Device for coding a first connection partner and a second connection partner of a bayonet lock and device set

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for coding a first connection partner and a second connection partner of a bayonet closure and a device set.

[0002] Fluid lines are used to transport fluids between different containers in devices, such as refrigeration units. These fluid lines can be connected to distributor plates, for example, using fluid line adapters. These distributors distribute the fluid supplied via the fluid line to different fluid lines and, if necessary, to a plurality of additional fluid lines. If multiple fluid lines are used, they must not be interchanged to maintain the functionality of the device and to avoid damage.

[0003] For this purpose, the fluid lines and the corresponding fluid line receptacles can be coded with symbols that assign a fluid line to a receptacle. Therefore, before installing the fluid lines, the user must assign the symbols on the fluid line to the corresponding symbols on the fluid line receptacles.

[0004] Furthermore, the prior art proposes connecting devices or coupling devices for such fluid lines that require manual operation when engaging or releasing a connection partner. This impairs the effectiveness of the device. For example, US 4,449,737 A1 discloses a hose or line coupling device with a bayonet lock and a first and second connection partner. The device is used in a vacuum cleaner or the like. The first connection partner 14 has at least two locking arms and is arranged on a fluid line adapter. The locking arms are inserted into recesses in the second connection partner.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved device for coding the lines which can be handled more effectively.

[0006] Main features of the invention are defined in claims 1 and 5. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 4 and 6 and 7.

[0007] In a device for coding a first connection partner and a second connection partner of a bayonet lock, wherein the device comprises a bayonet lock with a first connection partner and a second connection partner, wherein the first connection partner has at least two locking arms for locking the connection and is arranged on a fluid line adapter, and wherein the second connection partner has a flange ring for passing through the first locking partner with a number of recesses for passing through the locking arms corresponding to the number of locking arms and is arranged on an adapter receptacle, wherein a first locking arm has a different geometry than the other locking arms,wherein a first recess associated with the first locking arm has a matching geometry for positioning the first connection partner and the second connection partner in a predefined position, and the further recesses have a different geometry that does not match the first locking arm, and wherein the device further comprises a mechanical coding device, wherein the coding device has a first coding partner on the first connection partner and a second coding partner on the second connection partner, wherein the first coding partner and the second coding partner are aligned to one another when the first connection partner and the second connection partner are arranged in a predefined position to one another and a connection is effected via the bayonet lock,wherein the first coding partner is a projection and the second coding partner is a guide associated with the projection, it is provided according to the invention that the projection extends in a radial direction of the fluid line adapter away from the first connection partner, wherein the second connection partner has an edge extending in a circumferential direction of the adapter receptacle, which edge has the guide for the projection, wherein the guide extends in the circumferential direction.

[0008] In the device according to the invention, a unique assignment can be provided by means of the mechanical coding device between the first connection partner and the second connection partner of a bayonet lock, which connects a fluid line adapter to an adapter receptacle. The bayonet lock has at least two locking arms arranged on the first connection partner. Furthermore, the bayonet lock on the second connection partner comprises a flange ring having recesses. The number of recesses is equal to the number of locking arms. The locking arms are arranged in a star shape around an end piece of the fluid line adapter, viewed along an axial direction of the device. The same applies to the recesses on the flange ring, which has an inner ring diameter that allows the end piece of the fluid line adapter to be passed through.At the position of the recesses, the inner ring diameter of the flange ring is enlarged, whereby the locking arms can be guided through the flange ring at the position of the recesses. To connect the bayonet lock, the first connection partner is connected to the second connection partner, whereby the locking arms are guided through the recesses of the flange ring. Since the locking arms and the recesses position the connection partners relative to one another due to their geometries, the first and second connection partners can only be connected to one another in a predefined position. Furthermore, the mechanical coding device comprises a first coding partner which mechanically interacts with a second coding partner in which the two coding partners are designed to match one another.The mechanical coding device ensures automatic assignment between the first connection partner and the second connection partner when the bayonet lock is connected. A first connection partner that is not intended to be assigned to a second connection partner has a first coding partner that is not aligned correctly with the second coding partner. A connection between the first connection partner and the second connection partner is not possible due to the incompatible first and second coding partners in this case, since the connection partners can only be aligned to one another in the predefined position. If the first connection partner is intended to be assigned to the second connection partner, the first connection partner has a first coding partner that is aligned correctly with the second coding partner in the predefined position.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the first recess can, for example, have a geometry that deviates from the standard geometry of the recesses, with the corresponding first locking arm having a suitable complementary geometry. For example, either only the corresponding locking arm can be passed through this recess. Alternatively, the corresponding locking arm can not be passed through any of the other recesses. In combination with the mechanical coding device, this creates a mechanical assignment between the two connection partners without great effort.

[0010] A user no longer has to decipher one symbol and associate it with another when assigning the fluid line adapter to the corresponding receptacle. This prevents incorrect assignment of the fluid lines connected to the fluid line adapters and the adapter receptacles. This increases the effectiveness of the device's handling.

[0011] For example, the first locking arm can have a greater extension in a circumferential direction of the bayonet closure than the other locking arms, wherein the first recess has a matching extension in the circumferential direction and the other recesses have a smaller extension in the circumferential direction that does not match the first locking arm.

[0012] In this example, one of the locking arms, namely the first locking arm, has a greater circumferential extent than the other locking arms and therefore cannot pass through the recesses that fit the other locking arms. The first locking arm is too large for this. Thus, the first connection partner can only be connected to the second connection partner in a position in which the first locking arm is aligned with the first recess in order to lock the bayonet lock. This not only assigns the first connection partner to the second connection partner, but also allows for a predefined positioning of the two connection partners relative to one another without great effort.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the invention, the first coding partner is a projection, wherein the second coding partner can be a recess.

[0014] The projection fits into the recess, meaning the projection can be inserted into the recess and moved within it when the bayonet lock is to be locked. The projection can only be inserted into the recess when the first connection partner is in a predefined position relative to the second connection partner. This assigns the first connection partner to the second connection partner.

[0015] According to the invention, the projection extends in a radial direction of the fluid line adapter away from the first connection partner, wherein the second connection partner has an edge extending in a circumferential direction of the adapter receptacle, which edge has a guide for the projection extending in the circumferential direction.

[0016] The projection protrudes radially outward from the first connection partner and thus from the fluid line adapter. The edge encloses the first connection partner when the first connection partner is arranged and connected to the second connection partner. The projection can be arranged in the guide and moved circumferentially along the guide when the bayonet lock is engaged.

[0017] In an alternative example, the projection may extend away from the fluid line adapter in an axial direction of the fluid line adapter, wherein the second connection partner has a guide for the projection extending in a circumferential direction of the adapter receptacle.

[0018] In this example, when connecting the first connection partner to the second connection partner, the projection is arranged in a guide located within the adapter receptacle. When the bayonet lock is closed, the projection can be moved circumferentially along the guide.

[0019] The second coding partner can, for example, have a stop element which, in a locking position of the device, forms a positive connection with the projection in a circumferential direction.

[0020] The stop indicates to a user that the first connection partner and the second connection partner are mounted and locked in the correct position.

[0021] According to another example, the first connection partner may have three locking arms.

[0022] However, this does not preclude the possibility that the first connection partner may have a larger or smaller number of locking arms. Furthermore, the second connection partner includes three recesses through which the locking arms can be inserted.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device set comprising a plurality of devices according to the preceding description, wherein each of the plurality of devices has a coding device which differs from the coding devices of the other devices of the plurality of devices for the unique identification of a device.

[0024] By means of the different coding devices of the individual devices in the device set, the individual devices have first connection partners and second connection partners that cannot be used with each other if they originate from different devices. This prevents the risk of confusion between the individual devices of the plurality of devices. Furthermore, during assembly of the individual devices, automatic identification of the correct pairing between the first connection partner and the second connection partner is provided by enabling the connection between the first connection partner and the second connection partner.

[0025] In one example, where the fluid line adapters of the plurality of devices each have a fluid line bend, each of the plurality of devices may have a unique angular relationship between the respective coding device and the respective fluid line bend.

[0026] Since the fluid line bend must point in a specific direction during assembly, the specific angular relationship between the coding device and the fluid line bend of the respective device ensures correct positioning of the fluid line bend of the fluid line adapter when connecting the first connection partner to the second connection partner. This simplifies the assembly of the device or fluid line adapter to the adapter receptacle.

[0027] According to another example, the first coding partner of one of the plurality of devices and the second coding partner of another of the plurality of devices may be incompatible.

[0028] The incompatibility between the first coding partner of one of the plurality of devices and the second coding partner of another of the plurality of devices prevents confusion between the connection partners of different devices of the device set.

[0029] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device in a first view along an axial direction; Fig. 2a, b shows a schematic representation of the fluid line adapter with the first connection partner and the adapter receptacle with the second connection partner; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a further view of the device in a second view; Fig. 4a, b shows a schematic representation of the fluid line adapter with the first connection partner and the adapter receptacle with the second connection partner according to the further embodiment; Fig. 5a, b shows a schematic representation of a further alternative example of the device not according to the invention; Fig. 6a, b shows schematic representations of devices of a device set; and Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a system comprising a distributor plate and fluid lines that are connected to the device.

[0030] The entire device according to the invention is as in Figure 1 shown referenced with the reference number 10.

[0031] The device 10 comprises a fluid line adapter having a first connection partner 12 and an adapter receptacle having a second connection partner 14. The first connection partner 12 and the second connection partner 14 can be connected to each other to connect the fluid line adapter to the adapter receptacle. This assembly state is shown in Figure 1 shown.

[0032] As in Figure 2aAs shown, the first connection partner 12 comprises at least two locking arms 16, 18, 20, which are arranged in a star shape in an end piece of the fluid line adapter. The locking arms 16, 18, 20 extend in a radial direction 48 of the fluid line adapter and point away from the fluid line adapter. In this example, three locking arms 16, 18, 20 are present.

[0033] Furthermore, the locking arms 16, 18, 20 extend along a circumferential direction 46 of the fluid line adapter. In this example, the extension of the locking arm 16 in the circumferential direction 46 is greater than the extension of the other locking arms 18, 20. The locking arm 16 can be referred to as the first locking arm 16.

[0034] According to Figure 2bthe second connection partner 14 has a flange ring 22. The flange ring 22 has recesses 24, 26, 28 along its inner circumference, which are designed to match the locking arms 16, 18, 20. This means that the locking arms 16, 18, 20 can be passed through at least one of the recesses 24, 26, 28 if they are aligned with them. However, the recesses 26 and 28 have a smaller extension in the circumferential direction 46 than the first locking arm 16. The first locking arm 16 cannot therefore be passed through the recesses 26 and 28. Only the recess 24, which can be referred to as the first recess 24, has a geometry in the circumferential direction 46 that allows the first locking arm 16 to be passed through. The first locking arm 16 can therefore only be passed through the first recess 24.A connection between the first connection partner 12 and the second connection partner 14 is therefore only possible in a predefined position.

[0035] The fluid line adapter may further include a sealing element 38 in the form of an O-ring. The sealing element 38 seals a connection between the first connection partner 12 and the second connection partner 14 when the locking arms 16, 18, 20 have been passed through the recesses 24, 26, 28.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a further view of the device 10. The mechanical coding device comprises as first coding partner 42 in this example a projection 30 which extends in the radial direction away from the first connection partner 12.

[0037] The adapter receptacle, which functions as the second connection partner 14, comprises a guide 34 arranged on an edge 32 and acting as the second marking partner 44. The guide 34 can be formed as a recess in the edge 32 along the circumferential direction.

[0038] Furthermore, the second connection partner 14 includes a stop 52, against which the projection 30 is prevented from further rotation in the circumferential direction by a positive fit in an assembled position of the device 10. When the projection 30 is arranged at the stop 52, this indicates that a correct connection has been established between the first connection partner 12 and the second connection partner 14. A user can determine from the projection 30 whether the first connection partner 12 and the second connection partner 14 have been properly connected and locked.

[0039] Figure 4ashows the first connection partner 12 of this example from a different view. The first connection partner 12 also comprises three locking arms 16, 18, 20. The projection 30 is arranged at a distance 50 from the end piece of the fluid line adapter in the axial direction. The sealing element 38 is arranged between the projection 30 and the locking arms 16, 18, 20.

[0040] The fluid line adapter further includes a fluid line bend 54, so that the two end pieces of the fluid line adapter are arranged at an angle to each other. The projection 30 is arranged between the fluid line bend 54 and the locking arms 16, 18, 20.

[0041] The connection partner 12 has a predefined angular relationship between the projection 30, which functions as the first coding partner 42, and the fluid line bend 54. This angular relationship determines the direction in which the fluid line bend 54 runs after assembly, with respect to the adapter receptacle on which the second connection partner 14 is arranged.

[0042] In this case, Figure 4bThe adapter receptacle of this example is shown. The adapter receptacle, which functions as the second connection partner 14, also comprises a flange ring 22 with recesses 24, 26, 28. Only the recess 24 is visible in this figure. The interaction of the first coding partner 42 and the second coding partner 44, which is designed as a guide 34 on the edge 32, with the predefined position brought about by the locking arms 16, 18, 20 and the recesses 24, 26, 28, provides a fixed assignment between the connection partners 12, 14. This also determines the direction of the fluid line curvature 34 in the assembly position with respect to the adapter receptacle.

[0043] According to another alternative example of the device 10 according to the Figures 5a and 5b the projection 30 can also be aligned in the axial direction 50. This is in Figure 5a , which shows the first connection partner 12.

[0044] Figure 5b shows the second connection partner 14, which depicts a correspondingly designed guide 34 as the second coding partner 44. In this example, the guide 34 is arranged within the adapter receptacle.

[0045] The Figures 6a and 6b show the first connection partners 12 of devices 10 of a device set comprising a plurality of devices 10. The devices 10 have mechanical coding devices that differ between the various devices 10.

[0046] For this purpose, Figure 6a the first coding partner 42 is arranged at the bottom right of the figure as a projection 30.

[0047] In Figure 6b the first coding partner 42 is arranged at the bottom left of the figure as a projection 30.

[0048] Figure 2ashows in this respect a further device 10 of the device set, in which the first coding partner 42 is arranged at the top of the figure as a projection 30.

[0049] Due to the different first coding partners 42 of the device 10, the first and second connection partners 12, 14 can be uniquely assigned to one another. This prevents confusion between different connection partners 12, 14 belonging to different devices 10.

[0050] Figure 7shows a distributor plate 40 for fluid lines and fluid lines 36 connected thereto by means of devices 10. The fluid lines 36 are connected to the fluid line adapters, i.e., the first connection partners 12. The distributor plate 40 has the adapter receptacles, i.e., the second connection partners 14. The first connection partners 12 are uniquely assigned to the second connection partners 14 by means of the respective coding devices.

[0051] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways according to the appended claims. Reference symbol list

[0052] 10Device 12First connection partner 14Second connection partner 16First locking arm 18Locking arm 20Locking arm 22Flange ring 24First receptacle 26Receptacle 28Receptacle 30Protrusion 32Edge 34Guide 36Fluid line 38Sealing element 40Distributor plate 42First coding partner 44Second coding partner 46Circumferential direction 48Radial direction 50Axial direction 52Stop 54Fluid line bend

Claims

1. Apparatus for coding a first connection partner (12) and a second connection partner (14) of a bayonet lock, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a bayonet lock having a first connection partner (12) and having a second connection partner (14), wherein the first connection partner (12) has at least two locking arms (16, 18, 20) for locking the connection and is arranged on a fluid-line adaptor, and wherein the second connection partner (14) has a flange ring (22) for lead-through of the first locking partner (12) with a number of recesses (24, 26, 28), corresponding to the number of locking arms (16, 18, 20), for lead-through of the locking arms (16, 18, 20) and is arranged on an adaptor receptacle, wherein a first locking arm (16) has a different geometry from the further locking arms (18, 20), wherein a first recess (24) assigned to the first locking arm (16) has a matching geometry for positioning the first connection partner (12) and the second connection partner (14) in a predefined position, and the further recesses (26, 28) have a geometry which is different and does not match the first locking arm (16), and wherein the apparatus (10) furthermore has a mechanical coding device, wherein the coding device has a first coding partner (42) on the first connection partner (12) and has a second coding partner (44) on the second connection partner (14), wherein the first coding partner (42) and the second coding partner (44) are oriented in a manner matching one another when the first connection partner (12) and the second connection partner (14) are arranged in a predefined position in relation to one another and a connection is realized via the bayonet lock, wherein the first coding partner (42) is a projection (30) and the second coding partner (44) is a guide (34) assigned to the projection (30), characterized in that the projection (30) extends away from the first connection partner (12) in a radial direction (48) of the fluid-line adaptor, wherein the second connection partner (14) has an edge (32) which extends in a circumferential direction (46) of the adaptor receptacle and which has the guide (34) for the projection (30), wherein the guide (34) extends in the circumferential direction (46).

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first locking arm (16) has a greater extent in a circumferential direction (46) of the bayonet lock than the further locking arms (16, 18, 20), wherein the first recess (24) has a matching extent in the circumferential direction (46) and the further recesses (24, 26, 28) have an extent in the circumferential direction (46) that is smaller and does not match the first locking arm (16).

3. Apparatus according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the second coding partner (44) has a stop element (52) which, in a locking position of the apparatus (10), forms a form fit with the projection (30) in a circumferential direction (46).

4. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first connection partner (12) has three locking arms (16, 18, 20).

5. Set of apparatuses comprising a multiplicity of apparatuses (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein each apparatus of the multiplicity of apparatuses (10) has a coding device which, for the purpose of unique identification of an apparatus (10), differs from the coding devices of the other apparatuses of the multiplicity of apparatuses (10) .

6. Set of apparatuses according to Claim 5, characterized in that, if the fluid-line adaptors of the multiplicity of apparatuses (10) each have a fluid-line curved portion (54), each apparatus of the multiplicity of apparatuses (10) has its own angle relationship between the respective coding device and the respective fluid-line curved portion (54) .

7. Set of apparatuses according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first coding partner (42) of one apparatus of the multiplicity of apparatuses (10) and the second coding partner (44) of another apparatus of the multiplicity of apparatuses (10) are incompatible.