Hose assembly for marine applications

Abstract

The invention relates to a hose assembly (1) comprising a hose (10) and a connector (2) with a nipple (20) inserted into the hose (10) in an inward direction (E), wherein an end (11) of the hose (10) surrounds and is attached to a connecting section (21) of the nipple (20), the nipple (20) having a hose-side end (24). It is proposed that the nipple (20) transitions at its hose-side end (24) from an intermediate section (25) with a constant outer radius (r1) into an end bead (26) that bulges outwards both radially and axially in the inward direction (E).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose assembly for marine applications, comprising a hose and a connector with a nipple, wherein one end of the hose surrounds and is attached to a connecting section of the nipple. The present invention particularly relates to a hose assembly that forms a fluid channel with an inner diameter of 10 cm to 60 cm, wherein the hose assembly is typically constructed by building the hose in situ around the nipple or connector.

[0002] Such hose assemblies are used, for example, in the transport of large volumes of oil, such as when loading and unloading an oil tanker, particularly offshore. Typically, several hose assemblies, connected to each other via their respective fittings, form a marine hose line. These hose lines can be designed to be wound onto hose reels for transport. The individual hose assemblies can be designed to be buoyant, meaning they are capable of remaining afloat in the water. Such a hose assembly is disclosed, for example, in EP 0672227 A1.

[0003] In operation, hose assemblies are exposed to harsh conditions and are subject to high loads, particularly at their ends, which can lead to material fatigue over time. For example, the elastomeric material of the hose experiences high stresses at the interface with the metallic nipple at the nipple tip, especially when the hose assembly is coiled. Sometimes it is possible to reduce the risk of damage by adding extra material to the ends, but this incurs additional costs. In the case of floating hoses, the weight of any additional material also necessitates the addition of further buoyancy aids.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a hose structure of the type mentioned above, wherein improved strength and fatigue resistance can be achieved, in particular without an excessive increase in weight.

[0005] This problem is solved by a hose assembly with the features of claim 1. Preferred features are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features can be found in the general description and the exemplary embodiments. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the hose assembly with the features of claim 13.

[0006] The hose assembly according to the invention comprises a hose and a connector with a nipple. The nipple defines a longitudinal center axis and is inserted into the hose in an inward direction. One end of the hose surrounds a connecting section of the nipple and is attached to it. The nipple has a hose-side end that is located inside the hose. Axially spaced from the hose-side end, the nipple has at least one radially outwardly projecting retaining bead on its outer surface. The hose has at least one carcass. Furthermore, the hose has at least one connecting wire arrangement for attaching the hose to the nipple, which, viewed inwardly, is located upstream of the retaining bead.The hose construction is characterized by the fact that the nipple at its hose-side end transitions from an intermediate section with a constant outer radius into an end bead that bulges outwards both radially and axially inwards.

[0007] In particular, the nipple is rotationally symmetrical about its longitudinal central axis.

[0008] The end bead bulges outwards radially; that is, relative to an imaginary lateral surface with an outer radius equal to the outer radius of the intermediate section, the end bead projects outwards in a radial direction, its axial extent tapering radially outwards to a point or section with maximum outer radius, in particular tapering continuously. Thus, starting from the imaginary lateral surface, part of the cross-section of the end bead forms a convex surface extending radially outwards.

[0009] The end bead bulges outwards axially inwards; that is, relative to an imaginary flat end face perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis, the end bead projects outwards in the axial direction, its radial extent tapering inwards to a point or segment at its greatest extent, in particular tapering continuously. Starting from the imaginary end face, a portion of the end bead's cross-section thus forms an inwards-extending convex surface.

[0010] The invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a contact surface with a sufficiently large curvature at the hose-side end of the nipple, where the innermost layer of hose is usually attached to the nipple using adhesives. This ensures that dynamic loads, such as kinking of the hose structure, do not lead to stress concentrations in the area of ​​the end bead, which could damage the connection between the hose and the nipple. Surprisingly, it has been found that a cross-sectional shape of the end bead approximating a "teardrop" shape is particularly advantageous, as it distributes the load over a large area on the innermost layer of the hose and thus reduces the risk of damage.

[0011] Preferably, an innermost layer of the hose is attached to the hose-side end of the nipple in a material-bonded manner, in particular by means of adhesive.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the hose structure according to the invention, the distance of the point of greatest extent of the end bead in the inward direction to the longitudinal center axis is greater than the outer radius of the intermediate section. This allows for an advantageous curvature of the end bead.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment of the hose structure according to the invention, the axial position of the largest outer radius or the greatest radial thickness of the end bead is located closer to an end of the end bead facing away from the intermediate section than to an end of the end bead facing the intermediate section. In this way, the cross-section of the end bead can be approximated to an advantageous "tropical shape". Preferably, the axial position of the largest outer radius of the end bead is located in the last third of the end bead, relative to the inward direction.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of the hose assembly according to the invention, the largest outer radius of the end bead is at least as large as or larger than the sum of the outer radius of the intermediate section and the radial thickness of the intermediate section. This allows for an advantageous curvature of the end bead.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the hose structure according to the invention, an outer contour of the cross-section of the end bead is curved and optionally partially straight, wherein the curved sections of the outer contour (each) have a radius of curvature that is greater than or equal to the radial thickness of the intermediate section. Preferably, straight sections of the outer contour are located only on the inside of the end bead.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the hose assembly according to the invention, a first subsection of the end bead, extending inwards from the axial position of the largest outer radius of the end bead to the point of greatest inward extension of the end bead, has a cross-section with a convex outer contour. Preferably, the convex outer contour of the first subsection has a curved section whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the radial thickness of the intermediate section. In this way, a sufficiently large radius of curvature is created in the end region.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the hose assembly according to the invention, a second subsection of the end bead, extending inwards from an end of the end bead facing the intermediate section to the axial position of the largest outer radius of the end bead, has a cross-section with a convex or convex-concave outer contour. Preferably, the outer contour of the second subsection has a curved section whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the radial thickness of the intermediate section. In particular, the outer contour of the second subsection has a curved section whose radius of curvature is larger than the radius of curvature of the curved section of the first subsection. In this way, the cross-section of the end bead can be advantageously approximated to a "tropical shape".

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the hose assembly according to the invention, the hose has a second connecting wire arrangement for fastening the hose to the nipple, which is arranged at least partially between the retaining bead and the end bead. In this way, the end bead also assumes the function of a retaining bead and thus contributes to fastening the hose to the nipple.

[0019] Preferably, the hose assembly forms a fluid channel with an inner diameter of 10 cm to 60 cm.

[0020] As described above and below, the task posed at the beginning is also solved by a method for manufacturing a hose assembly, which comprises the following steps: - Manufacturing the connector, comprising the following steps: - Arranging a ring-shaped body having a predefined cross-section with a convex outer contour that is at least partially curved, on an outer surface of a cylindrical base body with a constant outer radius, such that the ring-shaped body projects axially from an end face of the cylindrical base body; - Attaching, in particular by welding, the annular body to the cylindrical base body in such a way that the annular body and a part of the cylindrical base body form at least a part of the end bead; and - Assembling the hose around the connector.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the end face of the cylindrical base body is joined to an inner surface of the ring-shaped body by means of a first weld in a material-bonded manner.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the outer surface of the cylindrical base body is joined to a rear surface of the ring-shaped body by means of a second weld seam.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the weld seam or weld seams are removed, in particular by machining, according to a predefined contour of the end bead.

[0024] Preferably, the step of manufacturing the connector also includes the following step: - Creating the retaining bead by attaching, in particular by welding, a second ring-shaped body with a corresponding cross-section to the cylindrical base body.

[0025] It is expressly pointed out that the embodiments of the invention described above can each be combined individually or in any technically meaningful combination with each other with the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0026] Variations and embodiments of the invention, as well as further advantages and details of the invention, can be found in the following description and the drawings. The schematic figures show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a hose structure according to the invention in a sectional view; Fig. 2 an end bead of a further embodiment of a hose structure according to the invention in a sectional view; Fig. 3 the connecting piece from Fig. 1 in a half-section view; Fig. 4 a detailed view of the end bulge from Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a manufacturing process according to the invention.

[0027] Parts that have the same or similar effects are provided with identical reference numbers, if applicable.

[0028] Individual technical features of the embodiments described below can also be combined with previously described embodiments as well as the features of the independent claims and any further claims to create objects according to the invention.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a hose assembly 1 according to the invention, comprising a hose 10 and a connector 2. The connector has a nipple 20 which defines a longitudinal center axis A and is inserted into the hose 10 in an inward direction E. The nipple 20 extends rotationally symmetrically about its longitudinal center axis, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 3 is recognizable. The position of the longitudinal center axis A is in Fig. Figure 3 shows the hose 10 correctly and the other figures only indicate it schematically. One end 11 of the hose 10 surrounds a connecting section 21 of the nipple 20 and is attached to it. The nipple 20 has a hose-side end 24, which is located inside the hose 10. On its outer surface 23, axially spaced from the hose-side end 24, the nipple 20 has at least one radially outwardly projecting retaining bead 22. The hose 10 has at least one carcass 12. The hose 10 has at least one connecting wire arrangement 101 for attaching the hose 10 to the nipple 20, which, viewed in the inward direction E, is located in front of the retaining bead 22. The nipple 20 transitions at its hose-side end 24 from an intermediate section 25 with constant outer radius r1 into an end bead 26, which bulges outwards both radially and axially inwards in the direction E.

[0030] In the present case, the carcass 12 has a first reinforcing layer 12a and a second reinforcing layer 12b, each formed from a textile reinforcement carrier coated with a rubber compound. The first reinforcing layer 12a extends against the inward direction E to behind the retaining bead 22 and is pressed against the outer surface 23 of the nipple 20 by the second connecting wire arrangement 102. The second reinforcing layer 12b extends against the inward direction E to an area between the retaining bead 22 and the end bead 26 and is pressed against the outer surface 23 of the nipple 20 by a first connecting wire arrangement 101.

[0031] The cross-section of the end bead 26 is now determined based on Fig. 2 described in more detail. Fig. Figure 2 shows an end bead 26 of a second embodiment of a hose assembly 1 according to the invention, which has an identical cross-section to the end bead 26 of the first embodiment, but unlike the first embodiment, it is formed in one piece.

[0032] The end bead 26 bulges radially outwards, i.e., relative to an imaginary lateral surface having an outer radius corresponding to the outer radius r1 of the intermediate section 25, the end bead 26 projects radially outwards, its axial extent tapering towards a point P2 or a section with maximum outer radius r2. Thus, starting from the imaginary lateral surface, part of the cross-section of the end bead 26 forms a convex surface extending radially outwards.

[0033] The end bead 26 also bulges outwards axially in the inward direction E, i.e., with respect to an imaginary flat end face of the nipple 20 perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis A, the end bead 26 projects outwards in the axial direction, its radial extent tapering towards a point P1 of the greatest extent of the end bead 26 in the inward direction E. Starting from the imaginary end face, part of the cross-section of the end bead 26 thus forms a convex surface extending in the inward direction E.

[0034] The distance a1 of point P1 of the greatest extent of the end bulge 26 in the inward direction E to the longitudinal center axis A is greater than the outer radius r1 of the intermediate section 25.

[0035] The axial position P2 of the largest outer radius r2 of the end bead 26 is closer to an end 262 of the end bead 26 facing away from the intermediate section 25 than to an end 261 of the end bead 26 facing the intermediate section 25.

[0036] The axial position P2 of the largest outer radius r2 of the end bead 26 is located in a last third 26a of the end bead 26 with respect to the inward direction E.

[0037] The largest outer radius r2 of the end bead 26 is greater than the sum of the outer radius r1 of the intermediate section 25 and the radial thickness d1 of the intermediate section 25.

[0038] An outer contour 263 of the cross-section of the end bead 26 is curved and partially straight. The curved sections 264, 265 of the outer contour 263 each have a radius of curvature that is greater than the radial thickness d1 of the intermediate section 25. The straight sections 266, 267 of the outer contour 263 are located only on the inner side of the end bead 26 facing the longitudinal center axis A.

[0039] A first subsection 26c of the end bead 26, extending in the inward direction E from the axial position P2 of the largest outer radius r2 of the end bead 26 to the point P1 of the greatest extent of the end bead 26 in the inward direction E, has a cross-section with a convex outer contour. The convex outer contour of the first subsection 26c has a curved section 264 whose radius of curvature is larger than the radial thickness d1 of the intermediate section 25.

[0040] A second subsection 26b of the end bead 26, extending in the inward direction E from an end 261 of the end bead 26 facing the intermediate section 25 to the axial position P2 of the largest outer radius r2 of the end bead 26, has a cross-section with a convex outer contour. The outer contour of the second subsection 26b has a curved section 265, the radius of curvature of which is larger than the radius of curvature of the curved section 264 of the first subsection 26c.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows the connector 2 from Fig. Figure 1 shows a half-section view. The nipple 20 contains a cylindrical base body 120 with a constant outer radius r1. A first annular body 126, which has a predefined cross-section with a convex outer contour that is at least partially curved, is attached to an outer surface 120a of the cylindrical base body 120 by means of welds 30, 31. The welds 30, 31 are removed according to a predefined contour of the end bead 26, e.g. by machining.

[0042] Furthermore, a second ring-shaped body 122 is attached to the cylindrical base body 120 by means of welds 32, 33 and forms the retaining bead 22. The retaining bead 22 has a larger maximum outer diameter than the end bead 26.

[0043] Fig. Figure 4 shows the end bead 26 of the connecting piece 2. Fig. 3 in detail. The annular body 126 is axially offset from an end face 120b of the cylindrical base body 120 by an offset distance V. The end face 120b of the cylindrical base body 120 is metallurgically connected to an inner surface 126b of the annular body 126 by means of a first weld 30. The outer surface 120a of the cylindrical base body 120 is metallurgically connected to a rear surface 126a of the annular body 126 by means of a second weld 31.

[0044] The connecting piece 2 has, in addition to the nipple 20, an end piece 123 designed as a flange protruding from the hose 10, which is attached to the nipple 20 by means of the weld 34.

[0045] Fig. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 100 for producing a hose assembly 1 according to the invention.

[0046] Procedure 100 indicates: - Manufacturing 110 of connector 2, comprising the following steps: - Arranging 111 a ring-shaped body 126, which has a predefined cross-section with a convex outer contour 263 that is at least partially curved, on an outer surface 120a of a cylindrical base body 120 with a constant outer radius r1, such that the ring-shaped body 126 projects axially from an end face 120b of the cylindrical base body 120; - Attaching 112, in particular by welding, the annular body 126 to the cylindrical base body 120, such that the annular body 126 and a part of the cylindrical base body 120 form at least a part of the end bead 26.

[0047] Procedure 100 further indicates: - Assemble 120 of the hose 10 around the connector 2.

[0048] It should also be noted that "showing" does not exclude any other elements or steps and "a" or "an" does not exclude a multitude.

[0049] The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the patent claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0672227 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Hose assembly (1) for marine applications, comprising a hose (10) and a connector (2) with a nipple (20) which defines a longitudinal central axis (A) and is inserted into the hose (10) in an inward direction (E), wherein one end (11) of the hose (10) surrounds and is attached to a connecting section (21) of the nipple (20), wherein the nipple (20) has a hose-side end (24) which is arranged inside the hose (10), wherein the nipple (20) is axially spaced from the hose-side end (24) and has at least one radially outwardly projecting retaining bead (22) on its outer side (23), wherein the hose (10) has at least one carcass (12), wherein the hose (10) has at least one connecting wire arrangement (101) for fastening the hose (10) to the nipple (20), which is arranged in front of the retaining bead (22) when viewed in the inward direction (E), characterized by , that the nipple (20) at its hose-side end (24) transitions from an intermediate section (25) with constant outer radius (r1) into an end bead (26) that bulges outwards both radially and axially inwards (E). [2] Hose construction (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distance (a1) of the point (P1) of the greatest extent of the end bead (26) in the inward direction (E) to the longitudinal center axis (A) is greater than the outer radius (r1) of the intermediate section (25). [3] Hose construction (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial position (P2) of the largest outer radius (r2) of the end bead (26) is closer to an end (262) of the end bead (26) facing away from the intermediate section (25) than to an end (261) of the end bead (26) facing the intermediate section (25). [4] Hose construction (1) according to claim 3, wherein the axial position (P2) of the largest outer radius (r2) of the end bead (26) is located in a last third (26a) of the end bead (26) with respect to the inward direction (E). [5] Hose construction (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the largest outer radius (r2) of the end bead (26) is at least as large as or greater than the sum of the outer radius (r1) of the intermediate section (25) and the radial thickness (d1) of the intermediate section (25). [6] Hose construction (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer contour (263) of the cross-section of the end bead (26) is curved and optionally partially straight, wherein the curved sections (264, 265) of the outer contour (263) have a radius of curvature which is greater than or equal to the radial thickness (d1) of the intermediate section (25). [7] Hose construction (1) according to claim 6, wherein the straight sections (266, 267) of the outer contour (263) are located only on the inside of the end bead (26). [8] Hose construction (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first partial section (26c) of the end bead (26), which extends in the inward direction (E) from the axial position (P2) of the largest outer radius (r2) of the end bead (26) to the point (P1) of the greatest extent of the end bead (26) in the inward direction (E), has a cross-section with a convex outer contour. [9] Hose assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the convex outer contour of the first subsection (26c) has a curved section (264) whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the radial thickness (d1) of the intermediate section (25). [10] Hose construction (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second subsection (26b) of the end bead (26), which extends in the inward direction (E) from an end (261) of the end bead (26) facing the intermediate section (25) to the axial position (P2) of the largest outer radius (r2) of the end bead (26), has a cross-section with a convex or convex-concave outer contour. [11] Hose assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the outer contour of the second subsection (26b) has a curved section (265) whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the radial thickness (d1) of the intermediate section (25). [12] Hose assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hose (10) has a second connecting wire arrangement (102) for fastening the hose (10) to the nipple (20), which is arranged at least partially between the retaining bead (22) and the end bead (26). [13] Method (100) for manufacturing a hose assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Manufacturing (110) the connector (2), comprising the following steps: - Arranging (111) a ring-shaped body (126) having a predefined cross-section with a convex outer contour (263) that is at least partially curved, on an outer surface (120a) of a cylindrical base body (120) with a constant outer radius (r1), such that the ring-shaped body (126) projects axially from an end face (120b) of the cylindrical base body (120); - Attaching (112), in particular by welding, the annular body (126) to the cylindrical base body (120) such that the annular body (126) and a part of the cylindrical base body (120) form at least a part of the end bead (26); and - Assemble (120) the hose (10) around the connector (2). [14] Method according to claim 12, wherein the end face (120b) of the cylindrical base body (120) is joined to an inner surface (126b) of the annular body (126) by means of a first weld (30) in a materially bonded manner. [15] Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the outer surface (120a) of the cylindrical base body (120) is joined to a rear surface (126a) of the annular body (126) by means of a second weld (31) in a materially bonded manner. [16] Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the weld seam or weld seams (30, 31) are removed, in particular machined, according to a predefined contour of the end bead (26).

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