Fluid transfer device and fluid power system equipped with it

Abstract

Fluid transmission device, comprising a connection unit (3) that can be attached to a fluid power device (6), with a fluid line (4) separate from the connection unit (3), which in its operating position is inserted into the connection unit (3) and releasably held by a retaining device (15) of the connection unit (3), wherein the connection unit (3) has a sleeve-shaped release element (16) that at least partially encloses and is penetrated by the fluid line (4), which is axially displaceable by applying a release force (FL) in order to deactivate the retaining device (15) to allow the inserted fluid line (4) to be withdrawn from the connection unit (3), and which has a deactivation section (47) projecting into a connection body (44) of the connection unit (3) and intended to interact with the retaining device (15), and a section located outside the connection body (44).The actuating section (48) is provided for applying the release force (FL) and has an actuating sleeve (5) for the release element (16) that is separate from the connection unit (3) and the fluid line (4), the actuating sleeve being arranged coaxially and axially displaceable on the fluid line (4) in its operating position and being pressed against the release element (16) by manually induced axial displacement on the fluid line (4) to exert the release force (FL), characterized in that the actuating sleeve (5) simultaneously forms a marking carrier (5a) bearing at least one marking (65) in the region of its radially outwardly projecting outer circumference (34), wherein the actuating sleeve (5) is either permanently clamped with the outer circumference (34) of the fluid line (4) in its operating position, forming a frictional force, wherein the frictional force for displacing the actuating sleeve (5) can be overcome by manually applying an axial actuating force (FB),or wherein the actuating sleeve (5) is elastically deformable and is fixed in its operating position on the fluid line (4) with a preload that can be temporarily lifted by manual application.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid transmission device, with a connection unit which can be attached or is attached to a fluid power device, with a fluid line which is separate from the connection unit and which, in its position of use, is plugged into the connection unit and is releasably held by a holding device of the connection unit, wherein the connection unit has a sleeve-shaped release element which at least partially encloses the plugged-in fluid line and is penetrated by the fluid line, which is axially displaceable by application of a release force in order to deactivate the holding device to enable the plugged-in fluid line to be pulled out of the connection unit and which has a deactivation section which projects into a connection body of the connection unit and is provided for interaction with the holding device, and a deactivation section which is located outside the connection body,for applying the release force, and with an actuating sleeve for the release element which is separate from the connection unit and the fluid line and which, in its position of use, is arranged coaxially and axially displaceably on the fluid line and can be pressed against the release element by manually induced axial displacement on the fluid line to exert the release force.

[0002] The invention further relates to a fluid power system comprising a fluid power device equipped with at least one such fluid transmission device.

[0003] From US 2011 / 0 012 350 A1, a fluid transmission device of the type mentioned above is known, with which a fluid power system designed in the aforementioned sense can be implemented. The fluid transmission device has a connection unit into which a fluid line to be connected can be inserted and which has a collet with radially bendable teeth by which the inserted fluid line is held. The collet is axially displaceable in order to disengage the teeth from the fluid line and enable the fluid line to be pulled out. For this purpose, the collet can be acted upon by a release element which is formed by an axially deflectable annular collar of a hood-shaped safety ring. The deflection of the collar can be brought about by a separate actuating sleeve which is fixed to the fluid hose in an axially displaceable manner.

[0004] DE 30 25 427 A1 discloses a connecting device for pipes. The device comprises an annular holding body axially immovably fixed in a base body, which has radially movable fingers that act on the outer circumference of an inserted pipe and thereby hold it in place. To enable the pipe to be removed, a sleeve arrangement enclosing the pipe extends within the holding body. This sleeve arrangement can be acted upon by an annular flange located outside the base body, pressing it against the fingers and lifting them from the outer circumference of the inserted pipe.

[0005] A pipe connector described in DE 694 12 912 T2 has an annular clamping element housed in a base body with radially movable claws that act on and hold an inserted pipe at its outer circumference. To release the pipe, the pipe connector is equipped with a multi-part release element that extends within the base body and protrudes from the base body with a tubular base section. The base section can be manually actuated to slide the release element under the claws and lift them off the inserted pipe.

[0006] A fluid transmission device known from DE 10 2015 000 990 B4 can be combined with a fluid power device, for example a valve, to form a fluid power system and offers the possibility of supplying a fluid, for example compressed air, to a fluid power device through a fluid line or removing it from a fluid power device. The fluid transmission device includes a connection unit into which the fluid line to be connected, for example a compressed air hose, can be plugged. In the plugged-in position of use, the fluid line is releasably secured by a holding device of the connection unit. The connection unit also includes a release element with an annular cross-section, onto which a release force can be exerted with the fingers of one hand in order to deactivate the holding device, so that the fluid line previously held in place can be pulled out of the connection unit.To ensure high operational reliability, the connection unit is usually designed in such a way that a relatively high release force is required to deactivate the holding device. Manual operation is therefore often cumbersome, especially with small sizes or when multiple connection units are arranged in a confined space and the release elements are difficult to access. For example, it is possible to use a fork-shaped release tool that can be pushed radially onto the inserted fluid line and then pressed onto the release sleeve. However, the handling of this release tool is also not optimal because additional torque must be applied during use to prevent the release tool from twisting.

[0007] DE 10 2015 001 539 A1 discloses a fluid power system of the type mentioned above, which comprises a fluid power device designed as a valve battery equipped with a plurality of fluid transfer devices. The connection units of the fluid transfer devices are arranged side by side in a space-saving manner.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of taking measures that simplify the release of a fluid line plugged into a connection unit.

[0009] To achieve this object, it is provided in a fluid transmission device of the type mentioned at the outset that the actuating sleeve simultaneously forms an identification carrier carrying at least one identification in the region of its radially outwardly facing outer circumference, wherein the actuating sleeve is either constantly clamped to the outer circumference of the fluid line in its position of use by developing a frictional force, wherein the frictional force for displacing the actuating sleeve can be overcome by manually applying an axial actuating force, or wherein the actuating sleeve is elastically deformable and is fixed to the fluid line in its position of use with a pretension that can be temporarily released by manual application.

[0010] Also to achieve the object, a fluid power system of the type mentioned at the outset is equipped with at least one fluid transmission device designed in the aforementioned sense.

[0011] The fluid transmission device and the fluid power system can be operated according to the invention in such a way that, in order to separate the connection between the fluid line assuming its position of use and the connection unit, the actuating sleeve sitting on the fluid line when assuming its position of use is manually grasped and axially displaced relative to the fluid line so that it presses on the release element while exerting the release force and moves the release element into a release position deactivating the holding device, whereupon the fluid line is pulled out of the connection unit relative to the actuating sleeve and the release element still held in the release position by the actuating sleeve.

[0012] In this way, a fluid line plugged into a connection unit and held in place by a holding device in the plugged-in state can be separated from the connection unit very easily and with little effort when required. The fluid transmission device includes an actuating sleeve which is designed separately from the connection unit and the fluid line and which can be provided and transported independently of these two components when required. At least in its position of use, the actuating sleeve sits coaxially on the fluid line so that it can be manually grasped and moved along the fluid line when required. To release the fluid line, the actuating sleeve can be pressed against the release element to introduce a release force into the release element, which causes the release element to move and thus deactivates the holding device.All that's left to do is pull off the fluid line that's no longer being held with the other hand. The actuating sleeve is easy to grasp with the fingers of one hand. The actuating sleeve allows the release force to be transmitted to the release element as an axial pushing force, without the need for additional torque support. The captive fixation of the actuating sleeve on the fluid line is advantageous, so that the actuating sleeve is immediately available when needed. There's no need for the user of the fluid transmission device to carry a separate release tool. Due to its simple design, the actuating sleeve can be manufactured cost-effectively using simple tools.Since the actuating sleeve is already attached to the fluid line during its intended use, i.e. during fluid transmission, it is immediately available for use when needed, which allows for time-saving release of the fluid line.

[0013] Advantageously, the actuating sleeve also assumes the function of an identification carrier, wherein it has at least one identification on its radially outward-facing outer circumference, which is preferably relevant for the operation of the fluid transmission device or a fluid power system. The identification can, for example, refer to the function of the associated fluid line. If the fluid line is used in connection with the operation of a fluid-operated drive, a identification can, for example, indicate whether the associated fluid line is a vent line or a fluid line serving another purpose, or to which of several connection units of a valve device the associated fluid line must be connected. Thus, the two functions of actuating a release element and the identification are combined in one and the same component.It is possible to apply the marking at the factory, whereby the customer is given the opportunity, for example, to specify the desired marking during the ordering process. Subsequent marking by the customer is also possible using a suitable marking device, such as a special printer. To ensure the desired actuation of the release element when required and simultaneously ensure that the actuating sleeve maintains its axial position and, preferably, its rotational position relative to the fluid line when not in use, one of two alternative designs is also implemented.In one of these design alternatives, the actuating sleeve is designed to fit the fluid line in such a way that, in its position of use, it is constantly clamped to the outer circumference of the fluid line, generating a frictional force. This frictional force can be overcome by manually applying an axial actuating force to move the actuating sleeve. The actuating sleeve is thus constantly fixed to the fluid line with radial preload, and the preload is selected such that the actuating sleeve can be moved along the fluid line with an appropriate axial actuating force. For example, the actuating sleeve can be positioned so that it is in the immediate vicinity of the release sleeve and is therefore easily accessible for a release process and only needs to be moved a short distance.In order to generate the desired frictional force, the actuating sleeve can have an inner diameter over its entire length that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the fluid line, thus creating a radial preload. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a measure responsible for the desired frictional force locally at just one point or at several points spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the actuating sleeve, in particular a local taper of the inner diameter of the actuating sleeve. Such a taper can be created, for example, by thermal action, for example by means of hot pliers. In the other design alternative, the actuating sleeve is designed such that it is elastically deformable and is fixed on the fluid line in its position of use with a preload that can be temporarily released by manual application.This can be achieved, in particular, by providing the actuating sleeve with an elongated, in particular oval or elliptical, sleeve cross-section and, in its position of use, being fixed to the fluid line with prestress in the transverse direction of the sleeve cross-section. To move the actuating sleeve for the purpose of exerting a release force, the prestress with respect to the fluid line can be released by squeezing the actuating sleeve together with two fingers of one hand in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve cross-section, so that it expands in the transverse direction. In this way, when the actuating sleeve is not actuated, an immovable fixation of the actuating sleeve with respect to the fluid line is ensured, combined with easy axial displaceability by manually diametrically compressing the actuating sleeve.

[0014] Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0015] The actuating sleeve advantageously has a continuous, i.e., closed, structure along its circumference. This enables particularly simple manufacturing and offers optimal security against loss when seated on the fluid line in the operating position. In principle, however, the actuating sleeve could also be interrupted at one point along its circumference, in which case it could, for example, be slotted. While an actuating sleeve that is continuous along its circumference is pushed axially onto the fluid line from one end of the line for placement in its operating position, a slotted actuating sleeve, provided it has sufficient elasticity, can also be snapped onto the fluid line in the radial direction of the fluid line if necessary.

[0016] The fluid line typically has a circular cross-section. This cross-sectional shape is also preferably used for the actuating sleeve.

[0017] The fluid line can be rigid or flexible. For example, the fluid line is a pipe or a hose.

[0018] In a preferred design, the actuating sleeve is hollow-cylindrical. This shape is particularly easy to realize, for example, by extrusion.

[0019] Regardless of its specific shape, the actuating sleeve can, in principle, be manufactured in any length. When manufactured by extrusion, a tubular starting body can be generated, which is then cut to length several times to obtain actuating sleeves of the desired length.

[0020] The actuating sleeve is expediently made of the same material as the fluid line. If the fluid line is an elastically bendable hose, the actuating sleeve can also be made of a correspondingly elastic material. This offers the advantage, among other things, that the actuating sleeve can be manufactured using hose extrusion tools already available for the production of fluid lines, meaning that no separate extrusion tools are required. Regardless of the design of the fluid line, it is advantageous if the actuating sleeve is made of an elastically deformable material. The resulting flexibility makes it easier to move along the fluid line if the line does not follow a perfectly straight line. Regardless of this, the actuating sleeve can also be made of a rigid material or have a rigid structure.

[0021] On its end face facing the connection unit, the actuating sleeve preferably has an annular actuating surface which can be pressed against the release element to exert the release force, wherein there is preferably an annular contact between the actuating surface and the release element.

[0022] The marking on the actuating sleeve can be printed, glued, or engraved, for example. The marking can contain at least one symbol and / or be alphanumeric. For example, the marking can be applied using an adhesive label, hand-lettering, laser marking, or direct printing.

[0023] The length dimension of the actuating sleeve is selected in particular so that it lies in the range between 1.5 cm and 10 cm.

[0024] The release element of the connection unit is expediently sleeve-shaped, comprising a deactivation section projecting into a connection body of the connection unit and intended to interact with the holding device, and an application section located outside the connection body and intended to apply the release force. The fluid line, which assumes the use position, passes coaxially through the release element. The holding device is expediently spring-elastic and rests against the outer circumference of the fluid line inserted into the connection unit, holding it in place. The release element can act on the holding device so that it lifts off the outer circumference of the fluid line.

[0025] As mentioned, a fluid power system equipped with the fluid transmission device comprises a fluid power device through which a fluid flows during use. The fluid power device is, for example, a valve device used to control a fluid-operated actuator. A fluid-operated actuator controllable by the valve device can be a component of the fluid power system.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. In this drawing: Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the fluid transmission device according to the invention in connection with a preferably designed fluid technology system containing it, wherein an actuating sleeve arranged on a fluid line is shown in the unactuated state, Fig. 2 the same arrangement as in Fig. 1, wherein the actuating sleeve is shown in an actuated state momentarily exerting a release force on a release element, Fig. 3 a partial section through the arrangement of Fig. 1 according to the section line III - III, Fig. 4 a partial longitudinal section through the arrangement of Fig. 2 according to the section line IV - IV, Fig. 5 a detailed representation of the Fig. 1 to 4 existing actuating sleeve, before mounting on a fluid line, Fig. 6 a cross-section through a fluid line and an actuating sleeve seated thereon according to section line VI - VI from Fig. 3, wherein the actuating sleeve is seated on the fluid line with radial play in a manner not according to the invention, Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment in a Fig. 6 comparable cross-section, whereby the actuating sleeve sits on the fluid line with irreversible radial preload, and Fig. 8 shows another alternative embodiment in one of the Fig. 6 corresponding sectional view, whereby the actuating sleeve sits on the associated fluid line with manually reversible radial preload.

[0027] The Fig. 1 to 4 show a preferred embodiment of a fluid transmission device 1 according to the invention in a preferred use as a component of a fluid power system designated overall by reference number 2.

[0028] The fluid transmission device 1 includes a connection unit 3, a fluid line 4 and an actuating sleeve 5.

[0029] The fluid power system 2 contains, in addition to the fluid transmission device 1, which may also be present in multiples, a fluid power device 6 through which fluidic pressure medium can flow during its operation.

[0030] The fluidic pressure medium used in the invention is preferably compressed air, but can also be another pressurized gas or a pressure fluid such as hydraulic oil.

[0031] The fluid power device 6 is equipped with the fluid transmission device 1. For this purpose, the fluid transmission device 1 is attached to the fluid power device 6 with its connection unit 3. This can be a detachable or non-detachable attachment. The attachment can also be realized as a one-piece design.

[0032] By way of example, the fluid power device 6 contains a base body 7 to which the connection unit 3 is attached. By way of example, the connection unit 3 is screwed into the base body 7.

[0033] The connection unit 3 has a connecting section 8 with which it can be or is fixed to the base body 7. For example, the connecting section 8 is a threaded connector provided with an external thread, which is screwed into a threaded bore 9 of the base body 7. Alternatively, a plug connection could also be provided between the connecting section 8 and the base body 7.

[0034] The connection unit 3 is penetrated by a fluid channel, which is referred to as connection channel 12 for ease of identification. It communicates with a device channel 13 running in the base body 7 of the fluid power device 6.

[0035] The fluid line 4 is, in particular, a flexible hose, especially a compressed air hose. However, it can also be designed, for example, as a rigid pipe.

[0036] The fluid line 4 has a first end section, designated as the connection end 14, with which it is inserted into the connection unit 3. More precisely, the fluid line 4 is inserted into the connection channel 12 with the connection end 14.

[0037] The connection unit 3 has a holding device 15 which holds the inserted fluid line 4 at its connection end 14 when it has a Fig. 3. The fluid line 4 can then no longer be easily pulled out of the connection unit 3.

[0038] However, the connection unit 3 also has a release element 16 designed to interact with the holding device 15. The release element can be subjected to a release force FL, by which it can be driven to a release movement 17 indicated by an arrow. During the release movement 17, the release element 16 acts on the holding device 15 in such a way that the latter is moved into a Fig. 4, in which it no longer holds the fluid line 4. In this deactivated state of the holding device 15, the fluid line 4 can be pulled out of the connection unit 3 in a pulling-out movement 18 indicated by an arrow and thus separated from the connection unit 3.

[0039] The fluid line 4 is penetrated in its longitudinal direction by a line channel 22. If the fluid line 4 takes a Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, with the connection end 14 inserted into the connection unit 3, there is a continuous fluid connection between the line channel 22, the connection channel 12 and the device channel 13, so that fluid transfer can take place through the pressure medium flowing through.

[0040] The fluid transfer takes place, for example, between the fluid power device 6 and a Fig. 1, which is only schematically indicated, and which is preferably also a component of the fluid power system 2. The fluid line 4 is connected to the fluid-operated drive 23 with its second end section opposite the connection end 14, so that it communicates, for example, with a drive chamber 24 formed in the fluid-operated drive 23. For connecting the second end section of the fluid line 4, the fluid transmission device 1 preferably contains a further connection unit 3 designed in the manner described, which, however, is not shown.

[0041] If fluid transfer occurs between the fluid power device 6 and the associated drive chamber 24 through the fluid transfer device 1, an output member 25 of the fluid-operated drive 23 can be driven to perform an output movement 26. The fluid transfer is possible in both directions.

[0042] The fluid-operated drive 23 expediently contains a further drive chamber 27, which is also connected to the fluid power device 6 via a further fluid line 28. Fluid transmission in both directions is also possible through this further fluid line 28. This allows the output movement 26 to be induced as a reciprocating movement.

[0043] The further fluid line 28 is expediently a component of a further fluid transmission device 1 according to the invention, the actuating sleeve 5 of which, however, is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0044] The fluid transmission device 1 according to the invention can also be used without further ado together with a fluid transmission device not according to the invention, which also has a fluid line fixed in a connection unit, but does not comprise an additional actuating sleeve 5.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the fluid power device 6 is a valve device 6a. This has at least one preferably electrically actuated valve 32, which is designed to control the flow of a fluidic pressure medium. The at least one valve 32 is preferably an electropneumatically pilot-controlled multi-way valve. By way of example, the at least one valve 32 is mounted on the base body 7. The device channel 13 communicates with a valve 32 inside the valve device 6a, so that the associated valve 32 is capable of controlling the fluid flow through the device channel 13 and consequently also through the fluid transmission device 1.

[0046] The valve device 6a expediently contains at least one supply connection 42 for supplying the fluid pressure medium to be controlled. Preferably, the valve device 6a also has at least one relief connection 43 through which pressure medium flowing back from a drive 23 to be actuated can be discharged to a pressure sink, in particular to the atmosphere.

[0047] A special feature of the fluid transmission device 1 according to the invention lies in the actuating sleeve 5, which is designed as a separate component with respect to the connection unit 3 and the fluid line 4 and which, in its Fig. 1 to 4, is arranged coaxially on the fluid line 4. This actuating sleeve 5 is axially displaceable back and forth relative to the fluid line 4 carrying it within the scope of a displacement movement 33 indicated by a double arrow. The displacement movement 33 can be brought about manually by grasping it, for example at its radially outwardly facing outer circumference 34, with the human hand and applying a corresponding thrust force in one or the other axial direction. Within the scope of the displacement movement 33, the actuating sleeve 5 can be Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 are pressed axially against the release element 16 with an actuating force FB, so that the actuating force FB acts as the release force FL described above and causes the release movement 17 of the release element 16.

[0048] The actuating sleeve 5 facilitates the deactivation of the holding device 15. It can be gripped much better for the application of force than the release element 16, which generally has only a small contact surface.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, which is implemented in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the connection unit 3 comprises a connection body 44, expediently equipped with the connecting section 8. The connection channel 12 extends coaxially through the connection body 44. The holding device 15, which preferably has an annular structure, is fixed to or in the connection body 44. By way of example, the holding device 15 comprises a holding ring 15a with obliquely radially inwardly projecting, in particular claw-shaped, holding projections 15b. The holding ring 15a is aligned coaxially with the connection channel 12, wherein the holding projections 15b protrude into the connection channel 12 from the radial outside.

[0050] The connection channel 12 has a connection section 12a, which is open towards a front side 45 of the connection unit 3, which is axially remote from the connecting section 8. In the position of use, the fluid line 4 projects with its connection end 14 into this connection section 12a, wherein the connection end 14 engages the holding device 15 according to Fig. 3 coaxially interspersed.

[0051] The retaining projections 15b, distributed around the longitudinal axis 46 of the connection channel 12, are resiliently deformable in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 46 of the connection channel 12. In the unloaded neutral state, when no fluid line 4 is inserted, the retaining projections 15b enclose a cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section defined by the outer diameter of the fluid line 4. This results in the retaining projections 15b being spread apart or bent radially outward when the connection end 14 of the fluid line 4 is inserted. Due to the resilient restoring force that builds up in this process, the retaining projections 15b press against the outer circumference 35 of the fluid line 4 in the region of the connection end 14 and block the fluid line 4 from being pulled out of the connection channel 12.Particularly in conjunction with a flexible fluid line 4, the holding projections 15b are able to penetrate slightly into the material of the fluid line 4, so that the holding function is based not only on a force fit, but at least additionally also on a form fit.

[0052] The release element 16 encloses the inserted fluid line 4 at least partially and preferably in its entirety. It is expediently sleeve-shaped, so that it can also be referred to as a release sleeve. The release element 16 is preferably formed separately from the connection body 44 and has a sleeve-shaped deactivation section 47 that projects from the front side 45 into the connection section 12a of the connection channel 12 of the connection body 44. In addition, the release element 16 has an application section 48 provided for applying the release force FL, which is in particular formed integrally with the deactivation section 47 and is located at the end of the deactivation section 47 associated with the front side 45. This application section 48 is arranged outside the connection body 44 and is preferably annular.It has an annular application surface 52 pointing axially away from the connecting body 44, which serves to apply the release force FL. The release element 16 is axially movable relative to the connecting body 44. The end region of the deactivation section 47 axially opposite the application section 48 is arranged within the connecting body 44 adjacent to the retaining projections 15b, which protrude in front of the end face of the deactivation section 47.

[0053] During the release movement 17, which is caused by applying the release force FL to the application section 48, the deactivation section 47 presses on the retaining projections 15b, causing them to lift from the outer circumference 35 of the inserted fluid line 4. The resulting state is the deactivated state of the retaining device 15.

[0054] The sleeve-shaped release element 16 is coaxially penetrated by the fluid line 4, which assumes the use position. The fluid line 4 is enclosed in the region of its outer circumference 35 by the annular application section 48 and the application surface 52 formed thereon.

[0055] The actuating sleeve 5, which has a length of between 1.5 cm and 10 cm, preferably has a structure that is uninterrupted in its circumferential direction 53. According to Fig. 6 to 8, the circumferential direction 53 is the direction around the central longitudinal axis 54 of the actuating sleeve 5. Preferably, the actuating sleeve 5 is hollow-cylindrical.

[0056] When assembling the fluid transmission device 1, the actuating sleeve 5, which is initially in an individual state not combined with a fluid line 4 according to Fig. 5 is present, is pushed axially onto the fluid line 4 from one of the two axial line ends. The actuating sleeve is axially penetrated by a channel-shaped sleeve opening 55 through which the fluid line 4 extends axially in the use position of the actuating sleeve 5.

[0057] With the actuating sleeve 5 threaded on in this way, the fluid line 4 can be inserted into the connection unit 3 from the front side 45 with its connection end 14 facing forward. The holding device 15 is automatically activated, so that the inserted fluid line 4 is held in place.

[0058] To separate the connection thus established between the fluid line 4 and the connection unit 3, the actuating sleeve 5, which assumes its use position and sits on the fluid line 4, is manually grasped and, while executing the displacement movement 33, is displaced relative to the fluid line 4 in the direction of the connection unit 3 until it finally comes into contact with its axial end face 56 facing the connection unit 3 against the coaxial application surface 52 of the release element 16. Subsequently, the actuating sleeve 5 is displaced further in the direction of the connection body 44, so that the aforementioned axial end face 56 acts as an actuating surface 56, via which the release force FL is introduced into the release element 16, so that the same is driven to the release movement 17. This process takes place, in particular, as a continuous process.

[0059] At the end of the release movement 17, which is defined, for example, by the application section 48 resting against the front end face of the connection body 44, the holding device 15 is in the deactivated state, so that the inserted connection end 14 is released. The position assumed by the release element 16 is referred to as the release position. The fluid line 4 is now pulled out of the connection unit 3 by grasping it with one hand using the pull-out movement 18, wherein the release element 16 is still held in the release position by the action of the actuating sleeve 5, which is acted upon by an actuating force FB with the other hand. During the pull-out movement 18, the fluid line 4 is therefore moved on the one hand relative to the actuating sleeve 5 supported on the release element 16 and on the other hand is pulled out of the connection unit 3.

[0060] The actuating sleeve 5 can then be released again to allow the release element 16 to return to its original position. The actuating sleeve 5 can remain on the fluid line 4 or, if necessary, can be removed from the fluid line 4.

[0061] For example, the fluid line 4 is made of a flexible material, in particular a material with rubber-elastic properties. The same material is expediently also chosen for the actuating sleeve 5.

[0062] In principle, the actuating sleeve 5 can be constructed independently of the material of the fluid line 4. It can also have a rigid structure, for example.

[0063] The actuating surface 56 used to transmit the release force FL to the release element 16 is preferably an annular surface.

[0064] If a fluid line 4 is fastened at its two axial end sections to a connection unit 3 of the type described, one and the same actuating sleeve 5 can be used to deactivate the holding devices 15 of both connection units 3. The actuating sleeve 5 then only needs to be moved towards one or the other connection unit 3 within the scope of the displacement movement 33. Alternatively, if the fluid line 4 is fixed on both sides, it is also possible to assign a separate actuating sleeve 5 to each connection unit 3, so that two independently axially displaceable actuating sleeves 5 are arranged on the fluid line 4.

[0065] According to the examples of Fig. 1 to 7, the actuating sleeve 5, like the fluid line 4, can have a circular cross-section.

[0066] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 6, the actuating sleeve 5 is arranged in its use position on the fluid line 4 with a constant radial play, in a manner not according to the invention. The cross-section of the sleeve opening 55 is larger than the cross-section defined by the outer diameter of the fluid line 4, so that an air gap 57 is present coaxially between the fluid line 4 and the actuating sleeve 5. In this way, the actuating sleeve 5 can be displaced along the fluid line 4 with an extremely low actuating force FB.

[0067] According to a Fig. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the actuating sleeve 5 assuming the use position is constantly clamped to the radial outer circumference 35 of the fluid line 4, so that a frictional force acts between the actuating sleeve 5 and the fluid line 4. This frictional force normally holds the actuating sleeve 5 in place on the fluid line 4, even if the fluid line 4 is moving, for example, due to operation. However, the frictional force is so small that it can be manually overcome with reasonable force for the purpose of displacing the actuating sleeve 5.

[0068] This has the advantage that the actuating sleeve 5, which assumes the position of use, can be positioned in the vicinity of the connection unit 3 to be actuated when not in use and can stably maintain this convenient position even if the fluid line 4 is subjected to any movements or is laid with a vertical extension.

[0069] The aforementioned frictional fixation can be Fig. 7 can be achieved by making the inner diameter of the actuating sleeve 5 slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the fluid line 4 over the entire length of the actuating sleeve 5. Alternatively, the actuating sleeve 5 can also have a narrowed inner diameter only locally at one or more points, which in Fig. 1 is indicated by dash-dotted lines at 58. The locally narrowed inner diameter 58 can be formed by an annular radial projection on the inner circumference of the actuating sleeve 5 or can consist of several projections distributed at specific points in the circumferential direction 53. The narrowed inner diameter 58 can be generated, for example, by local thermal deformation of the actuating sleeve 5.

[0070] A further alternative embodiment for the frictional fixing of the actuating sleeve 5 is shown in Fig. 8. This embodiment is characterized in that the actuating sleeve 5 is elastically deformable and is fixed in its position of use on the fluid line 4 with a pretension that can be temporarily released by manual application.

[0071] In the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, this is achieved in that the fluid line 4 has a circular outer contour, while the actuating sleeve 5 has an elongated, preferably oval or elliptical sleeve cross-section. This elongated sleeve cross-section refers at least to the cross-section of the sleeve opening 55, but preferably to the actuating sleeve 5 as a whole. If the actuating sleeve 5 has a constant wall thickness, which is preferably the case in all embodiments, this also results in an elongated and preferably oval or elliptical outer contour of the actuating sleeve 5.

[0072] The actuating sleeve 5 is designed such that, when not seated on a fluid line 4, it has the aforementioned elongated sleeve cross-section. The sleeve cross-section has a transverse direction 62 and a longitudinal direction 63 perpendicular thereto. In the transverse direction 62, the inside diameter of the sleeve opening 55 is smaller than in the longitudinal direction 63. Furthermore, the inside diameter is smaller in the transverse direction 62 and larger in the longitudinal direction 63 than the outer diameter of the fluid line 4.

[0073] This results in the actuating sleeve 5, which assumes the use position on the fluid line 4, being slightly elastically expanded in the transverse direction 62, whereby the resulting counterforce results in a radial preload in the transverse direction 62, which results in a frictional fixation of the actuating sleeve 5 on the fluid line 4. As a result, the actuating sleeve 5 is held on the fluid line 4 in a frictional manner in the axial direction.

[0074] To execute the displacement movement 33, a radial pressing force FD is applied with the fingers of one hand from diametrically opposite sides in the longitudinal direction 63 of the sleeve cross-section, so that the actuating sleeve 5 is diametrically compressed in the longitudinal direction 63 of the sleeve cross-section. This is accompanied by a diametrical expansion of the actuating sleeve 5 in the transverse direction 62 of the sleeve cross-section, indicated by arrows 64, so that the preload still present up to that point and the resulting frictional force are eliminated. In this state, the actuating sleeve 5 can be displaced along the fluid line 4 in order to deactivate the holding device 15 by acting on the release element 16.

[0075] The actuating sleeve 5 simultaneously forms a marking carrier 5a. This is expressed by the fact that the actuating sleeve 5 bears at least one marking 65 on its radial outer circumference 34, which is only symbolically indicated in the drawing.

[0076] The marking 65 is, for example, printed directly onto the material of the actuating sleeve 5 or applied in some other way. It can be engraved, for example, by laser irradiation. Another advantageous marking option is the application of an adhesive label bearing the marking.

[0077] The marking 65 contains, for example, information as to the purpose of the associated fluid line 4 and / or to which of several connection units 3 arranged on a fluid power device 6 the associated fluid line 4 is to be connected in a functionally correct manner.

[0078] From the Fig. 1 and Fig.2 it can be seen that one and the same fluid power device 6 can have several connection units suitable for connecting fluid lines 4, which are assigned, for example, to different valves 32, so that a suitable marking 65 can ensure that a fluid line 4 is fluidically connected to the correct valve 32.

[0079] The length of the 65 marking can be easily adjusted to the required length and size.

[0080] In its position of use, the actuating sleeve 5 is expediently arranged on the fluid line 4 so that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis 54. This offers the advantageous possibility of manually rotating the actuating sleeve 5 as needed so that a marking 65 attached to it is oriented in a convenient way. It is therefore sufficient to arrange the marking 65 so that it extends in the circumferential direction 53 only along a partial circumference of the actuating sleeve 5, which applies to the exemplary embodiment.

[0081] In addition or as an alternative to applying a marking 65, it is also possible to provide actuating sleeves 5 in different colors, which can then be selected and combined with existing fluid lines 4.

[0082] The combination of a marking 65 with the actuating sleeve 5 offers increased security against tampering. If the marking 65 is firmly attached to the actuating sleeve 5 and the actuating sleeve 5 can only be removed by axially pulling it off the fluid line 4, the marking 65 can only be removed together with the actuating sleeve 5 and thus only by first loosening the fluid line 4.

Claims

[1] Fluid transmission device, with a connection unit (3) which can be attached to a fluid power device (6), with a fluid line (4) which is separate from the connection unit (3) and which, in its position of use, is plugged into the connection unit (3) and is detachably held by a holding device (15) of the connection unit (3), wherein the connection unit (3) has a sleeve-shaped release element (16) which at least partially encloses the plugged-in fluid line (4) and through which the fluid line (4) passes, which is axially displaceable by being acted upon by means of a release force (FL) in order to deactivate the holding device (15) to enable the plugged-in fluid line (4) to be pulled out of the connection unit (3), and which has a deactivation section (47) which projects into a connection body (44) of the connection unit (3) and is provided for interaction with the holding device (15), and a deactivation section (47) which lies outside the connection body (44),for applying the release force (FL), and with an actuating sleeve (5) for the release element (16) which is separate from the connection unit (3) and the fluid line (4), which actuating sleeve (5) is arranged coaxially and axially displaceably on the fluid line (4) in its position of use and can be pressed onto the release element (16) by manually induced axial displacement on the fluid line (4) to exert the release force (FL), , characterized byin that the actuating sleeve (5) simultaneously forms an identification carrier (5a) carrying at least one identification mark (65) in the region of its radially outwardly facing outer circumference (34), wherein the actuating sleeve (5) is either constantly clamped to the outer circumference (34) of the fluid line (4) in its position of use by developing a frictional force, wherein the frictional force for displacing the actuating sleeve (5) can be overcome by manually applying an axial actuating force (FB), or wherein the actuating sleeve (5) is elastically deformable and is fixed to the fluid line (4) in its position of use with a pre-tension which can be temporarily released by manual application. [2] Fluid transfer device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the elastically deformable actuating sleeve (5) has an elongated, in particular oval or elliptical sleeve cross-section and is fixed in its position of use in the transverse direction (62) of the sleeve cross-section with prestress on the fluid line (4), wherein in order to displace the actuating sleeve (5), the prestress can be removed by manually diametrically compressing the actuating sleeve (5) in the longitudinal direction (63) of the sleeve cross-section. [3] Fluid transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the actuating sleeve (5) has a structure that is uninterrupted in its circumferential direction (53). [4] Fluid transfer device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the actuating sleeve (5) as well as the fluid line (4) has a circular cross-section. [5] Fluid transfer device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the actuating sleeve (5) is hollow cylindrical. [6] Fluid transfer device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the actuating sleeve (5) is made of the same material as the fluid line (4). [7] Fluid transfer device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the actuating sleeve (5) consists of an elastically deformable material. [8] Fluid transfer device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the actuating sleeve (5) has, on its end face facing the connection unit (3), an annular actuating surface (56) designed to act on the release element (16). [9] Fluid transfer device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the actuating sleeve (5) is pushed axially onto the fluid line (4) from one end of the line in order to assume its position of use. [10] Fluid transfer device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the at least one marking (65) is printed, glued or engraved on the outer circumference (34) of the marking carrier (5a). [11] Fluid power system, comprising a fluid power device (6) equipped with at least one fluid transmission device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10. [12] Fluid power system according to claim 11, characterized by in that it comprises a fluid-operated drive (23) to which the at least one fluid transmission device (1) is connected with its fluid line (4), wherein the fluid power device (6) is a valve device (6a) equipped with the connection unit (3) of the fluid transmission device (1).

Images