Elbow hose

Abstract

To provide an elbow hose that can be bent to any bending radius and that can suppress the occurrence of kinks. [Solution] An elbow hose according to one embodiment comprises a tubular, flexible hose through which liquid flows, a pair of connecting members attached to both ends of the hose, and a tubular member having a bendable portion that can be bent at any angle, located between the pair of connecting members and covering at least a part of the hose.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elbow hose.

Background Art

[0002] When using a hose for water supply or the like by bending it, kinks may occur at the bent portion of the hose, and there is a risk that sufficient water supply cannot be achieved. Conventionally, in such a case, the occurrence of kinks has been suppressed by using an elbow pipe or a sleeper at the bent portion of the hose. However, preparing a plurality of elbow pipes or sleepers according to various bending radii and usage environments places a great burden on the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an elbow hose that can be bent at an arbitrary bending radius and suppress the occurrence of kinks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An elbow hose according to an embodiment includes a hose formed in a cylindrical shape, having flexibility, through which a liquid flows inside, a pair of coupling members attached to both ends of the hose, and a bent portion that can be bent at an arbitrary angle, and a cylindrical member that is located between the pair of coupling members and covers at least a part of the hose.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] For example, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an elbow hose that can be bent to any bending radius and that can suppress the occurrence of kinks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a water supply hose according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the elbow hose according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the elbow hose according to the first embodiment in a bent state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a configuration that can be applied to the connecting member. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view showing the coupling members of elbow hoses and a portion of the coupling members of hoses that are joined together. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a configuration that can be applied to a cylindrical member. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows another example of a configuration that can be applied to a cylindrical member. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows yet another example of a configuration that can be applied to a cylindrical member. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a schematic perspective view showing the manufacturing process of an elbow hose. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a schematic perspective view showing the process following Figure 9A. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a water supply hose related to a comparative example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a water supply hose related to a comparative example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram for comparing a water supply hose according to a comparative example with a water supply hose equipped with an elbow hose according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A is a schematic perspective view of the elbow hose according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13B]Figure 13B is a schematic plan view of the elbow hose according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the elbow hose according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of the elbow hose according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of the elbow hose according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of use of the elbow hose according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram showing another example of use of the elbow hose according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a diagram showing still another example of use of the elbow hose according to the fifth embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] The elbow hose disclosed in each embodiment is attached to, for example, a hose for drainage or water supply. The liquid sent from the hose is not limited to water and may be a liquid other than water. The elbow hose can be used in various applications such as the fire protection field, disaster prevention field, agricultural field, and industrial field.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a water supply hose 100 according to one embodiment. The water supply hose 100 pumps and supplies water drawn from, for example, a water source using a pump or the like. In the example shown in Figure 1, water is flowing inside the water supply hose 100 along the water supply direction A.

[0011] The water supply hose 100 includes a plurality of hoses H and an elbow hose EH. The elbow hose EH is disposed between two hoses H and connects these hoses H.

[0012] The elbow hose EH can be bent at an arbitrary angle. Therefore, the water supply direction A of the water flowing inside the water supply hose 100 can be changed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the elbow hose EH is bent at 90° and disposed. As a result, the water supply direction A has changed by 90°.

[0013] The elbow hose EH includes a pair of coupling members 5 disposed at both ends. The hose H includes a coupling member 5H disposed at an end. By coupling the coupling members 5, 5H, the elbow hose EH and the hose H are connected. The coupling members 5, 5H have a structure that can be connected to each other. The coupling members 5, 5H have, for example, the same structure without distinguishing between male and female. Details of the coupling members 5, 5H will be described later. Note that the connection method between the elbow hose EH and the hose H is not limited to the above example.

[0014] The water supply hose 100 may include a plurality of elbow hoses EH as necessary. By using a plurality of elbow hoses EH, for example, it becomes possible to install the water supply hose 100 while avoiding a plurality of obstacles.

[0015] [First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the elbow hose EH according to the first embodiment. The elbow hose EH shown in FIG. 2 shows a state where it is not bent, unlike the elbow hose EH shown in FIG. 1. The elbow hose EH includes a hose 1, a cylindrical member 3, the pair of coupling members 5 described above, and a pair of fastening members 7. In this specification, the central axis of the elbow hose EH is referred to as axis AX, and the direction parallel to axis AX is referred to as the axial direction DX.

[0016] Hose 1 extends axially DX and is formed in a cylindrical shape. A flow channel for liquids such as water is formed inside hose 1. Hose 1 is flexible and can be bent by applying force. In one example, hose 1 can be flattened when no liquid is flowing through it.

[0017] A pair of connecting members 5 and a pair of fastening members 7 are positioned at both ends of the hose 1. The fastening members 7 are formed, for example, in an annular shape and fix the hose 1 and the connecting members 5 near the ends of the hose 1.

[0018] The cylindrical member 3 extends in the axial direction DX and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical member 3 is located between the pair of connecting members 5 and the pair of fastening members 7, and covers a portion of the hose 1. In the example shown in Figure 2, the cylindrical member 3 covers most of the area of ​​the hose 1 between the pair of fastening members 7.

[0019] The cylindrical member 3 has a bendable portion 31 that can be bent to any angle. In one example, the bendable portion 31 can maintain its shape when bent. The bendable portion 31 can be easily bent, for example, by human force. In the example shown in Figure 2, the bendable portion 31 is formed in a bellows shape.

[0020] The bent portion 31 has multiple peaks 31a that protrude radially (in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction DX) of the cylindrical member 3. In the example shown in Figure 2, the bent portion 31 has six peaks 31a. The bent portion 31 can be bent by changing the spacing between these peaks 31a.

[0021] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the elbow hose EH according to the first embodiment in a bent state. In the example shown in Figure 3, the elbow hose EH is shown bent at a 90° angle. In this specification, the central axis of the cylindrical member 3 is referred to as axis AX3. Axis AX3 coincides with axis AX.

[0022] The hose 1 includes a jacket 11 and a liner 12 lined inside the jacket 11. The jacket 11 is formed of, for example, a fabric woven from warp and weft threads. The liner 12 is formed of, for example, a resin having water resistance.

[0023] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the inner diameter ID3 of the cylindrical member 3 is smaller than the outer diameter OD5 of the coupling member 5 and the outer diameter OD7 of the fastening member 7 (ID3 < OD5, OD7). Therefore, in a state where the coupling member 5 and the fastening member 7 are attached to the hose 1, the cylindrical member 3 cannot be removed. Also, the inner diameter ID3 is larger than the outer diameter OD1 of the hose 1 (ID3 > OD1). In one example, the inner diameter ID3 is 1.5 times or less of the outer diameter OD1.

[0024] Here, the distance from the bending center CE of the cylindrical member 3 to the axis AX3 is defined as the bending radius R of the cylindrical member 3. In one example, the minimum bending radius R of the cylindrical member 3 is 10 times or more of the inner diameter ID1 of the hose 1. Note that the minimum bending radius R corresponds to, for example, the bending radius R when the cylindrical member 3 is bent to the maximum. That is, the cylindrical member 3 is configured so that it cannot be bent with a bending radius R smaller than the minimum bending radius R.

[0025] Note that the inner diameter ID1 and the outer diameter OD1 of the hose 1 described above respectively correspond to the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the hose 1 in a state where the hose 1 is pressurized from the inside by the liquid flowing inside the hose 1 and the hose 1 expands into a cylindrical shape.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a configuration applicable to the coupling member 5. The coupling member 5 includes a first cylindrical portion 51 and a second cylindrical portion 52 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 51. In this specification, the direction away from the axis AX is called the radial direction DR, and the circumferential direction centered on the axis AX is called the circumferential direction Dθ.

[0027] The inside of the first cylindrical portion 51 constitutes a flow path through which the liquid flows. An annular seal member 53 is provided at an end portion 51a of the first cylindrical portion 51.

[0028] The second cylindrical portion 52 has a plurality of hooks 54 that protrude in the axial direction DX from the end portion 51a of the first cylindrical portion 51. These hooks 54 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction Dθ. Recesses 55 are formed between adjacent hooks 54. These recesses 55 are also arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction Dθ, similar to the hooks 54.

[0029] The hook 54 has a first side surface 541 and a second side surface 542 in the circumferential direction Dθ. The second side surface 542 is inclined with respect to the axial direction DX. As a result, the width of the hook 54 in the circumferential direction Dθ decreases towards the tip.

[0030] The first side surface 541 is provided with a claw portion 56 protruding in the circumferential direction Dθ and a recess 57 located closer to the base of the hook 54 than the claw portion 56. The second side surface 542 is provided with a ball plunger 58. For example, the ball plunger 58 includes a hole provided in the second side surface 542, a ball housed in the hole, and an elastic body that biases the ball toward the outside of the hole. A portion of the ball protrudes from the second side surface 542.

[0031] The configuration of the connecting member 5H of the hose H shown in Figure 1 is the same as that of the connecting member 5. That is, the connecting member 5H has a plurality of hooks 54 that are the same shape as the hooks 54 of the connecting member 5, and a plurality of recesses 55 that are the same shape as the recesses 55 of the connecting member 5.

[0032] Figure 5 is a side view showing a portion of the connecting member 5 of the elbow hose EH and the connecting member 5H of the hose H, which are connected to each other. When connecting the connecting members 5 and 5H, the connecting member 5 is pressed against the connecting member 5H with their central axes aligned. At this time, each hook 54 of the connecting member 5 is inserted into the recess 55 of the connecting member 5H, and each hook 54 of the connecting member 5H is inserted into the recess 55 of the connecting member 5.

[0033] When the connecting member 5 is pushed to its maximum extent relative to the connecting member 5H, the ball plungers 58 of both members come into contact and push against each other, causing the connecting member 5 to rotate slightly in the circumferential direction Dθ. At this time, the claw portions 56 of both members engage and prevent them from coming loose in the axial direction DX.

[0034] Once the connecting members 5 and 5H are connected, the connection is maintained by the biasing force of the ball plunger 58. To release the connection of the connecting members 5 and 5H, the connecting member 5 is rotated in the circumferential direction Dθ relative to the connecting member 5H, against the biasing force of the ball plunger 58. This releases the engagement of each claw portion 56.

[0035] The method of joining the connecting members 5 and 5H is not limited to the above example. For example, the connecting member 5, which is composed of a male fitting, and the connecting member 5H, which is composed of a female fitting, may be joined by engagement.

[0036] Figures 6 to 8 show examples of configurations that can be applied to the cylindrical member 3. Note that the configurations that can be applied to the cylindrical member 3 are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0037] The cylindrical member 3 shown in the example in Figure 6 has flange portions 32 connected to both ends of the bent portion 31. The cylindrical member 3 is made of, for example, a metal material. In the cylindrical member 3 shown in Figure 6, the bent portion 31 can be bent to any angle by changing the spacing of the peaks 31a. For example, a bellows can be used for the cylindrical member 3 shown in Figure 6. Note that in Figure 6, a dot pattern is applied to the portion between adjacent peaks 31a (valleys).

[0038] The bent portion 31 of the cylindrical member 3 shown in the example in Figure 7 has a cylindrical soft member 33 (the portion with a dot pattern) and a hard member 35 that is spirally wound around the soft member 33 at equal pitches. The soft member 33 and the hard member 35 are made of, for example, a resin material or a metal material. The soft member 33 is formed, for example, in the form of a thin film. The hard member 35 is harder than the soft member 33. Therefore, the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical member 3 is maintained by winding the hard member 35 around the cylindrical soft member 33. The cylindrical member 3 shown in Figure 7 can be, for example, a hose used for supplying air or water.

[0039] The rigid member 35 includes a ridge portion 31a. Therefore, by varying the spacing of the spirally wound rigid member 35, the bent portion 31 can be bent to any angle.

[0040] The bent portion 31 of the cylindrical member 3 shown in the example in Figure 8 is formed by winding a single resin component in a spiral shape. For example, the resin component has protrusions and indentations formed on it, and the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical member 3 is maintained by the interlocking of these protrusions and indentations. The cylindrical member 3 can change its diameter by applying force in the circumferential direction, for example, and is expandable and contractible in the axial direction. Furthermore, the cylindrical member 3 shown in Figure 8 can maintain its shape when bent. In the cylindrical member 3 shown in Figure 8, the bent portion 31 can be bent to any angle by changing the spacing of the peaks 31a. For example, an air conditioning hose can be used for the cylindrical member 3 shown in Figure 8.

[0041] In addition to the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the cylindrical member 3 may be formed in a mesh-like manner, for example. Furthermore, the cylindrical member 3 may have at least one hole.

[0042] Next, we will describe an example of a manufacturing method for elbow hoses EH. Figures 9A and 9B are schematic perspective views showing the manufacturing process of elbow hoses EH.

[0043] First, as shown in Figure 9A, the fastening member 7 secures the hose 1 and the connecting member 5 at one end of the hose 1. At this time, the connecting member 5 is not connected to the other end of the hose 1. Then, the cylindrical member 3 is inserted into the hose 1 from the other end.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 9B, the hose 1 and the connecting member 5 are secured at the other end of the hose 1 using the fastening member 7. This completes the elbow hose EH.

[0045] Next, the effects of the elbow hose EH according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing a water supply hose 100 according to a comparative example.

[0046] As shown in the upper part of Figure 10, if you want to change the direction of water flow using hose H, you should bend hose H when installing it. In the example shown in Figure 10, hose H is bent at a 90° angle. Even if the bending radius of hose H is increased to prevent kinking at the bend, the water pressure during water flow can cause hose H to stretch or twist, which may cause hose H to move. As hose H moves, the bending radius decreases, and there is a risk of kinking K occurring at the bend of hose H, as shown in the lower part of Figure 10.

[0047] As a countermeasure, as shown in Figure 11(a), an elbow pipe 200 bent at 90° is placed between the two hoses H. Also, as shown in Figure 11(b), if an obstacle B is present, a sleeper 210 is placed between the hoses H and the obstacle B. In the example shown in Figure 11(b), a sleeper bent at 90° is placed.

[0048] In this way, by arranging the elbow pipes 200 and sleepers 210, the bending radius can be maintained, and the occurrence of kinks K can be suppressed. However, the elbow pipes 200 and sleepers 210 can only accommodate a certain bending radius. Therefore, if it is necessary to change the bending radius depending on the usage environment, it is necessary to prepare multiple elbow pipes 200 and sleepers 210 with different bending radii, which places a significant burden on the user in terms of cost and other factors.

[0049] In this embodiment, the cylindrical member 3 has a bendable portion 31 that can be bent to any angle. Therefore, as described above, it is not necessary to prepare multiple elbow pipes 200 or sleepers 210 according to the bending radius. As a result, costs can be reduced and the burden on the user is lessened.

[0050] Furthermore, the bent portion 31 can maintain its shape in a bent state. Therefore, even if the hose 1 moves during water flow, the bending radius R of the cylindrical member 3 hardly changes. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of kinks K in the cylindrical member 3.

[0051] Furthermore, since hose 1 is covered by cylindrical member 3, the movement of hose 1 during water flow is restricted by cylindrical member 3. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of kinks K in hose 1. Also, by making the inner diameter ID3 of cylindrical member 3 1.5 times or less the outer diameter OD1 of hose 1, the movement of hose 1 during water flow is further restricted by cylindrical member 3. This makes it possible to further suppress the occurrence of kinks K in hose 1. Furthermore, by making the minimum bending radius R of cylindrical member 3 10 times or more the inner diameter ID1 of hose 1, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of kinks K in both hose 1 and cylindrical member 3.

[0052] Furthermore, the inner diameter ID3 of the cylindrical member 3 is smaller than the outer diameter OD5 of the connecting member 5 and the outer diameter OD7 of the fastening member 7. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cylindrical member 3 from moving and coming off the hose 1 when the elbow hose EH is in use.

[0053] Furthermore, hose 1 is covered by a cylindrical member 3. This protects hose 1 from damage, heat, ultraviolet rays, etc., thereby extending the lifespan of the elbow hose EH.

[0054] The cylindrical member 3 shown in Figures 6 to 8 has a bent portion 31. By varying the spacing between the multiple peaks 31a included in the bent portion 31, the bent portion 31 can be bent to any angle. Therefore, the same effect as described above can be obtained with the cylindrical member 3 shown in Figures 6 to 8.

[0055] Figure 12 is a diagram for comparing a water supply hose 100 according to a comparative example with a water supply hose 100 equipped with an elbow hose EH according to the first embodiment. The upper diagram in Figure 12 shows the water supply hose 100 according to the comparative example. The lower diagram in Figure 12 shows the water supply hose 100 equipped with an elbow hose EH according to the first embodiment. In Figure 12, the vertical direction corresponds to the vertical direction (gravity direction) Z.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 12, the water supply hose 100 is installed along the structure ST. The structure ST has a side wall S parallel to the vertical direction Z, an upper wall U perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, and a corner C at the boundary between the side wall S and the upper wall U. The water supply hose 100 is installed along the side wall S and the upper wall U. The water supply hose 100 delivers water from below to above the structure ST along the vertical direction Z, and the water supply direction A is bent by 90° near corner C.

[0057] The water supply hose 100 is subjected to a downward load due to its own weight and the weight of the water flowing inside. As a result, as shown in the upper part of Figure 12, in the water supply hose 100 of the comparative example, the bending radius of the hose H becomes small, and the hose H collapses at the corner C. Consequently, it may become difficult to supply enough water.

[0058] On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of Figure 12, in this embodiment, the elbow hose EH is positioned near the corner C. The cylindrical member 3 bends with a constant bending radius R due to the weight of the water supply hose 100, etc. Also, the hose 1 covered by the cylindrical member 3 bends with almost the same bending radius as the cylindrical member 3. Since the movement of the hose 1 is restricted by the cylindrical member 3, even if a downward force is applied to the hose 1 due to its own weight, etc., the bending radius of the hose 1 hardly changes. Therefore, crushing of the hose 1 at the corner C is suppressed, and sufficient water supply becomes possible.

[0059] [Second Embodiment] Figure 13A is a schematic perspective view of the elbow hose EH according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the length of the cylindrical member 3 is shorter than that of the cylindrical member 3 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the area of ​​the hose 1 between the pair of fastening members 7 that is not covered by the cylindrical member 3 is greater than in the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 13A, the bent portion 31 has two peaks 31a.

[0060] The cylindrical member 3 is positioned near one of the pair of fastening members 7. The cylindrical member 3 may also be positioned near the center of the hose 1, for example. Furthermore, the cylindrical member 3 may or may not be fixed to the hose 1 with an adhesive or the like. That is, the cylindrical member 3 may be slidably positioned relative to the hose 1 in the axial direction DX. Moreover, the elbow hose EH may comprise multiple cylindrical members 3.

[0061] Hose 1 has a printing area 13 on which identification information such as the manufacturing date and lot number of hose 1 is printed. In the example shown in Figure 13A, the printing area 13 is located close to the fastening member 7. The printing area 13 is exposed from the cylindrical member 3.

[0062] Figure 13B is a schematic plan view of the elbow hose EH according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 13B, the length of the cylindrical member 3 along the axial direction DX is defined as length L1, and the length of the region between the pair of fastening members 7 in the hose 1 along the axial direction DX is defined as length L2. In one example, length L1 is less than or equal to half of length 2.

[0063] In this embodiment, the printing area 13 is exposed from the cylindrical member 3. Therefore, the information printed in the printing area 13 can be visually inspected. Furthermore, since the area not covered by the cylindrical member 3 is larger than that of the elbow hose EH according to the first embodiment, the appearance of the hose 1 can be easily inspected.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length L1 is less than or equal to half the length L2. Therefore, when the cylindrical member 3 is slidable in the axial direction DX, by moving the cylindrical member 3 towards each of the pair of fastening members 7, it becomes possible to visually inspect the entire region of the hose 1 between the pair of fastening members 7. Thus, the visual inspection of the hose 1 becomes even easier.

[0065] Furthermore, since the length L1 of the cylindrical member 3 is shorter than in the first embodiment, the weight of the elbow hose EH is lighter than in the first embodiment, and the storage of the elbow hose EH is also improved. As a result, the convenience of the elbow hose EH is improved.

[0066] [Third Embodiment] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the elbow hose EH according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the elbow hose EH further comprises a fastener 4.

[0067] The fastener 4 has a ring portion 41 and a projection portion 42. The ring portion 41 is formed in a C shape. The projection portion 42 is connected to the ring portion 41 and has a through hole 42h.

[0068] The fastener 4 is attached to the cylindrical member 3. In the example shown in Figure 14, the ring portion 41 is attached between adjacent peaks 31a. In one example, the fastener 4 is detachable from the cylindrical member 3. Alternatively, the fastener 4 may be fixed to the cylindrical member 3.

[0069] The through-hole 42h can be used to pass through, for example, a rope or chain. By tying the rope or chain passed through the through-hole 42h to a desired location, the elbow hose EH can be secured.

[0070] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of the elbow hose EH according to the fourth embodiment. In Figure 15, the bent portion 31 and the ridge portion 31a are not shown. In the fourth embodiment, the cylindrical member 3 has a fitting portion 37. Both ends of the fitting portion 37 are bent into a U shape.

[0071] The part corresponding to the fitting portion 37 is attached to the location where the elbow hose EH is to be fixed, and the fitting portion 37 and the part are fitted together. This makes it possible to fix the elbow hose EH in place.

[0072] The method of securing the elbow hose EH is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15. In one example, the elbow hose EH may be secured by directly wrapping a rope or chain around the cylindrical member 3. In another example, components such as flanges, eye bolts, or latches may be attached to the elbow hose EH, and these components may be used to secure the elbow hose EH.

[0073] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of the elbow hose EH according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the cylindrical member 3 has a plurality of protrusions 39. In the example shown in Figure 16, the cylindrical member 3 has four protrusions 39. The number of protrusions 39 is not limited to four, and may be three or fewer, or five or more. Each protrusion 39 is provided with a through hole 39h.

[0074] Figure 17 shows an example of use of the elbow hose EH according to the fifth embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 17, a rope 230 is passed through the through hole 39h of the projection 39. The rope 230 is connected to a D-shaped ring 240. By attaching the ring 240 to a column or building, the elbow hose EH can be fixed in place.

[0075] Figure 18 shows another example of use of the elbow hose EH according to the fifth embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 18, after bending the elbow hose EH, a U-shaped fastener 250 is inserted into the two through holes 39h. This fixes the bending radius of the cylindrical member 3. As a result, even if the water supply hose 100 moves during water supply, it is possible to prevent fluctuations in the bending radius of the cylindrical member 3.

[0076] Figure 19 shows yet another example of use of the elbow hose EH according to the fifth embodiment. The example shown in Figure 19 shows the use of the elbow hose EH in a water source WS. By placing the elbow hose EH in the water source WS, water can be taken from the water source WS and sent upwards to a structure ST using a pump or the like.

[0077] The cylindrical member 3 shown in Figure 19 has one projection 39. A rope 230 is attached to the projection 39. The cylindrical member 3 may have multiple projections 39.

[0078] To place the elbow hose EH inside the water source WS, the elbow hose EH is lowered from above the structure ST into the water source WS while suspended from rope 230. This makes it possible to place the water supply hose 100 inside the water source WS. At this time, the elbow hose EH may be lowered in a bent state, or it may be lowered in an unbent state and placed inside the water source WS, and then bent.

[0079] In this way, by providing the cylindrical member 3 with a projection 39 having a through hole 39h, it is possible to suspend and lower the elbow hose EH using the rope 230. In addition to the usage examples described above, the elbow hose EH can be used in a variety of situations.

[0080] The above embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention to the configurations disclosed in those embodiments. The present invention can be implemented by modifying the configurations disclosed in each embodiment in various ways. The configurations disclosed in each embodiment can be combined as appropriate as needed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100...Water supply hose, EH...Elbow hose, 1...Hose, 11...Jacket, 12...Liner, 3...Cylindrical member, 31...Bend, 39...Protrusion, 39h...Through hole, 5,5H...Connecting member, 7...Fastening member.

Claims

1. A tubular, flexible hose through which liquid flows, A pair of connecting members attached to both ends of the hose, A cylindrical member having a bendable portion that can be bent to any angle, positioned between the pair of connecting members and covering at least a portion of the hose, An elbow hose equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The bent portion can maintain its shape in the bent state. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned bent portion is formed in a bellows shape. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

4. The inner diameter of the cylindrical member is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting member. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

5. The system further comprises a pair of fastening members for securing the pair of connecting members and the hose, respectively. The cylindrical member is located between the pair of fastening members, The inner diameter of the cylindrical member is smaller than the outer diameter of the fastening member. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

6. The inner diameter of the cylindrical member is 1.5 times or less the outer diameter of the hose. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

7. The minimum bending radius of the cylindrical member is 10 times or more the inner diameter of the hose. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

8. The hose has a printing area on which identification information is printed, The printing area is exposed from the cylindrical member. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

9. The system further comprises a pair of fastening members for securing the pair of connecting members and the hose, respectively. The cylindrical member is located between the pair of fastening members, The length of the cylindrical member is less than or equal to half the length of the region between the pair of fastening members in the hose. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

10. The cylindrical member has at least one projection with a through hole. The elbow hose according to claim 1.

11. The hose includes a jacket and a liner formed inside the jacket. The elbow hose according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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