Hose and hose set

Abstract

To provide a hose capable of further improving visibility.SOLUTION: A hose according to an embodiment includes an optical fiber that emits light that is visible from the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose and a hose set. [Background technology]

[0002] Various proposals have been made for fire hoses, which are an example of hoses. When a fire breaks out in a building, firefighters not only spray water from outside the building, but also pull fire hoses into the building to carry out firefighting operations. If it becomes necessary to evacuate from the building during such firefighting operations, fire hoses can be used as a means of showing the escape route for firefighters and evacuees.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a fire hose. The fire hose includes a hose body, a plurality of first shining members, and a second shining member. The hose body includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a cylindrical jacket extending in a long length from the first end to the second end, and a lining layer provided on the inner surface of the jacket. The plurality of first shining members are provided on the surface of the jacket and are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the hose body. The second shining member is provided on the surface of the jacket, connected to the plurality of first shining members, and extends linearly in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, each of the plurality of first shining members has a shape that points to the first end of the hose body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-159301 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the purposes of the fire hose disclosed in Patent Document 1 is to make it easy to distinguish a specific direction along the hose when the hose is in use. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, one of the demands for the hose is improved visibility when in use.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a hose and a hose set that can further improve visibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A hose according to one embodiment has an optical fiber that emits light that is visible from the outside. The hose may include a cylindrical hose body extending in a longitudinal direction, and the optical fiber may be provided in the hose body. The hose body may have a first jacket extending in the longitudinal direction, and the optical fiber may be provided in the first jacket.

[0008] The hose body may have a first jacket and a lining layer provided on an inner surface of the first jacket, and the optical fiber may be provided between the first jacket and the lining layer.

[0009] The hose body may have a first jacket and a second jacket covering the first jacket and extending in the longitudinal direction, and the optical fiber may be provided between the first jacket and the second jacket.

[0010] The hose body may have a first jacket and a second jacket covering the first jacket and extending in the longitudinal direction, and the optical fiber may be provided in the second jacket.

[0011] The optical fiber may have a helical shape. The optical fiber may extend along the longitudinal direction. The hose body may further have a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the optical fiber may have an extension extending from at least one of the first end or the second end.

[0012] The hose set according to one embodiment includes the hose, a light source unit having a connection portion to which the extending portion of the optical fiber is connected, and a light source that irradiates the extending portion with light. The hose set may further include an intermediate tool that is provided with the light source unit and is connected to the hose. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hose and a hose set that can further improve visibility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a hose set according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates a schematic view of the vicinity of a first end of the hose body. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the vicinity of a first connector of the hose shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram that illustrates a schematic diagram of the intermediate tool and the light source unit illustrated in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the optical fiber is irradiated with light. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hose set according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hose according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hose body shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose body according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose body according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hose body according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose body according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose body according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose body according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose body according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, a fire hose is disclosed as an example of a hose. The hose has a nominal diameter of, for example, 40 mm to 65 mm, but is not limited to this example. The configuration of the hose according to each embodiment can be applied to hoses other than fire hoses.

[0016] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a hose set 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing the vicinity of a first end E1 of a hose body 11. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hose body 11. Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing the vicinity of a first connector 12 of the hose 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing an intermediate tool 2 and a light source unit 3 shown in Fig. 1.

[0017] In Fig. 2, the first connector 12 and the first fastener 14 are omitted. In Fig. 3, a part of a cross section along the longitudinal direction LD is shown.

[0018] The hose set 100 is connected to a supply unit (not shown) that supplies water, which is an example of a fire extinguishing agent, during fire extinguishing. The supply unit is, for example, a fire hydrant, a portable pump, a pump vehicle, etc. The hose set 100 includes a hose 1, an intermediate tool 2, and a light source unit 3.

[0019] The hose 1 includes a cylindrical hose body 11, a first connector 12, a second connector 13, a first fastener 14, and a second fastener 15. The hose body 11 is, for example, a shape-retaining hose. The shape-retaining hose maintains its outer shape in a substantially cylindrical shape even in a stored state.

[0020] The hose body 11 extends in a longitudinal direction LD. The hose body 11 has a first end E1 and a second end E2 opposite the first end E1. In this embodiment, the end includes the end and a region adjacent thereto. The first connector 12 is provided at the first end E1, and the second connector 13 is provided at the second end E2.

[0021] Each of the first connector 12 and the second connector 13 is, for example, a cylindrical metal fitting. Specifically, the first connector 12 and the second connector 13 are plug-in type connectors for fire hoses, as specified in the Ministerial Ordinance on Prescribing Technical Standards for Plug-in or Screw-in Type Connectors Used for Fire Hoses and Screw-in Type Connectors Used for Fire Suction Pipes (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Ordinance No. 23 of 2013).

[0022] More specifically, for example, the first connector 12 is a receptacle, and the second connector 13 is a plug. The first connector 12 and the second connector 13 may have a configuration that allows connection regardless of male or female.

[0023] The extinguishing agent flows, for example, from the first connector 12 toward the second connector 13. In the hose body 11, the first end E1 corresponds to the upstream side, and the second end E2 corresponds to the downstream side. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an intermediate tool 2 is connected to the first connector 12.

[0024] A nozzle (not shown) for discharging water, for example, is connected to the second connector 13. Note that a member other than a nozzle can also be connected to the second connector 13. For example, the hose can be extended by connecting the first connector 12 of another hose 1 to the second connector 13.

[0025] The first fastener 14 fixes the first connector 12 to the hose body 11, and the second fastener 15 fixes the second connector 13 to the hose body 11. The first fastener 14 covers the hose body 11 at the first end E1, and the second fastener 15 covers the hose body 11 at the second end E2. The first fastener 14 and the second fastener 15 have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The first fastener 14 and the second fastener 15 are formed of, for example, a metal material, but are not limited to this example.

[0026] 2, the hose body 11 has a jacket 20 (first jacket) including the optical fiber F1, and a lining layer 30. The jacket 20 has a tubular shape extending in the longitudinal direction LD.

[0027] The lining layer 30 is provided on the inner surface of the jacket 20. The lining layer 30 has liquid-tightness. The lining layer 30 is formed of a resin material such as rubber or synthetic resin. The lining layer 30 may be formed of a single layer, or may be formed of two or more layers. When the lining layer 30 is formed of a plurality of layers, each layer may be formed of a different material.

[0028] 2 and 3, the jacket 20 has a plurality of warp threads 41 and an optical fiber F1. The plurality of warp threads 41 are arranged in a circumferential direction CD (shown in FIG. 2). The warp threads 41 are formed, for example, by twisting a plurality of fibers together.

[0029] In this embodiment, the optical fiber F1 corresponds to a weft thread in the jacket 20. The optical fiber F1 has a helical shape from the first end E1 to the second end E2.

[0030] The jacket 20 is formed, for example, by weaving a plurality of warp threads 41 and the optical fiber F1 by means of a loom (for example, an automatic loom). In this manner, the optical fiber F1 is provided in the hose body 11. Specifically, the optical fiber F1 is provided in the jacket 20.

[0031] The optical fiber F1 emits light that is visible from the outside. The optical fiber F1 is an optical fiber configured to emit light from, for example, a side surface. The optical fiber F1 propagates the incident light in the extension direction of the optical fiber F1 and irradiates light from the side surface.

[0032] The jacket 20 is formed, for example, by plain weave, as shown enlarged and schematic in Fig. 2. In other words, the optical fibers F1 alternately cross the warp threads 41. In Fig. 2, the members corresponding to the weft threads (the optical fibers F1 in the example shown in Fig. 2) are shaded.

[0033] When the optical fiber F1 emits light, the light leaks between adjacent warp threads 41 or passes through the warp threads 41. This allows a user (for example, a firefighter) to visually recognize the light from the outside.

[0034] The optical fiber F1 has an extending portion 50 extending from at least one of the first end E1 or the second end E2. In the example shown in FIG.

[0035] In relation to the first fastener 14, the extension portion 50 extends, for example, from the first connector 12 side relative to the first fastener 14. The extension portion 50 has a light entrance portion 51 to which light is irradiated. The light entrance portion 51 is provided at an end of the extension portion 50, for example.

[0036] The intermediate device 2 connects a plurality of flow paths. The intermediate device 2 is connected to the hose 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the intermediate device 2 includes a main body 21 and connectors 23 and 25. The main body 21 has a cylindrical portion that connects the connectors 23 and 25. The connector 23 is provided at one end of the main body 21, and the connector 25 is provided at the other end of the main body 21.

[0037] In one example, connector 23 has a structure that allows it to be connected to first connector 12, and connector 25 has a structure that allows it to be connected to second connector 13. In other words, connector 23 has a structure similar to a plug, and connector 25 has a structure similar to a receptacle. Connector 23 is connected to first connector 12 in the example shown in FIG.

[0038] The hose 1 is connected to a supply source (not shown) via an intermediate tool 2. The connector 25 may be connected directly to the supply source, or may be connected to the supply source via another hose set 100 or the like.

[0039] The intermediate tool 2 may be used to connect the hose 1 to another hose 1, or may be used to connect the hose 1 to another device (for example, a flow meter, a strainer, etc.).

[0040] The light source unit 3 irradiates light to the optical fiber F1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the light source unit 3 is provided in the main body 21 of the intermediary tool 2. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the light source unit 3 irradiates light to the optical fiber F1 of the hose main body 11 located downstream of the intermediary tool 2.

[0041] 5, the light source unit 3 has a case 31, a power source 32, a connection section 33, a light source 34, an operation section 35, and an indicator light 36. The power source 32, the connection section 33, the light source 34, the operation section 35, and the indicator light 36 are provided in the case 31. The power source 32 is, for example, a battery. The power source 32 may be provided outside the case 31.

[0042] An extending portion 50 of the optical fiber F1 is connected to the connecting portion 33. The connecting portion 33 is formed, for example, by opening a part of the case 31. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the connecting portion 33 opens toward the downstream side.

[0043] The connection portion 33 is configured to be connectable to the extension portion 50. The connection portion 33 may be configured to be connectable to, for example, a connector 53 (shown in FIG. 4 ) provided on the extension portion 50. By connecting the extension portion 50 via the connector 53, the user can easily connect the extension portion 50 to the connection portion 33.

[0044] The light source 34 irradiates light onto the extending portion 50 connected to the connection portion 33. Specifically, the light source 34 irradiates light onto the light entrance portion 51 of the extending portion 50. The light source 34 is provided to face the light entrance portion 51 connected to the connection portion 33.

[0045] The light source 34 is electrically connected to the power source 32. Thus, power is supplied from the power source 32 to the light source 34. Light emitted from the light source 34 enters the light entrance portion 51 and propagates toward the end of the optical fiber F1 located on the second end E2 side.

[0046] In one example, the light source 34 is a light emitting diode (LED). The light source 34 may be configured with a single-color light emitting diode, or may be configured with light emitting diodes of multiple colors. In another example, the light source 34 may be a laser, a light bulb, or other than these. Between the light source 34 and the connection portion 33, other members such as a lens may be further provided.

[0047] The operation unit 35 and the indicator light 36 are located outside the case 31. The indicator light 36 is turned on, for example, when the light source 34 is emitting light. This allows the user to check from the outside whether the light source 34 is emitting light or not. The user operates the light source unit 3 by the operation unit 35. The user can switch the supply of power to the light source 34, for example, by operating the operation unit 35.

[0048] The light source unit 3 may further include a control unit 37. The control unit 37 is provided in the case 31. The control unit 37 is configured to be able to control the light irradiated from the light source 34. The control unit 37 controls the light irradiated from the light source 34, thereby controlling the light emission in the optical fiber F1.

[0049] In one example, the control unit 37 may control the light irradiated from the light source 34 so that the optical fiber F1 always emits light during use. In another example, the control unit 37 may control the light irradiated from the light source 34 so as to change the light emission of the light source 34 or change the color of the light emitted depending on the elapsed time.

[0050] At least one operation mode corresponding to the type of light emission may be preset in the control unit 37. The operation unit 35 may be provided with a button for selecting a preset operation mode.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a state in which light is irradiated onto the optical fiber F1. In Fig. 6, the emitting optical fiber F1 is shown by a dashed line. In Fig. 6, the lit indicator lamps 36 are marked with dots.

[0052] When light is irradiated from the light source unit 3 to the optical fiber F1, the light propagates from the light entrance portion 51 toward the end of the optical fiber F1 located on the second end E2 side, and the light is irradiated from the side of the optical fiber F1. As a result, the optical fiber F1 provided in the jacket 20 emits light from the first end E1 to the second end E2.

[0053] The optical fiber F1 emits light in a spiral shape in the example shown in Fig. 6. A user can confirm the position of the hose 1 by visually checking the light of the optical fiber F1 from the outside.

[0054] The hose 1 configured as above can further improve visibility during use. Specifically, the hose 1 has an optical fiber F1. The optical fiber F1 emits light that is visible from the outside.

[0055] This allows the user to check the position of the hose 1 in a dark place. For example, even when visibility is unclear at the scene of a fire or the like, the user can easily check the position of the hose 1 because the optical fiber F1 emits light.

[0056] Hoses according to comparative examples include, for example, a phosphorescent hose, a reflective hose, a hose with an arrow, etc. A phosphorescent hose has a phosphorescent section provided on the outer surface of the hose body. In order to make the phosphorescent section emit light, it is necessary to expose the hose body to light in advance and store the light in the phosphorescent section.

[0057] The arrow-equipped hose has an arrow provided on the outer surface of the hose body. The arrow indicates the retreat direction. To confirm the arrow, the user needs to check the arrow near the hose body.

[0058] The reflective hose has a reflective portion provided on the outer surface of the hose body. When light hits the reflective portion from the outside, it retroreflects the light. Therefore, the user needs to carry a light source and shine light toward the reflective hose body in order to confirm the position of the reflective hose.

[0059] With the hose 1 according to this embodiment, there is no need to shine light on the hose in advance, nor is there a need to check the arrow near the hose body. With the hose 1 according to this embodiment, the optical fiber F1 emits light, making it easy to check the position of the hose 1, and visibility during use can be improved compared to the hoses according to the comparative examples described above.

[0060] With the hose 1 according to this embodiment, the optical fiber F1 emits light, so there is no need for the user to externally shine light onto the hose 1. The hose 1 according to this embodiment can be more convenient to use than the hose according to the comparative example described above.

[0061] By improving visibility during use, it becomes easier for the user to confirm the escape route when evacuating along the hose 1, and the occurrence of problems such as the user tripping over the hose 1 during use can be reduced.

[0062] In this embodiment, the optical fiber F1 has a helical shape. This causes the optical fiber F1 to emit light along the circumferential direction CD of the hose body 11. As a result, even if the hose body 11 is twisted during use, the user can see the light of the optical fiber F1 regardless of the viewing direction.

[0063] When a luminous portion or the like is provided on the outer surface of the hose body as in the hose according to the comparative example, the luminous portion or the like may become difficult to see with repeated use. In the hose 1, the optical fiber F1 corresponds to the weft in the jacket 20.

[0064] In this case, the optical fiber F1 is hardly exposed to the outside, so damage and wear to the optical fiber F1 can be suppressed even if the hose body 11 is dragged during use. As a result, with the hose 1, the light emission of the optical fiber F1 is not easily hindered, and visibility during use can be ensured.

[0065] The jacket 20 can be formed by weaving a plurality of warp threads 41 and the optical fibers F1 with a loom. With the arrangement of the optical fibers F1 in this embodiment, there is no need to prepare a new machine or the like for providing the optical fibers F1 in the manufacturing process. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the hose 1 can be reduced.

[0066] In this embodiment, the light source unit 3 is provided on the intermediary tool 2 as shown in Fig. 1. This allows the user to move the light source unit 3 together with the intermediary tool 2 connected to the hose 1. As a result, the hose set 100 does not interfere with work at the site. In addition to the above, various other preferable effects can be obtained from this embodiment.

[0067] In this embodiment, an example has been disclosed in which the hose body 11 is a shape-retaining hose, but the optical fiber F1 may be provided in a hose body 11 that has flexibility such that it can be flattened or expanded into a cylindrical shape.

[0068] When forming the jacket 20, the amount of the optical fiber F1 exposed to the outside may be adjusted by changing the density of the warp threads 41 or changing the weaving structure. By increasing the amount of the optical fiber F1 exposed to the outside, the user can more easily view the light of the optical fiber F1 from the outside.

[0069] As another example, the jacket 20 may be formed using a plain weave, a twill weave, a satin weave, or other weaves.

[0070] In the present embodiment, an example in which the light source unit 3 is provided in the intermediary tool 2 has been disclosed, but the light source unit 3 does not have to be provided in the intermediary tool 2. The light source unit 3 may be provided in, for example, the first connector 12 or the second connector 13, or may be provided in another member. Moreover, the light source unit 3 may be provided independently.

[0071] Next, other embodiments will be described. In the other embodiments described below, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted or simplified.

[0072] [Second embodiment] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hose set 100A according to this embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the intermediate tool 2 and the light source unit 3 are located downstream of the hose body 11.

[0073] A nozzle may be connected to the connector 23 of the intermediate device 2, or another hose 1 may be connected to it. A supply source may be connected to the first connector 12 of the hose 1, or another hose 1 may be connected to it.

[0074] The optical fiber F1 has an extending portion 50A extending from the second end E2. The extending portion 50A has a light entrance portion (not shown) provided at an end of the extending portion 50A. The extending portion 50A is connected to a connection portion 33 of the light source unit 3. The connection portion 33 of the light source unit 3 opens, for example, toward the upstream side.

[0075] The configuration of this embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the light source unit 3 irradiates light to the optical fiber F1 of the hose body 11 located upstream of the intermediate tool 2.

[0076] By controlling the light source 34 with the control unit 37 (shown in FIG. 5), it is possible to make the optical fiber F1 emit light so that the light flows in the direction shown by the arrow (shown in FIG. 7), for example. As a result, the optical fiber F1 emits light so that the light flows toward the upstream side.

[0077] When the hose 1 is in use, the direction from the downstream side to the upstream side of the hose 1 may correspond to the user's retreat direction. In a dark place, the user can easily confirm the retreat direction by visually checking the direction in which the light is flowing. In other words, the user can evacuate from a building or the like by moving in the direction in which the light is flowing.

[0078] [Third embodiment] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hose 1B according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hose body 11B shown in Fig. 8. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the optical fibers F1 correspond to warp threads in the jacket 20. Fig. 8 shows the vicinity of the first end E1. The first connector 12 and the first fastener 14 are omitted from Fig. 8.

[0079] The jacket 20 has a plurality of warp threads 41 and a weft thread 43. The weft thread 43 is formed of, for example, the same material as the warp thread 41. The jacket 20 further has two optical fibers F1. The number of optical fibers F1 is, for example, two, but may be three or more, or may be one.

[0080] The two optical fibers F1 extend along the longitudinal direction LD, similar to the multiple warp threads 41. The weft thread 43 is woven with the two optical fibers F1 as well as the multiple warp threads 41. Each of the two optical fibers F1 has an extending portion 50.

[0081] Each of the extending portions 50 is connected to the connecting portion 33 of the light source unit 3. In other words, the connecting portion 33 is configured to be connectable to a plurality of the extending portions 50. The light source 34 is configured to be able to irradiate light to a plurality of light entrance portions 51 (shown in FIG. 4).

[0082] The hose body 11B has flexibility such that it can be collapsed flat or expanded into a cylindrical shape. When collapsed flat, the hose body 11B has a pair of bent ears 60a, 60b and abdomens 61a, 61b between the pair of ears 60a, 60b.

[0083] The optical fiber F1 is provided, for example, in each of the pair of ears 60a, 60b. However, the optical fiber F1 may be provided in the abdomens 61a, 61b, or may be provided in each of the ears 60a, 60b and the abdomens 61a, 61b. A boundary line 63 may be provided between the pair of ears 60a, 60b and the abdomens 61a, 61b, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0084] The hose body 11B may further have a protective layer 70 that covers the jacket 20. The protective layer 70 is formed from the first end E1 to the second end E2. In Fig. 8, a part of the protective layer 70 is cut away.

[0085] The protective layer 70 is formed, for example, by applying a transparent paint to the outer surface of the jacket 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this example as long as it does not prevent the light of the optical fiber F1 from being visible from the outside. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the protective layer 70 is formed of a single layer, but may be formed of two or more layers.

[0086] The configuration of this embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment. The jacket 20 is formed, for example, of plain weave, as described with reference to Fig. 2. In this case, the optical fiber F1 is exposed to the outside.

[0087] The hose body 11B in this embodiment has a protective layer 70. By covering the jacket 20 with the protective layer 70, damage and wear to the optical fiber F1 can be suppressed even if the hose body 11B is dragged during use.

[0088] The arrangement of the optical fiber F1 in this embodiment can be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments. The protective layer 70 in this embodiment can be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0089] [Fourth embodiment] 10 and 11 are schematic cross-sectional views of a hose body 11C according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the optical fiber F1 differs from that of the above-described embodiments.

[0090] In this embodiment, the optical fiber F1 is provided between the jacket 20 and the lining layer 30. In other words, the optical fiber F1 is covered by the jacket 20 from the outside.

[0091] In one example, the optical fiber F1 is one, but may be two or more. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the optical fiber F1 has a spiral shape. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the optical fiber F1 extends along the longitudinal direction LD. In other words, the optical fiber F1 has a linear shape.

[0092] The configuration of this embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the optical fiber F1 is covered with the jacket 20, so that even if the hose body 11C is dragged during use, damage and wear of the optical fiber F1 can be suppressed. When multiple optical fibers F1 are provided, the optical fibers F1 may have different shapes.

[0093] [Fifth embodiment] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hose body 11D according to this embodiment. Figs. 13 and 14 are schematic cross-sectional views of the hose body 11D according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that it further includes a jacket 80. Fig. 12 shows the vicinity of the first end E1. The first connector 12 and the first stopper 14 are omitted from Fig. 12.

[0094] The hose body 11D has a jacket 20 (first jacket), a lining layer 30, a jacket 80 (second jacket) that covers the jacket 20, and an optical fiber F1.

[0095] The jacket 80 is formed in a tubular shape extending in the longitudinal direction. The jacket 80 has a plurality of warp threads 41 and weft threads 43. However, the jacket 80 may be formed of a material different from that of the warp threads 41 and the weft threads 43.

[0096] The jacket 80 is formed, for example, in the same manner as the jacket 20, by weaving a plurality of warp threads 41 and weft threads 43. However, the jacket 80 may be formed by a weaving method different from that of the jacket 20.

[0097] In this embodiment, the optical fiber F1 is provided between the jacket 20 and the jacket 80. In other words, the optical fiber F1 is covered by the jacket 80 from the outside.

[0098] In one example, the optical fiber F1 is one, but may be two or more. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the optical fiber F1 has a spiral shape. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the optical fiber F1 extends along the longitudinal direction LD. In other words, the optical fiber F1 has a linear shape.

[0099] The configuration of this embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the optical fiber F1 is covered with the jacket 80, so that even if the hose body 11D is dragged during use, damage and wear of the optical fiber F1 can be suppressed. When multiple optical fibers F1 are provided, the optical fibers F1 may have different shapes.

[0100] [Sixth embodiment] 15 and 16 are schematic cross-sectional views of a hose body 11E according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the arrangement of the optical fiber F1.

[0101] The hose body 11E has a jacket 20 (first jacket), a lining layer 30, and a jacket 80 (second jacket) that covers the jacket 20. The optical fiber F1 is provided in the jacket 80.

[0102] The optical fiber F1 corresponds to a weft in the jacket 80 in the example shown in Fig. 15. In this case, the optical fiber F1 has a spiral shape. The optical fiber F1 corresponds to a warp in the jacket 80 in the example shown in Fig. 16. The optical fiber F1 extends along the longitudinal direction LD. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the optical fiber F1 is one in one example, but may be two or more.

[0103] The configuration of this embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the hose body 11E may further have a protective layer that covers the jacket 80. This can prevent damage and wear to the optical fiber F1 even if the hose body 11E is dragged during use.

[0104] In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been disclosed in which the optical fiber F1 has an extension portion extending from either the first end E1 or the second end E2, but the optical fiber F1 may also have an extension portion extending from each of the first end E1 and the second end E2.

[0105] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations disclosed in the first to sixth embodiments described above. Various other configurations can be applied to the hose without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1...hose, 2...intermediate device, 3...light source unit, 11...hose body, 12...first connector, 13...second connector, 20...jacket, 30...lining layer, 32...power source, 33...connection portion, 34...light source, 41...warp thread, 43...weft thread, 50...extension portion, 51...light entrance portion, 70...protective layer, 80...jacket, 100...hose set, E1...first end, E2...second end, F1...optical fiber.

Claims

1. The optical fiber emits light that is visible from the outside. hose.

2. The hose includes a cylindrical hose body extending in a longitudinal direction, The optical fiber is provided in the hose body.

2. The hose of claim 1.

3. The hose body has a first jacket extending in the longitudinal direction, The optical fiber is disposed in the first jacket.

3. The hose of claim 2.

4. The hose body has a first jacket and a lining layer provided on an inner surface of the first jacket, The optical fiber is disposed between the first jacket and the lining layer.

3. The hose of claim 2.

5. The hose body includes a first jacket and a second jacket covering the first jacket and extending in the longitudinal direction, The optical fiber is disposed between the first jacket and the second jacket.

3. The hose of claim 2.

6. The hose body includes a first jacket and a second jacket covering the first jacket and extending in the longitudinal direction, The optical fiber is disposed in the second jacket.

3. The hose of claim 2.

7. The optical fiber has a helical shape.

3. The hose of claim 2.

8. The optical fiber extends along the longitudinal direction.

3. The hose of claim 2.

9. The hose body further has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, The optical fiber has an extension extending from at least one of the first end and the second end. A hose according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

10. A hose according to claim 9; a light source unit including a connection portion to which the extending portion of the optical fiber is connected and a light source that irradiates light onto the extending portion, Hose set.

11. The light source unit is provided, and further includes an intermediate tool connected to the hose. The hose set according to claim 10.

Images