Hose precursor and method for producing hose

Abstract

To provide a technology that can improve work efficiency and improve quality of a hose by simplifying a process of opening an opening.SOLUTION: There is provided a hose precursor comprising: a hose body; an opening formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hose body; a blocking portion that blocks the opening; and a connecting portion that is formed on an outer periphery of the blocking portion and connects an inner circumferential wall of the opening and an outer circumferential wall of the blocking portion. The connection portion includes a first region having a thickness of zero (0) or thinner than a thickness of the hose body and a second region having a thickness thicker than a thickness of the first region, which are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to hose precursors and methods of making hoses, and more particularly to precursors and methods of making hoses configured as components of vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Hoses are used in a variety of applications as components of vehicles such as automobiles, such as in the air intake system responsible for supplying air to the engine, where hoses are used as conduits for air from the air cleaner to the engine.

[0003] Such hoses may have openings formed in their outer periphery, for example to allow for the bifurcated path of gas or liquid through the interior of the hose.

[0004] The hose can be formed, for example, by injection molding, which is a molding method for manufacturing a product having a specific shape or structure by melting a thermoplastic material such as plastic or resin and injecting it into a mold.

[0005] When a hose is molded by injection molding, the mold is composed of an outer mold having a shape that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the hose, and an inner mold having a shape that conforms to the inner peripheral surface of the hose. A hose precursor can be molded by injecting a molding material into a cavity formed between the outer mold and the inner mold. The outer mold and the hose precursor are then separated. Furthermore, the hose precursor and the inner mold can be easily separated by injecting gas between them.

[0006] However, when an opening is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the hose, gas leaks from the opening, making it difficult to separate the hose precursor from the inner mold. Therefore, it is necessary to mold the hose precursor with the opening closed, and to open the opening after separating the hose precursor from the inner mold.

[0007] Conventionally, openings are made by processing the openings with a blade or the like. However, poor processing can result in burrs (unwanted protrusions) around the inner periphery of the openings, which can reduce the quality of the hose. This requires processing to remove the burrs, which reduces work efficiency. In addition, processing the openings with a blade or the like is time-consuming, which reduces work efficiency. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can make openings without using a blade in order to improve work efficiency.

[0008] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for simply manufacturing a branch hose, which includes a "drilling process in which the knob portion of a branch hose precursor is grasped and pulled toward the branch passage to break the occlusion portion from the branch portion, and the knob portion is removed from the branch passage together with the occlusion portion to open a communicating hole." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-125813 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, there is room for improvement in the technology for opening the apertures.

[0011] Therefore, the main objective of the present technology is to provide a technology that can improve work efficiency and improve the quality of the hose by simplifying the process of opening the opening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This technology is A hose body, an opening formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hose body; A closing portion that closes the opening; a connecting portion formed on an outer periphery of the blocking portion and connecting an inner circumferential wall of the opening portion and an outer circumferential wall of the blocking portion, A hose precursor is provided, in which the connection portion has first regions, the thickness of which is zero or is thinner than the thickness of the hose body, and second regions, the thickness of which is thicker than the thickness of the first regions, alternating in a circumferential direction. The second region may have a circumferential width or thickness, or both, that decreases from an outer circumferential wall of the blocking portion toward an inner circumferential wall of the opening. In addition, this technology: A hose body, and an opening formed on an outer peripheral surface of the hose body, a molding process in which a molding material is injected between an outer mold having a shape along the outer peripheral surface of the hose body and an inner mold having a shape along the inner peripheral surface of the hose body to mold a hose precursor including the hose body, a closing portion that closes the opening, and a connecting portion formed around the outer periphery of the closing portion and that connects an inner peripheral wall of the opening and an outer peripheral wall of the closing portion; an outer mold separating step of separating the outer mold from the hose precursor; an inner mold separating step of injecting a gas between the hose precursor and the inner mold to separate the hose precursor from the inner mold; and an opening step of breaking the connection portion to separate the blocking portion from the opening, thereby opening the opening, The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a hose, wherein the connection portion has first regions, each having a thickness of zero or thinner than the thickness of the hose body, and second regions, each having a thickness thicker than the first region, alternating in a circumferential direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a hose according to the present technology. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing a hose according to the present technology. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3A is a schematic side view showing an example of a hose preform 1 according to the present technology, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the example of a hose preform 1 according to the present technology. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose precursor 1 according to the present technology, Fig. 4B is an end view taken along line XX in Fig. 4A, and Fig. 4C is an end view taken along line YY in Fig. 4A. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing a hose according to the present technology. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic plan view of an opening 12 as viewed from the outside of a hose precursor 1 according to the present technology. FIG. [Figure 7] Fig. 7A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose precursor 1 according to the present technology, and Fig. 7B is an end view taken along line ZZ of Fig. 7A. [Figure 8] Fig. 8A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose precursor 1 according to the present technology, and Fig. 8B is an end view taken along line AA in Fig. 8A. [Figure 9] Fig. 9A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose precursor 1 according to the present technology, and Fig. 9B is an end view taken along line BB in Fig. 9A. [Figure 10] Fig. 10A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose precursor 1 according to the present technology, Fig. 10B is an end view taken along line YY in Fig. 10A, and Fig. 10C is an end view taken along line ZZ in Fig. 10A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are representative examples of the present technology, and any of the embodiments can be combined. In addition, the scope of the present technology is not narrowly interpreted by these.

[0015] In the following description of the embodiments, the configuration may be described using terms with "approximately" such as "approximately parallel" and "approximately perpendicular". For example, "approximately parallel" does not only mean completely parallel, but also means substantially parallel, that is, including a state in which the state is deviated from the completely parallel state by, for example, about several percent. The same applies to other terms with "approximately". In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. The scale of the drawings is emphasized to make the characteristics of the technology easier to understand. Therefore, it should be noted that the scale of the drawings and the scale of the actual device are not necessarily the same.

[0016] Unless otherwise specified, in the drawings, "top" means the top direction or upper side in the drawing, "bottom" means the bottom direction or lower side in the drawing, "left" means the left direction or left side in the drawing, and "right" means the right direction or right side in the drawing. In addition, in the drawings, the same or equivalent elements or members are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0017] [1. First embodiment (example of hose manufacturing method)] [(1) Overview] For convenience of explanation, a method for manufacturing a hose will be described first. The present technology provides a method for manufacturing a hose. Specifically, the present technology provides a method for manufacturing a hose including a hose body and an opening formed on an outer peripheral surface of the hose body.

[0018] The hose manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, as a part of a vehicle. Examples of such vehicles include automobiles, motorcycles, trains, monorails, linear motor cars, diesel locomotives, etc. The hose can be particularly preferably used in automobiles.

[0019] The hose according to the present technology can be used in various applications. For example, in an air intake system involved in supplying air to a vehicle engine, the hose can be used as a conduit for air from an air cleaner to the engine. In a cooling system for an engine, transmission, or the like, the hose can be used to carry coolant. In a fuel system, the hose can be used to supply fuel from a fuel tank to an engine. In a brake system, the hose can be used to send brake fluid to a brake caliper or brake cylinder. In a power steering system, the hose can be used to assist steering operation by utilizing hydraulic pressure. In particular, the hose according to the present technology can be suitably used as an air intake hose.

[0020] A method for manufacturing a hose according to the present technology will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the method for manufacturing a hose according to the present technology.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the method for manufacturing a hose according to the present technology includes a molding step (step S1), an outer mold separating step (step S2), an inner mold separating step (step S3), and an opening step (step S4).

[0022] [(2) Molding process (Step S1)] First, in the molding process (step S1), a hose precursor is molded using an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine is a device for injecting molding material into a mold having the shape of the hose precursor. The injection molding machine is composed of parts such as a hopper for holding the molding material and an injection port for injecting the molding material. The injection molding machine is preset to operate at the appropriate temperature and pressure.

[0023] The injection molding machine injects molding material softened at a temperature lower than the temperature at which the crosslinking reaction starts (generally about 70°C to 80°C) into a mold. This mold will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the method for manufacturing a hose according to the present technology.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2A, the mold includes an outer mold 21 having a shape that conforms to the outer peripheral surface of the hose body, and an inner mold 22 having a shape that conforms to the inner peripheral surface of the hose body. When the outer mold 21 and the inner mold 22 are overlapped, a cavity 23 is formed between the outer mold 21 and the inner mold 22. A molding material is injected into the cavity 23 from the injection port of the injection molding machine (see Fig. 2B). This forms a hose precursor 1 that includes a hose body 11, an opening 12, a closing portion 13, and a knob portion 15.

[0025] The molding material is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined elasticity when formed into a product. For example, ethylene propylene diene rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic olefin, fluororubber, silicone rubber, polyurethane, etc. may be used as the molding material.

[0026] The injected molding material is then heat-pressed in the mold to carry out a vulcanization reaction. This heat-pressing is generally carried out at a temperature of about 180°C. The molding material solidifies through the vulcanization reaction, forming a hose precursor 1 with the desired shape.

[0027] It should be noted that other techniques than injection molding may be used to form the hose, such as transfer molding or compression molding.

[0028] A configuration example of this hose preform will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3A is a schematic side view showing an example of a hose preform 1 according to the present technology, and Fig. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the example of the hose preform 1 according to the present technology.

[0029] 3, the hose precursor 1 includes a hose body 11 and an opening 12. The opening 12 can be provided, for example, at a branching portion 16 branching off from the hose body 11, or, although not shown, the opening 12 can be provided on a side wall of the hose body 11. The opening 12 can, for example, divert gas or liquid passing through the inside of the hose body 11 from the hose body 11 to the outside or to another member.

[0030] The inside of the opening 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose precursor 1 according to the present technology. Fig. 4B is an end view taken along line XX in Fig. 4A. Fig. 4C is an end view taken along line YY in Fig. 4A.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4A, the hose precursor 1 includes a blocking portion 13 that blocks the opening 12, and a connecting portion 14 (the portion shaded in light ink in Fig. 4A). The connecting portion 14 is formed on the outer periphery of the blocking portion 13 (the portion indicated by the dashed line 131 in Fig. 4A), and connects the inner peripheral wall of the opening 12 (the portion indicated by the dashed line 121 in Fig. 4A) and the outer peripheral wall of the blocking portion 13 (the portion indicated by the dashed line 131 in Fig. 4A). The shape features of the connecting portion 14 will be described later.

[0032] [(3) Outer mold separation process (step S2)] Next, in the outer mold separation step (step S2), the outer mold 21 is separated from the hose precursor 1.

[0033] [(4) Inner mold separation process (step S3)] Next, in the inner mold separation step (step S3), gas is injected between the hose precursor 1 and the inner mold 22 to separate the hose precursor 1 from the inner mold 22. This gas injection will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the method for manufacturing a hose according to the present technology.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, by injecting the gas G, the gas G fills the space between the hose body 11 and the inner mold 22, and the hose precursor 1 elastically deforms radially outward.

[0035] At this time, since the hose precursor 1 has the blocking portion 13 and the connecting portion 14 (see FIG. 4), gas leakage from the opening 12 can be suppressed. This allows gas to fill the space between the hose body 11 and the inner mold 22, making it easy to separate the hose precursor 1 from the inner mold 22. Furthermore, because the hose precursor 1 is easily separated from the inner mold 22, it is possible to suppress a portion of the hose precursor 1 from sticking to and remaining on the inner mold 22 after the hose precursor 1 is separated from the inner mold 22.

[0036] There is no particular limitation on the type of gas G to be injected. For example, compressed air obtained by compressing air at high pressure, compressed nitrogen obtained by compressing nitrogen at high pressure, or the like may be used as the gas G.

[0037] [(5) Opening process (step S4)] Next, in the opening process (step S4), the connection portion 14 is broken to separate the blocking portion 13 from the opening 12, thereby opening the opening 12. The method for breaking the connection portion 14 is not particularly limited, but for example, the connection portion 14 can be broken by applying a load to the blocking portion 13 in the radial direction of the hose body 11.

[0038] A method for breaking the connection part 14 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4 again. When a load is applied to the connection part 14 from the front to the back side in Fig. 4A, or from the back side to the front side, the connection part 14 breaks, and the blocking part 13 can be separated from the opening 12. This allows the opening 12 to be opened.

[0039] As a specific method of applying a load to the connection portion 14, for example, as in the example shown in Fig. 3, when the occluding portion 13 is provided with a grip portion 15, the grip portion 15 can be pulled radially outward from the hose body 11 with a hand or a tool, thereby applying a load to the connection portion 14 and breaking the connection portion 14. In addition, although not shown, when the grip portion 15 is not provided, for example, a tool can be hooked on a second region 142 of the connection portion 14 described later, and the occluding portion 13 can be pulled radially outward from the hose body 11, thereby applying a load to the connection portion 14 and breaking the connection portion 14. In this opening step, since the configuration of the connection portion 14 is characterized as described later, the opening 12 can be opened without using a blade.

[0040] By carrying out the above-described manufacturing method up to the inner mold separating step (step S3), it is possible to manufacture a second embodiment (example 1 of a hose precursor) or a third embodiment (example 2 of a hose precursor) which will be described later.

[0041] The above description of the hose manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is any particular technical contradiction.

[0042] [2. Second embodiment (Example 1 of hose precursor 1)] The present technology provides a hose precursor 1 including a hose body 11, an opening 12, a closing portion 13, and a connection portion 14. The hose precursor 1 according to the present technology may also include other components such as a grip portion 15 as necessary. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0043] [(1) Hose body 11] 3, the hose body 11 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The hose body 11 allows gas or liquid to pass through the inside.

[0044] [(2) Opening 12] The openings 12 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the hose body 11 and may be used to branch the path of a gas or liquid passing through the inside of the hose, or may have other uses. For example, the openings 12 may be used to supply fuel. Alternatively, coolant or cooling air may be supplied through the openings 12 in a vehicle cooling system.

[0045] There is no particular limitation on the number, shape, diameter, etc. of the openings 12. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 3 etc., the number of openings 12 is one, but the hose preform 1 may have a plurality of openings 12. The number, shape, diameter, etc. of the openings 12 may be appropriately designed depending on the function of the openings 12, the properties of the material of the hose preform 1, etc.

[0046] [(3) Occlusion part 13] The closing portion 13 closes the opening 12. This makes it possible to prevent the injected gas from leaking from the opening 12 in the inner mold separation step of the manufacturing method according to the present technology described above.

[0047] The shape, diameter, thickness, etc. of the blocking portion 13 are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately designed according to the characteristics of the material of the hose precursor 1. The thickness of the blocking portion 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent the injected gas from leaking from the opening 12. The lower limit of the thickness of the blocking portion 13 can be designed to be, for example, 0.5 mm or more, preferably 1.0 mm or more, and more preferably 1.5 mm or more. The upper limit of the thickness of the blocking portion 13 can be designed to be, for example, 10.0 mm or less, preferably 5.0 mm or less, and more preferably 3.0 mm or less.

[0048] [(4) Connection part 14] The connection portion 14 is formed on the outer periphery of the blocking portion 13, and connects the inner circumferential wall 121 of the opening 12 and the outer circumferential wall 131 of the blocking portion 13. The connection portion 14 has first regions 141, each having a thickness of zero or thinner than the thickness of the hose body 11, and second regions 142, each having a thickness thicker than the thickness of the first region 141, arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The configuration of the connection part 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 again. As shown in Fig. 4B, the connection part 14 has first regions 141 having a thickness T1 smaller than the thickness of the hose body 11 and second regions 142 having a thickness T2 larger than the thickness T1 of the first regions 141, which are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0050] The first region 141, whose thickness T1 is thinner than the thickness of the hose body 11, is prone to breakage when a load is applied in the radial direction of the hose body 11. Therefore, if gas compressed at high pressure is injected between the hose precursor 1 and the inner mold 22 in the inner mold separation step of the manufacturing method according to the present technology described above, the connection portion 14 may break from the first region 141.

[0051] On the other hand, the second region 142, whose thickness T2 is greater than the thickness T1 of the first region 141, is disposed adjacent to the first region 141. This allows the second region 142 to suppress breakage of the connection portion 14 even if gas compressed at high pressure is injected between the hose precursor 1 and the inner mold 22 in the inner mold separating step.

[0052] Furthermore, in the opening process of the manufacturing method according to the present technology described above, when a load is applied to the blocking portion 13 in the radial direction of the hose body 11, the connection portion 14 can be easily broken starting from the thin first region 141.

[0053] In other words, according to the present technology, the first region 141 and the second region 142 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, thereby achieving a balance between the resistance of the connection portion 14 to breaking during the inner mold separation process and the ease of breaking the connection portion 14 during the opening process.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the present technology, since there is no need to process the opening 12 with a blade in the opening step of the manufacturing method according to the present technology described above, processing waste generated when processing with a blade is less likely to be discharged, and cleaning with an air blower or the like in a later step is not required. This allows the number of manufacturing steps to be reduced, and the hose to be manufactured in a simple process, improving work efficiency.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the present technology, since there is no need to process the opening 12 using a blade, it is possible to suppress burrs from being generated at the opening 12. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the hose.

[0056] These effects are similarly achieved in other embodiments, and therefore repeated explanations may be omitted in the explanation of other embodiments.

[0057] The thicknesses of the first region 141 and the second region 142 are not particularly limited as long as the thickness T2 of the second region 142 is thicker than the thickness T1 of the first region 141. The lower limit of the thickness T1 of the first region 141 can be designed to be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.2 mm or more. The upper limit of the thickness T1 of the first region 141 can be designed to be, for example, 0.5 mm or less, preferably 0.4 mm or less, and more preferably 0.3 mm or less. When the thickness T1 of the first region 141 is greater than 0, the outer mold 21 and the inner mold 22 can be prevented from coming into contact with each other in the manufacturing process of the hose precursor 1. This can prevent the surfaces of the outer mold 21 and the inner mold 22 from coming into contact with each other and becoming worn.

[0058] The thickness of the second region 142 is thicker than the thickness of the first region 141. The lower limit of the thickness T2 of the second region 142 can be designed to be, for example, 0.5 mm or more, and preferably 0.8 mm or more. The upper limit of the thickness T2 of the second region 142 can be designed to be, for example, 3.0 mm or less, preferably 2.5 mm or less, and more preferably 2.0 mm or less.

[0059] Since the thickness T2 of the second region 142 is thicker than the thickness T1 of the first region 141, the second region 142 has a larger connection area with the opening 12 than the first region 141, and is less likely to break. As a result, if the connection area between the second region 142 and the opening 12 is large, when the connection portion 14 is broken, a part of the second region 142 may remain in the opening 12 as a burr. Therefore, in order to reduce the connection area between the second region 142 and the opening 12, it is preferable to form the circumferential width W2 of the second region 142 smaller than the circumferential width W1 of the first region 141. As a result, the contact area between the second region 142 and the opening 12 is reduced, so that the second region 142 is more likely to break at the boundary between the second region 142 and the opening 12, and burrs generated in the opening 12 in the opening process can be suppressed. For example, the circumferential width W1 of the first region 141 may be approximately 3 mm, and the circumferential width W2 of the second region 142 may be approximately 1 mm.

[0060] In particular, it is preferable that the second region 142 has a circumferential width or thickness, or both, that decrease from the outer peripheral wall of the blocking portion 13 toward the inner peripheral wall of the opening 12. As shown in FIG. 4A, it is preferable that the second region 142 has a circumferential width W2 that decreases from the outer peripheral wall 131 of the blocking portion 13 toward the inner peripheral wall 121 of the opening 12. That is, in a plan view, it is preferable that the second region 142 is formed in a tapered shape that expands from the inner peripheral wall 121 of the opening 12 to the outer peripheral wall 131 of the blocking portion 13. As a result, the contact area between the second region 142 and the inner peripheral wall 121 of the opening 12 becomes smaller, so that the second region 142 is more likely to break at the boundary between the second region 142 and the inner peripheral wall 121 of the opening 12, and burrs generated in the opening 12 can be suppressed. In other words, since the contact area between the second region 142 and the blocking portion 13 is larger than the contact area between the second region 142 and the opening 12, breakage at the boundary between the second region 142 and the blocking portion 13 is suppressed, and burrs occurring at the opening 12 are suppressed.

[0061] 4C, it is preferable that the thickness of second region 142 decreases from the outer peripheral wall of blocking portion 13 toward the inner peripheral wall of opening 12. This reduces the contact area between second region 142 and inner peripheral wall 121 of opening 12, making it easier for second region 142 to break at the boundary between second region 142 and inner peripheral wall 121 of opening 12, and thus making it possible to suppress burrs from occurring at opening 12. In other words, since the contact area between second region 142 and blocking portion 13 is larger than the contact area between second region 142 and opening 12, it is possible to suppress breakage at the boundary between second region 142 and blocking portion 13 and suppress burrs from occurring at opening 12.

[0062] As going from the outer circumferential wall of the blocking portion 13 toward the inner circumferential wall of the opening 12, one of the circumferential width W2 and the thickness T2 of the second region 142 may become smaller, or both of them may become smaller.

[0063] The radial width W of the connection part 14 is not particularly limited. The lower limit of the radial width W of the connection part 14 can be designed to be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.2 mm or more. The upper limit of the radial width W of the connection part 14 can be designed to be, for example, 2.0 mm or less, preferably 1.5 mm or less, more preferably 1.0 mm or less. The radial width W of the connection part 14 may be appropriately designed depending on the diameter of the opening 12 and the characteristics of the material of the hose precursor 1. In addition, as will be described later in the explanation of the sixth embodiment, the radial width W of the connection part 14 may be different depending on the first region 141 and the second region 142.

[0064] 4A, for example, second regions 142 may be formed at a predetermined central angle (e.g., approximately 15 degrees) in the circumferential direction at each of the upper and lower positions of connecting portion 14, and first regions 141 may be formed at other positions of connecting portion 14. Alternatively, second regions 142 may be formed at a predetermined central angle (e.g., approximately 15 degrees) in the circumferential direction at each of the upper, lower, left, and right positions of connecting portion 14, and first regions 141 may be formed at other positions of connecting portion 14.

[0065] On the other hand, the circumferential width of the first region 141 may be smaller than the circumferential width of the second region 142. This increases the contact area between the second region 142 and the opening 12, making the connection portion 14 less likely to break in the inner mold separation step.

[0066] 4A, for example, first regions 141 may be formed at a predetermined central angle (e.g., approximately 15 degrees) in the circumferential direction at each of the upper and lower positions of connecting portion 14, and second regions 142 may be formed at other positions of connecting portion 14. Alternatively, first regions 141 may be formed at a predetermined central angle (e.g., approximately 15 degrees) in the circumferential direction at each of the upper, lower, left, and right positions of connecting portion 14, and second regions 142 may be formed at other positions of connecting portion 14.

[0067] Alternatively, the circumferential width of the first region 141 and the circumferential width of the second region 142 may be substantially the same. Although not shown, in Fig. 4A, for example, the connection portion 14 may have the first region 141 and the second region 142 alternately at a predetermined central angle (for example, approximately 15 degrees) in the circumferential direction.

[0068] The number of each of the first regions 141 and the second regions 142 is not particularly limited, but the occurrence of burrs can be suppressed more effectively as the number increases.

[0069] From the above, in order to suppress burrs from being generated at the opening 12 in the opening process, it is preferable that the circumferential width of the second region 142 is smaller than the circumferential width of the first region 141, and that there are a plurality of first regions 141 and a plurality of second regions 142 adjacent to each other. This will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 as viewed from the outside of the hose precursor 1 according to the present technology.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the connection portion 14 has first regions 141 and second regions 142 alternately in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential width W2 of the second regions 142 is smaller than the circumferential width W1 of the first regions 141. In this configuration example, the central angle θ1 of the first region 141 having a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm is approximately 15 degrees, and the central angle θ2 of the second region 142 having a thickness of approximately 1.5 mm is approximately 5 degrees. Furthermore, in this configuration example, there are 18 first regions 141 and 18 second regions 142 adjacent to each other. The numbers of the first regions 141 and the second regions 142 are not particularly limited, and the areas of the first regions 141 and the second regions 142 do not have to be approximately uniform.

[0071] This configuration can suppress the generation of burrs at the opening 12 in the opening step. Also, a balance can be achieved between the resistance to breakage of the connecting portion 14 in the inner mold separating step and the ease of breakage of the connecting portion 14 in the opening step.

[0072] [(5) Knob 15] 3 and the like, the blocking portion 13 may have a knob portion 15 extending radially outward from the hose body 11. In the opening step of the manufacturing method according to the present technology described above, by pulling the knob portion 15 radially outward from the hose body 11 with a hand, a tool, or the like, a load is applied to the connection portion 14, causing the connection portion 14 to break.

[0073] Conventionally, because opening 12 was machined using a blade, there was a risk that blocking part 13 would get inside hose precursor 1 after machining, and the hose would be manufactured in that state. For this reason, a process was required to check whether blocking part 13 had gotten inside hose precursor 1.

[0074] On the other hand, according to the present technology, the opening 12 is opened by pulling the knob portion 15, which reduces the risk of the blocking portion 13 entering the inside of the hose precursor 1. Therefore, the work efficiency can be improved.

[0075] The position of knob portion 15 in blocking portion 13, the shape of knob portion 15, the number of knob portions 15, the length of knob portion 15 in the radial direction of hose body 11, the diameter of knob portion 15, the inclination angle of knob portion 15, etc. are not particularly limited.

[0076] When the shape of the knob portion 15 is a rod shape, the cross-sectional shape in the radial direction of the knob portion 15 may be a circle, an ellipse, a polygon (e.g., a triangle, a rectangle, a hexagon, etc.), a semicircle, etc. The shape of the knob portion 15 is not limited to a rod shape, and may be, for example, a U-shape for hooking a finger.

[0077] In a plan view, knob portion 15 is preferably disposed at a position (eccentric position) offset in the radial direction of occluding portion 13 from approximately the center of occluding portion 13. As a result, when knob portion 15 is pulled, a larger load acts on a position of connecting portion 14 closer to knob portion 15 than on other positions of connecting portion 14. As a result, starting from the position closer to knob portion 15, other positions of connecting portion 14 are successively broken. In other words, by disposing knob portion 15 at an eccentric position, connecting portion 14 can be broken with a small pulling force.

[0078] Furthermore, in this example, knob portion 15 extends in the radial direction of hose body 11, but may be inclined with respect to the radial direction of hose body 11, for example. This allows a pulling force to be effectively applied to connection portion 14 in the vicinity of knob portion 15 when knob portion 15 is pulled in the direction in which knob portion 15 extends. As a result, connection portion 14 can be broken with a small pulling force.

[0079] It should be noted that the blocking portion 13 does not have to have the gripping portion 15. In this case, in the opening step, the blocking portion 13 is pushed radially inward of the hose body 11 and separated from the opening 12, thereby opening the opening 12.

[0080] The above description of the hose precursor 1 according to the second embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is any particular technical contradiction.

[0081] [3. Third embodiment (Example 2 of hose precursor 1)] Another embodiment of the hose preform 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose preform 1 according to the present technology. Fig. 7B is an end view taken along line ZZ in Fig. 7A.

[0082] 7, the thickness of the first region 141 in the radial direction of the hose body 11 may be zero. In other words, the first region 141 may be a hole. This makes it easier for the connection portion 14 to break starting from the first region 141. Furthermore, no burrs are generated in the position of the opening 12 corresponding to the first region 141.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the gas G is injected between the hose precursor 1 and the inner mold 22 in the inner mold separating step of the manufacturing method according to the present technology described above, the gas G may leak from the first region 141. However, if the amount of gas G injected is greater than the amount of gas G leaking from the first region 141, the gas G will fill the space between the hose precursor 1 and the inner mold 22, and the hose precursor 1 can be separated from the inner mold 22.

[0084] The above description of the hose precursor 1 according to the third embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is any particular technical contradiction.

[0085] [4. Fourth embodiment (Example 3 of hose precursor 1)] Another embodiment of the hose preform 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose preform 1 according to the present technology. Fig. 8B is an end view taken along line AA in Fig. 8A.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, connection portion 14 has an uneven shape consisting of first region 141 and second region 142 on the radial outer side of hose body 11, and may have a substantially flat surface on the radial inner side of hose body 11.

[0087] 4, for example, the hose precursor 1 has an uneven shape consisting of a first region 141 and a second region 142 on both the radially outer side and the radially inner side of the hose body 11. Therefore, in the production of the hose precursor 1, a step of forming an uneven shape on both the outer mold and the inner mold is required.

[0088] On the other hand, in the production of the hose precursor 1 according to the fourth embodiment, it is only necessary to form the concave-convex shape on the outer mold, and it is not necessary to form the concave-convex shape on the inner mold, which reduces the production cost.

[0089] The above description of the hose precursor 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is any particular technical contradiction.

[0090] [5. Fifth embodiment (Example 4 of hose precursor 1)] Another embodiment of the hose preform 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose preform 1 according to the present technology. Fig. 9B is an end view taken along line BB in Fig. 9A.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 9, connection portion 14 may have a substantially flat surface on the radially outer side of hose body 11, and may have an uneven shape made up of a first region 141 and a second region 142 on the radially inner side of hose body 11.

[0092] As in the case of the production of the hose precursor 1 according to the fourth embodiment, in the production of the hose precursor 1 according to the fifth embodiment, it is only necessary to form a concave-convex shape on the inner mold, and it is not necessary to form a concave-convex shape on the outer mold, thereby reducing the production cost.

[0093] The above description of the hose precursor 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is any particular technical contradiction.

[0094] [6. Sixth embodiment (Example 5 of hose precursor 1)] Another embodiment of the hose preform 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10A is a schematic plan view of the opening 12 when viewed from the outside of the hose preform 1 according to the present technology. Fig. 10B is an end view taken along line YY in Fig. 10A. Fig. 10C is an end view taken along line ZZ in Fig. 10A.

[0095] The first region 141 is formed thinner than the second region 142. Therefore, when the side surface of the blocking portion 13 is, for example, inclined in side view, the radial width W3 of the first region 141 is smaller than the radial width W4 of the second region 142. In this manner, the radial width of the connection portion 14 may differ depending on the first region 141 and the second region 142.

[0096] The lower limit of the radial width W3 of the first region 141 can be designed to be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, and preferably 0.2 mm or more. The upper limit of the radial width W of the connection portion 14 can be designed to be, for example, 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.7 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0097] The lower limit of the radial width W4 of the second region 142 can be designed to be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, and preferably 0.2 mm or more. The upper limit of the radial width W of the connection portion 14 can be designed to be, for example, 2.0 mm or less, preferably 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm or less.

[0098] The above description of the hose precursor 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present technology can be applied to other embodiments of the present technology unless there is any particular technical contradiction.

[0099] The present technology can also be configured as follows. [1] A hose body, an opening formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hose body; A closing portion that closes the opening; a connecting portion formed on an outer periphery of the blocking portion and connecting an inner circumferential wall of the opening portion and an outer circumferential wall of the blocking portion, The connection portion has first regions, each having a thickness of zero or less than the thickness of the hose body, and second regions, each having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first regions, arranged alternately in a circumferential direction. [2] The second region has a circumferential width or a thickness, or both, that decrease from the outer peripheral wall of the blocking portion toward the inner peripheral wall of the opening. [1] A hose precursor according to the present invention. [3] A hose body, and an opening formed on an outer peripheral surface of the hose body, a molding process in which a molding material is injected between an outer mold having a shape along the outer peripheral surface of the hose body and an inner mold having a shape along the inner peripheral surface of the hose body to mold a hose precursor including the hose body, a closing portion that closes the opening, and a connecting portion formed around the outer periphery of the closing portion and that connects an inner peripheral wall of the opening and an outer peripheral wall of the closing portion; an outer mold separating step of separating the outer mold from the hose precursor; an inner mold separating step of injecting a gas between the hose precursor and the inner mold to separate the hose precursor from the inner mold; and an opening step of breaking the connection portion to separate the blocking portion from the opening, thereby opening the opening, A method for manufacturing a hose, wherein the connection portion has first regions that are zero in thickness or thinner than the thickness of the hose body and second regions that are thicker than the thickness of the first regions, alternating in the circumferential direction. [4] A hose body, an opening formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hose body; a closing portion that closes the opening, a molding process in which a molding material is injected between an outer mold having a shape along the outer peripheral surface of the hose body and an inner mold having a shape along the inner peripheral surface of the hose body to mold a hose precursor including the hose body, a closing portion that closes the opening, and a connecting portion formed around the outer periphery of the closing portion and that connects an inner peripheral wall of the opening and an outer peripheral wall of the closing portion; an outer mold separating step of separating the outer mold from the hose precursor; and an inner mold separating step of injecting a gas between the hose precursor and the inner mold to separate the hose precursor from the inner mold, The connection portion has first regions, each having a thickness of zero or thinner than the thickness of the hose body, and second regions, each having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first regions, alternating in a circumferential direction. [5] A hose body, an opening formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hose body; A closing portion that closes the opening; a connecting portion formed on an outer periphery of the blocking portion and connecting an inner circumferential wall of the opening portion and an outer circumferential wall of the blocking portion, The connection portion has a first region having a thickness of zero or less than the thickness of the hose body and a second region having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first region, which are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction. the obstruction is removed from the opening by breaking the connection. [Industrial Applicability]

[0100] This technology can be used not only in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, trains, monorails, linear motor cars, and diesel locomotives, but also in hoses for vehicles such as watercraft, ships, snowmobiles, and aircraft, as well as agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and other various machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Hose precursor 11 Hose body 12 Opening 13 Occlusion 14 Connection 141 First area 142 Second area 15 Knob 21 External mold 22 Inner mold 23 Cavity Step S1 Molding process Step S2: Outer mold separation process Step S3: Inner mold separation process Step S4 Opening process

Claims

1. A hose body, an opening formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hose body; A closing portion that closes the opening; a connecting portion formed on an outer periphery of the blocking portion and connecting an inner circumferential wall of the opening portion and an outer circumferential wall of the blocking portion, The connection portion has first regions having a thickness of zero or thinner than the thickness of the hose body and second regions having a thickness thicker than the thickness of the first regions, alternately arranged in a circumferential direction.

2. The second region has a circumferential width or a thickness, or both, that are reduced from an outer circumferential wall of the blocking portion toward an inner circumferential wall of the opening portion. A hose precursor according to claim 1.

3. A hose body, and an opening formed on an outer peripheral surface of the hose body, a molding process in which a molding material is injected between an outer mold having a shape along the outer peripheral surface of the hose body and an inner mold having a shape along the inner peripheral surface of the hose body to mold a hose precursor including the hose body, a closing portion that closes the opening, and a connecting portion formed around the outer periphery of the closing portion and that connects an inner peripheral wall of the opening and an outer peripheral wall of the closing portion; an outer mold separating step of separating the outer mold from the hose precursor; an inner mold separating step of injecting a gas between the hose precursor and the inner mold to separate the hose precursor from the inner mold; and an opening step of breaking the connection portion to separate the blocking portion from the opening, thereby opening the opening, The connection portion has first regions having a thickness of zero or thinner than the thickness of the hose body and second regions having a thickness thicker than the first regions, alternating in a circumferential direction.

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