COUPLING DEVICE FOR CONNECTING FLUIDY-TRANSMITTING COMPONENTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device for connecting fluid-carrying components with the features of the preamble of the independent device claim and to a coupling system with the features of the preamble of the dependent device claim.

[0002] The objective of connecting fluid-carrying components, such as pipes or hoses, is typically to establish a fluid flow from at least one first fluid-carrying component to at least one second fluid-carrying component, which is usually detachably connected to the first component. For this purpose, a suitable connecting device is placed between the fluid-carrying components and connected to them at designated connection points. Simple devices for connecting fluid-carrying components, such as pipe connectors or hose connectors, are known from the prior art.

[0003] Since the fluid flow has a defined direction in many applications, the following explanations distinguish between components located "downstream" of the connection device and components located "upstream" of the connection device. The term "downstream" refers to a component's position that, viewed from the connection device or from another component to which this position refers, lies in the direction of fluid flow. In other words, this position is located downstream of the connection device or the component to which the position refers, with respect to the flow direction. Conversely, the term "upstream" refers to a component's position that, viewed from the connection device or from another component to which this position refers, lies against the direction of fluid flow.In other words, with regard to the direction of fluid flow, this position is located upstream of the connecting device or the component relating to the position specification.

[0004] In many applications, a fluid-carrying component located upstream of the connection device is subjected to a continuous fluid flow. Consequently, it is not easily possible to remove a fluid-carrying component located downstream of the connection device, as this would lead to the unimpeded escape of fluid from the connection device into the environment. However, precisely this removal of a downstream fluid-carrying component is regularly necessary in many applications for maintenance purposes and / or to allow for flexible system design.In these applications, coupling devices are used as connection devices that automatically interrupt the continuous fluid flow at the upstream fluid-carrying component as soon as a fluid-carrying component located downstream of the coupling device is removed from the coupling device. This automatically prevents the unimpeded escape of fluid into the environment, allowing work to be carried out at the connection point and / or downstream.

[0005] A common problem, however, is that the movements within the coupling device triggered by connecting and disconnecting a fluid-carrying component located downstream of the coupling lead to wear of the sealing elements (also called sealing elements). This ultimately results in a leak in the coupling device, which in turn means that a reliable interruption of the fluid flow is no longer guaranteed and fluid can escape uncontrollably into the environment. From the perspective of economics, operational safety, and the prevention of environmental impact, this should be avoided whenever possible. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check the installed coupling devices for leaks and, if necessary, replace the installed sealing elements.In this context, it has also proven disadvantageous that previous designs of coupling devices typically use radially arranged (ring-shaped) sealing elements that extend over the entire circumference of a usually rotationally symmetrical sealing piston (e.g., sealing rings). These sealing elements are usually difficult to access and therefore difficult to replace when the coupling device is assembled. Consequently, maintenance is very time-consuming, as the coupling device must first be disassembled before the relevant sealing elements can be replaced.

[0006] Coupling devices are known from CH 368 669 A, US 2013 / 327420 A1, US 2014 / 0083542 A1, DE 10 2007 062393 A1 and US 2 690 917 A.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above, at least partially. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a coupling device and a coupling system which offer increased operational reliability and reduced maintenance and assembly effort, especially with regard to replacing a sealing element.

[0008] The foregoing problem is solved by a coupling device with the features of the independent device claim and a coupling system with the features of the dependent device claim. The coupling system according to the invention can include the coupling device according to the invention, so that mutual reference can be made to the individual technical features. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0009] According to the invention, a coupling device for connecting two fluid-carrying components, in particular pipes or hoses or the like, for generating a fluid flow is provided, which comprises at least a first coupling receptacle, a second coupling receptacle, and a sealing piston, wherein the coupling device according to the invention can be connected to the first fluid-carrying component via the first coupling receptacle and to the second fluid-carrying component via the second coupling receptacle. The first and second coupling receptacles can form a single, materially uniform, and / or metallurgically bonded component.Furthermore, the coupling device according to the invention has at least two coupling states: an open state in which the sealing piston is in its open position and fluid flow is possible, and a closed state in which the sealing piston is in its sealing position and the fluid flow is interrupted. The coupling device according to the invention is further characterized in that a first sealing element, preferably disc-shaped or annular, is arranged on the head side of the sealing piston, particularly for sealing in the sealing position. Since the sealing piston has a longitudinal extension (in the direction of the fluid flow), it also has two ends: a head end and an opposite foot end. The first sealing element is provided on the head side of the (outer, planar) head end of the sealing piston.The head-side arrangement of the first sealing element on the sealing piston offers several advantages. This positioning allows access to the first sealing element through the opening of a coupling receptacle, making it accessible and replaceable even when the coupling assembly is mounted. Furthermore, the first sealing element only comes into contact with other component surfaces of the coupling assembly when the sealing piston is in its sealing position. Specifically, there is no contact with other component surfaces of the coupling assembly while the sealing piston moves from its sealing position to its open position, or vice versa. Consequently, wear on the head-side first sealing element is minimized, and its service life is extended, leading to a reduction in maintenance and operating costs.Furthermore, replacing the first sealing element can be done particularly easily and simply.

[0010] According to the invention, at least the first coupling receptacle, the second coupling receptacle, the sealing piston, and the first sealing element can be rotationally symmetrical components, preferably designed (or manufactured) as turned parts. Other cross-sectional shapes, such as quadrilaterals or polygonal cross-sections, are also conceivable. Preferably, at least the first coupling receptacle, the second coupling receptacle, the sealing piston, and the first sealing element can have the same or substantially the same cross-sectional shape.

[0011] The present invention also includes the arrangement of the first sealing element on the upstream side of the sealing piston, preferably at the head end. This offers the advantage that the fluid flow exerts pressure on the first sealing element, thus achieving a particularly good sealing effect, especially in the sealing position of the sealing piston. Furthermore, the first sealing element can be well protected against the oncoming fluid flow (particularly by the use of a sealing disc).

[0012] In a measure improving the invention, the sealing piston can be spring-loaded. Preferably, when the second fluid-carrying component is connected to the second coupling receptacle, the sealing piston is in its open position. However, when the second fluid-carrying component is removed from the coupling device, the spring load (automatically) moves the sealing piston from its open position to its sealing position. In its sealing position, the sealing piston then ensures that the fluid flow from the first fluid-carrying component to the coupling device is interrupted. This offers the advantage that the second fluid-carrying component can be removed from the coupling device without an uncontrolled escape of fluid from the coupling device.

[0013] According to the invention, the spring load on the sealing piston can be realized by a compression spring, in particular a coil spring designed as a compression spring, which is advantageously arranged on the sealing piston and transmits a spring force to it. In particular, the sealing piston and compression spring can be arranged coaxially. This achieves the advantage of a simple and unambiguous arrangement of the spring, which simplifies assembly and prevents assembly errors. According to the invention, it is conceivable that the spring is made of a corrosion-resistant metal, preferably stainless steel, and particularly preferably galvanized steel. This offers the advantage that the spring can be in direct contact with the fluid transported by the coupling device without its function being impaired.This ensures the correct functioning of the coupling device over a long period and reduces maintenance requirements. It is also conceivable to use several compression springs, which are distributed particularly evenly around the circumference of the sealing piston. The spring force is preferably transmitted to the sealing piston via a radially exposed section of the piston. It is also conceivable that the radially exposed section of the sealing piston is formed by an additional component, preferably a pressure ring, which is particularly preferably arranged on the sealing piston. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the support of the compression spring required for force transmission to the sealing piston is provided by a section of a coupling receptacle, preferably the first coupling receptacle.

[0014] Furthermore, an advantage of the invention is that when the sealing piston is in the sealing position, the first sealing element is in contact with a sealing section of a coupling receptacle, in particular the first coupling receptacle, and a fluid flow from the first fluid-carrying component to the second fluid-carrying component is prevented, wherein the sealing section is preferably positioned on an axially oriented molded section of a coupling receptacle, in particular the first coupling receptacle. An axial orientation here means that the normal vector of this molded section points along, or substantially along, the central axis, in particular the axis of rotation of the coupling device.

[0015] It is further provided that the first sealing element is arranged on a sealing plate, which is preferably rotationally symmetrical and disc-shaped, and that the sealing plate is positively and / or force-fit connected to the sealing piston, particularly in a position coaxial with the sealing piston. In a preferred embodiment, the first sealing element is arranged between the sealing plate and the sealing piston. In particular, it is conceivable that the first sealing element is arranged on a downstream outer surface of the sealing plate. Downstream here means that the normal vector of this surface points along, or substantially along, the flow direction of the fluid flow passing through the coupling device.This results in a particularly advantageous method of fixing the first sealing element to the sealing piston, as the sealing disc distributes the pressure necessary for secure fixing of the first sealing element over a large proportion of its surface area. Consequently, the first sealing element is subjected to a large and as homogeneous a load as possible. This reduces the risk of local stress peaks and, for example, punctures, cracking, or other damage to the first sealing element caused by excessive assembly forces. Furthermore, the sealing disc protects the first sealing element from the flow of fluid.

[0016] It is also conceivable that the first sealing element is positively or essentially positively engaged in a recess provided for this purpose in the sealing plate, which can be formed by a plate rim. This offers the advantage that the correct arrangement of the first sealing element is immediately apparent to the person performing the assembly of the coupling device. Assembly errors and the resulting problems in the operation of the coupling device can thus be effectively avoided. Furthermore, the first sealing element is already held in a fixed position within the sealing plate during assembly, so that the sealing plate and the first sealing element form a single unit, thus simplifying the assembly of the coupling device. Advantageously, it can be provided that the first sealing element is flush with the sealing plate and forms a flat surface with it, which at least partially rests on the (head end of the) sealing piston.To optimize the flow characteristics of the sealing piston, the surface at the head end can also be curved or dome-shaped, with preferably at least the first sealing element and / or the sealing plate being geometrically complementary to this surface. It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the first sealing element projects beyond the sealing plate. Besides a preferred design of the sealing plate as a rotationally symmetrical component, other cross-sectional shapes such as a rectangular or polygonal cross-section are also conceivable. It is considered particularly preferred if the sealing plate and / or the recess in the sealing plate for receiving the first sealing element has the same or substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the first sealing element.

[0017] As an advantageous further development of the invention, it can be provided that the sealing piston has a fastening means, in particular an external thread, and the sealing plate has a counter-fastening means, in particular an internal thread, and that the connection between the sealing piston and the sealing plate is established by the interaction of the fastening means and counter-fastening means for arranging the first sealing element on the sealing piston. This achieves the advantage of reducing the number of individual parts required for arranging the first sealing element on the sealing piston. Accordingly, this results in a reduction of assembly and maintenance effort. Preferably, the external thread of the sealing piston extends orthogonally to a head face of the sealing piston. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the external thread is arranged on the upstream head face of the sealing piston.This offers the advantage that the applied fluid flow, particularly when the sealing piston is in its sealing position, exerts pressure on the sealing plate and thus on the first sealing element, which enhances the sealing effect of the first sealing element. Furthermore, the invention includes the first sealing element having a bore and / or opening, preferably arranged centrally or substantially centrally, which is dimensioned to be at least large enough for the external thread of the sealing piston to extend through it. It is conceivable that a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection can be established between the external thread of the sealing piston and the first sealing element, so that the external thread of the sealing piston serves to center the first sealing element.This achieves the advantage of a clear and infallible positioning of the first sealing element, thus simplifying the assembly of the coupling device. It is also conceivable that the first sealing element has its own counter-fastening means, in particular an internal thread, and that the first sealing element can be directly attached to the sealing piston via its external thread. The invention also includes the possibility that the sealing plate, instead of having an internal thread, has only a bore, preferably arranged centrally or substantially centrally, which is preferably dimensioned at least large enough for the external thread of the sealing piston to extend through it. It is conceivable that a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection can be established between the external thread of the sealing piston and the first sealing element, so that the external thread of the sealing piston serves to center the sealing plate.This achieves the advantage of a clear and infallible positioning of the sealing plate, thus simplifying the assembly of the coupling device. Furthermore, the invention encompasses the concept that the sealing plate and / or first sealing element are fastened via a separate counter-fastening means, in particular a nut, most preferably a hexagonal nut.

[0018] Furthermore, it is provided that a tool projection, in particular an external hexagon, is formed on the sealing plate, wherein this tool projection can be brought into at least partial frictional and / or positive engagement with a tool. Other tool projections such as an internal hexagon, Torx, or Phillips head are also conceivable. The tool projection serves to introduce an assembly movement into the sealing plate, by which a connection between the sealing plate and the sealing piston can be established and / or released. Preferably, the assembly movement is a rotary movement. It is also considered preferred if the tool projection is arranged centrally or substantially centrally on the sealing plate.The tool extension is particularly preferably arranged on the sealing plate such that the central axis, in particular the axis of rotation of the coupling device, runs centrally, and especially symmetrically, through the tool extension and / or is particularly preferably arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation of the tool extension. The advantage of a tool extension lies in the fact that a connection between the sealing plate and the sealing piston can be established and released particularly easily due to optimal force application. Furthermore, the tool extension significantly improves accessibility for the assembly and disassembly of the sealing plate and / or the first sealing element, since the assembly tool can be passed through a coupling receptacle and directly brought into operative contact with the tool extension. Accordingly, disassembly of the sealing plate and / or the first sealing element is also possible when the coupling device is assembled.A tool interface also allows the use of special tools such as torque wrenches. This enables the precise application of the assembly force required to fix the first sealing element, thus preventing damage to the first sealing element due to excessive force during assembly. Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the tool attachment is formed on the first sealing element.

[0019] In such an embodiment, all features mentioned with regard to a combination of sealing plate and tool attachment apply equally to a combination of first sealing element and tool attachment.

[0020] Advantageously, the sealing plate can have a projection (also called a plate rim) which, in the closed state of the coupling device, can be brought into a positive-locking connection with a recess in a coupling receptacle, in particular the first coupling receptacle. It is particularly preferred if the projection of the sealing plate is designed such that it completely surrounds the first sealing element and thus forms a receptacle for the first sealing element in the sealing plate. It is also preferred if the projection of the sealing plate is flush with the first sealing element, particularly in the axial direction, and does not extend beyond it. The axial direction is defined here as the direction vector along, or substantially along, the central axis, in particular the axis of rotation of the coupling device.This achieves the advantage of ensuring secure retention of the first sealing element within the sealing plate. Undesired positional changes of the first sealing element during operation are thus avoided. Furthermore, the assembly of the coupling device is significantly simplified, and the potential for errors during the assembly process is reduced. Simultaneously, it is ensured that the sealing effect of the first sealing element is maintained even if it is compressed, particularly in its sealing position, due to the force exerted by the fluid flow. The recess in the coupling receptacle, which can be positively engaged with the protrusion of the sealing plate, guarantees that the first sealing element remains in constant contact with the sealing section of the coupling device, even under force and any deformation, especially compression, thus ensuring a consistently high sealing effect.

[0021] An incomplete circumferential enclosure of the first sealing element is also conceivable within the scope of the invention. It is also conceivable that the projection is formed with at least two interruptions and thus consists of at least two projection elements, wherein the projection elements are arranged, in particular, uniformly distributed around the circumference of the sealing plate. An uneven arrangement of the projection elements is also conceivable. Preferably, the arrangement of the projection elements is chosen such that the first sealing element is prevented from falling out of the sealing plate, particularly in the radial direction.

[0022] Furthermore, an advantage of the invention can be that the sealing piston is movably mounted for its movement at a bearing point, particularly in the first coupling receptacle, wherein preferably at least one sliding ring, and more preferably two sliding rings, are arranged at the bearing point. The use of sliding rings offers the advantage of particularly smooth and low-wear movement of the sealing piston. It is also conceivable that the movement of the sealing piston between its opening position and its sealing position is preferably a purely translational movement. This offers the advantage of the most direct possible movement of the sealing piston between its sealing position and its opening position. However, it is also conceivable that the movement is a purely rotational movement or a combination of translational and rotational movement.

[0023] Furthermore, an advantage of the invention is that the sealing piston has at least two openings, preferably distributed evenly around its circumference, which extend elongately in the circumferential direction of the sealing piston and which allow a fluid flow from an exterior area of ​​the sealing piston to an interior area of ​​the sealing piston or vice versa, wherein the openings are preferably located near a head end of the sealing piston, particularly on the head end of the sealing piston where the first sealing element is also located, and especially preferably near the first sealing element. The circumferential direction here is to be understood as the direction along, or substantially along, a vector which, in a developed representation of the sealing piston or a sectional view of the sealing piston, is orthogonal to the central axis, in particular the axis of rotation of the sealing piston.By positioning the openings as close as possible to one end of the sealing piston, the required range of motion for moving the piston from its open to its closed position, or vice versa, can be reduced. This allows for a more compact design of the coupling device in terms of installation space. A uniform arrangement of the openings around the circumference of the sealing piston offers the advantage of a consistent flow from the outer to the inner part of the piston, or vice versa. This results in a homogeneous load distribution on the sealing piston and the coupling device, and further contributes to a more homogeneous flow pattern, thus minimizing unsteady flow phenomena and the resulting noise emissions.Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the openings in the sealing piston have a circular, square or other type of cross-section.

[0024] As an advantageous further development of the invention, it can be provided that the first coupling receptacle and the second coupling receptacle are connected to each other in a positive-locking and / or force-locking manner, in particular reversibly, preferably by a screw connection. Preferably, it is provided that a fastening element in the form of an external thread is formed on the first coupling receptacle and a counter-fastening element in the form of an internal thread is formed on the second coupling receptacle, and that the connection between the first coupling receptacle and the second coupling receptacle is established by the interaction of the fastening element and the counter-fastening element. It is also conceivable that an internal thread is formed as the fastening element on the first coupling receptacle and an external thread is formed as the counter-fastening element on the second coupling receptacle.A reversible connection between the first and second coupling receptacles offers the advantage that the two components can be assembled into a single unit, making them easy to handle during operation. Simultaneously, the connection between the two components can be separated non-destructively, allowing for the replacement of defective individual parts instead of entire assemblies. This positively impacts the cost-effectiveness of the coupling device during operation. Furthermore, a bolted connection offers the advantage of being particularly easy to assemble and disassemble, and is well-suited for the combined use of sealants to prevent leakage at the connection point between the first and second coupling receptacles.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention can be provided by arranging a second sealing element, preferably radially positioned, in a gap between the first coupling receptacle and the second coupling receptacle to prevent leakage current, and which preferably extends over the entire circumference of the gap.

[0026] Furthermore, an advantage of the invention can be that a third sealing element, preferably radially positioned, is arranged on the first coupling receptacle, preferably on the inside, which serves to seal a gap between the first fluid-carrying component and the first coupling receptacle, provided that the first fluid-carrying component is connected to the first coupling receptacle.

[0027] As an advantageous further development of the invention, it can also be provided that a fourth sealing element, preferably radially positioned, is arranged on the second coupling receptacle, preferably on the inside, which serves to seal a gap between the second fluid-carrying component and the second coupling receptacle, provided that the second fluid-carrying component is connected to the coupling device.

[0028] The aforementioned further developments of the invention offer the advantage that the fluid flow at the coupling device can be guided from the first fluid-carrying component to the second fluid-carrying component without leakage. Accordingly, environmental impacts from escaping fluid are avoided. Furthermore, pressure loss, which could adversely affect the required delivery pressure of the fluid, is prevented.

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable that the first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth sealing element is made at least partially, in particular completely, of a plastic, preferably of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which results in the advantage of a particularly good sealing effect and durability of the first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth sealing element.

[0030] An advantageous further development of the invention may consist in the fact that the sealing piston and / or the first coupling receptacle and / or the second coupling receptacle is made of a corrosion-resistant material, preferably stainless steel, particularly preferably nickel-plated brass.

[0031] Furthermore, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a coupling system comprising a coupling device according to the invention, a first fluid-carrying component, preferably a pipe or a hose, and a second fluid-carrying component, preferably a pipe or a hose, wherein the connection between the first coupling receptacle of the coupling device and the first fluid-carrying component is reversible, preferably positive-locking and / or friction-locking, particularly preferably as a screw connection or snap-fit ​​connection, and / or the connection between the second coupling receptacle of the coupling device and the second fluid-carrying component is reversible, preferably positive-locking or friction-locking, particularly preferably as a bayonet fitting. This offers the advantage that the second fluid-carrying component can be easily and flexibly detached from the coupling device.The fluid flow at the first fluid-carrying component is then interrupted by the coupling device according to the invention.

[0032] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a coupling device, Fig. 2 a sectional view of an embodiment of the sealing piston with the first sealing element and sealing plate in exploded view, Fig. 3 a sectional view of the sealing piston with first sealing element and sealing plate in the assembled state, Fig. 4 a sectional view of a coupling system according to the invention, wherein the coupling device is in the open state, and Fig. 5 a sectional view of a coupling system according to the invention, wherein the coupling device is in the closed state.

[0033] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features even for different embodiments.

[0034] In Fig. 1A coupling device 40 according to the invention for connecting two fluid-carrying components 100, 200, in particular pipes or hoses, for producing a fluid flow 300 is shown, which comprises a first coupling receptacle 1, a second coupling receptacle 2 and a sealing piston 3, wherein the coupling device 40 can be connected to the first fluid-carrying component 100 via the first coupling receptacle 1 and to the second fluid-carrying component 200 via the second coupling receptacle 2. In the illustration according to Fig. 1 The sealing piston is in its open position 60 and the coupling device 40 is accordingly in its open position 50. The reference numerals I and II indicate the two positions "upstream" (- I) and "downstream" (- II), see also Figs. 4 and 5 , where the direction of the current flow from fluid flow 300 is indicated by corresponding arrows.

[0035] A disc-shaped first sealing element 4 is arranged on the head side of the sealing piston 3. This element serves to seal when the sealing piston 3 is in its sealing position 61. The first sealing element has a bore in its center, which is why it can also be described as annular. The first coupling receptacle 1, the second coupling receptacle 2, the sealing piston 3, and the first sealing element 4 are rotationally symmetrical components. As already mentioned, the head side 28 of the sealing piston 3 and the first sealing element 4 can also be arcuate or dome-shaped.

[0036] The sealing piston 3 is spring-loaded, with the spring load being realized by a compression spring 5, which is designed as a coil spring 5. This coil spring 5 transmits a spring force to the sealing piston 3 and is arranged coaxially with the sealing piston. The spring force of the compression spring 5 is transmitted to the sealing piston via a radially exposed section 6 of the sealing piston, this radially exposed section 6 of the sealing piston 3 being formed by a pressure ring 6, which is arranged on the sealing piston 3. The support required for the force transmission of the compression spring 5 to the sealing piston 3 is provided by a section of the first coupling receptacle 1.

[0037] When the sealing piston 3 is in its sealing position 61, the first sealing element 4 is in contact with a sealing section 7 of the first coupling receptacle 1 and a fluid flow 300 from the first fluid-carrying component 100 into the second fluid-carrying component 200 and / or into the interior 19 of the sealing piston 3 is prevented, the sealing section 7 being positioned on an axially aligned molded section 8 of the first coupling receptacle.

[0038] The first sealing element 4 is arranged on a rotationally symmetrical sealing plate 9, which is connected to the sealing piston 3 in a position coaxial with the sealing piston 3. The first sealing element 4 is positively engaged in the sealing plate 9 and is flush with it, so that the sealing plate 9 and the first sealing element 4 form a flat surface which partially rests on the sealing piston 3.

[0039] A tool projection 12 in the form of an external hexagon is formed on the sealing plate 9. This projection can be at least partially brought into positive engagement with a tool and is used to introduce an assembly movement into the sealing plate 9, by which a connection between the sealing plate 9 and the sealing piston 3 can be established and / or released. This assembly movement is a rotary movement. The tool projection 12 is arranged centrally on the sealing plate 9 such that the axis of rotation of the coupling device passes through the center point of the tool projection 12 and is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the tool projection 12.

[0040] The sealing plate 9 has a projection 13 (also called the plate rim) which, in the closed state 51 of the coupling device, can be brought into a positive-locking connection with a recess 14 in the first coupling receptacle. The projection 13 of the sealing plate 9 is designed such that it completely surrounds the first sealing element 4 and thus forms a receptacle for the first sealing element 4 in the sealing plate 9. The projection 13 of the sealing plate 9 is axially flush with the sealing element 4 and does not extend beyond the first sealing element 4.

[0041] The sealing piston 3 is movably mounted at a bearing point 15 in the first coupling receptacle 1, with two sliding rings 16 being arranged at the bearing point 15. The movement of the sealing piston between its passage position 60 and its sealing position 61 is a purely translational movement.

[0042] The first coupling receptacle 1 and the second coupling receptacle 2 are reversibly connected to each other by a screw connection, either positively locking and / or frictionally locking. For this purpose, a fastening element 20 in the form of an external thread 20 is formed on the first coupling receptacle 1, and a counter-fastening element 21 in the form of an internal thread 21 is formed on the second coupling receptacle 2, and the connection between the first coupling receptacle 1 and the second coupling receptacle 21 is established by the interaction of the fastening element 20 and the counter-fastening element 21.

[0043] In a gap 25 between the first coupling receptacle 1 and the second coupling receptacle 2, a radially positioned second sealing element 22 is arranged to prevent leakage. This sealing element extends over the entire circumference of the gap. On the inside of the first coupling receptacle 1, a radially positioned third sealing element 23 is arranged. This third sealing element serves to seal a gap 26 between the first fluid-carrying component 100 and the first coupling receptacle 1, provided the first fluid-carrying component 100 is connected to the first coupling receptacle 1. On the inside of the second coupling receptacle 2, a radially positioned fourth sealing element 24 is arranged. This fourth sealing element serves to seal a gap 27 between the second fluid-carrying component 200 and the second coupling receptacle 2, provided the second fluid-carrying component 200 is connected to the second coupling receptacle 2.

[0044] In Figs. 2 and 3A sealing piston 3 according to the invention is shown with a first sealing element 4 and a sealing plate 9, as it is used in a coupling device according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows the aforementioned components in an exploded view and Fig. 3Figure 1 shows the aforementioned components in their assembled state. The sealing piston 3 has a fastening element 10, which is designed as an external thread, and the sealing plate 9 has a counter-fastening element 11, which is designed as an internal thread. The connection between the sealing piston 3 and the sealing plate 9 is established by the interaction of the fastening element and the counter-fastening element, whereby the first sealing element 4, which is positively engaged in the sealing plate 9, is positioned on the sealing piston 3 and fixed in its position. The external thread 10 of the sealing piston 3 extends orthogonally to a head face 28 of the sealing piston 3 and is located on the upstream head face 2 of the sealing piston. The first sealing element 4 has a centrally located bore 29 and / or opening, which is dimensioned to allow the external thread 10 of the sealing piston 3 to extend through it.Furthermore, the sealing piston 3 has at least two openings 17, preferably distributed evenly around its circumference, which extend longitudinally in the circumferential direction of the sealing piston 3 and which allow a fluid flow 300 from the outer surface 18 of the sealing piston 3 into the inner surface 19 of the sealing piston. The openings 17 are arranged near a head face 28 of the sealing piston, which corresponds to the head face 28 of the sealing piston 3 on which the first sealing element 4 is also arranged.

[0045] In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5A coupling system 400 according to the invention is shown, comprising a coupling device 40 according to the invention, a first fluid-carrying component 100, and a second fluid-carrying component 200, wherein a connection between the first coupling receptacle 1 and the first fluid-carrying component 100 is reversibly designed in the form of a screw connection, and the connection between the second coupling receptacle and the second fluid-carrying component is reversibly designed as a bayonet fitting. Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows the coupling system, in which both the first fluid-carrying component 100 is connected to the first coupling receptacle 1 and the second fluid-carrying component 200 is connected to the second coupling receptacle 2. Accordingly, the coupling device 40 is in its open state 50, in which the sealing piston 3 is in its open position 60 and fluid flow 300 is possible. Fig. 5Figure 400 shows the coupling system, in which the first fluid-carrying component 100 is connected to the first coupling receptacle 1, while the second fluid-carrying component 200 is not connected to the second coupling receptacle 2. Accordingly, the coupling device 40 is in its closed state 51, in which the sealing piston 3 is in its sealing position 61 and the fluid flow 300 is interrupted. It is thus clear that when the second fluid-carrying component 200 is connected to the second coupling receptacle 2, the sealing piston 3 is moved by the second fluid-carrying component 200 against the spring force acting on it into its open position 60, and the fluid flow 300 can therefore flow. If, however, the second fluid-carrying component 200 is removed from the second coupling receptacle 2, the sealing piston 3 is automatically moved into its sealing position 61 due to the applied spring force, and the fluid flow 300 is interrupted. Reference symbol list

[0046] 1 First coupling receptacle 2 Second coupling receptacle 3 Sealing piston 4 First sealing element 5 Compression spring, coil spring 6 Radially exposed molded section of the sealing piston, pressure ring 7 Sealing section 8 Axially aligned molded section 9 Sealing plate 10 Sealing piston fastening, external thread 11 Sealing plate counter-fastening, internal thread 12 Tool shoulder, external hexagon 13 Sealing plate projection / plate edge 14 Recess in the first coupling receptacle 15 Bearing point 16 Sliding ring 17 Opening in the sealing piston 18 Outer area of ​​the sealing piston 19 Inner space of the sealing piston 20 Fastening element of the first coupling receptacle 21 Counter-fastening element of the second coupling receptacle 22 Second sealing element 23 Third sealing element 24 Fourth sealing element 25 Gap 26 Gap 27 Gap 28 Head of the sealing piston 29 Opening in the sealing element 40 coupling device 50 Open state 51 Closed state 60Passing position 61Sealing position 100 First fluid-carrying component 200 Second fluid-carrying component 300 Fluid flow 400 Coupling system I flow up II flow down

Claims

1. Coupling device (40) for connecting two fluid-carrying components (100, 200), in particular pipes or hoses or the like, for producing a fluid flow (300), comprising at least a first coupling receptacle (1), a second coupling receptacle (2) and a sealing piston (3), wherein the coupling device (40) can be connected to the first fluid-carrying component (100) by means of the first coupling receptacle (1) and can be connected to the second fluid-carrying component (200) by means of the second coupling receptacle (2), and wherein the coupling device (40) has at least two coupling states (50, 51), namely an open state (50), in which the sealing piston (3) is in its passage position (60) and a flow of the fluid flow (300) is possible, and a closed state (51), in which the sealing piston is in its sealing position (61) and the fluid stream is interrupted, wherein a sealing element (4), in particular in the form of a disk or ring, is arranged on the sealing piston (3), preferably on the head side, in particular for sealing in the sealing position (61), wherein the sealing element (4) is arranged on a sealing disk (9), the sealing disk (9) being connected to the sealing piston (3) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, characterized in that a tool attachment (12) is formed on the sealing disk (9), wherein this tool attachment (12) can be brought at least partially into positive locking and / or frictional locking with a tool for introducing an assembly movement into the sealing disk (9), wherein a connection between the sealing disk (9) and the sealing piston (3) can be produced and / or released by the assembly movement, wherein the assembly tool can be guided through one of the coupling receptacles (1, 2) and it is possible to disassemble the sealing disk (9) when the coupling device (40) is assembled.

2. Coupling device (40) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing piston (3) is spring-loaded, and wherein the spring loading of the sealing piston (3) is realized by a compression spring (5), in particular a spiral spring (5) designed as a compression spring, which is preferably arranged on the sealing piston (3) and transmits a spring force to the latter, wherein preferably the sealing piston (3) and the compression spring (5) are arranged in particular coaxially and / or wherein preferably the compression spring (5) is made of a corrosion-resistant metal, preferably of stainless steel, particularly preferably of galvanized steel.

3. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a spring force is transmitted to the sealing piston (3) via a particularly radially exposed shaped section (6) of the sealing piston (3), wherein preferably the radially exposed shaped section (6) of the sealing piston is formed in particular by an additional component, preferably by a pressure ring (6), which is particularly preferably arranged on the sealing piston, and / or wherein the sealing piston (3) is in its passage position (60) when the second fluid-carrying component (200) is connected to the second coupling receptacle (2).

4. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the sealing piston (3) is in the sealing position (61), the sealing element (4) is in contact with a sealing portion (7) of the first coupling receptacle (1) and a fluid flow (300) from the first fluid-carrying component (100) into the second fluid-carrying component (200) and / or into the interior (19) of the sealing piston (3) is prevented, wherein preferably the sealing section (7) lies on an axially aligned shaped section (8) of the first coupling receptacle (1).

5. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing piston (3) has a fastening means (10), in particular an external thread, and the sealing disk has a counter-fastening means (11), in particular an internal thread, and preferably, the connection between the sealing piston (3) and the sealing disk (9) is produced by the interaction of fastening means (10) and counter-fastening means (11) for arranging the sealing element (4) on the sealing piston (3).

6. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a projection (13) is formed on the sealing disk (9), which, preferably in the closed state (51) of the coupling device (40), can be brought into a positive-locking connection with a recess (14) in the first coupling receptacle (1).

7. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing piston (3) is movably mounted for its movement at a bearing point (15), in particular in the first coupling receptacle (1), wherein preferably at least one sliding ring (16) is arranged at the bearing point (15), particularly preferably two sliding rings (16) are arranged in order to enable a particularly smooth movement of the sealing piston (3), and / or wherein the movement of the sealing piston (3) between its passage position (60) and its sealing position (61) is a purely translatory or purely rotatory movement or a combination of translatory and rotatory movement.

8. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing piston has at least two openings (17), preferably evenly distributed over the circumference, and in particular the openings (17) extend in the circumferential direction of the sealing piston (3) and allow a fluid flow from an outer area (18) of the sealing piston (3) into an interior (19) of the sealing piston (3) or vice versa, wherein the openings (17) are preferably arranged close to a head side (28) of the sealing piston (3), in particular close to the sealing element (4).

9. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling receptacle (1) and the second coupling receptacle (2) are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, in particular reversibly, preferably by means of a screw connection.

10. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second sealing element (22), in particular radially positioned, is arranged in a gap (25) between the first coupling receptacle (1) and the second coupling receptacle (2) to prevent a leakage flow, which preferably extends over the entire circumference of the gap (25).

11. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third sealing element (23), in particular radially positioned, is arranged on the first coupling receptacle (1), preferably on the inside, which preferably serves to seal a gap (26) between the first fluid-carrying component (100) and the first coupling receptacle (1), provided that the first fluid-carrying component (100) is connected to the coupling device (40).

12. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a fourth sealing element (24), in particular radially positioned, is arranged on the second coupling receptacle (2), preferably on the inside, which serves in particular to seal a gap (27) between the second fluid-carrying component (200) and the second coupling receptacle (2), provided that the second fluid-carrying component (200) is connected to the coupling device (40).

13. Coupling device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing element (4) and / or the second sealing element (22) and / or the third sealing element (23) and / or the fourth sealing element (24) is made at least partially, in particular completely, from a plastic, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and / or wherein the sealing piston (3) and / or the first coupling receptacle (1) and / or the second coupling receptacle (1) is made of a corrosion-resistant material, preferably of stainless steel, particularly preferably of nickel-plated brass.

14. A coupling system (400) comprising a coupling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 as well as a first fluid-carrying component (100) and a second fluid-carrying component (200), wherein the connection between the first coupling receptacle (1) of the coupling device (1) and the first fluid-carrying component (100) is designed to be reversible and / or the connection between the second coupling receptacle (2) of the coupling device (1) and the second fluid-carrying component (200) is designed to be reversible.