Multimodal swivel coupling

Abstract

Multimodal swivel joint coupling, including: a case containing: a first connecting piece for connection to a fluid flow circuit; a second connector for connection to the fluid flow circuit; and a third connecting piece which is designed for a swivel connection to a counterpart, wherein the third connecting piece comprises a first channel and a second channel; wherein a first fluid flow channel extends from the first connector through the swivel joint coupling to the first channel, and a second fluid flow channel extends from the second channel through the swivel joint coupling to the second connector; and wherein the housing includes a valve which is configured to allow fluid flow in a first mode through both the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel, and to block flow through at least one of the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel in a second mode.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multimodal swivel coupling for use in fluid lines, for example for heating and / or cooling systems, such as for heating and / or cooling buildings. BACKGROUND

[0002] Heating and / or cooling systems for heating and / or cooling a building are known per se. Such systems may include a fluid flow circuit for circulating a fluid, in particular a liquid, from a source, such as a heat source or a cold source, to a conveying device and back to the source. The conveying device is generally designed to deliver heat and / or cold to an interior space of a building, such as a commercial or residential building. Additional devices, such as gas separators and / or dirt separators, may be integrated into the fluid flow circuit of such heating and / or cooling systems.

[0003] Sometimes it is desirable to integrate a device into the fluid flow circuit while simultaneously allowing the device to be installed in a desired or predetermined orientation relative to a main fluid flow piping line. In such cases, the device can be integrated into the fluid flow using a swivel coupling, such as a swivel joint connector provided by Spirotech BV – for example, on the SpiroTrap MB2 and SpiroTrap MB3 or the SpiroVent RV2.

[0004] Although a swivel joint coupling allows for the easy installation of a device into the fluid flow circuit with a desired orientation, greater flexibility or improved functionality may be desired. SUMMARY

[0005] The objective is to propose an improved swivel coupling for use in fluid lines, particularly liquid lines, such as those used in heating and / or cooling systems, for example, for heating and / or cooling buildings. More generally, this disclosure aims to reduce or mitigate some of the disadvantages of existing swivel couplings.

[0006] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a multimodal swivel coupling comprising a housing. The housing includes a first connection piece for connection to a fluid flow circuit, for example, a main fluid flow circuit, in particular a liquid flow circuit. The housing includes a second connection piece for connection to the fluid flow circuit. The housing includes a third connection piece, which is configured for a swivel-jointed, preferably leak-free, connection to a mating part. The mating part can be a pipe and / or a device that is to be included in the fluid flow of the (main) fluid flow circuit. The swivel-jointed connection allows the mating part, such as the pipe and / or the device, to be positioned relative to the first and second connection pieces in a desired orientation.The third connector comprises a first channel and a second channel. A first fluid flow channel extends from the first connector through the swivel joint coupling to the first channel. A second fluid flow channel extends from the second channel through the swivel joint coupling to the second connector. Thus, the multimodal swivel joint can be positioned, for example, in a line of the (main) fluid flow circuit such that it directs a fluid flow through the (main) fluid flow circuit along a diversion from the first channel out and back into the second channel. The diversion can, for example, run (entirely or partially) through the device. The device can be configured, for example, for conditioning the fluid flow, such as degassing, removing impurities, removing magnetic impurities, heating, cooling, or the like. The device can, for example,The device is designed to determine a parameter of the fluid flow, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, or the like. The diversion can be carried by a pipeline. The pipeline can, for example, include a sensor, such as one for determining the fluid flow parameter. The housing includes a valve. The valve is configured to allow fluid flow through both the first and second fluid flow channels in a first mode. In a second mode, the valve is configured to block flow through at least one of the first and second fluid flow channels.Thus, the swivel joint coupling makes it possible to selectively allow the fluid flow into the first connector, through the housing, through the counterpart and out of the second connector, or to block the fluid flow through the first fluid flow channel, the second fluid flow channel or both.

[0007] Optionally, the valve includes a closing element configured to selectively block at least one of the first fluid flow channels and the second fluid flow channel. In the first mode, the closing element can be in an open position to allow fluid flow through both the first and second fluid flow channels. In the second mode, the closing element can be in a closed position to block flow through at least one of the first and second fluid flow channels.

[0008] Optionally, the valve is configured to block the flow through only one of the first and second fluid flow channels in a first second mode, and to block the flow through both the first and second fluid flow channels in a second second mode. Therefore, in the first second mode, the flow from the first port to the counterpart can be blocked, or the flow from the counterpart to the second port can be blocked. If, in the first second mode, the flow from the first port to the counterpart, such as the device, is blocked, it is advantageously also possible to direct a backflow from the second port through the second channel into the counterpart, such as the device. Such a backflow can be used, for example, to flush a device, particularly if the backflow is, for example,can exit from the counterpart at an outflow opening of the counterpart.

[0009] Optionally, the valve comprises a first closing element and a second closing element, wherein the first closing element is configured to selectively close the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel, and wherein the second closing element is configured to selectively close the second fluid flow channel. In the first mode, both the first and second closing elements can be in an open position to allow fluid flow through both the first and second fluid flow channels. In the second mode, the first closing element can be in the closed position to block flow through the first fluid flow channel, while the second closing element is in the open position.Alternatively, in the first second mode, the second closing element can be in the closed position to block the flow through the second fluid flow channel, while the first closing element is in the open position. In the second second mode, both the first and second closing elements can be in the closed position to block the flow through the first and second fluid flow channels.

[0010] Optionally, the first and second channels are arranged concentrically in the third connector. The counterpart, such as the device or the pipeline, can include corresponding concentric channels to receive fluid flow from the first channel and to supply fluid flow to the second channel.

[0011] The closing element, such as the first and second closing elements, can be formed by one or more of the following: a piston, a plug, a cone, a disc, a ball, a flap, a needle, a diaphragm, a tube or a sleeve.

[0012] Optionally, the valve is a ball valve comprising a sphere rotatable about an axis of rotation, with one or more spherical surfaces. The closing element can be formed by one or more of these spherical surfaces. The first and second closing elements can also be formed by one or more spherical surfaces. In prior art ball valves, a bore extends straight through the sphere from one spherical surface to an opposite spherical surface to selectively connect the first and second ports to fluid. However, the present ball valve lacks a bore extending straight through the sphere from one spherical surface to an opposite spherical surface.Instead, the ball valve can comprise a first bore and a second bore on a spherical surface of the sphere, for example, a first bore in a first spherical surface and a second bore in an opposing second spherical surface. The first bore can be in fluid communication with the first channel. The second bore can be in fluid communication with the second channel. The sphere can include an axial bore that is in fluid communication with both the first bore and the first channel. The first channel can, for example, be formed integrally with the sphere. The first channel can, for example, form an axial tubular extension of the sphere.

[0013] Optionally, the third connector includes a clamping ring that can be rotated relative to the housing to clamp the third connector to the mating part. The clamping ring can, for example, be a threaded ring for connection to a mating thread on the mating part.

[0014] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a separation system for separating gas and / or impurities from a fluid flow circuit, such as a heating and / or cooling circuit. The separation system comprises a separation device for separating gas and / or impurities from the fluid flow circuit, which has an inlet for a fluid flow to be treated and an outlet for the treated fluid flow. The separation system includes a multimodal swivel coupling described herein. The third connecting piece of the swivel coupling is connected to the separation device such that the first channel is connected to the inlet and the second channel to the outlet. The orientation of a separation device can be very important. The separation device may, for example, rely on gravity to direct gas bubbles upwards and / or impurities downwards.This often results in a prescribed orientation of the separator, with a gas collection area facing upwards and / or a contaminant collection area facing downwards. The swivel joint connection allows the separator to be positioned according to a desired, e.g., prescribed, orientation, regardless of the orientation of any pipeline leading to the first and / or second connection point.

[0015] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for guiding a fluid flow through a multimodal swivel coupling, which comprises a housing with a first connector for connection to a fluid flow circuit, a second connector for connection to the fluid flow circuit, and a third connector configured for swivel connection to a mating part, wherein the third connector comprises a first channel and a second channel, such as the multimodal swivel coupling described above. The method comprises, in a first mode, guiding the fluid flow into the first connector and out of the first connector along a first fluid flow channel from the first channel, and further guiding the fluid flow into the second channel and out of the second channel along a second fluid flow channel from the second connector.In a second mode, the method includes blocking the flow through at least one of the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel.

[0016] Optionally, in the second mode, the method includes blocking the flow through only one of the first fluid flow channels and the second fluid flow channel. Alternatively, in the second mode, the method includes blocking the flow through both the first and second fluid flow channels. The method can also include directing the fluid flow into and out of the second connection along the second fluid flow channel. Consequently, backflow can be achieved.

[0017] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for guiding a fluid flow through the separation system described above. In the first mode, the method comprises guiding the fluid flow into the first connector and from the first connector along a first fluid flow channel out of the first channel into the inlet, guiding the fluid flow through the separation device, and further guiding the fluid flow from the outlet into the second channel and from the second channel along a second fluid flow channel out of the second connector. In the second mode, the method comprises blocking the flow by at least one of the first fluid flow channels and the second fluid flow channel.

[0018] Optionally, in the second mode, the method includes blocking the flow through only one of the first fluid flow channels and the second fluid flow channel. Optionally, in the second mode, the method includes blocking the flow through both the first and second fluid flow channels. In the first mode, the method can also include directing the fluid flow into the second connector and out of the second connector along the second fluid flow channel and into the outlet. This allows for backflow, e.g., as described above.

[0019] Further optional enhancements to the aspects and options mentioned above are provided in the detailed description below. All options and features described with regard to the rotary joint device are also considered applicable to the system and procedures, and vice versa. It is understood that the aspects and options described here can be combined interchangeably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The following disclosure will provide further examples of embodiments and drawings. The drawings are schematic and show only examples. In the drawings, corresponding features are identified by corresponding reference numerals. However, for the sake of clarity, one or more reference numerals from one or more figures may be omitted if the respective elements from one or more corresponding arrangements in one or more other figures are easily recognizable. The drawings show(s): the Fig. Figures 1A to 1C schematically represent an exemplary embodiment of a swivel joint coupling; the Fig. 2A to 2C schematically show an exemplary embodiment of a swivel joint coupling; the Fig. 3 schematically an exemplary swivel joint coupling with a counterpart; and the Fig. 4 schematically an exemplary system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The Fig. Figures 1A to 1C show a schematic representation of a swivel coupling 1. The swivel coupling 1 comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 includes a first connecting piece 4 for connection to a fluid flow circuit 100 (see Figure 1). Fig. 4) The housing 2 includes a second connection piece 8 for connection to the fluid flow circuit 100. The housing 2 includes a third connection piece 10, which is designed for a swivel-jointed, preferably leak-free, connection to a counterpart 110. The counterpart 110 can be a pipe and / or a device that is to be included in the fluid flow of the fluid flow circuit 100. The swivel-jointed connection allows the counterpart 110, such as the pipe and / or the device, to be positioned in a desired orientation relative to the first and second connection pieces 4, 8.

[0022] In this example, the third connector 10 comprises a first channel 10A and a second channel 10B. A first fluid flow channel 14A extends from the first connector 4 through the swivel coupling to the first channel 10A. A second fluid flow channel 14B extends from the second channel 10B through the swivel coupling to the second connector 8. The swivel coupling 1 can be positioned, for example, in the fluid flow circuit 100 – e.g., in a pipe – to direct fluid flowing through the fluid flow circuit 100 along a diversion from the first channel 10A and back into the second channel 10B. The diversion can, for example, run (wholly or partially) through the counterpart 110. The counterpart 110 can, for example, be a device that, for example,The device is designed to condition the fluid flow, for example, for degassing, removing impurities, removing magnetic contaminants, heating, cooling, or the like. The device may, for example, be designed to determine a parameter of the fluid flow, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, or the like. The bypass may be via a pipeline. The pipeline may, for example, include a sensor, such as one for determining the parameter of the fluid flow.

[0023] In this example, the housing 2 includes a valve 16. The valve 16 is configured to allow fluid flow through both the first fluid flow channel 14A and the second fluid flow channel 14B in a first mode. In a second mode, the valve 16 is configured to block flow through at least one of the first fluid flow channels and the second fluid flow channel 14A, 14B. Thus, the swivel coupling 1 allows the fluid flow to be selectively allowed into the first connection 4, through the housing 2, through the counterpart 110, and out of the second connection 8, or it allows the fluid flow through the first fluid flow channel 14A, the second fluid flow channel 14B, or both to be blocked.Valve 16 is configured here to block the flow through only one of the first fluid flow channels and the second fluid flow channel 14A, 14B in a first second mode, and to block the flow through both the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel 14A, 14B in a second second mode.

[0024] Therefore, in the first second mode, the flow from the first connector 4 to the counterpart 110 can be blocked, or the flow from the counterpart 110 to the second connector 8 can be blocked. It is understood that if, in the first second mode, the flow from the first connector 4 to the counterpart 110, such as the device, is blocked, it is also advantageously possible to direct a backflow from the second connector 8 via the second channel 10B into the counterpart 110, such as the device. Such a backflow can be used, for example, to flush a device, particularly if the backflow can exit the counterpart 110, for example, at an outlet opening 112 of the counterpart 110.

[0025] In the example of the Fig. In sections 1A to 1C, the first and second channels 10A and 10B are arranged concentrically in the third connector 10. Specifically, the second channel 10B surrounds (at least partially) the first channel 10A. Of course, it is also possible for the first channel 10A to surround (at least partially) the second channel 10B. The counterpart 110, such as the device or the pipeline, can include corresponding concentric channels for receiving a fluid flow from the first channel 10A and for supplying a fluid flow to the second channel 10B.

[0026] In this example, valve 16 is a ball valve. Ball valve 16 comprises a sphere 18 rotatable about an axis of rotation A. The spherical surfaces 20A, 20B of the sphere engage with seals 22A, 22B. In prior art ball valves, a bore extends straight through the sphere from one spherical surface to an opposite spherical surface to selectively connect the first and second ports. However, in the present ball valve 16, a bore extending straight through the sphere from a spherical surface 20A to an opposite spherical surface 20B is missing. Instead, in this example, the sphere comprises a first bore 24A and a second bore 24B in the spherical surfaces 20A, 20B of sphere 18. The first bore 24A extends through the first spherical surface 20A.The second bore 24B extends through the opposite second spherical surface 20B of the sphere 18. In this example, the first bore 24A is in fluid communication with the first channel 10A. The second bore 24B is in fluid communication with the second channel 10B. The sphere 18 includes a first axial bore 26A, which is in fluid communication with the first bore 24A and with the first channel 10A. The sphere 18 includes a second axial bore 26B, which is in fluid communication with the second bore 24B and with the second channel 10B. The first channel 10A and / or the second channel 10B can, for example, be formed integrally with the sphere 18. The first channel 10A can, for example, form an axial tubular extension of the sphere. In this example, the valve 16 includes a handle 17. The handle 17 is connected to the ball 18 via a shaft 19.

[0027] In the example of the Fig. In Figure 1A, valve 16 is shown in the first mode. In this mode, the first bore 24A is aligned with the central axis of the first connector 4. The first bore 24A then overlaps with an opening in the first seal 22A. Therefore, the first fluid flow channel 14A is configured to allow fluid to flow into the first connector 4, through the first bore 24A, through the first axial bore 26A, and out of the first channel 10A (or vice versa). Also in this first mode, the second bore 24B is aligned with the central axis of the second connector 8. The second bore 24B then overlaps with an opening in the second seal 22B.Therefore, the second fluid flow channel 14B is in an opening configuration that allows fluid to flow into the second channel 10B, through the second axial bore 26B, through the second bore 24B and out of the second connector 8 (or in the opposite direction).

[0028] In this example, the ball 18 can be rotated around axis A, for example, by turning the handle 17. In this example, the ball 18 can be rotated so that it enters the first second mode. The ball is rotated, for example, by 45 degrees to move from the first mode to the first second mode. In the example of the Fig. In Figure 1B, valve 16 is shown in the first second mode. In this first second mode, the first bore 24A is not aligned with the central axis of the first connector 4. The first bore 24A therefore does not overlap with the opening in the first seal 22A. Consequently, the first fluid flow channel 14A is in a closed configuration, preventing fluid from flowing from the first connector 4 through the first bore 24A, through the first axial bore 26A, and from the first channel 10A (or vice versa). Also in this first second mode, a third bore 24C is aligned with the central axis of the second connector 8. The third bore 24C then overlaps with the opening in the second seal 22B. Here, the third bore 24C also extends through the second spherical surface 20B of the sphere 18. The third bore 24C is in fluid communication with the second channel 10B.Here, the third bore 24C is in fluid communication with the second axial bore 26B. The second bore 24B and the third bore 24C are separate bores in this configuration. Of course, it is also possible for the second and third bores to be connected to form a common opening. In the first second mode, therefore, the second fluid flow channel 14B is configured to allow fluid to flow into the second connector 10B, through the second bore 26B, through the third axial bore 24C, and out of the second connector 8 (or in the opposite direction).

[0029] In this example, ball 18 can be rotated so that it enters the second second mode. The ball is rotated, for example, by 45 degrees to move from the first second mode to the second second mode. In the example of the Fig. In Figure 1C, valve 16 is shown in the second second mode. In this second second mode, the first bore 24A is not aligned with the central axis of the first connector 4. The first bore 24A therefore does not overlap with the opening in the first seal 22A. Consequently, the first fluid flow channel 14A is in a closed configuration, preventing fluid from flowing from the first connector 4 through the first bore 24A, through the first axial bore 26A, and from the first channel 10A (or vice versa). Also in this second second mode, the second and third bores 24B and 24C are not aligned with the central axis of the second connector 8. The second and third bores 24B and 24C therefore do not overlap with the opening in the second seal 22B.In the second mode, therefore, the second fluid flow channel 14B is in a closed configuration that prevents fluid from flowing out of the second channel 10B, through the second axial bore 26B, through the second and / or third bore 24B, 24C and out of the second connector 8 (or in the opposite direction).

[0030] The Fig. Figures 2A to 2C show a schematic representation of a swivel coupling 1. The swivel coupling 1 comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 includes a first connecting piece 4 for connection to a fluid flow circuit 100 (see Figure 2). Fig. 4) The housing 2 includes a second connection piece 8 for connection to the fluid flow circuit 100. The housing 2 includes a third connection piece 10, which is configured for a swivel-jointed, preferably leak-free, connection to a counterpart 110. The swivel-jointed connection allows the counterpart 110, such as the pipeline and / or the device, to be positioned in a desired orientation relative to the first and second connection pieces 4, 8. In this example, the third connection piece 10 includes a first channel 10A and a second channel 10B. A first fluid flow channel 10A extends from the first connection piece 4 through the swivel joint to the first channel 10A. A second fluid flow channel 10B extends from the second channel 10B through the swivel joint to the second connection piece 8.

[0031] In this example, the housing 2 includes a valve 16. The valve 16 is configured to allow fluid flow through both the first fluid flow channel 14A and the second fluid flow channel 14B in a first mode. In a second mode, the valve 16 is configured to block flow through at least one of the first and second fluid flow channels 14A and 14B. Thus, the swivel coupling 1 allows the selective flow of fluid into the first connection 4, through the housing 2, through the counterpart 110, and out of the second connection 8, or the blocking of fluid flow through the first fluid flow channel 14A, the second fluid flow channel 14B, or both.The valve 16 is configured to block the flow through only one of the first fluid flow channels and the second fluid flow channel 14A, 14B in a first second mode, and to block the flow through both the first and second fluid flow channels 14A, 14B in a second second mode. Therefore, in the first second mode, the flow from the first connection 4 to the counterpart 110 can be blocked, or the flow from the counterpart 110 to the second connection 8 can be blocked. It is understood that if, in the first second mode, the flow from the first connection 4 to the counterpart 110, such as the device, is blocked, it is also advantageously possible to direct a backflow from the second connection 8 via the second channel 10B into the counterpart 110, such as the device. Such a backflow can, for example,can be used to rinse a device, especially if the backflow can escape from the counterpart 110, for example, at an outlet opening 112 of the counterpart 110.

[0032] In the example of the Fig. In sections 2A to 2C, the first and second channels 10A and 10B are arranged concentrically in the third connector 10. Specifically, the second channel 10B surrounds (at least partially) the first channel 10A. However, it is also possible for the first channel 10A to surround (at least partially) the second channel 10B. The counterpart 110, such as the device or the pipeline, can include corresponding concentric channels for receiving a fluid flow from the first channel 10A and for supplying a fluid flow to the second channel 10B.

[0033] In this example, the valve 16 comprises a first piston 15A and a second piston 15B. The pistons seal against the respective inner walls of the housing 2. The pistons 15A and 15B are axially displaceable within the housing 2.

[0034] In the example of the Fig. 2A shows valve 16 in the first mode. In the first mode, pistons 15A and 15B are positioned such that the first connector 4 is in fluid communication with the first channel 10A and the second connector 8 is in fluid communication with the second channel 10B. In the example of the Fig. In Figure 2B, valve 16 is shown in the first second mode. Here, the pistons have been moved downwards so that the first port 4 remains in fluid contact with the first channel 10A. However, the second piston 15B is positioned between the second port 8 and the second channel 10B to block fluid flow from the second port 8 to the second channel 10B, or vice versa. In the example of the Fig. 2C shows valve 16 in the second mode. Here, the pistons have been moved downwards so that the first piston 15A is positioned between the first connector 4 and the first channel 10A, and the second piston 15B is positioned between the second connector 8 and the second channel 10B.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic example of the exemplary swivel joint coupling 1 of the Fig. 1A to 2C, which are connected to a schematically depicted counterpart 110. The counterpart 110 comprises a first channel 110A of the counterpart which connects – e.g., sealingly – to the first channel 10A of the coupling 1. The first channel 110A of the counterpart has a round opening that fits a round opening of the first channel 10A of the coupling 1. A sealing material can be arranged between the first channel 110A of the counterpart and the first channel 10A of the coupling 1. The counterpart 110 comprises a second channel 110B of the counterpart which connects – e.g., sealingly – to the second channel 10B of the coupling 1. The second channel 110B of the counterpart has a round opening that fits a round opening of the second channel 10B of the coupling 1. A sealing material may be arranged between the second channel 110B of the counterpart and the second channel 10B of the coupling 1.In this example, the first channel 110A of the counterpart is positioned concentrically within the second channel 110B of the counterpart. The third connector 10 can include means for attaching the coupling 1 to the counterpart 110. Alternatively or additionally, the counterpart 110 can include means for attaching the counterpart 110 to the coupling 1. In this example, the third connector 10 includes a clamping ring 28 that is rotatable relative to the housing 2 to clamp the third connector 10 to the counterpart 110. The clamping ring 28 includes an internal thread for connection with a mating thread 110C of the counterpart 110. The clamping ring 28 is attached to the housing 2 by a retainer 30, such as a snap ring. It is understood that the swivel coupling 1 can be mounted on the counterpart 110 in any desired rotational position about the axis A while maintaining full functionality.

[0036] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a system that incorporates a swivel joint coupling 1, such as in the case of the Fig. The rotary joint coupling 1 is connected to a fluid flow circuit 100, as described in sections 1A to 3. In this example, the fluid flow circuit is a liquid flow circuit of a heating and / or cooling system. The flow circuit includes a heating and / or cooling device 104, such as a heat pump or a heater. The flow circuit 100 includes a pump 106 for circulating heating and / or cooling fluid through the flow circuit. The flow circuit includes at least one heat exchanger 108, such as a radiator. The pipeline 102 connects the heating and / or cooling device 104, the pump 106, the rotary joint coupling 1, and at least one heat exchanger 108. The flow circuit 100 of the Fig. 4 can, for example, form a heating and / or cooling system for a building. As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the pipe 102 connects the flow circuit 100 to the first connection piece 4 and the second connection piece 8 of the swivel coupling 1. A counterpart 110 is connected to the third connection piece 10 of the swivel coupling. In this example, the counterpart 110 is a gas and / or dirt separator for removing gas and / or dirt from the heating and / or cooling fluid. It is understood that the fluid flowing through the flow circuit is guided through the gas and / or dirt separator by means of the swivel coupling 1.

[0037] When valve 16 is in the first mode, heating and / or cooling fluid can flow through the gas and / or dirt separator 110. This allows the heating and / or cooling system to operate in normal mode for heating and / or cooling the building, while the gas and / or dirt separator removes gas and / or dirt from the heating and / or cooling fluid. When valve 16 is in the second mode, the heating and / or cooling fluid cannot flow into the gas and / or dirt separator 110 via the first connection 4. However, it is possible to flush the gas and / or dirt separator by allowing a backflow of the heating and / or cooling fluid into the gas and / or dirt separator via the second connection piece 8, and by allowing the heating and / or cooling fluid to flow out of the gas and / or dirt separator 110 via an outlet opening 112 of the gas and / or dirt separator 110.When valve 16 is in the second mode, the heating and / or cooling fluid cannot flow into the gas and / or dirt separator 110 via either the first connection 4 or the second connection 8. In this mode, the counterpart 110 can therefore be removed – e.g., for maintenance or replacement – ​​without having to drain the heating and / or cooling fluid from the flow circuit 100.

[0038] The invention is described here with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. However, it is obvious that various modifications and changes can be made without deviating from the core of the invention. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, features are described here as part of the same or separate embodiments; however, alternative embodiments with combinations of all or some of the described features in these separate embodiments are also provided.

[0039] In the examples, the valve provides a first mode, a first second mode, and a second second mode. However, it is also possible for the valve to provide only the first mode and the second second mode. This still allows for easy removal of the counterpart without fluid loss in the flow circuit.

[0040] In the example of the Fig. In versions 1A to 1C, the valve is designed as a ball valve. In the example of the Fig. In versions 2A to 2C, the valve is designed as a piston valve. However, it is understood that other valve types can also be used. For example, the closing element(s) of such a valve can be formed by one or more of the following: a piston, a plug, a cone, a disc, a ball, a flap, a needle, a diaphragm, a tube, or a sleeve.

[0041] However, further variations, variants, and alternatives are also possible. Accordingly, the descriptions, drawings, and examples should be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

[0042] In claims, reference numerals in parentheses should not be interpreted as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not preclude the presence of features or steps other than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words "one" and "one" should not be interpreted as meaning only "one" or "only one," but rather as meaning "at least one" or "at least one," and do not preclude multiple uses. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually distinct claims does not preclude the advantageous use of a combination of these measures.

Claims

[1] Multimodal swivel joint coupling, comprising: a case containing: a first connecting piece for connection to a fluid flow circuit; a second connector for connection to the fluid flow circuit; and a third connecting piece which is designed for a swivel connection to a counterpart, wherein the third connecting piece comprises a first channel and a second channel; wherein a first fluid flow channel extends from the first connector through the swivel joint coupling to the first channel, and a second fluid flow channel extends from the second channel through the swivel joint coupling to the second connector; and wherein the housing includes a valve which is configured to allow fluid flow in a first mode through both the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel, and to block flow through at least one of the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel in a second mode. [2] Multimodal rotary joint coupling according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a closing element, the closing element being configured to selectively block at least one of the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel. [3] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to claim 1, wherein the valve is configured to block the flow through only one of the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel in a first second mode, and to block the flow through both the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel in a second second mode. [4] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to claim 3, wherein the valve comprises a first closing element and a second closing element, wherein the first closing element is configured to selectively block the first fluid flow channel and the second fluid flow channel, and wherein the second closing element is designed to selectively block the second fluid flow channel. [5] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the locking element, such as the first and / or the second locking element, is formed by one or more of the following: a piston, a plug, a cone, a disc, a ball, a flap, a needle, a diaphragm, a tube or a sleeve. [6] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the valve is a ball valve comprising one or more spherical surfaces rotatable about an axis of rotation. [7] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to claim 6, insofar as dependent on claim 2, wherein the locking element is formed by the one or more spherical surfaces. [8] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to claim 6, insofar as dependent on claim 4, wherein the first and the second locking element are formed by the one or more spherical surfaces. [9] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to claim 6, 7 or 8, comprising a first bore and a second bore in a spherical surface of the sphere, wherein the first bore is in fluid communication with the first channel and the second bore is in fluid communication with the second channel. [10] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first and second channels are concentric in the third connector. [11] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to claim 10, insofar as dependent on claim 9, wherein the ball comprises an axial bore which is in fluid communication with the first bore and is in fluid communication with the first channel. [12] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to claim 11, wherein the first channel is formed integrally with the ball and forms an axial tubular extension of the ball. [13] Multimodal swivel joint coupling according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the third connecting piece comprises a clamping ring, e.g. provided with a thread, which is rotatable relative to the housing in order to clamp the third connecting piece to the counterpart. [14] Separation system for separating gas and / or impurities from a fluid flow circuit, such as a heating and / or cooling circuit, comprising: a separation device for separating gas and / or impurities from the fluid flow circuit, which has an inlet for a fluid flow and an outlet for the fluid flow; and a multimodal swivel joint coupling according to one of claims 1 to 13; wherein the third connecting piece is connected to the separating device in such a way that the first channel is connected to the inlet and the second channel to the outlet.

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