In today's world, machinery are becoming very sophisticated and requires more and more connections of different types, such as electrical, hydraulic, gas, water,..... for various applications.

Therefore, the need for a centralised connection system is frequently considered for the following reasons:
    •       To speed up a process by allowing simultaneous connection of all process lines.
    •       To prevent process errors by eliminating connection errors.
    •       To increase safety by eliminating the need for human intervention.
    •       To automate a process JIT.
    •       To improve quality.
    •       To clean up the anesthetic look of a process.

For more than 40 years, STÄUBLI has manufactured quick release couplings specifically designed for energy circuits. As experts in this technology we continue to develop our Know-how in both standard industrial and " high-tech " applications covering all industry types.

MCS/MA Automatic Multicouplings

An automatic multicoupling is one that is connected automatically. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. A hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder may be used to push the plates together. The loading movement of a tool into a machine may be used to connect the plates. A pulling system or screw lock can be used to pull the two plate halves together. The multi-connection system is built in a very rigorous way and based on a very detailed specifications.

    •       Overall dimension
The first parameter that is taken into consideration is the overall space available for the installation of such a system.     

    •       Guiding elements
They are the vital link between the two plates because they automatically retrieve any misalignment and enable a perfect connection of the two plates together. Therefore, It is critical to know the maximum misalignment between the two plates. Based on this information, the proper guiding system will be specified. Generally speaking, a misalignment of +/- 10 mm on any axis can be retrieved.

    •       Fluid
Within our range of couplings, we are able to offer a wide selection of coupling types, materials & sizes according to the fluid specifications. In order to select the right coupling for the application, the following data have to determined:
                •       Working Temperature
                •       Fluid type
                •       Working Pressure
                •       Coupling Shut-off system

    •       combined or not with an anti-pollution feature which ensures no spillage during disconnection and no air introduction at the time of connection.
Furthermore, if some electrical connections are required, it will be specified according to:
                •       Number of contacts
                •       Soldered or Crimped wire connection
                •       Voltage
                •       Current
                •       Wire section
                •       and any other specifications

    •       Connection and locking of the mutlicouplings
There are many ways to connect and lock the two halves together based on the availability of the energy on site ( pneumatic / hydraulic ), customer specification, machine design, available space...

    •       Environment, operating conditions
In this section we look at any outside elements which could potentially interfere with the application such as weather condition, temperature, humidity, dust, hocks...