DE202004002116U1 - Connector for conductor lines e.g. for liquid or gaseous media, forms continuous conductor when connection pieces are joined correctly - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection piece for conductor lines in which the plug (1) and the socket (2) is fitted with a preferably electrically conductor or conductive layer, such that during correct joining of these conductive connection pieces, a continuous conductor is formed. An independent claim is also included for conductive connection pieces.

Description

Summary

The "testable connection" described below primarily for liquid or gaseous On the one hand, media serves for the correct assembly of a plug connection already checked in the factory and possibly for quality assurance document, on the other hand, failure during the Operating display and troubleshooting through the possibility the identification of the damaged area can be significantly simplified. This is achieved by connecting the two correctly Connecting parts a preferably electrical conductor closed or is separated. If you connect using these connectors e.g. a passive transponder with the associated antenna, so are next the address of the damaged area other information is also available. The display of an error can be done directly via a display, through a to be connected Measuring device or at A transponder can also be used without contact. The economical one The advantage lies in the definitive exclusion of assembly errors and in much easier troubleshooting when a later failure

Problem Description

Lines for liquid or gaseous media feature often about Connections, so-called "quick connectors", with their help the lines are connected by hand or using a robot. This Quick connectors are mostly used in places that are difficult to access, to keep the assembly effort low. In the case of fuel tanks e.g. frequently the need to route and connect inside the wires to have to, their correct connection has a significant impact on the Function and security e.g. of a vehicle.

An overall check for a secure fit Connection during assembly is usually not possible or so elaborate that errors often only occur during operation. The effort to get one Localizing such errors first is enormous, while the Elimination with knowledge of the location of the error often very easy and to eliminate and can even extremely costly product recalls make necessary.

State of the art

US 2003218335 describes a quick connector, in which the connection is secured by a sliding ring. A check of the connection after installation or in the event of later failure is only possible by direct testing. In an unfavorable installation position, a check is only possible through removal.

Describe WO 03083346 and WO 03089830 also quick connectors for liquid Media in which the connection is secured by radially inserted safety clips will, later Failure of the connection is also in an unfavorable installation position a check here is only possible by direct inspection.

GB 2390234 describes a connector in a fuel tank to connect the power supply to a Petrol pump housed in the tank.

Both CA 2272867 as well US 6637780 describe quick connectors with visually recognizable displays, which, however, can only be used in clearly visible places.

Currently, these connections e.g. by random sampling using filling and / or checked under pressure, thereby making the occurrence of an error with a certain probability reduced, but far from being excluded. The Troubleshooting in the event of malfunctions, which only during of the operation, is often very time and cost intensive, because several assemblies have to be removed before the error can work properly is localized.

task

The invention has for its object to provide connecting elements for lines ( 8th ) of liquids, gases or electrical, optical or other media, regardless of their type of construction (screwed, inserted, insert-like, etc.), the correct fit of which can be reliably checked during assembly. Furthermore, the connections according to the invention are intended to make it possible, if an error occurs in one of these connections, to unambiguously localize them without prior disassembly or exposure, for example without contact. In addition to the cost savings in eliminating possible malfunctions, these connecting elements - for example in the case of security-relevant connections - allow the further supply of potentially dangerous media to be shut off in these lines. In addition to pure monitoring and localization, a shutdown or emergency stop function can also be triggered via such a connection. Due to the possibility of making a defective connection immediately recognizable, such quick connections can also be used for lines in which the failure of a connection that is not immediately recognizable poses safety risks (brake lines). The possibility of coding enables the exact location of a faulty connection to be determined, which can be particularly important in the case of line connections connected in series.

description

The connectors according to the invention ( 1 ) u. ( 2 ) are designed so that they have electrically conductive contact surfaces ( 4 ) which, when the connecting elements are correctly seated ( 1 ) u. ( 2 ) directly or over a bridge (( 5 ) with the contact surfaces ( 4a ) and the connecting line ( 3a ) have to touch. These contact surfaces are either connected to an electrical conductor ( 3 ) or an antenna (A) and the associated transponder (T) connected or lead directly to display devices at a spatial distance from the connection point (not shown). When the two plug-in parts (male ( 1 ) and females ( 2 ) and possibly bridge ( 5 )) a continuous conductor is formed. The operability of the connection can then be queried and / or displayed via the continuity or separation of this conductor.

When using transponders instead of electrical wires leading to a junction guided Need to become, passive transponders are preferred. The difference to need active transponders they do not have their own power supply and therefore no further Leads. Passive transponders essentially consist of one Chip (T) and an antenna (A). These two components are made by the electrically conductive contacts to a functional unit connected. The one you need Receives electricity the chip inductively over the antenna from the RF field, which is usually from the reading unit is produced. about The same antenna is used for data exchange between the reader and transponder. Are several plug connections in a larger system or in one The vehicle is installed with different codes Transponder the secure or faulty connections clearly identifiable.

Passive transponders also have a number of other advantages:

• - She are resourceful
• - she are totally maintenance-free have a long service life
• - can in small dimensions and e.g.
• - in oil or petrol-resistant materials are encapsulated.

This application is particularly in the Inside of sealed containers (e.g. fuel tanks in automobiles) very advantageous because the bushings for this There are no supply lines and thus the risk of leaks decreases and the cost of additional sealing measures omitted.

Applications are also conceivable where a secure connection by separating the contacts or by disconnection and connection with another contact (switchover) is displayed or contactless can be detected.

directory of the pictures

The pictures preferably represent embodiments schematically and only in principle. The actual embodiments can differ significantly in geometry.

1 shows a plug connection with a plug ( 1 ) and a socket ( 2 ) in the open state. On the connector ( 1 ) are the antenna (A) and the transponder (T), which are connected via a line ( 3 ) with the contact surfaces ( 4 ) are connected. The bridge ( 5 ) is inserted radially into the recesses ( 6 ) the socket ( 2 ) is inserted, mechanically secures the connection via the indentations ( 7 ) in the connector ( 1 ) and puts on the contacts ( 4 ) the electrical connection.

1a shows the connector of the 1 when plugged together.

1b shows a plug connection with a plug ( 1 ) and a socket ( 2 ) in the open state. On the connector ( 1 ) are the electrical lines ( 3 ) with the contact surfaces ( 4 ) are connected. The bridge ( 5 ) is inserted radially into the recesses ( 6 ) the socket ( 2 ) is inserted, mechanically secures the connection via the indentations ( 7 ) in the connector ( 1 ) and puts on the contacts ( 4 ) the electrical connection. The display device ( 9 ) is on the lines 3 connected.

2 shows a plug connection with a plug ( 1 ) and a socket ( 2 ), in which the transponder and the antenna are each on one of the two components.

a sets the state before connecting (T) and (A) separated,

b the condition of correct connection ((T) and (A) connected) and

c the state after the separation of the connection ((T) and (A) separated).

3 shows a plug connection with a plug ( 1 ) and a socket ( 2 ), in which the transponder and the antenna are located on only one of the two components (here plug ( 1 )) the bridge ( 11 ) is on the other component (here socket ( 2 )) ..

a sets the state before connecting ((T) and (A) separated),

b the condition of correct connection ((T) and (A) connected) and

c the state after disconnection ((T and (A) disconnected).

4 shows a plug connection with a plug ( 1 ) and a socket ( 2 ), in which the transponder and the antenna are located on only one of the two components (here plug ( 1 )) the bridge ( 11 ) is on the other component (here socket ( 2 )) ..

a sets the state before connecting ((T) and (A) separated),

b the condition of correct connection ((T) and (A) connected) and

c the state after the separation of Ver bond ((T) and (A) remain connected).

After disconnection, the bridge remains ( 11 ) on the connector ( 1 ).

5 shows a plug connection with a plug ( 1 ) and a socket ( 2 ), in which the transponder (T) and the antenna (A) are on only one of the two components (here plug ( 1 )) are located. Before the connection is plugged together, the transponder and antenna are connected (12). The separating wedge ( 13 ) is on the other component (here socket ( 2 )).

a sets the state before connecting ((T) and (A) connected),

b the condition with correct connection ((T) and (A) separated) and

c the state after the separation of the connection ((T) and (A) reconnected).

6 shows a plug connection with a plug ( 1 ) and a socket ( 2 ), in which the transponder (T) and the antenna (A) are on only one of the two components (here plug ( 1 )) are located. Before the connection is plugged together, the transponder and antenna are connected (12). The separating wedge ( 13 ) is on the other component (here socket ( 2 )).

a sets the state before connecting ((T) and (A) connected),

b the condition with correct connection ((T) and (A) separated) and

c the state after disconnection ((T) and (A) remain disconnected).

A

antenna

T

transponder

a

Status before plugging together

b

Status with correct connection

c

Status after disconnection

1

plug (Male)

2

Rifle (Female)

3

electrical management

3a

electrical Line in bridge

4

contact surfaces

4a

Contact areas bridge

5

Bridge (representative for every mechanical fuse)

6

insertion for bridge in socket

7

 indentation for bridge in plug

8th

Cables, that should be connected

9

display

10

power supply

11

electrical bridge

12

Contact between (T) and (A)

13

Separator for contact between (T) and (A)

Claims (15)

Connectors for lines of gaseous or liquid media characterized in that both the connector ( 1 ) (the male) as well as the socket ( 2 ) (the female) with a preferably electrical conductor or conductive layer ( 4 ) are equipped so that a continuous conductor is created when these line connectors are assembled correctly. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media characterized in that one of these connectors with a transponder or transmitter is equipped and one for the function of the transponder or transmitter necessary element on the same joint located and the counterpart is designed and equipped so that when connected correctly the transponder or transmitter is connected to the associated antenna and thereby activated. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media characterized in that one of these connectors with a transponder or transmitter is equipped and one for the function necessary element of the transponder or transmitter is located on the counterpart and the connection point is designed and equipped so that the correct connection of the transponder or transmitter with e.g. the associated antenna connected and thereby activated. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media according to claim 3, characterized in that the two parts of the transponder or transmitter by correctly connecting the two Cable connectors be connected and thereby activated. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized that the two parts of the transponder or transmitter by correctly connecting the two pipe connectors be activated and if necessary by a remote transmitter or can be queried. Connectors for lines of gaseous or liquid media according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that either the plug ( 1 ) or the socket ( 2 ) are equipped with electrical contacts in such a way that, when these line connectors are correctly assembled, these contacts are connected to a connector ( 5 ) are bridged and that a continuous conductor is created. Connectors for lines of gaseous or liquid media according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that either the plug or the Socket with electrical contacts ( 4 ) are equipped so that when these line connectors are assembled correctly, these contacts are attached by a pressure piece or bridge attached to the other line connector ( 11 ) these contacts are closed and a continuous conductor is created. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media characterized in one or more of the preceding claims, that in the event of a line break during later operation also disconnects the conductive connection. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media characterized in one or more of the preceding claims, that in the event of a line break during later operation the conductive connection is retained. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media characterized in one or more of the preceding claims, that one of these connectors is equipped with a transponder or transmitter and one for the Function of the transponder or transmitter necessary element on the same connector located and the counterpart is designed and equipped so that when connected correctly the transponder or transmitter is separated from the associated antenna and thereby being deactivated. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media characterized in one or more of the preceding claims, that before the correct assembly of these line connectors there is a continuous conductor that is separated with the correct assembly becomes. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media one or more of the preceding claims 10 u. 11 characterized in that in the event of a line break during later operation the original conductive connection remains disconnected. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media one or more of the preceding claims 10 u. 11 characterized in that in the event of a line break during later operation even the original one conductive connection again. connectors for cables of gaseous or liquid Media characterized in one or more of the preceding claims 1-14, that the characteristics of the claims 1-14 the transponders with information e.g. Addresses are coded and thus identified exactly can be. Pipe connectors according to one of the preceding Expectations 1-14 characterized in that the features of claims 1-14 any are combined.