Hose box

Abstract

A hose box (10) equipped with a replaceable and / or interchangeable battery pack is provided for the motorized winding of a hose (32), in particular a garden hose. It comprises a housing (12) and a hose drum (16) arranged within the housing (12) and rotating about a pivot axis, on which the hose (32) can be wound. The hose drum (16) comprises a drum shell (30) and drum discs (18) arranged thereon, the drum shell (30) comprising at least one cavity (36) with a coupling connection (38) provided therein, to which the hose (32) can be connected. Within the cavity (36), at least two guide elements (40, 40') are arranged such that the hose (32) is guided at least partially in a meandering manner around the at least two guide elements (40, 40').

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose box having the features of independent claim 1.

[0002] Hose boxes are known to have a hose reel, which allows hoses, such as garden hoses, to be neatly wound up and unwound from the reel when needed. However, a problem arises because a hose attached to the reel is often very difficult to access and, consequently, can only be replaced with considerable effort.

[0003] The following design is known from utility model DE202021100427U1: A hose box equipped with a replaceable and / or exchangeable battery pack for the motorized winding of a hose, in particular a garden hose, comprising at least a housing, a hose drum arranged inside the housing and rotating about an axis of rotation, on which the hose can be wound, wherein the hose drum comprises a hollow drum shell and drum discs arranged at least at its end faces, a coupling connection provided inside the hollow drum shell, to which the hose can be coupled and / or is coupled with a corresponding coupling piece, and wherein it is provided that a hose guide element is assigned to the drum shell, which projects at least partially into the hollow drum shell.and that the drum casing includes a recess at least partially in the area of ​​the hose guide element.

[0004] Furthermore, the arrangement is known from EP3812329A1. The invention relates to a hose reel unit for a high-pressure cleaner comprising a hose reel and a reel hose. The hose reel has a receiving space for the reel hose, wherein the reel hose has a first end for connection to a supply line of the high-pressure cleaner and a second end for connection to a cleaning lance.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a hose box with a simple design to which the hose can be easily connected and disconnected. Furthermore, the forces acting on the hose's coupling connection are to be reduced in the present hose reel.

[0006] The aforementioned problems are solved by a hose box having the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a hose box equipped with a replaceable and / or exchangeable battery pack for the motorized winding of a hose, in particular a garden hose. The hose can, in particular, be a replaceable and / or exchangeable hose.

[0008] The hose box comprises a housing. The housing can be formed in one piece or, preferably, in multiple parts. In a multi-part design, the housing can be formed by at least two housing halves.

[0009] Furthermore, a hose reel is provided, arranged inside the housing and rotating around a pivot axis, on which the hose can be wound. The hose reel comprises a drum shell and drum discs arranged on it.

[0010] The drum shell can have at least an approximate cylindrical shape. The drum discs can preferably be arranged and / or attached to the end faces of the drum shell. The drum discs can be, for example, force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fitted to the end faces of the drum shell, for example, coupled, clamped, or screwed together.

[0011] The drum discs can each have a round cross-section and be of the same size. Preferably, the drum discs can have a larger diameter than the drum shell, since the drum discs laterally define the hose wound onto the drum shell.

[0012] The drum discs can be solid or have at least one or more openings. The advantage of drum discs with at least one or more openings is that the weight of the drum discs, and therefore of the entire hose box, can be reduced. The one or more openings can have a round, square, or other cross-section. The openings can be of the same size or of different sizes.

[0013] The drum casing comprises at least one cavity with a coupling connection provided therein, to which the hose can be connected. In particular, the hose can be connected to the coupling connection via a corresponding coupling piece. Within the cavity, at least two guide elements are arranged such that the hose is guided in a meandering pattern around the at least two guide elements, at least in sections.

[0014] The two guide elements can also function as strain relief elements, since the meandering guide prevents forces acting on the hose, for example during unwinding, from directly affecting the coupling connection. As a result, wear on the hose box, and especially on the coupling connection and the hose itself, can be significantly reduced, thus increasing their service life.

[0015] The coupling connection can be located on the side of a drum disc that is inside the at least one cavity. In particular, the coupling connection can be located centrally or off-center on the side of the drum disc that is inside the at least one cavity. The coupling connection can be connected to a water supply via appropriate connecting lines.

[0016] To allow the hose to be guided in a meandering pattern around the at least two guide elements, at least in sections, the at least two guide elements can be bent or curved, at least in sections. The at least two guide elements can have the same bend or different bends. For example, the at least two guide elements can be convex, concave, or similarly curved. Alternatively, the at least two guide elements can also be semicircular, oval, or similarly shaped.

[0017] Furthermore, the at least two guide elements can be arranged at a distance from each other.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one cavity has a recess that transitions into the drum shell. The recess can have a size equal to or larger than the diameter of the hose, i.e., the recess can be designed such that the hose can be guided from the at least one cavity, through the recess, to the drum shell and then wound onto the drum shell. This improves the guidance of the hose.

[0019] In the area of ​​the recessed cavity, the drum shell can be reduced, at least in sections, to provide a guide for the hose from the at least one cavity to the drum shell. To improve hose guidance, at least one additional guide element can be provided in the area of ​​the recess. This guide element can have a concave curve. The curve can preferably be shaped such that the hose rests optimally on and is guided by this additional guide element.

[0020] Furthermore, it may be provided that the at least one cavity has a cover that can be opened. The cover may have the same curvature or curvature as the drum shell, i.e., the cover may close the at least one cavity in such a way that the cover is simultaneously part of the drum shell. This means that the drum shell is made of multiple parts, in particular two parts.

[0021] The cover can, for example, be pivotable or at least partially removable. The pivoting of the cover can be achieved, for instance, via any conceivable pivot and / or hinge connection or similar mechanism. It is also conceivable that the cover is attached to the drum shell by means of screw and / or clamp connections. By loosening the screw and / or clamp connections, the cover can be completely removed. Naturally, the cover can also be attached to the drum shell by any other detachable fasteners.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the cover is continuous or at least has one or more openings. These openings could, for example, have a round, square, or oval cross-section, or the like.

[0023] The open cavity allows the operator access to the coupling connection. To connect the hose to the coupling, the hose can be inserted through the recess into the cavity and then wrapped around the at least two guide elements. To disconnect, the hose can be detached from the coupling connection, removed from the guide elements, and pulled off through the recess.

[0024] Furthermore, the hose box housing features an access opening with a removable housing section element, providing access to the drum casing and its cover. This removable housing section element can be in the form of a lid or similar component. It can be attached to the housing, for example, via detachable force-fit or form-fit connections, such as screw and / or clamp connections. Alternatively, the housing section element can be pivotally attached to the housing via a hinge or other pivoting mechanism.

[0025] The drum casing can also include at least one further cavity in which the drive unit is located. The drive unit can be an electric motor. For motorized winding of the hose onto the hose reel, the hose box can be equipped with an actuating unit, for example in the form of a switch, push button, or the like.

[0026] Alternatively, the drive unit can also be controlled wirelessly via at least one external control unit. This control unit could be, for example, a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or similar device.

[0027] Furthermore, the hose box may be provided with at least one battery pack interface to which the battery pack can be connected to supply the drive unit with electrical energy. The battery pack interface may be electrically connected to the drive unit via cables.

[0028] The battery pack interface can be located on the outside of the housing. To protect the battery pack interface from moisture, dirt, or similar contaminants, it can be housed within a protective enclosure. This enclosure can be hinged or completely removable, for example. Furthermore, the enclosure can be fitted with a sealing element to largely prevent the ingress of moisture, dust, or similar contaminants.

[0029] The battery pack can be designed as a replaceable battery pack, meaning it can be interchangeable or replaceable with another battery pack. In particular, the battery pack can be designed as a replaceable battery pack or a system battery pack, which means that, in addition to the hose box in question, the battery pack can be used universally to supply electrical power to various electrical devices, such as power tools, electric garden equipment, household appliances, vehicles, or the like.

[0030] The at least one battery pack can comprise at least one battery pack housing, within which at least one battery cell is arranged. The at least one battery cell can, in particular, be a lithium-ion battery cell. The mention of lithium-ion is not intended to be restrictive, as the at least one battery cell can, for example, also be a nickel-cadmium battery cell, a lithium-polymer battery cell, or any other conceivable battery cell. Preferably, several battery cells, for example five or ten battery cells, can be arranged within the at least one battery pack housing. The several battery cells can be connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0031] The battery pack housing can be made of one or more parts. Preferably, the battery pack housing can be made of two parts, consisting of a lower part and an upper part. A conductor carrier can be provided inside the battery pack housing, which is electrically connected to the at least one battery cell. The conductor carrier can be a printed circuit board or circuit board. Various electronic components, such as a push button, power MOSFET, etc., can be mounted on the conductor carrier. The battery pack can also be equipped with a battery management system.

[0032] Furthermore, the hose box may be designed to include at least one holding and / or carrying element, such as a handle, indentations, or similar features. This holding and / or carrying element makes it easier for an operator to carry the hose box.

[0033] The housing of the hose box also includes a mounting section, via which the hose box can be hung on a suitable bracket.

[0034] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual relative sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows the hose box according to the invention in a schematic perspective view. Fig. 2 shows the hose reel of the in Figure 1 The hose box shown, with the meandering hose guide, is depicted in a schematic perspective view. Fig. 3 shows the hose reel Figure 2 in a perspective sectional view.

[0035] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention can be configured and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0036] The Figure 1 The hose box 10 according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0037] The hose box 10 comprises a housing 12, which is formed from at least two housing halves 14, 14'. The at least two housing halves 14, 14' are connected to each other by fastening means not shown here. Inside the housing 12, a hose reel 16 is provided, rotating about a pivot axis. A hose 32, in particular a garden hose, is wound on the hose reel 16 (at least partially in Fig. 2 or 3 (as shown) can be wound up.

[0038] The housing 12 has a mounting section 20, via which the hose box 10 can be suspended from a corresponding bracket 22, here in the form of a wall bracket. Alternatively, the hose box 10 can also be suspended in another way, for example on a hose cart designed for this purpose.

[0039] To facilitate carrying and / or holding the hose box 10, the hose box 10 has at least one holding and / or carrying element 24, 24' on the housing 12. The holding and / or carrying element 24, 24' is formed by a carrying handle.

[0040] The housing of the hose box also includes a mounting section, via which the hose box 10 can be suspended from a suitable bracket.

[0041] The hose box 10 includes a drive unit (not shown) formed by an electric motor. The hose box 10 includes at least one battery pack interface (not shown) to which a battery pack (not shown) can be connected to supply the drive unit with electrical energy. The battery pack interface and the drive unit are electrically connected to each other via cables (not shown).

[0042] The battery pack is designed as an interchangeable battery pack, meaning it can be replaced or exchanged for another battery pack. Specifically, the battery pack is designed as an interchangeable or system battery pack, meaning that in addition to the hose box 10 presented here, it can be used universally to supply electrical power to various electrical devices, such as power tools, electric garden equipment, household appliances, vehicles, or the like.

[0043] To protect the battery pack interface and the connected battery pack from moisture, dirt, dust, or the like, a protective housing 26 is provided. The battery pack interface is located inside this protective housing 26. The protective housing 26 is designed to be pivotable.

[0044] The hose box 10 is also assigned an actuation unit 50, for example in the form of a switch, or button or the like, by means of which the drive unit is controlled and a motorized winding of the hose 32 onto the hose drum 16 is carried out.

[0045] To provide access to the hose reel 16, the housing 12 includes an access opening with a removable housing section element 28. The housing section element 28 is attached to the housing 12 by means of detachable clamping and / or screw connections, which are not shown here.

[0046] In the Figure 2 and 3 The hose reel 16 of the hose box 10 is shown in different views and perspectives, with in Figure 2 the meandering guide of hose 32 and in Figure 3 Further details of the hose reel 16 are shown.

[0047] The hose reel 16 comprises a drum shell 30 with a largely cylindrical shape. Drum discs 18 are coupled and / or attached to the end faces of the drum shell 30. The drum discs 18 serve, among other things, to laterally confine the hose 32 that is wound or to be wound onto the drum shell 30.

[0048] The drum discs 18 have a multitude of drum disc openings 34, which have a rectangular cross-section. The multitude of drum disc openings 34 reduces the weight of the hose reel 16 and thus of the entire hose reel 16.

[0049] The drum shell 30 comprises at least one cavity 36, within which a coupling connection 38 is provided. The coupling connection 38 is located on an inner surface of the drum disc 18 facing the cavity 36. The hose 32 can be connected to this coupling connection 38 via a corresponding coupling piece (not shown). Furthermore, the coupling connection 38 can be connected to a water supply via lines (not shown).

[0050] In the Figure 2 It is particularly evident that at least two guide elements 40, 40' are provided within the at least one cavity 36. The at least two guide elements 40, 40' are bent or curved, at least in sections. The bending or curvature of the at least two guide elements 40, 40' can be the same or different.

[0051] The at least two guide elements 40, 40' can each be designed and, in particular, arranged at a distance from one another such that the hose 32 is guided and / or laid in a meandering pattern around the at least two guide elements 40, 40', at least in sections. The at least two guide elements 40, 40' also function as strain relief elements, since, for example, the forces occurring when unwinding the hose 32 no longer act directly on the coupling connection, but can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, it is from the Figure 2 and 3It is evident that the at least one cavity 36 has a recess 42 that transitions into the drum shell 30; that is, the drum shell 30 is reduced, at least partially, in the area of ​​the recess 42, thereby providing a guide for the hose 32 from the at least one cavity 36 to the hose drum 16. To further support the guidance of the hose 32 in the area of ​​the recess 42, at least one additional guide element 44 is provided in this area. The guide element 44 has a concave curve on which the hose 32 can rest optimally.

[0053] The at least one cavity 36 can be closed by means of a cover 46, such that the cover is an integral part of the drum shell 30, i.e., the cover 46 has the same curvature as the drum shell 30. The cover 46 can be attached to the drum shell 30, for example, by means of screws and / or clamps, to cover the at least one cavity 36.

[0054] With cover 46 removed and housing section element 28 removed (see below). Fig. 1 Thus, an operator of the hose reel 10 can guide the hose 32 through the recess 42 in order to position the at least two guide elements 40, 40' and then connect them to the coupling port 38. In case of wear, maintenance, or the like, the operator can also remove the hose 32 in the reverse manner.

[0055] Through the Figure 2It becomes clear that the hose drum 16 has at least one further cavity 48 within which the drive unit is arranged. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0056] 10 Hose box 12 Housing 14 Housing half 14' Housing half 16 Hose reel 18 Drum discs 20 Mounting section 22 Bracket 24 Holding and / or support element 24' Holding and / or support element 26 Protective housing 28 Housing section element 30 Drum shell 32 Hose 34 Drum disc opening 36 Cavity 38 Coupling connection 40 Guide element 40' Guide element 42 Recess 44 Further guide element 46 Cover 48 Further cavity 50 Actuating unit

Claims

1. A hose box (10) equipped with an exchangeable and / or replaceable battery pack for motorized winding of a hose (32), in particular of a garden hose, at least comprising - a housing (12), - a hose reel (16) arranged within the housing (12) and rotating about a rotational axis, on which the hose (32) can be wound, - wherein the hose reel (16) includes a reel shell (30) and reel disks (18) arranged thereon, - wherein the reel shell (30) includes at least one cavity (36) with a coupling connection (38) provided therein, to which the hose (32) can be coupled, characterized in that - at least two guiding elements (40, 40') are arranged within the cavity (36) such that the hose (32) is guided around the at least two guiding elements (40, 40') in meander-shaped manner at least in sections.

2. The hose box according to claim 1, wherein the at least two guiding elements (40, 40') are bent or curved at least in sections, wherein the at least two guiding elements (40, 40') have a same bend or a different bend.

3. The hose box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one cavity (36) comprises a recess (42), which transitions into the reel shell (30).

4. The hose box according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reel shell (30) is stepped down at least in sections in the area of the recess (42) of the at least one cavity (36) to provide a guidance for the hose (32) at least in sections.

5. The hose box according to claim 4, wherein at least one further guiding element (44) is provided in the area of the recess (42).

6. The hose box according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one cavity (36) comprises a cover (46), which can be opened.

7. The hose box according to claim 6, in which the cover (46) is continuously formed or comprises at least one or more apertures.

8. The hose box according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the housing (12) comprises an access opening with a removable housing section element (28), via which an access to the reel shell (30) and the cover (46) thereof is possible.

9. The hose box according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reel shell (30) includes at least one further cavity (48), within which the drive unit is arranged.

10. The hose box according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises at least one battery interface, to which the battery pack can be coupled to supply the drive unit with electrical energy.

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