DE102019105507A1 - Closing elements (plugs) for fluid channels, especially in gear and motor housings, optimized for pressure loss in terms of flow - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) for closing a fluid-carrying component, in particular a housing (G), which has at least one component-side fluid opening (G1) on which at least two fluid channels are located (11, 12) which form a branch (10) inside the component (G). Provision is made for the closure element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) to have at least one sealing element (1A, 2A, 3A , 4A), which in the assembled state seals the at least one fluid opening (G1), and comprises at least one contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B), the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) on at least two boundary surfaces of the contour element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) has at least two openings (1B-1, 1B-2; 2B-1, 2B-2; 3B-1, 3B-2; 4B-1, 4B-2) with cross-sectional contours , which in the assembled state of the closure element (1, 2, 3, 4) and the component (G) in the area of the branch (10) with the cross-sectional contours of the openings (11-1, 12-1) of the least ns two fluid channels (11, 12) correspond in terms of their position and their cross-sectional shape.

Description

The invention relates to a closure element, in particular a plug for closing a fluid-carrying component, in particular a housing, which has at least one component-side fluid opening at which at least two fluid channels meet, which form a branch inside the component.

Particularly in the area of gearbox lubrication, measures are being sought to reduce pressure loss, in particular to achieve further CO ₂ savings. In motor and gear housings, lubricant flows are directed through angles and branches in so-called oil galleries. These are generally afflicted with high flow resistances and thus superfluous pressure losses or power losses. Oil galleries are systems of mostly cylindrical bores, which are often led over an "angled transition". For technological reasons, the oil galleries required for lubrication are machined into the engine and gearbox housings through deep-hole bores using machine tools. In the case of bores with larger diameters, flow-optimized oil channels in the housing are completely produced by a cast core, as is known from water ducts for cooling in motor housings. As a result of the manufacturing technology, unwanted openings or bore openings arise, which are closed by means of balls, sealing plugs or flange covers.

For a continuous deflection of the lubricant flows, the bore connections or branches made in this way for larger angles (> 30 °) are to be assessed as unfavorable in terms of flow. This means that the flow resistance increases and with it the pressure loss, which in turn causes unwanted power loss in the entire operation with a CO ₂ balance that is in need of improvement.

Conventional system solutions with low flow resistance are based on separate curved oil lines that are routed outside or inside a motor and gearbox housing. Although they are cheaper in terms of flow optimization, they are more complex to produce and therefore also not expedient.

The savings potential by optimizing the flow by optimizing the geometry of an oil line with a change in the flow direction was simulated by comparing an acute-angled knee 270 ° and a more aerodynamic round arch 270 °, with flow speeds of 2.5 ... 6 m / s being specified for pressure lines. The analytical solutions for the power loss calculations show a savings potential of approx. 14% to 83% at different temperatures or viscosities of the lubricants. The savings potential corresponds to an absolute power loss of approx. 0.6 to 5 watts per "deflection element" element.

The pamphlet EP 1 077 357 B1 discloses plugs which have (coolant) channels facing deflecting surfaces of certain configurations. The plugs are designed in such a way that the change in cross section in the area where two coolant channels penetrate is reduced. A concave deflection surface gently redirects the flow. This prevents the (cooling) medium flow from being abruptly decelerated and friction losses in the penetration area are reduced. The plugs are tightly fitted into the channels. For example, they can be clamped in the channels by external influences (material compression).

Taking the previous statements into account, the invention is based on the object of finding optimized solutions in the area of gearbox lubrication, by means of which a pressure loss reduction in lubricants flowing in oil galleries of engine and gearbox housings can be achieved.

The starting point of the invention is a closure element for closing a fluid-carrying component, in particular a housing, which has at least one component-side fluid opening at which at least two fluid channels meet, which form a branch inside the component.

According to the invention it is provided that the closure element has at least one sealing element which seals the at least one fluid opening in the assembled state and comprises at least one contour element, the contour element having at least two openings with cross-sectional contours on at least two boundary surfaces of the contour element, which in the assembled state of the closure element (and of the component) in the area of the branch correspond to the cross-sectional contours of the openings of the at least two fluid channels with regard to their position and their cross-sectional shape. In an advantageous manner, the matching of the position and the cross-sectional shape of the fluid channels of the component and the cross-sections of the openings of the contour element of the closure element, achieved in the assembled state, form a closure element that is optimized in terms of flow pressure loss.

It is preferably provided that the contour element is designed as an insert with a component outer contour which, in the assembled state of the closure element and the component in the area of the junction, corresponds to a component inner contour of a clearance in the area of the junction within the component.

It is also preferably provided that at least the cross-sections of the contour element are circular-cylindrical, so that at least the cross-sections of the contour element in the assembled state of the closure element and the component in the area of the branch correspond to circular-cylindrical cross-sections of the openings of the at least two fluid channels, at least in the assembled area.

It is not absolutely necessary that the inner contour of the contour element outside of the openings adjoining the fluid channels in the assembly area is circular-cylindrical. In other words, it is provided in one embodiment that an inner contour of the contour element is designed as a non-circular cylindrical tube, in particular as an arc with an oval inner contour, so that only the cross-sections of the openings of the contour element in the assembled state of the closure element and the component in the area of the Branch correspond to circular cylindrical cross-sections of the openings of the at least two fluid channels in the assembly area. That is, the circular-cylindrical cross-sections of the openings merge within the contour element into another, non-circular-cylindrical, for example oval, inner contour, which requires a small amount of installation space within the contour element. In an advantageous manner, this configuration makes it possible that with little available space, although the optimal flow profile with little pressure loss in the contour element is slightly deviated from, it is now possible to make the housing of the contour element itself smaller, since the inner contour requires little installation space. whereby the contour element can be accommodated in a smaller space within the housing, so to speak, due to its miniaturization.

In another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the inner contour of the contour element outside the openings adjoining the fluid channels in the assembly area is also designed to be circular-cylindrical. In other words, the inner contour of the contour element is also designed as a circular cylindrical tube, so that both the cross sections of the openings of the contour element and the inner contour of the contour element in the assembled state of the closure element and the component in the area of the branch with circular cylindrical cross sections of the openings of the at least two fluid channels correspond, whereby a fluidic optimum is advantageously achieved with regard to the circular cylindrical inner contour design of the contour element itself and with regard to the transition between the at least in the connection area circular cylindrical fluid channels within the housing and the circular cylindrical cross section of the pipe bend in the contour element.

It is also preferably provided that the inner contour of the contour element is designed as a circular cylindrical pipe bend with an angle between> 0 ° and </ = 180 °. In other words, the invention is advantageously applicable to all branches in different directions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the component outer contour of the insert has a positioning element, in particular a positioning pin, which, when the closure element and the component are assembled, engages in a positioning hole in the component inner contour of the clearance in the area of the junction. With such or similar solutions, the positioning of the closure element, in particular to simplify assembly, can be simplified, designed without errors, and carried out safely by the worker.

In another embodiment, the positioning element can also be omitted. It is then provided that a position of the insert is ensured by ensuring the desired intended position in the free installation space provided for this purpose, particularly in automated production, by a device for production, in particular a robot, the insert and also the sealing element preferably with a slight press fit is inserted into the space provided for it.

In several possible embodiments and associated embodiment variants, it is provided that the closure element is formed from the at least one sealing element and the at least one contour element in one piece or in two or three parts, as explained in detail in the description.

In particularly advantageous embodiments, it is provided that one sub-component of the two-part contour element has positioning lugs and the other sub-component of the two-part contour element has positioning openings which, when the two-part contour element is assembled, have their position and the cross-sections of the outer and inner contours of the positioning lugs and positioning openings correspond and interlock. The production of the contour elements of the closure element is advantageously significantly simplified, as is explained in more detail in the description.

It is preferably further provided that the subcomponents are designed separately along the inner contour of the contour element of the non-circular cylindrical or circular cylindrical pipe bend, so that a dividing plane is formed which separates the inner contour of the non-circular cylindrical or the circular cylindrical pipe bend of the contour element into two half-shells, the subcomponents are clipped, glued or welded in the assembled state.

Various configurations are also provided for the sealing element of the closure element for sealing against the component-side fluid opening in the assembled state, the sealing element either being designed as a press-in part or provided with a seal or designed as a weld-in part, as will be explained in more detail in the description.

The one-part or multi-part closure element is preferably made entirely of plastic, in particular a light, heat-resistant plastic, or of a metal or a combination of the materials mentioned.

The closure elements, in other words the flow-optimized plugs according to the invention, can be used in all transitions or distributions of fluid bores in housings, in particular motor housings, cylinder head housings, gear housings or air-conditioning unit housings or the like.

The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 einen gehäuseseitigen Schnitt durch einen orthogonalen Abzweig eines Schmierstoff-Kanals mit einem ersten herkömmlichen Verschlusselement einer Schmierstoff-Bohrungsöffnung, insbesondere einem kugelförmigen Verschlusselement;
• 2 einen gehäuseseitigen Schnitt durch einen orthogonalen Abzweig eines Schmierstoff-Kanals mit einem im Abzweig angeordneten zweiten herkömmlichen Verschlusselement einer Schmierstoff-Bohrungsöffnung, insbesondere einem Gewindestopfen;
• 3 einen gehäuseseitigen Schnitt durch einen orthogonalen Abzweig eines Schmierstoff-Kanals mit einem im Abzweig angeordneten ersten erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusselement;
• 4 einen gehäuseseitigen Schnitt durch einen orthogonalen Abzweig eines Schmierstoff-Kanals mit einem im Abzweig angeordneten zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusselement;
• 5A eine perspektivische Ansicht (ohne Gehäuse) eines mehrteiligen dritten Verschlusselementes in einem teilweisen Zusammenbauzustand einer ersten Teilkomponente mit einem Dichtungselement;
• 5B die erste Teilkomponente des dritten Verschlusselementes gemäß 5A vor dem Zusammenbau in einer Einzeldarstellung;
• 5C eine zweite Teilkomponente des dritten Verschlusselementes vor dem Zusammenbau in einer Einzeldarstellung;
• 6 einen gehäuseseitigen Schnitt durch einen orthogonalen Abzweig eines Schmierstoff-Kanals mit dem im Abzweig angeordneten ersten erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusselement in einer Ausführungsvariante;
• 7A einen gehäuseseitigen Schnitt durch einen stumpfwinkligen Abzweig eines Schmierstoff-Kanals mit einem im Abzweig angeordneten vierten erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusselement;
• 7B in der mittleren Abbildung einen gehäuseseitigen Schnitt durch den stumpfwinkligen Abzweig des Schmierstoff-Kanals mit dem im Abzweig anordbaren vierten erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusselement, wobei die obere Abbildung ein zweiteiliges Verschlusselement in einer ersten Ausführungsvariante und die untere Abbildung einen Gehäusebereich des Gehäuses im Zusammenbauzustand mit dem vierten Verschlusselement in der zweiteiligen Ausführungsvariante jeweils in perspektivischen Ansichten verdeutlicht;
• 7C in der mittleren Abbildung einen gehäuseseitigen Schnitt durch den stumpfwinkligen Abzweig des Schmierstoff-Kanals mit dem im Abzweig anordbaren vierten erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusselement, wobei die obere Abbildung ein dreiteiliges Verschlusselement in einer zweiten Ausführungsvariante und die untere Abbildung einen Gehäusebereich des Gehäuses im Zusammenbauzustand mit dem vierten Verschlusselement in der dreiteiligen Ausführungsvariante jeweils in perspektivischen Ansichten verdeutlicht.

Show it:

• 1 a section on the housing side through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with a first conventional closure element of a lubricant bore opening, in particular a spherical closure element;
• 2 a housing-side section through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with a second conventional closure element of a lubricant bore opening, in particular a threaded plug, arranged in the branch;
• 3 a section on the housing side through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with a first closure element according to the invention arranged in the branch;
• 4th a section on the housing side through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with a second closure element according to the invention arranged in the branch;
• 5A a perspective view (without housing) of a multi-part third closure element in a partial assembled state of a first subcomponent with a sealing element;
• 5B the first sub-component of the third closure element according to 5A before assembly in a single representation;
• 5C a second subcomponent of the third closure element before assembly in an individual representation;
• 6th a housing-side section through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with the first closure element according to the invention arranged in the branch in one embodiment;
• 7A a section on the housing side through an obtuse-angled branch of a lubricant channel with a fourth closure element according to the invention arranged in the branch;
• 7B In the middle figure, a section on the housing side through the obtuse-angled branch of the lubricant channel with the fourth closure element according to the invention that can be arranged in the branch, the upper figure showing a two-part closure element in a first variant and the lower figure a housing area of the housing in the assembled state with the fourth closure element the two-part variant illustrated in perspective views;
• 7C In the middle figure, a section on the housing side through the obtuse-angled branch of the lubricant channel with the fourth closure element according to the invention that can be arranged in the branch, the upper figure showing a three-part closure element in a second variant and the lower figure a housing area of the housing in the assembled state with the fourth closure element of the three-part variant illustrated in perspective views.

The 1 shows a section through an orthogonal branch 10 a lubricant channel 11 , 12 in one housing G , in which a first conventional closure element A. in a lubricant bore opening G1 is arranged, wherein the closure element A. a spherical one Closing element in the manner of a spherical plug, which is inserted into the lubricant bore opening with a predeterminable oversize G1 is pressed in sealing. The branch 10 connects the first channel 11 with the second channel 12 . The branch 10 and the channels 11 , 12 represent a sub-area of a gallery made up of several channels which are arranged, for example, in a motor housing, a cylinder head housing, a gear housing or an air conditioning unit housing or the like.

The 2 shows a section through an orthogonal branch 10 a lubricant channel 11 , 12 in one housing G , in which a second conventional closure element B. in a lubricant bore opening G1 is arranged, wherein the closure element B. a conventional cylindrical closure element B. is in the manner of a threaded plug, which by means of its external thread (not shown) opposite an internal thread (not shown) on the housing side in the lubricant bore opening G1 is screwed in. The branch 10 reconnects the first channel 11 with the second channel 12 .

Through the 1 and 2 and the associated description makes it clear that a deflection of the lubricant flows in the branch made by bores 10 are aerodynamically unfavorable in particular for branches with an angle> 30 °, so that the flow resistance and thus also the pressure loss increase, resulting in losses that are eliminated by the subject matter of the invention, which is essentially explained in detail below.

First embodiment:

The 3 shows a section on the housing side through an orthogonal branch 10 a lubricant channel 11 , 12 with one in the branch 10 arranged first closure element according to the invention 1 .

The closure element 1 , that is to say a flow-optimized, pressure loss-optimized first plug according to the first embodiment, is for example in two parts and comprises a sealing element 1A and a contour element 1B .

The sealing element 1A is a cover-like sheet metal plug that is opposite the lubricant bore opening G1 is provided with a predefinable oversize, and in the assembled state in the lubricant bore opening G1 is pressed in sealingly, so that no fluid, in particular no lubricant, from the branch 10 , or the channels 10 , 11 , 12 from the lubricant bore opening G1 can escape.

The contour element 1B is in the first embodiment an insert or an insert element, in particular an insert cylinder.

In the case G is in the area of the junction 10 prefers a franking G2 provided that has an inner contour of the housing G2 _IK has that allows the cross sections of the channel openings 11-1 , 12-1 Via a flow-optimized pressure loss-optimized insert inner contour 1B _IK to connect with each other. The depositor 1B has an insert outer contour 1B _AK on that with the housing inner contour G2 _IK the franking G2 corresponds. The inside contour of the insert 1B _IK is designed as a flow-optimized round arch, which is orthogonal in the exemplary embodiment, the round arch on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert 1B openings 1B-1 and 1B-2 has, which are precisely positioned and with regard to their cross-sections with the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2 correspond.

During assembly, the first step is the insert 1B in the franking G2 of the housing G introduced, wherein in a second step the sealing element 1A into the lubricant bore opening G1 is pressed in.

Second embodiment:

The 4th shows a section on the housing side through an orthogonal branch 10 a lubricant channel 11 , 12 with one in the branch 10 arranged second closure element according to the invention 2 .

The closure element 2 , that is to say a fluidically pressure loss-optimized second plug according to the second embodiment, is, for example, in one piece and comprises a sealing element 2A and a contour element 2 B .

The sealing element 1A is designed as a bead opposite the lubricant bore opening G1 is provided with a predeterminable oversize and in the assembled state in the lubricant bore opening G1 is pressed in sealingly, so that no fluid, in particular no lubricant, from the branch 10 , or the channels 10 , 11 , 12 from the lubricant bore opening G1 can escape.

The contour element 2 B According to the second embodiment, there is also an insert or an insert element, in particular an insert cylinder, which in the assembled state into the lubricant bore opening G1 protruding upper side the bead 1A having. Thus form sealing element 2A and contour element 2 B a one-piece insert 2A , 2 B .

In the case G is in the area of the junction 10 in turn, a franking is preferred G2 provided that has an inner contour of the housing G2 _IK has that allows the cross sections of the channel openings 11-1 , 12-1 Via a flow-optimized pressure loss-optimized insert inner contour 2B _IK to connect with each other. The depositor 2A , 2 B has an insert outer contour 2B _AK on that with the housing inner contour G2 _IK the franking G2 corresponds. The inside contour of the insert 2B _IK is designed as a flow-optimized, pressure loss-optimized round arch which is orthogonal in the exemplary embodiment, the round arch on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert 2 B openings 2 B - 1 and 2B-2 has, which are precisely positioned and with regard to their cross-sections with the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2 correspond.

When assembling, the insert is in a single step 2A , 2 B in the franking G2 of the housing G introduced, in which step the sealing element 1A into the lubricant bore opening G1 is pressed in.

Third embodiment:

The 5A shows a perspective view (without the housing) of a multi-part third closure element 3 in a partially assembled state of a first subcomponent 3B ' of a contour element 3B with one on the first subcomponent 3B ' of the contour element 3B arranged sealing element 3A .

The 5B shows the first subcomponent 3B ' of the contour element 3B of the third closure element 3 according to 5A before assembling in a single representation.

The 5C shows a second sub-component 3B " of the contour element 3B of the third closure element 3 before assembling in a single representation.

A special feature of the third locking element 3 is that a manufacturing cost-reducing possibility was found to create a flow-optimized pressure loss-optimized plug.

The multi-part, in particular two-part contour element explained below 3B ; 3B ' , 3B " can for example be the contour element 1B the first embodiment or the contour element 2 B of the second embodiment. Also the fourth contour element described later 4B (compare in advance 7th ) of the fourth closure element 4th can be designed in such a way as will be explained below.

The basic idea of the two-part contour element 3B ; 3B ' , 3B " consists in the fact that the flow-optimized pressure loss-optimized insert inner contour 3B _IK of the contour element designed as an insert 3B ; 3B ' , 3B " to reduce the manufacturing costs from two sub-components, in particular sub-halves 3B ' and 3B " , is manufactured.

It is preferably provided that a division plane of the subcomponents 3B ' , 3B " runs along the inner contour, which avoids complex shape divisions by undercuts. In other words, the dividing plane separates the pipe bend, which is circular in the exemplary embodiment, in the contour element 3B in two half-shells 3B ' , 3B " . The sub-components 3B ' , 3B " are brought into an assembled state after their production and in particular clipped, glued or welded together.

In the installed state of the closure element 3 lies the gap between the assembled sub-components 3B ' , 3B " in the direction of the longitudinal extension (reference number Z , compare 3 , 4th , 5A to 5C and 6th , 7th ) the lubricant hole opening G1 .

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the subcomponents 3B ' , 3B " , in the exemplary embodiment the first subcomponent 3B ' , preferably two positioning lugs 3B'-1 on that with regard to the contour and the positioning with positioning openings 3B "-2 in the other subcomponent 3B " correspond so that a simple assembly by inserting the positioning lugs 3B'-1 into the positioning openings 3B "-2 is made possible, with the insert inner contours 3B ' _IK , 3B " _IK of the halves 3B'-1 and 3B "-2 After assembly, a flow-optimized, pressure loss-optimized insert inner contour 3B _IK form.

The inside contour of the insert 3B _IK the third embodiment of the closure element 3 is designed as a flow-optimized, pressure loss-optimized round arch, which is again orthogonal in the exemplary embodiment, the round arch on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert 3B openings 3B-1 and 3B-2 has, which are precisely positioned and with regard to their cross-sections with the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2 (compare 3 and 4th ) correspond.

The inside contour of the insert 3B _IK of the depositor 3B can reduce manufacturing costs in half 3B ' , 3B " can be made in a plastic mold. Alternatively, the halves 3B ' , 3B " are produced as pressed parts made of aluminum.

The sealing element 3A is preferably also a sub-component and provides a seal with respect to the lubricant bore opening G1 an O-ring 3A - 1 on.

The closure element 3 according to the third embodiment is thus in three parts.

During assembly, the first step is to use the two-part insert 3B ; 3B ' , 3B " connected with each other. Then the sealing element 3A on the insert 3B ; 3B ' , 3B " used, wherein a receptacle has a receptacle recess at its bottom, which with the outer contour 3B _AK of the depositor 3B corresponds. Finally the closure element 3 after the previous completion in the franking G2 of the housing G introduced, in which step the sealing element 1A into the lubricant bore opening G1 is pressed in. It goes without saying that the depositor also comes first 3B after its partial completion without the sealing element 3A in the franking G2 of the housing G can be introduced, so that the sealing element 1A only then into the lubricant bore opening G1 is pressed in.

The 6th shows a section on the housing side through the orthogonal branch 10 of the lubricant channel 11 , 12 with the one in the branch 10 arranged first closure element according to the invention 1 in one variant.

This variant of the contour element 1B of the first closure element 1* (compare 3 ), to which reference is made, can apply to all other closure elements 2 , 3 and 4th of the second, third and fourth embodiments can be transferred and applied.

The specialty is that the franking G2 , now changed inside housing contour G2 _IK that have an additional positioning hole G2.1 _IK especially at the bottom of the franking G2 , having.

The contour element 1B has a positioning pin 1B-3 on, which is in the positioning hole during assembly G2.1 _IK is plugged. The position of the positioning pin 1B-3 is selected and arranged such that the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert 1B with its openings 1B-1 and 1B-2 after assembly, precisely positioned and with regard to their cross-sections with the cross-sections of the duct openings 11-1 and 11-2 The installation errors of the respective insert correspond, so that the worker has an assembly aid available 1B according to the variant and the similarly designed insert 1B , 2 B , 3B , 4B of the other embodiments.

In addition, there is a safeguard against twisting of the respective closure element 1 , 2 , 3 , 4th in the housing positioning hole G2.1 _IK created.

A milled recess (not shown) on the circumference of the drilled inner housing contour is also disclosed G2 _IK the franking G2 in the housing G , in the corresponding positioning elements of the respective insert in the assembled state 1B , 2 B , 3B , 4B intervention.

It is also disclosed that it can be ensured during assembly that the closure elements 1 , 1* , 2 , 3 , 4th during automated assembly with the housing G or when it is introduced into the housing G compared to a fixed housing G precisely aligned and positioned in the position fulfilling the function and preferably automated in the respective franking G2 of the housing G be pressed in.

Fourth embodiment:

The 7th shows a section on the housing side through an obtuse-angled branch in this exemplary embodiment 10 a lubricant channel 11 , 12 with one in the branch 10 arranged fourth closure element according to the invention 4th . Through this 7th it becomes clear that every branch 10 regardless of its angle between the channels 11 , 12 can be provided with a closure element according to the invention of the respective embodiment. The angle of the branches 10 of all embodiments is through the imaginary central longitudinal axis of the mostly cylindrical channels 11 , 12 formed that meet at a point in the branch.

The closure element 4th , that is to say a flow-optimized pressure loss-optimized fourth plug according to the fourth embodiment, is for example in two parts and comprises a sealing element 4A and a contour element 4B .

The sealing element 4A is in the fourth embodiment a separate cover, in particular an oval cover, which is used to seal the lubricant bore opening G1 by means of a weld seam G14A with the case G is connected so that no fluid, in particular no lubricant, from the branch 10 , or the channels 10 , 11 , 12 from the lubricant bore opening G1 can escape.

The contour element 4B is in the fourth embodiment also an insert or an insert element, which with its approximately oval shape in plan view (looking into the lubricant bore opening G1 ) the outer contour of the insert 4B _AK forms which correspond to the inside contour of the housing G4 _IK the franking G4 is adapted.

In the case G is in the area of the junction 10 prefers franking G4 provided which the housing inner contour G4 _IK has that allows the cross sections of the channel openings 11-1 , 12-1 Via a flow-optimized pressure loss-optimized insert inner contour 4B _IK to connect with each other. The depositor 4B shows the outer contour of the insert 4B _AK on that with the housing inner contour G4 _IK the franking G4 corresponds. The inside contour of the insert 4B _IK is designed as a flow-optimized obtuse-angled arc, the obtuse-angled arc on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert 4B openings 4B-1 and 4B-2 has, which are precisely positioned and with regard to their cross-sections with the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2 correspond.

During assembly, the first step is the insert 4B in the franking G4 of the housing G introduced, wherein in a second step the sealing element 4A into the lubricant bore opening G1 used and - as explained above - welded.

Fourth embodiment in a first variant:

The 7B The figure in the middle shows a section on the housing side through the obtuse-angled branch 10 of the lubricant channel 11 , 12 with the one in the branch 10 arrangable fourth closure element according to the invention 4th in a first variant, wherein the upper figure is a two-part closure element from the subcomponent 4A , 4B ' and the subcomponent 4B " and the lower figure shows a housing area of the housing G In the assembled state with the fourth closure element in the two-part variant, each illustrated in perspective views.

The two-part closure element 4th comprises on the one hand the sealing element 4A and a sub-component 4B ' of the contour element 4B . The second part of the closure element 4th is on the other hand by the other subcomponent 4B " of the contour element 4B educated.

A two-part contour element from the subcomponent is provided 4A , B ' and the subcomponent 4B " to form, in turn an inlay inner contour that is optimized in terms of flow pressure loss 4B _IK of the contour element designed as an insert 4A , 4B , 4B ' , 4B " is manufactured from two sub-components to reduce manufacturing costs.

The special feature is that in the exemplary embodiment, the first subcomponent 4B ' of the contour element 4B already in one piece with the sealing element 4A is formed together as one component. The second part forms the second sub-component 4B " of the contour element 4B " out.

It is preferably provided that a division plane of the subcomponents 4B ' , 4B " continues to run along the inner contour, which also avoids complex form divisions by undercuts. In other words, the dividing plane separates the pipe bend, which is circular in the exemplary embodiment, in the contour element 4B still in two half-shells 4B ' , 4B " . The components 4A , 4B ' and the sub-component 4B " are brought into an assembled state after their production and in particular clipped or glued together.

In the installed state of the closure element 4th the gap runs between the assembled components 4A , 4B ' and 4B " in the direction of the longitudinal extension (reference number Z , compare 7A) the lubricant bore opening G1 .

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the components 4A ; 4B ' and 4B " analogous to the third embodiment, have positioning lugs, which correspond in terms of contour and positioning to positioning openings in the other subcomponent, so that simple assembly is made possible by inserting the positioning lugs into the positioning openings, the insert inner contours 4B ' _IK , 4B " _{IK of} the partial halves 4B'-1 and 4B" -2 after assembly, insert inner contours optimized for fluid pressure loss 4B _IK form.

The inside contour of the insert 4B _IK the fourth embodiment of the closure element 4th The first variant is designed as a flow-optimized pressure loss bend> 90 °, which is formed at an obtuse angle in the exemplary embodiment, the bend on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert 4B openings 4B-1 and 4B-2 (compare 7A) has, which are precisely positioned and with regard to their cross-sections with the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2 correspond.

The inside contour of the insert 4B _IK of the depositor 4B can reduce manufacturing costs in half 4B ' , 4B " can be made in a plastic mold. Alternatively, the halves 3B ' , 3B " are produced as pressed parts made of aluminum.

The sealing element formed in one piece with the first sub-component 4A ' 4A is for sealing against the lubricant bore opening G1 a kind of separate lid that is in the Embodiment is oval. According to the invention it is provided that the cover 4A its function as a sealing element is obtained by extending it over its circumference to the housing G is welded. It goes without saying that the lid 4A also as a press-fit part (compare first embodiment) in the lubricant bore opening G1 can be pressed in or it is provided with an O-ring and thus via the O-ring (compare third embodiment) opposite the inner surfaces of the lubricant bore opening G1 executed sealing.

The closure element 4th according to the third embodiment, the first variant is thus in two parts.

During assembly, the first step is to use the two-part insert, namely the components 4A ; 4B ' and the components 4B " , connected with each other. The contour element created by the assembly 4B of the closure element 4th with associated sealing element 4A is in the franking after the previous completion G2 of the housing G brought in. Thereby the sealing element 4A simultaneously with the contour element 4B into the lubricant bore opening G1 introduced and positioned, after which the lid 4A circumferentially on the housing G is welded.

Fourth embodiment in a second variant:

7C The figure in the middle shows a section on the housing side through the obtuse-angled branch 10 of the lubricant channel 11 , 12 with the fourth closure element according to the invention, which can be arranged in the branch, in a second embodiment variant, the upper illustration being a three-part closure element with a partial component 4A , a subcomponent 4B ' and a sub-component 4B " and the lower figure shows a housing area of the housing G In the assembled state with the fourth closure element in the three-part variant, each illustrated in perspective views.

The three-part closure element 4th separately comprises the sealing element 4A as a first sub-component, a sub-component 4B ' of the contour element 4B and another sub-component 4B " of the contour element 4B .

A two-part contour element is provided 4B ; 4B ' , 4B " to form, in turn an inlay inner contour that is optimized in terms of flow pressure loss 4B _IK of the contour element designed as an insert 4B ; 4B ' , 4B " to reduce the manufacturing costs from two sub-components, in particular sub-halves 4B ' and 4B " , is manufactured.

It is preferably provided that a division plane of the subcomponents 4B ' , 4B " runs along the inner contour, which avoids complex shape divisions by undercuts. In other words, the parting plane separates the circular pipe bend in the contour element 4B in two half-shells 4B ' , 4B " . The sub-components 4B ' , 4B " are brought into an assembled state after their production and in particular clipped, glued or welded together.

In the installed state of the closure element 4th lies the gap between the assembled sub-components 4B ' , 4B " in the direction of the longitudinal extension (reference number Z , compare 7A) the lubricant bore opening G1 .

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the subcomponents 4B ' , 4B " analogous to the third embodiment, have positioning lugs, which correspond in terms of contour and positioning to positioning openings in the other subcomponent, so that simple assembly is made possible by inserting the positioning lugs into the positioning openings, the insert inner contours 4B ' _IK , 4B " _{IK of} the partial halves 4B'-1 and 4B" -2 after assembly, insert inner contours optimized for fluid pressure loss 4B _IK form.

The inside contour of the insert 4B _IK the fourth embodiment of the closure element 4th The first variant is designed as a flow-optimized pressure loss bend> 90 °, which is formed at an obtuse angle in the exemplary embodiment, the bend on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert 4B openings 4B-1 and 4B-2 (compare 7A) has, which are precisely positioned and with regard to their cross-sections with the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2 correspond.

The inside contour of the insert 4B _IK of the depositor 4B can reduce manufacturing costs in half 4B ' , 4B " can be made in a plastic mold. Alternatively, the halves 3B ' , 3B " are produced as pressed parts made of aluminum.

The sealing element 4A is preferably also a partial component and is used for sealing against the lubricant bore opening G1 a kind of separate cover which is oval in the embodiment. According to the invention it is provided that the cover 4A its function as a sealing element is obtained by extending it over its circumference to the housing G is welded. It goes without saying that the lid 4A also as a press-fit part (compare first embodiment) in the lubricant bore opening G1 can be pressed in or it is provided with an O-ring and thus over the O-ring (compare third embodiment) opposite the inner surface of the lubricant bore opening G1 executed sealing.

The closure element 4th according to the fourth embodiment is thus in three parts in the second variant.

During assembly, the first step is to use the two-part insert 4B ; 4B ' , 4B " connected with each other. The contour element 4B of the closure element 4th is in the franking after the previous completion G2 of the housing G brought in. Then the sealing element 4A into the lubricant bore opening G1 introduced and for example on the circumference of the housing G welded.

Through a special use of the locking elements 1 , 1* , 2 , 3 , 4th with flow-optimized inner bore contour 1B _IK , 2B _IK , 4B _IK , 4B _IK becomes the flow resistance in the branches 10 sustainably reduced.

The one-piece or multi-piece closure elements 1 , 1* , 2 , 3 , 4th can optionally be made entirely of plastic, a lightweight heat-resistant plastic, or metal, or a combination of the materials.

The closure elements 1 , 1* , 2 , 3 , 4th can, for example, be produced with so-called rapid prototyping. The respective closure element is built up in layers from shapeless or shape-neutral material using physical and / or chemical effects.

The embodiments always describe a transition of two channels 11 , 12 in a branch 10 . It goes without saying that distributions with more than two (> 2) channels to be connected to one another can also be used 11 , 12 ... according to the principle of the invention with corresponding inner bore contours 1B _IK , 2B _IK , 3B _IK , 4B _IK of the contour elements 1B , 2 B , 3B , 4B can be designed so that three or more channels can be connected to one another in a flow-optimized manner and reduced pressure loss.

The solution according to the invention is compared to the document EP 1 077 357 B1 represents a significant improvement, since a deflection of the fluid flow, in particular the lubricant flow, takes place not only via partially formed spherical segment-shaped deflection surfaces, but there are more flow-favorable arcs as transitions between the channel elements 11 , 12 formed so that through the entire deflection area through the contour elements 1B , 2 B , 3B , 4B with the cylindrical inner contours of the bore 1B _IK , 2B _IK , 4B _IK , 4B _IK arcs formed, the formation of dead space, the secondary flow and the friction on the arch walls compared to the conventional plug solution, which has right-angled transitions on the inside of the flow, is significantly reduced.

List of reference symbols

10

Branch in the component

11

first channel

11-1

first channel opening

12

second channel

12-1

second channel opening

A.

first closure element (state of the art)

B.

second closure element (state of the art)

G

Component, housing

G1

Hole opening

G2

Franking

G2 _IK

Inner contour of component, inner contour of housing

G2.1 _IK

Positioning hole

G4

Franking

G4 _IK

Inner contour of component, inner contour of housing

G14A

Weld between G1 and 4A

Z

Longitudinal direction of the bore opening G1

1

first closure element

1A

Sealing element

1B

Contour element, insert

1B _IK

Insert inner contour

1B _AK

Insert outer contour

1B-1

opening

1B-2

opening

1B-3

Positioning element, positioning pin

1*

first locking element in a variant with positioning pin 1B-3

2

second closure element

2A

Sealing element

2 B

Contour element, insert

2B _IK

Insert inner contour

2B _AK

Insert outer contour

2B-1

opening

2B-2

opening

3

third closure element

3A

Sealing element

3A-1

O-ring

3B

Contour element, insert

3B '

first sub-component

3B'-1

Positioning nose

3B "

second sub-component

3B "-2

Positioning opening

3B _IK

Insert inner contour

3B ' _IK

Insert inner contour of the partial half

3B _AK

Insert outer contour

4th

fourth closure element

4A

Sealing element

4B

Contour element, insert

4B '

first sub-component

4B "

second sub-component

4B-1

opening

4B-2

opening

4B _IK

Insert inner contour

4B _AK

Insert outer contour

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1077357 B1 [0006, 0094]

Claims (12)

Closing element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) for closing a fluid-carrying component, in particular a housing (G), which has at least one component-side fluid opening (G1) on which at least two fluid channels (11, 12 ) meet, which form a branch (10) inside the component (G), characterized in that • the closure element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) has at least one sealing element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) , which seals the at least one fluid opening (G1) in the assembled state, and • comprises at least one contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B), the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) on at least two boundary surfaces of the contour element ( 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) has at least two openings (1B-1, 1B-2; 2B-1, 2B-2; 3B-1, 3B-2; 4B-1, 4B-2) with cross-sectional contours which in State of assembly of the closure element (1, 2, 3, 4) and the component (G) in the area of the branch (10) with the cross-sectional contours of the openings (11-1, 12-1) of the at least two fluid channels channels (11, 12) correspond in terms of their position and cross-sectional shape. Locking element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) Claim 1 , characterized in that the contour element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) is designed as an insert with a component outer contour (1B _AK , 2B _AK , 3B _AK , 4B _AK ) which, in the assembled state of the closure element (1, 2, 3 , 4) and the component (G) in the area of the branch (10) corresponds to a component inner contour (G2 _IK , G4 _IK ) of a clearance (G2, G4) in the area of the junction within the component (G). Locking element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) Claim 1 , characterized in that at least the cross-sections of the openings (1B-1, 1B-2; 2B-1, 2B-2; 3B-1, 3B-2; 4B-1, 4B-2) of the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) are circular-cylindrical so that at least the cross-sections of the openings (1B-1, 1B-2; 2B-1, 2B-2; 3B-1, 3B-2; 4B-1, 4B-2) of the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) in the assembled state of the closure element (1, 2, 3, 4) and the component (G) in the area of the branch (10) with circular cylindrical cross-sections of the openings (11-1, 12- at least in the assembly area) 1) of the at least two fluid channels (11, 12) correspond. Locking element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) Claim 1 and 3 , characterized in that an inner contour (1B _IK , 2B _IK , 3B _IK , 4B _IK ) of the contour element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) is designed as a non-circular cylindrical tube, so that only the cross-sections of the openings (1B-1 , 1B-2; 2B-1, 2B-2; 3B-1, 3B-2; 4B-1, 4B-2) of the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) in the assembled state of the closure element (1, 2, 3 , 4) and the component (G) in the area of the branch (10) correspond to circular cylindrical cross-sections of the openings (11-1, 12-1) of the at least two fluid channels (11, 12) in the assembly area. Locking element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) Claim 1 and 3 , characterized in that the inner contour (1B _IK , 2B _IK , 3B _IK , 4B _IK ) of the contour element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) is designed as a circular cylindrical tube, so that both the cross-sections of the openings (1B-1, 1B -2; 2B-1, 2B-2; 3B-1, 3B-2; 4B-1, 4B-2) of the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) as well as the inner contour (1B _IK , 2B _IK , 3B _IK , 4B _IK ) of the contour element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) in the assembled state of the closure element (1, 2, 3, 4) and of the component (G) in the area of the branch (10) with circular cylindrical cross-sections of the openings (in the assembly area) ( 11-1, 12-1) of the at least two fluid channels (11, 12) correspond. Locking element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the inner contour (1B _IK , 2B _IK , 3B _IK , 4B _IK ) of the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) as a non-circular-cylindrical pipe bend or as a circular-cylindrical pipe bend with an angle between> 0 ° and </ = 180 ° is formed. Locking element (1 *) Claim 2 , characterized in that the component outer contour (1B _AK ) of the insert has a positioning element, in particular a positioning pin (1B-3), which in the assembled state of the closure element (1 *) and the component (G) in the area of the branch (10 ) engages in a positioning hole (G2.1 _IK ) of the component inner contour (G2 _IK ) of the franking (G2). Locking element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) Claim 1 , characterized in that the closure element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) consists of the at least one sealing element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) and the at least one contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) in one piece or in two pieces or is designed in three parts, where • the sealing element (2A) and the contour element (2B) are integrally connected to one another, or • the sealing element (1A, 4A) and the contour element (1B, 4B) are designed separately from one another in two parts, or • the sealing element (3A, 4A) and a two-part contour element (3B; 3B ', 3B "/ 4B; 4B', 4B") are designed separately from one another in three parts. Closing element (3) after Claim 8 , characterized in that a subcomponent (3B ', 4B') of the two-part contour element (3B; 3B ', 3B "/ 4B; 4B', 4B") positioning lugs (3B'-1) and the other subcomponent (3B ', 4B') of the two-part contour element (3B; 3B ', 3B "/ 4B; 4B', 4B ") Has positioning openings (3B" -2), which in the assembled state of the two-part contour element (3B; 3B ', 3B "/ 4B; 4B', 4B") with regard to their position and the cross sections of the outer and inner contours of the positioning lugs (3B ' -1) and positioning openings (3B "-2) correspond and interlock. Closing element (3) after Claim 4 or 5 and 7th , characterized in that the subcomponents (3B ', 3B "/ 4B', 4B") along the inner contour (1B _IK , 2B _IK , 3B _IK , 4B _IK ) of the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) of the not circular cylindrical pipe bend or the circular cylindrical pipe bend are separated, so that a dividing plane is formed, which the inner contour (1B _IK , 2B _IK , 3B _IK , 4B _IK ) of the circular cylindrical pipe bend of the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) in two half-shells ( 3B ', 3B "/ 4B', 4B") separates, the subcomponents (3B ', 3B "/ 4B', 4B") being clipped or glued in the assembled state. Locking element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) Claim 1 , characterized in that the sealing element (4A) of the closure element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) for sealing against the component-side fluid opening (G1) in the assembled state is either designed as • press-in part, or • provided with a seal is, or • is designed as a weld-in part. Locking element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) Claim 1 , characterized in that the one-piece or multi-piece closure element (1, 1 *, 2, 3, 4) is optionally made entirely of plastic, in particular a light, heat-resistant plastic, or of a metal or a combination of the materials mentioned.

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