Flexible connecting element, balance compensator

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible connecting element (1), in particular a scale compensator (1), for connecting a first device with a second device and for conveying a bulk material from the first device to the second device, wherein the connecting element (1) comprises: a base body (2) defining a conveying channel and extending along a longitudinal axis (LA) with a first end section (3) on which an inlet opening (30) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is attached to the first device in such a way that the bulk material can enter the conveying channel through the inlet opening (30), and a second end section (4) on which an outlet opening (40) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is attached to the second device in such a way that the bulk material can exit the conveying channel into the second device through the outlet opening (40), wherein the base body (2) is formed from a flexible material and an annular stabilizing element (61, 62) extending radially outwards is formed on at least one of the first and / or the second end section (3, 4) of the base body (2), which is formed from a rigid material and on which a clamping force generated by a fastening means acts when the corresponding end section (3, 4) is attached as intended, and wherein an inner diameter of the base body defining the passage channel in a region between the first and the second end section (3, 4) is not larger than the inner diameter at the stabilizing element (61, 62).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flexible connecting element for connecting a first device to a second device and for conveying a bulk material, a gas, or a liquid from the first device to the second device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing such a flexible connecting element and a corresponding tool for producing such a flexible connecting element. In particular, the invention relates to a scale compensator for connecting the first device and the second device and for conveying the bulk material from the first device to the second device.

[0002] Flexible connecting elements for connecting two devices and for transferring a bulk material, a gas or a liquid from one device to the other device are known in the prior art.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2015 210 960 A1 discloses a scale compensator made of a flexible material, which can be attached to a first device by a first end section and to a second device by a second end section, such that bulk material, gas, or liquid can be transferred from the first device to the second device through a passage formed by the scale compensator. For attaching the respective end sections to the respective devices, the end sections are provided with circumferential receiving spaces into which annular, dimensionally stable stabilizing elements can be inserted.The respective stabilization elements used act as flanges during fastening, which are fastened to each other with corresponding flanges on the respective devices via a fastening device, for example a clamp (Tri-Clamp connection), and absorb the force applied by the fastening device during proper fastening. A disadvantage of the design described above, however, is that fastening requires a certain degree of dexterity on the part of the user. For example, the stabilization element often slips out of the receiving space, at least in part, when attaching the scale compensator to the corresponding device, requiring the user to abort the fastening process in order to fully reinsert the stabilization element into the respective receiving space.In addition, pressure fluctuations within the system can cause the stabilizing elements to be pulled out of the receiving spaces of the flexible base body.

[0004] Thus, the design of the balance compensator described in DE 10 2015 210 960 A1 does provide the possibility of changing the stabilization element, but this is disadvantageous with regard to the fastening process and operation.

[0005] One possible way to circumvent this disadvantage is to firmly connect the stabilizing elements to the flexible base body, for example by casting them during the manufacturing process

[0006] However, the geometric design of the balance compensator known from DE 10 2015 210 960 A1 is problematic, since the prior art does not disclose a manufacturing process that provides for simple demolding of such a geometry with cast-on stabilization elements.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to create a flexible connecting element which is uncomplicated in fastening and operation and at the same time allows simple production.

[0008] This object is achieved by a flexible connecting element according to claim 1, a manufacturing method according to claim 8, and a tool according to claim 9. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0009] A flexible connecting element according to the invention for connecting a first device to a second device and for conveying a bulk material from the first device to the second device, comprises: a base body defining a passage channel and extending along a longitudinal axis, having a first end section on which an inlet opening is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element is used as intended, is fastened to the first device in such a way that the bulk material can enter the passage channel through the inlet opening, and a second end section on which an outlet opening is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element is used as intended, is fastened to the second device in such a way that the bulk material can exit the passage channel through the outlet opening into the second device, wherein the base body is formed from a flexible material and on at least one of the first and / or the second end portion of the base body, an annular stabilizing element is formed which extends outwards in the radial direction and is formed from a rigid material and on which a clamping force generated by a fastening means acts upon proper fastening of the corresponding end portion, and wherein an inner diameter of the base body defining the passage channel in a region between the first and the second end section is not larger than the inner diameter at the stabilization element.

[0010] The mentioned radial direction preferably refers to the inlet and / or outlet opening and corresponds to the direction extending outward from a center of the respective opening in a plane in which the respective opening lies. Furthermore, the mentioned inner diameter preferably refers to a distance from inner wall to inner wall of the base body in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0011] Preferably, the flexible connecting element is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

[0012] The first and / or second device can, for example, be a pipe that carries the bulk material, or a device in which the bulk material is stored or processed. The bulk material is, for example, a granulate or a powder. Furthermore, the scale compensator 1 is preferably also suitable for the passage of a gas or a liquid.

[0013] The flexible connecting element is preferably suitable as a pipe connector, which is intended for connecting two pipes carrying the bulk material. After the connecting element is attached to the two pipes, the bulk material can be conveyed from one pipe to the other through the passage channel. Furthermore, the flexible connecting element is also suitable for connecting a device processing the bulk material, such as a mill, and a pipe conveying the bulk material into or out of the processing device.

[0014] In particular, the flexible connecting element is a scale compensator, which is preferably attached to a device containing the bulk material on the one hand and to a weighing device on the other. A scale compensator is preferably used to prevent the occurrence of inaccuracies or errors in the measurement of weights on the weighing device. In particular, force flows resulting from the connection of the devices can lead to falsified weighing results. By using a flexible material for the base body forming the passage channel, any force flows that may arise as a result of the connection of the respective devices can be compensated, thus providing an unbiased weighing result.

[0015] Because the inner diameter of the base body defining the passage channel is no larger than the inner diameter of the stabilizing element in a region between the first and second end sections, the flexible connecting element according to the invention enables simple and preferably cost-effective production. In particular, the rigid stabilizing element can be cast onto the base body during the manufacturing process. Since the inner diameter of the rigid stabilizing element is at its largest, an undercut formed by the rigid stabilizing element, which would hinder the demolding of the flexible connecting element / flexible base body from a mold core required for production, is prevented. Thus, both the base body and the stabilizing element can be manufactured using a preferably single and / or shared tool.

[0016] The flexible connecting element can advantageously be further developed in such a way that an extension of the base body in the radial direction outwards, starting from the stabilizing element in the direction of the other end section, initially decreases at least in sections with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body and then increases again, wherein the base body has at least a first partial region and a second partial region along the longitudinal axis, which are connected to one another via a central section arranged between the first end section and the second end section, wherein the first partial region adjoins the stabilizing element and its inner diameter tapers from the stabilizing element towards the central section with respect to the longitudinal axis, while the inner diameter of the second partial region increases from the central section towards the second end section.

[0017] Preferably, the extension / inner diameter of the base body thus forms a concave course with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Preferably, a wall of the base body is curved inward relative to the longitudinal axis. The central section preferably forms a local constriction relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0019] In particular, the extension / inner diameter of the base body in the respective sub-region preferably decreases steadily or continuously, starting from the respective end section toward the central section. Furthermore, the extension / inner diameter of the base body in the central region is preferably constant with respect to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the shape of the base body preferably corresponds substantially to the shape of an hourglass.

[0020] Furthermore, the flexible connecting element can be realized in such a way that an outer contour of the base body follows the course of an inner contour of the base body forming the flow channel with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] The inner contour is preferably spaced radially from the outer contour. This distance preferably defines the wall thickness of the base body.

[0022] In addition, the flexible connecting element can be implemented in such a way that the stabilizing element protrudes outwards with respect to the radial extension of the base body.

[0023] Preferably, the radial extension of the flexible connecting element is greatest at the stabilizing element. In contrast, the radial extension of the flexible connecting element is preferably smallest at the central portion.

[0024] Furthermore, the flexible connecting element can be designed in such a way that one of the first partial region and the second partial region has a reduced wall thickness compared to the other partial region.

[0025] Preferably, the distance between the inner contour and the outer contour is greater in one partial area than in the other partial area.

[0026] Preferably, the wall thickness decreases at a transition between the central section and the section with the thinner wall thickness. Preferably, the wall thickness decreases abruptly at this transition.

[0027] By reducing the wall thickness, forces acting from one of the devices to the respective end section attached to it can be absorbed by deformation of the section with the thinner wall thickness. This prevents these forces from being transferred via the flexible connecting element to the other device—preferably a weighing device. This prevents, in particular, the falsification of a weighing result due to corresponding forces.

[0028] Furthermore, the flexible connecting element can be further developed such that the stabilizing element is attached to the base body in a manner that cannot be removed without destruction.

[0029] In this context, non-destructively resolvable preferably means that when these connections are separated again, the connecting parts or surfaces (base body and stabilizing element) are destroyed.

[0030] Preferably, the base body and the stabilizing element are manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. The manufacturing process preferably takes place within a single and / or shared mold. Alternatively, the base body is manufactured first, and then, in a subsequent step, the stabilizing element is cast or vulcanized onto it.

[0031] Furthermore, the flexible connecting element can be such that a further annular stabilizing element extending radially outwards is formed on the other end section, which is formed from the rigid material and on which a clamping force generated by a further fastening means acts upon proper fastening of the corresponding end section.

[0032] A method for producing a flexible connecting element according to the invention comprises the following steps: a forming step, whereby the base body is formed, a further forming step, wherein the stabilizing element is formed and / or connected to the base body in a non-detachable manner; and a demoulding step, whereby the base body is demoulded together with the stabilising element.

[0033] A tool for producing a flexible connecting element according to the invention and for use in the method for producing it according to the invention comprises: a tool mold which provides a cavity for forming an outer contour of the flexible connecting element, a core element which can be introduced into the tool mold along the longitudinal axis of the base body to form an inner contour of the base body forming the through-channel, wherein an outer extension of the core element in the radial outward direction in the region between the first and the second end section is not greater than at the stabilizing element.

[0034] In the following, a preferred embodiment of the flexible connecting element according to the invention is explained with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a flexible connecting element according to the invention, in particular a balance compensator according to the invention; Fig. 1B shows the Fig. 1A shown scale compensator in a perspective longitudinal section; Fig. 1C shows an enlargement of the Fig. 1B circled area IC; Fig. 2A shows a side view of the balance compensator according to the invention; Fig. 2B shows a side view of the balance compensator according to the invention in longitudinal section; Fig. 3A to 3C show a method for producing a flexible connecting element according to the invention and a tool according to the invention used in the course thereof.

[0035] Fig. 1A shows a preferred embodiment of a flexible connecting element 1 according to the invention, in particular a scale compensator 1 according to the invention.

[0036] The Fig. The Z-axis shown in Figure 1A points in the longitudinal direction of the balance compensator 1 according to the invention, in which the longitudinal axis LA of the balance compensator 1 extends.

[0037] The Fig. The X-axis shown in Figure 1A points in the width direction and the Y-axis shown in the depth direction of the balance compensator 1. Due to the rotational symmetry of the balance compensator 1 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA, the width and depth directions correspond to radial directions in which the balance compensator 1 extends in its width and depth.

[0038] The scale compensator 1 has a base body 2 made of a flexible material. The flexible material is, for example, (i) a silicone, such as an FDA-compliant silicone, which may be electrically conductive or electrically insulating, (ii) a natural or synthetic rubber, or (iii) an elastomer, such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), which is also preferably FDA-compliant and which may be electrically conductive or electrically insulating. The base body 2 is, in particular, a molded article, for example, cast, from the flexible material.

[0039] An inlet opening 30 is formed at a first end section 3 of the base body 2 and an outlet opening 40 is formed at a second end section 4 of the base body 2.

[0040] The scale compensator 1 according to the invention is fastened when used as intended by fastening the first end section 3 to a first device (not shown) and the second end section 4 to a second device (not shown).

[0041] The first device is preferably a device for storing / receiving / containing / processing a bulk material, and the second device is preferably a weighing device. The bulk material is, for example, a powder or granulate. Furthermore, the scale compensator 1 is preferably also suitable for passing a gas or liquid.

[0042] When the scale compensator 1 according to the invention is attached to the first and second devices, the bulk material can enter through the inlet opening 30 into a passageway defined by the base body 2 and then exit the passageway through the outlet opening 40 into the second device. Generally speaking, the bulk material can be conveyed through the scale compensator 1 from the device storing, receiving, containing, or processing the bulk material into the weighing device, where the weight of the transferred bulk material can be determined.

[0043] For fastening the balance compensator 1 according to the invention to the first and second device, a clamp (not shown) is preferably used, which is placed around the respective end section 3, 4 and tightened by means of a wing screw.

[0044] The clamps suitable for fastening are generally known in the state of the art from vacuum technology as Tri-clamp clamps or Tri-clever clamps.

[0045] Fig. Fig. 1B shows a perspective sectional view of the balance compensator 1 according to the invention, wherein the sectional view corresponds to a section along the Fig. 1A and the section plane AA shown in Fig. 1B shown XZ plane.

[0046] In Fig. 1C is the Fig. 1B circled area IC shown enlarged.

[0047] As can be seen from these figures, a flange 31 is formed on the first end section 3 of the balance compensator 1, which surrounds the outlet opening 30 and is received in a corresponding groove of the clamp. A corresponding connecting flange (not shown) is formed on the first device for fastening the balance compensator 1 according to the invention. When the clamp is applied for fastening the balance compensator 1, the flange 31 and the corresponding connecting flange are located together within the groove of the clamp and are pressed together in a sealing manner by tightening the wing screw.

[0048] A corresponding flange 41 is also formed on the second end section 4 of the balance compensator 1, which can be attached to the second device with a corresponding clamp in the same way as the flange 31 formed on the first end section 3. As an integral part of the base body 2, each flange 31, 41 is formed from the flexible material.

[0049] In order to provide the respective flange 31, 41 with the stability required for fastening, a receiving space 32, 42 is formed in each flange 31, 41, which surrounds the corresponding opening 30, 40 and in which an annular stabilizing element 61, 62 is received.

[0050] The annular stabilizing element 61, 62 is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis LA and has a rectangular cross-section in longitudinal section—e.g., in the ZX plane. The width of the respective annular stabilizing element 61, 62 is, for example, 9 mm in the X direction shown (radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the balance compensator 1), while the height of the respective annular stabilizing element 61, 62 in the Z direction shown is, for example, 3 mm.

[0051] Preferably, the respective stabilization element 61, 62 is only partially enclosed by the receiving space, so that the stabilization element 61, 62 is exposed at least in sections and the stabilization element 61, 62 projects outwards in the radial direction with respect to the base body (2).

[0052] Preferably, the stabilizing element 61, 62 can be as in Fig. 1C illustrates a chamfer / beveled surface on the side facing away from the respective opening 30, 40. In this way, the stabilizing element 61, 62 follows the profile of the flange 31, 41 in the exposed section.

[0053] The respective stabilization element 61, 62 is preferably non-detachably connected to the respective receiving space 32, 42 of the base body 2. In particular, a material connection is preferably established between the base body 2 and the respective stabilization elements 61, 62. The respective stabilization elements 61, 62 are preferably provided integrally on the base body 2 during a manufacturing process of the scale compensator 1.

[0054] In contrast to the base body 2, which, as described above, is made of a flexible material, the stabilizing elements 61, 62 are made of a rigid material. Due to the rigid design of the respective stabilizing element 61, 62, it can absorb a clamping force exerted on the flange 31, 41 by the respective fastening element (clamp). The rigid material is, for example, (i) a thermosetting plastic or (ii) a thermoplastic. In particular, thermoplastics with high heat resistance, such as polyamide, are preferred. Alternatively, the stabilizing elements 61, 62 are preferably made of metal, preferably stainless steel.

[0055] Preferably, the base body 2 and the stabilizing elements 61, 62 are manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. The manufacturing process preferably takes place within a single tool. Alternatively, the base body 2 is manufactured first, and then, in a subsequent step, the respective stabilizing elements 61, 62 are cast or vulcanized onto it. A preferred manufacturing process will be explained in more detail later in the application.

[0056] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shows the balance compensator 1 according to the invention in a side view, wherein Fig. 2B is a sectional view corresponding to a section along the Fig. 1A corresponds to section line AA.

[0057] The height of the balance compensator 1 extending in the longitudinal direction (Z-direction) is preferably 130-150 mm. The inner diameters d30 and d40 of the inlet opening 30 and outlet opening 40 of the balance compensator 1 extending in the radial direction are preferably identical and are preferably 50-300 mm, in particular 240-260 mm.

[0058] In the region of the end sections 3, 4, the inner diameter d30, d40 of the base body 2 is preferably constant. In other words, the base body 2 is preferably cylindrical in the region of the end sections 3, 4.

[0059] Starting from the first end section 3, the base body 2 includes a partial region 20 adjoining the first end section 3, in which the inner diameter of the base body 2 tapers preferably along the longitudinal axis LA in the direction of the second end section 4. Furthermore, the base body 2 includes, starting from the second end section 4, a further adjoining partial region 21, in which the inner diameter of the base body 2 also tapers preferably along the longitudinal axis LA in the direction of the first end section 3. In other words, the adjoining partial region 20 and the further adjoining partial region 21 form a substantially conical shape, wherein the respective tapered end is directed away from the respective end section 3, 4 / the respective opening 30, 40 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0060] Preferably, the adjoining sub-region 20 and the further adjoining sub-region are connected to one another via a central section 50. Due to the taper in the sub-regions 20, 21, the central section 50 has an inner diameter d50 that is smaller than that of the openings 30, 40. The inner diameter d50 extending in the radial direction is preferably 215-235 mm, but is preferably always smaller than the inner diameter d30, d40 of the inlet opening 30 or the outlet opening 40. In the region of the central section 50, the inner diameter d50 is also preferably constant along the longitudinal axis LA. In other words, the base body is preferably cylindrical in shape in the region of the central section 50. In particular, the central section 50 preferably forms a local constriction of the base body 2 with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0061] In other words, the inner diameter of the base body 2 essentially follows the shape of an hourglass along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0062] The further partial region 21 adjoining the second end section 4, in which the inner diameter of the base body 2 tapers, preferably has a smaller wall thickness than the partial region 20 adjoining the first end section 3, the central section 50, and the end sections 3, 4. The wall thickness of the further partial region 21 adjoining the second end section 4 is, for example, 1 mm. Due to the smaller wall thickness, forces generated by the first device and acting on the first end section 3 lead to a deformation of the further partial region 21. In this way, these forces are not transmitted via the scale compensator 1 to the second device - preferably the weighing device - so that a weighing result is not falsified due to corresponding forces.

[0063] For proper fastening, the respective flange 31, 41 is placed with an end face 33, 43 against a corresponding surface of the connecting flange formed on the first or second device, and both the flange 31, 41 and the connecting flange are enclosed by the clamp such that they are located within the groove of the clamp. Tightening the wing screw of the clamp increases the clamping force with which the end face 33 of the respective flange is pressed against the corresponding surface.

[0064] The respective receiving space 32 is formed in each flange 31, 41 such that the annular stabilizing element 61, 62 is provided between the respective end face 33 and a surface 34 of the flange facing away from the corresponding end face 33. As a result, the respective stabilizing element 61, 62 provides the respective flange 31, 41 with the rigidity necessary for fastening.

[0065] On the end face 33 of the respective flange 31, 41, a protrusion 35 is preferably formed such that it surrounds the corresponding opening (inlet opening 30 or outlet opening 40). When the respective flange 31, 41 is placed against a corresponding connecting flange for fastening, the protrusion 35 engages a corresponding recess formed in the connecting flange and acts as a corresponding seal after the clamp is tightened.

[0066] A method for producing a balance compensator 1 according to the invention and a tool W according to the invention used in the course thereof are described below with reference to Fig. 3A to 3C explained.

[0067] At the beginning of the process, the tool W is preferably prepared and placed in a closed state, as shown in Fig. 3A. Only a part of the tool W is illustrated. The tool comprises an enclosing tool mold W1, which provides a cavity for forming an outer contour of the scale compensator 1. In addition, the tool W preferably further comprises two core elements W2, W3 for forming the inner contour of the scale compensator 1. In addition, the tool W preferably comprises any feed paths (not shown) for supplying the materials from which the base body 2 or the stabilization elements 61, 62 are formed.

[0068] The enclosing tool mold W1 is preferably formed rotationally symmetrically around the longitudinal axis LA of the base body 2 and reproduces the outer contour of the base body 2 along the longitudinal axis LA. Furthermore, the enclosing tool mold W1 preferably comprises two mold halves, which can be joined together to form the cavity and separated from each other to release / de-mold the scale compensator 1 formed within the cavity. In the illustrated case, only one of the mold halves of the enclosing tool mold W1 is shown, with the separation of the mold halves occurring via the YZ plane in the illustrated case.

[0069] In addition, the enclosing tool mold W1 preferably contains molding means such as slides S1, S2 for forming the annular stabilizing elements 61, 62. In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 3A, the respective slides S1, S2 are extended in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA. Alternatively, at the beginning of the process, prefabricated annular stabilization elements 61, 62 (semi-finished products) are inserted into cavities formed in the enclosing mold.

[0070] The core elements W2, W3 can be introduced into the enclosing tool mold W1 along the longitudinal axis LA of the base body 2 to form an inner contour of the base body 2 that forms the through-flow channel. One core element W2 in each case forms the inner contour of the first end section 3 and the adjoining partial region 20, and the other core element W3 forms the inner contour of the second end section 4 and the further adjoining partial region 21. Since the first end section 3 and the second end section have a cylindrical shape, the corresponding core elements W2, W3 are also cylindrically shaped in the corresponding regions. Furthermore, since the adjoining partial region 20 and the further adjoining partial region 21 have a substantially conical shape, the corresponding core elements W2, W3 are also conically shaped in the corresponding regions.

[0071] Furthermore, one of the core elements W2, W3—in the illustrated case, the core element W2—forms the outer contour of the connecting section 50. Since the connecting section is cylindrically formed, the respective core element W2 is also cylindrically shaped in this area. Alternatively, the two core elements W2, W3 together, i.e., each section by section, form the outer contour of the connecting section 50.

[0072] Preferably, one core element W2 representing the adjoining sub-region 20 is introduced into the enclosing tool mold W1 through the inlet opening 30 in the direction of the outlet opening 40, whereas the other core element W3 representing the further adjoining sub-region 21 is introduced into the enclosing tool mold W1 through the outlet opening 40 in the direction of the inlet opening 30. In other words, the respective core elements W2, W3 are introduced into the enclosing tool mold W1 in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis LA of the base body 2.

[0073] First, the base body 2 is preferably formed from the flexible material. In this regard, Fig. 3A, the flexible material is fed into the cavity formed by the mold 1 via the corresponding feed path (not shown). During this process, the slides S1, S2 are extended, preventing the flexible material from penetrating the locations where the stabilizing elements 61, 62 are provided. The flexible material is then preferably cured.

[0074] In a next step, the slides S1, S2 are preferably moved as shown in Fig. 3B, so that a cavity in the shape of the stabilization elements 61, 62 is formed. The rigid material is then introduced into the remaining cavity via the corresponding feed path (not shown) and then preferably cured. The finished scale compensator 1 is thus now present in the tool W. In the case of the alternative described above, in which prefabricated annular stabilization elements 61, 62 (semi-finished products) are inserted into cavities formed in the enclosing tool mold at the beginning of the process, the formation of the stabilization elements 61, 62 by material supply is omitted. In other words, only the material is supplied to form the base body 2, which at least partially encloses the inserted annular stabilization elements 61, 62 during the manufacturing process.

[0075] In the next step, the scale compensator 1 is removed from the tool W. For this purpose, the core elements W2, W3 are removed first. Due to the essentially conical shape of the core elements W2, W3, they can be easily removed along the longitudinal axis LA through the respective opening 30, 40. Thus, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3C, the core element W2 is removed upwards along the longitudinal axis LA through the inlet opening 30 of the base body 2, whereas the core element W3 is removed downwards along the longitudinal axis LA through the outlet opening 40 of the base body 2, as indicated by the corresponding arrows. Since the inner diameter d30, d40 of the base body 2 is largest in the areas of the stabilizing elements 61, 62 (at the openings 30, 40), an undercut, which would hinder demolding, is effectively prevented. This ensures easy demolding of the core elements W2, W3.

[0076] Finally, the two mold halves, which form the enclosing tool shape W1, are separated from each other. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3C, the two mold halves are separated from each other in the radial direction of the base body 2. Thus, the finished scale compensator 1 is now demolded.

[0077] The invention is not limited to a scale compensator 1, the tool W, and the method explained above. In particular, the design of the first and second end sections can also be applied to conventional connecting elements, for example, those used as pipe connections. List of reference symbols 1 Flexible connecting element 2 basic bodies 3 first final section 30 Entrance opening 31 flange 32 recording room 33 Frontal surface 34 opposite surface 35 Survey 4 second final section 40 Exit opening 41 Flange 50 connecting section 61, 62 Stabilization element LA longitudinal axis W tool W1 enclosing tool shape W2, W3 core element QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2015 210 960 A1 [0003, 0004, 0006]

Claims

[1] Flexible connecting element (1), in particular a scale compensator (1), for connecting a first device to a second device and for conveying a bulk material from the first device to the second device, the connecting element (1) comprising: a base body (2) defining a passage channel and extending along a longitudinal axis (LA) with a first end section (3) on which an inlet opening (30) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is fastened to the first device in such a way that the bulk material can enter the passage channel through the inlet opening (30), and a second end section (4) on which an outlet opening (40) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is fastened to the second device in such a way that the bulk material can exit the passage channel through the outlet opening (40) into the second device, wherein the base body (2) is formed from a flexible material and on at least one of the first and / or the second end portion (3, 4) of the base body (2) an annular stabilization element (61, 62) extending outwards in the radial direction is formed, which is formed from a rigid material and on which a clamping force generated by a fastening means acts upon proper fastening of the corresponding end portion (3, 4), and wherein an inner diameter of the base body defining the passage channel in a region between the first and the second end section (3, 4) is not larger than the inner diameter at the stabilizing element (61, 62). [2] Flexible connecting element (1) according to claim 1, wherein an extension of the base body (2) in the radial outward direction starting from the stabilizing element (61, 62) in the direction of the other end section (3, 4) initially decreases at least in sections with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body and then increases again, wherein the base body (2) has at least a first partial region (20) and a second partial region (21) along the longitudinal axis (LA), which are connected to one another via a central section (50) arranged between the first end section (3) and the second end section (4), wherein the first partial region (20) adjoins the stabilizing element (61) and its inner diameter tapers from the stabilizing element (61) towards the central section (50) with respect to the longitudinal axis (LA), while the inner diameter of the second partial region (21) increases from the central section (50) towards the second end section (4). [3] Flexible connecting element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outer contour of the base body (2) follows in relation to the longitudinal axis (LA) an inner contour of the base body (2) forming the flow channel. [4] Flexible connecting element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stabilizing element (61, 62) projects outwards with respect to the radial extension of the base body (2). [5] Flexible connecting element (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein one of the first partial region (20) and the second partial region (20) has a reduced wall thickness compared to the other partial region. [6] Flexible connecting element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stabilizing element (61, 62) is fastened to the base body (2) in a non-destructively detachable manner. [7] Flexible connecting element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a further annular stabilizing element (61, 62) extending radially outwards is formed on the other end section (3, 4), which is formed from the rigid material and on which a clamping force generated by a further fastening means acts upon proper fastening of the corresponding end section (3, 4). [8] Method for producing a flexible connecting element (1) which is provided for connecting a first device to a second device and for conveying a bulk material from the first device into the second device, wherein the connecting element (1) comprises a base body (2) defining a passage channel and extending along a longitudinal axis (LA) with a first end section (3) on which an inlet opening (30) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is fastened to the first device in such a way that the bulk material can enter the passage channel through the inlet opening (30), and a second end section (4) on which an outlet opening (40) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is fastened to the second device in such a way,that the bulk material can exit the passage channel into the second device through the outlet opening (40), wherein the base body (2) is formed from a flexible material and at least one of the first and / or the second end portion (3, 4) of the base body (2) is provided with an annular stabilizing element (61, 62) extending radially outward, which is formed from a rigid material and on which a clamping force generated by a fastening means acts upon proper fastening of the corresponding end portion (3, 4), and wherein an inner diameter of the base body (2) defining the passage channel in a region between the first and the second end portion (3, 4) is not larger than the inner diameter of the stabilizing element (61, 62); wherein the method comprises the following steps: a forming step, wherein the base body (2) is formed, a further forming step, wherein the stabilizing element (61, 62) is formed and / or connected in a non-detachable manner to the base body (2); and a demoulding step, wherein the base body (2) is demoulded together with the stabilising element (61, 62). [9] Tool for producing a flexible connecting element (1) which is provided for connecting a first device to a second device and for conveying a bulk material from the first device into the second device, wherein the connecting element (1) comprises a base body (2) defining a passage channel and extending along a longitudinal axis (LA) with a first end section (3) on which an inlet opening (30) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is fastened to the first device in such a way that the bulk material can enter the passage channel through the inlet opening (30), and a second end section (4) on which an outlet opening (40) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is fastened to the second device in such a way,that the bulk material can exit the passage channel into the second device through the outlet opening (40), wherein the base body (2) is formed from a flexible material and at least one of the first and / or the second end portion (3, 4) of the base body (2) has an annular stabilizing element (61, 62) extending radially outwards formed thereon, which is formed from a rigid material and on which a clamping force generated by a fastening means acts upon proper fastening of the corresponding end portion (3, 4), and wherein an inner diameter of the base body (2) defining the passage channel in a region between the first and the second end portion (3, 4) is not larger than the inner diameter of the stabilizing element (61, 62); comprising: a tool mold (W1) which provides a cavity for forming an outer contour of the flexible connecting element (1), a core element (W2, W3) which can be introduced into the tool mold (W1) along the longitudinal axis (LA) of the base body (2) to form an inner contour of the base body (2) forming the through-channel, wherein an outer extension of the core element (W2, W3) in the radial outward direction in the region between the first and the second end section (3, 4) is not greater than at the stabilization element (61, 62).

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