DEVICE FOR AXIALLY CONNECTING TWO PIPE ELEMENTS

Abstract

A device for axially connecting two pipe elements, including a coupling means with a first coupling means part assignable to a first pipe element, a second coupling means part and an intermediate connecting part arrangeable between the two coupling means parts, wherein a first articulation element formed on the first or second coupling means part is configured to cooperate with a second articulation element formed on the intermediate connecting part, in particular in a positive manner, forming an articulated connection between the first or second coupling means part and the intermediate connecting part, or a second articulation element formed on the first or second coupling means part is configured to cooperate with a first articulation element formed on the intermediate connecting part, forming an articulated connection between the first or second coupling means part and the intermediate connecting part.

Claims

1. A device (1) for axially connecting two pipe elements (2, 3), in particular two pipe elements (2, 3) with non-identical external diameters, comprising: a coupling means (4) with a first coupling means part (5), having a cylindrical shape in the assembled state of said device (1), which can be assigned to a first pipe element (2), a second coupling means part (6) having a cylindrical shape in the assembled state of said device (1), which can be assigned to a second pipe element (3) to be connected axially to said first pipe element (2), and an intermediate connecting part (7) which can be arranged between the two coupling means parts (5, 6), wherein said two coupling means parts (5, 6) can be connected or are connected to each other axially via said intermediate connecting part (7), wherein on each of said first and second coupling means parts (5, 6) a first articulation element (9) is formed, which is formed as an engaging element (10) for engaging in a receiving region (13) of a second articulation element (12), and/or a second articulation element (12) is formed, which is formed as a receiving element (14) comprising a receiving region (13) for at least partly receiving an engaging element (10) of a first articulation element (9), on said intermediate connecting part (7) a first articulation element (9) is formed, which is formed as an engaging element (10) for engaging in a receiving region (13) of a second articulation element (12), and/or a second articulation element (12) is formed, which is formed as a receiving element (14) comprising a receiving region (13) for at least partly receiving an engaging element (10) of a first articulation element (9), wherein a first articulation element (9) formed on said first or second coupling means part (5, 6) is configured to cooperate with a second articulation element (12) formed on said intermediate connecting part (7), in particular in a positive manner, forming an articulated connection between said first or second coupling means part (5, 6) and said intermediate connecting part (7), or a second articulation element (12) formed on said first or second coupling means part (5, 6) is configured to cooperate with a first articulation element (9) formed on said intermediate connecting part (7), in particular in a positive manner, forming an articulated connection between said first or second coupling means part (5, 6) and said intermediate connecting part (7).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said articulated connection formed by cooperation of a first articulation element (9) formed on said first or second coupling means part (5, 6) with a second articulation element (12) formed on said intermediate connecting part (7) or said articulated connection formed by cooperation of a second articulation element (12) formed on said first or second coupling means part (5, 6) with a first articulation element (9) formed on said intermediate connecting part (7) permits a pivoting of said intermediate connecting part (7) into multiple pivot positions relative to said first and/or second coupling means part, in particular in an angular range of between 0 and 180 in relation to a central axis (A) of said device (1), preferably in an angular range of between 0 and 90 in relation to said central axis (A) of said device (1).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that said articulated connection of said first coupling means part (5) with said intermediate connecting part (7) and said articulated connection of said second coupling means part (6) with said intermediate connecting part (7) are non-releasable in all pivot positions of said intermediate connecting part (7) relative to said first and/or second coupling means part (5, 6).

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said intermediate connecting part (7) comprises at least one, in particular rib- or cuboid-like, basic section (11), wherein a first articulation element (9) formed on said intermediate connecting part (7) is formed on said, in particular rib-like, basic section (11) or on a projection (15) projecting in a rib-like manner, in particular in an axial direction, from said, in particular cuboid-like, basic section (11), and/or a second articulation element (12) formed on said intermediate connecting part (7) is formed by a recess in said basic section (11) forming a receiving region (13).

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and/or second coupling means part (5, 6) comprises a basic section (16), which is in particular rib- or cuboid-like, wherein a first articulation element (9) formed on said first and/or second coupling means part (5, 6) is formed on a projection projecting in a rib-like manner, in particular in an axial direction, from said basic section, and/or a second articulation element (12) formed on said first and/or second coupling means part (5, 6) is formed by a recess (17) in said basic section (16) forming a receiving region (13).

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that said recess (17) is formed by at least one, in particular multiple, wall element(s) (18a-18c) defining said recess, wherein said at least one or at least one wall element (18a-18c) forms an axial pull-out prevention means for an engaging element (10) of a first articulation element (9) engaging in said receiving region (13) which, in the assembled state of said device (1), prevents an axial movement of said first articulation element (9), in particular towards said coupling means part (5, 6) which is axially opposite.

7. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that said recess (17) is formed by at least one, in particular multiple, wall element(s) (18a-18c) defining said recess (17), wherein said at least one or at least one wall element (18a-18c) forms a radial pull-out prevention means for an engaging element (10) of a first articulation element (9) engaging in said receiving region (13), which in the assembled state of said device (1) prevents a radial movement of said first articulation element (9).

8. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that said recess (17) is open in a radial direction in relation to said central axis (A) of said device (1).

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that said recess (17) formed in a coupling means part (5, 6) is open in a radial direction in relation to said central axis (A) of said device (1), wherein it opens into a receiving channel (21) extending in a circumferential direction around said first or second coupling means part (5, 6) to receive a clamping element (22), in particular a strip-, sleeve- or clip-like clamping element (22), surrounding said first or second coupling means part (5, 6) in a circumferential direction, wherein said recess (17) can be closed off at least partly, in particular completely, in a radial direction by a clamping element (22) received in said receiving channel (21), in particular such that an engaging element (10) of a first articulation element (9) received in said receiving region (13) cannot be moved out of said receiving region (13) in a radial direction.

10. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that a receiving region (13) formed in a coupling means part (5, 6) comprises a first receiving region section (13a) which, in the assembled state of said device (1), receives a projection (15) projecting in a rib-like manner from a basic section (11) of an intermediate connecting part (7), and a second receiving region section (13b), in particular communicating with said first receiving region section (13a) which, in the assembled state of said device (1), receives a first articulation element (9) formed on said rib-like projection (15).

11. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that a basic section (16) of a first and/or second coupling means part (5, 6) is formed, in the region of its free end facing said intermediate connecting part (7) in an axial direction in the assembled state of said device (1), with a guiding surface (25), which in particular extends in a curved manner, and a basic section (11) of said intermediate connecting part (7) is formed, in the region of a free end facing a first or second coupling means part (5, 6) in an axial direction in the assembled state of said device (1), with a mating surface (26), which in particular extends in the same curved manner in the opposite direction.

12. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that a respective basic section (16) on the coupling means part side is formed with a radial stop surface (27) defining an articulation end position of said intermediate connecting part (7) relative to said respective coupling means part (5, 6).

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said intermediate connecting part (7) is formed in a segmented manner in a circumferential direction, wherein said intermediate connecting part (7) comprises multiple intermediate connecting part segments (7) that can be connected in a circumferential direction to form said intermediate connecting part (7), each comprising at least one, in particular cuboid-like, basic section (11).

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that an intermediate connecting part segment (7) comprises multiple basic sections (11) arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction, wherein basic sections (11) arranged immediately adjacently in a circumferential direction are connected to each other via at least one structural element (33) which is expandable and/or compressible in a circumferential direction and which is in particular pleat-like.

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and/or second coupling means part (5, 6) is formed in a segmented manner in a circumferential direction, wherein said first and/or second coupling means part (5, 6) comprises multiple coupling means part segments (5, 6), each comprising at least one basic section (16), which can be connected in a circumferential direction to form said first and/or second coupling means part (5, 6).

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that a coupling means part segment (5, 6) comprises multiple basic sections (16) arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction, wherein basic sections (16) arranged immediately adjacently in a circumferential direction are connected to each other via at least one structural element (30) which is expandable and/or compressible in a circumferential direction and which is in particular pleat-like.

17. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that an engaging element (10) forming a first articulation element (9) is formed as or comprises a joint pin, in particular a cylindrical joint pin, defining an axis of articulation (GA), and a receiving element (14) forming a second articulation element (12) is formed as or comprises a joint pin receptacle, in particular a corresponding joint pin receptacle.

Description

[0046] Further advantages and details of the invention can be taken from the exemplary embodiments described below and with the aid of the drawings. The figures show the following:

[0047] FIGS. 1-6 each show a partial illustration of a device for connecting two pipe elements according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] FIGS. 7-9 each show an illustration of a coupling means part segment of a device for connecting two pipe elements according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] FIGS. 10-12 each show an illustration of an intermediate connecting part segment of a device for connecting two pipe elements according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 13 shows a partial illustration of a coupling means part segment of a device for connecting two pipe elements according to a further exemplary embodiment; and

[0051] FIGS. 14-17 each show partial illustrations of a coupling means part and an intermediate connecting part according to further exemplary embodiments.

[0052] FIGS. 1-6 each show a partial illustration of a device 1 for connecting two pipe elements 2, 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. The device 1 is illustrated in part in FIGS. 1 and 4 in a perspective view in each case, and in each of FIGS. 2 and 5 in a view (side view) of the free ends, in a circumferential direction, of the device 1 shown in part in FIGS. 1 and 4, and in FIGS. 3 and 6 in a cross-sectional view of the views shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.

[0053] In the operational or assembled state of the device 1, it naturally has a hollow-cylinder-like or hollow cylindrical shape in a manner that is known per se. The axis of symmetry or central axis of the device 1 is labelled A in the figures.

[0054] The pipe elements 2, 3 that are to be connected or that are connected are arranged with respective sections forming respective end faces or end sides positioned opposite each other and in particular abutting each other.

[0055] The device 1 is used for axially connecting two pipe elements 2, 3. Although pipe elements 2, 3 with (substantially) identical configurations, i.e. in particular identical external diameters, can be connected in a stable manner using the device 1, as can be seen from FIGS. 1-6 the device 1 is configured to connect pipe elements 2, 3 with significantly different configurations, i.e. in particular external diameters lying far outside of a tolerance range, resulting e.g. from manufacturing, in a stable manner. By means of the device 1, therefore, considerable radial steps (see double arrow S in FIG. 6), in particular up to 100 mm or more, between respective pipe elements 2, 3 to be connected, can be bridged. With the aid of FIGS. 1-6 it can be seen that the connection of the pipe elements 2, 3 is coaxial or concentric, i.e. the axes of symmetry or central axes of the pipe elements 2, 3 lie (substantially) in a common axis of symmetry or central axis A of the device 1.

[0056] The device 1 comprises a coupling means 4 as a central functional unit. The coupling means 4 comprises a first hollow cylindrical coupling means part 5, a second hollow cylindrical coupling means part 6 and an annular intermediate connecting part 7. The first coupling means part 5 can be assigned or is assigned to a first pipe element 2. The second coupling means part 6 can be assigned or is assigned to the second pipe element 3 which is connected to the first pipe element 2. The intermediate connecting part 7 is arranged between the two coupling means parts 5, 6; thus, the two coupling means parts 5, 6 are connected to each other axially via the intermediate connecting part 7. The coupling means parts 5, 6 and the intermediate connecting part 7 are each equipped for this purpose with suitable mechanical interfaces, which allow an appropriate axial connection thereof.

[0057] The coupling means parts 5, 6 represent (substantially) those functional components of the device 1 which engage around the pipe elements 2, 3 to be connected to each other on the side of the external circumference; the first coupling means part 5 engages around the first pipe element 5 assigned thereto in the region of its external circumference and the second coupling means part 6 engages around the second pipe element 3 assigned thereto in the region of its external circumference. Respective coupling means parts 5, 6 therefore form cylindrical contact areas for respective pipe elements 2, 3; this also applies if an optional, in particular a hollow cylindrical, sealing element 8 is arranged between the coupling means parts 5, 6 and the pipe elements 2, 3.

[0058] As can be seen with the aid of FIGS. 4-6, the intermediate connecting part 7 can be brought into a cone-like or conical basic shape in the operational or assembled state of the device 1. FIGS. 4-6 show that the intermediate connecting part 7 is brought into an appropriate cone-like or conical basic shape in particular in the case of the bridging of a radial step which is necessary when axially connecting two pipe elements 2, 3 with (significantly) non-identical external diameters.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, a second articulation element 12 is formed on the first coupling means part 5 and on the second coupling means part, i.e. in particular in the region of their respective free axial ends. A respective second articulation element 12 is formed as a receiving element 14 comprising a receiving region 13 for at least partly receiving an engaging element 10 of a first articulation element 9. On the intermediate connecting part 7, i.e. in particular in the region of its respective free axial ends, first articulation elements 9 are formed. A respective first articulation element 9 is formed as an engaging element 10 for engaging in a receiving region 13 of a second articulation element 12.

[0060] An engaging element 10 forming a first articulation element 9 is formed in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures specifically as a joint pin, in particular a cylindrical joint pin, defining an axis of articulation GA; a receiving element 14 forming a second articulation element 13 is formed specifically as a joint pin receptacle in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. A respective first articulation element 9 can therefore be received in a second articulation element 13. Respective first and second articulation elements 9, 13 are thus configured to cooperate in the sense of interconnecting parts that can be connected to each other. The cooperation of first and second articulation elements 9, 13 therefore results in an axial coupling or connection of respective articulation elements 9, 13 or of the functional components of the coupling means 4 associated therewith.

[0061] The coupling means parts 5, 6 and the intermediate connecting part 7 are configured via the first or second articulation elements 9, 13 respectively that are formed thereon such that the above-mentioned axial connection of the coupling means parts 5, 6 can be formed with interposition of the intermediate connecting part 7 (see in particular FIGS. 1-6). A respective second articulation element 13 on the coupling means part side therefore corresponds to a respective first articulation element 9 on the intermediate connecting part side. In principle, with the proviso that the coupling means parts 5, 6 can be coupled or connected to each other axially with interposition of the intermediate connecting part 7, any possible configurations of respective first and second articulation elements 9, 13 can be obtained.

[0062] In particular with the aid of FIGS. 3 and 6 it can be seen that the second articulation elements 13 formed on the coupling means parts 5, 6 are configured to cooperate with the first articulation elements 9 formed on the intermediate connecting part 7, in particular in a positive manner, forming an articulated connection, i.e. a rotary joint connection, between the respective coupling means part 5, 6 and the intermediate connecting part 7.

[0063] The formation of an articulated connection between the first coupling means part 5 and the intermediate connecting part 7 and between the second coupling means part 6 and the intermediate connecting part 7 results in a significantly improved device 1. The articulated connection represents a way of enabling pipe elements 2, 3 with (significantly) different external diameters to be connected without material deformation of the device 1 in the bridging region typically formed by a joint area of respective pipe elements 2, 3 that are to be connected. The articulated connection allows a continuous articulated deflection or angular deflection of the coupling means parts 5, 6 relative to the intermediate connecting part 7 and vice versa; the effort required for this purpose is close to zero. The articulated connection here enables a particularly high absorption of radially acting transverse or shear forcesas well as an absorption of axially acting normal forcesso that in the operational or assembled state of the device 1 relative radial movements of the pipe elements 2, 3 to be connected, which are caused by transverse or shear forces, are (almost) ruled out; the above-mentioned coaxiality of a connection of the pipe elements 2, 3 made by the device 1 can thus be ensured even when connecting pipe elements 2, 3 with (significantly) non-identical external diameters or in the bridging of (considerable) radial steps which is necessary for this purpose. The device 1 thus enables (almost) any combination of pipe elements with identical or non-identical external diameters to be connected to each other in a stable manner.

[0064] The articulated connection formed by cooperation of the second articulation elements 13 formed on the coupling means parts 5, 6 with the first articulation elements 9 formed on the intermediate connecting part 7, as mentioned above, allows a continuous pivoting of the intermediate connecting part 7 into multiple, i.e. in particular almost any, pivot positions relative to the first and/or second coupling means part 5, 6. The intermediate connecting part 7 can be pivoted relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6, e.g. in an angular range of between 0 and 180 in relation to the central axis A of the device 1, preferably in an angular range of between 0 and 90 in relation to the central axis A of the device 1. The intermediate connecting part 7 is shown in each of FIGS. 4-6 in a pivot position that is pivoted relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6.

[0065] The articulated connection of the first coupling means part 5 to the intermediate connecting part 7 as well as the articulated connection of the second coupling means part 6 to the intermediate connecting part 7 is in the operational or assembled state of the device 1 can be undetachable or non-releasable in all pivot positions of the intermediate connecting part 7 relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6. The articulated connection can therefore be formed such that, in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, in particular in specific pivot positions in which the intermediate connecting part 7 is severely angled or pivoted relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6 by means of appropriate pivoting, a release of the articulated connection, e.g. by a movement of an engaging element 13, which is received in a receiving element 14, out of the receiving element 14, is impossible.

[0066] As mentioned above and as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the intermediate connecting part 7 can be brought into an appropriate cone-like or conical basic shape in association with the bridging of a radial step which is necessary when axially connecting two pipe elements 2, 3 with (significantly) non-identical external diameters. The formation of the cone-like basic shape of the intermediate connecting part 7 is achieved by an appropriate pivoting of the intermediate connecting part 7 relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6 in the operational or assembled state of the device 1. The device 1 can therefore be formed or is formed with a central region, which runs in a cone-like or conical manner, extending in an axial direction between the first and second coupling means parts 5, 6, by means of a pivoting of the intermediate connecting part 7 relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6.

[0067] It can be seen from FIGS. 1-6 that the intermediate connecting part 7 comprises multiple, in particular cuboid-like or cuboid-shaped, basic sections 11 arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction and aligned (substantially) in an axial direction in the operational or assembled state of the device 1. Respective first articulation elements 9 formed on the intermediate connecting part 7 are formed by way of example in the exemplary embodiment on a projection 15 projecting in a rib-like manner, in particular in an axial direction, from the basic section 11 (see also FIGS. 10 and 11). Alternatively, e.g. a direct formation of first articulation elements 9 on a rib-like basic section 11 (see FIG. 17) would also be possible, so that the intermediate connecting part 7 can have a geometric shape like a bone or I-beam.

[0068] From FIGS. 1-6 as well as from FIGS. 7-9, it can further be seen that the first and second coupling means parts 5, 6 also comprise multiple, in particular cuboid-like or cuboid-shaped, basic sections 16 arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction and aligned (substantially) in an axial direction in the operational or assembled state of the device 1. The second articulation elements 12 formed on the coupling means parts 5, 6 are formed by respective recesses 17 in the basic sections 16 forming a respective receiving region 13.

[0069] The recesses 17 in the basic sections 16 of the coupling means parts 5, 6 are formed by multiple wall elements 18a-18c of the respective basic sections 16 defining the recesses 17. The wall elements 18a, 18c form an axial pull-out prevention means for an engaging element 10 of a first articulation element 9 engaging in the receiving region 13 which, in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, prevents an axial movement of the engaging first articulation element 9 towards the axially opposite coupling means part 5, 6. The wall elements 18a, 18c forming the axial pull-out prevention means can engage around and/or over part of an engaging element 10 of a first articulation element 9 engaging in the receiving region 13, in particular in a positive manner.

[0070] The walls 18a, 18c defining the recesses 17 in the basic sections 16 of the coupling means parts 5, 6 furthermore form a radial pull-out prevention means for an engaging element 10 of a first articulation element 9 engaging in the receiving region 13 which, in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, prevents a radial movement of the engaging first articulation element 9 relative to the respective coupling means part 5, 6. The wall elements 18a, 18c forming the radial pull-out prevention means can engage around and/or over part of an engaging element 10 of a first articulation element 9 engaging in the receiving region 13, in particular in a positive manner. To this end, the wall elements 18a, 18c are formed with e.g. claw-like wall element sections 19, 20.

[0071] With the aid of FIGS. 7-9 it can be seen that the recesses 17 in the respective basic section 16 of the coupling means parts 5, 6 are open in a radial direction in relation to the central axis A of the device 1, i.e. in a radial direction outwards. In this way, simple assembly and disassembly of the device 1 are made possible by the fact that, for assembly of the device 1, respective engaging elements 10 of first articulation elements 9 are arranged in respective recesses 17 in a radial direction and, for disassembly of the device 1, respective engaging elements 10 of first articulation elements 9 that are arranged in respective recesses 17 are removed from respective recesses 17 in a radial direction.

[0072] With the aid of FIGS. 1-6 it can be seen that the recesses 17 of respective basic sections 16 are closed off in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, so that engaging elements 10 arranged therein cannot be removed therefrom. Respective recesses 17 in respective basic sections 16 of the coupling means parts 16 which are open in a radial direction in relation to the central axis A of the device 1 open out into a receiving channel 21 extending in a circumferential direction around the respective coupling means parts, as can be seen from FIGS. 2, 3 and/or 5, 6, defined by respective radial protrusions 23, 24 for receiving a clamping element 22, in particular a strip-, sleeve- or clip-like clamping element 22, surrounding the respective coupling means part 5, 6 in a circumferential direction. The recesses 17 can therefore be closed off in a radial direction by a clamping element 22 received in the receiving channel 21, in particular in such a way that an engaging element 10 received in the receiving region 13 cannot be moved out of the recess 17 or the receiving region 13 in a radial direction (see FIGS. 5, 6).

[0073] For the configuration of the coupling means 4 shown by way of example in the figures with second articulation elements 12 formed on the coupling means parts 5, 6 and first articulation elements 9 formed on the intermediate connecting part 7, it is the case that a respective receiving region 13 of a second articulation element 12 comprises a first receiving region section 13a which, in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, receives the projection 15 projecting in a rib-like manner from a basic section 11 of the intermediate connecting part 7, and a second receiving region section 13b communicating with the first receiving region section 13a which, in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, receives the first articulation element 9 formed on the respective rib-like projection 15.

[0074] It can further be seen from FIGS. 7-12 that the basic sections 16 of the coupling means parts 5, 6 are each formed, in the region of their free ends facing the intermediate connecting part 7 in an axial direction in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, with a guiding surface 25, which in particular extends in a curved manner. The basic sections 11 of the intermediate connecting part 7 are formed, in the region of their free ends facing the coupling means parts 5, 6 in an axial direction in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, with e.g. corresponding mating surfaces 26, which in particular extend in the same curved manner in an opposite direction. The guiding and mating surfaces 25, 26 serve on the one hand to allow guided relative movements of the intermediate connecting part 7 relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6. The mating surfaces 26 on the intermediate connecting part side can be moved (in the case of pivoting movements of the intermediate connecting part 7 relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6) relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6 along respective guiding surfaces 25 on the coupling means part side. On the other hand, the guiding and mating surfaces 25, 26 facing each other in an axial direction serve to absorb forces acting in an axial direction that may occur during operation of the device 1. To this extent, the guiding and mating surfaces 25, 26 can also be regarded or designated as axial stop and counter-stop surfaces respectively, which are designed to absorb forces acting in an axial direction.

[0075] With the aid of FIGS. 3 and 6 it can be seen that a respective basic section 16 on the coupling means part side is formed with a radial stop surface 27 defining an articulation end position of the intermediate connecting part 7 relative to the respective coupling means part 5, 6. By defining appropriate articulation end positions, the stability of the device 1 can be further increased, since an angular deflection or pivoting of the intermediate connecting part 7 relative to the coupling means parts 5, 6 is possible only to a defined degree. Respective radial stop surfaces 27 are formed as ramp surfaces extending in an axial direction in a ramp-like manner with a specific angle of inclination in relation to the central axis A of the device 1. By means of the angle of inclination of the respective ramp surfaces, the respective angle of the articulation end position of the intermediate connecting part 7 relative to the respective coupling means part 5, 6 is defined.

[0076] From FIGS. 7-12 it can be seen that the coupling means parts 5, 6 as well as the intermediate connecting part 7 can each be formed in a segmented manner in a circumferential direction. The coupling means parts 5, 6 are therefore formed by multiple coupling means part segments 5, 6 that can be connected or are connected to each other in a circumferential direction forming a coupling means part 5, 6; the intermediate connecting part 7 is formed by multiple intermediate connecting part segments 7 that can be connected or are connected to each other in a circumferential direction forming the intermediate connecting part 7. Each coupling means part segment 5, 6 as well as each intermediate connecting part segment 7 extends in a circumferential direction around a portion of the overall extent, in a circumferential direction, of the respective coupling means part 5, 6 or of the intermediate connecting part 7 respectively.

[0077] An exemplary embodiment of a coupling means part segment 5, 6corresponding coupling means part segments 5, 6 are typically identical in formis illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9. The coupling means part segment 5, 6 is illustrated in FIG. 7 in a first perspective view (top), in FIG. 8 in a second perspective view rotated by 180 (bottom) and in FIG. 9 in a longitudinal section view.

[0078] The coupling means part segment 5, 6 is formed, in the region of its basic section regions that are arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, with connection elements 28, 29, which are formed for the connection, in particular the releasable connection (in a damage-free or non-destructive manner), of immediately adjacently arranged coupling means part segments 5, 6 in a circumferential direction. Respective connection elements 28, 29 are formed as positively locking elements in the exemplary embodiment, i.e. for example as plug-in elements, i.e. for example as radially oriented plug-in sections and associated plug-in receiving means, which cooperate forming a positive connection of respective coupling means part segments 5, 6 that are arranged adjacently, in particular in a circumferential direction.

[0079] With the aid of FIGS. 7-9 it can be seen that a coupling means part segment 5, 6 comprises multiple basic sections 16. However, it is also possible for a coupling means part segment 5, 6 to be configured with only one (single) basic section 16. For the coupling means part segment 5, 6 shown in FIGS. 7-9, comprising multiple basic sections 16 arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction, it is the case that the basic sections 16 arranged immediately adjacently in a circumferential direction are each connected to one another via a structural element 30 which is expandable and/or compressible in a circumferential direction and which is in particular pleat-like. As a result of the formation or arrangement of appropriate structural elements 30 between basic sections 16 that are arranged immediately adjacently in a circumferential direction, the coupling means part segment 5, 6 has expandable and/or compressible properties in a circumferential direction. The structural elements 30 are designed such that they allow an expansion and/or compression of the coupling means part segment 5, 6 in a circumferential direction, providing space. A coupling means part 5, 6 formed from multiple corresponding coupling means part segments 5, 6 can therefore be expanded and/or compressed in a circumferential direction in the operational or assembled state of the device 1.

[0080] With the aid of FIG. 8 it can be seen that a structural element 30 can be formed by multiple structural element sections 30a, 30b oriented at an angle to each other, in particular in a V-shape. By means of appropriate structural element sections 30a, 30b, axially extending slot structures are formed, which provide sufficient space for an appropriate expansion and/or compression of the coupling means part segments 5, 6 and/or of the coupling means part 5, 6 in a circumferential direction.

[0081] An exemplary embodiment of an intermediate connecting part segment 7corresponding intermediate connecting part segments 7 are typically identical in formis illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12. The intermediate connecting part subsegment 7 is illustrated in FIG. 10 in a first perspective view (top), in FIG. 11 in a second perspective view rotated by 180 (bottom) and in FIG. 12 in a longitudinal section view.

[0082] The intermediate connecting part segment 7 is formed, in the region of its basic section regions that are arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, with connection elements 31, 32, which are formed for the connection, in particular the releasable connection (in a damage-free or non-destructive manner), of immediately adjacently arranged intermediate connecting part segments 7 in a circumferential direction. Respective connection elements 31, 32 are formed as positively locking elements in the exemplary embodiment, i.e. for example as plug-in elements, i.e. for example as radially oriented plug-in sections and associated plug-in receiving means, which cooperate forming a positive connection of respective adjacently arranged intermediate connecting part segments 7, in particular in a circumferential direction.

[0083] With the aid of FIGS. 10-12 it can be seen that an intermediate connecting part segment 7 comprises multiple basic sections 11. However, it is also possible that an intermediate connecting part segment 7 is configured with only one (single) basic section 11. For the intermediate connecting part segment 7 shown in FIGS. 10-12 comprising multiple basic sections 11 arranged adjacently in a circumferential direction, it is the case that the basic sections 11 arranged immediately adjacently in a circumferential direction are each connected to one another via a structural element 33 which is expandable and/or compressible in a circumferential direction and which is in particular pleat-like. As a result of the formation or arrangement of appropriate structural elements 33 between basic sections 11 that are arranged immediately adjacently in a circumferential direction, the intermediate connecting part segment 7 has expandable and/or compressible properties in a circumferential direction. The structural elements 33 are designed such that they allow an expansion and/or compression of the intermediate connecting part segment 7 in a circumferential direction, providing space. The intermediate connecting part 7 formed from multiple corresponding intermediate connecting part segments 7 can therefore be expanded and/or compressed in a circumferential direction in the operational or assembled state of the device 1.

[0084] With the aid of FIG. 11 it can be seen that a structural element 33 can be formed by multiple structural element sections 33a, 33b oriented at an angle to each other, in particular in a V-shape. By means of appropriate structural element sections 33a, 33b, axially extending slot structures are formed, which provide sufficient space for an appropriate expansion and/or compression of the intermediate connecting part segment 7 and/or of the coupling means part 5, 6 in a circumferential direction.

[0085] Appropriate structural element sections 33a, 33b are spaced apart such that, in the operational or assembled state of the device 1, they are (substantially) immediately adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction in the region of the inner circumference of the device 1. The inner circumference of the intermediate connecting part 7 can therefore be (substantially) closed in the operational or assembled state of the device 1. A sealing element 8 arranged between the coupling means 4 and the pipe elements 2, 3 to be connected is thus not given the ability to be pressed into radial gaps, which would be formed e.g. between structural element sections 33a, 33b that are arranged immediately adjacently in a circumferential direction.

[0086] FIG. 13 shows a partial illustration of a coupling means part segment 5, 6 according to a further exemplary embodiment.

[0087] With the aid of FIG. 13 it can be seen that respective structural elements 30 can also be formed e.g. by structural element sections 30a, 30b projecting from the basic section 16 in an axial direction in a fork-like or fork-shaped manner. The arrangement and alignment of the structural element sections 30a, 30b result in slot structures that are open in an axial direction, which provide sufficient space for an appropriate expansion and/or compression of respective coupling means part segments 5, 6 in a circumferential direction.

[0088] FIGS. 14-17 each show partial illustrations of a coupling means part 5, 6 or of an intermediate connecting part 7 according to further exemplary embodiments.

[0089] With the aid of FIGS. 14-16, further geometric/structural embodiments of the first and second articulation elements 9, 12 can be seen, and with the aid of FIG. 17 a further embodiment of an intermediate connecting part 7 or intermediate connecting part segment 7 can be seen.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14, first articulation elements 9 are formed as appropriate engaging elements 10 on a basic section 16 on the coupling means part side. The engaging elements 10 are joint pins, in particular cylindrical joint pins, defining an axis of articulation GA. Second articulation elements 12 in the form of appropriate receiving elements 14 forming appropriate receiving regions 13 are formed on a basic section 11 on the intermediate connecting part side.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 15 too, first articulation elements 9 are formed as appropriate engaging elements 10 on a basic section 16 on the coupling means part side. The engaging elements 10 again are joint pins, in particular cylindrical joint pins, defining an axis of articulation GA. Second articulation elements 12 in the form of appropriate receiving elements 14 forming appropriate receiving regions 13 are formed on a basic section 11 on the intermediate connecting part side. The receiving regions 13 on the intermediate connecting part side are configured to engage around part of the engaging elements 10 on the coupling means part side; therefore the engaging elements 10 are partly received in the receiving regions 13 in the operational or assembled state of the device 1.

[0092] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 16 too, first articulation elements 9 are formed as appropriate engaging elements 10 on a basic section 16 on the coupling means part side. The engaging elements 10 again are joint pins, in particular cylindrical joint pins, defining an axis of articulation GA. Second articulation elements 12 in the form of appropriate receiving elements 14 forming appropriate receiving regions 13 are formed on a basic section 11 on the intermediate connecting part side. The receiving regions 13 on the intermediate connecting part side are again configured to engage around part of the engaging elements 10 on the coupling means part side; therefore the engaging elements 10 are partly received in the receiving regions 13 in the operational or assembled state of the device 1.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 17 the basic section 11 of the intermediate connecting part 7 or of the intermediate connecting part segment 7 has a rib-like basic shape. The first articulation elements 9 are formed directly on the rib-like basic section 11, so that the intermediate connecting part 7 has a geometric shape like a bone or I-beam.