Couplings bring all services together

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 13, 2004

Assembling an array of quick release connectors onto a single multi-coupling plate provides quick and simultaneous connection of all services, eg air, water, hydraulics, electrics and data.

Assembling an array of quick release connectors onto a single multi-coupling plate provides quick and simultaneous connection of all services, eg air, water, hydraulics, electrics and data.

It can often produce the most significant single improvement in changeover times for applications as diverse as automotive engine test beds, railway rolling stock bogies, robot tool changers as well as injection moulding machines.

Staubli, the specialists in quick release connectors, have a comprehensive range of connectors for pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical applications; a selection of these can be located on the same multi-coupling plate as required by the specific application.

This is the Staubli MCS range of tailor made multi-couplings.

Experienced Staubli engineers review the requirements of the specific application to determine the precise specification for the multi-coupling plate.

This will take into account the following parameters: type of fluid, pressure, temperature, type of valving (single shut-off, double shut-off or unvalved), type of fitting, non-spill requirements, electrical connector requirements, amperage, voltage, number of pins, environmental constraints, temperature, climatic conditions, marine environment, frequency of connection/disconnection, and the space envelope available.

From these data Staubli will design and manufacture a specific multi-coupling solution based on their standard range of connectors.

This will include modular quick release couplings and electrical connectors, guiding and centring components as well as connection and locking systems.

The use of multi-couplings dramatically improves safety.

Connection can only be made in one position, eliminating any risk of circuit inversion and mis-connection.

Connection of the plates can be either manual or automatic as required and seals will be selected to suit the fluids involved.

An example of the benefits to be achieved through the use of multi-coupling plates is at Triumph Motorcycles in Hinckley where mould change times in the injection moulding shop were reduced by 30%.

A target time of 20 minutes for the tool change was set, which with tools weighing up to 8 tonnes, a rapid automatic multi-coupling system was needed.

Staubli RMI 212 couplings were selected for the water system, which was operating at high pressure (6bar) and RMP 48 couplings for the hydraulics.

Both connectors were placed on a multi-coupling plate and connection to the mould made via special brackets located on the tool side.

Tool change times at Triumph reduced to 22 minutes on the 420t IMM and 26 minutes on the 1300t machine.

The Staubli multi-coupling removed any danger of misconnection and shaved at least 10 minutes off the tool change time.

Times are expected to reduce further towards the 20 minute target as the operators become practised in using the system.

Staubli multi-couplings are designed specifically for each application.

Detailed consideration early in a project of the connections required can bring significant benefits in terms of time saving, safety and reliability of operation.