Coupling system for coupling fluid lines

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling system (10) for coupling fluid lines, comprising: i) a first coupling element (12) having a first coupling body (14), the first coupling body (14) comprising a first connecting structure (16), and ii) a second coupling element (18) having a second coupling body (20), the second coupling body (20) comprising a second connecting structure (22), wherein the first coupling element (12) and the second coupling element (18) can be connected to one another in an at least partially form-fitting manner by means of the first connecting structure (16) and the second connecting structure (22), wherein the first coupling element (12) or the second coupling element (18) comprises an identification marking (24), characterised in that the first coupling element (12) comprises a viewing window (26), and wherein the coupling system (10) is configured such that, when the first connecting structure (16) is connected to the second connecting structure (22) in the connected state, the identification marking (24) is visible from the outside through the viewing window (26).

Description

[0001] ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0002] 1

[0003] Coupling system for coupling fluid lines

[0004] Description

[0005] The invention relates to a coupling system for coupling fluid lines, a method for coupling two fluid lines with such a coupling system and a fluid coupling that can be manufactured from a corresponding coupling system.

[0006] In many areas of engineering, coupling systems and the fluid couplings that can be manufactured from them represent important structural components. The purpose of these fluid couplings is to connect two fluid lines in a fluid-conducting manner without the conveyed fluid escaping in the area of ​​the coupling. In many cases, it is desirable that the coupling systems allow for a reversible and non-destructive connection of the fluid lines, so that, for example, one of the fluid lines can be replaced at a later time.

[0007] The correct fluid-conducting connection and the reliable seating of the coupling system are essential in many industries for reliable and low-maintenance operation, while the correct functionality of the fluid couplings used is also highly relevant to safety in many application areas, for example in the field of vehicle technology, so that the vehicle's operating fluids can be guided correctly.

[0008] In light of the high relevance of the correct seating of fluid couplings and the high safety significance, there is a continued interest in being able to reliably check the correct seating of fluid couplings, especially in the context of partially or fully automated manufacturing processes.

[0009] To verify the correct seating of fluid couplings, prior art has proposed fluid couplings with indicator mechanisms that show when the fluid coupling has correctly engaged. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0010] 2

[0011] Simpler designs include coupling systems where the correct coupling of the coupling elements during the formation of the fluid coupling causes a mechanical indicator to be moved, the position of which can be used to determine the correct coupling.

[0012] Although advantages have already been achieved with appropriate designs for the quality control of correct fluid couplings, these designs are considered to be in need of improvement for many applications. In particular, the prior art proposes achieving higher information density and improved automation by placing machine-readable information, for example in the form of a QR code, on the coupling component to indicate the correct coupling, allowing it to be read automatically. This would allow both verification of the correct coupling and the retrieval of additional information about the coupling system used, such as a unique identifier for the component.

[0013] Despite the advantages already achieved with corresponding coupling systems, the solutions available in the prior art are also perceived as disadvantages in many respects. In particular, the fact that the correct coupling is often not clearly identifiable is considered a disadvantage. Furthermore, the readability of the mechanisms known from the prior art is often perceived as insufficient, which makes largely automated readout particularly difficult.

[0014] Overall, the reliable and low-interference automated verification of the connection-indicating mechanisms is considered particularly unsatisfactory. A particularly important aspect here is that many of the solutions known from the prior art can result in machine-readable code being read even though the connection of the coupling elements was not complete. This is especially problematic in many cases, particularly for ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898.

[0015] 3

[0016] The otherwise desirable use of automated image capture devices with a wide capture range in combination with powerful software solutions for capturing machine-readable information is made more difficult because it can lead to an undesirable premature capture of the machine-readable markings used.

[0017] The primary objective of the present invention was to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0018] In particular, it was an object of the present invention to provide a coupling system for coupling fluid lines, with which two fluid lines can be reliably connected in a fluid-conducting and externally fluid-tight manner, allowing easy and reliable verification of the correct connection state.

[0019] It was an object of the present invention that the coupling system to be specified should, in particular, enable reliable and error-free verification of the correct connection state using semi- and fully automated methods. In this respect, it was a desirable requirement that the coupling system to be specified should, in particular, help to avoid false positive verifications.

[0020] A further objective of the present invention was that the solution to be specified should allow the verification of the correct coupling state in a manner that can be carried out reliably for manual verification without placing high demands on the training level of the personnel used, as well as with a programming-technically simple design of an automated detection system.

[0021] A further objective of the present invention was to provide a high degree of design flexibility, enabling the solution to be adapted to a wide variety of coupling system geometries. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0022] 4

[0023] A further object of the present invention was to provide an advantageous fluid coupling which can be manufactured from the coupling system to be specified.

[0024] Furthermore, it was another object of the present invention to provide an advantageous method for connecting fluid lines to the coupling system to be specified.

[0025] The inventors of the present invention have now found that the problems described above can be solved if one of the coupling elements of a coupling system is designed with a viewing window and one of the coupling elements, preferably the coupling element which does not include the viewing window, is provided with an identification mark, and the coupling system is arranged so that when the coupling elements are connected to each other in the connected state, the identification mark becomes visible from the outside through the viewing window.

[0026] This advantageously enables a reliable and error-free verification of the correct connection of the coupling elements, significantly improving automated readability, as the viewing window can serve as an efficient reference system for automated reading processes. Furthermore, the parts of the connecting element surrounding the viewing window can shield the identification mark before the coupling is correctly connected, thus preventing premature reading of the identification mark and, consequently, premature verification of the correct connection.

[0027] The inventors identified it as particularly advantageous when the concept of the viewing window is further developed in such a way that the viewing window is formed by an optical element, for example a lens or a wavelength-specific filter, through which the perception of the marking is altered compared to viewing the marking freely. This is advantageously achieved by ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0028] 5

[0029] It is possible to use a marking that is inherently unreadable in its initial state, for example, for the verification software used, because it only contains parts of machine-readable information and / or the complete machine-readable information cannot be read due to the emission pattern.

[0030] This makes it possible to design the coupling system according to the invention in such a way that the readability of the identification mark is only given when the identification mark is in the intended position below the viewing window, or the optical element of the viewing window.

[0031] For example, the viewing window can provide the missing parts of the machine-readable code, which, in the superposition of the identification mark and the optical element, can then be read by a reading device. Alternatively, by designing the optical element as a wavelength-specific filter, it can be ensured that only the desired machine-readable information, which can then be read by an automated reading mechanism, passes through the optical element. Another example is the use of a lens as the optical element, which, at the moment the identification mark moves into its intended position, allows the marking to become correctly visible from the outside only when the lens distorts the marking.

[0032] Especially in this preferred configuration, where readability is only ensured by an optical element in the viewing window, it is efficiently possible to counteract unwanted premature reading of the identification mark and thus premature verification of the correct coupling, since the information to be read cannot be read without the correct coupling, or at least not with meaningful content. This allows for a particularly advantageous, largely automated verification of the correct coupling. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0033] 6

[0034] The aforementioned problems are thus solved by the subject matter of the invention as defined in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following descriptions.

[0035] Such embodiments, which are hereinafter referred to as preferred, are combined in particularly preferred embodiments with features of other embodiments referred to as preferred. Combinations of two or more of the embodiments referred to below as particularly preferred are therefore especially preferred. Also preferred are embodiments in which a feature of one embodiment, referred to as preferred to any degree, is combined with one or more further features of other embodiments, which are referred to as preferred to any degree. Features of preferred methods and fluid couplings result from the features of preferred coupling systems.

[0036] Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the exemplary embodiments. Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention have two or more, preferably three or more, and most preferably four or more, of the preferred features of the invention disclosed below, which are also implemented in the exemplary embodiments. The invention relates in particular to a coupling system for coupling fluid lines, comprising:

[0037] i) a first coupling element with a first coupling body, wherein the first coupling body comprises a first connecting structure, and

[0038] ii) a second coupling element with a second coupling body, wherein the second coupling body comprises a second connecting structure,

[0039] wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected to each other at least partially by means of a positive locking connection via the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure, ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0040] 7

[0041] wherein the first coupling element or the second coupling element includes an identification mark,

[0042] characterized in that the first coupling element includes a viewing window, and

[0043] wherein the coupling system is configured such that, when the first connection structure is connected to the second connection structure in the connected state, the identification mark is visible from the outside through the viewing window. The invention relates to a coupling system for coupling fluid lines. In accordance with the skilled person's understanding, this means that the fluid lines coupled to the coupling system can be permeated by the fluid to be conveyed, but the connection of the coupling elements of the coupling system is fluid-tight such that the fluid conveyed in the fluid lines cannot escape in the area of ​​the fluid coupling. In view of the application requirements of most subsequent applications, it is preferred for essentially all embodiments if the coupling system allows for a reversible and non-destructively detachable coupling, i.e.,that a fluid coupling, once closed, can subsequently be reopened under controlled conditions. In other words, it is a coupling system according to the invention, wherein the coupling system is provided for the fluid-conducting connection of the fluid lines, in particular the externally fluid-tight connection of the fluid lines. A coupling system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the coupling system is provided for the reversibly detachable, preferably the reversibly and non-destructively detachable, coupling of fluid lines. In other words, a coupling system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be reversibly detachable, preferably reversibly and non-destructively detachable, to one another via the first connection structure and the second connection structure.

[0044] The coupling system according to the invention comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element, which are manufactured from ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898 during the production of the fluid coupling.

[0045] 8

[0046] The components of the coupling system are connected to one another. A major advantage of the invention is that the inventive concept can be advantageously applied to a large number of established fluid coupling geometries. An example of a coupling system according to the invention is a fluid coupling designed as an SAE coupling or a VDA coupling.

[0047] The first coupling element and the second coupling element each comprise a coupling body, which can in principle be made in one piece or in multiple pieces. An advantage of the present invention is that the coupling system according to the invention is very flexible with regard to material selection, so that the advantageous solution can, in principle, be implemented with a wide range of different materials. However, in the inventors' opinion, the use of plastic-based fluid couplings is particularly preferred for the majority of applications. A coupling system according to the invention is therefore preferred in which the first coupling body and / or the second coupling body, preferably both the first and second coupling bodies, are made at least partially, preferably predominantly, and most preferably essentially completely, of a plastic.

[0048] The first coupling element and the second coupling element each comprise a connecting structure. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "connecting structure" describes the parts of the coupling element or the coupling body which, through their interaction, are intended to ensure the connection of the coupling elements to one another and thus the formation of the fluid coupling. A coupling system according to the invention is preferred in which the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected via the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure in such a way that the connection counteracts a translational and / or rotational movement, preferably a translational and rotational movement, of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0049] 9

[0050] According to the foregoing definition of the invention, the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected to one another via the first connection structure and the second connection structure in such a way that the connection is at least partially positive-locking. In the inventors' estimation, positive locking will regularly provide the largest share of the connection in subsequent use, so that the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be connected predominantly, preferably essentially exclusively, positively. However, in accordance with the skilled person's understanding, it cannot be ruled out that frictional components will also occur in the resulting connection.At least theoretically, especially when implementing non-reversible and non-destructive fluid couplings, it would also be conceivable to include a material-bonded component, for example by providing adhesive elements that further promote the connection.

[0051] A major advantage of the present invention is that a variety of different concepts can be used to design the connection structures, concepts which are generally known from the prior art for the positive-locking connection of connecting elements in a coupling system. The inventors consider particularly preferred, however, those designs in which the connecting elements include projections that can engage in corresponding complementary receptacles in the other connecting element, thereby creating or contributing to the positive-locking connection. In particularly preferred embodiments, it is possible to design the corresponding connecting elements to be deformable in such a way that they engage in the complementary receptacles under deformation, as is the case, for example, with so-called locking lugs.A coupling system according to the invention is therefore preferred, wherein the first connection structure and / or the second connection structure, preferably at least the second connection structure, comprise one or more connecting elements, and wherein the first connection structure and / or the second connection structure, preferably at least the first connection structure, belong to ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898.

[0052] 10

[0053] The coupling system comprises connecting elements and complementary connection receptacles, wherein the coupling system is configured such that the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected at least partially by positive locking via the engagement of the connecting elements in the complementary connection receptacles. A coupling system according to the invention is particularly preferred in that the connecting elements extend along the intended connection direction between the first connection structure and the second connection structure. Additionally or alternatively, a coupling system according to the invention is particularly preferred in that the connecting elements are reversibly deformable, and the coupling system is configured such that the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected at least partially by positive locking through deformation of the connecting elements and their engagement in the complementary connection receptacles.Particularly preferred, or alternatively, is a coupling system according to the invention, wherein the connecting elements are locking lugs or comprise locking lugs.

[0054] Given the purpose of the coupling system, which is to connect two fluid lines, the person skilled in the art understands that the coupling elements may already be connected to a fluid line, for example, because the coupling elements are formed at the end of such a fluid line. Additionally or alternatively, however, the coupling elements can also be provided with suitable structures that allow a connection to a fluid line to be established. An exemplary coupling system according to the invention is thus one in which the first coupling element comprises a first fluid line connection element for connecting the first coupling element to a first fluid line, and / or wherein the first coupling element is connected to a first fluid line, preferably by frictional connection and / or positive connection and / or material connection.An example is, additionally or alternatively, a coupling system according to the invention, wherein the second coupling element comprises a second fluid line connection element for connecting the second coupling element to a second fluid line, and / or wherein the ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898.

[0055] 11

[0056] The second coupling element is connected to a second fluid line, preferably by force-fit and / or form-fit and / or material-fit.

[0057] A coupling system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first fluid line connection element is arranged on the side of the first coupling element facing away from the first connection structure, and / or wherein the first fluid line connection element is formed by a part of the first coupling body. A coupling system according to the invention is additionally or alternatively preferred, wherein the second fluid line connection element is arranged on the side of the second coupling element facing away from the second connection structure, and / or wherein the second fluid line connection element is formed by a part of the second coupling body.A coupling system according to the invention is particularly preferred in this respect, wherein the first fluid line connection element and / or the second fluid line connection element, preferably the first fluid line connection element and / or the second fluid line connection element, comprise a hose olive and / or a hose clamp.

[0058] The fluid lines themselves will in most cases not be part of the coupling system according to the invention. In such cases, however, where one or both of the connecting elements are already connected to a fluid line, these can advantageously be designed in essentially any type of fluid line, for example as a corrugated hose.

[0059] According to the invention, the first coupling element or the second coupling element comprises a so-called "identification mark", which does not preclude both coupling elements from also bearing corresponding identification marks, although this is less preferred with regard to a possible simple design.

[0060] The term "identification mark" refers to a deliberately applied mark intended to be noticed when verifying the correct seating of the fluid coupling, for example by ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898, who are commissioned with the verification.

[0061] 12

[0062] manual intervention or by an automated reading unit. Advantageously, the identification mark can thus be any structural element, which the person skilled in the art can, for example, optimize for recognizability with their automated reading mechanisms. Although embodiments with simpler types of identification marks, such as colored dots, are conceivable, the inventors consider it preferable for the vast majority of embodiments to implement the identification mark as machine-readable information, for example, as a so-called DMC or QR code. Both DMC codes and QR codes are generally known to those skilled in the art, and corresponding software with which information can be converted into corresponding machine-readable codes is available to them from various suppliers.The use of appropriate machine-readable information has the great advantage that not only can the correct seating of the coupling be verified, but also that additional data can be automatically recorded in the verification process by reading the information stored in the machine-readable information, in particular about which coupling system was installed, which can be done, for example, through a unique individual identification, and which later allows any errors that occur to be assigned to a specific product batch of fluid couplings.

[0063] A coupling system according to the invention is therefore preferred, wherein the identification mark comprises machine-readable information, preferably a DMC code or a QR code.

[0064] In addition to the identification mark, which serves for later verification of the correct coupling, one of the coupling elements, which by definition is the first coupling element in this case, includes a viewing window. In accordance with expert understanding, a viewing window is an element in the first coupling body through which a more internal part of the coupling body becomes visible. The viewing window can, in particular, be an opening in the coupling body through which a further ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0065] 13

[0066] The inner part of the coupling body is visible from the outside. In preferred embodiments, the corresponding viewing window recess can be covered by an optical element, for example, a transparent disc, thus preventing, for example, the ingress of contaminants into the parts of the coupling body located below the viewing window. Besides a viewing window recess and a viewing window recess covered by an optical element, the viewing window can also be formed solely by an optical element connected to the coupling element, for example, a transparent disc, which in this case constitutes the viewing window. A coupling system according to the invention is therefore preferred in which the viewing window is a viewing window recess in the first coupling body through which an observation area of ​​the first coupling body is visible from the outside.A coupling system according to the invention is preferred, either additionally or alternatively, wherein the viewing window comprises or consists of an at least partially transparent optical element. A coupling system according to the invention is particularly preferred with regard to the combination, wherein the transparent optical element is arranged in the viewing window recess, so that the viewing area of ​​the coupling body is visible from the outside through the optical element.

[0067] In other words, these are two fundamentally different designs: the design as a mere viewing window recess or the use of a transparent optical element, which, however, can also be implemented together in preferred designs by inserting the optical element into the viewing window recess.

[0068] The coupling system according to the invention is designed such that, when the first connecting structure is connected to the second connecting structure in the connected state, the identification mark is visible from the outside through the viewing window. The realization of the correct connected state is thus recognizable by the fact that, in the connected state, the identification mark comes to rest in a predetermined position relative to the viewing window. The advantageous design with the viewing window allows for automated [ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898]

[0069] 14

[0070] Reading can be particularly reliable because the automated reading can reference the viewing window to subsequently check whether the identification mark is visible in the viewing window.

[0071] It can be seen as an advantage of the invention that the inventive idea can be realized with a relatively large number of different design configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the identification marking can be provided on the second coupling element, in particular on the connecting structures of the second coupling element. The coupling system according to the invention can then preferably be designed such that the engagement of the second connecting structure with the first connecting structure causes the identification marking affixed to the second connecting structure to be pushed under the viewing window by the joining of the coupling elements, so that it is visible from the outside.A coupling system according to the invention is therefore preferred, wherein the identification marking is a component of the second coupling element, and wherein the coupling system is arranged such that the identification marking of the second coupling element is positioned when the first connection structure is connected to the second connection structure in such a way that it is visible from the outside through the viewing window in the connected state.

[0072] Particularly preferred is a coupling system according to the invention, wherein the marking is arranged on a connecting element of the second coupling element, preferably on a locking lug, wherein the viewing window is arranged in the area of ​​a connection receptacle complementary to the connecting element, so that the observation area is located in the area of ​​the connection receptacle.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the identification mark is also part of the first coupling element, as is the viewing window. In this case, the identification mark is arranged on a movable part that is displaced and / or its orientation changed by the interaction of the first coupling element with the second coupling element so that it passes through the viewing window. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0074] 15

[0075] from the outside. In these cases, the movement of the part of the first coupling element bearing the identification mark can, for example, be effected directly by the second connecting structure. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the connection of the coupling elements triggers a mechanism that makes the identification mark visible through the viewing window, for example, because the mechanism moves the part of the first coupling element bearing the identification mark or removes an obstruction to the view, such as an obstruction located in the area of ​​the viewing window, for example, an opening flap.Preferably, or alternatively, a coupling system according to the invention is used, wherein the identification marking is a component of the first coupling element, and wherein the coupling system is arranged such that the identification marking of the first coupling element is moved relative to the rest of the first coupling element when the first connecting structure is connected to the second connecting structure, so that it is visible from the outside through the viewing window in the connected state.A coupling system according to the invention is particularly preferred, wherein the coupling system is configured such that the identification marking of the first coupling element is moved relative to the viewing window when the first connection structure is connected to the second connection structure, preferably by a connecting element of the second connection structure, preferably a locking element, or by a sliding mechanism triggered by the connection, so that the identification marking is visible from the outside through the viewing window in the connected state.

[0076] The inventors consider it particularly advantageous if the viewing window includes or consists of an optical element. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "optical element" refers to an at least partially transparent component that allows at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range to pass through sufficiently so that a person skilled in the art can see through it with the naked eye. This component, due to its structure and / or the material used, reflects the passing electromagnetic radiation in the range of ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0077] 16

[0078] However, it can optionally deflect or refract visible light, as can happen, for example, with a lens or prism. In its simplest form, the optical element can be a transparent disc, for example, made of glass or plastic. In this very simple case, the optical element's primary function is likely to seal the viewing window against external influences. In an advantageous further development, however, the transparent disc can also be provided with markings, which can be advantageously used to enable and / or facilitate the reading of the identification mark, as further disclosed below.Of particular interest, however, is not only the use of transparent discs but also the use of active optical elements that modify the electromagnetic radiation passing through them, especially electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range, in particular by deflecting it and / or altering its wavelength composition. These active optical elements are designed so that the marking appears different when viewed through them than without the optical element, and this can result in distortion and / or filtering out parts of the marking.A coupling system according to the invention is preferred, either additionally or alternatively, wherein the optical element is selected from the group consisting of transparent disks, optical lenses, optical prisms, and optical filters; preferably optical lenses, optical prisms, and optical filters; particularly preferably optical lenses and optical filters; and most preferably optical lenses. A coupling system according to the invention is particularly preferred, wherein the optical filters are wavelength filters.

[0079] The use of optical elements advantageously allows for a coupling system in which the identification mark to be read and / or readable at all, which is to be detected by an automatic detection unit, can only be seen through the optical element in the ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0080] 17

[0081] A condition is recognizable that would require verification. Without the correct seating of the coupling, however, only the initial marking is recognizable, which, for example, is not recognized by the readout mechanism as the marking to be read. A coupling system according to the invention is therefore preferred, wherein the coupling system is configured such that, when the first connection structure is connected to the second connection structure in the connected state, the marking is visible from the outside through the optical element as a modified marking.In other words, a coupling system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the identification mark is an initial marking, and wherein, in the connected state, the initial marking is visible from the outside through the optical element as a modified identification mark different from the initial marking due to the optical properties of the optical element. A coupling system according to the invention is particularly preferred, wherein the initial marking does not include machine-readable information, and the modified identification mark includes machine-readable information.

[0082] A coupling system according to the invention is particularly preferred, wherein the output marking is a blurred output marking, preferably a blurred DMC code or a blurred QR code, wherein the output marking is visible through the optical element as a sharp, modified marking. A coupling system according to the invention is additionally or alternatively particularly preferred, wherein the output marking comprises information in two or more colors, wherein the modified marking is visible through the optical element with fewer colors, a portion of which is filtered out by the optical element. A coupling system according to the invention is additionally or alternatively particularly preferred, wherein the optical element comprises a complementary marking, wherein the modified marking is ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0083] 18

[0084] visible through the optical element as a combination of the complementary marking and the initial marking.

[0085] The person skilled in the art understands that the advantageous use of optical elements described above can, in principle, be realized in a great many embodiments, and that there are therefore various possibilities to implement the advantageous concept according to the invention by using different optical elements and the corresponding selection mechanisms.

[0086] In light of the foregoing descriptions, a coupling system according to the invention is also preferred for the use of an optical element, wherein the identification mark is a component of the second coupling element, and wherein the coupling system is configured such that the identification mark of the second coupling element is arranged when the first connection structure is connected to the second connection structure in such a way that it is visible from the outside through the optical element in the connected state. A coupling system according to the invention is additionally or alternatively preferred, wherein the identification mark is a component of the first coupling element, and wherein the coupling system is configured such that the identification mark of the first coupling element is arranged when the first connection structure is connected to the second connection structure in such a way that it is visible from the outside through the optical element in the connected state.A coupling system according to the invention is preferred, either additionally or alternatively, wherein the coupling system is configured such that the identification marking of the first coupling element is moved relative to the optical element when the first connection structure is connected to the second connection structure, preferably by a connecting element of the second connection structure, preferably a locking element, or by a displacement mechanism triggered by the connection, so that the identification marking is visible from the outside through the optical element in the connected state. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898.

[0087] 19

[0088] In light of the foregoing, the invention also relates to a method for coupling two fluid lines with a coupling system according to the invention, comprising the following method steps:

[0089] a) Manufacturing or providing a first fluid line, wherein the first fluid line is connected to the first coupling element,

[0090] b) Manufacturing or providing a second fluid line, wherein the second fluid line is connected to the second coupling element,

[0091] c) Creating at least a partially positive-locking connection between the first coupling element and the second coupling element via the first connection structure and the second connection structure, wherein, when creating the connection of the first connection structure with the second connection structure, the identification mark and the viewing window are moved relative to each other, wherein the identification mark is visible from the outside through the viewing window in the connected state, and

[0092] d) Reading the identification mark through the viewing window to verify the correct connection between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

[0093] Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention result from the use of preferred coupling systems according to the invention.

[0094] A preferred method according to the invention is therefore, wherein the identification mark is a component of the second coupling element, and wherein the identification mark of the second coupling element is arranged during the creation of the connection between the first connection structure and the second connection structure such that it is visible from the outside through the viewing window in the connected state. A particularly preferred method according to the invention is wherein the identification mark is arranged on a connecting element of the second coupling element, preferably on a locking lug, wherein the viewing window is located in the area of ​​a connecting element. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0095] 20

[0096] is arranged in a complementary connection setting, so that the observation area lies within the area of ​​the connection setting.

[0097] Alternatively, a method according to the invention is preferred in which the identification mark is a component of the first coupling element, wherein the identification mark is moved relative to the rest of the first coupling element when the connection is formed such that it is visible from the outside through the viewing window in the connected state. A method according to the invention is particularly preferred in which the identification mark of the first coupling element is moved relative to the viewing window when the connection is formed, preferably by a connecting element of the second connection structure or by a displacement mechanism triggered by the connection.

[0098] A preferred method according to the invention is additionally or alternatively wherein, when creating the connection of the first connection structure with the second connection structure, the marking and the optical element of the viewing window are moved relative to each other, wherein the marking is visible from the outside through the optical element in the connected state.

[0099] A method according to the invention is also generally preferred, wherein the reading of the identification mark is carried out with an electronic reading unit, preferably a camera or a color scanner, particularly preferably a camera.

[0100] A preferred or alternative method according to the invention is wherein the verification of the correct connection between the first coupling element and the second coupling element takes place when the reading of the identification mark yields a predetermined result.

[0101] A preferred method according to the invention is, in addition or alternatively, wherein the reading of the identification mark is carried out by reading a modified identification mark through the optical element, wherein the modified identification mark is a result of the optical ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0102] 21

[0103] Properties of the optical element are obtained from a modified marking that differs from the original marking. A method according to the invention is particularly preferred in that the correct connection between the first coupling element and the second coupling element is verified when the reading of the marking yields the modified marking. An additionally or alternatively preferred method according to the invention is one in which the correct connection between the first coupling element and the second coupling element is not verified when the reading of the marking yields the original marking.

[0104] The invention also relates to a fluid coupling, which can be manufactured from a coupling system according to the invention, by connecting the first coupling element with the second coupling element, wherein the marking is visible from the outside through the viewing window.

[0105] The invention and preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures show:

[0106] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the coupling of the coupling elements of a coupling system according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment a) in the top view and b) in the side view, in each case in front (left) and after (right) of the coupling;

[0107] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the coupling of the coupling elements of a coupling system according to the invention in a second preferred embodiment a) in the top view and b) in the side view, in each case in front (left) and after (right) of the coupling;

[0108] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the coupling of the coupling elements of a coupling system according to the invention in a third preferred ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0109] 22

[0110] Embodiment a) in top view and b) in side view, in each case in front (left) and after (right) the coupling;

[0111] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of exemplary first connection structures in three preferred embodiments a) to c), each in top view (left) and cross-section (right); and

[0112] Fig. 5 shows a schematic visualization of the use of an optical element to obtain a modified identification mark from an initial marking in three preferred embodiments a) to c). Figs. 1, 2, and 3 each show schematic representations of the coupling of the coupling elements 12, 18 of coupling systems 10 according to the invention for coupling fluid lines in various preferred embodiments (left) and the resulting fluid couplings 38 (right). The coupling systems 10 are shown in the examples shown in top view a) and side view b). The connection to fluid lines is made via fluid line connection elements (not shown) arranged on the respective coupling elements 12, 18. The coupling bodies 14, 20 are each made of plastic.

[0113] The coupling systems 10 shown each comprise a first coupling element 12 with a first coupling body 14, which includes a first connection structure 16, which in the examples shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 each has a connection receptacle 30 and a viewing window 26.

[0114] Furthermore, the coupling systems 10 shown each comprise a second coupling element 18 with a second coupling body 20, which includes a second connection structure 22, which in the examples shown is designed as a connecting element 28 complementary to the connection receiving 30, namely as a locking lug.

[0115] The examples shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 differ in the position or type of visualization of an identification mark 24, which serves for the subsequent verification of the correct coupling of the first coupling element 12 with the ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0116] 23

[0117] second coupling element 18. In the example shown, this is implemented as machine-readable information, in particular as a QR code.

[0118] The coupling is effected in each case by means of a reversible and non-destructively detachable, positive locking of the first connection structure 16 and the second connection structure 22, namely in each case by the engagement of the connecting element 28 in the connection receptacle 30.

[0119] In the fluid coupling 38 resulting from the connection, the identification mark 24 is visible from the outside through the viewing window 26. In this connected state, both translational and rotational movement of the coupling elements 12, 18 relative to each other can be reliably prevented.

[0120] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the identification mark 24 is fixedly arranged on the second connecting structure 22, namely on the outside of the locking lug, so that when the first connecting structure 16 is connected to the second connecting structure 22, the identification mark 24 is arranged in the viewing window 26 and is thus visible from the outside.

[0121] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the identification mark 24 is arranged in the connection receptacle 30 of the first connection structure 16 in a non-destructively displaceable manner, so that when the first connection structure 16 is connected to the second connection structure 22, the identification mark 24 is pushed from the second connection structure 22 into the viewing window 26 of the first connection structure 16 and thus becomes visible from the outside.

[0122] In Figs. 1 and 2, the viewing window 26 can each be designed, for example, as a transparent optical element 40, for example as a transparent disc, or as a mere exception opening in the first coupling body 14.

[0123] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the identification mark 24 is already arranged in the viewing window 26 of the first connection structure 16; however, the viewing window is designed in the unconnected state such that the ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0124] 24

[0125] The identification mark 24 is not visible from the outside, for example by blocking the viewing window 26 with a flap element that obscures the view of the identification mark 24. This can be achieved, for example, by a wavelength filter. When the first connection structure 16 is connected to the second connection structure 22, the second connection structure 22 triggers a mechanism that moves the flap element, making the identification mark 24 visible from the outside.

[0126] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of exemplary first connection structures 16, each in top view (left) and in cross-section (right).

[0127] Fig. 4 shows in a) a first connection structure 16 which, as also shown in the examples of Figs. 1 and 2, has a connection receptacle 30 and a viewing window 26 which is exceptionally provided in the first coupling body 16.

[0128] Fig. 4 shows in b) an alternative embodiment in which the first connecting structure 16 has, in addition to the connecting receptacle 30, a viewing window 26 designed as an optical lens, optical prism, or optical filter. This embodiment is advantageously particularly versatile; for example, if the viewing window 26 is designed as an optical lens, in particular a magnifying glass, the associated identification mark 24 can be made so small that it can only be meaningfully read in conjunction with the viewing window 26, and in particular, read by machine. Such an identification mark 24, which is only visible in conjunction with the optical element as a result of its optical properties, is referred to as a modified identification mark 34. Fig.Figure 4 shows in c) an alternative embodiment in which the first connection structure 16 and the corresponding connection receptacle 30 are designed very simply by spacing an optical element 40 from the edge of the first coupling element 12 by means of four struts, which acts as the viewing window 26 and forms the connection receptacle 30 underneath it.

[0129] Fig. 5 shows a schematic visualization of the particularly preferred use of an optical element 40 (see also Fig. 4 b) and c)) to obtain a ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0130] 25

[0131] machine-readable modified identification mark 34 from a not readily machine-readable initial marking 32 in three preferred embodiments.

[0132] Figure 5 a) shows the combination of an initial marking 32 with a complementary marking 36 arranged on the viewing window 26 to form a modified marking 34. In this case, the modified marking 34 can only be read after the initial marking 32 is correctly positioned below the optical element 40.

[0133] Fig. 5 shows in b) a marking 24 designed as an initial marking 32, which is partially covered by a differently colored pattern, so that half of the initial marking 32 is not clearly visible between the differently colored pattern. However, the marking 24 can be read as a modified marking 34 through a viewing window 26 designed as a color filter.

[0134] Fig. 5 shows in c) a marking 24 designed as a blurred initial marking 32, which is arranged behind a viewing window 26 designed as an optical lens and can be read as a modified marking 34. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898

[0135] 26 List of reference symbols

[0136] 10 Coupling system

[0137] 12 first coupling element

[0138] 14 first clutch body

[0139] 16 first connection structure

[0140] 18 second coupling element

[0141] 20 second clutch body

[0142] 22 second connection structure

[0143] 24 Identification marking

[0144] 26 viewing windows

[0145] 28 Connecting element

[0146] 30 Connection establishment

[0147] 32 Output marking

[0148] 34 modified identification marking 36 complementary marking

[0149] 38 Fluid coupling

[0150] 40 optical element

Claims

ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898 27 Claims 1. Coupling system (10) for coupling fluid lines, comprising: i) a first coupling element (12) with a first coupling body (14), wherein the first coupling body (14) comprises a first connecting structure (16), and ii) a second coupling element (18) with a second coupling body (20), wherein the second coupling body (20) comprises a second connecting structure (22), wherein the first coupling element (12) and the second coupling element (18) can be connected to each other at least partially by means of a positive locking connection via the first connecting structure (16) and the second connecting structure (22), wherein the first coupling element (12) or the second coupling element (18) comprises an identification mark (24), characterized in that the first coupling element (12) comprises a viewing window (26), and wherein the coupling system (10) is arranged so that when the first connecting structure (16) is connected to the second connecting structure (22) in the connected state the identification mark (24) is visible from the outside through the viewing window (26).

2. Coupling system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first connection structure (16) and / or the second connection structure (22), preferably at least the second connection structure (22), comprise one or more connecting elements (28), and wherein the first connection structure (16) and / or the second connection structure (22), preferably at least the first connection structure (16), comprise connection receptacles (30) complementary to the connecting elements (28), ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898 28 wherein the coupling system (10) is arranged so that the first coupling element (12) and the second coupling element (18) can be connected at least partially by positive locking via the engagement of the connecting elements (28) in the complementary connecting receptacles (30).

3. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the identification mark (24) comprises machine-readable information, preferably a DMC code or a QR code.

4. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the viewing window (26) is a viewing window exception in the first coupling body (14) through which an observation area of ​​the first coupling body (14) is visible from the outside.

5. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the viewing window (26) comprises or consists of an at least partially transparent optical element (40).

6. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the identification mark (24) is a component of the second coupling element (18), wherein the coupling system (10) is configured such that the identification mark (24) of the second coupling element (18) is arranged when the first connecting structure (16) is connected to the second connecting structure (22) in such a way that it is visible from the outside through the viewing window (26) when connected. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898 29 7. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the identification mark (24) is a component of the first coupling element (12), wherein the coupling system (10) is configured such that the identification mark (24) of the first coupling element (12) is moved relative to the rest of the first coupling element (12) when the first connecting structure (16) is connected to the second connecting structure (22) in such a way that it is visible from the outside through the viewing window (26) when connected.

8. Coupling system (10) according to claim 7, wherein the coupling system (10) is configured such that the identification mark (24) of the first coupling element (12) is moved relative to the viewing window (26) when the first connecting structure (16) is connected to the second connecting structure (22), preferably by a connecting element (28) of the second connecting structure (22) or by a displacement mechanism triggered by the connection, so that the identification mark (24) is visible from the outside through the viewing window (26) in the connected state.

9. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the optical element (40) is selected from the group consisting of transparent disks, optical lenses, optical prisms and optical filters, preferably optical lenses, optical prisms and optical filters, particularly preferably optical lenses and optical filters, most preferably optical lenses.

10. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the identification mark (24) is an output mark (32), wherein the output mark (32) in the connected state is visible from the outside through the optical element due to the optical properties of the optical element. ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898 30 as a modified marking (34) different from the original marking (32) is visible.

11. Coupling system (10) according to claim 10, wherein the output identifier (32) is a blurred output identifier (32), preferably a blurred DMC code or a blurred QR code, wherein the output identifier (32) is visible through the optical element as a sharp modified identifier mark (34).

12. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the output marking (32) comprises information in two or more colors, wherein the modified marking (34) is visible through the optical element with fewer colors, wherein some of the colors are filtered out by the optical element.

13. Coupling system (10) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the optical element comprises a complementary marking (36), wherein the modified marking (34) is visible through the optical element as a combination of the complementary marking (36) and the original marking (32).

14. Fluid coupling (38), manufactured from a coupling system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, by connecting the first coupling element (12) with the second coupling element (18), wherein the identification mark (24) is visible from the outside through the viewing window (26). ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH CONVI.0898 31 15. Method for coupling two fluid lines with a coupling system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the method steps: a) Manufacturing or providing a first fluid line, wherein the first fluid line is connected to the first coupling element (12), b) Manufacturing or providing a second fluid line, wherein the second fluid line is connected to the second coupling element (18), c) Creating at least a partially positive-locking connection between the first coupling element (12) and the second coupling element (18) via the first connection structure (16) and the second connection structure (22), wherein, when creating the connection of the first connection structure (16) with the second connection structure (22), the identification mark (24) and the viewing window (26) are moved relative to each other, wherein the identification mark (24) is visible from the outside through the viewing window (26) in the connected state, and d) Reading the identification mark (24) through the viewing window (26) to verify the correct connection between the first coupling element (12) and the second coupling element (18).

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