Flexible tubular structure
阅读说明:本技术 柔性管状结构 (Flexible tubular structure ) 是由 阿瑟·德里克·布雷·格雷厄姆 尼尔·德里克·布雷·格雷厄姆 于 2017-04-28 设计创作,主要内容包括:一种管(10)以及构造这种管的方法,管(10)为复合膜结构的形式,且包括结合在一起以提供一体式结构的多个层的共挤出物。这些层包括内层(11)、中间层(12)和外层(13)。中间层(12)由与夹置中间层的两个相邻层(11、13)相容的材料制成,其中,中间层(12)提供两个层(11、13)之间的桥接,将管(10)提供为一体式结构。可选地,管(10)的外表面(15)被处理或改性,或者设置有涂层,通常用于与诸如树脂粘结剂等另一种物质结合。还公开了一种构造为管道并使用管(10)构造的管状元件形式的中空结构。(A tube (10) and method of constructing such a tube, the tube (10) being in the form of a composite film structure and comprising a co-extrusion of a plurality of layers bonded together to provide a unitary structure. The layers include an inner layer (11), an intermediate layer (12) and an outer layer (13). The intermediate layer (12) is made of a material compatible with the two adjacent layers (11, 13) sandwiching the intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer (12) provides a bridge between the two layers (11, 13), providing the tube (10) as a unitary structure. Optionally, the outer surface (15) of the tube (10) is treated or modified, or provided with a coating, typically for bonding with another substance such as a resin binder. A hollow structure in the form of a tubular element constructed as a pipe and using a tube (10) is also disclosed.)
1. A tube formed into a coextruded composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers including an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube for bonding with a binder, and at least one intermediate layer between the inner and outer layers, the intermediate layer being of a material compatible with two adjacent layers sandwiching the intermediate layer.
2. The tube of claim 1, wherein the coextruded composite film structure is formed by means of a multilayer blown film extrusion process.
3. The tube of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of layers comprises three layers.
4. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner layer comprises a material that is compatible with the intended application of the tube.
5. The tube of claim 4, wherein the inner layer is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and polyethylene.
6. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer layer comprises a material compatible with a binder.
7. The tube of claim 6, wherein the outer layer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride/vinyl, acrylic copolymers, vinyl, and copolymer vinyl.
8. The pipe of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the intermediate layer comprises a copolymer compatible with the two adjacent layers.
9. The tube of claim 8, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a mixture of thermoplastic polyurethane.
10. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer surface of the tube is treated or modified to promote bonding.
11. The tube of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a coating is applied to the outer surface of the tube to promote bonding with the binder.
12. The tube of claim 11, wherein the coating comprises a continuous coating along the outer surface of the tube.
13. A method of forming the tube of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the method comprises co-extruding the plurality of layers.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of layers are coextruded by a multilayer blown film extrusion process.
15. The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising: an adhesive is provided between adjacent layers.
16. The method of claim 13, 14 or 15, further comprising: treating or modifying the outer surface of the tube.
17. A method of forming a tube into a composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers, the method comprising co-extruding an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube for bonding with a binder, and at least one intermediate layer between the inner and outer layers, the intermediate layer being of a material compatible with two adjacent layers sandwiching the intermediate layer.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of layers are coextruded by a multilayer blown film extrusion process.
19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising: an adhesive is provided between adjacent layers.
20. The method of claim 17, 18 or 19, further comprising: treating or modifying the outer surface of the outer layer to promote mechanical bonding with the binder.
21. The method of claim 17, 18 or 19, further comprising: applying a coating to the outer surface of the tube.
22. A pipe constructed using the method of any one of claims 17 to 20.
23. A hollow structure comprising the tube of claim 22.
24. A hollow structure of composite construction comprising a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, wherein the radially inner and outer portions are fused together to provide a unitary tubular wall structure, the radially inner portion being configured to be formed into a tube of coextruded composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers including an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube for bonding with a binder, and at least one intermediate layer located between the inner and outer layers.
25. The composite-constructed hollow structure of claim 24, wherein the intermediate layer is a material compatible with two adjacent layers sandwiching the intermediate layer.
26. A composite constructed hollow structure according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the outer surface of the tube is treated or modified to promote bonding with the binder.
27. A composite constructed hollow structure according to claim 24 or 25 wherein a coating is applied to the outer surface of the tube to promote bonding with the binder.
28. A method of constructing a hollow structure comprising a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, wherein the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion are fused together to provide a unitary tubular wall structure, the method comprising: forming the radially inner portion into a tube comprising a co-extrudate, the co-extrudate being a co-extrudate that defines an inner layer of the tube, an outer layer that defines an outer surface of the tube for bonding with a binder, and at least one intermediate layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer; and assembling the radially outer portion around the tube, the radially outer portion being a fiber-reinforced composite construction comprising a reinforcement and the binder.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the intermediate layer is selected to be a material compatible with two adjacent layers sandwiching the intermediate layer.
30. The method of claim 28 or 29, further comprising: treating or modifying the outer surface of the tube to promote bonding with the binder.
31. The method of claim 28 or 29, further comprising: applying a coating to the outer surface of the tube to promote bonding with the binder.
32. The method of any of claims 28 to 31, further comprising: expanding the tube to radially expand the tube while inhibiting outward expansion of the radially outer portion to expand the adhesive.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: positioning a flexible casing around the radially outer portion, wherein the radially expanded tube operates with the flexible casing to gradually reduce the volume of a space between the tube and the flexible casing to expand the adhesive within the space.
34. A hollow structure constructed using the method of claim 22, 23 or 24.
35. A tube assembly comprising a tube formed into a coextruded composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers including an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube assembly and an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube, wherein the outer surface of the tube is treated or modified to facilitate bonding with a binder.
36. A tube assembly comprising a tube formed into a coextruded composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers including an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube assembly, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube, and a coating applied to the outer surface of the tube.
37. A method of forming a pipe assembly having a multi-layered pipe and a coating on an outer surface of the pipe, the method comprising: co-extruding an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube and an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube; and applying the coating to the outer layer of the tube.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a flexible tubular structure which will be referred to as a tube in the following.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible pipe for the construction of hollow structures, comprising an inner portion defined by the pipe and an outer portion of reinforced fibre construction integral with the inner portion. The invention also relates to a hollow structure constructed using such a tube. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of constructing a tube and a method of constructing a hollow structure.
The pipe according to the invention is particularly, although not exclusively, designed for the construction of elongate hollow structures of composite construction, including tubular structures in the form of pipes, tubular elements such as pipes and tubes, tubular structural elements such as hollow shafts, beams and columns, hollow bodies such as tanks, shell structures (hull structures) including such structures for aircraft, and other hollow elements of composite construction.
Background
The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
The tube according to the invention is particularly suitable for the construction of elongate hollow structures, such as the ducts described and illustrated in the applicant's international application PCT/AU2011/001401, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, the present invention will be discussed primarily with respect to a tube for use in the construction of such an elongated hollow structure. However, it should be understood that the present invention may be applied to various other hollow body configurations, including, for example, pipes, ducts, tubes and other tubular elements, tubular structural elements (such as shafts, beams and columns), hollow bodies (such as tanks), shell structures (including such structures for aircraft), and other hollow elements of composite construction.
International application PCT/AU2011/001401 relates to an elongated hollow structure in the form of a tubular element configured as a conduit, and a method of continuously constructing a conduit.
The conduit is of composite construction comprising a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, the two portions being fused together to provide a unitary tubular wall structure. The inner portion is constructed as an inner tube composed of an inner liner layer having a layer of resin absorbent material bonded to one surface thereof. Another surface of the inner liner defines an inner surface of the conduit. Typically, the inner liner presents a high gloss surface at the inner surface. The inner liner may for example comprise polyurethane, polyethylene or any other elastically flexible material, preferably also impermeable to air and also compatible with the fluid to be transported within the pipe. The resin absorbent layer may, for example, comprise felt or cotton tow.
The inner tube is constructed from a strip of material that is longitudinally rolled into a tubular configuration to provide the inner liner.
The outer portion is configured as an outer tube of fiber-reinforced composite construction surrounded by a flexible outer cover. More particularly, the outer tube comprises a reinforcement wetted in a resin binder. A flexible jacket is mounted around the outer pipe to contain the resin binder, and may remain in place and ultimately form an integral part of the pipe, or may be subsequently removed after its purpose is achieved.
The resin material providing the resin binder may be any suitable type of material; particularly suitable resin materials may include thermosetting resins (such as epoxy vinyl ester or other suitable resins) and thermoplastic resin systems.
The reinforcement may include one or more layers of reinforcing fabric, each layer being configured as an annular element disposed about the inner tube. The reinforcing fabric may include the following reinforcing fabrics: comprising reinforcing fibers characterized by a four-axis fiber orientation. The reinforcing fibers may include glass fibers. The four axis fiber orientation provides the necessary hoop and axial stress bearing properties for the pipe.
Constructing the inner tube using strips of material rolled longitudinally into a tubular configuration is not particularly advantageous for large scale cost effective manufacture. Furthermore, with this configuration, the inner tube is likely to be susceptible to leakage at the longitudinal joint and also to pin holes from a single layer configuration.
The present invention has been developed in this context.
Disclosure of Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tube formed into a coextruded composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers including an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube for bonding with a binder, and at least one intermediate layer located between the inner and outer layers, the intermediate layer being of a material compatible with two adjacent layers sandwiching the intermediate layer therebetween.
The tube may be formed into a coextruded composite film structure in a multilayer blown film extrusion process (also referred to as a tubular film extrusion process).
The tube may comprise three layers, whereby there is a single intermediate layer between the inner and outer layers. However, more than one intermediate layer may be present. In one embodiment, there are three layers, although there may be at least five layers, and perhaps nine to eleven layers. Layers exceeding 11 layers are also conceivable.
An adhesive may be present between the layers or at least some of the layers.
With the multilayer construction of the tube, it is believed that leakage through the pin holes in the layers is less likely to occur. If there is a pin hole in one layer, it is unlikely that the pin hole will register with a pin hole in an adjacent layer to provide a leak path through the pipe wall.
The inner layer preferably comprises a material that is compatible with the intended application of the tube. By way of example, where the intended application of the pipe is a radially inner portion of a composite-constructed pipe for conveying a fluid (gas, liquid or other flowable material such as a slurry), the inner layer is preferably a material that is compatible with the fluid. This may require the inner layer to provide a pipe wall having (but not limited to) one or more of the following characteristics: impermeable to the fluid, impermeable to one or more gases, chemically resistant to the fluid, relatively low resistance to the flow of the fluid, corrosion resistant, wear resistant, and resistant to cracking or tearing.
In one embodiment, the inner layer may comprise a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or polyether-based material to provide excellent hydrolysis resistance. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other suitable materials may also be used for the inner layer, for example, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or polyethylene (PE, LLDPE or HDPE).
The outer layer preferably comprises a material compatible with the binder. For example, the binder is in the form of a thermosetting resin.
In one embodiment, the outer layer may comprise a plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride/vinyl (PVC) or some acrylic, vinyl or copolymer vinyl.
An outer layer comprising a thermoplastic rubber, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), is advantageous because it is flexible and relatively easily scratched, and is particularly suitable for applications where the resin comprises a vinyl ester resin, because the resin can chemically "bite" into the rubber side of the thermoplastic. This is also true for polyester-based TPUs where the polyester is compatible with PVC and vinyl ester resin matrices.
Other suitable materials may also be used for the outer layer, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The intermediate layer may comprise a copolymer that is compatible with the bonding of the two adjacent layers. This may involve the use of an intervening material, such as an adhesive, that is compatible with both the intervening layer and the respective adjacent layer, to establish a bond between the two adjacent layers.
In the case where the inner layer comprises TPU and the outer layer comprises vinyl or copolymer vinyl, the compatibility of the two layers may not be sufficient to provide a unitary structure that can be extruded, and therefore an intervening medium comprised of one or more intermediate layers may be required to provide bridging between the two layers. In this manner, the intermediate layer cooperates with the inner and outer layers to provide a unitary structure that constitutes the tube.
The intermediate layer may, for example, comprise a mixture of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU), such as a mixture of esters and ethers. Other suitable materials may also be used for the intermediate layer, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the amount and characteristics of each adhesive that bonds adjacent layers together is selected according to the intended application.
The outer surface of the tube may be treated or modified to promote bonding with a substance such as a binder.
The treatment may include surface modification. As an example, the treatment may include a corona treatment characterized by a low temperature corona discharge plasma to effect a change in a property of the outer surface of the tube.
The outer surface of the tube may be mechanically and chemically bonded with a binder.
The outer surface of the tube may be treated to promote mechanical bonding with the adhesive. The outer surface may be treated such that: i.e. by providing a formation on the outer surface that facilitates mechanical bonding with the adhesive. As an example, forming the formations may include texturing, knurling, scraping, tearing, abrading, grinding, or other roughening on the surface. The forming formation may be present as a protrusion from the tube, the protrusion being configured for anchoring in the adhesive. Further, forming the construct may include applying an anchoring structure to the surface; for example, the needles of the fibers are sprayed onto the outer surface and heat is used to embed the needles of the fibers in the outer surface.
The outer surface of the tube may be coated to promote bonding with the binder. The coating may comprise a continuous coating along the outer surface of the tube, or the coating may be provided intermittently (i.e., at intervals along the tube). Where the coating is provided intermittently, the coating may, for example, comprise multiple sheets or bundles of coating material on the outer surface of the tube. The coating may be applied in any suitable manner, such as by heat welding.
The coating may be of any suitable material; for example, the coating may comprise a binder-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the coating may comprise a polyester cloth.
The coating may comprise a wetting material. The wetting material may be bonded to the tube, such as by thermal welding or the like, to provide a chemical and mechanical bond between the tube and the adhesive. The wetting material may comprise a polyester felt.
The coating may be used to promote direct contact of the resin rich layer with the outer surface of the tube.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a tube according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising co-extruding a plurality of layers.
The method may include providing an adhesive between adjacent layers. The adhesive may be applied as a coextruded layer or in some other manner, such as by spraying onto the surface of one or more of the layers.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a tube into a composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers, the method comprising co-extruding an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube in combination with a binder, and at least one intermediate layer between the inner and outer layers, the intermediate layer being of a material compatible with two adjacent layers sandwiching the intermediate layer therebetween.
More than one intermediate layer may be present.
The method may further comprise treating the outer surface of the outer layer to promote mechanical bonding with the binder. The outer surface may be treated such that: i.e. by providing a formation on the outer surface that facilitates mechanical bonding with the adhesive.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe constructed using the method according to the third aspect of the present invention.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hollow structure comprising a tube according to the first or fourth aspects of the present invention.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hollow structure of composite construction comprising a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, wherein the two portions are fused together to provide a unitary tubular wall structure, the radially inner portion being configured to be formed as a tube of a coextruded composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers including an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube for bonding with a binder, and at least one intermediate layer located between the inner and outer layers.
The intermediate layer may be a material compatible with the two adjacent layers sandwiching the intermediate layer.
More than one intermediate layer may be present.
The outer surface of the tube may be treated or modified to promote bonding with the binder.
The treatment may include surface modification. As an example, the treatment may include a corona treatment characterized by a low temperature corona discharge plasma to effect a change in a property of the outer surface of the tube.
The outer surface of the tube may be mechanically and chemically bonded with a binder.
The outer surface of the tube may be treated to promote mechanical bonding with the adhesive. The outer surface may be treated such that: i.e. by providing a formation on the outer surface that facilitates mechanical bonding with the adhesive. As an example, forming the formations may include texturing, knurling, scraping, tearing, abrading, grinding, or other roughening on the surface. The forming formation may be present as a protrusion from the tube, the protrusion being configured for anchoring in the adhesive. Further, forming the construct may include applying an anchoring structure to the surface; for example, the needles of the fibers are sprayed onto the outer surface and heat is used to embed the needles of the fibers in the outer surface.
The outer surface of the tube may be coated to promote bonding with the binder. The coating may comprise a continuous coating along the outer surface of the tube, or the coating may be provided intermittently (i.e., at intervals along the tube). Where the coating is provided intermittently, the coating may, for example, comprise multiple sheets or bundles of coating material on the outer surface of the tube. The coating may be applied in any suitable manner, such as by heat welding.
The coating may be of any suitable material; for example, the coating may comprise a binder-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the coating may comprise a polyester cloth.
The coating may comprise a wetting material. The wetting material may be bonded to the tube, such as by thermal welding or the like, to provide a chemical and mechanical bond between the tube and the adhesive. The wetting material may comprise a polyester felt.
The coating may be used to promote direct contact of the resin rich layer with the outer surface of the tube.
Preferably, the outer portion comprises an outer tube of fibre-reinforced composite construction formed around the tube providing the inner portion.
More particularly, the outer tube comprises a reinforcement wetted in a resin providing a binder.
The hollow structure may further comprise a flexible outer envelope surrounding the outer tube. With this arrangement, a flexible outer jacket is mounted around the outer tube to contain the resin binder. The flexible casing may remain in place and ultimately form an integral part of the hollow structure, or it may be subsequently removed after its purpose is achieved.
The resin material providing the resin binder may be of any suitable type; particularly suitable resin materials may include thermosetting resins (such as epoxy vinyl ester or other suitable resins) and thermoplastic resin systems.
The reinforcement may include one or more layers of reinforcing fabric, each layer being configured as a tubular structure disposed about the innerduct.
The hollow structure according to the sixth aspect of the present invention may comprise an elongate hollow structure.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a hollow structure comprising a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, wherein the two portions are fused together to provide a unitary tubular wall structure, the method comprising: forming the radially inner portion into a tube comprising a coextrudate, the coextrudate being a coextrudate of an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube for bonding with a binder, and at least one intermediate layer located between the inner and outer layers; and assembling a radially outer portion around the tube, the radially outer portion being a fiber reinforced composite construction comprising a reinforcement and the binder.
The intermediate layer is selected to be a material compatible with two adjacent layers between which it is sandwiched.
More than one intermediate layer may be present.
The method may further comprise: the outer surface of the tube is treated or modified to promote bonding with the binder.
The method may further comprise: a coating is applied to the outer surface of the tube to promote bonding with the binder.
The method may further comprise: the tube is expanded to radially expand the tube while inhibiting expansion of the outer side of the radially outer portion, thereby expanding the adhesive.
The method may further comprise: positioning a flexible casing around the radially outer portion, wherein the radially expanded tube operates with the flexible casing to gradually reduce a volume of a space between the tube and the flexible casing to expand the adhesive within the space.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hollow structure constructed using the method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a tube assembly comprising a tube formed into a coextruded composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers including an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube assembly and an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube, wherein the outer surface of the tube is treated or modified to promote bonding with a binder.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tube assembly comprising a tube formed into a coextruded composite film structure comprising a plurality of layers including an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube assembly, an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube, and a coating applied to the outer surface of the tube.
A coating may be applied to promote bonding with the adhesive.
The coating may comprise a continuous coating along the outer surface of the tube, or the coating may be provided intermittently (i.e., at intervals along the tube). Where the coating is provided intermittently, the coating may, for example, comprise multiple sheets or bundles of coating material on the outer surface of the tube. The coating may be applied in any suitable manner, such as by heat welding.
The coating may be of any suitable material; for example, the coating may comprise a binder-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the coating may comprise a polyester cloth.
The coating may comprise a wetting material. The wetting material may be bonded to the tube, such as by thermal welding or the like, to provide a chemical and mechanical bond between the tube and the adhesive. The wetting material may comprise a polyester felt.
The coating may be used to promote direct contact of the resin rich layer with the outer surface of the tube.
The coating may comprise one or more strips of coating material applied to the outer surface of the tube. Preferably, the coating comprises a plurality of strips, and more preferably comprises two strips. In the case of multiple strips of coating material, the strips may be applied in a generally side-by-side manner. Adjacent longitudinal margin edge portions of the strip may be in overlapping or abutting relationship, for example. Other arrangements are envisaged; for example, adjacent longitudinal marginal edge portions of the strip may be interconnected in some other manner (e.g., by means of an adhesive tape applied between the marginal edge portions), or alternatively, adjacent longitudinal marginal edge portions of the strip may be in spaced apart relation to define a gap therebetween.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a pipe assembly having a multi-layered pipe and a coating on an outer surface of the pipe, the method comprising: comprising co-extruding an inner layer defining an inner surface of the tube and an outer layer defining an outer surface of the tube; and applying a coating to the outer layer of the tube.
The coating may be applied by applying a longitudinal strip of coating material onto the outer surface of the tube.
The longitudinal strip may comprise two strips applied around the tube. The longitudinal margin edge portions of the two strips may be in overlapping or abutting relationship with respect to one another.
Drawings
Further features of the invention will be more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments. This description is included for the purpose of illustrating the invention only. And should not be taken as limiting the broad overview, disclosure or description of the invention as described above. Will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tube including a co-extrusion of multiple layers bonded together to provide a unitary structure, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the various layers in exploded form;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the arrangement shown in FIG. 2;
fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is constructed as a pipe and using the pipe shown in fig. 1 to 3;
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tube assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention, including a tube and a coating applied to the tube;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the various components in exploded form;
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tube in a flattened condition;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but with two strips of coating material positioned on opposite sides of the flattened tube;
FIG. 9 is a view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, but with the tube undergoing expansion;
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a portion of a manufacturing line for a tube assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another portion of the production line;
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view at line 13-13 of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view at line 14-14 of FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view at line 15-15 of FIG. 12; and
fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the tube assembly at line 16-16 of fig. 12.
In the drawings, like structures are represented by like reference numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
The figures depict embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments show certain configurations; it will be appreciated, however, that the invention may take the form of a number of configurations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, while still embodying the invention. Such configurations should be considered within the scope of the present invention.
Detailed Description
Referring to fig. 1-3, a first embodiment of a
When the
In other embodiments, there may be more than one
An adhesive or other substance may also be present between the layers.
There may also be another layer applied to the radially inner side of the
The
In this embodiment, the
The
The
In the case where the
The
In the arrangement shown in fig. 3, the
The treatment may include surface modification. As an example, the treatment may include a corona treatment characterized by a low temperature corona discharge plasma to effect a change in a property of the outer surface of the
The
The outer surface of the tube may be treated to promote mechanical bonding with a substance such as a resin binder. The outer surface may be treated in such a way that: that is, by providing a formation configuration on the outer surface that facilitates mechanical bonding with the resin binder. As examples, the forming configuration may include texturing, knurling, scraping, tearing, abrading, grinding, or other roughening on the surface. The formation may be present as a protrusion from the
In the arrangement shown, the
In this embodiment, the
When constructed, the
In other embodiments, there may be more than one
Referring to fig. 4, a
Typically, the
The
In the arrangement shown, the
The
Prior to forming the integral
After forming the unitary
The
The
The resin material providing the resin binder may be of any suitable type as would be understood by a person skilled in the art; particularly suitable resin materials may include thermosetting resins (such as epoxy vinyl ester or other suitable resins) and thermoplastic resin systems.
The
The
The gradual reduction in the volume of the
The flexible
The elastic nature of the
The
Further details regarding the construction of the
In the arrangement shown, as best shown in fig. 2, the
The composite film
The
The
The
Alternatively, the
The
In this embodiment where the
However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other suitable materials may also be used for the
The
To this end, the
The desired properties of the
Referring to fig. 5-16, a
In the arrangement shown, the
The
The
In this embodiment, the
One way in which the
After the tube is formed, the
Two
The
During the application process, the
The
Fig. 10 depicts an
Fig. 11 and 12 depict a
The cross-sectional shape of
The
It will be apparent from the foregoing that the above embodiments each provide a simple and efficient arrangement for mass producing extruded tubes in accordance with the present invention.
The foregoing disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use each particular embodiment described, rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.
In addition, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Accordingly, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications within its scope.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
References to any positional description, such as "top," "bottom," and "side," will be employed in the context of the described and illustrated embodiments, and should not be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but rather as understood by those of skill in the art.
Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "below," "lower," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature or elements as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" and "directly between," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Further included are references to any set of functionally related or interacting, interrelated, dependent or associated components or elements (which may be located in proximity to, separate from, integral with or discrete from each other).
Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
- 上一篇:一种医用注射器针头装配设备
- 下一篇:云台手柄和手持云台