Hose
A hose design combining wires and steel cords with alternating layers addresses the balance between pressure resistance and flexibility, enhancing both properties through uniform distribution and twisting angles.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BRIDGESTONE CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing hoses composed only of steel cords struggle to achieve a balance between pressure resistance and flexibility, with increased strength often compromising flexibility and vice versa.
A hose design incorporating a reinforcing layer composed of both wires and steel cords, with alternating right-handed and left-handed layers, evenly distributed and twisted at specific angles, to enhance both pressure resistance and flexibility.
The hose achieves improved pressure resistance and flexibility by distributing the reinforcing layers uniformly, maintaining shape under pressure and allowing for easy bending, while meeting performance requirements for weight, outer diameter, and pressure resistance.
Smart Images
Figure JP2025040524_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Hose
[0001] This disclosure relates to a hose.
[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-220290 discloses a tip hose for placing fresh concrete, which has a hose body made of a flexible material, in which a spiral steel cord is embedded and arranged in the middle part of the wall thickness of the hose body, and the reinforcing hose part in which the steel cord is embedded and arranged in the hose body is configured such that its cross section has a flat shape.
[0003] In the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-220290, since it is composed only of wires, it is easy to obtain strength but difficult to ensure flexibility.
[0004] Here, the inventor according to this disclosure has obtained the knowledge that the pressure resistance and flexibility of the hose are improved by applying the technical matters disclosed below to the hose.
[0005] This disclosure aims to provide a hose that is more likely to achieve both improved pressure resistance and improved flexibility compared to the case where the reinforcing layer is composed only of steel cords.
[0006] The hose of the first aspect is a hose including a tube made of a flexible material and a reinforcing layer that covers the outer peripheral surface of the tube or tubular body and reinforces the tube or the tubular body, wherein the reinforcing layer includes a wire formed from a single-wire material and a steel cord formed by twisting a plurality of steel filaments.
[0007] In the hose according to this aspect, the reinforcing layer has a wire that improves pressure resistance and a steel cord that improves flexibility. Therefore, according to the hose according to this aspect, it is easier to achieve both improved pressure resistance and improved flexibility compared to the case where the reinforcing layer is composed only of wires or only of steel cords.
[0008] The hose of the second aspect is the hose according to the first aspect, wherein the steel cords are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction when viewed from the extending direction of the tube in the reinforcing layer.
[0009] In this embodiment of the hose, since the steel cords are evenly distributed in the reinforcing layer, the hardness of the reinforcing layer tends to be uniform. Therefore, with this embodiment of the hose, the shape is easily maintained even when no pressure is applied to the tube.
[0010] The third embodiment of the hose is the hose described in the first or second embodiment, wherein the wire or steel cord has a winding angle of 10° to 80° with respect to the extension direction of the tube.
[0011] According to this embodiment of the hose, problems are less likely to occur when winding wire or steel cord around the tube.
[0012] The fourth embodiment of the hose is the hose described in any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the wire or steel cord has a ratio of wire diameter to tube diameter that is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.3.
[0013] According to this embodiment of the hose, a hose having a reinforcing layer can easily meet required performance requirements such as weight, outer diameter, and pressure resistance while simultaneously achieving improved pressure resistance and flexibility.
[0014] The fifth embodiment of the hose is the hose described in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the number of wires and steel cords constituting the reinforcing layer is two or more.
[0015] According to this embodiment of the hose, a hose having a reinforcing layer can easily meet required performance requirements such as weight, outer diameter, and pressure resistance while simultaneously achieving improved pressure resistance and flexibility.
[0016] The hose of the sixth embodiment is a hose according to any one embodiment of the first to fifth embodiments, further comprising a plurality of reinforcing layers, wherein each plurality of reinforcing layers includes at least one right-handed layer in which the wire and the steel cord are wound clockwise with respect to the stretching direction, and at least one left-handed layer in which the wire and the steel cord are wound counterclockwise with respect to the stretching direction.
[0017] In this embodiment of the hose, since it includes at least one right-handed layer and one left-handed layer, when pressure is applied to the tube, the direction in which the reinforcing layer expands radially while twisting circumferentially is easily canceled out by the right-handed and left-handed layers. For this reason, the hose according to this embodiment can easily meet the required performance in terms of weight, outer diameter, and pressure resistance while simultaneously achieving improved pressure resistance and flexibility.
[0018] The hose of the seventh embodiment is the hose described in the sixth embodiment, wherein the angle between the wire and steel cord constituting the right-handed layer and the wire and steel cord constituting the left-handed layer is in the range of 20° to 160°.
[0019] According to this embodiment of the hose, changes in the length and diameter of the hose are easily suppressed even when pressure is applied to the tube.
[0020] The hose of the eighth embodiment is the hose described in the sixth embodiment, wherein the plurality of reinforcing layers are each wound in only one direction relative to the extension direction, with respect to the direction of winding the wire and steel cord included in the structure.
[0021] According to this embodiment of the hose, a spiral-structured hose can be obtained.
[0022] The ninth embodiment of the hose is the hose described in any one embodiment of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein at least one of the plurality of reinforcing layers is constructed by weaving together the wire and the steel cord.
[0023] According to this embodiment of the hose, a hose with a braided structure can be obtained.
[0024] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a hose that can easily achieve both improved pressure resistance and improved flexibility compared to a case where the reinforcing layer is composed only of steel cords.
[0025] Figure 1 shows the structure of a hose according to an embodiment, with a portion of the hose cut off. Figure 2 shows the structure of a hose according to an embodiment, following Figure 1, and is a cross-sectional view of the hose. Figure 3 shows the structure of the wire and steel cord used in the reinforcing layer in this embodiment, and is a front view of the steel cord. Figure 4 shows the structure of the wire and steel cord used in the reinforcing layer in this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of the steel cord. Figure 5 shows the structure of the wire and steel cord used in the reinforcing layer in this embodiment, and is a front view of the wire. Figure 6 shows how the wire and steel cord used in the reinforcing layer in this embodiment are formed, and is a diagram showing the winding angle with respect to the extension direction of the tube. Figure 7 shows how the wire and steel cord used in the reinforcing layer in this embodiment are formed, and is a diagram showing the winding angle with respect to the extension direction of the tube.
[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments for realizing the technology of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0027] Furthermore, components and processes that perform the same function or action are given the same reference numerals throughout all drawings, and redundant explanations may be omitted as appropriate. In addition, this disclosure is not limited in any way to the following embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the purpose of this disclosure.
[0028] (Function of Hose 10) In this embodiment, the hose 10 is used for transporting fluids such as hydraulic fluid for hydraulic equipment, industrial water, and fuel oil. Specifically, when the fluid to be transported is sent inside the tube 12, the reinforcing layer restricts the expansion of the tube 12 due to the increase in internal pressure, thereby enabling the transport of the fluid. The specific configuration of the hose 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
[0029] (Structure) Figures 1 and 2 show an example of the structure of the hose 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hose 10 according to this embodiment comprises a tube 12, a first reinforcing layer 50, an intermediate layer 20, a second reinforcing layer 60, and an outer layer 30.
[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tube 12 is a cylindrical member made of a flexible material. Examples of flexible materials include rubber, artificial resins containing polyamide resin, polyester resin, polyurethane, and POM (polyoxymethylene). The structure of the tube 12 can be a single layer using any one of these materials, or a multi-layer structure using any combination of these materials.
[0031] The first reinforcing layer 50 is formed by combining a plurality of wires 72 and a plurality of steel cords 74. More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first reinforcing layer 50 is formed by winding a plurality of wires 72 and a plurality of steel filaments F around the tube 12.
[0032] The steel cord 74 of the first reinforcing layer 50 is formed by twisting together multiple steel filaments F, as shown in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B. More specifically, the steel cord 74 is made up of multiple (three in Figure 3B) steel filaments F twisted together to form a single string, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The wire 72 of the first reinforcing layer 50 is made of a single wire material, as shown in Figure 3C.
[0033] Then, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, each of the multiple wires 72 and the multiple steel cords 74 are formed by winding around the outer circumference of the tube 12 in the direction of extension 10C of the tube 12. In other words, the outer circumference of the tube 12 is covered by each of the multiple wires 72 and the multiple steel cords 74 being wound spirally around it.
[0034] As an example of the winding method, as shown in Figure 4A, the wire 72 or steel cord 74 may be wound clockwise with respect to the extension direction 10C of the tube 12, and as shown in Figure 4B, it may be wound counterclockwise with respect to the extension direction 10C of the tube 12. The angle formed by the wire 72 or steel cord 74 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extension direction 10C of the tube 12 is called the "winding angle".
[0035] In this explanation, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, right-handed winding is considered positive with respect to the extension direction 10C of the tube 12, and the opposite direction is considered negative. Furthermore, if no positive or negative sign is given to the winding angle, it refers to either right-handed or left-handed winding, or both.
[0036] In the following explanation, a reinforcing layer wound clockwise with respect to the extension direction of the tube 12 will be referred to as the "right-handed layer." A reinforcing layer wound counterclockwise with respect to the extension direction of the tube 12 will be referred to as the "left-handed layer."
[0037] As an example of the material for wire 72, iron, iron-based alloys including stainless steel, and titanium may be used. Furthermore, these materials may be plated with other metals for wire 72. As an example of the material for steel filament F, iron, iron-based alloys including stainless steel may be used.
[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the steel filaments F are equally spaced in the circumferential direction within the reinforcing layer. More specifically, in this embodiment, the steel filaments F are arranged so that they are equally spaced in the circumferential direction when viewed in a longitudinal cross-section of the hose 10.
[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the intermediate layer 20 is a component that covers the outer circumference of the first reinforcing layer 50. More specifically, the intermediate layer 20 is composed of rubber, resin, adhesive, etc., and functions as a component that prevents wear caused by contact between the first reinforcing layer 50 and the second reinforcing layer 60.
[0040] The second reinforcing layer 60 is formed by combining multiple wires 72 and multiple steel cords 74. In other words, the second reinforcing layer 60 has the same structure as the first reinforcing layer 50. The second reinforcing layer 60 also covers the outer periphery of the intermediate layer 20.
[0041] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 1, the second reinforcing layer 60 may be wound around the intermediate layer 20 while being wound at an angle different from that of the first reinforcing layer 50. More specifically, the winding angle of the wire 72 or the steel cord 74 of the second reinforcing layer 60 may be opposite to or the same as the winding angle of the wire 72 or the steel cord 74 of the first reinforcing layer 50, as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the winding angle of the wire 72 or the steel cord 74 of the second reinforcing layer 60 may be the same value as the winding angle of the wire 72 or the steel cord 74 of the first reinforcing layer 50.
[0042] Here, the intermediate layer 20 covered by the second reinforcing layer 60 is formed as a tubular member extending in the stretching direction of the tube 12. That is, the intermediate layer 20 covered by the second reinforcing layer 60 is an example of the "tubular body" in the present embodiment.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface layer 30 is a member that covers the outer periphery of the second reinforcing layer 60. More specifically, the outer surface layer 30 is composed of rubber, resin, adhesive, etc., and protects the second reinforcing layer 60 from the external environment and functions as the design surface of the hose 10. The outer surface layer 30 is an example of the "coating layer" in the present embodiment.
[0044] As described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the first reinforcing layer 50 and the second reinforcing layer 60 are formed from a plurality of wires 72 and a plurality of steel cords 74. Therefore, the hose 10 in the present embodiment is formed of a flexible material and can be bent by the user with respect to the stretching direction 10C of the tube 12.
[0045] Although an example having the first reinforcing layer 50 and the second reinforcing layer 60 as the reinforcing layers is shown in FIG. 1, the example of the reinforcing layer is not limited to this. That is, the reinforcing layer may be only one layer of only the first reinforcing layer 50, or may be three or more layers more than the third reinforcing layer. When the reinforcing layer is only one layer, the intermediate layer 20 is configured not to have. Further, when there are three or more layers, the intermediate layer 20 is disposed between the respective reinforcing layers.
[0046] Further, as shown in each of the tests described later, the hose 10 may be configured not to have the outer layer 30. That is, the reinforcing layer may be the outermost layer in the hose 10.
[0047] In the present embodiment, it is desirable that the steel cords 74 are equally arranged in the circumferential direction when viewed from the stretching direction C of the tube 12 in the first reinforcing layer 50 and the second reinforcing layer 60. This is because when the steel cords 74 are equally arranged in each reinforcing layer, the hardness is likely to be uniform in each reinforcing layer. As a result, the shape of the hose 10 is likely to be maintained even when no pressure is applied to the tube 12.
[0048] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first reinforcing layer 50 and the second reinforcing layer 60 are formed by winding the wires 72 and the steel cords 74 respectively. In the hose 10 in the present embodiment, the first reinforcing layer 50 and the second reinforcing layer 60 may be formed by winding the wires 72 and the steel cords 74 while being woven with each other. The structure in which the wires 72 and the steel cords 74 are woven with each other is called a blade structure.
[0049] Since the blade structure is a structure in which the wires 72 and the steel cords 74 are woven with each other, the wires 72 and the steel cords 74 cross each other to form the reinforcing layer. Therefore, the reinforcing layer having the blade structure has both a structure in which the wire 72 or the steel cord 74 is wound clockwise and a structure in which the wire 72 or the steel cord 74 is wound counterclockwise with respect to the stretching direction of the tube 12.
[0050] (Characteristics required for the hose 10) By the way, the hose 10 in the present embodiment is generally required to have strength and flexibility. More specifically, the hose 10 is required to have the ability to convey a higher-pressure fluid and to be bent more easily. However, strength and flexibility are generally performance that is difficult to achieve simultaneously.
[0051] The reason for this is that when the strength of the reinforcing layer is increased by making the reinforcing layer thicker, in other words by increasing the diameter of the wire 72 and steel cord 74, the reinforcing layer becomes less susceptible to bending under external force. Therefore, increasing the strength of the hose 10 tends to decrease its flexibility. The reverse is also true; when the flexibility of the reinforcing layer is increased by decreasing the diameter of the wire 72 and steel cord 74, the strength of the reinforcing layer tends to decrease. Therefore, increasing the flexibility of the hose 10 tends to decrease its strength.
[0052] On the other hand, by combining the wire 72 and the steel cord 74 to form a reinforcing layer, both flexibility and strength can be improved.
[0053] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it is clear that any person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs could conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these too are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.
[0054] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-221549, filed on 18 December 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as the individual documents, patent applications, and technical standards are incorporated herein by reference in the same manner as the individual documents, patent applications, and technical standards are incorporated herein by reference in the same manner as described herein.
Claims
1. A hose comprising: a tube; and a reinforcing layer that covers the outer surface of the tube or tubular body and reinforces the tube or tubular body, wherein the reinforcing layer includes a wire formed from a single-strand material and a steel cord formed by twisting together a plurality of steel filaments.
2. The hose according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing layer has steel cords equally distributed in the circumferential direction when viewed from the direction of extension of the tube.
3. The hose according to claim 1, wherein the wire or steel cord is wrapped around the tube at an angle of 10° to 80° with respect to the extension direction.
4. The hose according to claim 1, wherein the wire or steel cord has a ratio of wire diameter to the diameter of the tube that is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.
3.
5. The hose according to claim 1, wherein the number of wires and steel cords constituting the reinforcing layer is two or more, respectively.
6. The hose according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of reinforcing layers, wherein each plurality of reinforcing layers includes at least one right-handed layer in which the wire and the steel cord are wound clockwise with respect to the stretching direction of the tube, and at least one left-handed layer in which the wire and the steel cord are wound counterclockwise with respect to the stretching direction.
7. The hose according to claim 6, wherein the angle between the wire and steel cord constituting the right-handed layer and the wire and steel cord constituting the left-handed layer is in the range of 20° to 160°.
8. The hose according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of reinforcing layers is wound in only one direction with respect to the extension direction, in which the wire and steel cord included in the structure are wound.
9. A hose according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of reinforcing layers is constructed by weaving together the wire and the steel cord.