hose
The hose with floating members maintains a straight posture and enhances visibility, addressing the bending and twisting issues of conventional hoses, improving suction capacity and safety in civil engineering and disaster recovery.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021179904
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-11-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-11-04
AI Technical Summary
Hoses used for water suction in civil engineering and disaster recovery often bend or twist due to their weight, making them difficult to manage and reducing suction capacity, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks.
A hose with a main body and floating members that allow it to float on water surfaces, maintaining a straight posture and enhancing visibility, thereby preventing bending and twisting.
The hose maintains a straight posture, improves suction capacity, and enhances worker safety by ensuring visibility, thus increasing work efficiency and reducing the time required for drainage tasks.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a hose used to suck up floodwater in flood-damaged areas, or to suck up water required for construction work, etc. [Background technology]
[0002] Various civil engineering works are carried out in many places. For example, ground works and foundation works are carried out to construct buildings. Civil engineering works such as river improvement and bank protection works are also carried out on rivers, lakes, and coasts. They are based on urban planning or regional development.
[0003] In civil engineering works such as these, groundwater leakage can occur. Also, in civil engineering works such as river improvement works, there is water in rivers, lakes, and marshes. This water needs to be sucked in and discharged or moved.
[0004] Japan is also a disaster-prone country. Every year, we are exposed to numerous disasters, including heavy rain, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis. These disasters often involve flooding as well. Rivers and lakes can overflow, and urban areas can become submerged.
[0005] In such cases, it is necessary to suck up and drain or move the overflowing water in the flooded area.
[0006] A pump and a hose connected to it are used to suck and discharge the water required for such civil engineering work. The hose is placed in the puddle containing the water to be sucked. A pump is connected to this hose, and the pump's suction function sucks water from the end of the hose. This suction causes water to be sucked in one after another from the end of the hose, and the water in the puddle is discharged.
[0007] This allows for the discharge of unnecessary water generated during civil engineering works such as bank protection and foundation construction, as well as the discharge of accumulated water during floods.
[0008] As mentioned above, civil engineering works are being carried out in many places, so this type of water suction is required in many places. In addition, disasters and floods occur frequently in many places, so water suction and discharge are also required in many places for recovery from these disasters. This type of water suction and discharge using a combination of pumps and hoses is being used in a variety of places.
[0009] Techniques have been proposed for draining water from puddles during such construction work or disasters (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-105961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0011] Patent Document 1 discloses a drainage pump vehicle comprising a first vehicle 8 equipped with a self-propelled engine E and a second vehicle 9 that can be towed by the first vehicle 8, each equipped with a power generator 4. The second vehicle 9 is equipped with an engine E1 for pump operation, and the output of the engine E, which is operating when the first vehicle 8 is stopped, is taken in by a power take-off device 10, and the power generator 4 of the first vehicle 8 is driven by the output of the power take-off device 10, and a submersible pump 2 having an electric motor 3 driven by power supplied from the power generator 4 is mounted on the first vehicle 8, and the power generator 4 of the second vehicle 9 is driven by the output of the engine E1, and a submersible pump 2 having an electric motor 3 driven by power supplied from the power generator 4 is mounted on the second vehicle 9.
[0012] In a drainage pump vehicle like the one in Patent Document 1, a hose is connected to the pump and immersed in a puddle to suck up water. Drainage devices other than those in Patent Document 1 also immerse a hose in a puddle to suck up water. The hose is inserted into puddles created by flood damage, in flooded rivers and lakes, and in puddles created at civil engineering construction sites to suck up water.
[0013] For this reason, when sucking or draining water using drainage techniques such as those in Patent Document 1, a hose is required to actually suck and move the water.
[0014] The pools of water that need to be suctioned, including rivers, lakes, and flooded areas, are often large. This requires a long hose, or multiple hoses. Additionally, a hose with a large inner diameter is often required to efficiently suction the water.
[0015] When such a hose with a large inner diameter or a long length is placed in a puddle, it will bend under its own weight, or it may sink into the puddle under its own weight. What's more, it may even become twisted.
[0016] When this phenomenon occurs, it becomes difficult to see the position of the hose in the puddle, which reduces the efficiency of suction and drainage work.It can also pose a risk to work, as puddles created by civil engineering work or flood damage are often muddy.
[0017] Furthermore, bending or twisting can lead to problems such as a reduction in the suction capacity of the suction pump, as bending or twisting inhibits the movement of water inside the hose. This can lead to the suction pump not being able to fully utilize its capabilities, and can also increase the burden on the suction pump.
[0018] Naturally, a decrease in suction capacity increases the time required for suction work, which in turn increases the time required for civil engineering work and flood damage recovery. These problems have various disadvantages in terms of work, costs, safety, etc.
[0019] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a hose that can efficiently suck up water while preventing a decrease in suction capacity. [Means for solving the problem]
[0020] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a hose comprising: a main body portion having a length in an extension direction and configured to move a liquid therein; A device attached to the periphery of the main body Complex and a number of floating members; When the main body is used in a puddle, the floating member allows the main body to float in the puddle. It is something, The main body and the plurality of floating members have a bellows shape that is expandable and contractible in the extension direction. . [Effects of the Invention]
[0021] The hose of the present invention can float in puddles thanks to the floating member on its outer periphery. By floating in puddles, the hose can be seen by workers performing drainage work, etc. This improves work efficiency and safety.
[0022] In addition, the floating member helps the hose to maintain a straight posture, making it less likely to twist or bend. This prevents the hose from losing its suction capacity. As a result, suction and drainage capacity are improved, and work efficiency is increased.
[0023] This hose can be used to drain water from puddles during civil engineering work, flood recovery, and other such tasks more safely and efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a photograph showing the prior art hose suction of water from a flooded or flooded area. [Figure 2] 1 is a photograph showing the prior art hose suction of water from a flooded or flooded area. [Figure 3] 1 is a photograph showing the prior art hose suction of water from a flooded or flooded area. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view of a hose according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view of a hose according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a hose according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a hose equipped with a liquid supply portion for supplying this liquid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] A hose according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a main body portion having a length in an extension direction and allowing a liquid to move therethrough; one or more flotation members attached around the body portion; When the main body is used in a puddle of water, the floating member allows the main body to float in the puddle.
[0026] With this configuration, even when used in lakes, rivers, puddles, etc., the main body can float on the water surface, making it easy to see.
[0027] In the hose according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the features of the first aspect, the floating member controls the attitude of the main body portion in the extension direction.
[0028] This configuration improves the efficiency of suction and drainage work using a hose, and also allows for effective use of resources.
[0029] A third aspect of the present invention provides a hose according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the floating member is attached along the extension direction of the main body portion.
[0030] With this configuration, the floating member can float the main body on the water surface and control its posture to move straight.
[0031] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a hose according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein each of the plurality of floating members has a longitudinal direction that is aligned with the extension direction of the main body portion, Each of the plurality of floating members is attached along the outer periphery of the main body.
[0032] With this configuration, the floating member can reliably float the main body on the water surface and control its posture to move straight.
[0033] A hose according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprises an air supply section that supplies air to the floating member.
[0034] This configuration allows the floating ability of the floating member to occur only when needed.
[0035] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a hose according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein when the main body is used to suck or discharge water from a puddle, The air supply unit supplies air to the floating member.
[0036] This configuration allows for floating and attitude control when necessary.
[0037] In the hose according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the features of the fifth aspect, when the main body is used on land, The air supply unit discharges air from inside the floating member to reduce the air pressure.
[0038] This configuration allows the hose to be stored when not needed.
[0039] In addition to any one of the first to seventh inventions, an eighth aspect of the present invention provides a hose, wherein the floating member has at least one of a color and a brightness that makes it easily visible in a puddle.
[0040] This configuration allows the device to withstand puddles and bad weather.
[0041] The hose according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, further comprises a liquid supply section inside the floating member that supplies liquid to control the attitude of the main body section.
[0042] This configuration allows the attitude of the main body to be controlled more reliably.
[0043] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a hose according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the main body and the plurality of floating members have a bellows shape that is expandable and contractible in the extension direction.
[0044] This configuration allows for easy use and storage of only the required length.
[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0046] (Analysis by the inventor) Figures 1 to 3 are photographs showing the use of a hose to suck up water from flooded or swollen areas using conventional technology. It is necessary to suck up and drain water from lakes and marshes that have flooded due to heavy rain, or from puddles that have formed as a result of flooding. It is also necessary to suck up and drain water from puddles that form during civil engineering work.
[0047] This type of drainage involves using a pump and a hose connected to it. The end of the hose is placed into a pool of water, such as a lake or flooded area. A suction pump connected to the hose is activated, sucking water from the end of the hose. The water is then drained from the pool using the power of the hose and suction pump.
[0048] However, due to the characteristics of the material, the hose is flexible, and as is clear from the photographs in Figures 1 to 3, the hose will sink in the puddle or become twisted or bent.
[0049] As can be seen from the photos in Figures 1 to 3, puddles that occur during disasters or civil engineering work are often cloudy, making it impossible to see the condition of the hose submerged in the puddle. It is difficult to determine how much of the hose is submerged in the puddle, or whether the hose is bent or twisted.
[0050] Furthermore, when the hose is submerged in a puddle while still flexible, it bends and kinks, which reduces the suction capacity of the hose and can prevent the necessary drainage. This can also cause problems such as longer drainage times.
[0051] In addition, because the hose is submerged in murky water, workers cannot see if the hose is bent or twisted. This makes it difficult to properly position the hose. Not only is it impossible to see the condition of the hose, but even if they try to control its position, they cannot confirm the control status.
[0052] In addition, when a hose is submerged in a puddle, it is subjected to water pressure, which can reduce its suction and drainage capabilities. This also reduces the efficiency of drainage work using a hose.
[0053] The inventors have arrived at the present invention based on the above analysis.
[0054] (Embodiment 1)
[0055] (Overview)
[0056] An overall overview of the hose according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a front view of the hose according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a side view of the hose according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the hose 1 is used to drain water from lakes and marshes during disasters, puddles during floods, puddles created during civil engineering work, and the like.
[0057] The hose 1 comprises a main body 2 and one or more flotation members 3 attached around the main body 2. The main body 2 is a conduit that moves water as the so-called hose 1. The main body 2 has a conduit structure that sucks in water, moves it, and drains it. For this reason, the main body 2 has a length in the extension direction, and is capable of moving liquid within it. When it is dropped into a puddle, water is sucked in from its tip and moves inside.
[0058] An existing hose may be used for the main body 2, or a hose manufactured specifically for the hose 1 of the present invention may be used. Furthermore, the main body 2 preferably has flexibility so that it can be wound up and stored. It is preferable that the main body 2 be made of a flexible material.
[0059] The flotation member 3 is attached to the periphery of the main body 2. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the flotation member 3 is attached along the extension direction of the main body 2. As shown in Figure 4, the flotation member 3 is attached to the outer periphery of the main body 2. The attached flotation member 3 is aligned with the extension direction of the main body 2. That is, when viewed in cross section of the hose 1, as shown in Figure 4, the flotation member 3 is attached to the outer periphery of the main body 2. When viewed in the longitudinal direction of the hose 1, as shown in Figure 5, the flotation member 3 is attached along the extension direction of the main body 2.
[0060] The floating member 3 has the ability to float on water, which allows the main body 2 to float in a puddle when the hose 1 is used in the puddle. For example, the floating member 3 contains air in its internal space. This allows the floating member 3 to float on water, allowing the hose 1, i.e., the main body 2, to float in the puddle.
[0061] The hose 1 is used to drain water from puddles (including flooded lakes, marshes, and rivers) following disasters, civil engineering work, etc. At this time, the flotation member 3 is attached to the main body 2 and is attached along the extension direction. Therefore, the flotation member 3 allows the main body 2 to float on the surface of the puddle.
[0062] This allows the worker to see the main body 2, i.e., the hose 1. Even when the hose is placed in a puddle to perform drainage work, the hose does not sink into the puddle, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The floating member 3 keeps the main body 2 afloat on the water surface, making it visible.
[0063] If the hose 1 is visible, the worker can perform the drainage work while understanding the condition of the hose 1. For example, the worker can perform the drainage work while checking whether the main body 2 is bent or twisted. If the worker can confirm that the hose 1 is not bent or twisted, the drainage work will become more efficient.
[0064] Furthermore, since the floating member 3 is not attached near the tip of the main body 2, the tip can be dropped into a puddle. This allows the water in the puddle to be sucked up. Furthermore, since most of the main body 2 can be seen floating on the water surface, workers can check and work safely. Furthermore, since workers can work while checking that the main body 2 is not bent or twisted, accidents caused by the main body 2 bending and becoming unable to suck can be prevented. Adverse effects on the suction pump can also be reduced.
[0065] Furthermore, the flotation member 3 has the ability to make the main body 2 float on water, and is provided along the extension direction of the main body 2. Therefore, when the hose 1 is in use, the posture of the main body 2 in the extension direction can be controlled. Because the flotation member 3 floats around the main body 2, the posture of the main body 2 in the extension direction can be controlled. In other words, the main body 2 can be used in a puddle with more straightness.
[0066] This posture control reduces bending and twisting of the main body 2, and prevents a decrease in suction capacity and drainage capacity, thereby improving the efficiency of drainage work.
[0067] In particular, when connected to a suction pump for suction, bending and twisting are suppressed, so the suction capacity of the suction pump is not impaired. Of course, suppressing bending and twisting also improves worker safety. In addition, the work required to straighten bends and twists is reduced, thereby improving work efficiency and safety.
[0068] 4 and 5, the buoyancy members 3 are attached along the extension direction on the outer periphery of the main body 2. In particular, by attaching multiple buoyancy members 3, the buoyancy ability and attitude control ability of the main body 2 due to the buoyancy members 3 are further improved.
[0069] The flotation member 3 only needs to have the ability to float in view of the difference in specific gravity with respect to water. For example, air may be contained inside the flotation member 3. Alternatively, a liquid such as oil, which has a lower specific gravity than water, may be contained inside the flotation member 3.
[0070] Air has a low specific gravity, so it is possible to float the main body 2 on the water surface. By containing a liquid as in the latter case, the main body 2 is made to float on the water surface and the attitude control of the main body 2 is improved. It can float on the water surface with more straightness.
[0071] (Air supply section)
[0072] 6 is a schematic diagram of a hose according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As described above, air or a liquid with a low specific gravity is contained inside the flotation member 3. In this case, it is also preferable that an air supply unit 4 is provided so that air can be supplied to the inside of the flotation member 3 or exhausted therefrom.
[0073] FIG. 6 shows the state in which the air supply unit 4 is provided.
[0074] The air supply unit 4 can supply air to the floating member 3. The supply of air gives the floating member 3 the ability to float, which allows the main body 2 to float on the water surface. For example, when the hose 1 is used to drain water from a puddle, the air supply unit 4 may supply air to the floating member 3.
[0075] Before hose 1 is used, main body 2 and flotation member 3 are wound up and stored together. After hose 1 is dropped into a pool of water such as a lake or marsh from this state, air supply unit 4 supplies air to flotation member 3. This supply gives flotation member 3 the ability to float, causes flotation member 3 to extend in a straight line, and also allows the attitude of main body 2 to be controlled.
[0076] That is, when the main body 2 is used to suck or discharge water from a puddle, the air supply unit 4 supplies air to the floating member 3.
[0077] Furthermore, when the use of the hose 1 for the purpose of discharging water is finished, the air supply unit 4 discharges air from the floating member 3. In this way, the main body 2 can be wound up, and the hose 1 can be stored.
[0078] There are also cases where the main body 2 is used on land. In such cases, there is little need for it to float on water, so the air supply unit 4 discharges the air from inside the floating member 3 to lower the air pressure. For example, most of the main body 2 may be on land, with only a portion submerged in water. In such cases, the air supply unit 4 discharges the air from inside the floating member 3.
[0079] This allows flexibility to be prioritized on land.
[0080] Furthermore, by supplying air to the floating member 3 only when it is in use, it is possible to switch between storage and use. When in use, air is supplied to the floating member 3 to enable it to float, and when it is stored, air is discharged to enable it to be stored.
[0081] Also, when the tent is used on land or when most of the main body 2 is on land, it is advisable to prioritize flexibility in the land area and allow air to be released. In this case, the main body 2 conforms to the topography of the land, making it easier to use.
[0082] By controlling the supply of air to and the discharge of air from the floating member 3, it is possible to appropriately respond to various conditions.
[0083] Furthermore, the floating member 3 is attached along the extension direction of the main body 2. In this case, it is also preferable that the floating member 3 is divided into sections along the way. By supplying air only to the necessary sections, it is possible to float only the parts that need to float. For example, in a situation where land and water are mixed, air is supplied only to the sections that correspond to the water. This allows the attitude of the main body 2 to be controlled in a way that is more suited to the terrain and situation.
[0084] The air supply unit 4 may supply or discharge not only air but also a liquid with a low specific gravity, thereby enabling floating and attitude control.
[0085] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a hose equipped with a liquid supply unit that supplies this liquid. As shown in FIG. 7, the hose is equipped with a liquid supply unit 5. Like the air supply unit 4, the liquid supply unit 5 supplies or discharges liquid into the flotation member 3 in order to control the attitude or float the main body 2. This allows the main body 2 to be appropriately floated or its attitude controlled as needed.
[0086] As described above, the hose 1 of the first embodiment can improve work efficiency and safety when draining water from puddles that occur during disasters or civil engineering works.
[0087] (Embodiment 2)
[0088] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, various variations will be described.
[0089] (Color, brightness)
[0090] It is also preferable that the flotation member 3 has at least one of a color and brightness that makes it easily visible in a puddle. As shown in Figure 1, the water in a puddle is often muddy. In addition, the work of draining the water is often carried out at night or in bad weather.
[0091] In this state, if the color of the floating member 3 is light or similar to that of murky water, it becomes difficult to see the hose 1. Also, if the color is dark or has low brightness, it also becomes difficult to see the hose 1.
[0092] For this reason, it is preferable that the floating member 3 has at least one of a color and brightness that allows it to be easily seen even in puddles or in bad weather. For example, it may have an easily distinguishable color such as yellow or red, or it may have high brightness. Alternatively, it may have a luminous color.
[0093] It is also preferable that the floating member 3 has a gradation in color. The gradation can improve visibility. Furthermore, high brightness makes it easy to see.
[0094] With easy visibility, workers can perform drainage work while checking the posture, condition, and position of hose 1. This improves work efficiency and safety. It also improves safety for other people involved.
[0095] It is also preferable that not only the floating member 3 but also the main body 2 have the same color and brightness, because this similarly makes it easier to see the hose 1.
[0096] (bellows shape) It is also preferable that the main body 2 and the floating member 3 have a bellows shape that is expandable and contractible in the extension direction.
[0097] This is because the bellows shape allows for easy expansion and contraction. Being able to easily expand and contract increases the flexibility of use depending on the location of use. Furthermore, even with the bellows shape, the main body 2 can be floated and its posture controlled by supplying air or liquid to the floating member 3. This allows for posture control when in use, while also making it easy to store when not in use.
[0098] It can also be used to suit the terrain.
[0099] In addition, it can be adapted to the distance between the location where the water is discharged and the work location, because the bellows can be extended or not extended depending on the distance.
[0100] The hoses described in the first and second embodiments are merely examples for illustrating the gist of the present invention, and include modifications and alterations within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0101] 1 hose 2 Main body 3 Floating members 4 Air supply section 5 Liquid supply section
Claims
1. a main body portion having a length in an extension direction and allowing a liquid to move therein; a plurality of floating members attached to the periphery of the main body; When the main body is used in a puddle, the floating member allows the main body to float in the puddle, The main body and the plurality of floating members are bellows-shaped hoses that are expandable and contractible in the extension direction.
2. The hose of claim 1 , wherein the floating member controls the attitude of the main body portion in the extension direction.
3. The hose according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the floating member is attached along the extension direction of the main body portion.
4. Each of the plurality of floating members has a longitudinal direction that is aligned with the extension direction of the main body portion, The hose according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of floating members is attached along the outer periphery of the main body portion.
5. 5. The hose according to claim 1, further comprising an air supply section for supplying air to the floating member.
6. When the main body is used to suck or discharge water from a puddle, The hose of claim 5 , wherein the air supply supplies air to the floating member.
7. When the main body is used on land, 6. The hose according to claim 5, wherein the air supply unit discharges air from inside the floating member to reduce the air pressure.
8. The hose according to claim 1 , further comprising a liquid supply section for supplying a liquid for controlling the attitude of the main body section to the inside of the floating member.
9. 9. The hose according to claim 1, wherein the floating member has at least one of a color and a brightness that makes it easily visible in a puddle.
Citation Information
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