A connecting arrangement for a hose

Abstract

The invention is an arrangement (100) for connecting a hose to a device or another hose. The hose is configured to transfer solid material. The connecting arrangement comprises a shell (107) comprising a first part (101 ) and a second part (102), and said parts are configured to fit together for forming the shell. The hose is configured to be fixed between said parts. The connecting arrangement further comprises holes (106) and attachment pieces (110). The holes extend through the shell. The attachment piece comprises at least one attachment pin (111 ). The attachment pieces are configured to pressed into the holes in such a way that the attachment pins sink into the hose when the connecting arrangement is in use.

Description

[0001] A connecting arrangement for a hose

[0002] The invention relates to a connecting arrangement for a hose, and the hose is configured to transfer solid material, and the connecting arrangement comprises a shell, an inner surface of the shell, an outer surface of the shell, an interior area of the arrangement, a first end of the arrangement, a second end of the arrangement, a first part and a second part, and the first part and the second part are configured to fit together for forming the shell, and shape of the inner surface corresponds to a cross section of the hose, and the connecting arrangement is configured to set around the hose in such a way that the hose is in the interior area of the arrangement.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Hoses configured to transport solids are designed to efficiently convey various types of solid materials, such as powders, granules, pellets, grains, or other bulk solids. These hoses are essential in many industries, including agriculture, construction, mining, food processing, and manufacturing, where the bulk transfer of solids is a common requirement. One example is sand blasting. The sand blasting is a process that involves propelling fine particles at high speeds to clean, roughen, or shape the surface of a material. The primary purpose of sandblasting is to remove contaminants, old paint, rust, or other unwanted substances from surfaces and prepare them for various applications. While the term "sandblasting" suggests the use of sand, various abrasive materials, including grit, steel shot, glass beads, and aluminum oxide are commonly used in modern sandblasting processes due to health and environmental concerns associated with silica sand.

[0005] Solid material transport hoses are typically constructed from durable and wear-resistant materials to withstand the abrasive nature of many solids. Common materials include rubber, polyurethane, PVC, or specialized compounds designed for specific applications. To support the weight of the transported solids and to resist kinking or collapsing, these hoses often incorporate reinforcement layers, which can be made of materials like textile, wire, or synthetic fibers. The inner liner of the hose is designed to minimize friction and ensure smooth material flow. Some liners are also tailored to resist chemical reactions with the transported solids. Hoses for solid material transport should have an appropriate bend radius to prevent kinking or material blockages, which can be crucial for maintaining a consistent flow. Solid material transport hoses should offer a degree of flexibility to facilitate handling and installation. However, they must also be rigid enough to prevent excessive sagging, which could hinder the flow of solids. Safety features such as pressure ratings and burst protection should be considered to ensure the hose can handle the pressure and prevent accidents. This is particularly important when connecting hoses together or when connecting hose to a device. That device could be, for example, a pump arrangement or a compressor that provides pressure that moves the solid material in the hose.

[0006] One conventional way for uniting hoses meant for solid material transport is method wherein for added security common wood screws have been driven through the wall of the parts forming the union into and through the body of the hose. This method of attaching the hose to couplings and subsequently joining the couplings requires considerable time. It is, moreover, injurious to the hose in that the hose wall is pierced by screws. It is furthermore definitely unsafe because the wood screws tend to pull out of the hose. Also, the ends of the screws being metal, when projected into the interior of the hose tend to restrict the flow of material being conducted and, during use, may be worn away by the abrasive action of the sand, thereby weakening the coupled joint. These kinds of methods are commonly used nowadays.

[0007] Patent publication US2707116 discloses a hose coupling arrangement for hoses used in conducting abrasive material such as sand. The publication recognizes that there are problems when connecting two sand conducting hoses. It has been found out that considerable difficulty has been experienced in the construction of couplings capable of resisting the abrasive action of the sand as it is blown through the hose. However, the disclosed arrangement is cumbersome and hard to use. Also, ensuring a robust connection between hoses demands that the coupling arrangement should be quite heavy.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0009] The object of the invention is a solution that can significantly reduce the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is a solution where an arrangement is provided that allows efficient and safe way to connect two hoses that are configured to transfer solid material.

[0010] The objects of the invention are attained with an arrangement that is characterised by what is stated in the independent patent claim. Some advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. The invention is an arrangement for connecting a hose to a device or another hose having another connecting arrangement. The hose is configured to transfer solid material. The connecting arrangement comprises a shell comprising a first part and a second part, and said parts are configured to fit together for forming the shell. The hose is configured to be fixed between said parts. The connecting arrangement further comprises holes and attachment pieces. The holes extend through the shell. The attachment piece comprises at least one attachment pin. The attachment pieces are configured to pressed into the holes in such a way that the attachment pins sink into the hose when the connecting arrangement is in use.

[0011] When reference is made in the text to the upper or the lower parts or respective directions such as down or up, a situation is described in relation to a hose that is attached in the connecting arrangement. The direction ‘down’ is towards centre of the hose.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention is a connecting arrangement for a, and the hose is configured to transfer solid material. The connecting arrangement comprises a shell, an inner surface of the shell, an outer surface of the shell, an interior area of the arrangement, a first end of the arrangement, a second end of the arrangement, a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part are configured to fit together for forming the shell. Shape of the inner surface corresponds to a cross section of the hose. The connecting arrangement is configured to set around the hose in such a way that part of the hose is in the interior area of the arrangement. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting arrangement further comprises a fixing arrangement, holes in the shell, and attachment pieces. The fixing arrangement is at the second end of the arrangement, and the fixing arrangement is configured to attach the connecting arrangement to some device or another connecting arrangement. The holes extend from the outer surface to the inner surface. The attachment piece comprises at least one attachment pin. The attachment pieces are configured to pressed into the holes in such a way that the attachment pins sink into the hose when the connecting arrangement is in use.

[0013] In a second embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the solid material comprises sand or corresponding material, and the hose is configured to be used for sand blasting.

[0014] In a third embodiment of the connecting arrangement, angle between tangent of surface of the hose at point where the attachment pin is entering the hose and the attachment pin is between 20 - 55 degrees towards centre of the hose, when the connecting arrangement is in use.

[0015] In a fourth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the angle between the tangent of the surface of the hose at the point where the attachment pin is entering the hose and the attachment pin is between 20 - 45 degrees towards the centre of the hose, when the connecting arrangement is in use.

[0016] In a fifth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the attachment pin comprises a point of the attachment pin, and distance between surface of the hose and the point of the attachment pin is 2 / 3 of total thickness of the shell of the hose or less when the connecting arrangement is in use.

[0017] In a sixth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the point of the attachment pin or area near the point of the attachment pin comprises a barb like structure for preventing movements of the attaching pin.

[0018] In a seventh embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the holes are positioned to form at least one circular formation around the connection arrangement and distances of the holes in said circular formation to the first end of the arrangement are equal.

[0019] In an eighth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, distances between adjacent holes or groups of holes in one circular formation are equal. The hole positions in the groups are identical.

[0020] In a ninth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the attachment piece comprise two bulges, and the bulges are configured to be above the outer surface of the shell of the connecting arrangement when the attachment piece is positioned in the hole, and between the bulges is a groove of the attachment piece, and surface of the groove is on same level or above the outer surface, and one bulge is closer to the first end of connecting arrangement than another bulge.

[0021] In a tenth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the connecting arrangement comprises a holding arrangement, and the holding arrangement is configured to encircle the connecting arrangement in such a way that at least part of the holding arrangement fits in the grooves of the attachment pieces positioned in one circular formation, and the part of the holding arrangement configured to fit in the grooves is a band like structure. In an eleventh embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the holes are rectangular and comprise an elongated shape having a longitudinal axis in a direction between the first end of the arrangement and the second end of the arrangement.

[0022] In a twelfth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the attachment piece comprises a first surface of the attachment piece and a second surface of the attachment piece, and said surfaces are parallel to each other, and the first surface is longer than the second surface, and walls of the hole corresponds to said surfaces.

[0023] In a thirteenth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, longitudinal axis of the attachment pin in the attachment piece is parallel to the first surface and the second surface of the attachment piece.

[0024] In a fourteenth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the attachment pin is curved and the attachment piece comprises a turning arrangement to turn the attachment pin.

[0025] In a fifteenth embodiment of the connecting arrangement, the inner surface of the shell comprises grabbing elements for grabbing the hose when the connecting arrangement is in use.

[0026] It is an advantage of the invention that it provides a connecting arrangement that is safe and secure and still easy and fast to use and handle. Also, the invention decreases the possibility of accidents where connected hoses separate from each other.

[0027] The invention is also suitable for many kinds of hoses. The operating costs of the invention are significantly less than the operating costs of the known devices.

[0028] DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

[0029] In the following, the invention is described in detail. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows an example of a connecting arrangement in accordance with an embodiment,

[0030] Figure 2 shows the connecting arrangement of Figure 1 when the first part and the second part are separated,

[0031] Figure 3 shows an attachment piece of Figure 1 as seen from three different directions,

[0032] Figure 4a, 4b and 4c shows three different connecting arrangements as cross sections,

[0033] Figure 5 shows an example of use of connecting arrangement,

[0034] Figure 6 shows a second example of an attachment piece,

[0035] Figure 7 shows a second example of a connecting arrangement in accordance with an embodiment, and

[0036] Figure 8 shows one part the connecting arrangement of Figure 1 as a cross section.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The embodiments in the following description are given as examples only. Though the description may refer to a certain embodiment or embodiments in several places, this does not mean that the reference would be directed towards only one described embodiment or that the described characteristic would be usable only in one described embodiment. The individual characteristics of two or more embodiments may be combined and new embodiments of the invention may thus be provided.

[0039] Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a connecting arrangement 100. The connecting arrangement is for a hose configured to transfer solid material. The hose comprises a shell of the hose and centre line of the hose. The connecting arrangement is used for connecting two hoses together or to a device such as a compressor or a pump. When hoses are connected together, there is connecting arrangements attached on both hoses, and the connecting arrangements are fixed together. One example of the solid material is sand or other material that is used for sand blasting. It must be noted that the method called ‘sand blasting’ may use many kinds of materials in addition to sand.

[0040] The connecting arrangement 100 comprises a shell 107, an inner surface of the shell 108, an outer surface of the shell 109, an interior area of the arrangement 105, a first end of the arrangement 103, and a second end of the arrangement 104. The connecting arrangement further comprises a first part 101 and a second part 102. The first part and the second part are in this embodiment symmetrical. The first part and the second part are configured to fit together for forming the shell of the connecting arrangement in such a way that there are two longitudinal divides in the shell. In this Figure the first part and the second part are not pressed together. The connecting arrangement is hollow, i.e. it comprises a passage from the first end of the arrangement to the second end of the arrangement, and the passage is cylindrical and open on both ends of the arrangement. The interior area forms the passage. Shape of the inner surface corresponds to a cross section of the hose, i.e. diameter of the hose and diameter of the interior area are substantially equal. The interior area is configured to receive the hose. The connecting arrangement has longitudinal axis that is parallel to longitudinal axis of the hose inside the connecting arrangement. In this embodiment, on the inner surface of the shell 108 are several grabbing elements 114. The grabbing elements are structures that sink into the shell of the hose when the first part and the second part are pressed together around the hose when attaching the connecting arrangement to the hose. The grabbing elements are, for example, pins, cones, or claw like structures.

[0041] The connecting arrangement further comprises a fixing arrangement 112, holes 106 in the shell, and attachment pieces 110 for attaching the connecting arrangement to the hose.

[0042] The fixing arrangement 112 is at the second end of the arrangement 104. The fixing arrangement is configured to attach the connecting arrangement to some device or another connecting arrangement. In this embodiment, the fixing arrangement is a plate-like structure perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting arrangement 100. The first part 101 and the second part 102 both comprise parts of the fixing arrangement. In this embodiment, the fixing arrangement parts are identical. The fixing arrangement comprises means for fixing the connecting arrangement to another connecting arrangement, i.e. another fixing arrangement, or to some device comprising corresponding means for receiving the connecting arrangement. In this embodiment, the means for fixing the connecting arrangement are fixing arrangement holes 113 and bolts or similar can be used. Of course, the means for fixing the connecting arrangement can be implemented in many ways. In this embodiment, the fixing arrangement is circular collar surrounding the outer surface of the shell 109. The fixing arrangement comprises a first end surface and a second end surface. The first end surface is towards the first end of the arrangement 103 and the second end surface is towards the second end of the arrangement 104. The second end surface forms the second end of the arrangement.

[0043] The holes 106 extend from the outer surface 109 to the inner surface 108, i.e. through the shell 107. The hole have walls of the hole. In this embodiment, the holes are all same size on the outer surfaces, i.e. areas of the holes on the outer surfaces are equal. However, there are embodiments, where directions of the holes penetrating the shell are different. In this embodiment, the holes are rectangular and elongated having a longitudinal axis in a direction between the first end of the arrangement 103 and the second end of the arrangement 104, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting arrangement 100. Sides of the hole that are towards the ends of the connecting arrangement are shorter than the sides of the hole that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting arrangement. The hole comprises four walls of the hole. The walls of the hole form two pairs of the walls and the walls in the pair are opposing to each other. Direction of the hole, i.e. direction from centre point of the hole on the outer surface to centre point of the hole on the inner surface, is inclined in relation to radius of the hose attached in the connection arrangement 100. In other words, the direction of the hole is not pointed towards the centre line of the hose. This is shown in Figure 8 where is a cross section of the shell 107. The slanted walls of the holes 106 are clearly visible. There is an upper wall of the hole and a lower wall of the hole. The upper walls are longer than the lower walls. This means that areas of the holes at the inner surfaces are larger than areas on the outer surfaces.

[0044] The holes 106 are positioned to form at least one circular formation around the connection arrangement 100. In the circular formation distances of the holes to the first end of the arrangement 103 are equal, i.e. plane of the circular formation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting arrangement. In this embodiment, the connecting arrangement comprises two circular formation. In this embodiment, distances between adjacent holes in one circular formation are equal. In some embodiments one circular formation comprises groups of holes. These groups may be equally distributed on the circular formation. It must be noted that areas of the hole on the outer surface 109 and the inner surface 108 are different in some embodiments. In this embodiment, the area of the hole on the inner surface is larger than the area of the hole on the outer surface.

[0045] The attachment pieces 110 are bodies that are configured to fit and be movable in the holes 106. The attachment piece comprises at least one attachment pin 111. The attachment pins are nail or needle like structures comprising a point of the attachment pin. In the embodiment described in Figure 1 , the attachment piece comprises four attachment pins. The attachment pieces are configured to pressed into the holes in such a way that the attachment pins sink into the shell of the hose when the connecting arrangement 100 is in use, i.e. the hose is inside the connecting arrangement 100 and the shell 107 of the connecting arrangement surrounds the hose. The attachment piece and the hole are positioned in such a way that the attachment pin does not penetrate through the shell of the hose. The attachment pieces comprise outer surfaces of the attachment pieces and attachment surfaces of the attachment pieces (not numbered in Figure 1 ). When the attachment piece is set into the hole, the outer surface of the attachment piece is on the same level as the outer surface of the shell 109, and the attachment surface of the attachment piece is on the same level as the inner surface of the shell 108. The attachment pin 111 or pins are on the attachment surface of the attachment piece. The attachment surface is shaped in such a way that its curvature is same as curvature of the inner surface of the shell. This means that when the attachment piece is pressed into the hole there is a position where the attachment surface and the inner surface of the shell align themselves, i.e. said surfaces are continuous.

[0046] The attachment pin 111 comprise a point of the attachment pin. In this embodiment, the attachment pins are straight. In some embodiments, the attachment pins are curved. In some embodiments, the point of the attachment pin or area near the point of the attachment pin comprises a barb like structure for preventing movements of the attaching pin. The attachment piece 100 and the hole 106, and more specifically, the walls of the hole, are shaped in such a way that angle between tangent of surface of the hose at point where the attachment pin 111 is entering the hose and the attachment pin is between 20 - 55 degrees towards the centre line of the hose, when the connecting arrangement 100 is in use. In some embodiments, said range is 20 - 45 degrees. In some embodiments, distance between surface of the hose and the point of the attachment pin is 2 / 3 of thickness of the shell of the hose or less when the connecting arrangement is in use, i.e. the attachment pin has sunk into the shell of the hose. The attachment pins are positioned in the attachment piece in such a way that, when the attachment pins are sink into the shell of the hose, the attachment pins are in a transverse plane in relation to the longitudinal axis of the hose, i.e. the pins are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hose.

[0047] The attachment piece 110 comprise two bulges 115 on the outer surface of the attachment piece. The bulges are configured to be above the outer surface of the shell 109 of the connecting arrangement when the attachment piece is positioned in the hole 106. Between the bulges is a groove of the attachment piece 116, and surface of the groove is on same level or slightly above the outer surface of the shell 109 when the attachment piece is set into the hole. The bulges are positioned in such a way that one bulge is closer to the first end of connecting arrangement 103 than another bulge. The holes are positioned on the shell 107 in the circular formation, and the grooves between the bulges also follows the circular formation. These grooves are used for a holding arrangement (not in Figure 1 ). The holding arrangement is configured to encircle the connecting arrangement 100 in such a way that at least part of the holding arrangement fits in the grooves. The part of the holding arrangement configured to fit in the grooves is a band like structure. Width of the band like structure is distance between the bulges. When this band like structure is tightened around the connecting arrangement, it presses attachment pieces 110 into the holes and thus improves holding the hose inside the connecting arrangement. In this embodiment, the bulges in the same attachment piece comprise surfaces that slope towards each other. This helps setting the holding arrangement in its place in the groove.

[0048] In some embodiments, the attachment pieces 110 are separate bodies from the rest of the connecting arrangement 100 until they are positioned in the holes 106. In some embodiments, the attachment pieces are preassembled to the holes in such a way that attachment pins 111 does not extend into the interior area 105 of the connection arrangement or amount they extend into the interior area does not affect positioning the hose between the first part 101 and the second part 102 when assembling the connection arrangement for use.

[0049] Figure 2 shows the connection arrangement 100 of Figure 1 where the first part 101 and the second part 102 are separated and the attachment pieces are not set into the holes 106, i.e. the holes are empty. In this embodiment, the first part and the second part are identical. That decreases manufacturing costs.

[0050] The first part 101 and the second part 102 comprise edges 124 of the parts. The edges of one part are configured to set against the edges of the another part for forming the shell 107 of the connection arrangement 100. One part comprises two edges that extend from the first end of the connection arrangement 103 to the second end of the connection arrangement 104 and to the fixing arrangement 112. In this embodiment, the fixing arrangement is collar like arrangement encircling the shell at the second end. In this embodiment, the edges at the fixing arrangement parts are shaped to form some of the fixing arrangement holes 113 when the first part and the second part are put together. In this embodiment, the edges comprise shapes, such as grooves and walls that are configured to fit each other when the connection arrangement is assembled. On the inner surface 108 of the shell are several grabbing elements 114. In this embodiment, the grabbing elements are positioned in circularly at the ends of the first part and the second part and between one circular formation of the holes and another circular formation of the holes. Naturally, the positioning of the grabbing elements can be implemented in many ways.

[0051] Figure 3 shows the attachment piece 110 of Figure 1 as seen from three directions.

[0052] The attachment piece 110 comprises a first surface of the attachment piece 117, a second surface of the attachment piece 118, the attachment surface of the attachment piece 119, the outer surface of the attachment piece 121 , a first side of the attachment piece 120a, and a second side of the attachment piece 120b. The attachment piece further comprises four attachment pins 111 , two bulges 115 and groove 116 of the attachment piece between said bulges. The bulges and the groove are on the outer surface of the attachment piece, and the attachment pins are on the attachment surface of the attachment piece. The attachment pins comprises the points of the attachment pins 123.

[0053] The first surface of the attachment piece 117, the second surface of the attachment piece 118, the first side of the attachment piece 120a, and the second side of the attachment piece 120b are to be set against the walls of the hole. The attachment surface of the attachment piece 119 is configured to be on the same level with the inner surface of the shell and the outer surface of the attachment piece 121 is configured to be on the same level with the outer surface of the shell when the attachment piece is positioned in the hole. The first surface of the attachment piece and the second surface of the attachment piece are on opposite sides of the attachment piece. Similarly, the first side of the attachment piece and the second side of the attachment piece are on opposite sides of the attachment piece. In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces and sides are parallel and planar. The attachment pieces 117, and naturally, the holes, are configured in such a way that the attachment piece is slanted in relation to the surface of the hose. The first surface of the attachment piece 117 is longer than the second surface of the attachment piece 118. This means that angle between the first surface of the attachment piece and the attachment surface of the attachment piece 119 is smaller than angle between the second surface of the attachment piece 118 and the attachment surface of the attachment piece. The attachment piece is wedge- shaped, and sharp end is edge between the first surface of the attachment piece and the attachment surface of the attachment piece. This also means that distance between the first surface of the attachment piece and the second surface of the attachment piece on the attachment surface of the attachment piece is longer than distance between the first surface of the attachment piece and the second surface of the attachment piece on the outer surface of the attachment piece 121. The first surface of the attachment piece is partly above the second surface of the attachment piece in relation to the centre line of the hose when the attachment piece is set in the hole.

[0054] In this embodiment, directions of the attachment pins 111 are parallel to planes of the first surface of the attachment piece and the second surface of the attachment piece.

[0055] Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show three simplified examples of positioning attachment pins. The attachment pins are here presented as exemplary arrows and they do not depict real properties of the attachment pins. These examples are for illustrating how the attachment pins can be positioned in various different ways.

[0056] Figure 4a shows a first example of a connecting arrangement 400a comprising a first part 401 a, a second part 402a and attachment pins 411 a. The parts are kept together by a holding arrangement 422a that is described by opposing arrows in shell of the connecting arrangement. The connecting arrangement encircles a hose 421 a having a shell of the hose.

[0057] The attachment pins 411 a are straight and are positioned in pairs where the attachment pins in a pair are parallel. Pairs may be in a same attachment piece. Pairs are positioned in such a way that two pairs are opposing other. This means that there are attachment pins that are pressed into the shell of the hose from opposing directions in such a way that said pins are towards each other. In must be noted that the attachment pins depicted here are not in same plane. Figure 4b shows a second example of a connecting arrangement 400b comprising a first part 401 b, a second part 402b, and attachment pins 411 b. The parts are kept together by a holding arrangement 422b that is described by opposing arrows in shell of the connecting arrangement. The connecting arrangement encircles a hose 421 b having a shell of the hose.

[0058] The attachment pins 411 b are straight and are positioned in pairs where the attachment pins in a pair are parallel. Pairs may be in a same attachment piece. In this example, the attachment pins comprise same angle they sink into the shell of the hose.

[0059] Figure 4c shows a third example of a connecting arrangement 400c comprising a first part 401 c, a second part 402c, attachment pins 411 c, and attachment pieces 410c. The parts are kept together by a holding arrangement 422c that is described by opposing arrows in shell of the connecting arrangement. The connecting arrangement encircles a hose 421 c having a shell of the hose.

[0060] The attachment pin 411 c is a curved elongated structure that is configured to be turned by a turning arrangement 424 from inside the attachment piece 410c in such a way that the attachment pin sinks into the shell of the hose like a hook. The turning arrangement is, for example, a cylindrical body that is rotatable for moving the attachment pin. However, using curved attachment pins can be implemented without turning arrangement. For example, attachment pieces 410c and holes could be curved. This is shown in Figure 7.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a situation where two hoses: a first hose 521 a and a second hose 521 b are connected together by using two connecting arrangements: a first connecting arrangement 500a and a second connecting arrangement 500b. The connecting arrangements are similar as was shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first connecting arrangement 500a comprises attachment pieces 510a, holding arrangements 522a, holes (not visible in Figure 5), and a first fixing arrangement 512a at one end of the first connecting arrangement. The second connecting arrangement 500b comprises attachment pieces 510b, holding arrangements 522b, holes (not visible in Figure 5), and a second fixing arrangement 512b at one end of the second connecting arrangement.

[0062] The first connecting arrangement 500a is attached to end of the first hose 521 a, and the second connecting arrangement 500b is attached to end of the second hose 521 b in such a way that the fixing arrangements are on level of the ends of the hoses. The attachment pieces 510a, 510b are positioned in the holes. The holes are positioned in shell of the connecting arrangements in such a way that the holes form circular formations 523 encircling the shells of the connecting arrangements. The circular formation forms a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hose inside the connecting arrangement. In this embodiment, each connecting arrangement comprises two group of holes forming two circular formations. The attachment pieces comprise each two bulges that are configured in such a way, that when the attachment piece is set into the hole, the bulges are above outer surface of the shell. Furthermore, between the bulges is a groove, and surface of the groove is configured to be on the level of the outer surface of the shell or slightly above it when the attachment piece is used for attaching the connecting arrangement to the hose. The holding arrangements comprise band like structures that can be tightened. One band like structure is configured to be fit in the grooves of the attachment pieces in the holes forming one circular formation. The holding arrangements presses the attachment pieces in such a way that attachment pins sink into the shell of the hose. Also, the holding arrangements keep parts of the connecting arrangement together.

[0063] The first hose 521 a and the second hose 521 b are connected by putting the first connecting arrangement 500a and the second connecting arrangement 500b together, and more specifically, by putting the first fixing arrangement 512a and the second fixing arrangement 512b against each other and fixing the connecting arrangement together using some fixing means such as bolts and nuts or similar mechanisms.

[0064] Figure 6 shows an attachment piece 610 comprising an attachment surface of the attachment piece 619. The attachment piece comprises four attachment pins 611 on the attachment surface of the attachment piece. The attachment pins comprise points of the attachment pins 623, The points of the attachment pins are sharp. The attachment surface of the attachment piece is rectangular and the attachment pins are near comers of the attachment surface.

[0065] Figure 7 shows a second example of an embodiment of a connecting arrangement 700. In this example only one part of the connecting arrangement is shown. The connecting arrangement comprises a shell 707 and holes 706. The structure of the connecting arrangement is similar to the embodiment described in Figures 1 and 2 except shape of the holes. The holes are configured to receive curved attachment pieces (not shown in Figure 7). The walls of the holes are curved and in the hole is a cylindrical body parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting arrangement in middle of the hole. Shape of the attachment piece follows the wall and surface of the cylindrical body. In this embodiment the attachment piece can be placed in the hole from either side of the cylindrical body. Of course, there are embodiments where no cylindrical bodies are used but the walls of the hole follow side surfaces of the curved attachment piece.

[0066] Some advantageous embodiments of the attaching arrangement according to the invention have been described above. The invention is however not limited to the embodiments described above, but the inventive idea can be applied in numerous ways within the scope of the claims.

[0067] Reference Signs: connecting arrangement 100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700 first part 101 ; 401 a, 401 b, 401 c second part 102; 402a, 402b, 402c first end of arrangement 103 second end of arrangement 104 interior area of arrangement 105 hole 106; 706 shell 107; 707 inner surface of the shell 108 outer surface of the shell 109 attachment piece 110; 410c; 510a, 510b; 610 attachment pin 111 ; 411 a, 411 b, 411 c; 611 fixing arrangement 112; 512a, 512b fixing arrangement hole 113 grabbing element 114 bulge of the attachment piece 115 groove of the attachment piece 116 first surface of the attachment piece 117 second surface of the attachment piece 118 attachment surface of the attachment piece 119; 619 first side of the attachment piece 120a second side of the attachment piece 120b outer surface of the attachment piece 121 point of the attachment pin 123; 623 edge of the part 124 hose 421a, 421b, 421c; 521a, 521 b holding arrangement 422a, 422b, 422c; 522a, 522b turning arrangement 424 circular formation 523

Claims

Patent claims1. A connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) for a hose (421 a, 421 b, 421 c; 521 a, 521 b), and the hose is configured to transfer solid material, and the connecting arrangement comprises a shell (107), an inner surface of the shell (108), an outer surface of the shell (109), an interior area of the arrangement (105), a first end of the arrangement (103), a second end of the arrangement (104), a first part (101 ; 401 a, 401 b, 401 c) and a second part (102; 402a, 402b, 402c), and the first part and the second part are configured to fit together for forming the shell, and shape of the inner surface corresponds to a cross section of the hose, and the connecting arrangement is configured to set around the hose in such a way that the hose is in the interior area of the arrangement, characterised in that the connecting arrangement further comprises a fixing arrangement (112; 512a, 512b), holes (106; 706) in the shell, and attachment pieces (110; 410c; 510a, 510b; 610), and the fixing arrangement is at the second end of the arrangement, and the fixing arrangement is configured to attach the connecting arrangement to some device or another connecting arrangement, and the holes extend from the outer surface to the inner surface, and the attachment piece comprises at least one attachment pin (111 ; 411 a, 411 b, 411c; 611 ), and the attachment pieces are configured to pressed into the holes in such a way that the attachment pins sink into the hose when the connecting arrangement is in use.

2. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the solid material comprises sand or corresponding material, and the hose (421 a, 421 b, 421 c; 521 a, 521 b) is configured to be used for sand blasting.

3. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that angle between tangent of surface of the hose (421 a, 421 b, 421 c; 521 a, 521 b) at point where the attachment pin (111 ; 411 a, 411 b, 411 c; 611 ) is entering the hose and the attachment pin is between 20 - 55 degrees towards centre of the hose, when the connecting arrangement is in use.

4. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 3, characterised in that the angle between the tangent of thesurface of the hose (421 a, 421 b, 421 c; 521 a, 521 b) at the point where the attachment pin (111 ; 411 a, 411 b, 411 c; 611 ) is entering the hose and the attachment pin is between 20 - 45 degrees towards the centre of the hose, when the connecting arrangement is in use.

5. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the attachment pin (111 ; 411 a, 411 b, 411 c; 611 ) comprises a point of the attachment pin (123; 623), and distance between surface of the hose (421 a, 421 b, 421 c; 521 a, 521 b) and the point of the attachment pin is 2 / 3 of total thickness of the shell of the hose or less when the connecting arrangement is in use.

6. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 5, characterised in that the point of the attachment pin or area near the point of the attachment pin (123; 623) comprises a barb like structure for preventing movements of the attaching pin (111 ; 411 a, 411 b, 411 c; 61 1 ).

7. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holes (106; 706) are positioned to form at least one circular formation (523) around the connection arrangement and distances of the holes in said circular formation to the first end of the arrangement (103) are equal.

8. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 7, characterised in that distances between adjacent holes (106; 706) or group of holes in one circular formation (523) are equal.

9. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the attachment piece (110; 410c; 510a, 510b; 610) comprise two bulges (115), and the bulges are configured to be above the outer surface of the shell (109) of the connecting arrangement when the attachment piece is positioned in the hole (106; 706), and between the bulges is a groove of the attachment piece (116), and surface of the groove is on same level orabove the outer surface, and one bulge is closer to the first end of connecting arrangement (103) than another bulge.

10. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 9, characterised in that the connecting arrangement comprises a holding arrangement (422a, 422b, 422c; 522a, 522b), and the holding arrangement is configured to encircle the connecting arrangement in such a way that at least part of the holding arrangement fits in the grooves of the attachment pieces (116) positioned in one circular formation (523), and the part of the holding arrangement configured to fit in the grooves is a band like structure.

11. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holes (106; 706) are rectangular and comprise an elongated shape having a longitudinal axis in a direction between the first end of the arrangement (103) and the second end of the arrangement (104).

12. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 11 , characterised in that the attachment piece (110; 410c; 510a, 510b; 610) comprises a first surface of the attachment piece (117) and a second surface of the attachment piece (118), and said surfaces are parallel to each other, and the first surface is longer than the second surface, and walls of the hole (106) corresponds to said surfaces.

13. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to claim 12, characterised in that longitudinal axis of the attachment pin (111 ; 411a, 411 b, 411c; 611 ) in the attachment piece (110; 410c; 510a, 510b; 610) is parallel to the first surface (117) and the second surface (118) of the attachment piece.

14. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the attachment pin (111 ; 411 a, 411 b, 411c; 611 ) is curved.

15. The connecting arrangement (100; 400a, 400b, 400c; 500a, 500b; 700) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner surface of the shell (108) comprises grabbing elements (114) for grabbing the hose (421a, 421 b, 421c; 521a, 521 b) when the connecting arrangement is in use.

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