Method for liquid-tight connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the liquid-tight connection of a multi-lumen fluid line bundle (1) extruded from polymer material to at least one connection element (20), wherein the multi-lumen fluid line bundle (1) consists of at least two parallel individual fluid lines (2, 3, 4) arranged side by side, which were connected to each other in a web-like manner during their extrusion in the fluid line direction (x). At least one web-like connection of the individual fluid lines (2, 3, 4), designed as a breakaway connection (10), is destroyed only at at least one end of the multi-lumen fluid line bundle (1) by a breakaway process, so that at least one individual fluid line (2), separated at its end, is accessible for the connection of the corresponding connection element (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for liquid-tight connection. For example, several fluid lines are installed in fully automatic coffee machines and connected to corresponding components of the machine. The fluid lines serve, for example, to transport freshly brewed water for coffee preparation. In the prior art, a correspondingly large number of individual lines are typically used for this purpose. This is comparatively complex from an assembly standpoint.

[0002] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of providing a simplified method for liquid-tight connection which takes into account the problem described at the outset.

[0003] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method for liquid-tight connection of a multi-lumen fluid line bundle extruded from polymer material with at least one connection element, - wherein the multilumen fluid line bundle consists of at least two parallel individual fluid lines arranged next to each other, which were connected to each other in a web-like manner by means of their extrusion in the fluid line direction, - wherein at least one web-shaped connection of the individual fluid lines designed as a breakaway connection is destroyed by a breakaway process only at at least one end of the multilumen fluid line bundle, - so that at least one single fluid line, isolated at the end, is accessible for connecting the corresponding connection element.

[0004] Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that the use of a multi-lumen fluid line bundle significantly reduces assembly effort compared to connecting several individual hoses. To ensure trouble-free connection of an individual hose from the multi-lumen fluid line bundle at the end, the invention involves destroying at least one web-like connection between the corresponding individual fluid line and at least one other individual fluid line of the multi-lumen fluid line bundle at the end. This isolates the individual fluid line intended for connection at the end, making it freely accessible for connection to a connecting element, such as a fitting, a threaded connection, etc. According to the invention, the destruction occurs only at the end, so that the interconnectedness of the multi-lumen fluid line bundle is essentially maintained.According to the invention, this avoids the situation where, for example, in a fully automatic coffee machine, several individual fluid lines run in a comparatively disordered manner within the corresponding housing and may even have to be secured separately.

[0005] Preferably, the width of the breakaway connection, viewed within the conductor cross-section, is 0.3 to 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.35 to 0.6 mm. This allows, on the one hand, the corresponding connecting link to be easily broken off by an installer, or alternatively, automatically. On the other hand, the width is large enough to reliably prevent unintentional further breaking, for example, even after extended periods of operation.

[0006] Within the scope of the invention, it is particularly important that the multi-lumen fluid tube bundle is manufactured from an elastomer, especially a silicone material. The Shore A hardness of the fluid tube material is advantageously 45 to 80, preferably 50 to 75. The Shore A hardness can be determined, for example, using the well-known standards DIN ISO 48-4 or DIN ISO 868. Preferably, the fluid tube material is manufactured by addition crosslinking (e.g., a platinum catalyst process) or peroxide crosslinking (containing or chlorine-free). Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention that the material of the multi-lumen fluid tube bundle is talc-coated.

[0007] The end-end break-off length can be a maximum of 20 cm, preferably a maximum of 10 cm, e.g., a maximum of 5 cm. On the other hand, it is advantageously at least 1 cm, e.g., at least 2 cm. Overall, this ensures, on the one hand, sufficiently good accessibility to the end of the respective individual fluid line for the intended connection, and on the other hand, a generally good bond of the multi-lumen fluid line bundle outside its end region.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the multi-lumen fluid line bundle comprises at least three individual fluid lines, from which preferably only one individual fluid line is separated at the end. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention that, to isolate the at least one individual fluid line end, at least two connecting bridges to different adjacent individual fluid lines are separated at the end. In this case, the individual fluid line to be isolated at the end is connected to the overall bundle of the multi-lumen fluid line via several connecting bridges. This generally ensures a good connection within the bundle, which is important, for example, in the continuous operating behavior outside the isolated end area.

[0009] Advantageously, two individual fluid lines not intended for end separation are connected by a permanent connecting bridge at least 0.75 mm wide, e.g. 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm wide. This reliably prevents unintentional tearing of the permanent connecting bridges.

[0010] To ensure easy tearing of the breakaway connection and to prevent unintentional further tearing as well as tearing of a pipe wall with the resulting leakage, the radii at the web-shaped transition between two pipes in cross-section are also important. Within the scope of the invention, it has been shown that a transition radius of at least R = 0.1 mm is advantageous here. A maximum radius of R = 0.15 mm is also expedient in this context.

[0011] The method described above can be used, in particular, as an assembly step in the assembly of a fully automatic coffee machine. The invention also relates to a multi-lumen fluid conductor bundle for carrying out the method described above.

[0012] The connection element can generally be of a type that is already established and common in the prior art. For example, the connection element can be a fitting connection or, alternatively, a standard screw connection where, for instance, a union nut is screwed onto a connection stub equipped with a fluid line end. Other connection designs are, of course, also possible.

[0013] The invention will now be explained with reference to a drawing that illustrates only one embodiment. The drawing schematically shows: Fig. 1 a multi-lumen fluid flow bundle for carrying out a method according to the invention in a cross-sectional view, Fig. 2a the top view X in Fig. 1, which shows one end of the multilumen fluid conduction bundle, Fig. 2b the representation according to Fig. 2a after end-end singulation of a single fluid line of the multilumen fluid line bundle and Fig. 2c the representation according to Fig. 2b after connecting a connecting element to the end-isolated single fluid line

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a multi-lumen fluid line bundle 1, extruded from polymer material and suitable for carrying out a method according to the invention. The multi-lumen fluid line bundle 1 consists of three individual fluid lines 2, 3, 4 arranged parallel to one another, which were connected to each other in a web-like manner during their extrusion in the fluid line direction x. The web-like connections 10, 12 between the individual fluid lines 2, 3, 4 are partially designed as breakaway connections 10. The web width S AThe cross-sectional area of ​​the two depicted breakaway connections 10 is 0.45 to 0.55 mm. The multi-lumen fluid line bundle 1 was manufactured from a silicone material, and the Shore A hardness of the fluid line material is 55 to 65. The fluid line material was produced by addition cross-linking (e.g., platinum catalyst process) or alternatively by peroxide cross-linking (chlorine-containing or chlorine-free). In addition to the breakaway connections 10, there is a gap of at least S between the individual fluid lines 3, 4, which are not intended for end-end separation. D= 1.5 mm wide permanent connecting web 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the diameters D2, D3 and D4 of the free flow cross-sections of the individual fluid lines are D2 = 5.7 - 6.3 mm, D3 = 3.75 - 4.25 mm, D4 = 1.35 - 1.75 mm and the corresponding wall thicknesses S2, S3 and S4 are S2 = 1.3 - 1.7 mm, S3 = 1.05 - 1.45 mm and S4 = 0.8 - 1.2 mm. The material widths in the area of ​​the web-shaped connections 10, 12 between the individual fluid lines 2 and 3 are S 23 = 2.8 - 3 mm, between the individual fluid lines 3 and 4 S 34 = 2 - 2.2 mm and between the individual fluid lines 4 and 2 S 42 = 2.6 - 2.8 mm.

[0015] The transition radius between two individual fluid lines 2, 3, 4 is 10 R for the breakaway connections. 23 = 0.1 - 0.15 mm or R 42 = 0.1 - 0.15 mm, while this transition radius for the permanent connection bridge 12 with R 34 = 0.25 - 0.35 mm larger.

[0016] The inventive method for liquid-tight connection of the in Fig. The multi-lumen fluid line bundle 1 shown, extruded from polymer material and featuring a connection element 20, is located in the Fig. 2a to 2c are shown. For the purpose of this connection, the single fluid line 2, which is only connected to the other two single fluid lines 3, 4 via the two breakaway connections 10 (see 2a to 2c), is connected to the single fluid line 2. Fig. 1) singulated at the end. To produce this singulation, the two web-shaped connections between the individual fluid lines 2 and 3 and 2 and 4, respectively, which are designed as breakaway connections 10, are only separated at one end of the multi-lumen fluid line bundle 1 by a breakaway process, for example manual or automated (represented by the in Fig. 2a shown arrow F) destroyed, so that the now end-isolated single fluid line 2 is available for connecting the corresponding connection element 20 (see Fig. 2c) is easily accessible. The end-end tear-off length L is a maximum of 20 cm in the exemplary embodiment, but at least 2 cm. The two individual fluid lines 3, 4, however, remain permanently connected to each other at their ends via their common permanent connection bridge 12 (see ). Fig. 1 iVm Fig. 2c).

[0017] The multi-lumen fluid line bundle 1 shown in the figures can, for example, be used for fluid transport in a (not shown) fully automatic coffee machine, with the connecting element 20 serving, for example, to connect the individual fluid line 2 to a container, e.g., a heated one, or to another fluid line, etc., of the fully automatic coffee machine. This does not, of course, preclude other applications.

Claims

[1] Method for liquid-tight connection of a multi-lumen fluid tube bundle (1) extruded from polymer material with at least one connection element (20), - wherein the multilumen fluid line bundle (1) consists of at least two parallel individual fluid lines (2, 3, 4) which were connected to each other in a web-like manner by means of their extrusion in the fluid line direction (x), - wherein at least one web-shaped connection of the individual fluid lines (2, 3, 4) designed as a breakaway connection (10) is destroyed by a breakaway process only at at least one end of the multilumen fluid line bundle (1), - so that at least one end-isolated single fluid line (2) is accessible for connecting the corresponding connection element (20). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the web width (s) of the breakaway connection seen in the conductor cross-section is 0.3 to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.35 to 0.6 mm. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the multilumen fluid conductor bundle (1) is made of an elastomer, in particular a silicone material. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that the Shore A hardness of the fluid line material is 45 to 80, preferably 50 to 75. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the fluid line material is produced by means of addition crosslinking (platinum catalyst process) or peroxide crosslinking (containing chlorine or chlorine-free). [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the end tear-off length (L) is a maximum of 20 cm, preferably a maximum of 10 cm, e.g. a maximum of 5 cm. [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the multilumen fluid line bundle (1) has at least three individual fluid lines (2, 3, 4), from the assembly of which preferably only one individual fluid line (2) is separated at the end. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by , that to isolate at least one end of the single fluid line (2) at least two connecting bridges (10) to different adjacent single fluid lines (3, 4) are cut off at the end. [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that two single fluid lines (3, 4) not intended for end separation are connected to each other by a permanent connecting bridge (12) at least 0.75 mm, e.g. 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm wide. [10] Use of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in the assembly of a fully automatic coffee machine. [11] Multilumen fluid flow bundle (1) for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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