Flow regulator and manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow regulator (1) having a regulating body (2) through which a regulating opening (3) can be defined depending on the pressure acting on the regulating body (2), wherein the flow regulator (1) has a bypass channel (4) through which a fluid can flow past the regulating opening (3) without passing through the regulating opening, the bypass channel (4) changing along an extension (6), the bypass channel (4) being designed without undercut in the flow direction (21) and having a clear opening cross section which decreases monotonically in the flow direction (21). The invention also relates to a method for producing a flow regulator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a flow regulator.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a flow regulator. Background Art

[0003] Such flow regulators are known. Here, the bypass channel relative to the regulating opening has the task of ensuring a certain flow through the flow regulator, especially at low pressures. Preferably, it can be provided that a constant or almost constant, preferably pressure-independent, volume flow can be adjusted within the working range of the flow regulator.

[0004] However, it has been found in previously known flow regulators that, under the influence of the fluid pressure, undesirable noises can be generated within the usual operating range of the flow regulator. This can be perceived by the user as being particularly disturbing. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a flow regulator of the type mentioned at the outset in which the mentioned disadvantages are eliminated.

[0006] According to the invention, the solution to the stated object is provided by a flow regulator having the features described below.

[0007] In particular, according to the present invention, in order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a flow regulator of the type described at the beginning is proposed, wherein the flow regulator has a regulating body, the clear opening size of the regulating opening can be changed by the regulating body according to the pressure applied to the regulating body, wherein the flow regulator has a bypass channel / bypass channel (bypass) relative to the regulating opening, the cross section of the bypass channel changes along the extension of the bypass channel, and the bypass channel is configured to be non-undercut in the flow direction and has a clear opening cross section that decreases monotonically in the flow direction. It has been proven that the generation of noise is associated with the formation of a tear edge at the transition to the bypass channel, where the fluid tries to separate from the inner wall of the bypass channel. This generates a negative pressure area near the inner wall, in which, for example, a phase change from liquid water to the gas phase can occur. This forms cavitation bubbles, which have been identified as the main cause of the generation of interfering noise in tests. Surprisingly, the above-mentioned embodiment of the bypass channel according to the present invention can achieve a significant reduction in interfering noise during the use of the flow regulator. By virtue of the unequal cross-sections of the bypass channel along its extension, the formation of cavitation bubbles can be avoided even better.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below, which can optionally be combined together with the above-described features, either alone or in combination with features of other embodiments.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cross section of the bypass channel can vary in diameter along its extension. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the cross-sectional shape of the bypass channel can vary along its extension. Preferably, the clear opening size of the bypass channel can be larger on the inflow side of the bypass channel than on the outflow side of the bypass channel. Further preferably, the bypass channel can be reduced in the flow direction, in particular continuously. It has been shown that by varying the cross-sectional diameter compared to a cross-sectional diameter that remains constant over the extension of the bypass channel, the generation of noise can be further reduced. In particular, this also applies to situations where a higher pressure is present, for example a pressure difference of about 3 bar between the inflow side and the outflow side of the bypass channel.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the bypass channel has a peripheral wall which forms an angle of greater than 90° with an end wall which delimits the bypass channel on the inflow side in the flow direction. The adverse effects of sharp edges or steps at the inlet of the bypass channel on the generation of bubbles and / or noise by cavitation can thus be reduced or even eliminated.

[0011] For example, the noise generation is particularly well reduced when the angle is greater than 93°. It may be sufficient here that the angle is less than 100°. Therefore, the clear width of the bypass channel can be selected to be large enough for a satisfactory throughflow.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the bypass channel is designed without undercuts. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the bypass channel has a clear opening cross section which decreases monotonically in the flow direction. Eddies at the channel widening can thus be avoided. Furthermore, the bypass channel can be easily demolded during injection molding.

[0013] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment for avoiding the generation of disturbing noise, the bypass channel can have a conical shape at least in sections, in particular continuously. Alternatively or in addition, the bypass channel can have an arcuate shape at least in sections, in particular continuously. It has been shown that the inclination of the bypass channel and the pressure difference between the inflow side and the outflow side have an influence on the generation of noise. The higher the pressure difference, the greater the inclination can be selected relative to the longitudinal direction of the bypass channel in order to avoid the generation of noise as effectively as possible.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the flow regulator, the wall defining the bypass channel can have an inclination of at least 3 degrees. In particular, the wall defining the bypass channel can have an inclination of at least 4 degrees, in particular at least 5 degrees, in particular at least 6 degrees, in particular at least 7.5 degrees, in particular at least 10 degrees, in particular at least 12.5 degrees, in particular at least 15 degrees. As a result, the generation of noise within the operating range of the flow regulator, preferably a flow regulator embedded in a tap, can be significantly reduced. In this case, the operating range can particularly relate to a pressure difference between the inflow side and the outflow side of the bypass channel of 1 bar to 5 bar, in particular 1.5 bar to 4.5 bar, in particular 2 bar to 4 bar, in particular 2.5 bar to 3.5 bar, in particular about 3 bar.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the flow regulator, a tangent in a longitudinal section of the bypass channel, in particular in a section of the bypass channel, extends at an angle deviating from the longitudinal direction of the bypass channel and / or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bypass channel.

[0016] In order to generate a nearly uniform outflow jet pattern that is preferably independent of the pressure difference between the inflow side and the outflow side, the regulating opening can extend at least partially around the bypass channel. In particular, the regulating opening can be designed as an annular gap. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the regulating opening and the bypass channel can be arranged concentrically.

[0017] In order to be able to produce the flow regulator as cost-effectively as possible, it can be provided according to an advantageous embodiment that the flow regulator has a housing in which the regulating component is inserted. Therefore, the flow regulator can be assembled in a simple manner from a plurality of embedded components, which are in particular manufactured independently of each other. Preferably, the regulating opening can be formed between the housing and the regulating component. Alternatively or in addition, a regulating contour can be formed on the regulating component for this purpose. The pressure-dependent interaction between the regulating body and the regulating contour can define the regulating characteristics of the flow regulator. Therefore, the regulating opening can be formed between the regulating component and the housing.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the bypass channel is formed by an adjusting component, for example the adjusting component already mentioned above. The bypass channel can thus be produced particularly simply and cost-effectively. The geometry of the bypass channel can be defined only by the adjusting component, so that in particular the adjusting component can be oriented with certain tolerances relative to the housing.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the main flow path through the regulating opening and the secondary flow path through the bypass channel merge within the housing, in particular downstream of the regulating opening in the flow direction.

[0020] In order to reduce the flow velocity of the fluid after passing through the bypass channel and / or the regulating opening, a cross-sectional widening portion may be formed on the shell along the flow direction downstream of the regulating opening within the flow path, and / or a cross-sectional widening portion may be formed on the shell along the flow direction downstream of the bypass channel within the flow path.

[0021] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the regulating body can be designed to be elastic. Thus, the flow regulator can be provided for a particularly wide operating range, since a pressure-dependent deformation of the regulating body and in particular a pressure-dependent closing of the regulating opening are possible over a wider pressure range.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the flow regulator is designed as a sanitary insert for insertion into a tap and / or into a hose line. Further fields of application are sanitary technology, heating technology, ventilation technology and / or air conditioning technology. In particular, provision can be made for use in fluid lines, preferably water supply lines, such as heating circuits and / or cooling circuits.

[0023] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the regulating element, for example the regulating element already mentioned above, is manufactured as an injection molded part, in particular the parting line is located outside the bypass channel. If the parting line is formed outside the bypass channel, it has no disruptive effect on the flow characteristics, so that a particularly low-noise flow regulator can be provided.

[0024] The invention therefore also relates to a method for producing a flow regulator, in particular a flow regulator as described and / or claimed herein, wherein the component forming the bypass channel is produced by injection molding, the parting line being located outside the bypass channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on a number of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Other embodiments are obtained by combining single or multiple features with each other and / or with single or multiple features of the embodiments.

[0026] in:

[0027] Figure 1 A longitudinal section through a previously known embodiment of a flow regulator with a cylindrical bypass channel (prior art) is shown,

[0028] Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 Exploded view of a flow regulator, wherein, more precisely, the flow regulator is viewed from below.

[0029] Figure 3 Show according to Figure 1Exploded view of a flow regulator, wherein, more precisely, the flow regulator is viewed from above.

[0030] Figure 4 A longitudinal section through a first possible embodiment of a flow rate regulator according to the invention is shown, which has a conical shape of the bypass channel over the entire extension of the bypass channel, wherein the bypass channel tapers in the flow direction,

[0031] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 4 Exploded view of a flow regulator, wherein, more precisely, the flow regulator is viewed from below.

[0032] Figure 6 Show according to Figure 4 Exploded view of a flow regulator, wherein, more precisely, the flow regulator is viewed from above.

[0033] Figure 7 A longitudinal section through a second possible embodiment of a flow rate regulator according to the invention is shown, which has a conical shape of the bypass channel over a part of its extension, which transitions into a cylindrical shape of the bypass channel, wherein the bypass channel tapers in the flow direction,

[0034] Figure 8 A longitudinal section through a third possible embodiment of a flow rate regulator according to the invention is shown, which has a funnel-shaped form of a bypass channel, wherein the bypass channel tapers in the flow direction,

[0035] Fig. 9 A sketch showing the flow course in a previously known flow regulator with a bypass channel extending straight over the entire length,

[0036] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing the flow path in a flow regulator according to the invention with a cross section that changes over the entire length of the bypass channel, DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 A previously known flow regulator 1 is shown, which can therefore be regarded as prior art.

[0038] and Figures 4 to 8 An embodiment according to the invention of a flow rate regulator, also designated as 1 in its entirety, is shown.

[0039] A flow regulator 1 of the type described has a regulating body 2 which, depending on the pressure, opens or closes at least one regulating opening 3 in such a way that it changes the clear opening size of the regulating opening depending on the pressure. The regulating body 2 is loaded with fluid during use of the flow regulator 1 .

[0040] In this case, provision is usually made that the adjusting body 2 is pressed closer to the adjusting opening and / or is pressed more strongly against the sealing surface at higher pressures, so that the clear opening size of the adjusting opening 3 is at least partially reduced or even completely closed.

[0041] The flow regulator 1 can have an operating range in which the volume flow through the flow regulator 1 remains almost constant regardless of the pressure. Therefore, flow regulators 1 are already known that have at least one bypass channel 4 relative to the regulating opening 3. The bypass channel 4 cannot be closed by the regulating body 2, so that its clear opening size remains the same at different pressures, that is, it is pressure-independent and / or cannot be changed.

[0042] As in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in FIG, flow regulators 1 having a bypass channel 4 extending in a straight line in the flow direction 9 are already known. Therefore, the walls defining the bypass channel 4 of these flow regulators 1 are oriented at an angle corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the bypass channel 4 and / or the flow regulator 1. In other words, the wall is thus inclined at zero degrees relative to the longitudinal direction. In addition, the previously known flow regulators 1 have a cross section 5 that remains equal along the extension 6 of the bypass channel 4, which cross section does not change in shape and diameter.

[0043] In contrast, the flow regulator 1 according to the present invention has Figures 4 to 8 The embodiment shown in has at least one bypass channel 4 whose cross section changes along its extension 6. This makes it possible to prevent the formation of cavitation bubbles, which in particular adhere to the walls of the bypass channel 4 and are the main cause of disturbing noises.

[0044] The change can hereby relate to the size and / or shape of the cross section. It can also be provided that the cross section of the bypass channel 4 is changed over the entire extension 6 or only over a subsection of the bypass channel 4 .

[0045] exist Figures 4 to 8 The embodiments shown in FIG. 1 have in common that the diameter of the cross section of the bypass channel 4 changes.

[0046] In this case, the clear opening size of the bypass channel 4 on the inflow side 7 is always greater than the clear opening size on the outflow side 8. Therefore, one can also say that the bypass channel 4 tapers in the flow direction 9.

[0047] according to Figures 4 to 6 The embodiment of has a bypass channel 4 which tapers continuously along its extension 6 from the inflow side 7 to the outflow side 8. Thus, as shown here, the bypass channel 4 can have a conical shape, for example.

[0048] and Figure 7 and 8The embodiment of the present invention has only a local reduction. Thus, the bypass channel 4 is reduced in a starting section which extends approximately to half the total length of the bypass channel 4. This is followed by a terminal section which extends in a straight line.

[0049] exist Figure 7 , an embodiment of a flow regulator 1 is shown having a bypass channel 4 which is likewise conically shaped in a starting region and which then transitions into a cylindrical end section and / or an end section having a wall whose inclination 10 deviates from the inclination 10 of the starting region.

[0050] exist Figure 8 1 shows an embodiment of a flow regulator 1 with curved walls. This can form, for example, a convex funnel shape which ultimately transitions back into a rectilinear end section.

[0051] However, it is also conceivable that the bypass channel 4 has a single or multiple arc-shaped shape, in particular a shape with rounded transitions, in the longitudinal section 11. In this case, a rounding radius of approximately 0.5-3%, in particular 1%, of the total length of the bypass channel 4 can be provided. In particular, a rounding radius of 0.1 mm can be provided, i.e., when the bypass channel 4 is approximately 10 mm long.

[0052] Furthermore, it can be provided that rounded edges, ie in particular no sharp edges, are formed on the inflow side 7 of the bypass channel 4 and / or at the transition between the start section and the end section.

[0053] The inclination angle 10 of the wall defining the bypass channel 4 can be unequally oriented with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bypass channel 4, in particular obliquely oriented with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bypass channel. In this case, the inclination angle 10 of the wall can be selected depending on the set working range. In principle, it is applicable that the higher the pressure applied to the flow regulator 1, the greater the inclination angle 10 must be selected in order to counteract the generation of disturbing noises.

[0054] It has been found that an inclination of at least 3 degrees is generally necessary in order to at least prevent the generation of noise.

[0055] Preferably, provision can be made for the wall defining the bypass channel 4 to have an inclination 10 of at least 4 degrees, in particular at least 5 degrees, in particular at least 6 degrees, in particular at least 7.5 degrees, in particular at least 10 degrees, in particular at least 12.5 degrees, in particular at least 15 degrees.

[0056] The regulating opening 3 can extend at least partially around the bypass channel 4 in order to be able to produce an outflow jet pattern that is as uniform as possible and / or virtually constant under changing pressure conditions. The regulating opening 3 can be designed, for example, as a regulating slot that is arranged concentrically with respect to the bypass channel 4 .

[0057] The flow regulator 1 has a housing 12, through which the flow regulator 1 can be embedded in a fluid line, in particular a water supply line, and / or a faucet and / or a hose, and can be fixed therein. Thus, the flow regulator 1 can be used, for example, to regulate a heating circuit and / or a cooling circuit and thus be used in sanitary technology and / or heating technology and / or ventilation technology and / or air conditioning technology.

[0058] An adjusting component 13 is embedded in the housing 12. The adjusting body 2 is inserted between the housing 12 and the adjusting component 13. Preferably, the adjusting body 2 has a fastening element on which the adjusting body 2 can be placed and on which it is adjustably guided.

[0059] The adjusting body 2 can be designed to be elastic. By applying pressure with a fluid, the adjusting body 2 can be deformed. By deforming, the adjusting opening 3 can be at least partially closed. In particular, the adjusting body 2 can be pressed against a sealing surface on the adjusting component 13 and at least partially close the adjusting opening 3. The adjusting component 13 can also have an adjusting contour 17, in particular on a fixing element.

[0060] The adjusting member 13 can form the bypass channel 4. In particular, the bypass channel 4 can be formed by the adjusting member 13 alone.

[0061] The flow regulator 1 has a main flow path 14 through the regulating opening 3 and a secondary flow path 15 through the bypass channel 4. In contrast to the secondary flow path 15, the main flow path 14 can be varied in its clear opening size depending on the pressure.

[0062] The main flow path 14 and the secondary flow path 15 merge within the housing 12 , in particular downstream of the regulating opening 3 in the flow direction 9 .

[0063] A cross-sectional widening 16 is formed within the flow path downstream of the main flow path 14 and the secondary flow path 15 in the flow direction 9 .

[0064] The adjusting part 13 can be produced by injection molding at a relatively low cost, for example. It should be noted that the parting line of the injection mold used for production is not located in the bypass channel 4. This prevents unwanted noises from being generated due to the parting line in the bypass channel 4.

[0065] exist Fig. 9 and 10 1 shows a flow regulator 1 ( Fig. 9 ) and a flow regulator 1 having a bypass channel 4 extending non-linearly according to the present invention ( Fig.10 )’s flow characteristics.

[0066] As in Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 1 , in the case of a straight bypass channel 4, regular eddies are formed on the wall defining the bypass channel 4 during use of the flow regulator 1, which eddies lead to the generation of negative pressure regions in the wall region due to the separation of the fluid jet from the wall. Cavitation bubbles can thus form, which form local flow resistances that cause the generation of disturbing noises.

[0067] In contrast, Fig.10 In the case of the conically extending bypass channel 4 in FIG. 1 , no cavitation bubbles are observed. Instead, the bypass channel 4 acts like a nozzle. As a result, the fluid can be accelerated in the bypass channel 4 during the flow, thereby preventing the generation of negative pressure areas within the bypass channel 4. The fluid flow therefore does not separate from the wall, but flows along the wall until it reaches the cross-sectional widening 16.

[0068] exist Fig.10 Using the example of a conical bypass, it can be seen that the bypass channel 4 has a circumferential wall 18 which extends around the flow direction 21 and over the entire bypass channel 4 .

[0069] The bypass channel 4 is delimited on the inflow side 7 in its longitudinal direction by an end wall 19 .

[0070] The end wall 19 and the peripheral wall 18 form an angle 20. The angle 20 is greater than 90° and is, for example, between 93° and 100°.

[0071] It can also be seen that the bypass channel 4 is designed without undercuts in the flow direction 21 . The bypass channel 4 can therefore be demoulded counter to the flow direction 21 .

[0072] The bypass channel 4 can be said to have a clear opening cross section which decreases monotonically in the flow direction 21. This can be characterized, for example, by the fact that there is no section of the bypass channel 4 which has a smaller opening cross section than a preceding section of the bypass channel 4 in the flow direction.

[0073] Therefore, the present invention particularly relates to a flow regulator 1, which has a regulating body 2, through which a regulating opening 3 can be defined according to the fluid pressure applied to the regulating body 2, wherein the flow regulator 1 has a bypass channel 4, through which the fluid can flow past the regulating opening 3 without passing through the regulating opening, and the bypass channel 4 changes along an extension 6.

[0074] Reference numerals list

[0075] 1Flow regulator

[0076] 2Regulator

[0077] 3Adjust the opening

[0078] 4 bypass channels

[0079] 5 Cross section

[0080] 6Bypass channel extension

[0081] 7 Inflow side

[0082] 8 Outflow side

[0083] 9 Flow direction

[0084] 10 Tilt

[0085] 11 Longitudinal sections

[0086] 12 Housing

[0087] 13 Adjustment components

[0088] 14 Main flow path

[0089] 15 Secondary flow path

[0090] 16 Cross-sectional widening

[0091] 17 Adjust the outline

[0092] 18 4 surrounding wall

[0093] 19 end wall

[0094] 20 Angle

[0095] 21 Flow direction

Claims

1. A flow regulator (1) comprising a regulating body (2) through which the clear opening size of a regulating opening (3) can be varied depending on the pressure acting on the regulating body (2), wherein: The flow regulator (1) has a bypass channel (4) relative to a regulating opening (3), characterized in that the cross section of the bypass channel (4) changes along the extension (6) of the bypass channel (4), the bypass channel (4) is designed to be free of undercuts in the flow direction (21) and has a clear opening cross section that decreases monotonically in the flow direction (21).

2. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section (5) of the bypass channel (4) varies in diameter along its extension (6) and / or the cross-sectional shape changes along its extension (6).

3. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bypass channel (4) has a peripheral wall (18) which forms an angle (20) greater than 90° with an end wall (19) which delimits the bypass channel (4) on the inflow side (7) along the flow direction (21).

4. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The angle (20) is greater than 93°.

5. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The angle (20) is greater than 100°.

6. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bypass channel (4) has at least partially a conical and / or arcuate shape.

7. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The wall defining the bypass channel (4) has an inclination angle (10) of at least 3 degrees.

8. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A tangent line on a longitudinal section (11) of the bypass channel (4) extends at an angle deviating from the longitudinal direction of the bypass channel (4).

9. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A tangent line on a longitudinal section (11) of the bypass channel (4) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bypass channel (4).

10. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The regulating opening (3) extends at least partially around the bypass channel (4).

11. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The regulating opening (3) is designed as an annular gap and / or the regulating opening (3) and the bypass channel (4) are arranged concentrically.

12. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flow regulator (1) has a housing (12) in which a regulating element (13) is embedded.

13. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that The bypass channel (4) is formed by an adjusting component (13).

14. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A main flow path (14) passing through the regulating opening (3) and a secondary flow path (15) passing through the bypass passage (4) merge within the housing (12).

15. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A cross-sectional widening portion (16) is formed on the housing (12) in the flow direction (9) downstream of the regulating opening (3) within the flow path, and / or a cross-sectional widening portion (16) is formed on the housing (12) in the flow direction (9) downstream of the bypass channel (4) within the flow path.

16. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The adjusting body (2) is designed to be elastic.

17. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flow regulator (1) is designed as a sanitary insert for being inserted into a fluid pipeline.

18. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flow regulator (1) is designed as a sanitary insert for being inserted into a water supply pipe.

19. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flow regulator (1) is designed as a sanitary insert for being inserted into a faucet.

20. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flow regulator (1) is designed as a sanitary insert for insertion into a hose line.

21. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that The adjusting component (13) is manufactured as an injection-molded part.

22. The flow regulator (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that The parting line is located outside the bypass channel (4).

23. Method for producing a flow regulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that The component forming the bypass channel (4) is produced by injection molding, wherein the parting line is located outside the bypass channel (4).

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