Coupling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device (10) for connecting a first feed hose (141) with a second feed hose (142), comprising a first coupling part (20) and a second coupling part (30), wherein the first coupling part (20) can be arranged at one end of the first feed hose (141) and the second coupling part (30) can be arranged at one end of the second feed hose (142), characterized in that the second coupling part (30) has an anti-rotation device (50), wherein the anti-rotation device (50) is designed such that the second coupling part (30) can only be inserted into the first coupling part (20) in one position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device for connecting a first supply hose to a second supply hose.

[0002] A sheet metal part for the production of a vehicle body is typically manufactured in a press shop. In the press shop, a sheet metal part can be formed, and a fastener can be installed in the sheet metal part. Such a fastener is, for example, a nut or bolt, which are known, among other things, as EMF press-in nuts, RSN rivet nuts, RSF rivet nuts, or RSK rivet nuts.

[0003] These fasteners are typically automatically conveyed to the position to be pressed relative to the sheet metal part. DE 198 23 040 A1 discloses that, in a corresponding sorting and conveying device, the corresponding fastener is transported via a one-piece guide tube to a transfer device located on the press. The guide tube is inserted into the transfer device. From this transfer device, the fastener is forwarded to the respective punching or setting heads in the tool. The punching or setting heads can also be directly connected to a guide tube.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known that two guide hoses can be coupled together. A corresponding coupling device comprising a first coupling part and a second coupling part can be used for this purpose. However, the second coupling part is usually designed such that it can be inserted into the first coupling part rotated by 180°. This, however, results, for example, in the connecting element being conveyed to the punching head or setting head rotated by 180°. However, a connecting element rotated by 180° cannot be assembled automatically during a pressing process, resulting in a reject part, assuming the connecting element can even be transferred to the subsequent guide hose.Due to the fact that the entire section is filled with twisted fasteners, the production process must be interrupted for the entire disruption period until all twisted fasteners have been removed from the conveyor hose.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to prevent downtimes.

[0006] To solve the problem, a coupling device with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a coupling device for connecting a first supply hose to a second supply hose is proposed. The coupling device comprises a first coupling part and a second coupling part. The first coupling part can be arranged at one end of the first supply hose, and the second coupling part can be arranged at one end of the second supply hose. The second coupling part is characterized in that it has an anti-twist device. The anti-twist device is designed such that the second coupling part can only be inserted into the first coupling part in one position.

[0009] The anti-twist device ensures that the second coupling part cannot be inserted into the first coupling part in a twisted manner. Consequently, twisted assembly is not possible, so that the connecting elements are always transferred to the downstream feed hose in a consistent arrangement. This ensures that no downtime occurs due to the second coupling part being inserted into the first coupling part in a twisted manner. Twisted insertion can, for example, be understood as insertion rotated by 180°. An example of an anti-twist device is a screw with a screw head that is screwed into the second coupling part. The screw head protrudes from the surface of the second coupling part and thus forms an anti-twist device. As an alternative to the screw head, the anti-twist device can also be integrated into the second coupling part as a single piece.

[0010] The anti-twist device is advantageously formed by at least one projection protruding from the second coupling part. Such an anti-twist device is easy to identify and manufacture. The anti-twist device advantageously protrudes between 2 mm and 5 mm, most preferably 2.5 mm, from the second coupling part.

[0011] Advantageously, the second coupling part comprises a base part with a supply hose receptacle and a plate that can be connected to the base part. This allows for easy arrangement of the supply hose in the second coupling part. The plate can be screwed onto the base part using a suitable connecting element, thereby pressing the supply hose onto the base part.

[0012] Advantageously, the base part comprises two guide webs running parallel to each other. Furthermore, the guide webs preferably run parallel to the plate. The guide webs provide additional guidance for the second coupling part when inserted into the receiving opening of the first coupling part.

[0013] The anti-twist device is advantageously located at an end region of the guide webs. "End" refers to an area facing the first coupling part or an end of the guide web spaced from a supply hose receptacle. This ensures that the first coupling part can only be connected to the second coupling part in one position when attempting to insert the second coupling part into the first coupling part.

[0014] The anti-twist device is advantageously located on a side of the base part facing away from the plate and / or on a side of the base part facing the plate. The anti-twist device can thus be easily retrofitted to a side of the base part facing away from the plate.

[0015] Advantageously, the first coupling part has a receiving opening with a rail section, wherein the plate can be inserted precisely into the rail section of the first coupling part. The precisely fitting guide enables precise guidance of the second coupling part in the first coupling part.

[0016] In an advantageous refinement of the rail section, it encloses an area along a perimeter. The base part, together with the anti-twist device, protrudes at least partially beyond the perimeter. This allows for a simple mechanical anti-twist device.

[0017] It is advantageous for the first coupling part and / or the second coupling part to be made of metal. This allows for greater forces to be absorbed.

[0018] It's advantageous to weld the anti-twist device on. This ensures that the connection cannot be loosened. Furthermore, the anti-twist device can be retrofitted to the second coupling part.

[0019] A press, a coupling device with a second coupling part and a first coupling part, as well as further features and advantages, are described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment, which is schematically illustrated in the figures. Fig. 1 a press with a coupling device according to the invention, Fig. 2 the coupling device with a first coupling part and a second coupling part, Fig. 3 a front view of the second coupling part and Fig. 4 an exploded view of the second coupling part.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a tool 100 for producing a sheet metal part for a body of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, also called a car.

[0021] The sheet metal part can, for example, serve as part of a rear panel behind a rear seat or an A-pillar of a vehicle. The sheet metal part can have anchoring points. These anchoring points are usually fasteners that are firmly connected to the sheet metal part, for example, by being pressed into the sheet metal part. Such fasteners include a nut or a bolt, which are known, among other things, as EMF press-in nuts, RSN rivet nuts, RSF rivet nuts, or RSK rivet nuts. During vehicle assembly, the rear seat can be bolted to the body via the fastener.

[0022] Tool 100 is part of a press shop. In Fig. 1 shows the lower plate 110 of the tool 100 with corresponding sheet metal part supports 120. A setting head 130 is arranged at a defined position. The setting head 130 is in turn connected to a first feed hose 141. The other end of the first feed hose 141 is connected to a second feed hose 142, which in turn is connected to a sorting device and / or conveying device 150.

[0023] A connecting element can be conveyed through the first feed hose 141 and the second feed hose 142. For this purpose, the first feed hose 141 and the second feed hose 142 have a connector guide 143. The connector guide 143 has an opening adapted to the cross-section of the connecting element, so that the connecting element can be guided through the respective feed hose 141, 142. The connecting element is, for example, the previously described nut, which is connected to the sheet metal part in a pressing process.

[0024] The first supply hose 141 and the second supply hose 142 are connected by means of a Fig. 2. The coupling device 10 comprises a first coupling part 20 and a second coupling part 30.

[0025] The first coupling part 30 is in Fig. 3 and Fig.4 is shown in more detail. The first coupling part 30 comprises a base part 34 and a plate 32 connectable to the base part 34. The plate 32 can be firmly connected to the base part 34 by means of screws 40.

[0026] The base part 34 further comprises a feed hose receptacle 42. The feed hose receptacle 42 has a U-shape and guides the second feed hose 142. The base part 34 further comprises a feed hose retainer 38 to ensure that the end of the second feed hose 142 does not protrude beyond the second coupling part 30. For this purpose, the feed hose retainer 38 has a bent-up nose on the side facing the end of the second feed hose 142, against which the edge of the second feed hose 142 rests without protruding into or restricting the area of ​​the connector guide 143. The other end of the feed hose retainer 38 is connected to the other side of the base part 34. For this purpose, the feed hose retainer 38 has a bent-down nose that engages with the base part 34.

[0027] Furthermore, a fork 36 is arranged on a side of the feed hose receptacle 42 facing the end of the feed hose 142. The fork 36 has a height H-36. The fork 36 comprises two guide webs 37 running parallel to one another, which are aligned in width with the outer surface of the feed hose receptacle 42.

[0028] The plate 32 for securing the feed hose 142 is screwed onto the base part 34. The plate 32 has a height of H-32. The height H-32 of the plate corresponds to the height H-36 of the fork 36. However, it should be noted that the height H-36 of the fork 36 is smaller than the height H-32 of the plate 32. The width B-32 of the plate 32 corresponds to the width B-34 of the base part 34.

[0029] An anti-twist device 50 is arranged on the side of the fork 36 facing away from the plate 32. Furthermore, the anti-twist device 50 is arranged at the end of the guide web 37. The term "end" refers to the end of the guide web 37 spaced from the feed hose receptacle 42. The anti-twist device 50 has a height H-50, which is, for example, 2.5 mm high. The height H-50 of the anti-twist device 50, in combination with the height H-36 of the fork 36, is greater than the height H-32 of the plate 32.

[0030] The anti-twist device 50 is made of metal and welded to the fork 36, which is also made of metal. Furthermore, the anti-twist device 50 is arranged on both guide webs 37 of the fork 36.

[0031] In an assembled state of the second coupling part 30, the outer circumference 52 of the second coupling part 30 has a height H-52 and a width B-52.

[0032] The first coupling part 20 comprises a receiving opening 24 with a rail section 21. The rail section 21 has a height H-21 and a width B-21. The height H-21 of the rail section 21 corresponds to the height H-32 of the plate 32, so that the plate 32 can be inserted precisely into the receiving opening 24. For this purpose, the width B-32 of the plate 32 also corresponds to the width B-21 of the rail section 21. The receiving opening 24 has a height H-24 and a width B-24. The height H-24 of the receiving opening 24 is, for example, 30 mm high and is greater than the height H-52 of the outer circumference 52, which is, for example, 29.7 mm high.

[0033] The receiving opening 24 is connected to a first supply hose 141.

[0034] When the second coupling part 30 is inserted into the first coupling part 20, the second coupling part 30 can be secured by means of a latching mechanism. Furthermore, in the inserted state, the connector guide 143 of the first feed hose 141 is aligned with the connector guide 143 of the second feed hose 142. This fixation and, accordingly, the latching mechanism can be released via a lever 29. Furthermore, in an inserted state, a connecting element can be transferred from the second feed hose 142 to the first feed hose 141, so that the connecting element arrives at the punching head 130 in the same orientation as it was inserted into the second feed hose 142.

[0035] Furthermore, the first coupling part 20 can consist of an upper part 26 and a lower part 28. The first coupling part 20 and the second coupling part 30 are advantageously made of a metal.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that in the previously described example, the first coupling part 20 is connected to the first supply hose 141 and the second coupling part 30 is connected to the second supply hose 142. However, the second coupling part 30 can equally well be connected to the first supply hose 141 and the first coupling part 20 to the second supply hose 142.

[0037] Since the height H-36 of the fork 36 in combination with the height H-50 of the anti-twist device 50 is greater than the height H-32 of the plate 32 and thus also greater than the height H-21 of the rail section 21, the second coupling part 30 cannot be inserted into the receiving opening 24 of the first coupling part 20 rotated by 180°.

[0038] This ensures that the second coupling part 30 is correctly inserted into the first coupling part 20. List of reference symbols 10 Coupling device 20 First coupling part 21 rail section H-21 Height of the rail section B-21 Width of the rail section 23 Border 24 Receiving opening H-24 Height of the receiving opening B-24 Width of the receiving opening 26 Upper part 28 Lower part 29 levers 30 Second coupling part 32 plate H-32 Height of the plate B-32 Width of the plate 34 Base part B-34 Width of the base part 36 fork H-36 Fork height 37 Guide bridge 38 Feed hose safety device 40 screws 42 Feed hose holder 50 Anti-twist device H-50 Height of the anti-twist device 52 outer circumference H-52 Height of the outer circumference B-52 Width of the outer circumference 100 tools 110 Lower plate 120 sheet metal part support 130 punching or setting head 140 feed hose 141 First supply hose 142 Second supply hose 143 Connector guide 150 Sorting and / or conveying device QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 198 23 040 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Coupling device (10) for connecting a first supply hose (141) to a second supply hose (142), comprising a first coupling part (20) and a second coupling part (30), wherein the first coupling part (20) can be arranged at one end of the first supply hose (141) and the second coupling part (30) can be arranged at one end of the second supply hose (142), characterized by that the second coupling part (30) has an anti-twist device (50), wherein the anti-twist device (50) is designed such that the second coupling part (30) can only be inserted into the first coupling part (20) in one position. [2] Coupling device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the anti-rotation device (50) is formed by at least one projection projecting from the second coupling part (30). [3] Coupling device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the second coupling part (30) has a base part (34) with a feed hose receptacle (42) and a plate (32) connectable to the base part (34). [4] Coupling device (10) according to claim 3, characterized by that the base part (34) comprises two guide webs (37) running parallel to one another. [5] Coupling device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that the anti-twist device (50) is arranged at an end region of the guide webs (37). [6] Coupling device (10) according to claims 3 to 5, characterized by that the anti-twist device (50) is arranged on a side of the base part (34) facing away from the plate (32) and / or on a side of the base part (34) facing the plate (32). [7] Coupling device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized bythat the first coupling part (20) has a receiving opening (24) with a rail section (21), wherein the plate (32) can be inserted with an exact fit into the rail section (21) of the first coupling part (20). [8] Coupling device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by that the rail section (21) encloses a surface (22) along a border (23) and wherein the base part (34) together with the anti-twist device (50) projects at least partially beyond the border (23). [9] Coupling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first coupling part (20) and / or the second coupling part (30) is made of metal. [10] Coupling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the anti-twist device (50) is welded on.

Images