Electric plug device including integrated hydraulic/pneumatic ports
Inventors
SCHUETZ GUENTER, null • Schütz, Günter
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7621766-B2
Publication Date
2009-11-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A combined socket for simultaneously establishing electric as well as hydraulic/pneumatic connections comprising a preferably slot-shaped receiving element in which electric contacts as well as hydraulic/pneumatic ports are integrated and comprising a locking mechanism for locking the positive contact by a plug, the locking mechanism being actuated hydraulically/pneumatically, electrically or electromagnetically.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a combined socket for simultaneously establishing electric and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure connections, through electric and pressure lines, with a plug. The socket comprises a slot-like receiving element with integrated electric contacts and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure ports, and a mechanism for locking a connection with the plug positively.
The locking mechanism is actuated by inserting the plug into the socket and by applying pressure through the plug from at least one of the pressure lines. The concept enables a positive lock of the plug-in connection in response to pressure line actuation and provides a sealed, fluid-tight connection between the plug and socket.
In an alternative drive concept for the locking mechanism, hydraulic/pneumatic actuation is combined with alternative electrical/electromotive/piezo options. The locking behavior includes pressure-relief release behavior, and the partial content further describes clamping levers and rollers driven by a hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder and piston.
A preferred application described in the partial content integrates the connector into a Y-piece of a medical working instrument, preferably an endoscope, trocar or catheter. The Y-piece integrates electrical and fluid lines to support space-saving single-docking using the combined socket and plug, and the partial content also describes throw-away instrument docking to a supply/control station.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are directed to a combined socket that simultaneously provides electric and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure connections with positive plug locking, and to a Y-piece for a medical working instrument that incorporates the combined socket to provide the same combined connections via a plug. Across the independent claims, the key inventive features include the slot-like receiving element integrating both electric contacts and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure ports, and a positively actuated locking mechanism triggered by plug insertion and pressure applied through at least one pressure line.
Slot-like receiving element with integrated electric contacts and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure ports
The combined socket comprises a slot-like receiving element with integrated electric contacts and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure ports.
Positive locking mechanism actuated by plug insertion and pressure through a pressure line
The socket includes a mechanism for locking a connection with the plug positively, wherein the locking mechanism is actuated by inserting the plug into the socket and by applying pressure through the plug from at least one of the pressure lines.
Y-piece including the combined socket for simultaneous electric and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure connections
A Y-piece of a medical working instrument, preferably an endoscope, a trocar or a catheter, comprising a combined socket for simultaneously establishing electric and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure connections, through electrical and pressure lines, with a plug, the socket comprising a slot-like receiving element with integrated electric contacts and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure ports and a mechanism for locking a connection with the plug positively.
Positive locking mechanism for the Y-piece actuated by plug insertion and pressure through the plug
In the Y-piece, the locking mechanism is actuated by inserting the plug into the socket and by applying pressure through the plug from at least one of the pressure lines.
The independent claims define a combined socket with a slot-like receiving element integrating electric contacts and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure ports, together with a positive locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is triggered by plug insertion and pressure applied through the plug via at least one pressure line. The second independent claim applies the same combined socket concept to a Y-piece for a medical working instrument to support simultaneous electrical and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure connections through a single docking interface.
Stated Advantages
The arrangement is configured to provide a sealed, fluid-tight connection between the plug and socket.
The Y-piece integrates electrical and fluid lines to support space-saving single-docking.
Throw-away instrument docking to a supply/control station is described.
Documented Applications
A Y-piece of a medical working instrument, preferably an endoscope, a trocar or a catheter, integrating the combined socket for electrical and hydraulic/pneumatic pressure connections.
Space-saving single-docking of electrical and fluid lines using throw-away instrument docking to a supply/control station.
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