SYSTEM FOR MAKING A CONNECTION BETWEEN A FIRST PIPE ELEMENT AND A SECOND PIPE ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR MAKING A CONNECTION

Description

1. Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a pipe connection applicator with a control device and a method for establishing a connection between a first pipe element and a second pipe element. Pipe connections are required to connect individual pipe elements to form a continuous, longer and possibly bent pipe, in which, after completion, a fluid medium is held or transported under a defined pressure. 2. State of the art

[0002] Pipe connections are made using sockets and various joining techniques. Common joining techniques include: Screwing and sealing with hemp or Teflon tape or by screw / clamp connections, for example according to the "WIROFLEX" system, welding, for example autogenous, electrical, laser or ultrasonic, soldering, for example by hard soldering or soft soldering, clamping, for example as described in European patent EP 3 120 064 B1, pressing, shrinking by means of heat and / or cold, rubbing, bonding by means of single-component or multi-component adhesives.

[0003] The known joining techniques require very different process parameters depending on the material and dimensions of the pipe ends to be joined, as well as the operating conditions of the finished pipe joint. Since the joints are often created manually on-site by a technician, the quality of the joint depends heavily on the skill and experience of the technician. Subjective characteristics, such as the day's condition and / or environmental influences, often influence the quality of the joint, making consistent quality impossible to guarantee.

[0004] WO 2012 093 959 A2 is known from the prior art, which relates to a method for welding pipes made of a weldable polymer material, wherein the pipe has ends, and a sleeve made of a weldable polymer material. The method comprises placing the sleeve with an overlap over the ends of the pipes, welding the sleeve to the ends of the pipes by applying an electrically conductive band that is permeable to molten plastic between the pipe and the sleeve, connecting a power supply to the band via lead cables, and applying an electric current to heat the band and the surrounding polymer material so that they melt together around the band to form a weld.

[0005] From US 2010 019 471 A1, a coupling arrangement for automatically establishing coupling and quick-coupling connections between a tank wagon carrying a tank of anhydrous ammonia is known.

[0006] WO 2011 150 341 A2 describes a pipeline insertion system that may comprise an insertion device outside a tunnel, including an insertion device frame and a movable clamp in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame. A drive may cause the movable clamp, which engages a pipeline, to move between a first position and a second position along the frame. A controller is provided to control the drive and the movable clamp, which is responsive to transducers that measure pipeline slippage, thrust force, and clamping pressure.

[0007] Furthermore, EP 3 409 954 A1 discloses a system with pneumatic triplex architecture, which comprises a first, second and third pneumatic subsystem, wherein triplex redundancy can be achieved by measuring only a specific node in each system. 3. Task

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to enable easy-to-use, rapid, safe and comprehensibly documented assembly and, if necessary, disassembly of pipe connections. 4. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object is achieved by a system according to the invention for establishing a connection between a first pipe element and a second pipe element according to the features of independent claim 1 and by a method for establishing a connection between a first pipe element and a second pipe element according to the features of independent claim 14. Further advantageous embodiments of the solution can be found in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention comprises a system for establishing a connection between a first pipe element and a second pipe element comprising a sleeve, wherein the sleeve comprises a plug-in sleeve with a clamping element, which has a tensioning element that can be coupled in a shear manner in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in sleeve, wherein the clamping element is shaped and configured such that, when subjected to an axial force by means of a fluid pressure medium, it exerts its clamping effect in the form of a snap-action function on the first pipe element and the second pipe element, further comprising a process control means in the form of a compressed air valve controllable via a desired process parameter, via which a process parameter in the form of a controlled compressed air flow can be applied to the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection of the plug-in sleeve, whereby a clamping effect in the form of a snap-action function can be exerted on the first pipe element and the second pipe element.and comprising means for detecting the actual value of at least one of the actual process parameters in the form of a compressed air flow at the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection, which transmits the actual process parameters as electrical actual process parameters to a control unit of a pipe connection applicator with a control device, which uses the electrical actual process parameters to determine the desired process parameters for controlling the process control means.

[0011] The pipe connection applicator with the control device can provide target process parameters for controlling process control devices for producing a pipe connection. The pipe connection applicator with a control device records the actual process parameters using actual value acquisition devices.

[0012] A sleeve is either a component which accommodates one end of a first pipe element and one end of a second pipe element or a defined extension of the inner diameter at the end of a second pipe element into which one end of a first pipe element can be inserted and thus initially does not permanently connect the first pipe element to the second pipe element.

[0013] A permanent pipe connection can be created after an initially non-permanent pipe connection has been established using means for creating a permanent pipe connection. Optionally, the pipe connection can be designed to be removable again.

[0014] The means for establishing a permanent pipe connection and / or a detachable pipe connection between two pipe ends can be controlled by a process control means. The process control means can include, for example, force- or torque-controlled means for closing or opening screw connections, force- or torque-controlled means for closing or opening clamp sleeves, controllable welding devices or soldering devices, mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically controllable shrinking or pressing devices, in particular those for actuating push-in sleeves operating according to European Patent EP 3 120 064 B1, or adhesive dispensing and holding devices for connecting two pipe ends.

[0015] The pipe connection applicator with a control device can optionally determine the actual physical process parameters of the components of a pipe connection, for example the type and / or the material as well as the dimensions of the sleeve and / or the first pipe element and / or the second pipe element, the temperature and / or the air pressure and / or the humidity at the sleeve and / or the first pipe element and / or if applicable at the second pipe element and / or the position of the first pipe element and if applicable of the second pipe element with respect to the position of the sleeve, and from this, on the other hand, determine the target process parameter of at least one process parameter to be output by a process control means to the pipe connection to be created and the course of the process parameters to be output, that is to say,The defined temporal progression in sign and magnitude, and optionally the chemical composition and / or physical composition, of at least one of the process parameters output by the process control means for producing a permanent pipe connection and / or detachable pipe connection of a first pipe element to a second pipe element. Alternatively or additionally, the target process parameter of at least one process parameter to be output by a process control means to the pipe connection to be created can be specified manually by a user directly or via the pipe connection applicator with a control device to the process control means.

[0016] The pipe connection applicator with a control device can optionally personal data / identification of the user who makes the pipe connection, date, time and geographical position of the pipe connection made and can monitor the actual course (actual value) of at least one of the process parameters to be delivered to the pipe connection continuously or at defined time intervals using means for actual value recording.

[0017] Target process parameters include, for example, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and / or pneumatic signals for operating a process control means for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection, in particular a resulting pressure or temporal pressure curve applied to the means for closing or opening clamping sleeves.

[0018] The target process parameters can either be transmitted directly from the pipe connection applicator to the process control device using a control device, or the target process parameters can be transmitted manually by a user via an optional manual interface, specifying the target process parameters determined by the pipe connection applicator using a control device. The target process parameters determined by the pipe connection applicator using a control device are advantageously transmitted via an interface for user input and / or output to the user, or via an interface to a computer and a computer output device, for example, a display and / or a loudspeaker or headphones of a communication device such as a smartphone.

[0019] Process control means are, for example, a screw actuator, for example a cordless screwdriver or another electrically or pneumatically or hydraulically operated screw tool with a defined controllable torque and defined torque curve, a compressed air generator with a defined controllable working pressure and defined working pressure curve within a fluid pressure medium, for example a mechanically actuated dispensing gun connected to a pressure vessel with a fluid pressure medium under defined pressure or an electrically or pneumatically or hydraulically actuated compressed air valve or a hand compressor or a disposable or reusable cartridge or a pressure cartridge, a hydraulic pressure generator with a defined controllable working pressure and defined working pressure curve within a fluid pressure medium, an actuator comprising a mechanically, electrically,Pneumatically or hydraulically controllable valve for controlling the flow and / or pressure of a fluid pressure medium, in particular a generator and / or an actuator for generating a pressure and a defined pressure profile, for example a pulse or another temporal profile within a fluid pressure medium for controlling a plug-in sleeve according to European Patent EP 3 120 064 B1, an adhesive dosing device with controllable concentration and quantity of a single- or multi-component adhesive, a controllable feed device with defined control of the position of a pipe component with respect to the position in the pipe connection area, a soldering device with controllable temperature and controllable temperature profile, a welding device with controllable temperature and temperature profile and optionally with controllable supply of a welding electrode and optional control of a shielding gas supply,a laser welding device with controllable temperature and temperature profile or an ultrasonic welding device with controllable temperature and temperature profile, optionally with controllable working frequency and / or working amplitude.

[0020] The process parameters to be delivered by a process control means to the pipe connection to be created for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent pipe connection and / or detachable pipe connection of two pipe ends can optionally the feed for establishing a defined penetration depth of a first pipe element and / or a second pipe element into the socket or a defined penetration depth of the first pipe element into the socket provided by the second pipe element or for establishing a defined distance between a first pipe element to be butt-joined and a second pipe element, the torque acting between the socket and a first pipe element and / or second pipe element screw connection, for example generated by an electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated hand screwdriver with a screwdriver attachment suitable for the means for establishing the permanent pipe connection, the pneumatic and / or hydraulic control pressure of a fluid for controlling a clamping effect of the means for establishing the permanent pipe connection, for example for a plug-in socket operating according to European patent EP 3 120 064 B1,for example, applied via a mechanically controllable compressed air gun or an electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically controllable compressed air valve for controlling compressed air which is supplied from a compressed air tank via a compressed air hose, the material composition of a connecting means such as the composition of a welding electrode, its feed and / or a shielding gas composition or a soldering agent and / or a flux, the heat supplied or removed to generate a defined temperature at a controllable means for producing a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection and / or a material-fitting connection, for example a welded or soldered connection or a shrink-fit connection, the mixing and / or dosing of adhesive components of an adhesive connection, frequency, amplitude, distance and temporal profile of an ultrasonic welding device for plastic, amplitude,Distance and time profile of a laser welding device for plastic, include.

[0021] Preferably, the pipe connection applicator with a control device can optionally access a tolerance band stored for the respective setpoint combination, compares the respective actual value with the tolerance band of the setpoint, and issues an alarm to the user and / or saves an error log if an actual value deviates from the setpoint tolerance. The output to the user can be provided via a display on the pipe connection applicator with a control device, for example, via an interface for user input and / or output to the user, or via a smartphone, via a nearby or remote printer, or by transmitting and saving the data to a nearby or remote computer, for example, via a smartphone.

[0022] Advantageously, the pipe connection applicator with a control device includes an optional electronic control unit in addition to the option of manual operation.

[0023] The optional control unit can advantageously comprise a computer with data and program memory and / or an interface to a computer, a smartphone and / or a server for controlling the process parameters and for controlling the setpoints and for detecting the actual value of at least one process parameter.

[0024] The control unit can include an interface to and from the user and / or an interface to a local or remote computer, via which inputs to the control unit for controlling the pipe connection applicator are possible using a control device, and outputs and storage of result values ​​from the pipe connection applicator using a control device to the user and / or to a local or remote computer are possible. A remote computer can be, for example, a server accessible via the Internet or a computer accessible via LAN or WLAN.

[0025] The target values ​​and their tolerances can be stored in the control unit in a data storage device or on a local or remote computer, for example, as a lookup table or as a record in a relational database. The remote computer can be a local computer connected to the pipe connection applicator via a wired or wireless interface to a control device, a smartphone, or a tablet PC, or a remote server connected via a local area network (LAN) or a WAN (wide area network) and the Internet.

[0026] An optional control unit can include interfaces to and from optional sensors for determining and controlling the process parameters (setpoints) to be supplied to the pipe connection to be created and for recording the process parameters (actual values) supplied to the pipe connection to be created.

[0027] The pipe connection applicator with a control device can comprise means for dosing the setpoint value of the process parameters and means for detecting the actual value of the process parameters.

[0028] The setpoint can optionally be set by a user or it is determined by a control unit of the pipe connection applicator with control device and provided as a setpoint for the process parameter.

[0029] The control unit comprises an analog computer with at least one input and output interface or advantageously a digital computer with a signal processor, program memory, data memory and at least one input and output interface.

[0030] The actual value acquisition means optionally includes sensors for recording the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe elements to be connected. This data is provided, for example, via identification devices that can be attached to the socket and / or to one or both of the pipe elements to be connected, or it can be retrieved by the user from a database or entered manually. The sensors can include, for example, barcode scanners, RFID receivers, an input keyboard, or an interface to a computer, such as a tablet PC or a smartphone, for retrieving this data from a database or for manually recording the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe elements to be connected.

[0031] The means for detecting actual values ​​further comprises sensors for detecting the actual values ​​of the process parameters applied in the pipe connection area to the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection of a first and / or a second pipe element.

[0032] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​can optionally comprise a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of a fluid medium for controlling the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection, in particular a resulting pressure applied to the means for closing or opening clamp sleeves or a temporal pressure profile of a fluid medium. The clamping process is preferably controlled by monitoring the pressure profile in the cavity of the sleeve, for example, at the connection point for applying a fluid pressure medium to a sleeve.

[0033] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​can optionally comprise an acoustic / electrical vibration transducer or mechanical / electrical vibration transducer within a frequency range of 5 Hz to 100 kHz for detecting the structure-borne sound and / or the temporal structure-borne sound profile and / or the room sound and / or the temporal room sound profile in the pipe connection area during the control of the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection in the area of ​​the pipe connection.

[0034] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​can optionally comprise a force sensor and / or a torque sensor for detecting the controlling force or the controlling torque applied to the means for closing or opening the force-locking and / or form-locking connection of the pipe ends or the force or torque curve over time.

[0035] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​can optionally comprise a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature or the temperature profile during the control of the controllable means for establishing a permanent pipe connection and / or detachable pipe connection in the pipe connection area.

[0036] The temperature sensor can particularly advantageously comprise an infrared radiation sensor or a thermal imaging sensor for contactless detection of the temperature.

[0037] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​can optionally include an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver for recording mechanical stress curves in the material of the pipe elements in the area of ​​the pipe connection.

[0038] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​can optionally include an X-ray transmitter and an X-ray receiver for recording mechanical stress curves in the material of the pipe elements in the area of ​​the pipe connection.

[0039] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​can optionally include an optoelectronic sensor for absolute spatial position detection of the pipe ends and / or for relative position detection of the pipe ends to each other and / or for relative position detection of at least one of the pipe ends to the socket. Optical markings can be applied to the pipe ends to assist in this process. The optoelectronic sensor can cover not only the frequency range of the visible light spectrum but also the frequency range of non-visible infrared or ultraviolet radiation. Optical markings can include absolute and / or relative barcodes on the pipe ends to determine the position of the pipe ends.

[0040] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​can optionally comprise an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or a magnetic sensor for absolute spatial position detection of the pipe ends and / or for relative position detection of the pipe ends to each other and / or for relative position detection of at least one of the pipe ends to the socket. To assist in this process, inductive, capacitive, or magnetic markings can be applied to the pipe ends. Inductive, capacitive, or magnetic markings can include absolute and / or relative barcodes on the pipe ends for determining the position of the pipe ends.

[0041] For contactless detection of the ends of plastic pipes, a metal body, such as a metal ball or a metal strip, can advantageously be attached as an indicator at one or both ends of the pipe elements to be connected and / or at a defined location in the sleeve. The metal body advantageously changes its position until it reaches the correct position or when a pipe element reaches the correct position. This change in position can be detected directly or externally through the wall of a pipe or the sleeve, inductively, capacitively, or magnetically, via a proximity sensor.

[0042] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​can optionally include a sensor for optical coding or text recognition, for example, a barcode scanner, a camera, a character reader, or the like, for detecting material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe ends to be connected. The information is advantageously applied to the pipe elements to be connected via marking means, for example, as a barcode or as characters.

[0043] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​can optionally include an RFID reader for recording the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe ends to be connected. This information is advantageously attached to the pipe elements to be connected via marking devices, such as RFID tags.

[0044] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​can optionally include a GPS sensor for recording the position of the created pipe connection in three-dimensional space with respect to the Earth's reference system, and optionally a timer for determining a timestamp, particularly in complex and extensive pipe systems, to document the spatial and temporal assignment of the created pipe connection. The timer can optionally access a radio-controlled time signal or a time base of the control unit or a nearby or remote computer.

[0045] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​may optionally include means for recording the user's personal identification data, for example an RFID reader, a magnetic stripe reader, a barcode reader or an input keypad for entering a PIN or other user identification.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, the pipe connection applicator can be integrated with a control device in a cordless screwdriver or in a hand compressor or can be designed as an attachment to a cordless screwdriver or a hand compressor.

[0047] The pipe connection applicator with a control device is used in the following steps: Recording information used to identify pipe elements and optionally a socket, for example material composition, nominal diameter, manufacturer, serial number or type of connection to be established, determining target process parameters for controlling a process control means, applying the process parameters to controllable means for producing a permanent pipe connection and / or detachable pipe connection of a first pipe element and / or a second pipe element, optionally recording the actual values ​​of the process parameters applied to the controllable means for producing a permanent pipe connection and / or detachable pipe connection of a first pipe element and / or a second pipe element,Optional comparison of the actual values ​​of the process parameters applied to the controllable means for establishing a permanent pipe connection and / or detachable pipe connection of a first pipe element and / or a second pipe element with a tolerance band for the target values ​​of the process parameters, Optional output of the result to a user via a display device and / or optional documentation of the result in a data storage device or via an output device such as a printer.

[0048] Optionally, the following additional steps are advantageously carried out to supplement the documentation: Collection of personal identification data of a user Collection and storage of the time and / or geographical position at the moment the connection is established.

[0049] The pipe connection applicator with a control device enables easy-to-use, quick, safe, and traceable assembly and, if necessary, disassembly of pipe connections. The pipe connection applicator with a control device thus enables the monitoring, quality assurance, and documentation of any connection point between two pipe ends. It is irrelevant what type of connection is to be made, such as butt welding, soldering, gluing of the pipe elements to be joined, or welding, soldering, gluing, screwing, clamping, or forming using a sleeve to connect the pipe elements, and what raw materials are involved. The data is recorded directly at the location and time the connection is created.

[0050] Thus, the pipe connection applicator with a control device and the method for producing a connection between a first pipe element and a second pipe element can be advantageously used for all types of pipe connection systems with sockets, in particular for plug-in sockets, which are designed according to the European patent EP 3 120 064 B1. 5. Brief description of the drawings

[0051] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a pipe connection with two pipe ends and a socket, Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a pipe connection with two pipe ends and a socket integrated in one pipe end, Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a pipe connection with two pipe ends and a blunt material-locking connection, Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the integration of a pipe connection applicator with a control device into a system for creating a pipe connection by means of a socket, Fig. 5 shows the basic target pressure curve in the cavity of a plug-in socket according to European patent EP 3 120 064 B1. 6. Detailed description

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways of practicing the invention currently known to the applicant, although they are, of course, not the only ways in which this could be achieved. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for designing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be achieved by other examples.

[0053] Fig. 1shows a sectional view of a pipe connection with two pipe ends and a socket. To produce a pipe connection 1, a first pipe element 4 and a second pipe element 5 are initially inserted, not yet permanently, into a socket 3. The actual value of the current position is determined via actual value detection means 300. The actual value detection means 300 comprise sensors for detecting the actual values, optionally an optoelectronic sensor (not shown) for detecting the absolute position of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 in space and / or for detecting the relative position of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 to one another and / or for detecting the relative position of at least one of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 to the socket 3.To assist in this process, optical markings (not shown) can be applied to the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5. The optoelectronic sensor can cover not only the frequency range of the visible light spectrum but also the frequency range of the invisible infrared or ultraviolet radiation. Optical markings can include absolute and / or relative barcodes on the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 for determining the position of the pipe ends relative to one another and for determining the position of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 relative to the sleeve 3.

[0054] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​optionally comprise an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or a magnetic sensor (not shown) for the absolute position detection of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 in space and / or for the relative position detection of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 to one another and / or for the relative position detection of at least one of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 to the sleeve 3. To assist in this process, inductive, capacitive or magnetic markings (not shown) can be applied to the pipe ends. Inductive, capacitive or magnetic markings can comprise absolute and / or relative codes on the pipe ends for determining the position of the pipe ends.

[0055] For contactless detection of the ends of plastic pipes, a metal body, for example a metal ball or a metal strip, can be attached as an indicator to one or both pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 of the pipe elements to be connected and / or in the sleeve 3 at a defined location as a position detection means 304, 305. Advantageously, the position detection means 304, 305 changes its position until the correct position is reached or when a correct position of a pipe element 4, 5 is reached. This position change can be detected as an actual value of the process parameter 10' directly or externally through the wall of a pipe 4, 5 or the sleeve 3 inductively, capacitively, or magnetically via a proximity sensor within the actual value detection means 300.

[0056] The means for position detection 304, 305 are also in the case of a butt connection of a first pipe element 4 with a second pipe element 5, according to Fig. 3 advantageously applicable.

[0057] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 comprises at least one means for position detection 304, 305 in the pipe connection area for contactless detection of the ends of plastic pipes at one or both pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 of the pipe elements to be connected and / or in the sleeve 3, wherein the means for position detection 304, 305 changes its position until the correct position or when a correct position of a pipe element 4, 5 is reached and the position change is detected as an actual value of the process parameters 10' inductively, capacitively or magnetically via a proximity sensor within the means for actual value detection 300.

[0058] A sleeve 3 is either a component which accommodates one end of a first pipe element 4 and one end of a second pipe element 5 or a sleeve formed by a defined extension (shown in Fig. 2 ) of the inner diameter at the end of a second pipe element 5, into which one end of a first pipe element 4 can be inserted and thus initially not permanently connects the first pipe element 4 to the second pipe element 5.

[0059] A permanent pipe connection is established after an initially non-permanent pipe connection has been established using means for establishing a permanent pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7'. The pipe connection can optionally be removed again.

[0060] The means for producing a permanent pipe connection and / or detachable pipe connection comprise process control means 200 (shown in Fig. 4) for producing a force-locking connection and / or form-locking connection and / or material-locking connection of two pipe elements 4, 5 by means of a sleeve 3, for example force- or torque-controlled means for closing or opening screw connections, force- or torque-controlled means for closing or opening clamping sleeves, controllable welding devices or controllable soldering devices, mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically controllable shrinking or pressing devices, in particular also those plug-in sleeves or adhesive dosing and holding devices for connecting two pipe elements which operate according to European patent EP 3 120 064 B1.

[0061] The process control means 200 (shown in Fig. 4 ) generates the process parameters 210 defined for establishing a permanent connection depending on the type of connection to be established.

[0062] The process parameters 210 to be output by the process control means 200 to the pipe connection 1 to be created for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' of two pipe elements 4, 5 by means of a sleeve 3 include, for example, the feed for establishing a defined penetration depth of a first pipe element 4 and / or a second pipe element 5 into the sleeve 3 or a defined penetration depth of the first pipe element 4 into the sleeve 3' provided by the second pipe element 5, the torque between the sleeve 3, 3' and a screw connection acting on a first pipe element 4 and / or second pipe element 5, for example generated by an electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated hand-held screwdriver with a screwdriver attachment suitable for the means for establishing the permanent pipe connection, the pneumatic and / or hydraulic control pressure of a fluid for controlling a clamping effect of the means for establishing the permanent pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7', for example for a plug-in sleeve operating according to European patent EP 3 120 064 B1, for example applied via a mechanically or electrically controllable valve for controlling compressed air,which is supplied from a compressed air tank via a compressed air hose, or supplied from a compressed air cartridge, the material composition of a connecting means such as the composition of a welding electrode, its dosage and feed and / or a shielding gas composition or the dosage and composition of a soldering agent and / or a flux, the supplied or removed heat to generate a defined temperature at a controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7', for example by a force-fitting connection and / or a form-fitting connection and / or a material-fitting connection, for example a welded or soldered connection, the mixing and / or dosage of adhesive components and optionally the duration and intensity of the supply of curing radiation such as ultraviolet light for curing an adhesive connection, frequency,Amplitude, distance, and temporal profile of an ultrasonic welding device for plastics, Amplitude, distance, and temporal profile of a laser welding device for plastics. ,

[0063] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 (shown in Fig. 4 ) controls the process control means 200 for dosing the process parameters 210 either directly via target process parameters 110 or by specifying the target process parameters 110 via the user 2 via an optional manual interface 120 and comprises means for actual value acquisition 300 of the process parameters 210. The means for actual value acquisition convert the actual values ​​10, 10' of the process parameters into electrical actual values ​​of the process parameters 310, which are fed back to the control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 for further processing.

[0064] The target process parameters 110 are either transmitted directly from the pipe connection applicator to the process control means 200 via a control device 100, or the target process parameters 110 are transmitted manually by a user 2 via an optional manual interface 120 by specifying the target process parameters 110 from the pipe connection applicator to the process control means 200 via a control device 100. The target process parameters 110 determined by the pipe connection applicator to the control device 100 are specified via an interface for input by the user and / or for output to the user 20, or via an interface to a computer 410 and via an output device of a computer 400, for example, the display and / or the loudspeaker or headphones of a smartphone or tablet PC, or via a display or an output device such as a printer of the computer 400.

[0065] The target process parameter 110 can optionally be entered by a user 2 via an interface for input from the user and / or for output to the user 20 to the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 or it is determined by a control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 and provided as a target process parameter 110 to the process control means 200 for generating the process parameter 210 to the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable connection 6, 6', 7, 7' of a first pipe element 4 and / or a second pipe element 5, for example in the form of a force-fitting connection and / or a form-fitting connection and / or a material-fitting connection with respect to a sleeve.

[0066] The actual value acquisition means 300 optionally comprises sensors for sensing the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe elements to be connected. This data is provided, for example, via identification means 301, 302, 303, which can be attached to the socket 3 and / or to one or both of the pipe elements 4, 5 to be connected, or it can be retrieved from a database or entered manually by the user 2. The sensors can, for example, comprise barcode scanners, RFID receivers, an input keyboard, or an interface to a computer, such as a tablet PC or a smartphone, for retrieving this data from a database or for manually sensing the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe elements 4, 5 to be connected.

[0067] Fig. 2shows a sectional view of a pipe connection with two pipe ends and a sleeve 3' integrated into one pipe end. A sleeve 3, 3' in the sense of this invention is either a component which accommodates one end of a first pipe element 4 and one end of a second pipe element 5 or a sleeve 3' formed by a defined widening of the inner diameter at the end of a second pipe element 5, into which one end of a first pipe element 4 can be inserted and thus initially not permanently connects the first pipe element 4 with the second pipe element 5. The statements in the description of Fig. 1 for socket 3 also apply to socket 3'.

[0068] Fig. 3shows a sectional view of a pipe connection with two pipe ends and a butt-fitting material connection. To produce a pipe connection 1, a first pipe element 4 and a second pipe element 5 are initially positioned butt-fitting at a defined distance. The actual value of the current position is determined using actual value detection means 300. The actual value detection means 300 comprise sensors for detecting the actual values, optionally an optoelectronic sensor (not shown) for detecting the absolute position of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 in space and / or for detecting the relative position of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 to one another. To assist in this process, optical markings (not shown) can be applied to the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5.In addition to the frequency range of the visible light spectrum, the optoelectronic sensor can also cover the frequency range of non-visible infrared or ultraviolet radiation. Optical markings can include absolute and / or relative barcodes on the tube ends of the first tube element 4 and the second tube element 5 for determining the relative position of the tube ends.

[0069] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​300 optionally comprise an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or a magnetic sensor (not shown) for absolute spatial position detection of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 and / or for relative position detection of the pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 to one another. To assist in this process, inductive, capacitive, or magnetic markings (not shown) can be applied to the pipe ends. Inductive, capacitive, or magnetic markings can comprise absolute and / or relative codes on the pipe ends for determining the position of the pipe ends.

[0070] For contactless detection of the ends of plastic pipes, a metal body, for example a metal ball or a metal strip, can be attached as an indicator at a defined location on one or both pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 of the pipe elements to be connected as a means for position detection 304, 305.

[0071] The means for position detection 304, 305 can also be used advantageously in particular in the case of a butt connection of a first pipe element 4 with a second pipe element 5.

[0072] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 comprises in the pipe connection area for contactless detection of the ends of plastic pipes at one or both pipe ends of the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5 of the pipe elements to be connected at least one means for position detection 304, 305, wherein the means for position detection 304, 305 until the correct position of a pipe element 4, 5 changes its position and the position change is detected as the actual value of the process parameters 10' inductively, capacitively or magnetically via a proximity sensor within the means for actual value detection 300.

[0073] A permanent pipe connection is produced after an initially not yet permanent pipe connection has been produced by defined positioning of the first pipe element with respect to the second pipe element via means for producing a permanent pipe connection 6, 6'.

[0074] The means for producing a permanent pipe connection comprise process control means 200 (shown in Fig. 4 ) for producing a material-locking connection between two pipe elements 4, 5 controllable welding devices or controllable soldering devices, or controllable adhesive dosing and holding devices for connecting two pipe elements.

[0075] The process control means 200 (shown in Fig. 4 ) generates the process parameters 210 defined for establishing a permanent connection depending on the type of connection to be established.

[0076] The process parameters 210 to be output by the process control means 200 to the pipe connection 1 to be created for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent pipe connection 6, 6' of two pipe elements 4, 5 include, for example, the feed for establishing a defined position of a first pipe element 4 and / or a second pipe element 5 in the pipe connection area, the material composition of a connecting means such as the composition of a welding electrode, its dosage and feed and / or a shielding gas composition or the dosage and composition of a soldering agent and / or a flux, the heat supplied or removed to generate a defined temperature at a controllable means for producing a permanent, material-locking pipe connection 6, 6', for example a welded or soldered connection, the mixing and / or dosage of adhesive components and, if applicable, the duration and intensity of the supply of curing radiation such as ultraviolet light for curing an adhesive connection, frequency, amplitude, distance and temporal profile of an ultrasonic welding device for plastic, amplitude,Distance and temporal profile of a laser welding device.

[0077] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 (shown in Fig. 4 ) controls the process control means 200 for dosing the process parameters 210 either directly via target process parameters 110 or by specifying the target process parameters 110 via the user 2 via an optional manual interface 120 and comprises means for actual value acquisition 300 of the process parameters 210. The means for actual value acquisition convert the actual values ​​10' of the process parameters into electrical actual values ​​of the process parameters 310, which are fed back to the control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 for further processing.

[0078] The target process parameters 110 are either transmitted directly from the pipe connection applicator to the process control means 200 via a control device 100, or the target process parameters 110 are transmitted manually by a user 2 via an optional manual interface 120 by specifying the target process parameters 110 from the pipe connection applicator to the process control means 200 via a control device 100. The target process parameters 110 determined by the pipe connection applicator to the control device 100 are specified via an interface for input by the user and / or for output to the user 20, or via an interface to a computer 410 and via an output device of a computer 400, for example, the display and / or the loudspeaker or headphones of a smartphone or tablet PC, or via a display or an output device such as a printer of the computer 400.

[0079] The target process parameter 110 can optionally be input by a user 2 via an interface for input from the user and / or for output to the user 20 to the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 or it is determined by a control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 and provided as a target process parameter 110 to the process control means 200 for generating the process parameter 210 to the controllable means for producing a permanent material-locking connection 6, 6' of a first pipe element 4 with a second pipe element 5.

[0080] The actual value acquisition means 300 optionally comprises sensors for sensing the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe elements to be connected. This data is provided, for example, via identification means 302, 303, which can be attached to one or both of the pipe elements 4, 5 to be connected, or it can be retrieved from a database by the user 2 or entered manually. The sensors can, for example, comprise a barcode scanner, a character recognizer, a camera, RFID receiver, or an input keyboard, or an interface to a computer, such as a tablet PC or a smartphone, for retrieving this data from a database or for manually sensing the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe elements 4, 5 to be connected.

[0081] Fig. 4shows, as a block diagram, the integration of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 into a system for creating a pipe connection. The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 provides the target process parameters 110 for controlling a process control means 200 for producing a pipe connection 1. The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 records the actual process parameters 10, 10' via the actual value acquisition means 300.

[0082] A permanent pipe connection is made after an initially non-permanent pipe connection has been made using means for making a permanent pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' (shown in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 ). The pipe connection can optionally be removed again.

[0083] The means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' are controlled by the process control means 200 for establishing a permanent and / or detachable connection between two pipe ends. The process control means 200 includes, for example, force- or torque-controlled means for closing or opening screw connections, force- or torque-controlled means for closing or opening clamp sleeves, controllable welding devices or soldering devices, mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically controllable shrink or pressing devices, in particular those for actuating push-in sleeves operating according to European Patent EP 3 120 064 B1, or adhesive dosing and holding devices for connecting two pipe elements 4, 5.

[0084] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 determines the process parameters 310 based on electrical actual values, which are received from the actual value acquisition means 300, for example from the marking means 301, 302, 303 (shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) output actual values ​​of the process parameters 10, 10' on the one hand, the physical parameters of the components of a pipe connection 1, for example the type and / or the material as well as the dimensions of the sleeve 3, 3' and / or the first pipe element 4 and / or the second pipe element 5, the temperature and / or the air pressure and / or the air humidity at the sleeve 3, 3' and / or at the first pipe element 4 and / or at the second pipe element 5 and / or the position of the first pipe element 4 and optionally of the second pipe element 5 with respect to the position of the pipe connection area, and on the other hand, determines therefrom the target process parameter 110 for at least one process parameter 210 to be output by the process control means 200 to the pipe connection 1 to be created and the course of the process parameters 210 to be output to the pipe connection 1, that is to say,the defined temporal progression in sign and magnitude and, if applicable, the chemical and / or physical composition of at least one of the process parameters 210 output by the process control means 200 for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection of a first pipe element 4 to a second pipe element 5. Alternatively or additionally, the target process parameter 110 of at least one process parameter 210 to be output by a process control means 200 to the pipe connection to be created can be entered manually by a user 2 via the interface for input by the user and / or for output to the user 20 to the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 and is then specified from there to the process control means 200 as the target process parameter 110 after appropriate processing, taking into account the other process-relevant data.

[0085] Target process parameters 110 include, for example, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic signals for operating the process control means 200 for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7', in particular a resulting pressure or temporal pressure curve applied to the means for closing or opening clamp sleeves.

[0086] The process control means 200 comprises, for example, a screw actuator, for example a cordless screwdriver or another electrically or pneumatically or hydraulically operated screw tool with a defined controllable torque and / or defined torque curve, a compressed air generator with a defined controllable working pressure and defined working pressure curve within a fluid pressure medium, for example a dispensing gun connected to a pressure vessel with a fluid pressure medium under defined pressure or an electrically or pneumatically or hydraulically actuated compressed air valve or a hand compressor or a disposable or reusable cartridge or a pressure cartridge, a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure generator with a defined controllable working pressure and defined working pressure curve within a fluid pressure medium, an actuator comprising a mechanically, electrically,Pneumatically or hydraulically controllable valve for controlling the flow and / or pressure of a fluid pressure medium, in particular a generator and / or an actuator for generating a pressure and a defined pressure profile, for example a pulse or another temporal profile within a fluid pressure medium for controlling a plug-in sleeve 3 according to European Patent EP 3 120 064 B1, an adhesive dosing device with controllable concentration and quantity of a single- or multi-component adhesive, a controllable feed device with defined control of the position of a pipe component 4, 5 with respect to the position in the pipe connection area, a soldering device with controllable temperature and temperature profile, a welding device with controllable temperature and temperature profile and optionally with controllable supply of a welding electrode and optional control of a shielding gas supply,a laser welding device with controllable temperature and temperature profile or an ultrasonic welding device with controllable temperature and temperature profile, optionally with controllable working frequency and / or working amplitude.

[0087] The process parameters 210 to be output by the process control means 200 to the pipe connection 1 to be created for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' of two pipe elements 4, 5 are described in the description of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 described as an example.

[0088] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 controls the process control means 200 for dosing the process parameters 210 via the target process parameters 110 directly or via specifications to the user 2.

[0089] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 comprises means for actual value acquisition 300 of the process parameters 210. The means for actual value acquisition 300 convert the actual values ​​10, 10' of the process parameters 210 into electrical actual values ​​of the process parameters 310, which are fed back to the control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 for further processing.

[0090] The target process parameter 110 can optionally be entered by a user 2 via the interface for input from the user and / or for output to the user 20 to the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 or it is determined by a control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 and provided as a target process parameter 110 to the process control means 200 for generating the process parameter 210 to the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable connection 6, 6', 7, 7' of a first and / or a second pipe element 4, 5, for example in the form of a force-fitting connection and / or a form-fitting connection and / or a material-fitting connection.

[0091] The actual value acquisition means 300 optionally comprises sensors for sensing the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe elements 4, 5 to be connected and / or the socket 3, 3'. These data are transmitted, for example, via marking means 301, 302, 303 (shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) are provided, which can be attached to the sleeve 3, 3' and / or to one or both of the pipe elements 4, 5 to be connected, or they can be retrieved by the user 2 from a database via an interface to the computer 410 or entered manually via the interface for input by the user and / or for output to the user 20. The sensors can, for example, comprise a barcode scanner, a character recognizer, a camera, an RFID receiver or an input keyboard or an interface 410 to a computer, such as a tablet PC or a smartphone, for retrieving this data from a database or for manually recording the material properties and / or the dimensions of the pipe elements 4, 5 to be connected.

[0092] In the example shown, the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 comprises an interface to the computer 410 via which the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 is connected to a nearby or remote computer 400.

[0093] In this example, the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 comprises an electronic control unit 105 in addition to the option of manual operation by the user 2 via the interface for input from the user and / or for output to the user 20 or via the optional manual interface 120.

[0094] The control unit 105 comprises an analog computer with at least one input and output interface or advantageously a digital computer with a signal processor, program memory, data memory and at least one input and output interface 20, 410.

[0095] The control unit 105 advantageously comprises a computer with data and program memory and / or an interface to a computer 410, for example a smartphone, tablet PC and / or a server and / or via an interface for input from the user and / or for output to the user 20 for controlling the process parameters 210 and for controlling the target process parameters 110 and via an interface for recording the actual electrical values ​​of the process parameters 310.

[0096] The control unit 105 comprises interfaces to the sensors of the actual value acquisition means 300 and the interface for input from the user and / or output to the user 20.

[0097] The means for actual value detection 300 comprises sensors for detecting the actual values ​​of the process parameters 10, 10' of the process parameters 210 applied to the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' of a first pipe element 4 and / or a second pipe element 5 with respect to a sleeve 3, 3'.

[0098] The sensors of the actual value acquisition means 300 can also acquire personal data or the identification of the user 2 as the actual value of the process parameters 10, 10', for example via an RFID reader, magnetic stripe reader, barcode reader or an input keyboard for entering a PIN or other user identification.

[0099] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​optionally include a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of a fluid medium for controlling the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7', in particular a resulting pressure applied to the means for closing or opening clamp sleeves or a temporal pressure profile of a fluid medium. The clamping process is advantageously controlled by monitoring the pressure profile in the cavity of the sleeve 3, 3', for example, at the connection point for applying a fluid pressure medium to a sleeve 3, 3'.

[0100] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​advantageously comprise an acoustic / electrical vibration transducer or mechanical / electrical vibration transducer within a frequency range of 5 Hz to 100 kHz for detecting the structure-borne sound and / or the temporal structure-borne sound profile or the room sound and / or the temporal room sound profile in the pipe connection area during the control of the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' in the area of ​​the pipe connection 1.

[0101] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​advantageously comprise a force sensor and / or a torque sensor for detecting the controlling force or the controlling torque applied to the means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' for closing or opening the force-locking and / or form-locking connection of the pipe ends, or the temporal force or torque curve. Alternatively, the force sensor and / or torque sensor can also be an integral component of the process control means 200, for example, a cordless screwdriver or a hand-held compressor.

[0102] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​advantageously comprise a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature or the temperature profile during the control of the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' in the region of the pipe connection 1.

[0103] The temperature sensor can particularly advantageously comprise an infrared radiation sensor or a thermal imaging sensor for contactless detection of the temperature.

[0104] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​optionally include an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver for recording mechanical stress curves in the material of the pipe elements in the area of ​​the pipe connection 1,

[0105] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​optionally include an X-ray transmitter and an X-ray receiver for recording mechanical stress curves in the material of the pipe elements in the area of ​​pipe connection 1.

[0106] The sensors for detecting the actual values ​​optionally include an optical barcode scanner for detecting the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe ends to be connected. This information is advantageously applied as a barcode to the pipe ends to be connected and / or to the socket 3, 3' via marking devices 301, 302, 303.

[0107] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​optionally include an RFID reader for recording the material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe ends to be connected. The information is advantageously applied as an RFID tag to the pipe elements 4, 5 to be connected and / or to the socket 3, 3' via marking devices 301, 302, 303, or as a barcode to the pipe ends to be connected and / or to the socket 3, 3'.

[0108] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​optionally include a GPS sensor for recording the position of the created pipe connection in three-dimensional space with regard to the Earth reference system and optionally a timer for determining a timestamp in order to be able to document an assignment to the space and time of the created pipe connection, particularly in complex and extensive pipe systems.

[0109] The sensors for recording the actual values ​​optionally include means for recording the user's personal identification data, for example an RFID reader, magnetic stripe reader, barcode reader or an input keyboard.

[0110] The sensors of the actual value acquisition means 300 convert the actual values ​​of the process parameters 10, 10' into electrical actual values ​​of the process parameters 310, which are further processed by the control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with control device 100.

[0111] Advantageously, the control unit 105 records the date, the time and the geographical position of the pipe connection produced and records, via the actual value recording means 300, continuously or at defined time intervals, the actual course of the electrical actual values ​​of the process parameters 310 of at least one of the process parameters 210 to be delivered to the pipe connection 1.

[0112] The control unit 105 determines the target process parameters 110 for controlling the process control means 200 from the actual electrical values ​​of the process parameters 310 and / or from the input of the user 2 via the interface for input from the user and / or for output to the user 20.

[0113] The control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 operates the interface to the computer 410 via the control unit 105, via which inputs from a local or remote computer 400 to the control unit 105 for controlling the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 are possible and outputs and the storage of result values ​​from the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 to a local or remote computer 400 are possible.

[0114] A nearby computer 400 can be a smartphone or a tablet PC connected via a wired or wireless interface 410, and a remote computer 400 can be, for example, a server or computer accessible via a local area interface (LAN) 410 or a wide area interface (WAN) 410 and the Internet.

[0115] The target values ​​and their tolerances can be stored in the control unit 105 in a data storage device or in a nearby or remote computer 400, for example, as a lookup table or as a data record in a relational database. The nearby or remote computer 400 can be a local computer or a smartphone connected to the pipe connection applicator via a wired or wireless interface with a control device 100, or a remote server connected via a local area network (LAN) or a WAN (wide area network) and the Internet.

[0116] Advantageously, the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 can optionally access a tolerance band stored for the respective type of connection to be produced and the combination of material characteristics resulting from the target process parameter 110, compares the respective actual value of the process parameters 10, 10' or the electrical actual value of the process parameters 310 with the tolerance band of the target process parameter 110, and, if an actual value deviates from the target tolerance, issues an alarm to user 2 via the interface for input by the user and / or for output to user 20 and / or saves an error log. The output to user 2 can be via a display on the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 or via a smartphone or via a nearby or remote printer or by transmitting and saving the data to a nearby or remote computer 400, for example via a smartphone.

[0117] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 for process control means 200 for controlling the process parameters 210 to be delivered to a pipe connection 1 to be created for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' of two pipe elements 4, 5 by means of a sleeve 3 3', comprises a means for actual value detection 300, which detects at least one actual value of the process parameters 10, 10' and determines therefrom a target process parameter 110 with which the process control means 200 can be controlled.

[0118] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 compares at least one actual value of the process parameters 10, 10' with at least one target process parameter 110.

[0119] The pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 outputs an alarm to a user 2 via an interface for input by the user and / or for output to the user 20 if at least one actual value of the process parameters 10, 10' deviates from at least one tolerance value range of a target process parameter 110 and / or creates an error log and outputs it to the user 2 or stores the error log in a nearby or remote computer 400.

[0120] An example of a system according to the invention for establishing a connection between a first pipe element 4 and a second pipe element 5 via a sleeve 3, wherein the sleeve 3 comprises a plug-in sleeve with a clamping element according to European patent EP 3 120 064 B1, which has a tensioning element that can be coupled in a shear manner in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in sleeve, wherein the clamping element is shaped and designed such that, when subjected to an axial force by means of a fluid pressure medium, it exerts its clamping effect in the form of a snap function on the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5, comprises a process control means 200 in the form of a compressed air valve of a process control means 200 that can be controlled via a target process parameter 110, via which a process parameter 210 in the form of a controlled compressed air flow can be applied to the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' of the plug-in sleeve.whereby a clamping effect in the form of a snap function can be exerted on the first pipe element 4 and the second pipe element 5, comprises means for actual value detection 300 of at least one of the actual process parameters 10, 10' in the form of a compressed air flow to the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7', which transmits the actual process parameters 10, 10' as electrical actual process parameters 310 to a control unit 105 of a pipe connection applicator with control device 100, which determines the target process parameters 110 from the electrical actual process parameters 310 for controlling the process control means 200 and optionally comprises at least one comparison of an electrical actual process parameter 310 with at least one target process parameter 110 and, in the event of a deviation from a defined tolerance band, issues an alarm to the user 2 and / or issues an error log or saves an error log.

[0121] Fig. 5shows the basic desired pressure curve in the cavity of a plug-in sleeve according to European patent EP 3 120 064 B1. This exemplary characteristic curve of a process parameter 210 for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or detachable pipe connection 6, 6', 7, 7' can be detected as an actual value of the process parameter 10, 10' of the controlling compressed air by a pressure sensor of the actual value detection means 300, converted, and forwarded as an electrical actual value of the process parameter 310 to the control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100. For example, the process control means 200 generates a defined compressed air pulse as process parameter 210 based on a target process parameter 110, which is input by the user 2 via the interface 120 or by the pipe connection applicator with a control device 100 by directly outputting a target process parameter 110.This causes the in the cavity of the socket. Fig. 4 shown pressure curve, which can be detected, for example, at the connection point for applying a fluid pressure medium to the plug-in sleeve, or a sleeve 3.

[0122] For example, a characteristic point pcrit can be used to assess the quality of the clamp connection. This point can also be evaluated acoustically as a "critical point." Alternatively or additionally, the entire pressure and / or acoustic emission curve or another actual value of the process parameter 10, 10' can be compared with a tolerance band of the target process parameter 110.If the actual value of the process parameter 10, 10' of the controlling compressed air or the corresponding electrical actual value of the process parameter 310 deviates from a defined tolerance band of the target process parameter 110, for example, an alarm is triggered via the interface for input from the user and / or for output to the user 20 to the user 2 and / or the storage of an error log in the control unit 105 of the pipe connection applicator with control device 100 and / or in the nearby or remote computer 400. List of reference symbols used:

[0123] 1 Pipe connection 2 User 3, 3' Socket 4 First pipe element 5 Second pipe element 6, 6', Means for establishing a permanent and / or detachable 7, 7' Pipe connection 10, 10' Actual value of the process parameters 20 Interface for input from the user and / or for output to the user 100 Pipe connection applicator with a control device 105 Control unit 110 Target process parameters 120 Optional manual interface 200 Process control means 210 Process parameters 300 Means for actual value acquisition 301, 302, Identification means 303 Identification means 304, 305 Means for position acquisition 310 Electrical actual values ​​of the process parameters 400 Computer 410 Interface to the computer

Claims

1. System for producing a connection between a first pipe element (4) and a second pipe element (5), comprising a sleeve (3), the sleeve (3) comprising a plug-in sleeve with a clamping element which has a tensioning element which can be coupled on thrust in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in sleeve, the clamping element being shaped and designed in such a way that it exerts its clamping effect in the form of a snap function on the first pipe element (4) and the second pipe element (5) when an axial force is applied by means of a fluid pressure medium, further comprising a process control means (200) in the form of a compressed air valve which can be controlled via a set process parameter (110) and via which a process parameter (210) in the form of a controlled compressed air flow is transmitted to the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7, 7') of the plug-in sleeve, whereby a clamping effect in the form of a snap function can be exerted on the first pipe element (4) and the second pipe element (5), and comprising means for detecting the actual value (300) of at least one of the actual process parameters (10, 10') in the form of a compressed air flow at the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7, 7'), which outputs the actual process parameters (10, 10') as electrical actual process parameters (310) to a control unit (105) of a pipe joint applicator with a control device (100), which determines the set process parameters (110) for controlling the process control means (200) from the electrical actual process parameters (310).

2. A system according to claim 1, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100) for a process control means (200) for controlling the process parameters (210) to be delivered to a pipe connection (1) to be produced for controlling the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7, 7') of two pipe elements (4, 5), characterized in that the pipe joint applicator with a control device (100) comprises a means for detecting the actual value (300), which detects at least one actual value of the process parameters (10, 10') and determines therefrom a set process parameter (110), with which the process control means (200) can be controlled.

3. The system according to claim 2, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein at least one actual value of the process parameters (10, 10') is comparable with at least one set process parameter (110).

4. System according to claim 3, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein an alarm can be output to a user (2) via an interface for input by the user and / or for output to a user (20) if at least one actual value of the process parameters (10, 10') deviates from at least one tolerance value range of a set process parameter (110).

5. System according to claim 3, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control unit (100), wherein, if at least one actual value of the process parameters (10, 10') deviates from at least one tolerance value range of a set process parameter (110), an error log can be generated by a control unit (105) of the pipe joint applicator with control unit (100) and can be output to the user (2) or stored in a nearby or remote computer (400).

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein the means for detecting the actual value (300) comprises a sensor for detecting the pressure of a fluid medium for controlling the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7, 7').

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein the means for detecting the actual value (300) comprises an acoustic / electrical vibration transducer or mechanical / electrical vibration transducer within a frequency range of 5 Hz to 100k Hz for detecting the structure-borne sound and / or the temporal structure-borne sound characteristic (10, 10') and / or of the spatial sound and / or of the temporal spatial sound curve (10, 10') in the pipe connection area during the control of the controllable means for establishing a permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7, 7') in the area of the pipe connection (1)8. System according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein the means for actual value detection (300) comprises a force sensor and / or a torque sensor for detecting the process parameter (10, 10') of a controlling force or the controlling torque or the temporal force or torque progression applied to the means for producing a permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 7, 7') for closing or opening the force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the pipe ends of a first pipe element (4) with a second pipe element (5).

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein the means for detecting the actual value (300) comprises a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature or temperature profile during control of the controllable means for making permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7, 7') in the area of the pipe joint (1).

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein the means for detecting the actual value (300) comprises a sensor for optical coding, for example an optical barcode scanner and / or a sensor for text recognition, for example a camera or a character reader, and / or an RFID reader for detecting material properties and / or dimensions of the pipe elements (4, 5) and / or the sleeve (3, 3') to be connected.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 10, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein the means for detecting the actual value (300) comprises a GPS sensor for detecting the position of the created pipe joint in three-dimensional space with respect to the reference system earth and / or a timer for detecting a time stamp.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 11, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein the means for detecting the actual value (300) comprises means for detecting the user's personal identification data, for example an RFID reader, magnetic stripe reader, barcode reader and / or an input keyboard.

13. System according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 12, comprising the pipe joint applicator with the control device (100), wherein in the pipe joint area for a contactless detection of the ends of plastic pipes at one or both pipe ends of the first pipe element (4) and the second pipe element (5) of the pipe elements to be connected and / or in the sleeve (3) at least one means for position detection (304, 305) is attached to one or both pipe ends of the first pipe element (4) and the second pipe element (5) of the pipe elements to be connected and / or in the sleeve (3), wherein the means for detecting the actual value (304, 305) changes its position until the correct position is reached or when a correct position of a pipe element (4, 5) is reached and the change in position can be detected inductively, capacitively or magnetically as the actual value of the process parameters (10') via a proximity sensor within the means for detecting the actual value (300).

14. A method of producing a connection between a first pipe element (4) and a second pipe element (5) by means of the system according to claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: - detecting the information for identifying the pipe elements (4, 5), and optionally the sleeve (3, 3') for example the material composition, the nominal diameter, the manufacturer, the serial number or type of connection to be made, - determining the set process parameters (110) for controlling the process control means (200), - applying the process parameters (210) to the controllable means for producing a permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7., 7') of a first and / or a second pipe element (4, 5) with respect to a sleeve (3, 3'), - optionally detecting the actual values (10, 10') of the process parameters (210) applied to the controllable means for producing permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7, 7') of a first and / or a second pipe element with respect to a sleeve (3, 3'), - optional comparison of the actual values (10, 10') of the process parameters (210) applied to the controllable means for producing permanent and / or releasable pipe connection (6, 6', 7, 7') of a first and / or a second pipe element (4, 5) with respect to a sleeve (3, 3') with a tolerance band for the set process parameters (110), - optional output of the result to a user via a display device and / or optional documentation of the result in a data storage device or via a printer.

15. The method according to claim 14, additionally comprising the steps of: - detecting the user's personal identification data, - detecting and storing the time and / or geographic position at the moment the connection is established.