GB1504191A - Pneumatic control module assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

1504191 Pipe couplings LA TELEMECANIQUE ELECTRIQUE 13 March 1975 [11 April 1974] 10484/75 Heading F2G Adjacent fluid control module bases 1, 1<SP>1</SP> each define two housing cavities wherein coupling devices 3 are receivable to effect coupling of the modules and fluid communication therebetween; with the coupling member being further receivable into a second position wherein a contribution is made to the sealing of a module fluid orifice if required. Coupling device 3 may be in the form of a plug having a flange and lip portion as shown each half portion of which is receivable into a corresponding cavity in adjacent modules to form a connection; an additional plug being receivable into an end orifice of a module base where a sealing ring completes sealing. Removable pneumatic components 5, 5<SP>1</SP> are receivable on to the bases to complete the modules. In an alternative coupling arrangement (Fig. 4) latch members 13 are pivotally fixed within one of the cavities of each module base and via hook means 14 may engage a shoulder 15 in an adjacent module base cavity to effect coupling or may alternatively pivot to a second locking position wherein a lateral protuberance 17 on the latch co-operates with a sealing ring to effect sealing of an end orifice. In a further arrangement affording a more rigid coupling, the housing cavities are confined to the plane of coupling, a coupling member 18 (Fig. 5) in the form of a T-section slider is received within a mortise aperture defined by juxtaposed modules and lateral tongues 23 on the slider overlap shelf portions 24 to effect locking of the adjacent modules. Alternatively the slider may have a double dove-tail section and be received into a mortise aperture defined by juxtaposed dovetail cavities of adjacent modules to form a connecting key therebetween. In the latter case means are provided to limit withdrawal of the slider, and both forms of slider terminate in a half collar 40 (Fig. 5) which may engage an annular groove in a plug stop 41 to urge the stop into sealing relationship with an end orifice. Sealing of communicating orifices of adjacent modules may be effected by the compression of a sealing ring (Fig. 2) between adjacent orifices or by means of a communicating pipe portion (not shown) sealed with sealing rings. Alternatively a spigot and socket fluid communication between adjacent modules may be employed (Fig. 4).