Insulated hoses and insulated hose assemblies

Abstract

To provide a lightweight, small-diameter insulated hose and insulated hose assembly that can be easily routed. [Solution] The heat-insulating hose 1 integrally comprises a hollow cylindrical inner layer 2, a hollow cylindrical outer layer 3 provided concentrically with respect to the inner layer 2 via an air layer 5 so as to cover the outer circumference of the inner layer 2, and one or more ribs 4 connecting the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 in the radial direction. The inner layer 2, outer layer 3, and ribs 4 are made of rubber or resin, and the ribs 4 are formed spirally along the outer surface of the inner layer 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat-insulating hose and a heat-insulating hose assembly.

Background Art

[0002] In an electric vehicle where the amount of heat generated is less than that of an engine vehicle, in addition to driving, the energy of the battery is also used for cooling components such as the battery, motor, and inverter, as well as for air conditioning in the vehicle cabin. Therefore, in an electric vehicle, it is important how to efficiently manage the thermal energy (heat management).

[0003] For example, when using air conditioning in an electric vehicle, a large amount of electric power may be consumed, which may shorten the cruising range. To suppress such problems, in an electric vehicle, it is important how to transfer the generated thermal energy without loss and use it efficiently. Therefore, in a hose that conveys a heat medium such as water or refrigerant used in an electric vehicle, it is required to sufficiently enhance the heat insulation property in order to suppress the loss of thermal energy.

[0004] Conventionally, in order to enhance the heat insulation property, a heat insulating material has been wound around a hose used as a pipe for conveying a heat medium. More specifically, for example, the heat insulating material has been wound only around the pipe at the location where heat insulation is required, or around all the pipes.

[0005] Note that as prior art document information related to the invention of this application, there is Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the above method of wrapping the pipes with insulation has the drawback of increasing the weight of the piping and thus the overall weight of the vehicle, which leads to a decrease in driving range. Another drawback is that wrapping the pipes with insulation increases their outer diameter, making it difficult to secure space for cable routing. Furthermore, the need to wrap the pipes with insulation adds to the time and effort required for cable routing.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a lightweight, small-diameter insulated hose and an insulated hose assembly that can be easily routed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and provides an insulating hose comprising a hollow cylindrical inner layer, a hollow cylindrical outer layer concentrically provided with respect to the inner layer via an air layer so as to cover the outer circumference of the inner layer, and one or more ribs connecting the inner layer and the outer layer in the radial direction, wherein the inner layer, the outer layer, and the ribs are made of rubber or resin, and the ribs are formed spirally along the outer surface of the inner layer.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing an insulated hose assembly comprising multiple insulated hoses connected together, wherein the insulated hoses are configured by connecting insulated hoses with different helical pitches of ribs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lightweight, small-diameter, and easily routed insulated hose. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an insulated hose according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and (b) is a perspective view. [Figure 2](a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an insulating hose according to one modified example of the present invention. [Figure 3] (a) and (b) are perspective views showing a die and nipple used in the extrusion molding of insulated hoses. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an insulating hose according to one modified example of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an insulating hose according to one modified example of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of an insulated hose assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing an insulated hose according to one modified example of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 shows an insulated hose 1 according to this embodiment, where Figure 1(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view. The insulated hose 1 is used, for example, in vehicles such as electric vehicles to pass heat transfer fluids such as water or refrigerants.

[0015] The insulated hose 1 integrally comprises a hollow cylindrical inner layer 2, a hollow cylindrical outer layer 3 concentrically provided with respect to the inner layer 2 via an air layer 5 so as to cover the outer circumference of the inner layer 2, and one or more ribs 4 radially connecting the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3. A heat transfer medium, such as water or a refrigerant, flows through the hollow portion 2a surrounded by the inner layer 2.

[0016] In this embodiment, the case where four ribs 4 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction is shown. However, the number of ribs 4 is not limited to this, and it may be one or more. For example, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the number of ribs 4 may be one, or as shown in Fig. 2(b), the number of ribs 4 may be three. When providing a plurality of ribs 4, in order to suppress the formation of a direction in which it is difficult to bend the heat insulation hose 1 due to the influence of the ribs 4, it is more desirable to provide the ribs 4 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The air layer 5 is partitioned into four regions in the circumferential direction by the four ribs 4. By having the air layer 5 between the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3, since this air layer 5 serves as heat insulation, even without winding a heat insulating material around the heat insulation hose 1, it is possible to suppress the heat of the heat medium flowing through the hollow portion 2a from leaking to the outside, that is, to suppress heat loss. Note that the smaller the number of ribs 4, the larger the volume of the air layer 5, so the heat insulation and light weight can be improved. Therefore, more preferably, the number of ribs 4 is four or less.

[0018] The inner layer 2, the outer layer 3, and the rib 4 are made of rubber or resin that is flexible and excellent in vibration absorption. Examples include rubbers such as ethylene propylene diene rubber and silicone rubber, resins such as soft polyvinyl chloride, and thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethane-based, polyamide-based, polyester-based, and polyolefin-based. In this embodiment, the inner layer 2, the outer layer 3, and the rib 4 are made of the same material. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 and the rib 4 may be made of different materials. The inner diameter of the inner layer 2 is, for example, about 10 mm, and the outer diameter of the outer layer 3 (the outer diameter of the heat insulation hose 1) is, for example, about 20 mm.

[0019] In this embodiment, the rib 4 is formed in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the inner layer 2 (the inner peripheral surface of the outer layer 3). That is, the rib 4 is formed so as to rotate about the central axis of the heat insulating hose 1 (i.e., spirally around the outer peripheral surface of the inner layer 2) as it moves in the longitudinal direction of the heat insulating hose 1. For example, if a linear rib 4 parallel to the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the heat insulating hose 1 is formed, the heat insulating hose 1 is likely to buckle when bent. However, by forming the rib 4 in a spiral shape as in this embodiment, it becomes difficult to buckle when bent. When the heat insulating hose 1 is routed in an electric vehicle or the like, due to layout reasons, the heat insulating hose 1 may have to be bent with a small bending radius. According to the heat insulating hose 1, even in such a case, by appropriately adjusting the spiral pitch of the rib 4, it becomes possible to route the heat insulating hose 1 without buckling. Note that the spiral pitch of the rib 4 is the interval along the longitudinal direction at positions where the circumferential positions of the rib 4 are the same.

[0020] If the spiral pitch of the rib 4 is made too small, it becomes difficult to buckle even when bent with a small bending radius, but the volume of the air layer 5 becomes small and the heat insulation property deteriorates. Conversely, if the spiral pitch of the rib 4 is made too large, although the volume of the air layer 5 increases and the heat insulation property improves, it becomes easy to buckle when bent with a small bending radius. Therefore, considering the routing layout of the heat insulating hose 1, the material of the heat insulating hose 1, etc., it is advisable to appropriately determine the spiral pitch of the rib 4 so that buckling does not occur and the heat insulation property does not deteriorate too much.

[0021] In this embodiment, the thickness of the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 are the same, but the thickness of the outer layer 3 may be made thinner than the thickness of the inner layer 2. This makes it possible to increase the volume of the air layer 5 while maintaining the same outer diameter, thereby improving the heat insulation performance. In order to increase the volume of the air layer 5 and improve the heat insulation performance, it is desirable to make both the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 thinner, but if they are made too thin, the heat-insulating hose 1 will be prone to buckling. Therefore, the thickness of the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 should be made thin enough to prevent buckling, taking into consideration the material of the heat-insulating hose 1. In addition, if the inner layer 2 is made thinner, the hollow portion 2a through which the heat transfer medium flows will be more likely to collapse, so it is preferable that the thickness of the inner layer 2 be thicker than the outer layer 3.

[0022] Furthermore, the insulated hose 1 has a rib position indicator section 6 on the outer surface of the outer layer 3 (i.e., the outer surface of the insulated hose 1) that displays the position of the ribs 4. In this embodiment, the rib position indicator section 6 is configured to display the position of the ribs 4 with lines. However, the form in which the position of the ribs 4 is displayed in the rib position indicator section 6 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the position of the ribs 4 may be displayed with arrows or symbols, or the position of the ribs 4 may be displayed by forming concave grooves or convex ribs on the outer surface. By having a rib position indicator section 6, it becomes possible to determine at what position to bend the insulated hose 1, taking into account the position of the ribs 4. For example, the position of the ribs 4 may be made visible by forming the outer layer 3 with a transparent material and the ribs 4 with a colored material.

[0023] The insulated hose 1 can be formed, for example, by extrusion molding. For example, when forming the insulated hose 1 shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the extruder can use the die 71 and nipple 72 shown in Figure 3(a). The resin is extruded from between the die 71 and the nipple 72, but by providing a closure portion 72a in the nipple 72 that blocks the flow path of the hollow portion 2a and the air layer 5, it is possible to suppress the resin from entering the hollow portion 2a and the air layer 5 during extrusion molding, and to extrude the insulated hose 1 in one piece. In addition, to prevent the extruded resin from being crushed by gravity and entering the hollow portion 2a and the air layer 5, as shown in Figure 3(b), air holes 72b for supplying air may be provided in each closure portion 72a of the nipple 72, and extrusion molding may be performed while supplying air from the air holes 72b. This makes it possible to extrude the insulated hose 1 while suppressing deformation of its shape.

[0024] Furthermore, the ribs 4 can be formed in a spiral shape by rotating the extruded insulated hose 1 around its central axis while taking it in. However, the method is not limited to this; the ribs 4 may also be formed in a spiral shape by extruding the nipple 72 while rotating it.

[0025] The insulated hose 1 may also be formed by methods other than extrusion molding. For example, it is possible to form the insulated hose 1 using a 3D printer. Alternatively, for example, a dummy wire can be placed in the hollow portion 2a, an inner layer 2 can be formed by extrusion molding, a strip-shaped dummy wire can be wrapped around the surrounding air layer 5, and then the outer layer 3 and ribs 4 can be formed by extrusion molding, after which the dummy wire can be removed to form the insulated hose 1.

[0026] (modified version) In this embodiment, the case where there is one outer layer 3 has been described, but there may be two or more outer layers 3. That is, the insulated hose 1 may be constructed by concentrically arranging multiple outer layers 3 with air layers 5 in between, and connecting radially adjacent outer layers 3 with one or more ribs 4.

[0027] More specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 4, the structure may be configured to have two outer layers 3, with the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3, and the outer layers 3 themselves, connected by ribs 4. In this case, in order to make the insulated hose 1 easier to bend, it is more desirable that the ribs 4 connecting the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3, and the ribs 4 connecting the outer layers 3 themselves, be formed in positions that do not overlap radially.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the insulated hose may also be further provided with metal wires 9 embedded in the inner layer 2, outer layer 3, or rib 4. The metal wires 9 are for maintaining the wiring shape of the insulated hose 1 and play a role in maintaining the shape of the insulated hose 1 when it is bent into any shape according to the wiring layout. This makes it possible to hold the insulated hose 1 in any shape, thus facilitating the wiring work.

[0029] (Insulated hose assembly 10) Figure 6 is a plan view of the insulated hose assembly 10. The insulated hose assembly 10 is constructed by connecting multiple insulated hoses 1 together. The connecting members 11 that connect the insulated hoses 1 together are not particularly limited and may be, for example, hose connectors, pipes (tubular members) made of metal or resin, etc. Alternatively, the insulated hoses 1 may be directly connected to each other by heat fusion or bonding using adhesive, etc.

[0030] The insulated hose assembly 10 is constructed by connecting insulated hoses 1 with different helical pitches of ribs 4. The insulated hose assembly 10 is constructed by adjusting the lengths of each insulated hose 1a, 1b so that insulated hose 1a with a large helical pitch of ribs 4 is used in straight-line sections (or sections with a large bending radius), and insulated hose 1b with a small helical pitch of ribs 4 is used in bent sections (sections with a small bending radius). The illustrated example shows the case where two insulated hoses 1a and 1b are connected, but the insulated hose assembly 10 may be constructed by connecting three or more insulated hoses 1. By using an insulated hose assembly 10 designed according to the wiring layout, the wiring work of the insulated hoses 1 becomes easier, and it becomes possible to use an insulated hose 1 with an appropriate helical pitch of ribs 4 depending on the bending, thereby achieving both improved heat insulation and suppression of buckling. In this embodiment, since there is a rib position indicator 6, it is possible to easily identify each insulated hose 1 even when using insulated hoses 1 with different helical pitches of ribs 4.

[0031] In this description, we have explained the case where multiple insulated hoses 1 with different helical pitches of ribs 4 are connected. However, as shown in Figure 7, the insulated hose 1 can also be configured so that the helical pitch of the ribs 4 differs for each longitudinally partitioned region A and B. The insulated hose 1 in Figure 7 can be formed, for example, by changing the rotation speed of the take-up device and nipple 72 during extrusion molding. The insulated hose 1 in Figure 7 can also be manufactured using a 3D printer. In this embodiment, since there is a rib position indicator 6, it is possible to easily identify regions A and B where the helical pitch of the ribs 4 differs.

[0032] (Operation and Effects of the Embodiment) As described above, in the heat-insulating hose 1 according to this embodiment, the ribs 4 connecting the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 are formed spirally along the outer circumferential surface of the inner layer 2 (the inner circumferential surface of the outer layer 3). This enhances heat insulation through the air layer 5 between the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3, while also making it less likely for the air layer 5 to collapse when the heat-insulating hose 1 is bent, thus reducing the likelihood of the heat-insulating hose 1 buckling.

[0033] With the insulated hose 1, there is no need to wrap insulation material around the hose as in conventional technology, making it possible to lighten and reduce the diameter of the heat transfer fluid piping and making it easy to route. The insulated hose 1 according to this embodiment has high heat insulation performance, is lightweight and small in diameter, and is easy to bend and route, making it particularly suitable as piping for heat transfer fluids in electric vehicles. By applying the insulated hose 1 of the present invention to an electric vehicle, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of heat utilization in cooling and heating / cooling of batteries, motors, inverters, etc., such as improving the efficiency of heat utilization when using heat generated by motors and inverters for heating, and to efficiently manage thermal energy (thermal management). As a result, it becomes possible to reduce battery power consumption and extend the driving range. In other words, in a vehicle using the insulated hose 1 according to this embodiment as piping for a heat transfer fluid, heat loss in the piping is suppressed, weight reduction is possible, and routing work is easier, which greatly contributes to improving the driving range, especially in electric vehicles.

[0034] In this embodiment, the case in which the insulated hose 1 is used as piping for a vehicle has been described. However, the use of the insulated hose 1 is not limited to piping for vehicles. For example, it can be suitably used as piping for heat transfer fluids used in various industrial devices, or as piping for air conditioners, or any other piping where insulation and routing are required.

[0035] (Summary of the embodiments) Next, the technical concept understood from the embodiments described above will be described using the reference numerals and other symbols from the embodiments. However, the reference numerals and other symbols in the following description are not limited to the components in the claims that are specifically shown in the embodiments.

[0036] [1] An insulating hose (1) comprising a hollow cylindrical inner layer (2), a hollow cylindrical outer layer (3) provided concentrically with respect to the inner layer (2) via an air layer (5) so as to cover the outer circumference of the inner layer (2), and one or more ribs (4) connecting the inner layer (2) and the outer layer (3) in the radial direction, wherein the inner layer (2), the outer layer (3), and the ribs (4) are made of rubber or resin, and the ribs (4) are formed spirally along the outer surface of the inner layer (2).

[0037] [2] The heat insulating hose (1) according to [1], having a rib position indicator (6) on the outer surface of the outer layer (3) that indicates the position of the ribs.

[0038] [3] The heat insulating hose (1) according to [1], wherein the thickness of the outer layer (3) is thinner than the thickness of the inner layer (2).

[0039] [4] The thermal insulation hose (1) according to [1], wherein a plurality of the outer layers (3) are arranged concentrically with the air layer (5) in between, and radially adjacent outer layers (3) are connected by one or more ribs (4).

[0040] [5] The insulated hose (1) according to [1], further comprising a metal wire (9) embedded in the inner layer (2), the outer layer (3), or the rib (4) for maintaining the cable shape.

[0041] [6] The heat insulating hose (1) according to [1], wherein the spiral pitch of the ribs (4) is different for each region partitioned in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] An insulated hose assembly (10) comprising multiple insulated hoses (1) as described in any of [7][1] to [5], wherein the insulated hoses (1) are configured by connecting insulated hoses (1) with different spiral pitches of the ribs (4).

[0043] (Note) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential for solving the problem of the invention. In addition, the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1…Insulated hose 2…Inner layer 2a...Hollow part 3…Outer layer 4… Ribs 5…Air layer 6...Rib position indicator 9… Metal wire 10…Insulated hose assembly

Claims

1. A hollow cylindrical inner layer, A hollow cylindrical outer layer is provided concentrically with respect to the inner layer, with an air layer in between, so as to cover the outer circumference of the inner layer, The inner layer and the outer layer are integrally provided with one or more ribs connecting them radially, The inner layer, the outer layer, and the ribs are made of rubber or resin. The ribs are formed spirally along the outer surface of the inner layer, Insulated hose.

2. The outer surface of the outer layer has a rib position indicator section that displays the position of the ribs. The heat-insulating hose according to claim 1.

3. The thickness of the outer layer is thinner than the thickness of the inner layer. The heat-insulating hose according to claim 1.

4. Multiple of the outer layers are arranged concentrically with respect to the air layer, The radially adjacent outer layers are connected by one or more ribs, The heat-insulating hose according to claim 1.

5. The inner layer, the outer layer, or the rib is further equipped with a metal wire for maintaining the cable arrangement shape, The heat-insulating hose according to claim 1.

6. The spiral pitch of the ribs is varied for each region in the longitudinal direction. The heat-insulating hose according to claim 1.

7. An insulated hose assembly comprising a plurality of insulated hoses according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned insulated hoses are connected, each having a different spiral pitch for its ribs. Insulated hose assembly.

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