Patent Application
20180031159
The present invention relates to an adaptor device for establishing a connection between a further device with hose connectors and at least one hose. This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 16 181 714.3 filed on Jul. 28, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
Devices, such as differential pressure sensor devices, have two or more coupling nozzles for connecting proximal ends of hoses for the purpose of creating an exclusive fluid communication between the coupling nozzles and distal hose ends. The hoses—e.g. hoses from silicone or rubber—are often consumer goods and have a predetermined cross-section and material thickness. Hose material and material thickness may generally be optimized to the specific purpose of the device they are connected to. It may also be that a specific hose type shall be used as it is easily available. In order to ensure connectivity, the hose thickness has, however, to fulfill the following requirement: It shall be less than half of the distance between the two neighboring coupling nozzles to be connected; else the hoses do not fit both on the same device at the same time. Accordingly, either a specific device geometry is necessary for a given hose type or a specific hose type is necessary for a given device geometry.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above stated disadvantages and to provide a technical solution such that the same device with a given coupling nozzle arrangement is connectable to an increased number of types of hoses.
This problem is solved with the adaptor device that comprises a base body. The base body itself provides a first reception for receiving a first hose coupling nozzle and a second reception for receiving a second hose coupling nozzle.
The first and second receptions are spaced apart from one another by a first distance.
The adaptor device further comprises a first connecting nipple for receiving a first hose, i.e. a hose portion may be pushed thereon. The first connecting nipple has, at its distal end (i.e. away from the base body), a first muzzle opening. Moreover, the first connecting nipple is attached to the base body and connected to the first reception by a first passage such as to establish a continuous channel from the respective reception to the respective muzzle opening.
The adaptor device further comprises a second connecting nipple for receiving a second hose. The second connecting nipple has, at its distal end, a second muzzle opening and is attached to the base body and connected to the second reception by a second passage.
The first and second passages are continuous and fluidly connect the first and second muzzle openings to the first and second receptions, respectively. The first and second passages extend separately. There is no direct fluid connection in the first and second passages. In other words: the first and second passages extend fluidly separated to one another. Moreover, the first and second muzzle openings are spaced apart at a second distance.
The above-stated problem is solved in that the adaptor device is configured to be connected to a further device, in particular to a (printed) circuit board of the further device or whereto the further is attached to, whilst the first and second coupling nozzles are part of the further device. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the further device may be a differential pressure sensor package and the coupling nozzles are the pneumatic connectors of the sensor package. Other sensor types or further devices may, however, be used. Moreover, the adaptor device is configured to receive, upon connection with the further device, the first and second hose coupling nozzles in the first and second receptions, respectively, preferably in a fluid-tight manner. In order to easily accommodate hoses of different material thickness, the second distance now longer than the first distance.
In some embodiments, the second distance is at least 30% longer, more preferably at least 50% longer, more preferably at least 100% or at least 200% longer, most preferably at least 5-times to 7-times longer than the first distance.
In some embodiments the first distance is smaller than 15 millimeters, preferably smaller than 10 millimeters, most preferably less than or equal to 5 millimeters.
In the context of the present invention, the term “adaptor device” refers to a coupling structure—preferably a single-piece unit, e.g. a molded piece—that may be arranged over the further device, whilst receiving the first and second coupling nozzle in the first and second receptions, respectively, such that the fluid outlet of the coupling nozzles is connected to the muzzle openings of the connecting nipples. In other words: The adaptor device is an extension structure that enlarges the distance of the ports to be connected to a hose such that thicker hoses or hoses with thicker material may be used.
It is to be understood that an exterior diameter of the connecting nipple may also be change, e.g. increased such that hoses with thicker inner diameters may be used.
In the context of the present invention, the term “base body” refers to the frame structure that accommodates the receptions and the connecting nipples and allows for connecting the adaptor device to the further device in a direct or indirect manner.
In the context of the present invention, the term “reception” refers to a receiving structure that is configured to receive the coupling nozzle and preferably allows for a substantially fluid-tight connection between coupling nozzle and the respective first or second passage. Preferably, the receptions are cavities that are at least partly or completely circumferentially limited by wall structures, the wall structures providing lateral abutment to the received coupling nozzle such that as to stabilize the coupling nozzle in the reception. Sealing elements may be used to tighten the connection.
In the context of the present invention, the terms “coupling nozzle” and “connecting nipple” refer each to a connector part for receiving a terminal open portion of a hose, the hose being preferably flexible, e.g. made from silicone, rubber, or plastics.
In the context of the present invention, the term “further device” refers to a device that comprises coupling nozzles that shall be connected to hose-like structures for probing distant fluid conditions. A preferred example is a differential pressure sensor package having two pneumatic ports.
The present invention is based on the insight that an adaptor device may be used to increase the distance between the coupling nozzles of a complete sensor package or the like by providing receptions for the coupling nozzles and connecting nipples that are, at least a their muzzle openings, further apart further apart from one another than the coupling nozzles are.
It is to be understood that the basic body may have any shape such as a circular or round disc shape or it may be a convex polytope.
In some preferred embodiments, the basic body has a part or complete cuboidal shape with cuboid faces. Preferably, the first and second connecting nipples are arranged on the same first cuboid face of the cuboid faces, wherein the first and second receptions are arranged on the same second cuboid face of the cuboid faces, the first cuboid face being different from the second cuboid face. The receptions may be arranged on a bottom face while the connecting nipples may be arranged on a lateral face or on the top face of the base body.
In some embodiments, the first and second connecting nipples have first and second longitudinal nipple axes, respectively, wherein the first and second longitudinal nipple axes are straight and extend in an inclined manner with respect to one another. Preferably, the the first and second longitudinal nipple axes form a V shape extending from the base body.
The V shape may have an opening angle that ranges from 10 degrees to 165 degrees, preferably, said opening angle ranges between 45 degrees and 120 degrees, more preferably between 60 degrees and 100 degrees, e.g.: 60 degrees or 90 degrees. The opening angle depends on the target second distance which, in turn, depends on the length of the first and second connecting nipples.
The V shape may preferably be symmetrical with respect to the front-back axis of the basic body (see below). It may, however, also be asymmetric, i.e. one arm of the V shape may be further bent outwardly than the other. Accordingly, it is also contemplated that one connecting nipple extends normally, i.e. perpendicularly, or in plane, i.e. parallel, from the face it is attached to, while the other connecting nipple is inclined to said face and the one connecting nipple.
Moreover, in general, lengths of the first and second connecting nipples, respectively, may be the same or may be different from one another, e.g. by at least 5%, 10%, 50%, or 100%. Also, a diameter of the first and second connecting nipples may be the same or may be different, e.g. by at least 5%, 10%, 50%, or 100%.
The geometry may depend on the specific design of the further device and/or on the purpose of the latter and on the hoses to be used.
In some embodiments, the first and second connecting nipples are not or not entirely straight but are bent and/or have steps along their longitudinal extension. Accordingly, the connecting nipples may have any form between the receptions and the muzzle openings.
In some embodiments, the first and second receptions have, on their depth or on a step along the extension, a sealing element for forming the fluid-tight connection with the first and second hose coupling nozzles. This sealing element may be a sealing ring or piece that may be made from an elastic material and matches the shape of the cross-section of the coupling nozzle.
In some embodiments, the first and second receptions have first and second longitudinal reception axes, respectively, wherein the first and second longitudinal reception axes extend parallel to on another. Preferably, the first and second longitudinal reception axes are straight for receiving straight coupling nozzles. The cross-sectional shape of the receptions may be similar as the cross-sectional shape of the coupling nozzle to be received. Preferably, the cross-sectional shapes of the receptions as well as of the connecting nipples are round, e.g. they have the shape of a straight or at least partly bent cylinder.
In some embodiments the first and second longitudinal reception axes span a second plane. The second plane may extend parallel to one of the cuboid faces of the basic body.
In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal nipple axes span a first plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane intersect one another, wherein an intersection angle between the first plane and the second plane preferably ranges between 45 degrees to 165 degrees; wherein an intersecting line of the first plane and the second plane extends preferably parallel to a connection line of the first and second muzzle openings of the connecting nipples, or parallel the second cuboid face and/or wherein the intersection angle is preferably 120 degrees or smaller, e.g. 90 degrees.
In some embodiments, the first and second connecting nipples are provided with an abutment, the abutment having at least one proximal face facing the tip of the connecting nipple and at least one distal face facing the other way. The first and second longitudinal nipple axes preferably intersect with the at least one proximal and distal faces. The abutment provides a stop for a hose that is pushed partially over the connecting nipple.
Preferably, the abutment is elongated in a direction of the second distance, i.e. along the connecting line of the first and second muzzle openings. The elongation minimizes a height of the adaptor device whilst ensuring a secure stop surface in the elongation direction.
The abutment may be at least one or several plate-like elements.
In some embodiments, the abutment comprises at least two abutment rings, wherein on each of the first and second connecting nipples is arranged at least one abutment ring. The abutment ring then at least partially or completely circumferentially surrounds the connecting nipple. The outer shape of the abutment rings may be at least in part or completely round, preferably circular or elliptical, or have a polygonal shape.
In some embodiments, the proximal and distal faces of the abutment extend parallel to one of the cuboid faces of the basic body. Alternatively, the distal and/or proximal faces of the abutment extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the connecting nipple.
Moreover, the proximal face may be arranged at a distance to the one of the cuboid faces. Thereby, a gap is formed between said cuboid face and the proximal face of the abutment, the gap being adapted for receiving portions of a further wall structure. The further wall structure may be the housing of a larger device containing the second device. Thereby, the connecting nipples extend through the further wall structure, and may be engaged from the outside while the adapter device and the further wall structure are engaged in at least a partial positive locking manner, preferably also in an additional force fit.
In some embodiments, the base body has a cavity and the first and second receptions are arranged in said cavity. Preferably, a reception structure is additionally arranged in the cavity such as to at least partially surround the first and second receptions. The reception structure preferably delimits a sub-cavity within the cavity, the sub-cavity being shaped for receiving the further device, e.g., the differential pressure sensor package with the first and second coupling nozzles, or parts thereof. The sub-cavity may have a substantially cuboidal shape.
In some embodiments, the adapter device further comprises at least one first fastening structure for connecting the adaptor device to the further device, in particular to a circuit board of the further device. Preferably, these fastening structures are quick-release coupling elements for easy and quick connection of the adaptor device with the further device, the latter carrying the second fastening structure.
Preferably, the at least one first fastening structure comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of snap-in tongues with a snap-in nose and/or at least one a through-hole through the basic body for connecting the adaptor device to the further device by means of bolts such as screws or the like. Soldering connections may also be provided through the through-hole. The first fastening structure may, for example, be selected from the group comprising: glue surfaces, bolt connections, screw connections, and hook connections of any kind.
In some embodiments, the first and second connecting nipples each comprise an attachment portion, the attachment portion being a pipe portion extending along the first and second nipple axes, respectively, and being attached to the first cuboid face of the base body. The first and second nipple axes extend preferably parallel to the first cuboid face.
The free tip portions of the connecting nipples may be provided with a retention structure for securely engaging the hose portion. The retention structure may comprise, e.g., at least one rim, ring, or rib, extending at least partially circumferentially around the connecting nipple and extending in radial direction.
In some preferred embodiments, the adaptor device is a single-piece element, preferably a molded piece. Any or some of the edges of the adaptor device may rounded such as to avoid damage to the hose.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings,
Preferred embodiments are now described with reference to
The adaptor device 1 features a basic body 10 with a cuboidal shape and is sized in the cm range, e.g.: 6 cm×7 cm×1 cm. The base body 10 includes a top wall with a top face 100, a front wall with a front face 101, two side walls with lateral side faces 102, 104, and a rear wall with a rear face 103. There is no extra bottom wall such that the bottom face 105 is actually the bottom face of the top wall.
The box-like base body 10 delimits a substantially cuboidal bottom cavity 106 which is open toward the bottom (cf.
The basic body 10 further comprises first and second receptions 2, 3 for receiving first and second coupling nozzles 81, 82 of a differential pressure sensor package 8 (cf.
The first and second connecting nipples 4, 5 are single-piece elements that comprise attachment portions 41, 51, first and second intermediate portions 42, 44 and 52, 54 with an abutment 438 arranged therebetween, sealing rings 45, 55, and tip portions 46, 56, respectively. The first and second connecting nipples 4, 5 are mirror images from one another with respect to a mirror plane extending perpendicularly to the second plane P2 (see below) and at the same time being the bisector plane of the V shape (see below).
The tip portions 46, 56 have rounded distal edges 461, 561 that define muzzle openings 47, 57 of the first and second connecting nipple 4, 5, respectively. The tip portions 46, 56 are designed as straight pipe portions with proximal ends 460, 560.
Proximal of the proximal ends 460, 560 of the tip portions 46, 56 extend the sealing rings 45, 55. The sealing rings 45, 55 are frustroconically shaped and taper in the distal direction. At the proximal end of the sealing rings 45, 55 proximally facing stop surfaces 450, 550 are arranged. Accordingly, the first and second connecting nipples 4, 5 taper at the stop faces 450, 550 in a step-wise manner in the proximal direction. This ensures proper engagement of the adaptor device 1 and the connected hoses.
Further straight pipe portions, the first and second intermediate portions 42, 44 and 52, 54, respectively, extend proximal of the stop faces 450, 550. The first and second intermediate portions 42, 44 and 52, 54 have the same diameter as the tip portions 46, 56.
The attachment sections 41, 51 are straight pipe portions as well that are attached over their length to the top face 101, whereby the first and second connecting nipples 4, 5 are attached to the base body 10.
The first and second connecting nipples 4, 5 have each a longitudinal nipple axis, the first and second longitudinal nipple axes 48, 58, respectively (cf.
The first and second connecting nipples 4, 5 have identical lengths (about the same as the first distance D or somewhat less) and also identical cross-sections. The first and second muzzle openings 47, 57 are spaced apart from one another by a second distance D. The first and second attachment portions 41, 51 receive at their proximal ends the first and second receptions 2, 3, respectively. The first distance d between the first and second receptions 2, 3 are shown in
The single abutment plate 438 is arranged between the first and second intermediate portions 42, 44 and 52, 54, respectively, connecting the first and second connecting nipples 4, 5 to one another. The abutment plate 438 extends parallel to the front face 101. The longitudinal nipple axes 48, 58 intersect the abutment plate 438 and extend angular to the plane defined by the abutment plate 438.
The abutment plate 438 is an elongated shield with rounded short edges that acts as a stop for hose parts pushed over the sealing rings 45, 55. For that purpose, a distal face 439 is provided on the abutment plate 438. As can be seen from the Figures, the distal face 439 extends parallel to the front face 101 of the base body 10.
Moreover, due to the extension first intermediate section 42, 52, a gap 1000 is created between a proximal face of the abutment plate 438 and the front face 104 of the base body 10. This gap 1000 may be used for receiving a wall structure of, for example, a housing of the unit comprising the adaptor device 1 and the differential pressure sensor package 8 on the printed circuit board to which the package 8 is attached to. Thereby, the connecting nipples 4, 5 engage through the abutment plate 438 in a partial positive locking with the further wall structure whilst being usable from the exterior of the further wall structure.
The first and second receptions 2, 3 are now explained in more detail with further reference to
The first and second receptions 2, 3 have longitudinal reception axes 23, 33 that span a first plane P1. The first plane P1 extends parallel to the front face 101. Accordingly, the first plane P1 intersects with the second plane P2 at a 90 degrees angle, wherein the intersection line is parallel to both the top and the front faces 100, 101.
The first and second receptions 2, 3 are through-holes through the top wall, connecting the bottom cavity 106 to the passage portions in the attachment portions 41, 51. In the region of the receptions 2, 3, the top wall is thicker such as to allow a proper stepping of the receptions 2, 3 (cf.
The first and second passages 40, 50 extend separately from one another through the stepped receptions 2, 3 into the first and second connecting nipples 4, 5 and therethrough to the first and second muzzle openings 47, 57, respectively.
The adaptor device 1 further has a first fastening structure 7 that comprises four snap-in tongues 71. The snap-in tongues carry, on their free end portions, outward facing snap-in noses 72. The snap-in tongues 71 are elastic members for establishing a quick-release connection to the differential pressure sensor package 8. The package 8 is mounted on a printed circuit board 84 (cf.
For further securing the adaptor device 1 to the printed circuit board 84, two lateral through-openings 73 are provided in the base body 10. The through-openings 73 are delimited by hollow cylinders that are arranged to intersect the side walls of the base body 10. Moreover, the hollow cylinders are arranged between a pair of snap-in tongues 71. Furthermore, the hollow cylinders protrude perpendicularly to and from the bottom face 105 and laterally beyond the side walls of the base body 10 such that a part cylindrical outward-facing protrusion is evident on the side walls. Moreover, the hollow cylinders are reinforced by stiffening walls 730 arranged in the cavity 106 as shown, for example, in
In the cavity 106 is arranged a reception structure 21 with two side walls 211 and one rear wall 212. The reception structure 21 together with an intermediate portion of the front wall 101 form another box-like structure, delimiting a substantially cuboidal sub-cavity 22 within the cavity 106. The sub-cavity 22 is also open to the bottom.
In the sub-cavity 22, the first and second receptions 2, 3 are arranged.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16181714.3 | Jul 2016 | EP | regional |
