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  • 专利说明
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    • 专利摘要:
    APPARATUS AND METHOD TO PRODUCE IRRIGATION TUBE The present invention relates to an apparatus that allows to transform an extruded plastic material into a strip that can be transformed into an irrigation pipe. The apparatus includes a pair of juxtaposed rollers, which, when rotated, the speed of a contact surface of one of the rollers of the pair of rollers is different from the linear speed of a contact surface of the other roller of the pair. Therefore, the extruded material that passes between the rollers is stretched and flattened concomitantly.
    公开号:BR112012001602B1
    申请号:R112012001602-4
    申请日:2010-07-25
    公开日:2020-11-24
    发明作者:Erez Yiflach
    申请人:Erez Yiflach；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] [001] The present invention relates to the transformation of plastics. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for transforming an extruded plastic material into a strip, which is useful in various applications, such as, for example, in the production of irrigation pipes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [0002] [002] Plastic drip hoses and drip tapes are widely used for irrigation. A drip hose or drip tape includes a hose and incorporates drip emitters for irrigation. The water fed to the hose in a pressurized line is emitted by the emitters as a series of individual drops. Often, numerous drip hoses can be connected to and supplied by a single manifold with holes or fixing nipples.
    [0003] [003] The emitters can be built inside a plastic hose for dripping at the time of manufacture, or they can be inserted by a user. Typically, a hose is produced using an extruder extrusion process. The extruder can be provided with a die that produces a hose in its final shape. Alternatively, the extrusion process can produce an approximately flattened strip or blade. A flat blade can be cut into individual strips. Typically, the process used to form the flat blade may include a process, such as, for example, lodging or blowing, to increase the mechanical strength of the blade. On the other hand, a strip that is extruded directly by an extruder may not have sufficient mechanical strength to allow the use for irrigation of a hose made from the strip.
    [0004] [004] A flat strip can be modeled on a hose. Typically, modeling on a hose includes bending the strip around its longitudinal geometric axis in the shape of a hose with the desired cross-section, typically circular. The edges of the strip can be welded together, or forced to adhere to each other, in a seam in which the edges meet. If necessary, excess strip material can be trimmed before shaping on the hose.
    [0005] [005] In general, when an emitter is built in an irrigation hose at the time of manufacture, the body of the emitter, or a set of parts to be mounted on an emitter, is manufactured separately from the hose. The separate body of the emitter can then be mounted or attached, or incorporated into the hose or a strip of hose material before shaping the strip into a hose. On the other hand, an emitter body formed integrated with the extruded material can produce an emitter that becomes distorted during cooling or during the hose forming process. In addition, an irrigation hose so formed may not have sufficient mechanical strength for use under typical conditions.
    [0006] [006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a single apparatus and method for the continuous production of a hose with a drop emitter for irrigation, the emitter being formed from the material of the hose in a single production process.
    [0007] [007] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become evident after reading the present invention and reviewing the attached drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [0008] [008] Thus, according to some modalities of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for transforming extruded plastic material into a strip that can be transformed into an irrigation tube, the apparatus comprising a pair of juxtaposed rollers, which , when rotated, the linear speed of a contact surface of one of the rollers of the pair of rollers is different from the linear speed of a contact surface of the other roller of the pair of rollers, such that the extruded material that passes between the rollers be concomitantly stretched and flattened.
    [0009] [009] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the pair of juxtaposed rollers comprises a pair of cooled juxtaposed rollers.
    [0010] [010] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a roller of the pair of rollers comprises a mold for stamping a pattern on the extruded material as the extruded material is flattened.
    [0011] [011] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the pattern is selected from the group of patterns consisting of: a continuous row of labyrinths emitting droplets of irrigation, a row of one or more labyrinths emitting droplets of irrigation irrigation, a pattern of crossed lines, a pattern of polygons, a label, a strip of different thickness, and a seed compartment.
    [0012] [012] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the linear speed of at least one roller of the pair of rollers is adjustable
    [0013] [013] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes a strap for holding the flattened material against a roller of the pair of rollers as the roller rotates.
    [0014] [014] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes a heated press to press the strip inward to form a projection that protrudes from the strip.
    [0015] [015] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus includes a styling device.
    [0016] - disponibilizar um par de roletes justapostos; e - passar o material plástico extrudado entre os roletes do par de roletes justapostos, e ao mesmo tempo, mantendo a velocidade linear de uma superfície de contato de um dos roletes do par de roletes diferente da velocidade linear de uma superfície de contato do outro rolete do par de roletes, de tal modo que o material extrudado que passa entre os roletes seja concomitantemente estirado e achatado. [016] A method for transforming an extruded plastic material into a strip that can be transformed into an irrigation pipe is also provided, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method includes: - provide a pair of juxtaposed rollers; and - pass the extruded plastic material between the rollers of the pair of juxtaposed rollers, while maintaining the linear speed of a contact surface of one of the rollers of the pair of rollers different from the linear speed of a contact surface of the other roller of the pair of rollers, in such a way that the extruded material that passes between the rollers is concomitantly stretched and flattened.
    [0017] [017] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes cooling the extruded material while it is being stretched and flattened.
    [0018] [018] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes adjusting the linear speed of at least one of the rollers.
    [0019] [019] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes stamping a pattern on the extruded material as the extruded material is flattened.
    [0020] [020] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes holding the flattened material against a roller of the pair of rollers as the roller rotates, using a strap.
    [0021] [021] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes pressing inside the strip to form a projection that protrudes from the strip.
    [0022] [022] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes modeling the strip on a hose.
    [0023] [023] In addition, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes inserting tubes perpendicularly, while modeling the strip on a hose, in order to form a distribution tube.
    [0024] [024] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the method includes providing the tubes with wings.
    [0025] [025] In addition, according to some modalities of the present invention, the method includes inserting a seed while modeling the strip on a hose BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0026] [026] To better understand the present invention, and to evaluate its practical applications, the following figures are provided and referenced thereafter. It should be noted that the figures are provided as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Similar components are denoted by similar reference numbers.
    [0027] [027] Figure 1A illustrates an apparatus for producing an irrigation pipe, according to the modalities of the present invention.
    [0028] [028] Figure 1B is a side view of the apparatus in Figure 1A. The raw material from the tube is fed into the extruder 12 from the hopper feeder 13.
    [0029] [029] Figure 2A illustrates a molding roller for stamping a continuous row of drip irrigation mazes, according to the modalities of the present invention.
    [0030] [030] Figure 2B shows a strip formed by the roller shown in Figure 2A.
    [0031] [031] Figure 2C illustrates a cross section of a drip irrigation hose formed by folding the strip in Figure 2B.
    [0032] [032] Figure 2D illustrates a cross section of an alternative configuration of a drip irrigation hose formed from the strip illustrated in Figure 2B.
    [0033] [033] Figure 3A illustrates a molding roller for stamping a row of distinct labyrinths.
    [0034] [034] Figure 3B illustrates a molding roller for stamping a pattern of crossed lines.
    [0035] [035] Figure 3C illustrates a molding roller for stamping a hexagonal pattern.
    [0036] [036] Figure 3D illustrates a molding roller for stamping a thin strip.
    [0037] [037] Figure 3E illustrates a cross section of a tube formed from a strip formed by the roller shown in Figure 3D.
    [0038] [038] Figure 3F illustrates a molding roller for stamping two rows of labyrinths on a single strip.
    [0039] [039] Figure 3G shows a strip formed by the roller shown in Figure 3F.
    [0040] [040] Figure 4A schematically illustrates the formation of a projecting orifice for a manifold.
    [0041] [041] Figure 4B shows a strip formed as shown in Figure 4A.
    [0042] [042] Figure 4C illustrates the formation of a distribution tube from the strip shown in Figure 4B.
    [0043] [043] Figure 5A illustrates the preparation of a strip of material to form a distribution tube with inserted tubes.
    [0044] [044] Figure 5B illustrates the formation of a distribution tube from the strip of material shown in Figure 5A.
    [0045] [045] Figure 5C illustrates a distribution tube with segments of winged tubes inserted.
    [0046] [046] Figure 6 illustrates the construction of an irrigation tube that incorporates a seed, according to the modalities of the present invention.
    [0047] [047] Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart of a method for producing an irrigation pipe, according to the modalities of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION
    [0048] [048] In the detailed description that follows, numerous specific details are set out to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in these techniques must understand that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to confuse the invention.
    [0049] [049] An apparatus for producing an irrigation pipe, such as a drip irrigation hose, or a distribution pipe, according to the modalities of the present invention, includes an extruder for extruding a plastic material into an irrigation pipe, a component stretcher to stretch the extruded material as the material is cooled, a set of rollers to model the extruded material in a flat strip to stamp a labyrinth for a drop emitter for irrigation on the strip, and a forming device to transform the material extruded on a hose.
    [0050] [050] The extruder processes a raw material and extrudes a plastic material, for example, Polyethylene, from which a tube can be formed. The extruded material is modeled by an extruder die in a form suitable for processing in an irrigation pipe. Typically, for example, the material can be extruded in the form of a continuous cylindrical pencil of warm plastic material. Alternatively, the material can be extruded in the form of a flattened tape of material, or any other suitable shape. One or more strips, tapes, or pencils of one or more other materials can be co-extruded with the tube material. For example, the co-extruded material may have a different color than that of the tube material. Alternatively, a co-extruded material can produce a material for a layer of material to provide protection from ultraviolet radiation or other environmental factors, or to provide additional reinforcement or mechanical strength.
    [0051] [051] Before cooling, the extruded material can be transformed into a desired shape. For forming an irrigation pipe, a typical desired shape may include, for example, a strip of material on which one or more patterns can be stamped. Typical stamped patterns may include, for example, components of an integrated irrigation droplet emitter, patterns of raised structural elements, labels, longitudinal strips of different thickness, or protruding holes for attaching other tubes. When the material cools and hardens, the printed patterns can be retained on the strip.
    [0052] [052] An apparatus, according to the modalities of the present invention, includes an element to stretch the extruded material while it is being cooled. Typically, the material is drawn by a system of rollers that also flatten the material. Typically, each roller in the roller system is rotated by means of a motor and a transmission. The angular speed of rotation of one or more of the rollers can be adjusted through manual or automatic control. Typically, the roller system includes a pair of cooled rollers between which a continuous pencil of extruded material is flattened and a strip of material. Typically, a roller of the cooled roller pair is a molding roller. A molding roller typically includes a metal surface embossed with one or more molds to stamp shapes onto a flat strip surface. A second press roller presses the extruded material against the molding roller, both flattening the material on a strip and making a mold on the molding roller stamp a shape on the strip. Alternatively, the press roller may also include a mold for stamping a shape on the strip.
    [0053] [053] One or both rollers of the cooled roller pair can be actively cooled. For example, a refrigerant can be forced to flow through the inner roller. Alternatively, a roller can be actively cooled by thermoelectric cooling, by convective cooling from the outside of the roller, or any other cooling method known in these techniques.
    [0054] [054] Typically, stretching of the material can be performed by causing the material on opposite sides of an extruded pencil to move at different speeds, while being cooled, before or during flattening. Typically, the speed difference is introduced as the material is being flattened by a pair of rollers juxtaposed to give a strip of material. The speed of a surface of the material that is in contact with a roller can be determined by the linear speed of the part of the surface of the roller (hereinafter referred to as "contact surface") with which it is in contact. The speed of a point on the roller contact surface can be adjusted by adjusting the linear speed of angular rotation of the roller Typically, the rotation speed of one or more rollers is adjusted in such a way that the linear speed of the contact surface of a roller on one side of the extruded material being flattened is different from the linear speed of the contact surface of a roller on the opposite side of the material The difference in the linear speeds of the contact surfaces causes the extruded material to be stretched while being flattened.
    [0055] [055] Stretching the extruded material on the strip in the manner described above while cooling the material can increase the mechanical strength of the material. Therefore, it is advantageous to use cooled rollers (keeping them at a cooling temperature that effectively cools the extruded material that passes between the rollers), or else, to cool the material as it is being flattened.
    [0056] [056] For example, stretching the material while it is being cooled can increase the crosslinking between molecules of a polymeric material. For example, increasing the mechanical strength of a material can increase the strip's resistance to puncture, tearing, stretching or cracking. Typically, the rotational speed of one or both rollers can be adjusted until the stretched material has acceptable mechanical properties.
    [0057] [057] To prevent distortion, warping, loss of detail, or other deformation of the printed patterns, the strip material can remain in contact with the mold after flattening. For example, a portion of the strip may be wrapped around a molding roller until the strip has been cooled completely or sufficiently to retain its shape and any stamped patterns. Pressure can be applied to the part of the strip wrapped around the molding roller in order to force the part of the strip against the molding roller. For example, a tensioned belt can be partially wrapped around the molding roller. The strap can be made of a flexible material, such as rubber. The belt can be mounted on pulleys in such a way that the belt is free to move along with the part of the strip with which the belt is in contact. A portion of the strip being wrapped around the molding roller can be held between the belt and the molding roller by the belt. Holding the strip against the molding roller as it shoots down can minimize or prevent distortion of the printed patterns (for example, due to varying rates of cooling and contraction).
    [0058] [058] Once the strip is sufficiently cooled, the strip can be folded, flexed, or otherwise shaped using strip modeling techniques known to those skilled in the art. In general, after flattening and cooling, the strip is in the form of a continuous flattened strip with two edges. If necessary, the edges of the strip can be trimmed to remove excess material or possible wavy or warped areas, or else to ensure a desired edge shape. Shaping the strip may include, for example, flexing the strip in the form of a hose. The edges of the strip can then be joined together using known techniques, for example, welding, to seal the hose wall. For example, the strip can be flexed and welded in such a way that the side facing inwards from one edge adheres to the side facing outwards from the opposite edge. In this case, the hose may have a circular tubular cross section. On the other hand, the strip can be folded and sealed in such a way that the inner sides of both edges adhere to each other. In this case, the hose may have a constricted circle or oval cross section.
    [0059] [059] Typically, a formed hose can then be wound around a roll for storage and distribution.
    [0060] [060] As described above, one or more patterns can be stamped into the strip during processing. For example, a pattern can be stamped into the material by a molding roller and a pressing roller during flattening and cooling. Alternatively, a pattern or similar structure can be stamped into the strip after cooling. For example, a heated forming element can be pressed into the strip after the strip has been cooled.
    [0061] [061] Patterns that can be stamped into a strip of material by a molding roller can include, for example, the shape of a drip irrigation emitter. A drip irrigation emitter typically includes a labyrinth in the form of a winding channel. Water is typically fed into one end of the labyrinth in a pressurized line, and is emitted from the opposite end in the form of individual drops. Typically, the shape of an open top maze can be stamped into the material at or near the edge of the strip. The open top labyrinth is typically shaped in such a way that when the strip is shaped and sealed to form a hose, the open top of the labyrinth is closed and sealed by the opposite end of the strip. A water inlet from the labyrinth is inside the hose then seal. An exit of drops from the labyrinth designed to open to the outside of the hose. Alternatively, a droplet outlet of the labyrinth can be opened by a drill, punch, awl, or other similar punching device, during the course of strip formation, inside the hose. A punching device can be incorporated into a roller, or it can be a separate component from the tube producing apparatus.
    [0062] [062] A continuous row of adjacent labyrinths can extend along the edge of the strip. For example, the entrance end of a row maze can be adjacent, and separated by a dividing structure from the entrance end, of an adjacent labyrinth. Alternatively, a row of distinct labyrinths, each separated from the other by a section of the strip, on which no labyrinth is printed, can be printed on the strip.
    [0063] [063] Other patterns can be stamped into the material strip by the molding roller. For example, a mold can be designed to form longitudinal bands of different thickness along the strip. For example, the thickness of a strip of strip material along an edge of the strip can be made thinner than the rest of the strip. For example, the thinnest strip along one edge of the strip can be designed to overlap the opposite edge of the strip when the strip is turned into a hose. By reducing the thickness of one or both edges, the material can be conserved and the section cross section of a resulting hose can have an approximately constant thickness around its perimeter.
    [0064] [064] As another example of embossed patterns, several protruding patterns of material can be embossed within the strip material. The protruding patterns, which can be thicker than the rest of the strip, can provide mechanical reinforcement of the strip material. Protruding patterns can include, for example, banding patterns, crossed lines, checkered, or repetitive shapes, such as polygons. Alternatively, or in addition, several decorative or informational labels can be printed within the strip material. A label can include, for example, drawings, numbers, signs, or numbers. Such labels may include manufacturer information such as company name or logo, identification of a model, batch, or product, a date of production, product parameters, guideline. For example, a strip of material with a different color than the strip material can be co-extruded. The strip with a different color of the material may indicate a preferred orientation for laying an irrigation hose. The relevant product information can be printed within the different color range.
    [0065] [065] Alternatively or in addition, a pattern or structure can be stamped into the strip after the strip has cooled. For example, to produce a manifold to deliver water to a plurality of irrigation pipes, the manifold can be provided with a plurality of protruding holes to which the irrigation pipes can be connected. To produce such a protruding orifice, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a heated press can be pressed into one side of a strip. For example, the heated press can be shaped like a cylinder. The heated press when pressed into a strip surface can push out a similarly shaped section of the strip material. The section can thus be in the form of a projection that protrudes approximately perpendicularly from a surface of the strip. When the strip is modeled on a hose, the strip is folded in such a way that the projection formed protrudes out of the walls of the hose. In general, the distal end of the projection formed is closed by a material cover. Removing the material cover from the distal end of the projection, the projection is opened. The open projection can serve as a protruding hole to which an irrigation hose or other branch can be connected using appropriate connectors.
    [0066] [066] Alternatively, holes can be added to the hose at a later stage. For example, when the edges of a strip are joined together to form a hose, a segment of the hose can be inserted between the edges approximately perpendicular to the geometric axis of the hose. The inserted hose segment can serve as a protruding hole when any branch of the hose can be connected. Alternatively, a spacer can be inserted between the edges during adhesion. Removing the spacer after adhesion can leave an opening in the manifold into which a segment of the hose can be inserted and joined. The inserted hose segment can serve as a hole to which a branch of the hose can be connected.
    [0067] [067] Reference will now be made to the attached figures.
    [0068] [068] Figure 1A illustrates an apparatus for producing an irrigation pipe, according to the modalities of the present invention. Figure 1B is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1A. The raw material from the tube is fed into the extruder 12 from the hopper feeder 13. Extruder 12 extrudes the extruded material 14a. The extruded material 14a is pulled by the molding roller 18 and the press roller 16. The molding roller 18 and the press roller 16 flatten the studied material 14a into the heat strip 14b. The molding roller 18 and the press roller 16 can each be rotated by a standard motor (not shown), possibly by means of a transmission mechanism, such as a mechanical shaft, drive belt, or gear (not shown). The molding roller 18 and the press roller 16 can be cooled by a cooling mechanism (not shown). The rotational speeds of the molding roller 18 and the press roller 16 are adjusted in such a way that the linear speeds of their surfaces differ from one another. Stretching the extruded material 14a as it is flattened to give a heated strip 14b. The perimeter of the molding roller 18 can include the mold 17. By pressing the extruded material 14a between the molding roller 18 and the press roller 16, the mold 17 can stamp the pattern 30 within the heated strip 14b. Optionally, the press roller 16, or both the press roller 16 and also the molding roller 18, can include one or more molds.
    [0069] [069] The heated strip 14b winds around the molding roller 18 as the molding roller 18 continues to rotate. The rotation of the molding roller 18 carries a section of the heated strip 14b from the press roller 16, ahead of the belt pulley 22a, and in the direction of the belt pulley 22b. As the heated strip 14b is transported from the belt pulley 22a to the belt pulley 22b, the heated strip 14b is held against the molding roller 18 by the belt 20. The belt 20 loops around and travels along the belt pulleys 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. The positions of one or more belt pulleys 22a, 22b and 22c can be adjusted to adjust the tension of the belt 20. The tension of the belt 20 can be adjusted to hold the heated strip 14b firmly against the molding roller 18, and at the same time, allowing the strap 20 to travel along with the heated strip 14b.
    [0070] [070] As a section of the heated strip 14b is transported from the belt pulley 22a to the belt pulley 22b, the section of the heated strip 14b cools. For example, the molding roller 18, the belt 20, or both, can be actively cooled by a cooling mechanism (not shown). On the belt pulley 22b, the cooled strip 14c separates from the belt 20. The cooled strip 14c is pulled from the belt pulley 22b to the forming device 28 by the rollers 26 and around the pulleys 24. One or both of the rollers 26 can be driven by an engine with a transmission (not shown). The shaping device 28 can apply shaping devices and techniques and binders known to shape the cooled strip 14c to form a hose or other shape. The shaping device 28 may also include means for winding or winding a hose around a drum for storage and distribution.
    [0071] [071] Figure 2A illustrates a molding roller for stamping a continuous row of drip irrigation mazes, according to the modalities of the present invention. The molding roller 18a of continuous mazes includes the mold 32 of continuous rows of mazes. The maze mold 32 of continuous rows includes the maze molds 32a. Each labyrinth mold 32a can be used to stamp a labyrinth of drip irrigation emitters onto a heated strip of extruded material. Each individual labyrinth mold 32a of the continuous labyrinth row mold 32 is separated from an adjacent labyrinth mold 32a by a separator structure 35. A separator structure 35 can be used to stamp a separator between adjacent printed emitter mazes. A separator can prevent water from flowing from an emitter to an adjacent emitter in an irrigation hose formed from the strip of extruded material. Each labyrinth mold 32a includes opening structures 33a and 33b to create openings in an emitter maze stamped onto a strip of extruded material. Typically, when the strip is turned into an irrigation hose, one opening can act as a water inlet for the emitter maze, and the other as a water outlet.
    [0072] [072] Figure 2B shows a strip formed by the roller shown in Figure 2A. The row of labyrinths 30 is stamped on side 31a of strip 14 adjacent to edge 15b. Each labyrinth 30a of the row of labyrinths 30 includes an opening 37a (formed by the opening structure 33a in Figure 2A) and an opening 37b (formed by the opening structure 33b). The adjacent labyrinths 30a are separated from each other by a separator 39 (formed by the separator structure 35).
    [0073] [073] Strip 14 can be shaped or folded, such as by a styling device 28 (Figure 1A). When excess material 17 is present between the row 30 of patterned mazes and the edge 15b, the excess material 17 can be removed prior to shaping. Figure 2C illustrates a cross section of a drip irrigation hose formed by folding the strip of figure 2B. In this configuration, side 31b of edge 15a of strip 14 is folded over the row of labyrinths 30 over side 31a of edge 15b, to form drip irrigation hose 44. Side 31b of edge 15a can be welded, glued, or otherwise going to the patterned row of labyrinths 30, sealing the patterned row of labyrinths 30 in such a way that it can serve as a row of drip irrigation emitters. With this configuration of the drip irrigation hose 44, the opening 37b (in Figure 2B) faces the interior of the drip irrigation hose 44 and can serve as a water inlet for a drip irrigation emitter. The opening 37a (Figure 2B) faces the outside of the drip irrigation hose 44 and can serve as an outlet for the irrigation drop emitter.
    [0074] [074] Figure 2D illustrates a cross section of an alternative configuration of a drip irrigation hose formed from the strip shown in Figure 2B. In this configuration, side 31a of edge 15a of strip 14 is folded over the row of labyrinths 30 on side 31a of edge 15b to form drip irrigation hose 46. Side 31a of edge 15a can be welded, glued or otherwise forced in order to join the row of patterned mazes 30, sealing the row of patterned mazes 30 in such a way that it can serve as a row of irrigation droplet emitters. With this configuration of the drip irrigation hose 46, the opening 37a (in Figure 2B) faces the interior of the drip irrigation hose 46 and can serve as a water inlet for an irrigation droplet emitter. The opening 37b (Figure 2B) faces the outside of the drip irrigation hose 46 and can serve as an outlet for the irrigation drop emitter.
    [0075] [075] Alternatively or in addition to a row of continuous mazes, a molding roller can stamp alternative or additional patterns on an extruded strip of material. Figure 3A illustrates a molding roller for stamping a row of distinct labyrinths. The distinctive labyrinth molding roller 18b includes the mold 34 of distinct labyrinths. The distinct maze row mold 34 includes distinct maze molds 34a separated by spaces 34b. Alternatively, spaces 34b may be replaced, or may include a structure for stamping a water barrier. A drip irrigation hose produced from a strip with a printed pattern formed by the mold 34 of distinct maze rows may include a row of labyrinths separated by sealed sections through which water from inside the hose cannot escape. The distinctive labyrinth molding roller 18b may also include the label template 38. It is to be understood that the label template 38 is illustrated specifically on the distinctive labyrinth molding roller 18b for illustrative purposes only. A label template similar to label template 38 can be included with any of the mold rollers illustrated in either of Figures 2A or 3B-3F. The label template 38 may include templates for stamping text or graphic designs. For example, the label template 38 may include information or a logo identifying a manufacturer or product, or provide specifications, notices or other information.
    [0076] [076] Figure 3B illustrates a molding roller for stamping a pattern of crossed lines. In addition to a continuous maze mold 32 or other mold, the cross line pattern molding roller 18c includes the cross line pattern mold 40. The cross line pattern mold 40 is designed to stamp a protruding cross line pattern onto an extruded strip of material. A protruding part of a crossed line pattern can be thicker than another part of the strip. Thus, a protruding cross-line pattern can increase the resistance of the strip and a drip irrigation hose or other irrigation pipe made from the strip. Figure 3C illustrates a molding roller for stamping a hexagonal pattern. The hexagonal pattern molding roller 18d includes a hexagonal pattern mold 42 in addition to any other molds, for stamping a hexagonal pattern on an extruded strip.
    [0077] [077] Figure 3D illustrates a molding roller for stamping a thin strip. Figure 3E illustrates a cross section of a tube formed from a strip by the roller shown in Figure 3D. The thin-band molding roller 18e includes the protruding ring 62 in addition to any other molds. The strip 64, formed by stamping with the thin strip roller 18e, includes the thin edge 64a, formed by the projecting ring 62. When the tube 66 is shaped from the strip 64, the thin edge 64a is forced to overlap the edge 64b of the strip 64. Thus, the overlap of the thin edge 64a and the edge 64b may not cause an unduly increased region of thickness on the walls of the tube 66. In addition, a roller can be designed, for example, with an inclined surface, in order to cause the thickness of the strip 64 to decrease in a tapered manner, close to the edge 64b.
    [0078] [078] Alternatively, a molding roller can be designed to stamp two or more rows of labyrinths, or another pattern, onto a single extruded strip. The strip with multiple rows of patterns can then be divided between the rows within two or more narrow strips. Each narrow strip can be modeled separately to give a drip irrigation hose or other irrigation pipe. Therefore, multiple irrigation tubes can be formed in parallel. Figure 3F shows a molding roller for stamping two rows of labyrinths on a single strip. Figure 3G shows a strip formed by the roller shown in Figure 3F. The double molding roller 18f includes two rows of labyrinths 67. A strip 68 formed by the double molding roller 18f includes two rows 70 of labyrinths. Strip 38 can be cut along a line between rows 70, for example, along line 72. When strip 38 is cut along line 72, two separate strips are formed, each including a row 70 of mazes. If necessary, any excess material adjacent to line 72 can be trimmed. A separate irrigation pipe can be formed from each separate narrow strip. Similarly, more than two parallel rows of labyrinths can be formed on a single wide strip, with appropriate cutting and trimming operations used to make multiple strips.
    [0079] [079] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a shape can be stamped onto a strip by different elements or additional to a molding roller. For example, a heated press can be pressed into a strip after the strip has been cooled. The heated press can then cause a section of the strip to extend out of the strip in the approximate shape of the shape. Figure 4A schematically illustrates the formation of a projecting orifice for a manifold. Strip 14, which can be cold, is carried in the direction indicated by arrow 47. Press 48 is in the approximate shape of a protruding hole to be pressed into strip 14. Press 48 can be heated to facilitate pressing into a cooled strip. To form a projection in the shape of the press 48, the press 48 is moved towards and into the strip 14, to form the position 48 '. In addition to the movement towards and into the strip 14, the press 48 can be moved parallel and at the same speed as the transport of the strip 14, in the direction of the arrow 47. For example, when the press 48 is in contact with the strip 14 , the parallel movement of the press 48 in the direction of the arrow 47 can prevent the press 48 from tearing, deforming, or otherwise damaging the strip 14.
    [0080] [080] Pressing the press 48 into the strip 14 causes the protruding projection 50 of the protruding strip material approximately perpendicular to the plane of the strip 14. After forming the protruding projection 50, the press 48 can be retracted away of the strip 14. Typically, the distal end of the protruding projection 50 is at least partially covered with a layer 52 of material. The cap 52 at the distal end of the protruding projection 50 can then be cut or otherwise removed to form the protruding projection 50 within a protruding orifice through which the fluid can flow.
    [0081] [081] Figure 4B shows a strip formed as shown in Figure 4A. The strip 14 includes protruding holes formed 53. Figure 4C illustrates the formation of a distribution tube from the strip illustrated in Figure 4B. The strip 14 is folded to form the distribution tube 54 with protruding holes 53 facing outwards. An irrigation hose, branch hose, or other connected pipe or pipe can be connected to each protruding hole 53 of the manifold 53.
    [0082] [082] Alternatively, a protruding orifice or connector can be formed by an extrusion, molding or other separate process. Typically, this separately formed hole may be in the form of a pipe segment. The separately formed tube segment can then be inserted and joined to the distribution tube wall modeled from a strip of material formed according to the modalities of the present invention. The inserted pipe segment can form a protruding hole to which a hose can be connected. Figure 5A illustrates the preparation of a strip of material for forming a distribution tube with inserted tubes. Figure 5B illustrates the formation of a distribution tube from the strip of material shown in Figure 5A. Tubes 56 are initially distributed along the edge 15a of strip 14 and placed approximately perpendicular to it. The strip 14 is shaped into the distribution tube 58 by bending the edge 15b in the direction of the edge 15a. Edge 15b is welded, or otherwise joined to edge 15a to form seam 60. Pipes 56 extend from seam 60. A weld or other joining process can join tubes 56 and seam 60. In this In this case, each pipe 56 can serve as a hole or connector to which a leaky irrigation hose, or another irrigation pipe, branch hose can be connected.
    [0083] [083] Alternatively, tubes 56 may not be joined to seam 60. For example, tubes 56 may be made of or coated with a material that does not weld or otherwise adheres to the material of strip 14. For example, a tube with a metallic surface it may not be welded to a plastic material of the strip. In this case, a tube 56 can be removed from the seam 60 after the seam 60 is sealed. Removing the tube 56 can then create an opening in the seam 60. A segment of tube can then be inserted into the opening, and welded or otherwise joined to the seam 60.
    [0084] [084] To better adhere to seam 60 or to an opening in seam 60, a pipe segment can be formed with approximately coplanar winged extensions. Figure 5C illustrates a manifold with segments of winged inserted tubes. Each wing tube segment 74 includes two approximately coplanar wings 76 that extend from opposite sides of the wing tube segment 74. To form the delivery tube 59, a wing segment 74 is positioned at the seam 60 in such a way that the wings 76 are aligned with the seam 60 and extend along it. A winged pipe segment 74 can better conform to a typical shape of an opening in the seam 60 than a wingless pipe segment. Therefore, the addition of wings 76 can improve the connection with the seam 60. The improvement of the connection with the seam 60 can also contribute to an increase in the sealing efficiency of the coastura 60. For example, the distribution tube 59 can be formed similarly to the distribution tube 58 in Figure 5B, with each tube 56 of Figure 5B replaced by a winged connector tube 74. Alternatively, a winged connector tube 74 can be inserted into an opening created in the seam 60 or welded or otherwise attached to it.
    [0085] [085] An irrigation pipe produced according to the modalities of the present invention can incorporate a seed. For example, a seed may be positioned near an outlet of the irrigation droplet emitter from a maze of the irrigation pipe. Positioning the seed near the outlet of the irrigation drop emitter can ensure that when the irrigation pipe is installed and operated, the seed or a plant that grows from seed is optimally positioned to receive irrigation. Figure 6 illustrates the construction of an irrigation tube that incorporates a seed, according to the modalities of the present invention. A strip 14 may include a molded seed compartment 104a. A seed compartment 104a can be incorporated within the row of labyrinths 30 at substantially regular intervals. For example, a seed compartment 104a can be positioned adjacent to each maze in the row of mazes 30. A seed 102a can be inserted into the seed compartment 104a. When strip 14 is folded and joined to form irrigation tube 106, a seed 102b can be included within the closed seed compartment 104b.
    [0086] [086] When the irrigation pipe 106 is installed, and operated the seed 102b can be irrigated. For example, the closed seed compartment 104b may include one or more openings that allow water to flow through the irrigation tube 106 or through the row of labyrinths 30 to enter the closed seed compartment 104b. Alternatively, the closed seed compartment 104b may include an opening to the outside of the irrigation tube 106. The water emitted from the outlet of the irrigation drop emitter from the row of mazes 30 may moisten the closed seed 102b. An opening of the closed seed compartment to the outside of irrigation tube 106 can also ensure that when seed 102b sprouts, roots and other growth are directed towards the outside of irrigation tube 106.
    [0087] [087] Alternatively, a seed can be affixed in another way to an irrigation pipe. For example, a seed can be taped, glued stapled, or otherwise affixed to an external surface of the irrigation pipe. Each posted seed can be positioned close to the outlet of an irrigation drop emitter from the irrigation tube.
    [0088] [088] A method for producing an irrigation pipe, in accordance with the modalities of the present invention, includes extruding the material from the pipe; stretch, flatten and possibly stamp a pattern on the extruded material; and model the flattened material to give an irrigation pipe. Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart of a method for producing an irrigation pipe, according to the modalities of the present invention.
    [0089] [089] One or more components of the raw material are loaded into one or more hoppers of an extruder (step 80). The extruder processes the raw material and extrudes a continuous length of material from the heated tube in an initial form (step 82). The initial shape may be that of a cylindrical pencil or flattened ribbon of material. Several lengths of the same material or different materials can be co-extruded concurrently. The heated material is then passed through a roller system. The rollers can simultaneously stretch, cool and flatten the material to form a strip (step 84), and a mold on one or more rollers can stamp one or more patterns on the strip (step 84 '). Alternatively, drawing, flattening and stamping operations can be performed by rollers separate from the system. Cooling of the strip continues, possibly as long as the strip remains pressed against a mold (step 85).
    [0090] [090] It may be necessary to optimize the rotation of the rollers of the various rollers in the roller system in order to optimize the stretching of the material (step 86). For example, optimization may be necessary when starting to produce a new type of irrigation pipe, or when one or more parameters have changed. Such parameters can include the composition of the extruded material, dimensions of the extruded length of the material, and the patterns that are stamped into the material.
    [0091] [091] Typically, optimization can include testing the properties of a sample length of the strip (step 88). The tested properties can include the tensile strength and other mechanical strength properties of the sample, such as, for example, puncture, tear or crack resistance. If the strip tests indicate that the tested strip is acceptable (step 90), the production process can be allowed to continue. If not, the roller rotation can be adjusted (step 92). For example, the rotational speed of one or more rollers can be adjusted to optimize the stretching of the material. Other properties, such as the separation distance between rollers, can also be adjusted. The optimization procedure (steps 88-92) can be repeated until an optimal setting is reached (step 86).
    [0092] [092] When necessary, projections or another structure can be formed on the cooled strip, for example, by pressing one or more heated presses into the strip (step 94). The structure can be further modified by other procedures, for example, by cutting a cover from a distal end of the structure. The strip can then be turned into an irrigation tube in a desired way. When necessary, appropriately shaped pipe segments or spacers can be positioned along the edges of the strip, which are connected to form a seam (step 96). The strip can then be folded or otherwise shaped into an appropriate shape, such as, for example, a drip irrigation hose or manifold. The edges of the folded strip can be welded or otherwise affixed together to form a sealed seam (step 98). Sealing the seam can form one or more emitters of irrigation droplets from appropriate printed patterns. When necessary, any segments of the tube can be welded or otherwise affixed to the seam. Also when necessary, spacers can be removed from the seam and replaced with segments. Appropriate nozzles or nipples of the tube, which can be attached to the seam. A completed hose or other irrigation pipe can be wrapped around an appropriate drum, or otherwise placed in an appropriate storage configuration.
    [0093] [093] It should be evident that the description of the modalities and the attached figures, set out in this specification, serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.
    [0094] [094] It should also be clear that those versed in these techniques, after reading the present specification, could make adjustments or changes in the attached figures and in the modalities described above, which would still be covered by the present invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (7)
    [0001]
    Method for transforming an extruded plastic material (14a) into a strip (14c) that can be transformed into an irrigation pipe, the method comprising: - providing a pair of juxtaposed rollers (16, 18), a roller (18) of the pair of rollers including a mold (17) of a pattern; - hold the flattened material against a roller of the pair of rollers as the roller rotates, using a strap (20). characterized by the fact that it cools the pair of juxtaposed rollers while passing the extruded plastic material between the pair of juxtaposed rollers (16, 18), and at the same time, maintaining the linear speed of a contact surface of one of the rollers of the pair of rollers different from the linear speed of one contact surface of the other roller of the pair of rollers, such that the extruded material that passes between the rollers is concomitantly stretched and flattened between the pair of rollers in order to flatten the extruded material while the extruded material it is concomitantly cooled by the rollers and as the pattern is concomitantly printed on the extruded material, in order to produce a strip with an undistorted pattern that is suitable to be transformed into the irrigation tube.
    [0002]
    Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises adjusting the linear speed of at least one of the rollers.
    [0003]
    Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises pressing inside the strip so as to form a projection (50) that protrudes from the strip.
    [0004]
    Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises shaping the strip on a hose.
    [0005]
    Method according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that it comprises inserting tubes (56) perpendicularly while the strip is being modeled on a hose, in order to form a distribution tube (58).
    [0006]
    Method according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it comprises providing the tubes (74) with wings (76).
    [0007]
    Method according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that it comprises inserting a seed (102a, 102b) while modeling the strip on a hose.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    BR112012001602A2|2016-03-08|
    EP2459318A4|2017-01-04|
    CN102470387A|2012-05-23|
    EP2459318B1|2018-04-11|
    AU2010277155A1|2012-01-12|
    WO2011013119A1|2011-02-03|
    CN102470387B|2015-04-01|
    IL200148A|2014-05-28|
    AU2010277155B2|2015-04-30|
    AR077606A1|2011-09-07|
    MX2012000632A|2012-02-08|
    ZA201109131B|2013-02-27|
    EP2459318A1|2012-06-06|
    PT2459318T|2018-06-05|
    TR201807253T4|2018-06-21|
    IL200148D0|2010-04-15|
    US9439364B2|2016-09-13|
    US20120104648A1|2012-05-03|
    ES2670844T3|2018-06-01|
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    法律状态:
    2019-01-15| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-09-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-03-10| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-09-01| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-11-24| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 10 (DEZ) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 24/11/2020, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    IL200148A|IL200148A|2009-07-29|2009-07-29|Apparatus and method for producing a plastic strip|
    IL200148|2009-07-29|
    PCT/IL2010/000591|WO2011013119A1|2009-07-29|2010-07-25|Apparatus and method for producing an irrigation pipe|
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