Maintenance device

Abstract

Maintenance device for compressed air treatment, with a base body (2) which comprises an inlet connection (6) for a fluid supply, an outlet connection (7) for a fluid discharge and a container connection (14) for coupling a maintenance container (4; 104), wherein a first fluid channel section (70) extends between the inlet connection (6) and a first mouth opening (72) assigned to the container connection (14), and wherein a second fluid channel section (71) extends between a second mouth opening (73) assigned to the container connection (14) and the outlet connection (7), and with a maintenance container (4; 104) which is designed for a fluid-tight locking with the container connection (14) and which comprises a fluid chamber (68) for a fluidically communicating connection of the first fluid channel section (70) with the second fluid channel section (71), characterized in that the maintenance container (4; 104) has a receiving cup (31;131) and a retaining ring (26; 126) formed circumferentially around a central axis (17; 117), wherein the retaining ring (26; 126) engages around an outer surface (52) of the receiving cup (31; 131) and is fixed to the receiving cup (31; 131) in a form-fitting manner, and wherein the retaining ring (26; 126) has at least one radial projection (33 to 38) on a peripheral surface (25) and at least one locking means (32; 132) which is movably mounted on the retaining ring (26; 126), which locking means are each designed for engagement in associated peripheral recesses (13, 18 to 23) of the base body (2) in order to form a closure with the peripheral recesses (13, 18 to 23), wherein the retaining ring (26; 126) is in an axial direction on a radial collar (64) of the receiving cup (31; 131) and wherein the radial collar (64) of the receiving cup (31; 131) is supported on an axial end face (59) of the retaining ring (26; 126), whereby an axial force transmission from the receiving cup (31; 131) to the retaining ring (26;126) is made possible.;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a maintenance device for compressed air treatment, with a base body which comprises an inlet connection for a fluid supply, an outlet connection for a fluid discharge and a container connection for coupling a maintenance container, wherein a first fluid channel section extends between the inlet connection and a first mouth opening assigned to the container connection and wherein a second fluid channel section extends between a second mouth opening assigned to the container connection and the outlet connection, as well as with a maintenance container which is designed for a fluid-tight locking with the container connection and which comprises a fluid space for a fluidically communicating connection of the first fluid channel section with the second fluid channel section.

[0002] DE 196 46 639 A1 discloses a bayonet connection device, which is intended in particular for maintenance devices for fluid treatment and which is designed for the detachable connection of two bodies by plugging them together in the direction of a plug-in axis and subsequent relative rotation about this plug-in axis. When the connection is established, at least one radial projection of one body, which extends radially with respect to the plug-in axis and adjoins a base section, radially engages a holding section of the other body. A contact surface provided on the radial projection bears in a contact zone against a facing counter-contact surface of the holding section, so that the two bodies are clamped together by axial forces acting in the direction of the plug-in axis.The contact surface of the radial projection has an oblique profile in the area of ​​the contact pressure zone and is inclined towards its radial, free end in the plug-in direction of the body having the radial projection.

[0003] DE 11 2011 105 229 B4 discloses a fluid pressure device comprising a filter forming part of a fluid pressure unit, a first body, a housing unit connected to a lower portion of the first body, and a filter unit housed inside the housing unit. The housing unit consists of an outer housing made of a light-transmitting transparent material as a cylinder with a bottom, and an inner housing inserted inside the outer housing. Furthermore, by inserting the housing unit into an installation opening opened at a lower portion of the first body and rotating the housing unit, projections and support walls provided on an outer peripheral surface of the housing unit are brought into engagement with support elements in the installation opening, thereby bringing the housing unit into a connected state.

[0004] DE 21 42 613 A describes an air lubricating device comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet for the air flow, an air line extending therebetween, and an oil supply device having a connecting opening for directing the lubricating oil into the line, the air line comprising a venturi line and a relief line for the venturi line, and the oil supply device opening into the venturi line, while the lubricating device further comprises an overflow valve which normally closes the relief line and is responsive to an excessive pressure difference in one of two directions to open and allow an air flow through the relief line, characterized in that the overflow valve comprises a baffle plate made of flexible elastic material and substantially completely closes the relief line,wherein a first portion of the baffle plate is fixed and a second portion thereof is freely bendable in both directions to open the valve in response to excessive pressure difference, while the baffle plate, due to its elasticity, can be brought into its position closing the relief line after the excessive pressure has been equalized.

[0005] DE 87 00 973 U1 showed a lubricating or filtering device for a compressed air-operated device, comprising a cover insertable into the supply line of the device, a pot containing the lubricant or filter material, and a protective cylinder surrounding the pot, both of which are attached to the cover by a detachable bayonet-type coupling, wherein a connecting ring protrudes from the underside of the cover and is provided on its inner circumference with a plurality of locking projections at predetermined angular intervals from one another; wherein the pot and the protective cylinder are fixed to one another in the direction of rotation by a positioning recess and a projection cooperating therewith;wherein the pot and protective cylinder are each provided with a plurality of flange sections on the upper outer peripheral edge, which correspond to the spaces between the locking projections on the lid, wherein the flange sections of the pot and the protective cylinder fit one above the other through the spaces between the locking projections of the lid and, after rotation of the pot and the protective cylinder relative to the lid by a predetermined angle, engage behind the associated locking projections in the connecting ring; wherein the protective cylinder is provided on its outer circumference with a locking piece, which is fastened to the outer circumference of the protective cylinder by means of an elastic tab and whose front upper end can be elastically bent away from the outer circumference of the protective cylinder by pressure on the lower end;and wherein the lid is provided on the outer circumference with a recess into which the front upper end of the locking piece engages after fastening the pot and protective cylinder to the lid, as a safeguard against rotational movement of the pot and protective cylinder relative to the lid.;

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a maintenance device which has a simplified structure.

[0007] This object is achieved for a maintenance device of the type mentioned at the outset with the features of claim 1.It is provided that the maintenance container comprises a receiving cup and a retaining ring formed circumferentially around a central axis, wherein the retaining ring engages around an outer surface of the receiving cup and is fixed to the receiving cup in a form-fitting manner and wherein the retaining ring has at least one radial projection on a circumferential surface and at least one locking means movably mounted on the retaining ring, which are each designed to engage in associated circumferential recesses of the base body in order to form a closure, in particular a bayonet closure, with the circumferential recesses, wherein the retaining ring rests in an axial direction against a radial collar of the receiving cup and wherein the radial collar of the receiving cup is supported on an axial end face of the retaining ring, whereby an axial force transmission from the receiving cup to the retaining ring is enabled.

[0008] It can be provided that at least one functional component is arranged in the first fluid channel section and / or in the second fluid channel section and / or in the region of the fluid chamber, with which the fluid that is to flow from the inlet connection to the outlet connection can be influenced. Such a functional component can be, for example, a moisture separator, a pressure reducer or a combination thereof. The decisive factor is that, when the maintenance device is used as intended, the fluid chamber of the maintenance container is subjected to an inlet pressure of the fluid at the inlet connection or an outlet pressure of the fluid at the outlet connection or a fluid pressure located between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure and must therefore be arranged and secured to the base body in a fluid-tight manner.Optionally, it is provided that the first fluid channel section and the associated orifice and / or the second fluid channel section and the associated orifice are not formed on a single-piece base body, but are defined, for example, by additional parts that are associated with the base body. One or more such additional parts can also be part of the functional component.

[0009] To achieve the fluid-tight attachment of the maintenance container to the base body and to enable cost-effective production of the maintenance container, the maintenance container is provided with a receiving cup and a separately manufactured retaining ring extending circumferentially around a central axis. For example, the maintenance container may be made of a transparent plastic or another material that may not be suitable for direct locking to the base body due to its material properties, in particular its potentially insufficient strength.

[0010] Rather, the locking mechanism required for the sealing coupling of the maintenance container to the base body is formed on the retaining ring, which is made, for example, of a high-strength plastic material or another material suitable for absorbing the forces acting on the maintenance container during intended use of the maintenance device. These forces depend in particular on the geometry of the maintenance container and the fluid pressure in the fluid space of the maintenance container. Furthermore, it is provided that the receiving container rests on the retaining ring over a large area, in particular with an annular surface, thus ensuring an advantageous symmetrical transmission of axial forces between the receiving container and the retaining ring.

[0011] In order to enable an overall advantageous force transmission between the base body, the retaining ring and the receiving cup, it is provided that the retaining ring engages around an outer surface of the receiving cup. For example, the receiving cup has a rotationally symmetrical, in particular parabolic, geometry that is aligned concentrically to the central axis of the retaining ring. Accordingly, the retaining ring can be arranged on a preferably circular-cylindrical outer surface of the receiving cup and engage around the entire circumference. In order to ensure advantageous force transmission between the retaining ring and the receiving cup both during the intended operation of the maintenance device and during a locking process for the maintenance container or during an unlocking process for the maintenance container, both the retaining ring and the receiving cup have corresponding recesses and projections.These recesses and projections ensure the positive fixing, in particular a snap-locking, of the retaining ring on the receiving cup in a circumferential direction surrounding the central axis and in an axial direction along the central axis. For example, the receiving cup has a plurality of recesses on its outer surface, which are provided for receiving projections formed on a corresponding, radially inwardly directed circumferential surface of the retaining ring.

[0012] In addition, it can be provided that the recesses and projections on the retaining ring and the receiving cup are coordinated with one another in such a way that the retaining ring is elastically deformed at least in some areas when mounted on the receiving cup, in particular to enable one of the projections to snap into the corresponding recess. Additionally or alternatively, the recesses and projections are arranged and / or aligned in such a way that they ensure a positive connection between the retaining ring and the receiving cup in both a circumferential direction and an axial direction.In an exemplary design of the locking mechanism between the base body and the maintenance container as a bayonet lock, forces occur in these two spatial directions either during the locking process or during the unlocking process or during the intended use of the maintenance device, which forces must be diverted from the receiving cup into the retaining ring and from the retaining ring into the base body of the maintenance device, which is ensured by the suitably arranged recesses and projections.

[0013] Furthermore, it is provided that the retaining ring has at least one radial projection on a circumferential surface and at least one locking means movably mounted on the retaining ring. It is preferably provided that both the at least one radial projection and the locking means protrude radially outward from the retaining ring and are each designed to engage in associated circumferential recesses in the base body. In such an embodiment of the locking mechanism between the base body and the maintenance container, which can also be referred to as a bayonet lock, the circumferential recesses are provided in particular as radially outwardly extending, preferably groove-like, depressions in an inner circumferential surface of the base body and have an at least substantially L-shaped profile in a projection plane that encompasses the central axis of the retaining ring.A first leg of the L-shaped circumferential recess extends parallel to the central axis and thus allows axial feeding of the radial projection into the circumferential recess at the beginning of a locking process. When the radial projection reaches an inner surface oriented at least substantially normal to the axial direction due to an axial movement of the maintenance container relative to the base body, a rotational movement of the maintenance container can be carried out, during which the locking means reaches the second section of the L-shaped circumferential recess. The second section of the L-shaped circumferential recess, which is preferably undercut in the axial direction, enables the desired axial locking between the locking projection of the retaining ring, the maintenance container coupled to the retaining ring, and the base body coupled to the retaining ring.Due to the separate design of the retaining ring and the receiving cup, when producing the receiving cup and the retaining ring, for example using the plastic injection molding process, the respective geometries, in particular for the radial projections and for the locking means on the retaining ring, can be advantageously adapted to the requirements for locking on the base body, without having to take special consideration of the properties of the receiving cup.

[0014] Alternatively, the circumferential recesses can be configured in the manner of threads, and the radial projections can engage in these threads to lock the maintenance container to the base body. In this case, locking and unlocking of the maintenance container to and from the base body occurs in the course of a screwing movement, thus superimposing a rotary movement and a linear movement. When the maintenance container is in the locked position with the base body, the locking means prevents any undesired screwing movement of the maintenance container relative to the base body.

[0015] In an advantageous development of the invention, an axial projection is formed on the retaining ring, which is formed at a free end region spaced from a ring part of the retaining ring with a radially inwardly projecting projection for engagement in a corresponding recess in an outer peripheral surface of the receiving cup. Such an axial projection is provided if the retaining ring has a high degree of rigidity due to its geometry and / or its material selection. In such a case, engagement of a radially inwardly projecting projection formed directly on the retaining ring could lead to undesirable plastic deformation of the retaining ring and / or the receiving cup.To avoid this situation, the projection is arranged on an inner surface of an axial projection which acts like a leaf spring and ensures at least almost exclusively elastic locking of the retaining ring with the receiving cup, even with a retaining ring made of high-strength material.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, a circumferential recess in the base body, which is designed to positively receive a section of the locking means, in particular in a locking direction for the locking means, is provided with a control surface for deflecting the locking means from a locking position into an unlocking position. The function of the control surface is therefore to ensure convenient assembly of the maintenance container on the base body. During an assembly process for the maintenance container, the control surface enters into a force-transmitting connection with the locking means, so that the latter can be temporarily transferred from its locking position into an unlocking position and then resumes the locking position upon reaching an end position for the maintenance container.For example, it is provided that the control surface is aligned obliquely to a movement path for the locking means during the assembly process. Thus, for example, during an axial movement of the maintenance container along the central axis or during a rotational movement of the maintenance container about the central axis, the locking means can slide along the control surface aligned obliquely to the movement path and be brought from the locking position into the unlocking position in the sense of an inclined plane. Furthermore, it is provided that the control surface extends along the movement path for the locking means in such a way that when the locking means approaches a locking position, it is ensured that the locking means can leave the control surface and engage in the desired locking position, thereby ensuring the locking between the maintenance container and the base body.

[0017] Preferably, the locking means is mounted on a solid-state joint associated with the retaining ring for radial movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, in particular being formed integrally with the retaining ring and the solid-state joint. A solid-state joint enables a relative movement of the locking means with respect to the retaining ring between a locking position and an unlocking position through deformation, in particular an elastic deformation.For example, the geometry of the flexure joint is designed such that significant elastic deformation of the flexure joint is only possible about a single pivot axis (in particular, one arranged transversely and at a distance from the center axis of the retaining ring), while the flexure joint has significantly higher moments of resistance to bending in other spatial directions and is therefore not deformed in these spatial directions, at least during intended use. For example, the flexure joint can be implemented in the form of a straight or curved leaf spring that connects the retaining ring to the locking means. It is particularly preferred that the retaining ring, the flexure joint, and the locking means are manufactured in one piece, in particular using a plastic injection molding process.

[0018] In an alternative development of the invention, it is provided that the locking means is guided for linear movement on an axial projection of the retaining ring, and a spring arrangement is formed between the axial projection and the locking means to establish a preferred position for the locking means. For example, the locking means is guided for linear movement along the central axis on the axial projection of the retaining ring and is held in the locking position by the spring arrangement. A movement of the locking means from the locking position to the unlocking position accordingly requires the application of force to the locking means, which compresses the spring arrangement. When the actuating force disappears, the locking means is automatically moved back towards the locking position.It is advantageous if the spring assembly is formed integrally with the axial projection or integrally with the locking means, which can be achieved particularly when the retaining ring and / or the locking means are manufactured using a plastic injection molding process. In this case, separate procurement and assembly of the spring assembly is eliminated, resulting in cost savings and improved assembly properties.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one radial projection, the locking means, and the circumferential recesses on the base body are designed to specify at least one mounting orientation of the maintenance container relative to the base body. For example, it is provided that the geometry of the radial projection and the locking means differ from one another in such a way that the radial projection cannot be mounted in the circumferential recess for the locking means, or the locking means cannot be mounted in the circumferential recess for the radial projection. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a plurality of radial projections are provided on the retaining ring, which, however, are not arranged at a uniform angular pitch relative to one another with respect to the central axis.In an alternative embodiment, several radial projections are formed on the retaining ring, each of which has a different extension in the circumferential direction, thus ensuring the only mounting orientation of the maintenance container relative to the base body. Thus, for example, a single or two mounting orientations for the maintenance container relative to the base body can be provided.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the container connection is assigned to an axial surface of the base body and comprises a circumferential, in particular circular, connecting ring, and the circumferential recesses are formed on a circumferential surface, in particular on an inner circumferential surface, of the connecting ring. The circumferential recesses each have a locking projection extending in the radial direction in some regions to form an undercut in the direction of a central axis of the connecting ring, ensuring axial fixation of the retaining ring on the base body. The connecting ring thus forms the mechanical interface for the maintenance container.In addition, it can be provided that a sealing ring provided coaxially with the retaining ring on an outer surface of the receiving cup rests against an annular inner circumferential surface of the connecting ring arranged adjacent to the axial surface of the base body in order to enable the desired sealing coupling between the maintenance container and the base body.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be provided that the outlet openings of the two fluid channels are formed in a surface section of the axial surface of the base body bordered by the connecting ring. However, it is crucial that the connecting ring is provided with circumferential recesses designed for the engagement of the at least one radial projection and the at least one locking means of the retaining ring and configured such that forces acting on the receiving cup in the axial direction along the center axis of the retaining ring can be diverted from the receiving cup via the retaining ring into the base body.For this purpose, the circumferential recesses are provided in some areas with locking projections extending in the radial direction, which form an undercut for the at least one radial projection with respect to an axial direction along the central axis and thus ensure the desired positive connection in the axial direction between the radial projection, locking projection and connecting ring.

[0022] It is expedient if the connecting ring is partially interspersed with recesses that extend in the radial direction and, together with axially extending groove sections, form the circumferential recesses. This design of the circumferential recesses enables advantageous production of the base body with the integrally formed connecting ring in a plastic injection molding process. It is preferably provided that the recesses extending in the radial direction are formed with a constant profile along a rectilinear extension axis, so that these recesses can be realized, for example, by linearly movable slides in the plastic injection mold.Depending on the definition of a parting plane for the plastic injection mold, the groove sections can either be provided with a profiling of a fixed mold core or, alternatively, with an arrangement of linearly movable slides, with which the circumferential recesses can be produced cost-effectively.

[0023] According to the invention, the connecting ring rests against a radial collar of the receiving cup in an axial direction. Preferably, the radial collar of the receiving cup is designed to be continuous and have a constant profile, thus ensuring advantageous force transmission between the retaining ring and the receiving cup.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing. Fig. 1 an overview of a maintenance device with a base body and a maintenance container attached to it, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the basic body according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a receiving cup for use with the maintenance device according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a perspective view of a retaining ring for use with the receiving cup according to the Fig. 3 on the maintenance device according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 5 a perspective detailed view of a middle section of the maintenance device according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 6 a sectional view of the middle section according to the Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a sectional plan view of the maintenance device according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 8 a perspective view of the receiving cup and retaining ring in a not yet assembled view, Fig. 9 a perspective view of the maintenance container formed from the receiving cup and the retaining ring, Fig. 10 a sectional view of an upper part of the receiving cup with a retaining ring not yet mounted, Fig. 11 a sectional view of the receiving cup with mounted retaining ring, and Fig. 12 a perspective view from below of the base body according to the Fig. 2.

[0025] One in the Fig. 1, the maintenance device 1 shown in a front view is designed purely as an example as a combined pressure reducer and condensate separator. For example, such a maintenance device 1 can be used in a fluidic system (not shown in detail), in particular a compressed air system, to allow for influencing the fluid pressure in the compressed air system as well as the moisture content of the supplied compressed air.

[0026] The maintenance device 1 comprises, purely by way of example, a base body 2, on the top of which an actuating section 3 is arranged, which is rotatably mounted on the base body 2. Furthermore, a maintenance container 4 is arranged on an underside of the base body 2. By way of example, it is provided that by a rotary movement of the actuating section 3, an adjustment of a reduction in the fluid pressure for a fluid flowing through the maintenance device 1 can be carried out, which reduction is caused by a functional unit provided inside the maintenance device 1 and not shown in detail. Furthermore, inside the maintenance device 1, a Fig. 6, a purely schematically illustrated further functional unit 12 is arranged, which is designed as a condensate separator and is designed to reduce the moisture content of the compressed air that can flow through the maintenance device 1.

[0027] In the case of the maintenance device 1, which is connected to the functional unit according to Fig. 6, during normal operation, moisture separates out and can collect as liquid in the maintenance container 4. This moisture can be occasionally drained off with the aid of a drain valve 5 provided at the lower end of the maintenance container 4 in order to prevent the maintenance container 4 from becoming overfilled with liquid. Furthermore, it is provided that the maintenance container 4 is designed to be removable from the base body 2 in the manner described in more detail below, in particular in the course of a sequence of a pivoting movement and a linear movement, in order to be able to clean the maintenance container 4, for example.

[0028] Furthermore, an inlet connection 6 and an outlet connection 7 are provided on the base body 2, which are formed on opposite side surfaces 8, 9. For example, a pressure gauge connection 11 is formed purely by way of example on a front side 10 of the base body 2, into which a pressure gauge (not shown in detail) can be screwed, which can be designed, for example, to display the fluid pressure present at the outlet connection 7.

[0029] For example, it is planned that the Fig. 2 and Fig. 12, the base body 2 is designed as a plastic injection-molded part. The actuating section 3 and the functional unit assigned to the base body (not shown in detail) as well as the Fig. The functional unit 12 shown in Figure 6, which is designed as a condensate separator, is then assembled in several assembly steps after the manufacture of the base body 2. As can be seen from the illustrations of Fig. 2 and Fig. 12 can still be removed, a container connection 14 for the maintenance container 4 is formed on an axial surface 15 of the base body 2, which comprises an annular circumferential connection ring 16 which extends in an axial direction along a central axis 17 and which has a plurality of circumferential recesses 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, described in more detail below, which are designed for locking the maintenance container 4, also described in more detail below, on the base body 2.

[0030] By way of example, the connecting ring 16 has a circular-cylindrical inner circumferential surface 24 interrupted by the circumferential recesses 13, 18 to 23, the inner diameter of which corresponds to an outer diameter of a purely exemplary circular-cylindrical outer circumferential surface 25 of a Fig. 4, so that the retaining ring 26 can be slidably inserted linearly with slight play into a receiving space 27 bordered by the inner circumferential surface 24 along the central axis 17 and can then be locked to the connecting ring 16 by a pivoting movement about the central axis 17. A circular cylindrical sealing surface 28 extends in the axial direction along the central axis 17, starting from the inner circumferential surface 24. The sealing surface 28 is provided for the sealing engagement of a round cord ring (O-ring), not shown in detail, which is designed to be received between coaxially and spaced-apart annular projections 29, 30 on the receiving cup 31.In this case, an outer diameter of the O-ring (not shown in detail) and an inner diameter of the sealing surface 28 are adapted to one another in such a way that, when the maintenance device 1 is used as intended, escape of pressurized fluid from the maintenance container 4 past the O-ring into the environment is prevented.

[0031] The Fig. The circumferential recesses 13, 18 to 23 shown in more detail in Figure 12 are provided to perform different functions and for this reason also have different geometries. While the circumferential recess 13 is provided to receive a locking means 32 formed on the retaining ring 26, the circumferential recesses 18 to 23 serve to receive radial projections 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 of the retaining ring 26, which in the Fig. 4 are only partially visible, whereby the positions of the invisible radial projections are symbolized by the respective reference arrows. The locking means 32 serves in a functional position as shown in the sectional view according to Fig. 7, to prevent an unwanted rotational movement of the maintenance container 4 about the central axis 17, while the radial projections 33 to 38 are designed for an axial locking of the maintenance container 4 on the base body 2.

[0032] The circumferential recesses 19 to 23, apart from possible differences in their spatial extent, have in principle the same geometry, which is determined by a groove section 90, 91 extending along the central axis 17 with at least substantially constant profiling and a locking recess 39 extending transversely to the central axis 17, penetrating the connecting ring 16 and in particular with constant profiling. As can be seen from the illustration of the Fig. 12, the circumferential recesses 19 to 23 have, starting from the inner circumferential surface 24 of the connecting ring 16, an at least substantially identical radial extent, this radial extent being adapted to a radial extent of the radial projections 33 to 38 in order to enable low-friction axial insertion of the radial projections 33 to 38 into the circumferential recesses 19 to 23 during a first assembly step for the maintenance container 4 on the base body 2, which assembly step takes place along the central axis 17. Since the locking recesses 39 are arranged in such a way that they intersect the groove sections 90, 91 in some areas, this results in circumferential recesses 19 to 23 which each have substantially L-shaped projection geometries in a projection plane (not shown in more detail) which also includes the central axis 17.Since the locking recesses 39 also penetrate an area of ​​the connecting ring 16 arranged adjacent to the groove sections 90, an undercut 40 determined by this area of ​​the connecting ring 16 and the profile recess 39 is formed in each of the circumferential recesses 19 to 23, which undercut leads to an axial locking of the radial projections 33 to 38 on the connecting ring 16 during a pivoting movement of the maintenance container 4.

[0033] In principle, it can be assumed that when the maintenance device 1 is pressurized due to the excess fluid pressure in the maintenance container 4 compared to the environment, an axial pressure force component acting along the central axis 17 acts on the maintenance container 4, which leads to a force flow starting from the receiving cup 31 via the retaining ring 26 into the connecting ring 16 and from there into the base body 2. For this purpose, the radial projections 33 to 38 bear against the undercuts 40 of the circumferential recesses 19 to 23, thereby ensuring the desired axial support of the maintenance container 4 relative to the base body 2.

[0034] For example, it is provided that the radial projections 33 to 38 relative to the central axis 17, which in the Fig. 4 in connection with the retaining ring 26, are arranged at the same angular pitch. Furthermore, it can be provided that, for example, the radial projection 33 and the radial projection 36 (not shown in more detail) each have a recess 80 which is designed to allow an axial immersion of these two radial projections 33, 36 into specially shaped groove sections 91, each of which has a radial projection 81. The radial projections 35, 35, 37, 38, on the other hand, are designed such that they cannot immerse themselves in the groove sections 91. This enables the maintenance container 4 to be attached to the base body 2 in two predetermined mounting positions due to the geometric coding thereby effected.

[0035] Furthermore, the radial projections 33 to 38 have a Fig. 4, whereby an advantageous introduction of force from the undercut 40 to a respective axial surface 41 of the respective radial projection 33 to 38 and from there into the retaining ring 26 is ensured.

[0036] In the embodiment of the retaining ring 26 shown in the Fig. 4, a total of three axial projections 43, 44 and 45 extend in the axial direction from a substantially circular-cylindrical ring section 42, which is provided with the radial projections 33 to 38, wherein the axial projection 43 carries the locking means 32, while the axial projections 44 and 45 each have radially inwardly projecting locking projections 46 and 47. To stabilize the axial projections 43, 44 and 45 against forces acting in the radial direction, the axial projections 43, 44 and 45 are each connected to one another by circular ring segments 48, 49 and 50. For example, the axial projections 44 and 45 extend in the axial direction in a tongue-like manner and the locking projections 46 and 47 have a Fig. 4. The locking projections 46 and 47 are each designed to engage in locking recesses on an outer surface of the receiving cup 31. As can be seen from the illustration of Fig. 3, the only locking recess 51 visible there is designed as a circular ring-shaped depression and extends over a region of the circumference of the outer surface 52 of the receiving cup 31 that is larger than an extension of the locking projection 46 or 47 in the circumferential direction. Thus, the respective locking projection 46 or 47 can be received in the locking recess 51, as is particularly shown in the Fig. 5 is shown.

[0037] The axial projection 43, which carries the locking means 32, is dimensionally stable due to its extension in the circumferential direction of the retaining ring 26 and the circular ring-shaped profiling in the direction of the central axis 17. An L-shaped profiled locking carrier 53 adjoins the dimensionally stable axial projection 43, wherein the locking means 32 is arranged on an axially aligned outer surface of a second leg 5 of the locking carrier 53, while a first leg 54 of the locking carrier 53 forms the solid-state joint for the pivoting movement of the locking means 32 about an angle shown only schematically in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The second leg 55 serves to introduce force onto the bolt carrier 53 and is provided on a radially outer outer surface purely by way of example with several elevations 58, with which a manual introduction of a radially inwardly directed actuating force is facilitated, wherein the actuating force causes the pivoting movement of the locking means 32 from the position shown in the Fig. 4 into an unlocking position not shown in detail, in which the locking means 32 is brought closer to the central axis 17 in the radial direction.

[0038] Preferably, the retaining ring 26 is manufactured in one piece as a plastic injection-molded part, and thus the ring section 42, the axial projections 43 to 45, the circular ring segments 48 to 50 and the locking carrier 53 with the locking means 32 attached thereto are realized in a single component. In addition, it can be provided that on an axial end face 59 of the retaining ring 26, several projections 60, 61, 62 and 63, in particular also integrally formed, are arranged, which are intended for engagement in recesses of an annular collar 64 of the receiving cup 31. The projections 60 to 63 and the recesses 65, 66, which are in the Fig. 3 are recognizable on the ring collar 64, as well as others in the Fig. 3 recesses (not visible) for a circularly unambiguous alignment of the retaining ring 26 with respect to the receiving cup 31, so that when the retaining ring 26 is mounted on the receiving cup 31, a clear positioning of the two components relative to each other is ensured. This ensures reliable engagement of the locking projections 46 and 47 on the retaining ring 26 in the locking recesses 51 on the outer surface 52 of the receiving cup 31. Furthermore, the end face 59 on the retaining ring 26 serves for flat contact with an axial surface 67 of the annular collar 64, which in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 is shown in more detail, whereby this flat contact between the retaining ring 26 and the receiving cup 31 enables a transmission of forces aligned axially along the central axis 17 from the receiving cup 31 to the retaining ring 26.

[0039] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows how the container connection 14 formed on the base body 2 is in fluid communication with the associated connection ring 16, the retaining ring 26 and the receiving cup 31. Furthermore, the illustration of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 that the functional unit 12, which is designed purely as an example as a condensate separator and which will not be discussed in more detail below, is arranged in a fluid space 68 delimited by the receiving cup 31 and the base body 2.

[0040] It is crucial for the function of the maintenance device 1 that starting from the input connection 6 according to the illustration of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 one in the Fig. 6, a first fluid channel section 70, which is only partially visible, forms a first outlet opening 72 on the axial surface 15 of the base body 2. Furthermore, it is provided that a second fluid channel section 71 forms a second outlet opening 73 on the axial surface 15 of the base body 2, which is fluidically connected to the outlet connection 7. Without going into detail about the function of the functional unit 12, it is crucial for the locking of the receiving cup 31 by means of the retaining ring 26 on the base body 2, which is in the foreground here, that due to the cup-shaped design of the receiving cup 31, when compressed air is applied to the fluid chamber 68, in particular axial forces occur which, according to the illustration of Fig. 6 are directed downwards and which must be diverted from the receiving cup 31 to the base body 2.

[0041] For this purpose, it is provided that the annular collar 64 of the receiving cup 31 is supported on the end face 59 of the retaining ring 26, thereby enabling axial force transmission from the receiving cup 31 to the retaining ring 26. Furthermore, it is provided that the retaining ring 26, with the radial projections 33 to 38, respectively bears against the undercuts 40 of the circumferential recesses 18 to 23, thereby enabling axial force flow from the retaining ring 26 to the connecting ring 16 of the container connection 14 on the base body 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the representation of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 that the locking means 32 is locked in the associated circumferential recess 13 in a circumferential direction and for this purpose lies with a circumferentially aligned end face 74 on an opposite locking surface 75 of a locking nose 76 provided adjacent to a groove section 90 and extending radially inwards. As can be seen from the illustration of Fig. 7 can be removed, the operative connection between the locking surface 75 of the locking means 32 and the locking nose 76 prevents rotation of the maintenance container 4 about the central axis 17, so that without the intervention of an operator, at least during intended use of the maintenance device 1, removal of the maintenance container 4 from the base body 2 is not possible.

[0043] If it is intended to disassemble the maintenance container 4 from the base body 2, it is first necessary, due to the blocking effect of the locking means 32 with respect to the associated circumferential recess 13 of the base body 2, to exert a radially inwardly directed operating force on the connecting section 56 of the locking carrier 53, whereby a pivoting movement of the second leg 55 of the locking carrier 53 with the locking means 32 attached thereto about the axis shown schematically in the Fig. 7. This removes the operative connection between the locking surface 75 and the locking nose 76, so that, according to the illustration of the Fig. 7 enables a pivoting movement of the maintenance container 4 about the central axis 17, wherein the locking means 32 passes the locking nose 76 and can slide into the groove section 90. Furthermore, this pivoting movement of the maintenance container 4 about the central axis 17 causes the radial projections 33 to 38 to leave the respective undercut 40 of the associated circumferential recess 18 to 23 and are thereby arranged in the respective adjacent groove section 90, which, unlike the undercut 40, does not prevent an axial movement of the maintenance container 4 relative to the base body 2. Accordingly, the maintenance container 4 can be removed from the base body 2 in the axial direction.

[0044] For attaching the maintenance container 4 to the base body 2, an opposite movement sequence consisting of an axial movement and a pivoting movement about the central axis 17 is provided. Following the axial insertion of the radial projections 33 to 38 into the groove sections 90, 91 of the circumferential recesses 18 to 23 and the subsequent initiation of a pivoting movement for the maintenance container 4 about the central axis 17 of the base body 2, an automatic deflection of the locking means 32 from the locked position to the unlocked position takes place. This deflection is effected by mutually corresponding control surfaces 77, 78, which are formed on the locking means 32 and on the locking nose 76 and which, during a pivoting movement about the central axis 17, cause the locking means 32 to be displaced radially inward.Thus, the locking means 32 can pass the locking nose 76 without further action by an operator, in particular without an explicit introduction of force onto the locking carrier 53, and can automatically assume the locking position as shown in the . Fig. 7 is shown.

[0045] In the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. In the second embodiment of a maintenance container 104 shown in Figure 11, essentially the same construction is provided for the receiving cup 131 and for the retaining ring 126, wherein the retaining ring 126, unlike the retaining ring 26, does not have any designated axial projections for the locking projections 146, 147. Rather, it is provided that the locking projections 146 (cf. Fig. 10, Fig. 11) and 147 (cf. Fig. 8) are formed on an inner surface 148 of the retaining ring 126, which is purely exemplary and has a circular-cylindrical design. The retaining ring 126 has only one axial projection 143, which extends with a constant profile (not shown in detail) along the central axis 117 and which is provided for a slidingly movable reception of the locking means 132, which is designed as a separate component. The locking means 132 has a spring device (not shown in detail), which is pretensioned to hold the locking means 132 in the locking position according to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. When a force is exerted axially downwards, away from the retaining ring 126, the locking means 132 can be displaced along the axial projection of the 143 in order to increase a distance from the retaining ring 126 and further to realize an unlocking from a circumferential recess (not shown in detail) of a correspondingly adapted base body (also not shown).

[0046] From the presentation of the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 shows how the radial projections 146, 147 engage in locking recesses 151 of the receiving cup 131 and thereby ensure a positive coupling between the retaining ring 126 and the receiving cup 131 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the illustration of the Fig. 10 and Fig.11, in which manner a groove-shaped recess 149 formed on the retaining ring 126, which is introduced in the radially outward direction into the inner surface 148 of the retaining ring 126, comes into operative connection with a projection 150 formed on the receiving cup 131 and extending in the radially outward direction, whereby a positive locking between the retaining ring 126 and the receiving cup 131 is ensured in a circumferential direction around the central axis 117.

Claims

[1] A maintenance device for compressed air treatment, comprising a base body (2) comprising an inlet connection (6) for fluid supply, an outlet connection (7) for fluid discharge, and a container connection (14) for coupling a maintenance container (4; 104), wherein a first fluid channel section (70) extends between the inlet connection (6) and a first orifice (72) associated with the container connection (14), and wherein a second fluid channel section (71) extends between a second orifice (73) associated with the container connection (14) and the outlet connection (7), as well as a maintenance container (4; 104) which is designed for fluid-tight locking with the container connection (14) and which comprises a fluid chamber (68) for fluidically communicating connection of the first fluid channel section (70) with the second fluid channel section (71), characterized bythat the maintenance container (4; 104) comprises a receiving cup (31; 131) and a retaining ring (26; 126) formed circumferentially around a central axis (17; 117), wherein the retaining ring (26; 126) engages around an outer surface (52) of the receiving cup (31; 131) and is fixed to the receiving cup (31; 131) in a form-fitting manner, and wherein the retaining ring (26; 126) has at least one radial projection (33 to 38) on a peripheral surface (25) and at least one locking means (32; 132) movably mounted on the retaining ring (26; 126), which locking means are each designed for engagement in associated peripheral recesses (13, 18 to 23) of the base body (2) in order to form a closure with the peripheral recesses (13, 18 to 23) to form, wherein the retaining ring (26; 126) bears in an axial direction against a radial collar (64) of the receiving cup (31; 131) and wherein the radial collar (64) of the receiving cup (31; 131) bears against an axial end face (59) of the retaining ring (26;126), whereby an axial force transmission from the receiving cup (31; 131) to the retaining ring (26; 126) is enabled.; [2] Maintenance device according to claim 1, characterized by that the retaining ring (26; 126) and the receiving cup (31; 131) have mutually corresponding recesses (51; 151) and projections (46, 47; 146, 147) which are designed for the positive fixing, in particular for a snap-in locking, of the retaining ring (26; 126) on the receiving cup (31; 131) in a circumferential direction surrounding the central axis (17; 117) and in an axial direction along the central axis (17; 117). [3] Maintenance device according to claim 2, characterized bythat an axial projection (44, 45) is formed on the retaining ring (26), which is formed at a free end region spaced from an annular part (42) of the retaining ring (26) with a radially inwardly projecting projection (46, 47) for engagement in a corresponding recess (51) in an outer peripheral surface (52) of the receiving cup (31). [4] Maintenance device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that a control surface (78) for deflecting the locking means (32) from a locking position into an unlocking position is arranged in front of a circumferential recess (13, 18 to 23) of the base body (2), which is designed for a positive-locking reception of a section of the locking means (32), in particular in a locking direction for the locking means (32). [5] Maintenance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking means (32) is attached to a solid-state joint (54) associated with the retaining ring (26) for radial movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, in particular is formed integrally with the retaining ring (26) and the solid-state joint (54). [6] Maintenance device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the locking means (132) is guided in a linearly movable manner on an axial projection (143) of the retaining ring (126) and a spring arrangement for determining a preferred position for the locking means (132) is formed between the axial projection (143) and the locking means (132). [7] Maintenance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one radial projection (33 to 38), the locking means (32) and the circumferential recesses (13, 18 to 23) on the base body (2) are designed to specify at least one mounting orientation of the maintenance container (4) relative to the base body (2). [8] Maintenance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the container connection (14) is assigned to an axial surface (15) of the base body (2) and comprises a circumferential, in particular circular, connecting ring (16) and in that the circumferential recesses (13, 18 to 23) are formed on a circumferential surface (24), in particular on an inner circumferential surface, of the connecting ring (16), wherein the circumferential recesses (13, 18 to 23) each have, in some areas, a locking projection (40) extending in the radial direction in order to form an undercut in the direction of a central axis (17) of the connecting ring (16) in order to ensure axial fixing of the retaining ring (26) on the base body (2). [9] Maintenance device according to claim 8, characterized bythat the connecting ring (16) is partially penetrated by recesses (39) which extend in the radial direction and which, together with axially extending groove sections (90, 91), form the circumferential recesses (13, 18 to 23).

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