Media Management Coupling and Media Management

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a media guide coupling.

[0002] For the transport or guidance of media, especially fluids, the use of hoses and pipes is well known. These can also be collectively referred to as media guides. Hoses are considered more flexible due to their material, while pipes are considered more rigid. Fluids include not only liquids but also gases and pasty substances.

[0003] Several hoses can be connected to one another using hose couplings, which are each firmly attached to the corresponding open end of the respective hose. Hose couplings of this type can also be used to connect hoses to units, which in turn have a corresponding coupling. Such hose couplings can be designed as so-called quick connectors, which can enable quick and easy connection and non-destructive release. Such hose couplings can be made of metal or plastic, particularly as injection-molded parts. The same applies to pipes. Accordingly, such hose or pipe couplings can also be collectively referred to as media guide couplings.

[0004] For many applications, it may be useful or even necessary to measure the temperature of the flowing medium using a sensor. For this purpose, it is known, for example, to insert a temperature sensor, usually in the form of an NTC thermistor (negative temperature coefficient thermistor), into the opening of a quick-action coupling. The sensor element or transducer of the NTC thermistor protrudes through a through-hole in the quick-action coupling into the medium and thus has direct contact with the medium. This can promote temperature transfer from the medium to the transducer, thus minimizing the response time of the NTC thermistor.

[0005] The disadvantage here is that the through-hole through the quick coupling, which accommodates and feeds through the NTC thermistor's transducer, must be sealed with the transducer in place. Accordingly, measures must be taken to ensure tightness at the transducer connection. These measures may involve higher costs for additional components and the risk of remaining leaks.

[0006] Another disadvantage is that replacing the transducer, for example in the event of a defect, can require extensive labor. Due to the fact that disassembly of the removed transducer leaves an open opening into the interior of the quick coupling, the medium must be removed from the system before replacing the transducer.

[0007] As an alternative, it is known to provide a recess in the quick coupling, positioned orthogonally to the flow of the medium. In other words, there is no through-hole for the NTC thermistor transducer, thus avoiding the corresponding disadvantages described above. Instead, the NTC thermistor transducer is located in the recess of the quick coupling and thus protrudes into the medium, surrounded by the quick coupling material in a recessed manner, without coming into direct contact with the medium.

[0008] In any case, temperature sensors can be integrated into plastic injection-molded parts using invasive solutions. These solutions can consist of two different parts, with a hose coupling and the encased temperature sensors mounted on the final part by the user.

[0009] Other approaches involve integrating the temperature sensor, for example, as an NTC thermistor (negative temperature coefficient thermistor), directly into an injection-molded part that forms the hose coupling. The temperature sensor housing represents a connection of the hose coupling, which is mounted within a media-carrying hose line.

[0010] The disadvantage here is that the injection-molded parts of the hose couplings must be individually designed to integrate a temperature sensor. This represents additional effort. This can significantly increase the variety of parts, especially if different temperature sensors are to be used.

[0011] Another disadvantage is that this can complicate the use of new materials, such as PA66, in such hose couplings with temperature sensors. In particular, only materials without glass fiber reinforcement should be used for such applications, as the glass fibers reduce the thermal conductivity of the material and thus can impair the response time and accuracy of the temperature sensor. Accordingly, the use of temperature sensors contradicts the increased strength of such hose couplings, which can be achieved through the use of glass fiber-reinforced plastic. Documents EP 2 531 767 B1, WO 2020 / 244842 A1, and US 2017 / 045173 A1 relate to prior art media guide couplings.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a media guide coupling, and in particular a quick-action coupling for hoses and / or pipes of the type described above, so that the disadvantages of known media guide couplings of this type can be eliminated or at least reduced. In particular, a media guide coupling is to be created which, with regard to the dispatch of a sensor, can be adapted to various applications more easily, quickly, cost-effectively, and / or flexibly. This should be achieved in a way that is as simple, compact, cost-effective, flexible, and / or intuitive as possible. At the very least, an alternative to known media guide couplings of this type is to be created.

[0013] The object is achieved according to the invention by a media guide coupling having the features of independent patent claims 1 and 4 and by a media guide according to claim 9.Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims. Thus, the present invention relates to a media guide coupling with a first coupling element with a flow opening for guiding a medium through it, and with a first connecting element for connection to a second media-conducting device, preferably with a hose, pipe or unit, and with a second coupling element with a flow opening for guiding the medium through it, and with a first connecting element for connection to a third media-conducting device, preferably with a hose, pipe or unit, wherein the two coupling elements are connected to one another in a media-tight manner such that their flow openings form a common flow opening of the media guide coupling, and wherein the first coupling element has a sensor receptacle and / or the second coupling element has a sensor receptacle.

[0014] As described above, the present invention is based on the realization that applying sensors, particularly temperature sensors, to media-conducting couplings such as hose or pipe couplings is currently complex and can lead to a correspondingly large number of components. Finally, such media-conducting couplings must be connected to various other media-conducting devices, such as hoses, pipes, units, and the like, both on one side and on the other opposite side, depending on the application, and must be designed accordingly. Furthermore, different sensors must be used in terms of type, manufacturer, size, and the like.

[0015] According to the invention, a media guide coupling is therefore formed with, and preferably consisting of, two coupling elements, wherein the two coupling elements can each be designed to match one of many different media-carrying devices. Accordingly, depending on the application, i.e., depending on the media-carrying devices to be connected, two matching coupling elements can be selected and combined to form a media guide coupling according to the invention. The two coupling elements can thus be manufactured separately, which significantly reduces the number of parts. This can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0016] Providing a sensor mount on at least one of the two coupling elements can also create the possibility of using a sensor. Accordingly, the corresponding coupling element can also be designed for different sensors and connected to the other coupling element depending on the application. This can also reduce the number of parts.

[0017] Thus, according to the invention, the adaptations of a media guide coupling to a new application can be reduced to the extent that existing or previously designed coupling elements only need to be recombined, which can minimize the effort required for adaptation and potentially eliminate the need for design work. If necessary, necessary adaptations can be limited to just one of the two coupling elements, which can also lead to a reduction in effort. In any case, a two-part modular design of a media guide coupling is possible.

[0018] On the other hand, this applies accordingly to an arrangement with two coupling elements and an intermediate sensor element with a sensor holder, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0019] The invention can be used for any application in which the temperature of the medium within a media conduit, such as within a hose or pipe system, is to be measured. A particularly conceivable application is the temperature measurement of coolants in battery-electric vehicles.

[0020] According to the invention, the first coupling element has a second connecting element, the second coupling element has a second connecting element, and the first coupling element and the second coupling element are connected to each other in a media-tight manner by means of their second connecting elements, such as catches, clips, or screws. As a result, the corresponding properties and advantages can be applied to the media guide coupling according to the invention.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, a sealing element, preferably an O-ring, is arranged between the two second connecting elements. This allows the corresponding properties and advantages to be applied to the media guide coupling according to the invention.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, the coupling element without a sensor mount is designed as a fiber-reinforced injection-molded part. This allows the corresponding properties and advantages to be applied to the media guide coupling according to the invention. In particular, the structurally reinforcing properties of fiber-reinforced injection-molded parts can be utilized in the coupling element without a sensor mount, while simultaneously avoiding the negative effects of fiber reinforcement in the coupling element with a sensor mount.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a media guide coupling comprising a first coupling element with a flow opening for guiding a medium through it, and comprising a first connecting element for connection to a second media-conducting device, preferably to a hose, pipe or unit, comprising a second coupling element with a flow opening for guiding the medium through it, and comprising a first connecting element for connection to a third media-conducting device, preferably to a hose, pipe or unit, and comprising a sensor element with a flow opening for guiding the medium through it, wherein the first coupling element is connected to the sensor element and the sensor element is connected to the second coupling element in a media-tight manner such that their flow throughs form a common flow opening of the media guide coupling,and wherein the sensor element has a sensor receptacle.,

[0024] In this way, the previously described aspects, properties, and advantages of the present invention can also be applied to a three-part media-conducting coupling, in that the two outer coupling elements can be designed and used to match the various other media-conducting devices, and can be connected to one another by means of the sensor element, which in turn can be designed and selected to match the sensor to be used. This can enable the implementation of a three-part modular design.

[0025] According to the invention, the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element has / have a second connecting element, wherein the sensor element has a first connecting element, preferably a second connecting element, and wherein the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element are connected in a media-tight manner to the connecting element(s) of the sensor element by means of their second connecting elements, by means of catches, clips, or screws. As a result, the corresponding properties and advantages can be applied to the media guide coupling according to the invention.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, a sealing element, preferably an O-ring, is arranged between the connecting elements (each). This allows the corresponding properties and advantages to be applied to the media guide coupling according to the invention.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element is / are formed as a fiber-reinforced injection-molded part. This allows the corresponding properties and advantages to be applied to the media guide coupling according to the invention.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first connecting element of the first coupling element and the first connecting element of the second coupling element are designed with identical or different connection mechanisms. This allows the corresponding properties and advantages to be applied to the media guide coupling according to the invention.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the sensor receptacle protrudes at least partially, preferably completely, into the flow opening, preferably perpendicular to the flow opening. This can increase the contact area between the sensor receptacle and thus also a sensor accommodated by the sensor receptacle, thus also improving the sensory and, for example, thermal transmission between the medium and the sensor.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a media guide comprising a media guide coupling as described above and a second media-conducting device, preferably a hose, pipe, or assembly. A media guide can thus be, for example, a hose or pipe application comprising a hose or pipe as the second media-conducting device or as the actual media guide, and a media guide coupling firmly and media-tightly connected thereto, for example, a hose or pipe coupling. This allows the media guide coupling according to the invention to be implemented and used to utilize its properties and advantages.

[0031] In other words, the solution is part of a modular quick connector in which the sensor function, and in particular the temperature measurement function, is realized by integrating a preferably cylindrical part in the middle or at the end of the quick connector, to which a temperature sensor can be attached or directly integrated. Using such a solution, high thermal conductivity, for example, can be achieved without having to modify existing tools. Furthermore, the production of such a temperature-sensitive quick connector, for example, may require only a minor adjustment to the process. The solution can also enable a comparatively small volume and be incorporated into any device with a modular design.The solution can also be a preferably cylindrical part that can be mounted, for example, on any existing quick connector, with a male connector on one side and a female connector on the other. This can allow for greater flexibility in application in currently used media systems. This solution, for example, as a sensor ring, can be used for the testing phase of a prototype or as a retrofittable sensor adaptation.

[0032] Several embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained below in conjunction with the following figures. Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling according to the invention according to a first embodiment in the separated state; Fig. 2 shows the representation of the Figure 1in the connected state; Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling according to the invention according to a second embodiment in the separated state; Fig. 4 the representation of the Figure 3 in the connected state; Fig. 5 a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling according to the invention according to a third embodiment in the separated state; Fig. 6 the representation of the Figure 5 in the connected state; Fig. 7 a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment in the separated state; Fig. 8 the representation of the Figure 7 in the connected state; Fig. 9 a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment in the separated state; Fig. 10 the representation of the Figure 9 in the connected state; and Fig. 11 shows a longitudinal section through a media guide according to the invention with the media guide coupling of the fifth embodiment.

[0033] The description of the above figures is given in cylindrical coordinates with a longitudinal axis X, a radial direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and a circumferential direction U circulating around the longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal axis X, the radial direction R and the circumferential direction U can also be referred to together as spatial directions X, R, U or as cylindrical spatial directions X, R, U.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling 1 according to the invention according to a first embodiment in the separated state. Fig. 2 shows the representation of the Figure 1 in the connected state. The media guide coupling 1 is considered using the example of a hose coupling 1 in the form of a quick-action coupling 1.

[0035] The hose coupling 1 has a first coupling element 10 with a flow opening 10a through which a medium, such as in particular a fluid, can flow along the longitudinal direction X. Along the longitudinal axis X, to the left and thus directed outward, the first coupling element 10 has a first connecting element 10b and, opposite, an inwardly directed second connecting element 10c. Radially aligned, the first coupling element 10 further has a sensor receptacle 10d, which is radially accessible from the outside and protrudes radially inward into the flow opening 10a in a pin-like manner.

[0036] The hose coupling 1 further comprises a second coupling element 11 with a flow opening 11a through which the fluid can flow along the longitudinal direction X. Along the longitudinal axis X to the right and thus directed outwards, the second coupling element 11 comprises a first connecting element 11b and, opposite, an inwardly directed second connecting element 11c.

[0037] The two coupling elements 10, 11 are each manufactured separately as injection-molded parts, with the second coupling element 11 being designed as a fiber-reinforced injection-molded part. Both coupling elements 10, 11 can be connected in a fluid-tight manner to another media-conducting device 2, such as a hose 2, a pipe 2, or an assembly, by means of their respective first connecting elements 10b, 11b. Various mechanical connection mechanisms, such as latches, clips, or screws, can be used for this purpose, particularly in combination with an intermediate sealing element, such as an O-ring.

[0038] Both coupling elements 10, 11 can be connected to each other in a fixed and fluid-tight manner by means of their corresponding second connecting elements 10c, 11c, see Figure 2, so that the respective flow openings 10a, 11a of the coupling elements 10, 11 form a common flow opening 10a, 11a of the hose coupling 1. Various mechanical connection mechanisms such as latches, clips, or screws can also be used for this purpose, particularly in combination with an intermediate sealing element such as an O-ring.

[0039] The two coupling elements 10, 11 can be provided in different designs with regard to their first connecting elements 10b, 11b, so that the appropriate variant for the respective further media-conducting devices 2 can be selected from a multitude of variants of first coupling elements 10 and second coupling elements 11, depending on the application. Furthermore, the first coupling element 10 can be adapted to the sensor 3 to be used with regard to its sensor receptacle 10d. The two selected coupling elements 10, 11 can then be connected to one another in a fixed and fluid-tight manner by means of their corresponding second connecting elements 10c, 11c to form the hose coupling 1. The hose coupling 1 can therefore also be referred to as a modular hose coupling 1.

[0040] In this way, a hose coupling 1 can be created easily, flexibly, and quickly, which is adapted to the respective application. At the same time, it can also be adapted to the sensor 3 to be used.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling 1 according to the invention according to a second embodiment in the separated state. Fig. 4 shows the representation of the Figure 3 in the connected state. In this case, a right-angled coupling element 11 is used as the second coupling element 11 instead of a straight coupling element 11, as is the case in the first embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling 1 according to the invention according to a third embodiment in the separated state. Fig. 6 shows the representation of the Figure 5in the connected state. The third embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment with the difference that the second coupling element 11 now has a sensor receptacle 11d.

[0043] Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling 1 according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment in the separated state. Fig. 8 shows the representation of the Figure 7 in the connected state. The fourth embodiment represents a combination of the second and third embodiments.

[0044] Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal section through a media guide coupling 1 according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment in the separated state. Fig. 10 shows the representation of the Figure 9 in the connected state.

[0045] In this case, the two coupling elements 10, 11 do not have sensor receptacles 10d, 11d. Rather, the modular hose coupling 1 is designed in three parts, with a corresponding sensor element 12 arranged along the longitudinal axis X between the two outer coupling elements 10, 11. The sensor element 12 has a corresponding flow opening 12a and, to the left, a first connecting element 12b and, to the right, a second connecting element 12c, for connection to the second connecting elements 10c, 11c of the two coupling elements 10, 11 as described above. The sensor element 12 also has a sensor receptacle 12d.

[0046] Accordingly, the two coupling elements 10, 11 can be selected to match the respective additional media-carrying devices 2 depending on the application. Likewise, the sensor element 12 can be selected to match the respective sensor 3. This can simplify or expand the modularity options.

[0047] Fig. 11shows a longitudinal section through a media guide 1, 2 according to the invention with the media guide coupling 1 of the fifth exemplary embodiment. A hose 2 as the second media-conducting device 2, or its wall 20, is pulled over the first connecting element 11b of the second coupling element 11 and thus connected to the first connecting element 11b of the second coupling element 11, so that a flow opening 21 of the hose 2 coincides with the flow opening 10a, 11a, 12a of the hose coupling 1. Furthermore, a sensor 3 in the form of a temperature sensor 3 is received in the sensor receptacle 12d of the sensor element 12. A sensor probe 31 in the form of an NTC thermistor 31 projects all the way inward or downward into the sensor receptacle 12d and is held by a sensor housing 30 and connected to a sensor cable 32 in order to make the sensor values ​​available to the outside. List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0048] Rradial direction Ucircumferential direction XLongitudinal direction 1, 2Media routing; hose line; pipeline 1Media guide coupling; hose coupling; quick coupling 10First coupling element 10aFlow opening of the first coupling element 10 10First connecting element of the first coupling element 10 10cSecond connecting element of the first coupling element 10 10dSensor receptacle of the first coupling element 10 11Second coupling element 11aFlow opening of the second coupling element 11 11First connecting element of the second coupling element 11 11cSecond connecting element of the second coupling element 11 11dSensor receptacle of the second coupling element 11 12Sensor element; sensor area 12aFlow opening of the sensor element 12 12First connecting element of the sensor element 12 12cSecond connecting element of the sensor element 12 12dSensor receptacle of the sensor element 12 2Second media-carrying device; hose; pipe 20Wall of hose 2; hose wall; pipe wall 21Flow opening 3Sensor; Temperature sensor 30Sensor housing 31Sensor probe; NTC thermistor 32Sensor cable

Claims

1. Media guiding coupling (1) having a first coupling element (10) having a flow opening (10a) for guiding a medium therethrough; and having a first connecting element (10b) for connecting to a second media guiding device (2), preferably to a hose (2), a tube (2) or an apparatus; and having a second coupling element (11) having a flow opening (11a) for guiding the medium therethrough; and having a first connecting element (11b) for connecting to a third media guiding device, preferably to a hose, a tube or an apparatus; and wherein the two coupling elements (10, 11) are connected to one another so as to be media-tight in such a manner that their flow openings (10a, 11a) form a common flow opening (10a, 11a) of the media guiding coupling (1); and wherein the first coupling element (10) has a sensor receptacle (10d), and / or the second coupling element (11) has a sensor receptacle (11d), characterized in that the first coupling element (10) has a second connecting element (10c); wherein the second coupling element (11) has a second connecting element (11c); and wherein the first coupling element (10) and the second coupling element (11), by means of their second connecting elements (10c, 11c), are connected to one another in a media-tight manner by means of pawls, clips or screws.

2. Media guiding coupling (1) according to Claim 1, wherein a sealing element, preferably an O-ring, is disposed between the two second connecting elements (10c, 11c).

3. Media guiding coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (10, 11) without a sensor receptacle (10d, 11d) is formed as a fibre-reinforced injection-moulded part.

4. Media guiding coupling (1) having a first coupling element (10) having a flow opening (10a) for guiding a medium therethrough; and having a first connecting element (10b) for connecting to a second media guiding device (2), preferably to a hose (2), a tube (2) or an apparatus; and having a second coupling element (11) having a flow opening (11a) for guiding the medium therethrough; and having a first connecting element (11b) for connecting to a third media guiding device, preferably to a hose, a tube or an apparatus; and having a sensor element (12) having a flow opening (12a) for guiding the medium therethrough; wherein the first coupling element (10) by way of the sensor element (12), and the sensor element (12) by way of the second coupling element (11), are connected to one another so as to be media-tight in such a manner that their flow openings (10a, 11a, 12a) form a common flow opening (10a, 11a, 12a) of the media guiding coupling (1); and wherein the sensor element (12) has a sensor receptacle (12d), characterized in that the first coupling element (10) and / or the second coupling element (11) have / has a second connecting element (10c, 11c), wherein the sensor element (12) has a first connecting element (12b), preferably and a second connecting element (12c), and wherein the first coupling element (10) and / or the second coupling element (11), by means of their second connecting elements (10c, 11c) are connected to the connecting element(s) (12b, 12c) of the sensor element (12) by means of pawls, clips or screws in a media-tight manner.

5. Media guiding coupling (1) according to Claim 4, wherein a sealing element, preferably an O-ring, is disposed (in each case) between the connecting elements (10c, 11c, 12b, 12c).

6. Media guiding coupling (1) according to one of Claims 4 to 5, wherein the first coupling element (10) and / or the second coupling element (11) are / is formed as a fibre-reinforced injection-moulded part.

7. Media guiding coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element (10b) of the first coupling element (10) and the first connecting element (11b) of the second coupling element (11) are designed with identical or dissimilar connecting mechanisms.

8. Media guiding coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor receptacle (10d, 11d, 12d) protrudes at least in portions, preferably completely, into the flow opening (10a, 11a, 12a), preferably so as to be perpendicular to the flow opening (10a, 11a, 12a).

9. Media guide (1, 2) having a media guiding coupling (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and having a second media guiding device (2), preferably having a hose (2), a tube (2) or an apparatus.