WO2018108999A1

WO2018108999A1 - Electromagnetic shielded hose comprising a signal layer for guiding a fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2018108999A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/082603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Serkan EREN
Original assignee: Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama AS
Current assignee: Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama AS
Priority date: 2016-12-14
Filing date: 2017-12-13
Publication date: 2018-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-14
Also published as: EP3555510A1; GB2557648A; GB201621242D0

Abstract

A hose (1) for guiding a fluid comprises a tubular element (3), which is configured to radially limit a fluid duct (13) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the tubular element (3), a cover layer (11) for protection against environmental influences, which surrounds the tubular element (3). The hose (1) further comprises a signal layer (5) for electrical signal transfer, which surrounds the tubular element (3) and which is arranged radially between the tubular element (3) and the cover layer (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), and a shielding layer (9) for electromagnetic shielding of the signal layer (5), which surrounds the signal layer (5) and which is arranged radially between the signal layer (5) and the cover layer (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the shielding layer (9) comprises an electrically conductive and flexible material.

Description

ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDED HOSE COMPRISING A SIGNAL LAYER FOR

GUIDING A FLUID

The invention relates to a mechanically flexible hose for guiding a fluid.

One object of the invention is to create a mechanically flexible hose for guiding a fluid which further enables a secure and reliable electrical signal transfer.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the sub claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention a hose for guiding a fluid comprises a tubular element, which is configured to radially limit a fluid duct along a longitudinal axis of the tubular element to guide a fluid, and a cover layer for protection against environmental influences, which surrounds the tubular element with respect to the longitudinal axis. The hose further comprises a signal layer for electrical signal transfer, which surrounds the tubular element and which is arranged radially between the tubular element and the cover layer with respect to the longitudinal axis. The hose further comprises a shielding layer for electromagnetic shielding of the signal layer, which surrounds the signal layer and which is arranged radially between the signal layer and the cover layer with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the shielding layer comprises an electrically conductive and flexible material.

The described hose realizes an assembly for guiding a fluid and transferring an electrical signal with a beneficial mechanical flexibility and a reliable electric shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency

interference (RFI). In particular, the configuration of the hose and the arrangement of the signal layer and the shielding layer enable a reliable signal transfer and electrical shielding against interference from electromagnetical fields. Further, there is no need for a conductive copper wire wrapping around the tubular element and thus the described hose allows for a space-saving design and advantageous mechanical flexibility. Thus, the described hose is capable of both a secure transport of fluid, such as a gaseous or liquid medium, and a reliable transfer of an electrical signal with an improved electromagnetic shield effectiveness.

With respect to electrical signal transfer and shielding, EMI and RFI can hamper the reception of an electrical signal by a recipient if such a signal has a similar frequency. For instances, electromagnetic waves generated by electronic devices may generate interference fields which can negatively affect the functionality of other electronic devices. Specifically, EMI and RFI can cause suppression of signals generated internally in an electronic device.

Further, this may relate to a conventional concrete vibrator hose. Such a hose may not be capable of fully shielding cables which pass through the hose. Therefore, EMI and RFI may cause malfunctions in devices such as an internal vibrator which is used to prevent air bubbles in the concrete liquid. Common rubber compounds of concrete vibrator hoses do not shield the cables efficiently from EMI and RFI. Such

conventional vibrator hoses and further common hose constructions comprise a tube and further related components such as conductive copper wires and steel wires which spirally surround the tube but which may form an insufficient electric shielding and disadvantageously affect the thickness and mechanical flexibility of the hose. The conductive copper wires might be wrapped between layers but normally provide restricted and improvable protection to interior cables due to gaps between the wires which cause EMI and RFI leakage.

The signal layer comprises electrical conductive material and is capable to

bidirectionally transfer an electrical signal. The signal layer may completely surround the tubular element with respect to the longitudinal axis and forms a kind of a tube or a sleeve around the tubular element. Alternatively the signal layer can surround the tubular element in sections such that it partially encloses the tubular element and for example covers an upper or bottom side of the tubular element with respect to the longitudinal axis. According to a preferred embodiment the signal layer completely encloses the tubular element or is spirally wrapped around it along the longitudinal axis. With respect to the present invention, the longitudinal axis may represent a central axis of a rotationally symmetric hose. In a non-bended state of the hose or if the hose is not winded up the longitudinal axis substantially represents a linear line. In a bended state the longitudinal axis may represent a circle or spiral or a curve section.

The described possibilities of forming the signal layer also apply to the shielding layer. Preferably the shielding layer completely surrounds the signal layer with respect to the longitudinal axis and thus realizes a kind of a tube or a sleeve around the signal layer. Alternatively the shielding layer can surround the signal layer in sections such that it partially covers the signal layer and for example encloses an upper or bottom side of the signal layer with respect to the longitudinal axis. Due to its conductive and flexible material the shielding layer contributes to a beneficial mechanical flexibility of the hose and allows for advantageous shielding against electromagnetic influences.

According to one embodiment of the hose, the shielding layer is formed as a shielding fabric. Such shielding fabric comprising a conductive material, for example a metal such as copper or aluminium, with flexible and light weight so that the fabric enables a reliable electrical signal transfer without or at least with little restriction of the mechanical flexibility of the hose. Wrapping shielding fabric between the tubular element and the cover layer enables effective electromagnetic shielding of the inner signal layer and realizes high resistance to EMI and RFI. Such a configuration of the described hose and its shielding layer eliminates any open gap or minimizes the gaps and contributes to prevent interference fields due to EMI and RFI leakage. In addition the shielding layer in such a configuration of a conductive, flexible and light weight shielding fabric maintains conductivity through the entire length of the hose without the need of a conductive copper wire. According to one embodiment of the hose the signal layer is formed as a signal fabric. Such signal layer contributes to a thin, space-saving design of the hose and enables reliable electrical signal transfer.

According to a further embodiment of the hose the signal layer is formed as a flat ribbon cable. Such a flat ribbon cable still realizes a kind of layer which partially covers the tubular element along the longitudinal axis. For example, the flat ribbon cable is arranged at an upper or bottom side of the tubular element or is spirally wrapped around the tubular element with respect to the longitudinal axis. The signal layer designed as a flat ribbon cable allows for electrical signal transfer of various signals simultaneously.

According to a further embodiment the hose comprises a first reinforcement layer which surrounds the tubular element. The first reinforcement layer allows for protection and stability enhancement of the hose. The first reinforcement layer may be arranged radially between the tubular element and the signal layer or between the signal layer and the shielding layer with respect to the longitudinal axis. Moreover, the hose might comprise a further second reinforcement layer for protection and stability enhancement arranged radially between the first reinforcement layer and the shielding layer with respect to the longitudinal axis. For example, the one or more reinforcement layer comprises metallic material which covers the respective layer below in the form of a fabric and contributes to sufficient electromagnetic shielding of the signal layer with respect to high and low frequency interference fields.

According to a further embodiment the hose comprises a screening layer for electromagnetic shielding, which surrounds the signal layer and which is arranged radially between the signal layer and the cover layer with respect to the longitudinal axis. Such a screening layer might realize one of the aforementioned first or second reinforcement layer or forms an additional layer for improved electromagnetic shielding of the hose and its signal layer. According to a further embodiment the hose comprises one or more isolation layers for electrical isolation, which surrounds at least the signal layer as well as the further layers of the hose. The isolation layer can realize the cover layer of the hose or form an additional layer for improved electrical isolation and protection against environmental influences. In the latter option the isolation layer may be arranged radially between the screening layer and the cover layer with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in the following with the aid of schematic drawings and reference numbers. The Figures show:

Figures 1A-1B an exemplary embodiment of a shielded hose for guiding a fluid in perspective view;

Figure 2 schematic principle of electromagnetic shielding of the hose according to figure 1.

Identical reference numbers designate elements or components with identical functions. For reasons of simplicity not all elements or components might be designated with its reference numbers throughout all figures.

Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of a shielded hose 1 in a perspective view. The hose 1 is configured for guiding a fluid and for transferring electrical signals.

Therefore, the hose 1 comprises a tubular element 3, which forms a fluid duct 13 along a longitudinal axis L. The hose 1 further comprises a cover layer 11 for protection against environmental influences, which surrounds the tubular element 3. The hose 1 further comprises a signal layer 5 for electrical signal transfer, which surrounds the tubular element 3 and which is arranged radially between the tubular element 3 and the cover layer 11 with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

Furthermore, the hose 1 comprises a shielding layer 9 for electromagnetic shielding of the signal layer 5, which surrounds the signal layer 5 and which is arranged radially between the signal layer 5 and the cover layer 11 with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The shielding layer 9 comprises an electrically conductive and flexible material and thus contributes to an effective shielding of the signal layer 5 and a beneficial mechanical flexibility of the hose 1. The longitudinal axis L represents a central axis of the hose 1, which is designed rotationally symmetric according to the illustrated embodiment. In a non-bended or not-winded up state of the hose 1 the longitudinal axis L represents a linear line. In a bended state of the hose 1 the longitudinal axis L may represent a circle or spiral or a curve section.

The illustrated hose 1 further comprises a first reinforcement layer 7 for protection and stability enhancement of the hose 1 which surrounds the tubular element 3 with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The first reinforcement layer 7 is arranged radially between the signal layer 5 and the shielding layer 9 with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The first reinforcement layer 7 may be made of an isolating material to further isolate the signal layer 5 from the shielding layer 9.

According to the shown embodiment of figure 1A the signal layer 5 is formed as a signal fabric which is arranged at an outer surface 4 of the inner tubular element 3. The signal layer 5 comprises electrical conductive material and is capable to bidirectionally transfer an electrical signal. The signal layer 5 completely surrounds the tubular element 3 with respect to the longitudinal axis L and realizes a kind of a tube or a sleeve. The signal layer 5 designed as a fabric beneficially contributes to a thin, space-saving design of the hose 1 and enables reliable electrical signal transfer. According to a further embodiment of the hose 1, the signal layer 5 might be formed as a flat ribbon cable which is spirally wrapped around the tubular element 3 along the longitudinal axis L and which enables electrical signal transfer of various signals simultaneously.

The first reinforcement layer 7 is arranged at an outer surface 6 of the signal layer 5 and completely encloses the signal layer 5. Thus, the reinforcement layer 7 forms a kind of a tube or a sleeve around the signal layer 5. The shielding layer 9 is arranged at an outer surface 8 of the reinforcement layer 7 and analogously forms a tube or a sleeve around the reinforcement layer 7. The shielding layer 9 may comprise a metallic material which covers the signal layer 5 below in the form of a fabric and contributes to sufficient electromagnetic shielding of the signal layer 5. The cover layer 11 is arranged at an outer surface 10 of the shielding layer 9 and analogously forms a tube or a sleeve around the shielding layer 9.

The shielding layer 9 is preferably formed as a shielding which encloses the inner tubular element 3, the signal layer 5 and the reinforcement layer 7. Due to its conductive and flexible material the shielding layer 9 contributes to a beneficial mechanical flexibility of the hose 1 and allows for advantageous shielding against electromagnetic influences. With respect to alternative embodiments of the hose 1 the arrangement of the described layers 5, 7, 9 can be changed and / or the hose 1 can comprise additional layers such as a screening layer for further electromagnetic shielding and an isolation layer for electrical isolation. But the shielding layer 9 partially or completely encloses the inner signal layer 5. In other words, the shielding layer 9 comprises a larger distance to the longitudinal axis L than the signal layer 5 does.

The configuration of the hose 1 and arrangement of the several layers 5, 7, 9 and 11 realizes a stable and secure assembly for guiding a fluid and transferring an electrical signal with a beneficial mechanical flexibility and a reliable electric shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Such interference fields can hamper the reception of an electrical signal by a recipient and negatively affect the functionality of other electronic devices. Common rubber compound and hose constructions with conductive copper and steel wires wrapped around an inner tube insufficiently shield electromagnetic fields and

disadvantageously affect the thickness and mechanical flexibility of a hose.

The described hose 1 is capable of both a secure transport of fluid, such as a gaseous or liquid medium, and a reliable transfer of an electrical signal with an improved electromagnetic shield effectiveness. In particular, the illustrated and described configuration of the hose 1 enables a beneficial signal transfer and electrical shielding against interference fields. Further, there is no need for a conductive copper wire wrapping around the tubular element 3 and thus the hose 1 allows for a space-saving design and advantageous mechanical flexibility.

Figure IB shows a schematic cross-section of the hose according to Figure 1A. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the electromagnetic influence of an electronic device 20 to the shielded hose 1. The drawn in arrows exemplary show the effective

electromagnetic shielding of the hose 1 which further enables a secure and reliable guidance of a fluid. Therefore, the hose 1 may beneficially allow for a secure and reliable functioning of a connected device such as a combustion engine or a hydraulic system.

Reference signs

1 shielded hose

3 tubular element

4 outer surface of the tubular element

5 signal layer

6 outer surface of the signal layer

7 first reinforcement layer

8 outer surface of the first reinforcement layer

9 shielding layer

10 outer surface of the shielding layer

11 cover layer

13 fluid duct

20 electronic device

L longitudinal axis

Claims

1. Hose (1) for guiding a fluid, comprising:

- a tubular element (3), configured to radially limit a fluid duct (13) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the tubular element (3),

- a cover layer (11) for protection against environmental influences, which surrounds the tubular element (3) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L),

- a signal layer (5) for electrical signal transfer, which surrounds the tubular element (3) and which is arranged radially between the tubular element (3) and the cover layer (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), and

- a shielding layer (9) for electromagnetic shielding of the signal layer (5), which surrounds the signal layer (5) and which is arranged radially between the signal layer (5) and the cover layer (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the shielding layer (9) comprises an electrically conductive and flexible material.

2. Hose (1) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the shielding layer (9) is formed as a shielding fabric.

3. Hose (1) in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal layer (5) is

formed as a signal fabric.

4. Hose (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 2, wherein the signal layer (9) is formed as a flat ribbon cable.

5. Hose (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 4, comprising

a first reinforcement layer (7), which surrounds the tubular element (3) and which is arranged radially between the signal layer (5) and the shielding layer (9) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L).

6. Hose (1) in accordance with claim 5, comprising

a second reinforcement layer, which surrounds the tubular element (3) and which is arranged radially between the first reinforcement layer (7) and the shielding layer (9) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L).

7. Hose (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 6, comprising

a screening layer for electromagnetic shielding, which surrounds the signal layer (5) and which is arranged radially between the signal layer (5) and the cover layer (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L).

8. Hose (1) in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 7, comprising

at least one isolation layer for electrical isolation, which surrounds the signal layer (5) and which is arranged radially between the signal layer (5) and the cover layer (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L).