Multi-coupling for media lines

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-way coupling (1) for media lines, having at least one first plate-like coupling carrier (2), at least one second plate-like coupling carrier (3) and a plurality of plug-in coupling parts (8, 9), wherein the first coupling carrier (2) has at least one first receptacle (4a) and one second receptacle (4b) and the second coupling carrier (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and one second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (4, 5) are designed for insertion and fixed support of the plug-in coupling parts (8, 9), wherein the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3) are designed such that the plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) of corresponding receptacles (4, 5) which can be arranged in the receptacles (4, 5) can be coupled by joining the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3). A multi-coupling (1) for media lines, which prevents misalignment of plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) and in which the manufacturing effort is reduced, is achieved by the first receptacle (5a) and the second receptacle (5b) of at least the second coupling carrier (3) each having at least one stop means (10), and in that the stop means (10) of the first receptacle (5a) has a different extension along a longitudinal axis (L) than the stop means (10) of the second receptacle (5b) in order to achieve different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling parts (8, 9).

Description

[0001] VOSS Automotive GmbH, Leiersmühle 2-6, 51688 Wipperfürth

[0002] “Multiple coupling for media lines”

[0003] The invention relates to a multiple coupling for media lines, comprising at least one first plate-like coupling carrier, at least one second plate-like coupling carrier, and a plurality of plug-in coupling parts. The first coupling carrier has at least one first receptacle and one second receptacle. The second coupling carrier also has at least one first receptacle and one second receptacle. The receptacles of the first and second coupling carriers are designed for inserting and fixedly holding the plug-in coupling parts. The first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier are designed such that the plug-in coupling parts of corresponding receptacles that can be arranged in the receptacles can be coupled by joining the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier.The plug-in coupling parts of opposite receptacles that can be arranged in the receptacles are thus fluidically connected to one another when the two coupling carriers are joined together.

[0004] Multiple couplings for media lines with plate-like coupling supports are known in the prior art in a variety of designs for different applications. Multiple couplings are always used when a plurality of media lines need to be coupled together simultaneously in an assembly process. To avoid having to connect all media lines individually, the media lines are connected to a first or second plate-like coupling support via plug-in coupling parts, so that by connecting the two coupling supports, all media lines are connected to one another. In addition to simplifying assembly, this also simplifies maintenance work, for example.

[0005] In order to prevent the connection of two non-matching media lines when coupling the first coupling carrier with the second coupling carrier, it must be ensured that the insertable plug-in coupling parts with the media lines are arranged in the position provided for the respective plug-in coupling part in the coupling carrier.

[0006] State-of-the-art measures already provide good protection against the mixing up of plug-in coupling parts or the installation of plug-in coupling parts in unintended receptacles. However, these can only be manufactured with increased effort.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a multiple coupling for media lines which prevents incorrect assembly of plug-in coupling parts and in which the manufacturing effort is reduced.

[0008] The aforementioned object is achieved in a generic multiple coupling for media lines according to the characterizing part of claim 1 in that the first receptacle and the second receptacle of at least the second coupling carrier each have at least one stop means, and that the stop means of the first receptacle has a different extension along a longitudinal axis of the respective receptacle than the stop means of the second receptacle. The different extensions of the stop means determine different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling parts. A plug-in coupling part is only fixed in a receptacle if the stop means allows a plug-in coupling part to penetrate into a receptacle sufficiently for fixing.

[0009] The term "media line" generally refers to line connections for any flow and / or pressure media, such as gases or liquids. Media lines are generally pipes or hoses, as well as their connecting and connection elements, which are part of a system for conveying a medium. In particular, such media lines are made of plastic. The plate-like coupling supports preferably have a substantially flat base surface in which the receptacles are formed. Each receptacle has fixing means for holding an insertable plug-in coupling part. The first and second coupling supports each have at least two receptacles. Preferably, it is also provided that each coupling support has more than two receptacles, for example, at least or exactly four or at least or exactly six receptacles.For example, with six receptacles, at least four or at least five receptacles have a lifting device. It is also provided that with more than three receptacles per coupling carrier, at least two receptacles have a substantially identically designed lifting device. Particularly preferably, the multiple coupling has a plug-in coupling part for each receptacle of a coupling carrier. However, it is also provided that, depending on the intended use, only some of the receptacles of a coupling carrier are equipped with plug-in coupling parts.

[0010] The first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier can preferably be connected to one another in exactly one orientation, in particular by locking and / or screwing. For example, it is provided that the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier each have at least one alignment means that enables the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier to be joined in only one orientation relative to one another, whereby the media lines connected or connectable to the coupling carriers are correctly assigned to one another. It is also provided that the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier have at least one, preferably two, recesses for screwing the two coupling carriers together.

[0011] The plug-in coupling parts are designed such that the two plug-in coupling parts are fluidically connected to one another by two corresponding receptacles, namely those receptacles of the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier which are opposite one another in the assembled state, when the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier are joined together. Each plug-in coupling part has at least one interface for connecting to another plug-in coupling part. When two plug-in coupling parts are intended to be joined together, at least one interface of one of the two plug-in coupling parts has at least one sealing means. On the side facing away from the coupling carrier in the assembled state, a plug-in coupling part preferably has an interface to a media line, for example a connection dome or a plug-in socket, or another media line interface or a functional component, for example a valve.

[0012] To advantageously ensure that only one plug-in coupling part can be fixed in a receptacle that is also intended for this receptacle, at least the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the second coupling carrier each have a stop means with a different axial extent. The axial extent always refers to the central or longitudinal axis of the respective receptacle. A plug socket, for example, has at least one counter-stop means for interacting with the stop means. The counter-stop means has, for example, at least one collar or at least one projection for interacting with a stop means.

[0013] The stop means are designed with their different axial extents such that a plug-in coupling part designed for insertion into the first receptacle cannot be fixed in the second receptacle and a plug-in coupling part intended for insertion into the second receptacle cannot be fixed in the first receptacle. The stop means prevent a locking means not intended for a receptacle from penetrating deep enough into the receptacle to interact with the fixing means, for example locking arms with locking projections. The plug-in coupling parts intended for the first and second receptacles can indeed be inserted into the first and second receptacles, but fixing only occurs with those plug-in coupling parts that are intended for the respective receptacle. The plug-in coupling parts for the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the second coupling carrier have, in particular, a matching diameter.

[0014] Preferably, a stop means is arranged such that it surrounds the receptacle circumferentially, at least partially or completely. The stop means, which is designed, for example, as a projection extending from a surface of the respective coupling carrier, preferably extends in the outer area of ​​a receptacle. The inner region, in particular the inner circumference, of the receptacle is therefore designed identically for both, in particular all, receptacles.

[0015] The invention is particularly suitable for use on commercial vehicle components, in particular for pre-assembling a commercial vehicle axle with at least one electric motor, a manual transmission, and a differential. The use of a multiple coupling according to the invention enables the filling and testing of the commercial vehicle axle prior to its actual assembly on the vehicle frame.

[0016] The invention has the advantage over the prior art that plug-in coupling parts with the same diameter can be used for the first receptacle and the second receptacle of the second coupling carrier, without the risk of mounting a plug-in coupling part in a receptacle not intended for it.

[0017] The object mentioned at the outset is further achieved in a generic multiple coupling according to the characterizing part of claim 2 in that at least one receptacle, in particular of the second coupling carrier, is designed to surround at least one stop means with at least one projection and at least one recess in order to define at least one required insertion depth for fixing and at least one insertion orientation for a plug-in coupling part.

[0018] The stop means is in particular arranged outside the actual receptacle, surrounding the receptacle. The receptacle is, for example, a receptacle for the first coupling carrier and / or the second coupling carrier. For example, the projection is arranged to completely surround the receptacle and has at least one recess along its length. Preferably, at least or exactly two or at least or exactly three recesses are provided. The recesses are arranged evenly or unevenly distributed over the circumference of the receptacle. For example, with three recesses, the angle between the recesses is twice 110° and once 140°, so that the recesses are arranged asymmetrically. The recess or recesses extend / extend in particular completely in the projection or extend / extend at least partially in the projection and partially into the coupling carrier.

[0019] The corresponding plug-in coupling part has projections corresponding to the recesses, in particular, so that tilting of the plug-in coupling part is prevented during insertion. The interaction of the projection and the recess defines the possible insertion depth for a matching plug-in coupling part—predetermined by the depth of the at least one recess. Furthermore, the arrangement of the at least one recess or recesses establishes at least one insertion orientation for a plug-in coupling part. This is particularly important if the plug-in coupling part has an angle and / or a valve that requires a specific orientation in the mounting position.

[0020] For example, if the projections on a plug-in coupling part are positioned differently or if the plug-in coupling part has a continuous collar, it cannot be inserted into a receptacle with such a lifting device.

[0021] The aforementioned object is further achieved in a generic multiple coupling for media lines according to the characterizing part of claim 3 in that at least the first receptacle of the first coupling carrier and the second receptacle of the first coupling carrier have different radial properties in order to prevent interchanging of plug-in coupling parts at least in the first coupling carrier, and in that at least the first receptacle in the second coupling carrier and the second receptacle in the second coupling carrier each have at least one stop means for determining different insertion depths for the first receptacle and the second receptacle in order to prevent interchanging of plug-in coupling parts at least in the second coupling carrier. "Interchanging" means, in the case of two receptacles in each coupling carrier, that a plug-in coupling part intended for the first receptacle cannot be fixed or inserted into the second receptacle.can be inserted into it and vice versa. With more than two receptacles, "interchange" means that only one plug-in coupling part can be inserted into each of the receptacles that is intended for insertion into the respective receptacle.

[0022] Preferably, the diameters of the first and second receptacles of the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier as well as the stop means are selected and matched to one another in such a way that an exchange of plug-in coupling parts between the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier is prevented.

[0023] The invention is based on the idea that mixing up plug-in coupling parts in the first coupling carrier is prevented by varying the radial properties, in particular the diameter of the receptacles. This means that only plug-in coupling parts with the correct diameter can be inserted into or fixed in the corresponding receptacle. In the second coupling carrier, mixing up plug-in coupling parts is prevented by varying the insertion depth for the same diameter. This means that although insertion is possible, fixing is only possible if the respective stop means, in conjunction with the plug-in coupling part, allows sufficiently deep penetration. Consequently, the axial properties of the receptacles are varied in the second coupling carrier. This ensures that only those plug-in coupling parts that are intended for a particular receptacle can be locked into this receptacle.Consequently, at least two receptacles of the second coupling carrier have a different locking depth with the same diameter.

[0024] The section of a plug-in coupling part that has the interface to another plug-in coupling part and can be inserted into the respective receptacle of a coupling carrier is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical. The counter-stop means of a plug-in coupling part, which cooperates in particular with a stop means, is arranged outside the receptacle in the assembled state. Any required rotational orientation of a plug-in coupling part—insertion orientation—is preferably determined by the interaction between a stop means and a counter-stop means. It is also provided that the stop means and the counter-stop means are designed such that a plurality of insertion orientations are permissible, in particular two or three insertion orientations.

[0025] In a generic multiple coupling according to the preamble of claim 1, a further characteristic feature is that at least one stop means is arranged on at least one receptacle on the first coupling carrier and / or on the second coupling carrier, and that the stop means is designed to specify at least one rotational orientation of an insertable plug-in coupling part—insertion orientation—and to define an insertion depth for the plug-in coupling part. The stop means is preferably arranged outside the receptacle, in particular on a surface of the coupling carrier.

[0026] A configuration of the multiple coupling, already briefly described above, provides that the stop means of the first receptacle has a different extension along the respective longitudinal axis of a receptacle than the stop means of the second receptacle, thereby realizing different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling parts of the same diameter. The stop means are arranged, for example, as projections of different heights, each surrounding a receptacle. At least one of the projections preferably has at least one recess to determine a required insertion depth for securing a plug-in coupling part and, in particular, the insertion orientation of a plug-in coupling part.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the multiple coupling, the second coupling carrier has between two and eight receptacles.

[0028] Preferably, between two and eight receptacles are evenly distributed over the surface of the second coupling carrier. Preferably, the second coupling carrier has exactly six receptacles. In this case, it is preferably provided that at least four receptacles have the same first diameter, at least one receptacle has a second diameter, and at least one receptacle has a third diameter. For the four receptacles with the same first diameter, the stop means are designed such that an identically designed plug-in coupling part, possibly with a different insertion orientation, can be inserted and secured in three receptacles. Only a single plug-in coupling part can be inserted into the fourth receptacle with the first diameter, and this part cannot be secured in the other three receptacles at the same time. The two further receptacles have a second diameter and a third diameter.The second diameter differs from the third and first diameters. The first receptacle and the second receptacle preferably have the first diameter.

[0029] In this way, it is ensured that in the second coupling carrier only the plug-in coupling part is fixed in a holder or can be inserted into it if it is intended for the holder.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the multiple coupling, the first coupling carrier has between two and eight receptacles. The two to eight receptacles are preferably evenly distributed over the surface of the first coupling carrier. In particular, the first coupling carrier has six receptacles. The number of receptacles is preferably identical for the first and second coupling carriers.

[0031] The first coupling carrier has at least two receptacles with an identical fourth diameter, at least two receptacles with an identical fifth diameter and at least one receptacle with a sixth and at least one receptacle with a seventh diameter.

[0032] By varying the diameters of the receptacles of the first coupling carrier, interchange of the plug-in coupling parts in the first coupling carrier is prevented. Preferably, the first to seventh diameters as well as the insertion or locking depths achieved by the stop means are designed and matched to the plug-in coupling parts in such a way that the plug-in coupling parts intended for the first and second coupling carriers cannot be inserted into the receptacles provided for them in the respective other coupling carrier.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, it has proven advantageous if it is provided that a stop means not only determines the insertion depth of a plug-in coupling part, but the stop means, in particular on the first receptacle of the second coupling carrier, is also designed to fix at least one insertion orientation of a plug-in coupling part. It is preferably provided that the stop means on at least one further receptacle, in particular the second receptacle of the second coupling carrier, cannot be used to fix a locking position. It is particularly preferably provided that, in the case of a plurality of receptacles, in particular of the second coupling carrier, at least three receptacles have a stop means with which an insertion orientation can also be fixed, and at least two receptacles have a stop means that cannot be used to fix an insertion orientation.

[0034] To keep the plug-in coupling parts fixed in the receptacles, a further embodiment of the multiple coupling provides that at least the first receptacle of the second coupling carrier and the second receptacle of the second coupling carrier each have a plurality of locking arms, each with at least one locking projection. The fixing means has a plurality of locking arms. The locking arms are arranged such that they can deflect in the radial direction of the receptacles in order to engage with the locking projections with a locking recess on a plug-in coupling part. In particular, the locking arms are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a receptacle.

[0035] It is preferably provided that the locking projections of the locking arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have the same distance from a surface O of the second coupling carrier. The different insertion depths are then realized exclusively by the stop means, which are arranged outside the receptacle, in particular surrounding the receptacle. Alternatively, it is also provided that the locking arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have a different distance from a surface O of the second coupling carrier.

[0036] It is provided that the locking arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have the same length. However, it is particularly preferred that the locking arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have different lengths, although the locking projections are at the same distance from the surface 0 of the second coupling carrier. If there are six receptacles in the second coupling carrier, it is preferably provided that locking arms with a longer length are arranged for at least two receptacles with the same diameter, and locking arms with a shorter length are arranged for two receptacles with the same diameter.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the multiple coupling, at least the first receptacle of the first coupling carrier and the second receptacle of the first coupling carrier each have a plurality of locking arms, each with at least one locking projection. The fixing means has a plurality of locking arms. The locking projections of the locking arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle are at the same distance from a surface O of the first coupling carrier. The variation of the insertion depth - if present - is then realized via the presence of stop means. The locking arms of the first receptacle and the second receptacle have the same or different lengths.

[0038] Preferably, the locking arms of the receptacles, which are opposite one another when the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier are in the assembled state, are designed such that they interact in the assembled state to block the release of inserted plug-in coupling parts. Preferably, the lengths of the locking arms are coordinated with one another such that short locking arms in the first coupling carrier and long locking arms in the second coupling carrier, or long locking arms in the first coupling carrier and short locking arms in the second coupling carrier, are opposite one another. When the two coupling carriers are joined together, the long and short locking arms interact in such a way that none of the locking arms can move from its locking position with an inserted plug-in coupling part. The plug-in coupling parts are thus reliably fixed in their locking position.

[0039] For example, the long and short locking arms are arranged on the receptacles of the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier in such a way that the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier can only be joined together in one orientation.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the multiple coupling, it has proven particularly advantageous if the stop means on the first receptacle of the second coupling carrier is designed as a circumferential projection with at least one recess, in particular as described above. For example, at least or exactly two or at least or exactly three recesses are formed.

[0041] It is preferably provided that the stop means on the second receptacle is designed as a circumferential, preferably completely closed, projection. A plug-in coupling part with three projections as counter-stop means, which can interact with the three recesses in the projection surrounding the first receptacle, cannot therefore be introduced into the second receptacle with the circumferential projection. Conversely, a plug-in coupling part which is intended to be introduced into the second receptacle cannot be introduced into the first receptacle, in particular because the stop means of the first receptacle has a greater axial extent. The projections of the stop means of the first receptacle and the second receptacle preferably have a different height, for example a height between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably a height between 2 mm and 4 mm.Preferably, the projection on the first receptacle has a height of approximately 3 mm, and the second receptacle has a height of approximately 2 mm. According to a further embodiment of the multiple coupling, at least the first receptacle of the first coupling carrier and the second receptacle of the first coupling carrier have a different diameter. This ensures that only plug-in coupling parts with the correct diameter can be inserted into a receptacle and / or secured therein.

[0042] A further embodiment of the multiple coupling provides that at least one plug-in coupling part, particularly on the side facing the coupling carrier in the assembled state, has at least one angle with a fluid channel, at least one connecting pin, at least one valve, particularly a check valve or drain stop valve with backflow prevention, at least one radially projecting projection, at least one oil separator filter fabric, and / or at least one membrane. The membrane is preferably impermeable to water and vapor permeable and is made, for example, from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The projection serves as a counter-stop means for interaction with a stop means, particularly the recess of a stop means.

[0043] In particular, at least one plug-in coupling part has at least two interfaces in the form of plug-in sockets. At least one plug-in coupling part is thus designed as a double coupling. This has the advantage that a media line can be easily detached from a coupling carrier for assembly or maintenance purposes without removing the plug-in coupling part from the coupling carrier and without separating the multiple coupling, in particular the first coupling carrier and the second coupling carrier.

[0044] Preferably, at least one plug-in coupling part is designed such that it can only be fixed in the first receptacle of the second coupling carrier, at least one plug-in coupling part is designed such that it can only be fixed in the second receptacle of the second coupling carrier, at least one plug-in coupling part is designed such that it can only be fixed in the first receptacle of the first coupling carrier, and at least one plug-in coupling part is designed such that it can only be fixed in the second receptacle of the first coupling carrier.

[0045] The invention further relates to a plate-shaped coupling carrier according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0046] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0047] They show:

[0048] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a second plate-like coupling carrier from the top,

[0049] Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of a plate-like coupling carrier according to Fig. 1 from the underside,

[0050] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a first plate-like coupling carrier from the top side,

[0051] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a plate-like coupling carrier according to Fig. 3 from the underside,

[0052] Fig. 5 an embodiment of a multiple coupling,

[0053] Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of a multiple coupling according to Fig. 5 in another view,

[0054] Fig. 7 shows the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6 in a first section,

[0055] Fig. 8 shows the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6 in a second section, and

[0056] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a multiple coupling. In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference numerals.

[0057] With regard to the following description, it is claimed that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of described combinations of features, but rather each individual partial feature of the / each exemplary embodiment is also important for the subject matter of the invention, even independently of all other partial features described in connection therewith, and also in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show an embodiment of a second plate-like coupling carrier 3 for a multiple coupling 1 (see, for example, Figs. 5 and 6) for media lines. Fig. 1 shows the top side, Fig. 2 shows the underside, which is joined to the first coupling carrier 2 during assembly — the joining side. Joining takes place in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes L of the receptacles 5. The plate-like coupling carrier 3 has a first receptacle 5a, a second receptacle 5b, a third receptacle 5c, a fourth receptacle 5d, a fifth receptacle 5e, and a sixth receptacle 5f. The receptacles 5 are arranged evenly in the base area of ​​the second coupling carrier 3.

[0059] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show an embodiment of a first plate-like coupling carrier 2 for a multiple coupling 1 (see Figs. 5 and 6). Fig. 3 shows the top side, Fig. 4 shows the bottom side, which is joined to the second coupling carrier 3 during assembly—the joining side. Joining takes place in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes L of the receptacles 4. The first coupling carrier 2 has a first receptacle 4a, a second receptacle 4b, a third receptacle 4c, a fifth receptacle 4d, a fifth receptacle 4e, and a sixth receptacle 4f.

[0060] According to Figs. 3 and 4, the first coupling carrier 2 has two recesses 6 through which screws can pass to connect the first coupling carrier 2 to the second coupling carrier 3. For this purpose, the second coupling carrier 3 has recesses 7 according to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0061] A plug-in coupling part 8, 9, shown as an example in Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8, can be inserted into each of the receptacles 4, 5 according to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0062] According to Fig. 1, the first receptacle 5a and the second receptacle 5b each have a stop means 10 which has a different extension along the respective longitudinal axis L of a receptacle 5 in order to realize different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling parts 8, 9, in particular with the same diameter. Starting from the surface 0 of the second coupling carrier 3, the stop means 10 of the first receptacle 5a has a greater extension along the longitudinal axis L than the stop means 10 of the second receptacle 5b. The stop means 10 of the first receptacle 5a is higher than the stop means 10 of the second receptacle 5b.

[0063] According to Fig. 1, the stop means 10 is designed as a projection 10a with at least one recess 10b. In the present case, three recesses 10b are provided, which extend at least partially into the surface O of the first coupling carrier 3. The stop means 10 of the second receptacle 5b is designed as a closed projection 10a. In this exemplary embodiment, the projections 10a of the stop means 10 of the first receptacle 5a, the fourth receptacle 5d, and the sixth receptacle 5f have a height of 2 mm (starting from the surface O). The recesses 10b have a depth of 3 mm, thus extending into the coupling carrier 3. The projection 10a of the stop means 10 of the second receptacle 5b has a height of 0.5 mm (starting from the surface O).

[0064] The different heights of the projections 10a in conjunction with the recesses 10b prevent a plug-in coupling part 9 intended for the first receptacle 5a from being latched into the second receptacle 5b. Furthermore, a plug-in coupling part 9 intended for the second receptacle 5b cannot be latched into the first receptacle 5a. The fourth receptacle 5d and the sixth receptacle 5f also have a stop means 10, which is designed in the same way as the first receptacle 5a. The only difference in the fourth receptacle 5d is that the recesses 10b have a slightly different orientation in order to define a different insertion orientation for a plug-in coupling part 9 (see Fig. 5). Identical plug-in coupling parts 9 can therefore be inserted into the first receptacle 5a, the fourth receptacle 5d and the sixth receptacle 5f. The first receptacle 5a, the second receptacle 5b, the fourth receptacle 5d and the sixth receptacle 5f have a matching first diameter.The third receptacle 5c also has a stop means 10 in the form of a circumferential projection 10a. The fifth receptacle 5e does not have a stop means 10. The third receptacle 5c has a second diameter, and the fifth receptacle 5e has a third diameter. The first, second, and third diameters are different.

[0065] According to Fig. 3, the first receptacle 4a and the sixth receptacle 4f have the same, fourth diameter. Furthermore, the second receptacle 4b and the fourth receptacle 4d have the same, fifth diameter, which is different from the diameter of the first receptacle 4a and the sixth receptacle 4f. Furthermore, the third receptacle 4c has a sixth diameter, and the fifth receptacle 4e has a seventh diameter. The fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh diameters are different from each other.

[0066] Preferably, the third diameter and the sixth diameter are identical and / or the second diameter and the seventh diameter are identical.

[0067] The fifth receptacle 4e also has a stop means 10 in the form of a projection 10a. In this exemplary embodiment, the first receptacle 4a, the second receptacle 4b, the fourth receptacle 4d, and the sixth receptacle 4f also have a collar 11 in order to locally expand the installation space of the coupling carrier 2. The collar 11 completely surrounds the respective receptacle 4. The plug-in coupling parts 8 can be at least partially inserted into the collar 11. According to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, locking arms 12, each with a locking projection 13, are provided in each receptacle 5 of the second coupling carrier 3 in order to hold a plug-in coupling part 9 fixed within the respective receptacle 5. To insert a plug-in coupling part 9, the locking arms 12 can deflect in the radial direction of a receptacle 5.The locking projections 13 in the first receptacle 5a, the second receptacle 5b, the fourth receptacle 5d, and the sixth receptacle 5f are spaced at the same distance from the surface 0 of the second coupling carrier 3 along the respective longitudinal axis L. However, the locking arms 12 of the first receptacle 5a and the sixth receptacle 5f are longer than the locking arms 12 of the second receptacle 5b and the fourth receptacle 5d, in particular due to the presence of locking pawls (see in particular Fig. 2).

[0068] According to Figs. 3 and 4, each of the receptacles 4 has a plurality of locking arms 14 with locking projections 15. The locking projections 14 of the first receptacle 4a, the second receptacle 4b, the fourth receptacle 4d, and the sixth receptacle 4f have an identical distance from the surface 0 of the first coupling carrier 2 along the longitudinal axis L. The locking arms 14 of the first receptacle 4a and the sixth receptacle 4f are shorter than the locking arms 14 of the second receptacle 4b and the fourth receptacle 4d.

[0069] Overall, the locking arms 12, 14 of the first coupling carrier 2 and the second coupling carrier 3 are coordinated with one another in such a way that, in the assembled state, short locking arms 12, 14 and long locking arms 12, 14 are opposite one another in the corresponding receptacles 4, 5, so that the short locking arms 12, 14 interact with the long locking arms 12, 14 in such a way that a release of the locking connection with the plug-in coupling parts 8, 9 is not possible (see Figs. 6 and 7). Furthermore, the arrangement of the short and long locking arms 12, 14 ensures that the first coupling carrier 2 and the second coupling carrier 3 can only be joined in a single orientation.

[0070] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show an embodiment of a multiple coupling 1 in the joined state of the two coupling supports 2, 3 with inserted plug-in coupling parts 8, 9. Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of a multiple coupling 1 from the side of the second coupling support 3, Fig. 6 from the side of the first coupling support 2. For joining, the first coupling support 2 has locking means 16 with which the second coupling support 3 can be fixed at least temporarily, in particular before screws are guided through the recesses 6, 7.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a section through a multiple coupling 1 according to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, which includes the longitudinal axes L of the first receptacle 5a and the second receptacle 5b of the second coupling carrier 3 as well as the first receptacle 4a and the second receptacle 4b of the first coupling carrier 2.

[0072] Fig. 8 shows a section through the multiple coupling 1 according to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, which includes the longitudinal axes L of the sixth receptacle 5f and the fourth receptacle 5d of the second coupling carrier 3 and the sixth receptacle 4f and the fourth receptacle 4d of the first coupling carrier 2.

[0073] As can be seen from Figs. 7 and 8, the locking arms 12, 14 interact in the assembled state such that the locking arms 12, 14 cannot move radially out of the locking state with the plug-in coupling parts 8, 9. This additionally secures the plug-in coupling parts 8, 9 in the assembled state of the multiple coupling 1.

[0074] According to Fig. 5, 6 and 7, the plug-in coupling part 9 arranged in the first receptacle 5a has an angle 17 with a fluid channel and a venting and venting valve 18. The venting and venting valve 18 has at least one membrane and a filter fleece and serves in particular for the inlet and outlet of air. The plug-in coupling part 9 in the first receptacle 5a is positively engaged with the locking projections 13 of the locking arms 12. A plug-in coupling part 8, which is designed as a double coupling with a discharge stop valve 19, is inserted into the receptacle 4a of the first coupling carrier 2 corresponding to the first receptacle 5a. A sealing means 20 is arranged between the joined plug-in coupling parts 8, 9 in order to create a fluid-tight connection. The locking arms 14 interact with the locking projections 15 of the plug-in coupling part 8 in a positively locking manner.

[0075] The locking arms 12, 14 for the plug-in coupling parts 8, 9 are designed such that, in the illustrated assembled state, they mutually hold each other in the locking position. In this embodiment, a coupling part 22 with a dome extension is mounted on a second coupling interface 21 of the plug-in coupling part 8, which is designed as a double coupling.

[0076] According to Figs. 5, 6, and 7, a plug-in coupling part 9 with a connecting mandrel 23 is inserted into the third receptacle 5c. The plug-in coupling part 9 has a circumferential collar 24, which interacts with the stop means 10 formed as a projection 10a. A plug-in coupling part 8 with a connecting mandrel 23 is also inserted into the third receptacle 4c of the first coupling carrier 2 and fluidly joined to the plug-in coupling part 9 of the third receptacle 5c of the second coupling carrier 3.

[0077] A plug-in coupling part 9 with a vent valve 25 is inserted into the second receptacle 5b of the second coupling carrier 3 and is secured to the locking arms 12. The vent valve 25 serves primarily to vent air. A plug-in coupling part 8 with a connection dome 23 is inserted into the corresponding second receptacle 4b of the first coupling carrier 2 and, under the action of the sealing means 20, is fluidly connected to the plug-in coupling part 9 of the second receptacle 5b. The vent valve 25 has a significantly higher flow rate than the vent and release valves 18.

[0078] According to Fig. 5, 7 and 8, the plug-in coupling parts 9 of the first receptacle 5a, the fourth receptacle 5d and the sixth receptacle 5f are identically designed and have an angle 17 with a venting and ventilation valve 18. The venting and ventilation valve is shown only schematically, particularly in section in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Furthermore, the plug-in coupling parts 9 in these receptacles 5a, 5d, 5f each have three radially aligned projections 26 as counter-stop means, which engage in the recesses 10b to enable the locking arms 12 to be locked to the plug-in coupling parts 9. The projections 26 also serve to determine the insertion orientation of the plug-in coupling parts 9, which is the same for the first receptacle 5a and the sixth receptacle 5f and different in terms of angle for the fourth receptacle 5d. The plug-in coupling parts 9 in these three receptacles 5a, 5d, 5f are identically designed.The second receptacle 5b has the same diameter as the first, fourth, and sixth receptacles 5a, 5d, 5f, so that the plug-in coupling parts 9 of the first receptacle 5a, the sixth receptacle 5f, and the fourth receptacle 5d could theoretically also be inserted into the second receptacle 5b. However, the stop means 10 in the form of the circumferentially closed projection 10a on the second receptacle 5b, in cooperation with the projections 26 of the plug-in coupling parts 9, prevents the locking arms 14 from locking with the plug-in coupling parts 9, since a sufficient insertion depth is not achieved.

[0079] According to Fig. 5, 6 and 8, a plug-in coupling part 8 with a drain stop valve 19 is inserted into the sixth receptacle 4f of the first coupling carrier 2, which corresponds to the sixth receptacle 5f. The plug-in coupling part 8 is designed as a double coupling. A coupling part 22 with a connecting mandrel 23 is inserted at a second coupling interface 21. A plug-in coupling part 9 with a connecting mandrel 23 is inserted into the fifth receptacle 5e of the second coupling carrier 3. A plug-in coupling part 8 with a connecting mandrel 23 is also inserted into the fifth receptacle 4e of the first coupling carrier 2, which corresponds to the fifth receptacle 5e, and which is fluidly joined to the other plug-in coupling part 9 under the action of a sealing agent 20.In the fifth receptacle 4e of the first coupling carrier 2, a stop means 10 in the form of a circumferential projection 10a is again provided, which cooperates with a collar 24 and prevents interchange of plug-in coupling parts 8, 9.

[0080] A plug-in coupling part 9, as already described, with an angle 17 and a venting valve 18 is inserted into the fourth receptacle 5d of the second coupling carrier 3. A plug-in coupling part 8 with a discharge stop valve 19 and a connecting mandrel 23 is inserted into the fourth receptacle 4d of the first coupling carrier 2, corresponding to the fourth receptacle 5d. The plug-in coupling part 8 is fluidly connected to the plug-in coupling part 9 of the fourth receptacle 5d of the second coupling carrier 3 under the action of the sealing agent 20. The discharge stop valve 19 is optional at this location. It is also possible for the discharge stop valve 19 not to be present at this location.

[0081] Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a multiple coupling 1 in which the first receptacle 5a of the second coupling carrier 3 and the corresponding first receptacle 4a of the first coupling carrier 2 as well as the third receptacle 5c of the second coupling carrier 3 and the third receptacle 4c of the first coupling carrier 2 are unused, i.e., no plug-in coupling parts 8, 9 are inserted. The assignment of the second receptacle 5b of the second coupling carrier 3 and the second receptacle 4b of the first coupling carrier 2 corresponds to that already described for Fig. 7.

[0082] In the unused receptacles 5a, 5c, 4a, 4c it can be seen how the locking arms 12, 14 with the different lengths lie one behind the other in the radial direction when the first coupling carrier 2 is joined to the second coupling carrier 3 in order to prevent springing and thus loosening of the plug-in coupling parts 8, 9. The recess 10b in the projection 10a of the stop means 10 extends slightly into the second coupling carrier 3, namely somewhat deeper, here approximately 1 mm, than the surface O of the second coupling carrier 3. The projection 10a of the stop means 10 protrudes from the surface O. Likewise, the stop means 10 of the third receptacle 5c, designed as a circumferential projection 10a, protrudes from the surface O.

[0083] In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6, the prevention of interchanging plug-in coupling parts 9 in the second coupling carrier 3 is achieved predominantly by varying the insertion depth, namely by using stop means 10 with different axial extensions, which prevent interchanging plug-in coupling parts 9. On the side of the first coupling carrier 2, different radii are predominantly used for the receptacles 4 in order to prevent interchanging plug-in coupling parts 8. The radii and the stop means 10 are selected or designed such that interchanging the plug-in coupling part 8 of the first coupling carrier with the plug-in coupling part 9 of the second coupling carrier 3 is also not possible.

[0084] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also encompasses all equivalent embodiments within the meaning of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual partial feature can also have an inventive significance in itself, independently of all other partial features. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all the individual features disclosed as a whole. This means that, in principle, practically every individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application.

[0085] List of reference symbols

[0086] 1 multiple coupling

[0087] 2 First coupling carrier

[0088] 3 Second coupling carrier

[0089] 4 Mounting the first coupling carrier 2

[0090] 5 Mounting the second coupling carrier 3

[0091] 6 Recess of the first coupling carrier 2

[0092] 7 Recess of the second coupling carrier 3

[0093] 8 Plug-in coupling part of the first coupling carrier 2

[0094] 9 Plug-in coupling part of the second coupling carrier 3

[0095] 10 lifting gear

[0096] 10a lead

[0097] 10b Recess

[0098] 11 Collar of the holder 4

[0099] 12 locking arms of the second coupling carrier 3

[0100] 13 Locking projection of the locking arms 12

[0101] 14 locking arms of the first coupling carrier 2

[0102] 15 Locking projection of the locking arms 14

[0103] 16 rest stops

[0104] 17 angles

[0105] 18 Ventilation valve

[0106] 19 Drain plug valve

[0107] 20 sealants

[0108] 21 Second coupling interface

[0109] 22 Coupling part

[0110] 23 Connection dome

[0111] 24 Collar of the plug-in coupling part 9

[0112] 25 Vent valve of the plug-in coupling part 9

[0113] 26 Projection of the plug-in coupling part 9

[0114] L Longitudinal axis of the recording

[0115] 0 Top

Claims

Claims 1. Multiple coupling (1) for media lines, comprising at least one first plate-like coupling carrier (2), at least one second plate-like coupling carrier (3), and a plurality of plug-in coupling parts (8, 9), wherein the first coupling carrier (2) has at least one first receptacle (4a) and one second receptacle (4b), and the second coupling carrier (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and one second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (4, 5) are designed for inserting and for securing the plug-in coupling parts (8, 9), wherein the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3) are designed such that the plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) of corresponding receptacles (4, 5) that can be arranged in the receptacles (4, 5) can be coupled by joining the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3), characterized in thatthat the first receptacle (5a) and the second receptacle (5b) of at least the second coupling carrier (3) each have at least one stop (10), and that the stop (10) of the first receptacle (5a) has a different extension along a longitudinal axis (L) than the stop (10) of the second receptacle (5b) in order to realize different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling parts (8,9). Multiple coupling (1) for media lines, comprising at least one first plate-like coupling carrier (2), at least one second plate-like coupling carrier (3), and a plurality of plug-in coupling parts (8, 9), wherein the first coupling carrier (2) has at least one first receptacle (4a) and one second receptacle (4b), and the second coupling carrier (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and one second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (4, 5) are designed for inserting and for fixedly holding the plug-in coupling parts (8, 9), wherein the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3) are designed such that the plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) of corresponding receptacles (4, 5) that can be arranged in the receptacles (4, 5) can be coupled by joining the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3), characterized in that at least one receptacle (4,5) surrounding at least one lifting element (10) with at least one projection (10a) and at least one recess (10b) to define at least one insertion depth and at least one insertion orientation for a plug-in coupling part (8,9). Multiple coupling (1) for media lines, comprising at least one first plate-like coupling carrier (2), at least one second plate-like coupling carrier (3), and a plurality of plug-in coupling parts (8, 9), wherein the first coupling carrier (2) has at least one first receptacle (4a) and one second receptacle (4b), and the second coupling carrier (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and one second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (4, 5) are designed for inserting and for securing the plug-in coupling parts (8, 9), wherein the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3) are designed such that the plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) of corresponding receptacles (4, 5) that can be arranged in the receptacles (4, 5) can be coupled by joining the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3), characterized in thatthat at least the first receptacle (4a) of the first coupling carrier (2) and the second receptacle (4b) of the first coupling carrier (2) have different radial properties in order to prevent the coupling parts (8, 9) from being interchanged, at least in the first coupling carrier (2), and that at least the first receptacle (5a) in the second coupling carrier (3) and the second receptacle (5b) in the second coupling carrier (3) each have at least one stop (10) in order to define different insertion depths for the first receptacle (5a) and the second receptacle (5b) and to prevent the coupling parts (8, 9) from being interchanged, at least in the second coupling carrier (3). Multiple coupling (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the stop element (10) of the first receptacle (5a) has a different extension along a respective longitudinal axis (L) of a receptacle (5a, 5b) than the stop element (10) of the second receptacle (5b) in order to realize different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) with the same diameter. Multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second coupling carrier (3) has between two and eight receptacles (5), in particular six receptacles (5), in particular that at least four receptacles (5a, 5b, 5d, 5f) have the same first diameter, at least one receptacle (5c) has a second diameter and at least one receptacle (5e) has a third diameter.Multiple coupling (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first coupling carrier (2) has between two and eight receptacles (4), in particular six receptacles (4), in particular that at least two receptacles (4a, 4f) have the same fourth diameter, at least two receptacles (4b, 4d) have the same fifth diameter and at least one receptacle (4c) has a sixth diameter and at least one receptacle (4e) has a seventh diameter. Multiple coupling (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stop means (10), in particular at the first receptacle (5a) of the second coupling carrier (3), is designed to determine at least one insertion orientation of a plug-in coupling part (8,9), in particular that the stop means (10) of at least one further receptacle (5), in particular the second receptacle (5b) of the second coupling part (3), is not usable for determining an insertion orientation.Multiple coupling (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first receptacle (5a) of the second coupling carrier (3) and the second receptacle (5b) of the second coupling carrier (3) each have a plurality of locking arms (12) with at least one locking projection (13), in particular that the locking projections (13) of the locking arms (12) of the first receptacle (5a) and the second receptacle (5b) have an equal distance to a surface (0) of the second coupling carrier (3), preferably that the locking arms (12) of the first receptacle (5a) and the second receptacle (5b) have a different or the same length.Multiple coupling (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first receptacle (4a) of the first coupling carrier (2) and the second receptacle (4b) of the first coupling carrier (2) each have a plurality of locking arms (14) with at least one locking projection (15), in particular that the locking projections (15) of the locking arms (14) of the first receptacle (4a) and the second receptacle (4b) have an equal distance to a surface (0) of the first coupling carrier (2), preferably that the locking arms (14) of the first receptacle (4a) and the second receptacle (4b) have a different or the same length. Multiple coupling (1) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the locking arms (12, 14) of the receptacles (4, 5) opposite each other in the assembly state of the first coupling carrier (2) and the second coupling carrier (3) interact in such a way that the release of fixedly held plug-in coupling parts (8, 9) is blocked. Multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one stop element (10), in particular on the first receptacle (5a) of the second coupling carrier (3), is designed as a circumferential projection (10a) with at least one recess (10b), preferably at least two or at least three recesses (10b), and that the stop element (10) is designed as a circumferential projection (10a) on at least one further receptacle (5) of the second coupling carrier (3), in particular the second receptacle (5b).Multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least the first receptacle (4a) of the first coupling carrier (2) and the second receptacle (4b) of the first coupling carrier (2) have different diameters. Multiple coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one plug-in coupling part (8, 9) has at least one valve (19), at least one connection dome (23), at least one radially projecting projection (26), at least one oil separator filter fleece, at least one diaphragm and / or at least one elbow (17) with fluid channel. Plate-shaped coupling carrier (3) for a multiple coupling (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the coupling carrier (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and a second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (5) are designed for inserting and for fixedly holding plug-in coupling parts (9), characterized in that the first receptacle (5a) and the second receptacle (5b) of the coupling carrier (3) each have at least one stop element (10), and that the stop element (10) of the first receptacle (5a) has a different extension along a longitudinal axis (L) than the stop element (10) of the second receptacle (5b) in order to realize different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling parts (8, 9).Plate-shaped coupling carrier (3) for a multiple coupling (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the coupling carrier (3) has at least one first receptacle (5a) and a second receptacle (5b), wherein the receptacles (5) are designed for inserting and for fixedly holding plug-in coupling parts (9), characterized in that at least one receptacle (4, 5) is surrounded by at least one stop element (10) with at least one projection (10a) and at least one recess (10b) to define at least one insertion depth and at least one insertion orientation for a plug-in coupling part (8, 9).

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