embodiment with the aid of a drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows, in a highly schematic perspective view, a section of a hose according to the invention, cut lengthwise approximately in the middle, arranged around an elongated object and partially already shrunk. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a cross-section through the textile tube with a detail X. Fig. Figure 3 shows a highly schematic, perspective view of a section of an embodiment of a hose according to the invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a highly schematic perspective view of a section of a hose according to the invention, cut lengthwise approximately in the middle, analogous to Fig. 1 without an elongated object. Fig. Figure 5 shows a highly schematic, perspective view of a section of a radially shrinkable textile tube with longitudinal chambers according to the invention.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a hose 10 according to the invention, cut lengthwise approximately in the middle, with an outer layer 2 and an inner layer 4. The outer layer 2 is intended to be an abrasion-resistant sheathing that surrounds the insulating inner layer 4. The hose 10 is already shrunk around an elongated object, here for example a pipe 1, in a region III.

[0021] In sections I and II, the hose 10 still has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe 1. At the beginning of the assembly, the unshrunk hose 10 according to the invention, with the diameter specified in section I, is pushed onto the pipe 1. It is then subjected to external heat, e.g., by means of a hot air oven, and shrunk onto the pipe, with the result that, as the transition in section II is intended to show, it shrinks and conforms to the pipe 1. In section III, the hose 10 is fully shrunk and firmly seated on the pipe 1. It is clearly visible that the insulating inner layer 4 is thicker than the abrasion-resistant outer layer 2.

[0022] In section III, the hose 10 is already fully shrunk and firmly attached to the pipe 1, with the insulating inner layer 4 in close contact. An adhesive may be applied between the insulating inner layer 4 and the pipe 1 to further secure the hose to the pipe 1.

[0023] Section II illustrates the shrinking process. By heating the hose 10, which is pushed onto the pipe 1, it shrinks. The diameter of the textile hose 10 decreases, while at the same time the wall thickness of the insulating inner layer 4 and the abrasion-resistant outer layer 2 increases.

[0024] The temperature-insulating inner layer 4 advantageously has a wall thickness of between 0.5 and 6 mm. The abrasion-resistant outer layer 2 of the textile tube 10 serves to protect the insulating inner layer 4 against external mechanical influences.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a hose 10 according to the invention, for example, in a transverse oval shape, with an outer layer 2 and an inner layer 4, which are connected to each other by means of a plurality of connections 26 in the form of a woven weave. The connection 26 can also be arranged between several layers of insulating inner layers 4 as mentioned above. The connections 26 extend not only circumferentially within the textile hose 10, but also longitudinally to achieve a uniform connection between the individual layers. Preferably, these connections 26 are created by weaving during the manufacturing of the textile hose 10. The hose 10 according to the invention can be manufactured by weaving, knitting, crocheting, or braiding. Subsequent fixing by means of adhesive bonding or by sewing the individual layers together would also be conceivable as a connection 26. Fig. The arrangement of a connection 26 is shown enlarged in the lower right corner.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a textile tube 50 as it appears after finishing with a suitable finishing solution to improve thermal conductivity or mechanical resistance. An enlarged section of the textile tube 50 is shown to illustrate that the finishing solution (a fluid used to finish or treat a textile object), hereinafter referred to as the "coating," permeates the textile tube 50. Reference numeral 60 indicates, for example, textile layers of the tube that are completely saturated, while reference numeral 70 indicates textile layers in their untreated state (before the application of a finishing solution).

[0027] It would also be conceivable to only wet the surface of the textile hose, thus avoiding complete saturation of the entire hose. This surface wetting prevents the inner layers from being stiffened by the finishing agent (finishing bath), preserving the bulkiness of the inner layer's threads and resulting in improved insulation performance. Furthermore, this approach offers the advantage of saving on finishing material.

[0028] Fig. Figure 4 shows a highly schematic perspective view of a section of a hose according to the invention, cut lengthwise approximately in the middle, analogous to Fig. 1.

[0029] Fig. Figure 5 shows a highly schematic perspective view of a section of a radially shrinkable textile tube 20 according to the invention, comprising an outer layer 22 and an inner layer 24, as well as longitudinal chambers 21 between them, some of which are partially filled with filler threads 23. The inner layer 24 surrounds an interior space 27 in which (not shown) elongated objects, such as pipes, hoses, cables, etc., can be placed or which can be encased with the tube 20 according to the invention. If the tube 20 according to the invention is "pulled" around an elongated object ( Fig. 1) Then it can be shrunk by means of heat so that it fits tightly around the elongated object and adheres there. The inner surface 29 of the inner layer 24 can advantageously also be provided with an adhesive, which allows for even better adhesion of the hose 20 to the elongated object during shrinking. Some of the embodiment according to Fig. The 5 filled chambers 21 contain filling material 23 in the form of threads, ribbons, preferably made of foam, by means of which the insulating capacity of the hose 20 can be considerably increased.

[0030] The outer layer 22 and the inner layer 24 of the hose 20 according to the invention are as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows, for example, woven and connected to each other in the area of ​​zones 12 via, for example, woven weaves 26. The chambers 21 are arranged between the longitudinally extending zones 12. On the outside of the outer layer 22, threads of a plain weave L 1 / 1 are shown, as indicated by - | - | - | - | - | -, in which the hose 20 according to the invention is woven, for example. However, other weave patterns can also be used. The hose can also be knitted, braided, or crocheted. The outer layer 22 consists of shrinkable, abrasion-resistant material, and the inner layer 24 consists of thermally insulating material.

[0031] In addition to thermal insulation of the inner layer 24, filler threads 23, arranged in the chambers 21, serve this purpose. Fig.Figure 5, top right, shows the "filling" of a chamber 21 in the form of, for example, crimped threads 23, exposed. The corresponding chamber is shown cut off at point "S". However, it is also possible to use a variety of other filling materials. For example, straight threads 231 are filled into a chamber 211, which are shown exposed at point T 23. In addition, tubes or any suitable thermal insulation material, including nonwoven or tape forms, can be used. In the present embodiment, a tube 20 with an inner layer 24 is shown. According to the invention, however, several inner layers 24 can also be arranged one above the other or inside the other, like layers of an onion, to increase, for example, the thermal insulation capacity of the tube 20.

Claims

[1] Radially shrinkable textile tube for sheathing elongated objects, having the following features: a) an outer layer (2) made of shrinkable abrasion-resistant material and b) at least one inner layer (4) of thermally insulating material, wherein the outer layer (2) and the at least one inner layer (4) are connected to each other in places by textile weaves (26), and the outer layer (2) and the at least one inner layer (4) are formed as a woven fabric. [2] Hose according to claim 1, wherein the material of at least one inner layer (4) is capable of swelling upon application of heat. [3] Hose according to claim 1, wherein the outer layer (2) and the at least one inner layer (4) are connected to each other along axially extending, spaced-apart zones (12). [4] Hose according to claim 3, wherein between the outer layer (2) and the at least one inner layer (4) in the area of ​​chambers (21) located between the zones (12) filling material (23) in the form of threads, ribbons, preferably made of foam is arranged. [5] Hose according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein it has axially extending multifilament threads and circumferentially extending monofilament threads and multifilament threads. [6] Hose according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer layer (2) is coated or impregnated with an agent that increases wear resistance. [7] Hose according to claim 6, wherein the at least one inner layer (4) is coated or impregnated with an agent increasing thermal conductivity. [8] Hose according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it consists at least partially of equipped threads. [9] Hose according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one inner layer (4) is coated internally with an adhesive or an adhesive. [10] Hose according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one inner layer (4) is formed in the form of ribbons, in particular of foam. [11] Hose according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it has a thermal conductivity ≤ 0.3 W / (mx K). [12] Hose according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it has a wall thickness in the range of 1 to 8 mm.

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