Extendable hose assembly with an elastic, braided protective sleeve and a double-locking connector.

Abstract

Extendable hose assembly with an elastic, braided protective sleeve and a double-locking connector, including: Connections (1), wherein two connections (1) are provided, each connection (1) comprising a quick-connect base (11) with an inner core (12) positioned on one side of the quick-connect base (11), wherein a connecting sleeve (13) is attached outside around the inner core (12) and a protective sleeve (14) is attached outside around the connecting sleeve (13), wherein the protective sleeve (14) is screwed to the quick-connect base (11); an inner tube (2), wherein the inner tube (2) is connected at both ends to the two connecting pieces (1), wherein the inner tube (2) is made of elastic material and the inner tube (2) has an aluminum buckle No. 1 (21) positioned at the end near the connecting piece (1); wherein an outer tube (3) is wrapped around the outer tube (2), wherein the outer tube (3) is woven from elastic warp threads and non-elastic weft threads, wherein the surface of the outer tube (3) has folds, wherein an aluminum buckle No. 2 (31) is attached to the end of the outer tube (3) next to the connection (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fluid supply devices, in particular to an extendable hose assembly with an elastic braided protective cover and a double-lockable connector.

[0002] Extendable water hoses, as flexible water supply devices that can expand axially and radially, have gradually replaced traditional rigid pipes due to their practical storage and versatile applications. They are now used in many sectors, including home gardening, municipal landscaping, car washing, and agricultural irrigation. In landscaping, they effortlessly supply water to every corner, thus meeting the irrigation needs of plants and trees. In agricultural irrigation, their length and position can be flexibly adjusted to the watering requirements of different plots, enabling efficient irrigation. In the car wash industry, extendable hoses offer operators significant advantages, as they can be freely extended and retracted, allowing for easy cleaning of all vehicle parts.

[0003] The current connection structure for telescopic hoses is predominantly based on a single-stage riveting process. During assembly, the end of the inner tube and the outer fabric sleeve are simultaneously slipped over a metal connector insert and then secured in one step with aluminum or plastic clamps. While this method appears to streamline assembly, it has significant structural weaknesses. First, the different materials and widely varying moduli of elasticity of the inner tube and the fabric sleeve make it difficult to achieve an even distribution of stress during crimping, which can lead to one side loosening or becoming damaged. Second, the inner tube tends to expand outwards under internal pressure when pressurized water flows through the tube.If the outer fabric sleeve does not provide effective retention or deforms accordingly, a bulge can occur at the connection point. This further increases the stress concentration in the area of ​​the aluminum clamp and ultimately leads to the connection detaching or leaks.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an extendable water hose assembly with an elastic braided protective sheath and double locking connectors, thereby eliminating the unreliability and susceptibility to separation and damage that occur in existing extendable hose connection structures.

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned goal, the invention proposes the following technical solution: an extendable water hose assembly with an elastic braided protective cover and double-locking connectors, consisting of: Two connectors, each comprising a quick-release coupling base with an inner core on one side. A connecting sleeve is fitted over the outer surface of the inner core, with a protective sleeve fitted over the outer surface of the connecting sleeve. The protective sleeve is screwed to the quick-release coupling base.

[0006] An inner tube, both ends of which are connected to the two couplings. The inner tube is made of elastic material and has an aluminum buckle No. 1 at the end adjacent to the coupling.

[0007] An outer tube encases the outer surface of the inner tube. The outer tube is woven from elastic warp threads and inelastic weft threads. The surface of the outer tube has folds. A second aluminum buckle is positioned at the end of the outer tube near the connectors.

[0008] Furthermore, the end of the inner tube is wrapped around the outer surface of the inner core, with the first aluminium buckle positioned on the inner tube side next to the inner core.

[0009] Furthermore, the first aluminum buckle secures the inner tube to the outer surface of the inner core, with the connecting sleeve positioned outside around the inner tube and the first aluminum buckle.

[0010] In addition, the end of the outer pipe is wrapped around the outside of the coupling sleeve, with the second aluminium clamp positioned on the side of the outer pipe next to the coupling sleeve.

[0011] Furthermore, the second aluminum clamp secures the outer pipe to the outside of the connecting sleeve, with the protective sleeve positioned on the outside of the outer pipe and the second aluminum clamp.

[0012] Furthermore, the connection is made of plastic.

[0013] In comparison to the prior art, the present invention offers an extendable water hose assembly with an elastic braided protective sleeve and a double-locking connector. A double-locking mechanism is formed by attaching the inner and outer tubes to the connector via the first and second aluminum clamps, respectively. The first aluminum clamp firmly secures the inner tube to the outer surface of the connector's inner core, thus ensuring a secure and resistant connection between the inner tube and the connector. The second aluminum clamp secures the outer tube to the outer surface of the connecting sleeve, thereby increasing the stability of the connection between the outer tube and the connector. This double-locking design integrates the inner and outer tubes at the connection, thus increasing the robustness of the connection.A combined rivet and screw connection is used: First, the connection is riveted to the inner tube for temporary fixation. Then, the connecting sleeve and the fabric sleeve are riveted to reinforce the connection. Finally, the protective sleeve and the quick-connect base are screwed together. This multi-layered connection method ensures a tighter integration between the components and effectively withstands the tensile forces, torques, and impacts generated during hose operation. It minimizes gaps and stress concentration points at the connection points, thus improving the strength and stability of the connection. At the same time, this connection method offers excellent sealing properties, effectively preventing water leaks and ensuring operational reliability.

[0014] To overcome the limitations of non-elastic outer sleeves in existing expandable hoses, this application utilizes a unique elastic textile weaving process for the outer sheath. The outer sheath consists of 132-136 warp threads of 300D yarn and 20 warp threads of 52-gauge rubber-coated latex filament, woven with 600D yarn as the weft thread. Regarding radial expansion, the outer sheath responds quickly when the inner sheath expands radially due to increased water pressure, expanding synchronously with the inner sheath's expansion. The elastic warp threads (latex filaments) in the outer sheath exhibit excellent elasticity and recovery properties. They expand as the inner sheath expands and quickly return to their original state when the water pressure decreases and the inner sheath contracts, thus ensuring a tight fit around the inner sheath for effective protection.This radial elastic expansion capacity not only prevents local stress concentrations within the inner pipe caused by the constraints of the fabric sleeve, thus reducing the risk of damage to the inner pipe, but also ensures unimpeded water flow within the pipe, thereby improving water supply efficiency. Regarding axial expansion, the folded structure of the outer pipe plays a crucial role. When the inner pipe expands or contracts axially, the folds adjust accordingly. As the inner pipe expands, the corrugations gradually smooth out to accommodate its lengthening. Conversely, when the inner pipe contracts, the corrugations reform, allowing the outer pipe to precisely match its contraction.This unique mechanism for adapting to axial expansion allows the flexible hose to effortlessly expand and contract in various applications, thus preventing problems such as twisting or kinking. This improves both usability and comfort during use. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic overall structure diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional scheme of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a scheme of the braided wire of the outer tube of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] To enable experts to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, a detailed description of the invention is given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] As in the Fig. Shown in numbers 1 to 4: Example 1:

[0017] The present invention provides an extendable water hose assembly with an elastic braided protective cover and a double-locking connector, consisting of:

[0018] Two terminals 1, each comprising a quick-connect base 11. One side of the quick-connect base 11 has an inner core 12, which is surrounded externally by a connecting sleeve 13. The connecting sleeve 13 is additionally surrounded by a protective sleeve 14, which is screwed to the quick-connect base 11;

[0019] An inner tube 2, both ends of which are connected to the two connecting pieces 1. The inner tube 2 is made of elastic material and has an aluminum buckle 21 at the end adjacent to the connecting piece 1.

[0020] An outer tube 3 is wrapped around the outside of the inner tube 2. The outer tube 3 is woven from elastic warp threads and inelastic weft threads. The surface of the outer tube 3 has folds. An aluminum buckle 31 is positioned at the end of the outer tube 3 near the connector 1.

[0021] More precisely, the end of the inner tube 2 is wrapped around the outside of the inner core 12. The first aluminum buckle 21 is located on the side of the inner tube 2 next to the inner core 12 and serves to secure the inner tube 2 to the outside of the inner core 12. The connecting sleeve 13 is located on the outside of the inner tube 2 and the first aluminum buckle 21. The end of the outer tube 3 is wrapped around the outside of the connecting sleeve 13. The second aluminum clamp 31 is positioned on the side of the outer tube 3 next to the connecting sleeve 13. The second aluminum clamp 31 secures the outer tube 3 to the outside of the connecting sleeve 13. A protective sleeve 14 is fitted over the outer tube 3 and the second aluminum clamp 31. The connector 1 is made of plastic.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, two connections 1 are positioned at each end of the water tube to connect the water source and the spray head. The inner tube 2 occupies the central position and provides the water supply and telescopic functions. The outer tube 3 is wrapped around the outer surface of the inner tube 2, providing protection and facilitating coordinated deformation. The first aluminum clamp 21 and the second aluminum clamp 31 serve to secure the inner tube 2 and the outer tube 3. The quick-connect base 11, the inner core 12, the connecting sleeve 13, and the protective sleeve 14 form the complete connection 1. In this embodiment, the inner tube 2 is extruded from a mixture of natural latex and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and exhibits excellent elastic recovery properties.The inner tube 2 acts as a water passage and automatically expands axially and radially when pressurized with water. After the water supply is removed, it returns to its original length due to the inherent elasticity of the material. The outer sheath 3 is manufactured using a special weaving technique: 132-136 warp threads of 300D yarn and 20 warp threads of 52-gauge rubber-coated filament are interwoven with 600D yarn as the weft thread, creating an outer sheath 3 that can expand and contract radially. Once the weaving process is complete, the outer tube 3 encases the outside of the inner tube 2, thus protecting it from external damage such as UV radiation, abrasion, and punctures. It expands synchronously with the radial expansion of the inner tube 2, preventing the tearing that occurs with the passive stretching of conventional non-elastic fabric sheaths.Its surface has a pre-set pleated structure: when the inner tube 2 is subjected to axial extension, the pleats smooth out; upon contraction, it reforms to compensate for changes in length. In a configuration with the inner tube 2 being 2.6 times its length, the outer tube 3 expands to three times its original length under a water pressure of 4 to 4.5 bar. In a configuration with the inner tube 2 being 1 time its length, it expands to 1.15 to 1.25 times its original length under the same pressure.

[0023] The quick-connect base 11 allows for rapid connection to faucets or spray heads compatible with standard models. The inner core 12 consists of a cylindrical insert with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the bore of the inner tube 2. The inner tube 2 is slipped over its circumference to form a sealed push-fit connection. The connecting sleeve 13 is fitted around the outside of the inner core 12 and covers the area of ​​the aluminum clamp 21 to form a mounting platform for the outer tube 3. The protective sleeve 14 is fitted over the end of the outer tube 3 and over the second aluminum clip 31. It is screwed onto the quick-connect base 11 and locked in place to compress the entire connection area, thus improving the tightness and tensile strength.The first aluminum clip 21 is located on the outside at the connection point between the inner tube 2 and the inner core 12 and securely locks the inner tube 2 onto the inner core 12 to prevent slippage. This secures the inner tube 2 independently and without overlap with the outer tube 3. The second aluminum clip 31 is located on the outside at the end of the outer tube 3 next to the contact area of ​​the connecting sleeve 13. It secures the outer tube 3 to the connecting sleeve 13 and forms a second mechanical lock. This clip is axially offset from the first aluminum clip 21, so that no mutual interference occurs. This ensures that the inner and outer tubes are fixed separately and in stages.

[0024] Operating principle: Slide the left end of the inner tube 2 over the outer circumference of the inner core 12 at the left connector 1. Use a hydraulic crimping tool to attach the first aluminum clip 21 at the connection point. This creates the mechanical lock between the inner tube 2 and the inner core 12. Slide the left end of the outer tube 3 over the area of ​​the installed aluminum clip 21, covering the connecting sleeve 13. Attach the aluminum clip 31 to the end of the outer tube 3 to secure it to the connecting sleeve 13. Place the protective sleeve 14 on the quick-connect base 11 and tighten it securely. Repeat the above steps to complete the symmetrical assembly at the right end. Finally, connect the end pieces 1 of the assembled telescopic hose to the water source or spray heads via the quick-connect base 11.When the water supply is activated, the inner pipe 2 expands radially and axially under water pressure, or contracts. The outer pipe 3 expands or contracts elastically to compensate for the movement of the inner pipe, thus ensuring proper water flow and supply. This fulfills a variety of application requirements such as garden irrigation, watering, and vehicle washing. Reference symbol list 1 connection 11 Quick connection base 12 inner core 13 Connecting sleeve 14 Protective case 2 inner tube 21 Aluminum clamp No. 1 3 Outer pipe 31 Aluminum clamp No. 2

Claims

[1] Extendable hose assembly with an elastic, braided protective sleeve and a double-locking connector, comprising: Connections (1), wherein two connections (1) are provided, each connection (1) comprising a quick-connect base (11) with an inner core (12) positioned on one side of the quick-connect base (11), wherein a connecting sleeve (13) is attached outside around the inner core (12) and a protective sleeve (14) is attached outside around the connecting sleeve (13), wherein the protective sleeve (14) is screwed to the quick-connect base (11); an inner tube (2), wherein the inner tube (2) is connected at both ends to the two connecting pieces (1), wherein the inner tube (2) is made of elastic material and the inner tube (2) has an aluminum buckle No. 1 (21) positioned at the end near the connecting piece (1); wherein an outer tube (3) is wrapped around the outer tube (2), wherein the outer tube (3) is woven from elastic warp threads and non-elastic weft threads, wherein the surface of the outer tube (3) has folds, wherein an aluminum buckle No. 2 (31) is attached to the end of the outer tube (3) next to the connection (1). [2] Hose assembly according to claim 1, characterized by , that the end of the inner tube (2) is wrapped around the outer surface of the inner core (12) and the first aluminium clamp (21) is positioned on the side of the inner tube (2) that is adjacent to the inner core (12). [3] Hose assembly according to claim 2, characterized by , that the first aluminium clamp (21) is configured to secure the inner tube (2) to the outside of the inner core (12), and that the connecting sleeve (13) is positioned on the outside of both the inner tube (2) and the first aluminium clamp (21). [4] Hose assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the end of the outer tube (3) is wrapped around the outside of the connecting sleeve (13) and the second aluminium clamp (31) is positioned on the side of the outer tube (3) that is adjacent to the connecting sleeve (13). [5] Hose assembly according to claim 4, characterized by , that the second aluminium clamp (31) is configured to secure the outer tube (3) to the outside of the connecting sleeve (13), with the protective sleeve (14) positioned outside around both the outer tube (3) and the second aluminium clamp (31). [6] Hose assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connector (1) is made of plastic.

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