Multiple coupling for media lines
The use of stop devices and alignment mechanisms on plate-shaped coupling supports for media lines ensures correct assembly and prevents mix-ups, addressing the issue of costly prevention measures in existing technologies.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380030820.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-28
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-06
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing multiple couplings for media lines require complex and costly measures to prevent incorrect assembly, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential errors.
The solution involves using plate-shaped coupling supports with receptacles featuring stop devices of different extension ranges along the longitudinal axis to ensure correct insertion and fixation of plug-in couplings, and alignment devices to allow engagement in a single orientation, preventing mix-ups and reducing manufacturing costs.
This design effectively prevents incorrect assembly of plug-in couplings while maintaining cost-effectiveness by ensuring only compatible couplings are inserted and fixed, facilitating easy assembly and maintenance.
Smart Images
Figure CN119234105A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a multiple coupling for a media pipeline, comprising at least one first plate-shaped coupling support, at least one second plate-shaped coupling support and a plurality of plug-in couplings. The first coupling support has at least one first receptacle and a second receptacle. The second coupling support also has at least one first receptacle and a second receptacle. The receptacles of the first and second coupling supports are configured to insert and securely hold the plug-in coupling. The first coupling support and the second coupling support are configured so that the plug-in couplings of the corresponding receptacles that can be arranged in the receptacles can be coupled by mutual engagement of the first coupling support and the second coupling support. Thus, the plug-in couplings of the opposite receptacles that can be arranged in the receptacles are fluidically connected to each other when the two coupling supports are engaged with each other. Background Art
[0002] Multiple couplings for media lines with plate-shaped coupling supports are known in the prior art in a variety of designs for different applications. Multiple couplings are usually used when several media lines are to be coupled simultaneously during assembly. In order to avoid having to couple all media lines individually to one another, the media lines are each connected to the first or second plate-shaped coupling support via a plug-in coupling, so that all media lines are connected to one another by connecting the two coupling supports. In addition to simplifying assembly, maintenance work, for example, is also simplified.
[0003] In order to prevent two unrelated media lines from being connected when coupling the first coupling holder to the second coupling holder, it must be ensured that the pluggable coupling with the media line is arranged in the coupling holder at the position provided for the respective pluggable coupling.
[0004] Measures known in the prior art have ensured that the position of the plug-in coupling is well prevented from being confused or the plug-in coupling is installed in a receiving portion that is not provided for it. However, this requires increased costs and can be manufactured. Summary of the invention
[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multiple coupling for a media line which prevents incorrect assembly of the plug-in coupling and which can be manufactured with reduced costs.
[0006] In a typical multiple coupling for a media pipeline according to the characterizing part of claim 1, the object is achieved in the following manner: at least the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the second coupling support each have at least one stop device, and the stop device of the first receptacle has a different extension range along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding receptacle than the stop device of the second receptacle. The different extension ranges of the stop devices provide different insertion depths for different plug-in couplings. The plug-in coupling is fixed in the receptacle only when the stop device enables the plug-in coupling to be fully inserted into the receptacle for fixing.
[0007] The term "media line" is to be understood in principle as a line connection for any flowing and / or pressure medium, such as gas or liquid. Media lines are in principle pipes or hose lines and their connecting and connecting elements, which are part of a media-conducting system. In particular, such media lines are made of plastic.
[0008] These plate-shaped coupling supports preferably have a substantially flat bottom surface in which a receptacle is constructed. Each receptacle has a fixing device for holding an insertable plug-in coupling. The first and second coupling supports each have at least two receptacles. It is also preferably provided that each coupling support has more than two receptacles, for example at least or exactly four receptacles, or at least or exactly six receptacles. If there are six receptacles, for example at least four or at least five receptacles have a limiting device. It is also provided that if each coupling support has more than three receptacles, at least two receptacles have a limiting device that is constructed to be substantially identical. It is particularly preferred that the multiple coupling has a plug-in coupling for each receptacle of the coupling support. However, it is also provided that, depending on the intended use, only some of the receptacles of the coupling support are equipped with plug-in couplings.
[0009] The first coupling bracket and the second coupling bracket are preferably connectable to each other in exactly one orientation, in particular snap-connectable and / or screwable. For example, it is provided that the first coupling bracket and the second coupling bracket each have at least one alignment device, and the first coupling bracket and the second coupling bracket can only be engaged with each other in one orientation, so that the media lines connected or connectable to the coupling brackets correspond correctly to each other. It is also provided that the first coupling bracket and the second coupling bracket have at least one, preferably two, recesses for screwing the two coupling brackets to each other.
[0010] The plug-in coupling is designed such that two corresponding receptacles, namely those receptacles of the first coupling support and the second coupling support which are opposite to each other in the assembled state, connect the two plug-in couplings to each other in terms of fluid technology when the first coupling support and the second coupling support are joined to each other. Each plug-in coupling has at least one interface for connecting to another plug-in coupling. If there are two plug-in couplings which are provided for joining to each other, at least one interface of one of the two plug-in couplings has at least one sealing device.
[0011] In the assembled state, on the side facing away from the coupling holder, the plug-in coupling preferably has a connection to a media line, for example a connecting spindle or a plug connection, or a further media line connection or a functional component, for example a valve.
[0012] In order to advantageously ensure that only the plug-in coupling part also provided for the receptacle can be fixed in the receptacle, at least the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the second coupling support each have a limiting device, which has different axial extensions. The axial extension here always refers to the central axis or longitudinal axis of the corresponding receptacle. The plug-in interface has, for example, at least one counter-limiting device for cooperating with the limiting devices. The counter-limiting device has, for example, at least one annular projection or at least one projection for cooperating with a limiting device.
[0013] The stop means and their different axial extensions are designed so that a plug-in coupling which is designed for insertion into the first receptacle cannot be fixed in the second receptacle, and a plug-in coupling which is provided for insertion into the second receptacle cannot be fixed in the first receptacle. The stop means prevent that a latching device which is not provided for the receptacle can be inserted into the receptacle sufficiently deep to interact with a fixing device (e.g. a latching arm with a latching projection). Although plug-in couplings provided for the first and second receptacle can be inserted into the first and second receptacle, only those plug-in couplings provided for the respective receptacle are fixed. The plug-in couplings for the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the second coupling support have, in particular, matching diameters.
[0014] Preferably, the stop means is arranged such that it surrounds the receptacle at least partially or completely in the circumferential direction. The stop means, for example a stop means configured as a projection protruding from the surface of the respective coupling support, preferably extends in the outer environment of the receptacle. Thus, the inner area of the receptacle, in particular the inner circumference, is configured identically for both receptacles, in particular for all receptacles.
[0015] The invention is particularly suitable for use in commercial vehicle assemblies, in particular for pre-assembling commercial vehicle axles with at least one electric motor, a manual gearbox and a differential. The use of the multiple coupling according to the invention makes it possible to fill and test the commercial vehicle axles before the actual assembly on the vehicle frame.
[0016] The invention has the advantage over the prior art that plug-in couplings having the same diameter can be used for the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the second coupling holder without the risk of the plug-in coupling being mounted in a receptacle not provided therefor.
[0017] In a typical multiple coupling according to the characterizing part of claim 2, the purpose stated at the beginning is further achieved in the following way: at least one receptacle surrounding at least one limiting device having at least one protrusion and at least one recess, in particular a second coupling bracket, is constructed to at least limit the insertion depth and at least one insertion orientation required for fixing the plug-in coupling.
[0018] The limiting device is particularly arranged outside the actual receiving portion and surrounds the receiving portion. The receiving portion is, for example, a receiving portion of the first coupling bracket and / or the second coupling bracket. For example, the protrusion is arranged to completely surround the receiving portion and has at least one recess in its direction. Preferably, at least or exactly two recesses, or at least or exactly three recesses are provided. The recesses are arranged to be evenly or unevenly distributed on the circumference of the receiving portion. For example, if there are three recesses, the angles between the recesses are two 110° and one 140°, so that the recesses are arranged asymmetrically. The recess or the recesses particularly extend completely in the protrusion, or at least partially in the protrusion and partially in the coupling bracket.
[0019] The corresponding plug-in coupling has, in particular, a projection corresponding to the recess, so that the plug-in coupling is prevented from tilting during insertion. The combined effect of the projection and the recess defines a possible insertion depth for a suitable plug-in coupling, which is predetermined by the depth of the at least one recess. Furthermore, at least one insertion orientation is defined for the plug-in coupling by the arrangement of the at least one recess or recesses. This is particularly important when the plug-in coupling has an elbow and / or a valve, for which a specific orientation is required in the assembly position.
[0020] For example, if the projection of a plug-in coupling is positioned differently or if the plug-in coupling has a continuous annular projection, then the plug-in coupling cannot be inserted into a receptacle having such a stop device.
[0021] In a typical multiple coupling for a media pipeline according to the characterizing part of claim 3, the object mentioned at the beginning is further achieved in that at least the first receptacle of the first coupling support and the second receptacle of the first coupling support have different radial characteristics in order to avoid mixing up the plug-in and pull-out coupling parts at least in the first coupling support, and at least the first receptacle in the second coupling support and the second receptacle in the second coupling support each have at least one stop device for specifying different insertion depths for the first receptacle and the second receptacle in order to avoid mixing up the plug-in coupling parts at least in the second coupling support. "Mixed" means that when there are two receptacles in each coupling support, the plug-in coupling part provided for the first receptacle cannot be fixed or inserted in the second receptacle, and vice versa. If there are more than two receptacles, "mixed" means that in each of these receptacles only those plug-in coupling parts provided for insertion into the corresponding receptacle can be inserted.
[0022] Preferably, the diameters of the first and second receptacles of the first and second coupling holders and the stop devices are selected and coordinated with one another in such a way that mixing up plug-in couplings between the first coupling holder and the second coupling holder is also prevented.
[0023] The basic idea of the invention is to prevent the mixing up of plug-in couplings in the first coupling support by changing the radial properties of the receptacle, in particular the diameter. As a result, only plug-in couplings with the correct diameter can be inserted into the respective appropriate receptacle and fixed therein. In the second coupling support, the mixing up of the plug-in couplings is prevented by changing the insertion depth at the same diameter so that, although insertion is possible, fixing can only be carried out when the corresponding limit device makes a sufficiently deep insertion possible through the interaction with the plug-in coupling. Therefore, in the second coupling support, the axial properties of the receptacle are changed. In this way, it is ensured that only those plug-in couplings that are also provided for the receptacle can be connected in a locking manner with the corresponding receptacle. Therefore, at least two receptacles of the second coupling support have different locking depths at the same diameter.
[0024] The part of the plug-in coupling which has an interface to the other plug-in coupling and can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle of the coupling support is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical. In particular, a counter-limiting device of the plug-in coupling, which cooperates with the limiting device, is arranged outside the receptacle in the assembled state. Preferably, the desired rotational orientation of the plug-in coupling, i.e. the insertion orientation, is defined by the interaction between the limiting device and the counter-limiting device. It is also provided that the limiting device and the counter-limiting device are designed so that several insertion orientations, in particular two or three insertion orientations, are permitted.
[0025] In a typical multiple coupling according to the preamble of claim 1, it is also provided as a characterizing feature that at least one stop device is arranged at at least one receptacle at the first coupling support and / or the second coupling support, and the stop device is designed to predetermine at least one rotational orientation of the insertable plug-in coupling, i.e., the insertion orientation, and to define an insertion depth for the plug-in coupling. The stop device is preferably arranged outside the receptacle, in particular on the surface of the coupling support.
[0026] One design of the multiple coupling, which has already been briefly described above, provides that the stop means of the first receptacle have a different extension along the respective longitudinal axis of the receptacle than the stop means of the second receptacle, so that different insertion depths can be achieved for different plug-in couplings with the same diameter. The stop means are arranged, for example, as projections of different heights, each surrounding a receptacle. At least one of the projections preferably has at least one recess for defining the insertion depth required for fixing the plug-in coupling and, in particular, for defining the insertion orientation of the plug-in coupling.
[0027] According to another design of the multiple coupling, it is provided that the second coupling support has between two and eight receptacles. Preferably, between two and eight receptacles are evenly distributed in the surface of the second coupling support. Preferably, the second coupling support has exactly six receptacles. It is preferably provided here that at least four receptacles have the same first diameter, at least one receptacle has the second diameter and at least one receptacle has the third diameter. If there are four receptacles with the same first diameter, the stop device is constructed so that plug-in couplings constructed identically can be inserted and fixed in three receptacles, with different insertion orientations when appropriate. In the fourth receptacle with the first diameter, only a single plug-in coupling can be inserted, which cannot be fixed in the other three receptacles at the same time. The other two receptacles have a second diameter and a third diameter. The second diameter is different from the third and first diameters. The first receptacle and the second receptacle preferably have a first diameter.
[0028] In this way it is ensured that in the second coupling holder only the plug-in coupling element provided for the receptacle is fixed in the receptacle or only the plug-in coupling element provided for the receptacle can be inserted into the receptacle.
[0029] According to another embodiment of the multiple coupling, it is provided that the first coupling support has between two and eight receptacles. The two and eight receptacles are preferably evenly distributed over the surface of the first coupling support. In particular, the first coupling support has six receptacles. The number of receptacles of the first and second coupling supports is preferably the same.
[0030] The first coupling support has at least two receptacles having the same fourth diameter, at least two receptacles having the same fifth diameter, and at least one receptacle having a sixth diameter and at least one receptacle having a seventh diameter.
[0031] By changing the diameter of the receptacle of the first coupling support, mixing up of the plug-in coupling in the first coupling support is prevented. Preferably, the first to seventh diameters and the insertion or locking depths achieved by the stop device are configured and coordinated with the plug-in coupling so that the plug-in couplings provided for the first coupling support and the second coupling support cannot yet be inserted into the receptacle of the respective other coupling support provided for the plug-in coupling.
[0032] According to another embodiment, it has proven to be advantageous if the stop means not only determines the insertion depth of the plug-in coupling, but also the stop means, in particular the stop means at the first receptacle of the second coupling holder, is designed to define at least one insertion orientation of the plug-in coupling. It is preferably provided that the stop means at at least one further receptacle, in particular the stop means at the second receptacle of the second coupling holder, is not suitable for defining the latching position. It is particularly preferably provided that if there are several receptacles, in particular several receptacles of the second coupling holder, at least three receptacles have stop means with which the insertion orientation can also be defined, and at least two receptacles have stop means which are not suitable for defining the insertion orientation.
[0033] In order to securely hold the plug-in coupling in the receptacle, according to another embodiment of the multiple coupling, at least the first receptacle of the second coupling support and the second receptacle of the second coupling support each have a plurality of latching arms, each of which has at least one latching projection. The fixing device has a plurality of latching arms. The latching arms are arranged so that they can be moved apart in the radial direction of the receptacle in order to be latched with the latching retractions on the plug-in coupling by means of the latching projections. In particular, the latching arms are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.
[0034] It is preferably provided that the latching projections of the latching arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have the same distance from the surface O of the second coupling support. The different insertion depths are then achieved only by a stop device arranged outside the receptacle, in particular surrounding the receptacle. Alternatively, it is also provided that the latching arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have different distances from the surface O of the second coupling support.
[0035] It is provided that the latching arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have the same length. However, it is particularly preferred that the latching arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have different lengths despite the latching projections having the same distance from the surface O of the second coupling support. If there are six receptacles in the second coupling support, it is preferably provided that in at least two receptacles with the same diameter, a latching arm with a longer length is arranged, while in two receptacles with the same diameter, a latching arm with a shorter length is arranged.
[0036] According to another design of the multiple coupling, at least the first receiving portion of the first coupling support and the second receiving portion of the first coupling support each have a plurality of latching arms, each of which has at least one latching projection. The fixing device has a plurality of latching arms. The latching projections of the latching arms of the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion have the same distance to the surface O of the first coupling support. The change in the insertion depth is then achieved by the presence of the limit device (if present). The latching arms of the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion have the same or different lengths.
[0037] Preferably, the latching arms of the receiving parts that are opposite to each other in the assembled state of the first coupling support and the second coupling support are configured so that they act together in the assembled state, thereby preventing the inserted plug-in coupling from being released. Preferably, the lengths of the latching arms are coordinated with each other so that the short latching arms in the first coupling support and the long latching arms in the second coupling support are opposite to each other, or the long latching arms in the first coupling support and the short latching arms in the second coupling support are opposite to each other. When the two coupling supports are engaged with each other, the long and short latching arms in each case act together so that none of the latching arms can be moved out of its latching position when the plug-in coupling is inserted. The plug-in coupling is thus securely fixed in its latching position.
[0038] For example, the long and short latching arms at the receptacles of the first coupling holder and the second coupling holder are arranged such that the first coupling holder and the second coupling holder can only be engaged with each other in one orientation.
[0039] According to another embodiment of the multiple coupling, it has proven particularly advantageous that the stop device at the first receptacle of the second coupling support is configured as a circumferential projection, in particular as described above, which has at least one recess, for example, at least or exactly two recesses, or at least or exactly three recesses.
[0040] It is preferably provided that the stop means at the second receptacle is designed as a circumferential, preferably completely closed projection. Thus, a plug-in coupling having three projections as counter-stop means, which can interact with three recesses in the projection surrounding the first receptacle, cannot be inserted into the second receptacle having a circumferential projection. Conversely, a plug-in coupling provided for insertion into the second receptacle cannot be inserted into the first receptacle, in particular because the stop means of the first receptacle have a greater axial extension.
[0041] The protrusions of the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion's limiting device preferably have different heights, for example a height between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably a height between 2 mm and 4 mm. Preferably, the protrusion at the first accommodating portion has a height of about 3 mm, and the second accommodating portion has a height of about 2 mm.
[0042] According to another embodiment of the multiple coupling, at least the first receiving portion of the first coupling support and the second receiving portion of the first coupling support have different diameters, thereby ensuring that only the plug-in coupling with the correct diameter can be inserted into the receiving portion and / or can be fixed in the receiving portion.
[0043] Another design of the multiple coupling provides that at least one plug-in coupling, in particular on the side close to the coupling support in the assembled state, has at least one elbow with a fluid channel, at least one connecting spindle, at least one valve (in particular a check valve or discharge check valve with a backflow prevention device), at least one radially protruding protrusion, at least one oil separation filter pad and / or at least one membrane. The membrane is preferably waterproof and breathable, for example made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The protrusion is used as a counter-limiting device to cooperate with the limiting device, in particular with the recess of the limiting device.
[0044] In particular, at least one plug-in coupling has at least two interfaces in the form of plug-in interfaces. The at least one plug-in coupling is thus designed as a double coupling. This has the advantage that the media line can be easily released from the coupling holder for assembly or maintenance purposes without having to release the plug-in coupling from the coupling holder and without having to separate the multiple coupling, in particular the first coupling holder and the second coupling holder.
[0045] Preferably, at least one plug-in coupling is constructed so that it can only be fixed in the first receptacle of the second coupling bracket, at least one plug-in coupling is constructed so that it can only be fixed in the second receptacle of the second coupling bracket, at least one plug-in coupling is constructed so that it can only be fixed in the first receptacle of the first coupling bracket, and at least one plug-in coupling is constructed so that it can only be fixed in the second receptacle of the first coupling bracket.
[0046] The present invention also relates to a plate-shaped coupling bracket according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are apparent from the following description of the drawings and the dependent claims.
[0048] In the attached picture:
[0049] Figure 1 A top view showing an embodiment of a second plate-shaped coupling support;
[0050] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 A bottom view of this embodiment of the plate-shaped coupling bracket;
[0051] Figure 3 A top view showing an embodiment of a first plate-shaped coupling bracket;
[0052] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 3 A bottom view of this embodiment of the plate-shaped coupling bracket;
[0053] Figure 5 An embodiment of a multiple coupling is shown;
[0054] Figure 6 Show according to Figure 5 Another view of this embodiment of the multiple coupling;
[0055] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 and Figure 6 A first cross-sectional view of the embodiment;
[0056] Figure 8 Show Figure 5 and Figure 6 A second cross-sectional view of the embodiment;
[0057] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a multiple coupling is shown.
[0058] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference numerals.
[0059] Reference numerals list
[0060] 1 Multiple couplings
[0061] 2 First coupling bracket
[0062] 3 Second coupling bracket
[0063] 4 Accommodation of the first coupling support 2
[0064] 5 Receiving portion of the second coupling support 3
[0065] 6 Recess of first coupling bracket 2
[0066] 7 Recess of the second coupling support 3
[0067] 8 Plug-in coupling of first coupling bracket 2
[0068] 9 Plug-in coupling of the second coupling bracket 3
[0069] 10 Limiting device
[0070] 10a Protrusion
[0071] 10b recess
[0072] 11 Annular protrusion of the receiving portion 4
[0073] 12 Locking arm of the second coupling bracket 3
[0074] 13 Locking projection of the locking arm 12
[0075] 14 Locking arm of first coupling bracket 2
[0076] 15 Locking projection of the locking arm 14
[0077] 16 Locking device
[0078] 17 Elbow
[0079] 18 Inlet and exhaust valves
[0080] 19 Discharge check valve
[0081] 20 Sealing device
[0082] 21 Second coupling interface
[0083] 22 Coupling
[0084] 23 Connecting spindle
[0085] 24 annular protrusion of plug-in coupling 9
[0086] 25 Exhaust valve of plug-in coupling 9
[0087] 26 Protrusion of plug-in coupling 9
[0088] L Longitudinal axis of the housing
[0089] O Top DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0090] With regard to the following description, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and therefore is not limited to all or several features of the feature combination. On the contrary, each individual partial feature of each embodiment is also important for the purpose of the present invention, which is independent of all other partial features related thereto and is also combined with any feature of another embodiment.
[0091] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A multiple coupling 1 for a medium pipeline is shown (see for example Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) is an embodiment of a second plate-shaped coupling bracket 3. Figure 1 Show the top surface, Figure 2 The bottom surface is shown, which is engaged with the first coupling support 2 during assembly, i.e., the engagement surface. The engagement is carried out in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the receiving portion 5. The plate-shaped coupling support 3 has a first receiving portion 5a, a second receiving portion 5b, a third receiving portion 5c, a fourth receiving portion 5d, a fifth receiving portion 5e, and a sixth receiving portion 5f. The receiving portions 5 are evenly arranged in the bottom surface of the second coupling support 3.
[0092] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of a first plate-shaped coupling support 2 for a multiple coupling 1 is shown (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). Figure 3 Show the top surface, Figure 4 The bottom surface is shown, which engages with the second coupling support 3 during assembly, i.e., the engagement surface. The engagement takes place in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the receptacle 4. The first coupling support 2 has a first receptacle 4a, a second receptacle 4b, a third receptacle 4c, a fourth receptacle 4d, a fifth receptacle 4e, and a sixth receptacle 4f.
[0093] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first coupling support 2 has two recesses 6 which can be penetrated by screws in order to connect the first coupling support 2 to the second coupling support 3. For this purpose, the second coupling support 3 is provided according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 It has a recess 7 .
[0094] In accordance with Figures 1 to 4 In each of the receiving parts 4 and 5, a plug-in coupling 8 and 9 can be inserted, such as Figure 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 are shown as examples.
[0095] according to Figure 1The first receiving portion 5a and the second receiving portion 5b each have a stop device 10 which has different extensions along the respective longitudinal axis L of the receiving portion 5 in order to achieve different insertion depths for different plug-in couplings 8, 9, in particular for different plug-in couplings with the same diameter. Starting from the surface O of the second coupling support 3, the stop device 10 of the first receiving portion 5a has a greater extension along the longitudinal axis L than the stop device 10 of the second receiving portion 5b. The stop device 10 of the first receiving portion 5a is higher than the stop device 10 of the second receiving portion 5b.
[0096] according to Figure 1 , the limiting device 10 is constructed as a protrusion 10a having at least one retraction portion 10b. In the present case, three retraction portions 10b are provided, which extend at least partially into the surface O of the first coupling bracket 3. The limiting device 10 of the second accommodating portion 5b is constructed as a closed protrusion 10a. In this embodiment, the protrusion 10a of the limiting device 10 of the first accommodating portion 5a, the fourth accommodating portion 5d and the sixth accommodating portion 5f has a height of 2mm (protruding from the surface O). The recess 10b has a depth of 3mm and therefore extends into the coupling bracket 3. The protrusion 10a of the limiting device 10 of the second accommodating portion 5b has a height of 0.5mm (protruding from the surface O).
[0097] The different heights of the projections 10a cooperating with the recesses 10b prevent the plug-in coupling 9 provided for the first receptacle 5a from being able to be locked in the second receptacle 5b. Furthermore, the plug-in coupling 9 provided for the second receptacle 5b cannot be locked in the first receptacle 5a. The fourth receptacle 5d and the sixth receptacle 5f also have a stop device 10 which is constructed like the stop device of the first receptacle 5a. The only difference in the fourth receptacle 5d is that the setback 10b has a slightly different orientation in order to provide for another insertion orientation of the plug-in coupling 9 (see Figure 5 ). Thus, the same plug-in coupling 9 can be inserted into the first receiving portion 5a, the fourth receiving portion 5d and the sixth receiving portion 5f. The first receiving portion 5a, the second receiving portion 5b, the fourth receiving portion 5d and the sixth receiving portion 5f have a first diameter that is consistent. The third receiving portion 5c also has a stop device 10 in the form of a surrounding projection 10a. The fifth receiving portion 5e does not have a stop device 10. The third receiving portion 5c has a second diameter, while the fifth receiving portion 5e has a third diameter. The first, second and third diameters are different.
[0098] according to Figure 3, the first housing portion 4a and the sixth housing portion 4f have the same fourth diameter. In addition, the second housing portion 4b and the fourth housing portion 4d have the same fifth diameter, which is different from the diameters of the first housing portion 4a and the sixth housing portion 4f. In addition, the third housing portion 4c has a sixth diameter, and the fifth housing portion 4e has a seventh diameter. The fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh diameters are different from each other.
[0099] It is preferably provided that the third diameter and the sixth diameter are identical, and / or the second diameter and the seventh diameter are identical.
[0100] The fifth receiving portion 4e further has a stopper 10 in the form of a projection 10a. The first receiving portion 4a, the second receiving portion 4b, the fourth receiving portion 4d and the sixth receiving portion 4f in this embodiment further have an annular projection 11 for partially expanding the structural space of the coupling support 2. The annular projection 11 surrounds the corresponding receiving portion 4 in the entire circumference. The plug-in coupling 8 can be at least partially inserted into the annular projection 11.
[0101] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In each receptacle 5 of the second coupling support 3, a locking arm 12 having a locking protrusion 13 is provided in order to securely hold the plug-in coupling 9 in the corresponding receptacle 5. In order to insert the plug-in coupling 9, the locking arm 12 can be moved away in the radial direction of the receptacle 5. In the first receptacle 5a, the second receptacle 5b, the fourth receptacle 5d and the sixth receptacle 5f, the locking protrusion 13 has the same distance to the surface O of the second coupling support 3 along the corresponding longitudinal axis L. However, the locking arms 12 of the first receptacle 5a and the sixth receptacle 5f are constructed to be longer than the locking arms 12 of the second receptacle 5b and the fourth receptacle 5d, in particular due to the presence of the locking pawl (see in particular Figure 2 ).
[0102] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , each of the receptacles 4 has several latching arms 14 with latching projections 15. The latching projections 14 of the first receptacle 4a, the second receptacle 4b, the fourth receptacle 4d and the sixth receptacle 4f have the same distance from the surface O of the first coupling support 2 along the longitudinal axis L. The latching arms 14 of the first receptacle 4a and the sixth receptacle 4f are designed to be shorter than the latching arms 14 of the second receptacle 4b and the fourth receptacle 4d.
[0103] Overall, the latching arms 12, 14 of the first coupling bracket 2 and the second coupling bracket 3 are coordinated with each other so that in the mutually engaged state, in the corresponding receiving portions 4, 5, the short latching arms 12, 14 and the long latching arms 12, 14 are respectively arranged opposite each other, so that the short latching arms 12, 14 act together with the long latching arms 12, 14, so that the latching connection with the plug-in coupling parts 8, 9 cannot be released (see Figure 6 and 7 ). Furthermore, the arrangement of the short and long latching arms 12 , 14 ensures that the first coupling bracket 2 and the second coupling bracket 3 can only engage with one another in a single orientation.
[0104] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of a multiple coupling 1 is shown in the state in which two coupling carriers 2 , 3 are joined together, with inserted plug-in coupling elements 8 , 9 . Figure 5 A view showing an embodiment of a multiple coupling 1 from the side of the second coupling support 3 is shown, Figure 6 The view is shown from the side of the first coupling bracket 2. For the mutual engagement, the first coupling bracket 2 has a latching device 16, with which the second coupling bracket 3 can be at least temporarily fixed, in particular before the screws are inserted through the recesses 6, 7.
[0105] Figure 7 Show according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 , which contains the longitudinal axis L of the first receptacle 5a and the second receptacle 5b of the second coupling support 3 and the first receptacle 4a and the second receptacle 4b of the first coupling support 2.
[0106] Figure 8 Show according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 , which contains the longitudinal axis L of the sixth receptacle 5f and the fourth receptacle 5d of the second coupling bracket 3 and the sixth receptacle 4f and the fourth receptacle 4d of the first coupling bracket 2.
[0107] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the locking arms 12 and 14 work together in the mutually engaged state so that the locking arms 12 and 14 cannot be moved out in the radial direction and escape from the locked state with the plug couplings 8 and 9. As a result, the plug couplings 8 and 9 are additionally fixed in the mutually engaged state of the multi-coupling 1.
[0108] according to Figure 5 , 67, the plug-in coupling 9 arranged in the first receiving portion 5a has an elbow 17 with a fluid channel and an inlet and exhaust valve 18. The inlet and exhaust valve 18 has at least one membrane and a filter pad and is particularly used for the inlet and outlet of air. The plug-in coupling 9 in the first receiving portion 5a is locked in a form-fitting manner with the locking protrusion 13 of the locking arm 12. In the receiving portion 4a of the first coupling bracket 2 corresponding to the first receiving portion 5a, a plug-in coupling 8 is inserted, which is constructed as a double coupling with a discharge stop valve 19. A sealing device 20 is arranged between the mutually engaged plug-in couplings 8 and 9 for establishing a fluid-tight connection. The locking arm 14 cooperates with the plug-in coupling 8 in a form-fitting manner with the locking protrusion 15.
[0109] The latching arms 12, 14 for the plug-in couplings 8, 9 are configured so that they are held in a latched position relative to each other in the illustrated assembly state. In this embodiment, a plug-in coupling 22 having a spindle extension is inserted on the second coupling interface 21 of the plug-in coupling 8 configured as a double coupling.
[0110] according to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , a plug-in coupling 9 with a connecting spindle 23 is inserted into the third receiving portion 5c. The plug-in coupling 9 has a circumferential annular protrusion 24, which cooperates with the stop device 10 configured as a projection 10a. A plug-in coupling 8 with a connecting spindle 23 is also inserted into the third receiving portion 4c of the first coupling support 2 and is fluidically coupled to the plug-in coupling 9 of the third receiving portion 5c of the second coupling support 3.
[0111] In the second receptacle 5b of the second coupling support 3, a plug-in coupling 9 with an exhaust valve 25 is inserted and latched with the latching arm 12. The exhaust valve 25 is used in particular to exhaust air. In the corresponding second receptacle 4b of the first coupling support 2, a plug-in coupling 8 with a connecting spindle 23 is inserted and fluidically connected to the plug-in coupling 9 of the second receptacle 5b by means of a sealing device 20. The exhaust valve 25 has a significantly greater flow rate than the inlet and exhaust valve 18.
[0112] according to Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The plug-in couplings 9 of the first receiving portion 5a, the fourth receiving portion 5d and the sixth receiving portion 5f are constructed identically and have an elbow 17 with an inlet and outlet valve 18. The inlet and outlet valves are located at Figure 7 and Figure 810b, in particular, only schematically shown in a cross-sectional view. In addition, the plug-in coupling 9 in these receptacles 5a, 5d, 5f each has three radially oriented projections 26 as counter-limiting devices, which extend into the recess 10b so as to enable a latching connection of the latching arm 12 with the plug-in coupling 9. The projections 26 are also used to specify the insertion orientation of the plug-in coupling 9, which is configured to be identical for the first receptacle 5a and the sixth receptacle 5f, and to be configured to be different in angle for the fourth receptacle 5d. The plug-in coupling 9 in these three receptacles 5a, 5d, 5f is configured to be identical. The second receptacle 5b has the same diameter as the first, fourth and sixth receptacles 5a, 5d, 5f, so that the plug-in coupling 9 of the first receptacle 5a, the sixth receptacle 5f and the fourth receptacle 5d can theoretically also be inserted into the second receptacle 5b. However, the stop device 10 in the form of a circumferentially closed projection 10a at the second receptacle 5b prevents the latching connection of the latching arms 14 to the plug coupling 9 by cooperating with the projection 26 of the plug coupling 9 because a sufficient insertion depth cannot be achieved.
[0113] according to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 In the sixth receptacle 4f of the first coupling support 2, which corresponds to the sixth receptacle 5f, a plug-in coupling 8 with a discharge check valve 19 is inserted. The plug-in coupling 8 is constructed as a double coupling. A coupling 22 with a connecting spindle 23 is inserted at the second coupling interface 21. A plug-in coupling 9 with a connecting spindle 23 is inserted in the fifth receptacle 5e of the second coupling support 3. In the fifth receptacle 4e of the first coupling support 2, which corresponds to the fifth receptacle 5e, a plug-in coupling 8 with a connecting spindle 23 is also inserted, which plug-in coupling 8 with a connecting spindle 23 is fluidically engaged with another plug-in coupling 9 under the action of a sealing device 20. In the fifth receptacle 4e of the first coupling support 2, a stopper 10 in the form of a circumferential projection 10a is again provided, which cooperates with the annular projection 24 and prevents mixing up the plug-in couplings 8 and 9.
[0114] As described above, the plug-in coupling 9 with the elbow 17 and the inlet and outlet valves 18 is inserted into the fourth receptacle 5d of the second coupling support 3. In the fourth receptacle 4d of the first coupling support 2, which corresponds to the fourth receptacle 5d, the plug-in coupling 8 with the discharge stop valve 19 and the connecting spindle 23 is inserted, which is fluidically connected to the plug-in coupling 9 of the fourth receptacle 5d of the second coupling support 3 under the action of the sealing device 20. The discharge stop valve 19 is optional here. It is also provided that no discharge stop valve 19 is provided here.
[0115] Fig. 9 An embodiment of a multiple coupling 1 is shown, in which the first receptacle 5a of the second coupling support 3 and the corresponding first receptacle 4a of the first coupling support 2, as well as the third receptacle 5c of the second coupling support 3 and the third receptacle 4c of the first coupling support 2 are not used, i.e. no plug-in coupling elements 8, 9 are inserted. The second receptacle 5b of the second coupling support 3 and the second receptacle 4b of the first coupling support 2 are configured in the same manner as described above. Figure 7 The configuration described above corresponds to the
[0116] In the unused receiving parts 5a, 5c, 4a, 4c, it can be seen how the locking arms 12, 14 with different lengths are arranged in a radial direction in sequence when the first coupling bracket 2 and the second coupling bracket 3 are engaged with each other to prevent the plug-in coupling parts 8, 9 from popping out and thus preventing them from loosening. The retraction part 10b in the protrusion 10a of the limiting device 10 extends slightly into the second coupling bracket 3, that is, it is slightly deeper than the surface O of the second coupling bracket 3, here about 1 mm. The protrusion 10a of the limiting device 10 protrudes from the surface O. Similarly, the limiting device 10 of the third receiving part 5c, which is constructed as a surrounding protrusion 10a, also protrudes from the surface O.
[0117] In this embodiment, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As in the embodiment of the present invention, the plug-in coupling 9 in the second coupling support 3 is prevented from being mixed up primarily by varying the insertion depth, i.e. by using stop devices 10 with different axial extensions, which prevent the plug-in coupling 9 from being mixed up. On both sides of the first coupling support 2, different radii are used primarily for the receptacles 4 to prevent the plug-in coupling 8 from being mixed up. The radii and the stop devices 10 are selected or designed such that the plug-in coupling 8 of the first coupling support cannot be confused with the plug-in coupling 9 of the second coupling support 3 either.
[0118] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described, but also includes all embodiments having the same effect within the meaning of the invention. It is explicitly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to the combination of all features, but rather each individual sub-feature can have an inventive significance in itself, even independently of all other sub-features. Furthermore, the invention is also not limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of certain features of all individual features disclosed as a whole. This means that, in principle, virtually every individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application.
Claims
1. A multiple coupling (1) for a media pipeline, comprising at least one first plate-shaped coupling support (2), at least one second plate-shaped coupling support (3) and a plurality of plug-in couplings (8, 9), wherein the first coupling support (2) has at least one first receptacle (4a) and a second receptacle (4b), and the second coupling support (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and a second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (4, 5) are configured for inserting and fixing the plug-in couplings (8, 9), wherein the first coupling support (2) and the second coupling support (3) are configured such that the plug-in couplings (8, 9) of the corresponding receptacles (4, 5) which can be arranged in the receptacles (4, 5) can be coupled by mutual engagement of the first coupling support (2) and the second coupling support (3), It is characterized in that At least the first receiving portion (5a) and the second receiving portion (5b) of the second coupling bracket (3) each have at least one limiting device (10), and the limiting device (10) of the first receiving portion (5a) has a different extension range along the longitudinal axis (L) than the limiting device (10) of the second receiving portion (5b), so as to achieve different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling components (8, 9).
2. A multiple coupling (1) for a media pipeline, comprising at least one first plate-shaped coupling support (2), at least one second plate-shaped coupling support (3) and a plurality of plug-in couplings (8, 9), wherein the first coupling support (2) has at least one first receptacle (4a) and a second receptacle (4b), and the second coupling support (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and a second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (4, 5) are configured for inserting and fixing the plug-in couplings (8, 9), wherein the first coupling support (2) and the second coupling support (3) are configured such that the plug-in couplings (8, 9) of the corresponding receptacles (4, 5) which can be arranged in the receptacles (4, 5) can be coupled by mutual engagement of the first coupling support (2) and the second coupling support (3), It is characterized in that At least one receiving portion (4, 5) around at least one stop device (10) having at least one projection (10a) and at least one recess (10b) is designed to define at least an insertion depth and at least one insertion orientation for a plug-in coupling (8, 9).
3. A multiple coupling (1) for a media pipeline, comprising at least one first plate-shaped coupling support (2), at least one second plate-shaped coupling support (3) and a plurality of plug-in couplings (8, 9), wherein the first coupling support (2) has at least one first receptacle (4a) and a second receptacle (4b), and the second coupling support (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and a second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (4, 5) are configured for inserting and fixing the plug-in couplings (8, 9), wherein the first coupling support (2) and the second coupling support (3) are configured such that the plug-in couplings (8, 9) of the corresponding receptacles (4, 5) which can be arranged in the receptacles (4, 5) can be coupled by mutual engagement of the first coupling support (2) and the second coupling support (3), It is characterized in that At least the first receiving portion (4a) of the first coupling support (2) and the second receiving portion (4b) of the first coupling support (2) have different radial characteristics so as to avoid confusion between plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) at least in the first coupling support (2), and at least the first receiving portion (5a) in the second coupling support (3) and the second receiving portion (5b) in the second coupling support (3) each have at least one limiting device (10) for limiting different insertion depths for the first receiving portion (5a) and the second receiving portion (5b) and avoiding confusion between plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) at least in the second coupling support (3).
4. The multiple coupling (1) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The limiting device (10) of the first receiving portion (5a) has a different extension range along the corresponding longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving portions (5a, 5b) than the limiting device (10) of the second receiving portion (5b), so as to achieve different insertion depths for different plug-in couplings (8, 9) with the same diameter.
5. The multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The second coupling support (3) has between two and eight receptacles (5), in particular six receptacles (5), in particular at least four receptacles (5a, 5b, 5d, 5f) have the same first diameter, at least one receptacle (5c) has a second diameter and at least one receptacle (5e) has a third diameter.
6. The multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The first coupling support (2) has between two and eight receptacles (4), in particular six receptacles (4), in particular at least two receptacles (4a, 4f) have the same fourth diameter, at least two receptacles (4b, 4d) have the same fifth diameter and at least one receptacle (4c) has a sixth diameter and at least one receptacle (4e) has a seventh diameter.
7. The multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The limiting device (10), in particular the limiting device at the first receiving portion (5a) of the second coupling bracket (3), is configured to define at least one insertion orientation of the plug-in coupling (8, 9), in particular, the limiting device (10) of at least another receiving portion (5), in particular the limiting device of the second receiving portion (5b) of the second coupling bracket (3), is not suitable for defining the insertion orientation.
8. The multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized in that The first accommodating portion (5a) of the second coupling bracket (3) and the second accommodating portion (5b) of the second coupling bracket (3) each have a plurality of locking arms (12), and each of the locking arms has at least one locking protrusion (13). In particular, the locking protrusions (13) of the locking arms (12) of the first accommodating portion (5a) and the second accommodating portion (5b) have the same distance to the surface (O) of the second coupling bracket (3). Preferably, the locking arms (12) of the first accommodating portion (5a) and the second accommodating portion (5b) have different or the same lengths.
9. The multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that The first accommodating portion (4a) of the first coupling bracket (2) and the second accommodating portion (4b) of the first coupling bracket (2) each have a plurality of locking arms (14), and each of the locking arms has at least one locking protrusion (15). In particular, the locking protrusions (15) of the locking arms (14) of the first accommodating portion (4a) and the second accommodating portion (4b) have the same distance to the surface (O) of the first coupling bracket (2). Preferably, the locking arms (14) of the first accommodating portion (4a) and the second accommodating portion (4b) have different or the same lengths.
10. The multiple coupling (1) according to claims 8 and 9, It is characterized in that The latching arms (12, 14) of the oppositely disposed receptacles (4, 5) act together in the assembled state of the first coupling bracket (2) and the second coupling bracket (3) to prevent the fixedly held plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) from being released.
11. The multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, It is characterized in that At least one limiting device (10), in particular the limiting device at the first receiving portion (5a) of the second coupling bracket (3), is constructed as a surrounding protrusion (10a), the protrusion having at least one recess (10b), preferably at least two or at least three recesses (10b), and the limiting device (10) at at least another receiving portion (5) of the second coupling bracket (3), in particular the limiting device at the second receiving portion (5b), is constructed as a surrounding protrusion (10a).
12. The multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, It is characterized in that At least the first receiving portion (4a) of the first coupling support (2) and the second receiving portion (4b) of the first coupling support (2) have different diameters.
13. The multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, It is characterized in that At least one plug-in coupling (8, 9) has at least one valve (19), at least one connecting spindle (23), at least one radially protruding projection (26), at least one oil separation filter pad, at least one membrane and / or at least one elbow (17) with a fluid channel.
14. A plate-shaped coupling support (3) for a multiple coupling (1), in particular a plate-shaped coupling support according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the coupling support (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and a second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacle (5) is designed for inserting and fixing a plug-in coupling (9), It is characterized in that The first receiving portion (5a) and the second receiving portion (5b) of the coupling bracket (3) each have at least one limiting device (10), and the limiting device (10) of the first receiving portion (5a) has a different extension range along the longitudinal axis (L) from the limiting device (10) of the second receiving portion (5b), so as to achieve different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling components (8, 9).
15. A plate-shaped coupling support (3) for a multiple coupling (1), in particular a plate-shaped coupling support according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the coupling support (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and a second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacle (5) is designed for inserting and fixing a plug-in coupling (9), It is characterized in that At least one receiving portion (4, 5) around at least one stop device (10) having at least one projection (10a) and at least one recess (10b) is designed to define at least an insertion depth and at least one insertion orientation for a plug-in coupling (8, 9).