Feature Hydraulics & pneumatics With the new MultiLine range, it is
possible to bundle the pneumatic hose and electric wiring in one connector
To help meet current demands in production facilities for pneumatic actuation
supported by servo systems, Eisele Pneumatics has
developed a solution which
A combined connection
I
n today’s production facilities, media circuits are becoming ever more complex. But, connecting every hose and every line as a single element costs time and money, especially if connections need to be uncoupled and then recoupled.
A solution, however, can be found with products such as Eisele’s
MultiLine multiple connectors, which enable four, six, eight, ten or twelve hoses to be bundled into one plug-in connection. The line consists of connectors for air ducts, fluids and a multiple connector that combines both types of lines in one connection. The MultiLine 1811 series features one- or two-sided shut-off valves
which allow coupling and uncoupling with little physical effort, even under pressure. To guarantee a secure threaded connection, the connector was optimised to establish a leak-free connection even before the connecting union nut is tightened. Furthermore, the union nut’s end position eliminates leaks due to incorrect installation.
One connector for compressed air and electric lines To meet demands for flexibility in production, pneumatic actuating energy is increasingly being supported by servo systems. Electronics help pneumatic actuators to remain competitive with respect to positioning accuracy and control when compared with purely electric actuators. So, in response to customer requirements, Eisele has developed the 1870/1871 series, which makes it possible to combine compressed air and electric lines in one connector. With these multiple connectors, the company has developed an innovation that opens up new possibilities for connection solutions – it is now possible to connect up to eight hoses, and between three and 26 electrical wires. As well as opening up new application possibilities, the solution
offers a low weight and compact design, enables high power density and facilitates installation – the multiple connector can be coupled and uncoupled under pressure and voltage. The design of the pneumatic shut-off valves was optimised so that only minimal pressure has to be overcome to establish the connection; and the larger the hoses, the more advantageous this solution is. The pneumatic connectors of the 1811 series are also equipped with shut-off valves, so that they can be coupled and uncoupled under pressure, a feature which was retained in the development of the new series. The customer decides whether the shut-off valve should be mounted on the plug side or the socket side. Shut-off on both sides is also available as an option.
A flexible and easy to use solution Being able to connect hoses of different sizes to one connector means the solution is flexible and easy to use. In the past, the use of different hose diameters prevented the use of the MultiLine. In the new versions, however, the basic body remains the same and the hoses are inserted into removable sleeves. This makes it easy for every user to
Design Solutions JUNE 2013
makes it possible to combine compressed air and electric lines in one connector. Thomas Maier, business managing director, explains
establish or change connections as needed. The connector also allows reductions from large to smaller hose diameters. Colour and geometrical coding of the connections is used to prevent
confusion, and hoses are available in a range of colours to facilitate hose assignment. Connection of the plug and socket is intuitive and, if necessary, is also possible without visual contact. The connection is secured by a union nut, which also ensures loss-free coupling and uncoupling under pressure. If the full number of hoses is not needed, the plug positions can be securely sealed with blind plugs. Being robust guarantees a high number of insertion and withdrawal cycles.
Meeting application requirements With voltage up to 24V and amperage up to 22A, the connector is suitable for the majority of industrial applications. In fact to expand the product line a plug-type connector was chosen that has been used successfully in demanding fields such as medical technology and military engineering. One plug is equipped with from three to 26 contacts, with diameters between 0.7 and 2 mm. The leads in the plug can optionally be soldered or connected by crimp connections. The pneumatic connections of the MultiLine are plug connections
from the Eisele series 14 or 15. With these, the release ring facilitates coupling and uncoupling without damage to the connection or the hose. As for the features, the connections are made of nickel-plated brass; the seal is made of FPM; and the standard connections are designed for working pressures up to 16 bar and down to -0.8 bar atmospheric pressure, so they are also suitable for vacuum applica- tions. Due to the completely isolated installation space, it is also conceivable to connect them to fluid lines.
Configurations for decentralised systems The new MultiLine enables entirely different configurations for decen- tralised systems. The supply of media to grippers, robots and automation modules in general benefits from the compact and robust yet lightweight and flexible media supply. A recent addition to
the Eisele product line is a stainless steel multiple con- nector for compressed air, which can be used in dairies and other food processing facilities, for example.
Eisele Pneumatics
www.eisele.eu Enter 232
The 1811 series allows shut-off on both sides,
meaning that coupling is
possible under pressure
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