EP2222998A1

EP2222998A1 - Coupling for interconnecting at least two pipes

Info

Publication number: EP2222998A1
Application number: EP08861434A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Armin Amann; Wilhelm Sonderegger
Original assignee: A & S Umwelttechnologie AG
Current assignee: Jansen AG
Priority date: 2007-12-14
Filing date: 2008-12-09
Publication date: 2010-09-01
Also published as: AT506088B1; AU2008338281A1; JP2011506867A; CA2708371A1; WO2009076687A1; CN102047020A; AT506088A4; US20100301596A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling for interconnecting at least two pipes (1) of a geothermal heat exchanger system, comprising at least one female coupling part (2) and at least one male coupling part (3) that can be inserted therein, at least one fluid seal (4) being provided between the coupling parts (2, 3) for sealing the coupling parts (2, 3), especially in a fluid-tight manner. At least one, preferably annular or cylindrical, reinforcing element (5) supports at least one of the two coupling parts (2, 3), preferably at least the female coupling part (2), so that said coupling part (2, 3) is not radially deformed, preferably not radially expanded, and is produced of a material or material composition different from that of the coupling part (2, 3).

Description

Sleeve for connecting at least two pipes

The present invention relates to a sleeve for connecting at least two tubes of a geothermal heat exchanger arrangement with at least one female socket part and at least one male socket part insertable thereinto, wherein at least one fluid seal for, in particular liquid-tight, sealing of the sleeve parts is provided between these sleeve parts.

Geothermal heat exchanger arrangements are systems which are brought into contact with the soil, at least in some areas, for interaction or for thermal exchange, preferably at least partly submerged in the ground. Such geothermal heat exchanger assemblies may include geothermal heat exchangers, geothermal probes, geothermal collectors, and the like, as well as other tubular elements that are incorporated into the ground or that provide interconnections to buildings or facilities. By heat exchange with the soil or groundwater, heat is transferred to the fluids carried in the tubes of the geothermal heat exchanger assembly to use the heat thus obtained to heat buildings or facilities. Geothermal heat exchanger arrangements can be used in an analogous manner but also for cooling buildings or facilities or facilities. As a rule, plastic pipes are used in such arrangements because they do not corrode or rot on the one hand and on the other hand they are relatively inexpensive to produce and easy to process. Since these pipes can not be manufactured and installed in arbitrary lengths for transport reasons alone, one needs generic sleeves with which one can connect at least two of such pipes to the geothermal heat exchanger arrangement. These sleeves are conveniently made of plastic, since they should be as resistant to corrosion, rotting and cheap to produce.

Another requirement of such a sleeve is that the diameter is not significantly larger than that of the pipes to be connected. This limits the material or wall thickness of the sleeve parts. By filling the once assembled geothermal heat exchanger assembly created by the guided in the pipes fluids, especially liquids such as water or brine, a significant internal pipe pressure, which permanently on the pipes and the sleeve (s) acts. Experience shows that due to the plasticity of the material used, in particular plastic material, this permanent pressure load over time can lead to an undesirable widening of the sleeve. This can then either cause leaks or it can come after certain periods to complete breakage of the sleeve.

The object of the invention is to further develop a sleeve of the type mentioned above, that this problem is eliminated or at least greatly reduced.

This is inventively achieved by at least one, preferably annular or sleeve-shaped reinforcing body is provided, which supports at least one of the two sleeve parts, preferably at least the female sleeve part against radial deformation, preferably radial expansion of this sleeve part and made of a different material or a other material composition is formed as this sleeve part.

The invention thus provides for preventing the sleeve by means of the reinforcing body from deforming, in particular expanding, over time under the action of pressure. This is especially about the avoidance of plastic deformation. However, since elastic deformations of the sleeve can also lead to leaks, it is also necessary to restrict these at least so far that leaks are avoided. By means of the reinforcing body the sleeve at least sufficiently retains its original shape, thus eliminating the above-mentioned problems. The reinforcing body is desirably made of a material that does not corrode or rot. In order to perform its function, it is favorable if the material or the material composition of the reinforcing body has a high fatigue strength and the slight elongation lies within the elastic range. As a result, the reinforcing body forms a kind of reinforcement, by which the sleeve retains its shape and thus its functionality at least to a sufficient degree, even under permanent load.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "pipe" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a hollow body through which liquids or gases can be passed. The beginning Reef of the tube is therefore to be construed broadly and in particular means no limitation in shape and size of these hollow body. In practical terms, geothermal heat exchanger arrangements, in particular geothermal heat exchangers, geothermal probes and geothermal collectors, are thus composed to a large extent or substantially of tubes.

In addition to the sleeve itself, the invention also relates to a male sleeve part for a sleeve according to the invention and / or a female sleeve part for a sleeve according to the invention and / or a reinforcing body for a sleeve according to the invention. Moreover, the invention also relates to a geothermal heat exchanger arrangement with at least one sleeve according to the invention and in particular a geothermal heat exchanger arrangement, which in the assembled state has at least two pipes connected to one another by means of the sleeve. Preferably, it is provided that the tubes, at least in the region in which they are in direct contact with the sleeve parts in the assembled state, have the same material, preferably the same plastic, as the sleeve parts.

It is preferably provided that the fluid seal and preferably also an optional additional seal abuts (rest against) or is supported by and / or surrounded by the sleeve at least in the assembled state of the sleeve on the reinforcing body (are).

Further details and features will become apparent from the following description of various embodiments of the invention. Showing:

1 to 6 representations of a first embodiment,

Fig. 7 to 10 different examples of modified embodiments of this first embodiment with various reinforcing bodies and Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention in the form of a T-piece for connecting three tubes.

Fig. 1 shows the first embodiment of a geothermal heat exchanger assembly in the region of the two tubes 1 connecting sleeve. In Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through this arrangement is shown. In the assembled state, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is provided in all the exemplary embodiments shown that the female sleeve part 2 and the male sleeve part 3 mounted therein are mounted or fastened to one another so as to be immovable. In the illustrated variants form the female socket part 2 and the male sleeve part 3 in the assembled state, a latchable connector. However, this need not necessarily be so, there are also other positive connections, such as connectors, screw, connections with bayonet locks and the like, lent in embodiments of the invention. It is favorable in all these embodiments, when the connection, whether it is now by hand or with the aid of tools, can also be solved again, without destroying or damaging the sleeve thereby. In order to enable the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 to latch together, a locking sleeve 6 is provided in the embodiments shown in the figures, which in the assembled state of the sleeve encloses the connecting region between the female sleeve part 2 and the male sleeve part 3. Conveniently, it is provided that the locking sleeve 6 is held in the assembled state of the sleeve in the form of at least one latching and / or releasable connection on the female sleeve part 2 and / or on the male sleeve part 3. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the locking sleeve 6 is fixedly arranged on the female socket part 2. It engages there behind a preferably annular collar-shaped projection 11. As can be seen particularly well in FIGS. 1 and 3, the locking sleeve 6 on expansion slots 9, whereby elastically deformable locking tongues 13 are formed. The male socket part 3 is automatically locked when inserted into the female socket part 2, as soon as the arranged on him, preferably designed as a collar, projections 11 are pushed so far in the direction of the female socket part 2 that the spring tongues 13 arranged on the male socket part 3 projections 11, as shown in Fig. 2, engage behind. In this state, the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 are locked together. The locking sleeve 6 prevents a pulling apart of the two sleeve parts in the direction of the longitudinal axis 14 of the sleeve.

In principle, it would also be possible to use brackets or the like in place of the locking sleeve 6 in order to fasten the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 together in the direction of the longitudinal axis 14. However, the use of a substantially closed locking sleeve 6, which more or less completely surrounds the region in which the two sleeve parts 2, 3 are inserted, has the advantage that such a locking sleeve 6 at least partially prevents the ingress of dirt the connection area between male and female female part 2 and 3 is prevented.

In any case, the assembled state means the state in which the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 are pushed completely into one another in such a way that the fluid Seal 4, the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 seals against each other and the sleeve parts 2 and 3 are attached to each other.

As already stated, the locking sleeve 6 is used in the first embodiment. 1-6 essentially to keep the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 in the axial direction 14 together. In contrast, to prevent the sealing effect endangering expansion of the sleeve parts 2 and 3 in the radial direction, ie perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 14, the reinforcing body 5 is provided in the embodiments shown. This serves to support at least one of the two sleeve parts 2, 3, preferably the female sleeve part 2, against a radial extension orthogonal to the axial direction 14. For example, it may already be sufficient if the reinforcing body 5 only supports the outer, ie female, sleeve part 2, whereby at the same time the male sleeve part 3 is supported against excessive radial expansion. Depending on the specific shape of the sleeve parts 2 and 3, however, provision may also be made for the reinforcing body 5 to support the male sleeve part 3 and the female sleeve part 2 or directly the male sleeve part 3 and preferably indirectly for the female sleeve part 2 against radial expansion , For this purpose, the reinforcing body 5 is made of a different material or a different material composition than at least one of the sleeve parts 2, 3. Accordingly, it is also advantageous if the reinforcing body 5 is formed of a different material or a different material composition than the male sleeve part 3 and as the female sleeve part 2. In principle, it would be possible to achieve the required stability of the reinforcing body by means of corresponding wall thicknesses.

Preferably, however, it is provided that the material or the material composition of the reinforcing body 5 reaches its elastic limit only at substantially higher tensile stresses than the material or the material composition of the male sleeve part 3 and / or the female sleeve part 2. It is particularly preferred if the elastic limit of the material or the material composition of the reinforcing body 5 is reached at the earliest at at least a factor 4 or even better by at least a factor 10 or at least a factor 40 higher tensile stresses than the elastic limit of the material or the material composition of the male sleeve part 3 and / or the female sleeve part 2. The elastic limit refers to that value of the mechanical tensile stress beyond which plastic deformation takes place. In the stress-strain diagram, this is the point at which the stress-strain curve deviates from the linear curve of the elastic range. differs. The material properties, such as the permissible tensile strength and compressive strength under continuous stress, are well known for the candidate materials or material compositions for producing the reinforcing body, such as metals, fiber reinforced plastics and the like. In order to achieve a reliable fatigue strength sufficient security must be considered in the dimensioning of the material cross section of the reinforcing body 5. Ultimately, it is advantageously provided that the reinforcing body 5 is always only deformed purely elastically in the tensile stresses occurring during operation on the sleeve by weight and pressure.

If one uses plastics such. As polyethylene, in particular PEHD, polypropylene, polybutylene or PVC for producing the male socket part 3 and / or the female socket part 2, the tensile stresses at which these materials reach their elastic limit, at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure in the order of 10 N / mm ² . For the purposes of the above-mentioned Factor 4 or 10, a material or a material composition is then favorably used for the production of the reinforcing body 5, which at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure at tensile stresses of at least 40 N / mm ² , preferably of at least 100 N / mm ² , is still purely elastically deformed, without leaving plastic deformation in relief. In the preferred factors 30 and 40, respectively, a material or a material composition is used for the reinforcing body, which at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure at tensile stresses of at least 300 N / mm ² , preferably of at least 400 N / mm ² , is deformed purely elastically.

It is preferably provided that the reinforcing body 5 surrounds or supports at least the female sleeve part 2, preferably both sleeve parts 2, 3, in an annular or sleeve-like manner. In the first embodiment acc. 1 to 6, the reinforcing body 5 is formed in the form of a double-walled sleeve, which is pushed onto the male coupling part 3 facing the end 12 of the female socket part 2 and pressed tightly. The reinforcing body 5 is formed in this embodiment so that the male sleeve part 3 is inserted into the sleeve-shaped reinforcing body 5. The reinforcing body 5 is in this variant also carrier of the fluid seal 4. This is the complete sealing of the sleeve, so that in the assembled state of the sleeve no fluids from the outside can penetrate into the sleeve and vice versa no fluids from the inside the sleeve to the outside being able to leave. As shown in the figures, the fluid seal 4 advantageously has a sealing lip which, in the assembled state of the sleeve, is closed over its entire surface and closed in a ring at the outer end of the sleeve. ßenkontur the male sleeve part 3 rests and so permanently ensures a sufficient seal. Other forms of seals such as O-rings are conceivable and possible here. The configuration of the fluid seal 4 in detail is determined by which fluids are to be transported in the geothermal probe or the pipeline system and which pressure stage is to be covered. These are usually liquids such. As water or brine, so that a corresponding material such. B. rubber should be used for the fluid seal 4.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the reinforcing body 5 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a side view, FIG. 5 shows the section along the section line AA from FIG. 6.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the female socket part 2 and the male socket part 3 in the disassembled state. In contrast to FIGS. 1 and 2, these two sleeve parts are not connected to the tubes 1 in the selected illustration. For receiving the tubes 1, the sleeve parts 2 and 3 each have an annular groove 8 into which the tubes 1 can be inserted or, for example, welded. It is possible to use various types of pipes 1. The first exemplary embodiment is, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the so-called corrugated tubes 1. Instead of this, however, it is of course also possible to use smooth tubes, dimpled tubes, etc. The tubes 1 as well as the sleeves are each hollow inside in the sense that in them liquids or gases can be transported. The tubes 1 can be attached to the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 in a sealing and pressure-resistant manner by welding, gluing, screwing, riveting or other measures known from the prior art. However, it is preferably provided that the tubes 1 and the sleeve parts 2 and 3 are welded together, preferably friction-welded. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the tubes 1 and the respective sleeve part to be fastened thereto are manufactured from the same material. Conveniently, therefore, the plastics already mentioned above for the sleeves are used for the tubes 1, even if this does not necessarily have to be so.

For geothermal heat exchanger arrangements, the sleeves and the tubes 1 should have internal diameters of at least 25 mm, preferably in the range between 25 mm and 250 mm. On the one hand to allow the best possible heat exchange with the ground or groundwater and on the other hand, but also to achieve the required stability, the wall thicknesses of the tubes 1, for example, between 1 and 10 mm. The minimum tensile strength of the sleeve should be at a pipe diameter of, for example, 63 mm. velvet in the axial direction at least 4000 N amount. A particularly favorable embodiment of the geothermal heat exchanger arrangement provides that both the female sleeve part 2 and the male sleeve part 3 and the locking sleeve 6 and the tubes 1 to at least 50 percent by volume, preferably completely, from the same mate- rial, preferably from the same plastic, are made. It is of course also possible to manufacture only the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 and possibly the tubes 1 of the same material, just as it is possible to manufacture only one of the two sleeve parts 2 or 3 together with the locking sleeve 6 of the same material and make the other sleeve part and possibly the tubes of other materials.

As shown in the first embodiment, the reinforcing body 5 can be an initially separately manufactured component, which can preferably be attached, pressed on, glued on, screwed on or wound up with the female sleeve part 2 and / or the male sleeve part 3. The reinforcing body 5 can be made of different materials. The first embodiment acc. Fig. 1 to 6 sees z. Example, that the reinforcing body made of metal, preferably steel or stainless steel, is made. In the case of the internal pressures occurring in geothermal heat exchanger arrangements in the sleeve, such materials react purely elastically. There is no plastic deformation, since the elastic limit of these materials is not reached. Conveniently, a safety factor is included. As a result, the sleeve can be permanently secured by the reinforcing body 5 against unwanted widening. In order to ensure the long-term stability, it is favorable, in particular when using the sleeve for geothermal heat exchanger arrangements, when the material of the reinforcing body 5 is correspondingly permanently resistant to corrosion. In this context, the use of stainless steel to produce the reinforcing body 5 is recommended.

When used for geothermal probes, the sleeve is surrounded in the operating state outside of soil, backfill or concrete or the like. The tubes 1 of the geothermal heat exchanger arrangement are usually buried, concreted in, introduced into predrilled holes and backfilled and / or driven into the ground by means of known ramming or vibration devices. This can be z. B., with a guided inside in the tubes 1 and in the sleeves Rammstange, which bottom of a Rammbzw. Probe foot is completed. Usually, only the lowest part of the pipeline is surrounded by a jacket of the probe foot. Otherwise, the rest of the pipeline, including the sleeves, will stand both during ramming and during later operation. was in direct contact with the soil, backfill material or concrete. As a result, it has repeatedly come in the prior art problems with penetrating into the sleeve soiling. In particular, when driving in soil, support liquid or backfill material can often be pressed directly into the sleeve. This can lead to problems of sealing by means of the fluid seal 4. To prevent this it can be provided that in addition to the, in particular liquid-tight, sealing fluid seal 4 provided an additional seal 7 is provided, which at least in the assembled state of the sleeve further away from the reaching into the female socket part 2 end 10 of the male socket part 3 is arranged as the fluid seal 4th

This additional seal 7 thus essentially has the function of a dirt deflector and prevents the penetration of externally introduced liquids, Hinterfüllma- materials or other dirt particles to the fluid seal 4. This additional seal 7, as in the embodiments shown here as a sealing ring, preferably as a rubber ring, be executed. It is advantageous if this additional seal 7 is mounted in an annular groove on the male sleeve part 3, as shown in the embodiments, or on the female sleeve part 2 or on the reinforcing body 5 or on the locking sleeve 6. In the first embodiment acc. 1 to 4, this additional seal 7 between the male sleeve part 3 and the reinforcing body 5 is arranged in any case as a separate component. But this does not necessarily have to be the case. As the embodiments described below show, it is e.g. quite possible that the additional seal 7 in the assembled state between the male sleeve part 3 and the female Muffentei! 2 acts.

Alternative embodiments are shown in FIGS. 7 to 11. 7 to 10 are sectional views, in each of which only the upper half of the sleeve in the region of the locking sleeve ό is shown. In the Ausführungsbeispie! gem. 7, a preferably multi-ply wrapping of the female sleeve part 2, preferably continuous fibers, is provided as reinforcing body 5. The reinforcing body 5 extends substantially over the area in which the male sleeve part 3 can be inserted. This wrapping can be made as a separate component which is plugged, pressed or glued onto the female socket part 2. However, it is also possible to wind up or laminate the plastic bands or fibers forming the reinforcing body directly onto the female socket part 2, so that, if appropriate by heat treatment, a one-piece connection between female coupling element and fiber is formed. fenteil 2 and reinforcing body 5 is formed. Fiber-reinforced or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics can be used, for example, for the fiber-reinforced plastic tapes. Due to the choice of material and the number of layers or wraps, the required dimensional stability and dimensional stability for the desired long-term behavior are achieved. The reinforcing body 5 formed from fiber-reinforced plastic tapes is particularly preferably still in the range of tensile stresses of at least 300 or 400 N / mm ² purely elastically deformable.

Fig. 8 shows a further variant. Here is the outside of the female sleeve part 2 a metallic or non-metallic sleeve applied form-, kraft or cohesive, the material and the execution of the sleeve is such that the required dimensional stability and dimensional accuracy of the diameter is given for the desired long-term behavior. Also, this, the reinforcing body 5 forming sleeve is particularly preferably in the range of tensile stresses of at least 300 or 400 N / mm ² purely elastically deformable.

In the embodiment gem. 9, a region of a sleeve part, here of the female sleeve part 2, is produced in the two-component method. For this purpose, suitable admixtures such as reinforcing fibers are added to the material of the sleeve part, which increase the tensile strength and adjust the elasticity properties as desired. FIG. 9 shows by way of example that the reinforcing body 5 can also be integrally formed on the female sleeve part 2. In this embodiment, the resulting reinforcing body 5 is changed by the said admixtures in its material properties relative to the remaining material of the respective sleeve part so that its elastic limit is significantly higher than the elastic limit of the remaining material or plastic of the sleeve part and thus the required safety for the desired long-term behavior is given. As already indicated, a male socket part 3, as already described for the female socket part 2, can be provided in the two-component method with an integrally molded reinforcing body 5.

Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment. Here, a metallic or non-metallic insert is introduced into the female socket part 2 as a reinforcing body 5. This insert can then serve in addition to its support function as a sealing surface and / or for receiving seals. Via a suitable choice of material for the insert Part is provided for the desired dimensional stability. The elastic limit of the insert is in turn, preferably clearly, above the elastic limit of the remaining sleeve.

Although this is not explicitly shown here, it should also be pointed out that the reinforcing body 5 can also be integrated into the arresting sleeve 6 or the arresting sleeve 6 forms the reinforcing body 5 directly by an appropriate choice of material. The locking sleeve 6 holds in this case, the two sleeve parts 2 and 3 not only together in the axial direction, but also prevents the unwanted expansion of the female sleeve part 2 in the radial direction.

While the sleeves described so far serve to connect only two tubes 1 with each other, the embodiment according to. Fig. 11 by way of example, that sleeves according to the invention can also be designed so that they connect more than two pipes together. 11 shows a T-piece, to which three tubes 1 can be connected. The tee has two male sleeve parts 3 and a female sleeve part 2. However, this is just one example, the number and design of the sleeve parts can be selected as needed. In the illustrated embodiment acc. Fig. 11 are the sleeve parts, in any case of their operation, as explained in the first embodiment, formed.

All of the sleeves shown in the embodiments can also be carried out so that the seals are supported by the female sleeve part 2 and the associated sealing surfaces are located on the male sleeve parts 3 or on the reinforcing bodies 5. The reverse arrangement is also possible, just to give a few examples. Of course, the seals 4 and 7 can also be held on different components of the sleeves.

In principle, it should be pointed out that sleeves according to the invention can serve to connect pipes 1 of various parts of geothermal heat exchanger arrangements, such as geothermal probes, earth absorbers, earth collectors, or all types of geothermal heat exchangers and / or other heat exchangers. The sleeves according to the invention can also be provided to connect geothermal probes, earth absorbers, ground collectors, or all types of geothermal heat exchangers and / or other heat exchangers to one another in terms of installation, or to make domestic connections and connections to collectors and distributors. Essentially, the above descriptions are based on the fact that the reinforcing body 5 has a radial extent Sleeve prevents. At this point, however, it should be noted that the reinforcing body 5 can serve in the same way to prevent a radial compression of the sleeve by forces from the outside or any other radial deformation of the sleeve.

L e g e to the reference numbers

1 tube

2 female socket part

3 male socket part

4 fluid seal

5 reinforcing body

6 locking sleeve

7 additional seal

8 groove

9 expansion slot

10 end of the male socket part

11 lead

12 end of the female socket part

13 spring tongue

14 longitudinal axis

Claims

claims

1. A socket for connecting at least two pipes (1) of a geothermal heat exchanger assembly with at least one female sleeve part (2) and at least one male coupling part (3) insertable therein, wherein between these sleeve parts (2, 3) at least one fluid seal (4) for , in particular liquid-tight, sealing of the sleeve parts (2, 3) is provided, characterized in that at least one, preferably annular or sleeve-shaped reinforcing body (5) is provided, which at least one of the two sleeve parts (2, 3), preferably at least the female Sleeve part (2), against a radial deformation, preferably radial expansion, this sleeve part (2, 3) is supported and made of a different material or a different material composition than this sleeve part (2, 3).

2. Sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing body (5) the female sleeve part (2) and the male sleeve part (3) against radial deformation, preferably radial expansion, these two sleeve parts (2, 3) is supported.

3. Sleeve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reinforcing body (5) made of a different material or a different material composition than the female sleeve part (2) and the male sleeve part (3) is formed.

4. Sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the material or the material composition of the reinforcing body (5) at a tensile stress of at least 40 N / mm ² , preferably of at least 100 N / mm ² , is purely elastically deformable. ^'

5. Sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reinforcing body surrounds at least the female sleeve part (2), preferably both sleeve parts (2, 3), annular or sleeve-shaped.

6. Sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the female socket part (2) and the male sleeve part (3) in the assembled state form a, preferably lockable and / or releasable, plug connection.

7. Sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a locking sleeve (6), which in the assembled state of the sleeve surrounds the connecting region between the female sleeve part (2) and the male sleeve part (3).

8. Sleeve according to claim I ₁ characterized in that the locking sleeve (6) in the assembled state of the sleeve by means of a positive, preferably latching and / or releasable connection on the female sleeve part (2) and / or on the male sleeve part (3) is held.

9. Sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the female sleeve part (2) and / or the male sleeve part (3) made of plastic, preferably made of polyethylene, (consist) or plastic, preferably polyethylene, has (have ).

10. Sleeve according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the locking sleeve (6) made of metal or plastic, preferably made of polyamide, or fiber-reinforced plastic or at least one of these materials.

11. Sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the female sleeve part (2) and / or the male sleeve part (3) and / or the optional locking sleeve (6), each at least 50% by volume, from the same Material exist.

12. Sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the reinforcing kungskörper (5) metal, preferably steel or stainless steel, or a ceramic

Has material or fiber-reinforced plastic or a multi-component plastic or consists thereof.

13. Muff according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the reinforcing kungskörper (5) is an initially separate component, which, preferably by plugging or pressing or gluing or screwing, with the female socket part (2) and / or the male sleeve part (3) is connectable.

14. Sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the reinforcing kungskörper (5) on the female sleeve part (2) or the male sleeve part (3) is integrally formed.

15. A sleeve according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that in addition to the, in particular liquid-tight, sealing provided fluid seal (4) an additional seal (7) is provided, which at least in the assembled state of the sleeve further from that in the female Muffenteil (2) reaching into the end (10) of the male sleeve part (3) is arranged remotely as the fluid seal (4).