Flow-optimized pressure loss sealing elements (plugs) for fluid channels, especially in gearbox and motor housings

Abstract

Closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) for closing a housing of a fluid-carrying component (G), which has at least one component-side fluid opening at 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, in the assembled state, seals the at least one fluid opening, and • the closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) comprises at least one contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B), wherein the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) has at least two openings (1B-1, 1B-2; 2B-1, 2B-2; 3B-1, 3B-2; 4B-1, 4B-2) on at least two boundary surfaces of the contour element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) 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), correspond with the cross-sectional contours of the openings (11-1, 12-1) of the at least two fluid channels (11, 12) with regard to their position and their cross-sectional shape, • wherein the closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) is formed in one piece, two pieces or three pieces from the at least one sealing element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) and the at least one contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B), wherein - the sealing element (2A) and the contour element (2B) are joined together in one piece, or - the sealing element (1A, 4A) and the contour element (1B, 4B) are designed separately as two parts, or - the sealing element (3A, 4A) and a two-part contour element (3B; 3B', 3B" / 4B; 4B', 4B") are formed separately in three parts.

Description

[0001] 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, forming a branch inside the component.

[0002] Particularly in the area of ​​transmission lubrication, measures to reduce pressure loss are being sought, especially to achieve further CO2 savings. In engine and transmission housings, lubricant flows are guided, among other things, through bends and branches in so-called oil galleries. These are generally subject to high flow resistance and thus unnecessary pressure losses or power losses. Oil galleries are systems consisting mostly of cylindrical bores, which are often routed through an angled transition. Due to technological limitations, the oil galleries required for lubrication in engine and transmission housings are machined using deep-hole drilling with machine tools. For bores with larger diameters, flow-optimized oil channels in the housing are produced entirely from a cast core, similar to water channels used for cooling in engine housings.Due to the manufacturing technology, unwanted openings or bore openings are created, which are closed using balls, plugs or flange covers.

[0003] For continuous redirection of lubricant flows, the bore connections or branches produced in this way are fluidically unfavorable at larger angles (> 30°). This means that the flow resistance increases, and consequently so does the pressure loss, which in turn leads to unwanted power losses throughout operation and a CO2 efficiency that could be improved. 2- balance sheet evokes.

[0004] Conventional system solutions with low flow resistance are based on separate, curved oil lines routed either outside or inside the engine and transmission housing. While these are more cost-effective in terms of flow optimization, they are more complex to manufacture and therefore also ineffective.

[0005] The potential for energy savings through flow optimization via geometry optimization of an oil line with a change in flow direction was investigated by comparing an acute-angled 270° bend with a more flow-optimized 270° rounded bend, with flow velocities of 2.5 to 6 m / s specified for pressure lines. The analytical solutions of the power loss calculations show a potential energy saving of approximately 14% to 83% at various temperatures and lubricant viscosities. This potential saving corresponds to an absolute power loss of approximately 0.6 to 5 watts per deflection element.

[0006] The publication EP 1 077 357 B1 discloses plugs which have deflection surfaces of specific configurations facing the (coolant) channels. The plugs are designed such that the change in cross-sectional area in the penetration area of ​​two coolant channels is reduced. A concave deflection surface gently redirects the flow. This prevents an abrupt deceleration of the (coolant) flow and reduces friction losses in the penetration area. The plugs are firmly fitted into the channels. They can, for example, be clamped in place by external force (material compression).

[0007] Further plugs are described in the publications US 10 345 828 B2, DE 20 2006 018 031 U1, DE 697 22 586 T2, EP 0 716 913 A1 and DE 101 65 026 B3.

[0008] Taking into account the foregoing, the invention is based on the objective of finding optimized solutions in the field of gear lubrication, by means of which a reduction in pressure loss of lubricants flowing in oil galleries of engine and gearbox housings can be achieved by means of a sealing element, wherein improved assembly of such a sealing element by a worker should be possible, which ensures that the respective gallery is securely sealed after the installation of the sealing element.

[0009] 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, forming a branch inside the component.

[0010] According to the invention, the closure element comprises at least one sealing element which, in the assembled state, seals the at least one fluid opening, and at least one contour element, wherein the contour element has 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 the component), correspond in terms of their position and cross-sectional shape to the cross-sectional contours of the openings of the at least two fluid channels in the area of ​​the branch. Advantageously, the agreement achieved in the assembled state between the position and 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 results in a flow-optimized closure element with reduced pressure loss.

[0011] It is also provided that the closure element is formed in one piece, two pieces or three pieces, consisting of at least one sealing element and at least one contour element.

[0012] Preferably, the contour element is designed as an insert with an outer component contour which, in the assembled state of the closure element and the component, corresponds in the area of ​​the branch to an inner component contour of a clearance in the area of ​​the branch within the component.

[0013] It is also preferred 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 assembly area.

[0014] It is not mandatory that the inner contour of the contour element be circular-cylindrical outside the openings adjoining the fluid channels in the assembly area. In other words, one embodiment provides for an inner contour of the contour element to be a non-circular-cylindrical tube, in particular 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 branch area correspond to the 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 transition within the contour element into a different, non-circular-cylindrical, for example, oval, inner contour, which requires minimal installation space within the contour element.This design advantageously allows for a slight deviation from the optimal low-pressure-loss flow profile in the contour element when space is limited, but it is now possible to make the housing of the contour element itself smaller, since the inner contour requires little installation space, thus enabling the contour element to be accommodated in a smaller space within the housing through miniaturization.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the inner contour of the contour element is also designed as a circular cylinder outside the openings adjoining the fluid channels in the assembly area.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 correspond to circular cylindrical cross-sections of the openings of the at least two fluid channels in the assembly area, thereby advantageously achieving a flow-technical optimum with regard to the circular cylindrical inner contour design of the contour element itself and with regard to the transition between the fluid channels within the housing, which are circular cylindrical in cross-section at least in the connection area, and the circular cylindrical cross-section of the pipe bend in the contour element.

[0016] It is also preferably provided that the inner contour of the contour element is a circular cylindrical pipe bend with an angle between > 0° and < / = 180° ausgebildet ist. Mit anderen Worten, die Erfindung ist in vorteilhafter Weise auf alle Abzweige in unterschiedlichen Richtungen anwendbar.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer contour of the insert component features a positioning element, in particular a positioning pin, which, in the assembled state of the closure element and the component, engages in a positioning bore of the inner contour of the clearance in the area of ​​the branch. With such or similar solutions, the positioning of the closure element can be simplified, made error-free, and reliably executed by the worker, particularly to simplify assembly.

[0018] In another embodiment, the positioning element can also be omitted. In this case, the position of the insert is ensured, particularly in automated manufacturing, by a production device, especially a robot, which ensures the desired position within the designated, cleared installation space, whereby the insert and the sealing element are preferably inserted into the designated installation space with a slight press fit.

[0019] In particularly advantageous embodiments, one component of the two-part contour element has positioning lugs, and the other component has positioning openings. When the two-part contour element is assembled, these corresponding and interlocking elements have the same position and cross-sections of their outer and inner contours. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing of the contour elements of the closure element, as explained in more detail below.

[0020] It is further preferred that the subcomponents are formed separately along the inner contour of the contour element of the non-circular or circular cylindrical pipe bend, so that a dividing plane is formed which separates the inner contour of the non-circular or circular cylindrical pipe bend of the contour element into two half-shells, wherein the subcomponents are clipped, glued or welded together in the assembled state.

[0021] For the sealing element of the closure element, various designs are provided for sealing against the component-side fluid opening in the assembled state, wherein the sealing element is either designed as a press-fit part, is provided with a seal, or is designed as a weld-in part, as explained in more detail in the description.

[0022] Preferably, the one-piece or multi-piece closure element is optionally made entirely of plastic, in particular a lightweight heat-resistant plastic, or of a metal or a combination of the aforementioned materials.

[0023] 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 engine housings, cylinder head housings, gearbox housings or air conditioning unit housings or the like.

[0024] The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a housing-side section through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with a first conventional closing element of a lubricant bore opening, in particular a spherical closing element; Fig. 2 a housing-side section through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with a second conventional closing element of a lubricant bore opening arranged in the branch, in particular a threaded plug; Fig. 3 a housing-side section through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with a first closure element according to the invention arranged in the branch; Fig. 4 a housing-side section through an orthogonal branch of a lubricant channel with a second closure element according to the invention arranged in the branch; Fig. 5A a perspective view (without housing) of a multi-part third locking element in a partial assembly state of a first sub-component with a sealing element; Fig. 5B the first sub-component of the third locking element according to Fig. 5A before assembly in a single illustration; Fig. 5C a second sub-component of the third locking element before assembly in a single view; Fig. 6 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; Fig. 7A a housing-side section through an obtuse-angled branch of a lubricant channel with a fourth closure element according to the invention arranged in the branch; Fig. 7B in the middle figure shows a housing-side section through the obtuse-angled branch of the lubricant channel with the fourth closure element according to the invention which can be arranged in the branch, wherein the upper figure illustrates a two-part closure element in a first embodiment and the lower figure illustrates a housing area of ​​the housing in the assembled state with the fourth closure element in the two-part embodiment, each in perspective views; Fig. Figure 7C in the middle figure shows a housing-side section through the obtuse-angled branch of the lubricant channel with the fourth closure element according to the invention which can be arranged in the branch, wherein the upper figure illustrates a three-part closure element in a second embodiment variant and the lower figure illustrates a housing area of ​​the housing in the assembled state with the fourth closure element in the three-part embodiment variant, each in perspective views.

[0025] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a section through an orthogonal branch 10 of a lubricant channel 11, 12 in a housing of a component G, in which a first conventional closure element A is arranged in a fluid opening, which is designed as a lubricant bore opening G1 and is subsequently referred to as such. The closure element A is a spherical closure element in the form of a spherical plug, which is pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1 with a predefinable interference fit. The branch 10 connects the first channel 11 to the second channel 12. The branch 10 and the channels 11, 12 represent a section of a gallery of several channels, which are arranged, for example, in an engine housing, a cylinder head housing, a transmission housing, an air conditioning unit housing, or the like.

[0026] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a section through an orthogonal branch 10 of a lubricant channel 11, 12 in a housing in which a second conventional closure element B is arranged in the lubricant bore opening G1, wherein the closure element B is a conventional cylindrical closure element B in the form of a threaded plug, which is screwed into the lubricant bore opening G1 by means of its external thread (not shown) relative to a housing-side internal thread (not shown). The branch 10 again connects the first channel 11 to the second channel 12.

[0027] Through the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and the associated description make it clear that a deflection of the lubricant flows into the branch 10 produced by bores is particularly unfavorable for branches with an angle > 30° from a fluid dynamics perspective, so that the flow resistance and thus also the pressure loss increases, resulting in losses which are eliminated by the subject matter of the invention, which is explained in detail below. First embodiment:

[0028] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a housing-side section through an orthogonal branch 10 of a lubricant channel 11, 12 with a first closure element 1 according to the invention arranged in the branch 10.

[0029] The closure element 1, that is, a flow-optimized pressure-loss-optimized first plug according to the first embodiment, is, for example, two-part and comprises a sealing element 1A and a contour element 1B.

[0030] The sealing element 1A is a lid-like sheet metal plug which is provided with a predefinable excess relative to the lubricant bore opening G1 and is pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1 in a sealing manner when assembled, so that no fluid, in particular no lubricant, can escape from the branch 10 or the channels 10, 11, 12 from the lubricant bore opening G1.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the contour element 1B is an insert or an insert element, in particular an insert cylinder.

[0032] In the housing, a clearance G2 is preferably provided in the area of ​​the branch 10, which forms an inner housing contour G2 IK features which allows the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1, 12-1 to be determined via a flow-optimized pressure loss insert inner contour 1B IK to connect them. The insert has an insert outer contour 1B. AKon, which with the housing inner contour G2 IK corresponds to the G2 release. The insert inner contour 1B IK is designed as a flow-optimized round arch, which in the embodiment is orthogonal, wherein the round arch has openings 1B-1 and 1B-2 on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert, which correspond exactly in position and with regard to their cross-sections to the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2.

[0033] During assembly, the insert is placed in the opening G2 of the housing in a first step, and in a second step the sealing element 1A is pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1. Second embodiment:

[0034] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a housing-side section through an orthogonal branch 10 of a lubricant channel 11, 12 with a second closure element 2 according to the invention arranged in the branch 10.

[0035] The closure element 2, that is, a flow-optimized pressure loss second plug according to the second embodiment, is, for example, one piece and comprises a sealing element 2A and a contour element 2B.

[0036] The sealing element 1A is designed as a bead which is provided with a predefinable excess relative to the lubricant bore opening G1 and is pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1 in a sealing manner in the assembled state, so that no fluid, in particular no lubricant, can escape from the branch 10 or the channels 10, 11, 12 from the lubricant bore opening G1.

[0037] The contour element 2B according to the second embodiment is also an insert or insert element, in particular an insert cylinder, which has the bead 1A on its upper side projecting into the lubricant bore opening G1 in the assembled state. Thus, sealing element 2A and contour element 2B form a one-piece insert.

[0038] In the housing of component G, a clearance G2 is preferably provided in the area of ​​branch 10, which forms an inner housing contour G2 IK features which allows the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1, 12-1 to be determined via a flow-optimized pressure loss insert inner contour 2B IK to connect them. The insert has an insert outer contour 2B. AK on, which with the housing inner contour G2 IK The G2 marking corresponds to the insert inner contour 2B. IKis designed as a flow-optimized pressure loss round arch, which in the exemplary embodiment is orthogonal, wherein the round arch has openings 2B-1 and 2B-2 on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert, which correspond exactly in position and with regard to their cross-sections to the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2.

[0039] During assembly, the insert is placed into the opening G2 of the housing in a single step, whereby the sealing element 1A is pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1 in this step. Third embodiment:

[0040] The Fig. Figure 5A shows a perspective view (without housing) of a multi-part third closure element 3 in a partial assembly state of a first sub-component 3B' of a contour element 3B with a sealing element 3A arranged on the first sub-component 3B' of the contour element 3B.

[0041] The Fig. 5B shows the first sub-component 3B' of the contour element 3B of the third closure element 3 according to Fig. 5A before assembly in a single illustration.

[0042] The Fig. 5C shows a second sub-component 3B'' of the contour element 3B of the third closure element 3 before assembly in a single view.

[0043] A special feature of the third closure element 3 is that a cost-reducing way was found to create a flow-optimized pressure loss plug.

[0044] The multi-part contour element 3B, described below, which is particularly divided into two parts and consists of the sub-components 3B' and 3B'', can, for example, replace the contour element 1B of the first embodiment or the contour element 2B of the second embodiment. The fourth contour element 4B, described later (see above), can also be used in this context. Fig. 7) The fourth locking element 4 can be designed as will be explained below.

[0045] The basic idea of ​​the two-part contour element 3B, consisting of the subcomponents 3B' and 3B'', is that the flow-optimized pressure loss insert inner contour 3B IK The contour element 3B, designed as an insert, is manufactured from two partial components 3B' and 3B'', in particular partial halves, to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0046] It is preferably provided that a parting line of the subcomponents 3B', 3B'' runs along the inner contour, thereby avoiding complex mold parting lines through undercuts. In other words, the parting line divides the circular pipe bend in the contour element 3B into two half-shells in the exemplary embodiment. After their manufacture, the subcomponents 3B', 3B'' are brought into an assembled state and, in particular, clipped, glued, or welded together.

[0047] In the installed state of the locking element 3, the gap between the joined sub-components 3B', 3B'' runs in the direction of the longitudinal extent (reference numeral Z, compare Fig. 3, 4, 5A to 5C and 6, 7) of the lubricant bore opening G1.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the subcomponents 3B', 3B'', in the exemplary embodiment the first subcomponent 3B', preferably has two positioning lugs 3B'-1 which correspond with regard to contour and positioning to positioning openings 3B''-2 in the other subcomponent 3B'', so that simple assembly is enabled by inserting the positioning lugs 3B'-1 into the positioning openings 3B''-2, wherein the insert inner contours 3B' IK , 3B'' IK The two halves, after assembly, have a flow-optimized, pressure-loss-optimized insert inner contour 3B. IK form.

[0049] The insert inner contour 3B IK The third embodiment of the closure element 3 is designed as a flow-optimized pressure-loss round arch, which in the exemplary embodiment is again orthogonally designed, wherein the round arch has openings 3B-1 and 3B-2 on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert, which correspond exactly in position and with regard to their cross-sections to the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2 (compare Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) correspond.

[0050] The insert inner contour 3B IK To reduce manufacturing costs, the insert can be produced from two halves 3B', 3B'' in a single plastic mold. Alternatively, the halves 3B', 3B'' can be produced as pressed aluminum parts.

[0051] The sealing element 3A is preferably also a component and has an O-ring 3A-1 for sealing against the lubricant bore opening G1.

[0052] The locking element 3 according to the third embodiment is therefore three-part.

[0053] During assembly, the two-part insert is first joined together from the subcomponents 3B' and 3B''. The sealing element 3A is then placed onto the contour element 3B, which is designed as an insert and consists of the subcomponents 3B' and 3B''. A receptacle on the base of the sealing element has a receiving recess that aligns with the outer contour 3B. AKof the contour element 3B. Finally, the closure element 3, after prior completion, is inserted into the opening G2 of the housing of component G, whereby in this step the sealing element 1A is pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1. It is understood that the insert can also first be inserted into the opening G2 of the housing after its partial completion without the sealing element 3A, so that the sealing element 1A is only pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1 afterwards.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a housing-side section through the orthogonal branch 10 of the lubricant channel 11, 12 with the first closure element 1 according to the invention arranged in the branch 10 in one embodiment.

[0055] This design variant of the contour element 1B of the first locking element 1* (compare Fig. 3), to which reference is made, can be transferred and applied to all other locking elements 2, 3 and 4 of the second, third and fourth embodiments.

[0056] The special feature is that the clearance G2, now a modified housing inner contour G2 IK , which has an additional positioning bore G2.1 IK , especially at the bottom of clearance G2.

[0057] The contour element 1B has a positioning pin 1B-3 which, during assembly, fits into the positioning bore G2.1 IKThe position of the positioning pin 1B-3 is selected and arranged such that the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert with its openings 1B-1 and 1B-2 correspond exactly in position and with regard to their cross-sections to the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2 after assembly, thus providing the worker with an assembly aid that avoids installation errors of the respective insert according to the design variant and the analogously designed contour elements 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B of the other embodiments.

[0058] Furthermore, a locking mechanism against rotation of the respective locking element 1, 2, 3, 4 in the housing positioning bore G2.1 is provided. IK created.

[0059] Furthermore, a (not shown) milling indentation on the circumference of the drilled inner housing contour G2 is revealed. IKthe clearance G2 in the housing, into which corresponding positioning elements of the respective contour element 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B designed as inserts engage in the assembled state.

[0060] It is also disclosed that during assembly it can be ensured that the locking elements 1, 1*, 2, 3, 4 are precisely aligned and positioned in the functional position relative to a fixed housing during automated assembly with the housing or during insertion into the housing of component G and are preferably pressed automatically into the respective clearance G2 of the housing. Fourth embodiment:

[0061] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a housing-side section through an obtuse-angled branch 10 of a lubricant channel 11, 12 in this embodiment, with a fourth closure element 4 according to the invention arranged in the branch 10. Through this Fig. Figure 7 makes it clear that each branch 10, regardless of its angle between the channels 11, 12, can be provided with a closure element according to the invention in the respective embodiment. The angle of the branches 10 of all embodiments is formed by the imaginary central longitudinal axis of the mostly cylindrical channels 11, 12, which meet at a point in the branch.

[0062] The closure element 4, that is, a flow-optimized, pressure-loss-optimized fourth plug according to the fourth embodiment, is, for example, two-part and comprises a sealing element 4A and a contour element 4B.

[0063] In the fourth embodiment, the sealing element 4A is a separate cover, in particular an oval cover, which is connected to the housing of the component G by means of a weld seam G14A to seal the lubricant bore opening G1, so that no fluid, in particular no lubricant, can escape from the branch 10 or the channels 10, 11, 12 from the lubricant bore opening G1.

[0064] In the fourth embodiment, the contour element 4B is also an insert or an insert element, which, with its approximately oval shape in the top view (looking into lubricant bore opening G1), defines the insert outer contour 4B. AK forms, which are adapted to the inner housing contour G4 IK is adapted to the G4 clearance.

[0065] In the housing, in the area of ​​branch 10, the clearance G4 is preferably provided, which defines the housing inner contour G4. IKfeatures which allows the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1, 12-1 to be determined via a flow-optimized pressure loss insert inner contour 4B IK to connect them together. The contour element 4B, designed as an insert, has the insert outer contour 4B. AK on, which with the housing inner contour G4 IK The G4 franking corresponds to the insert inner contour 4B. IK is designed as a flow-optimized obtuse-angled arc, wherein the obtuse-angled arc has openings 4B-1 and 4B-2 on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the insert, which correspond in position and with regard to their cross-sections to the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2.

[0066] During assembly, in a first step the insert is placed into the opening G4 of the housing, and in a second step the sealing element 4A is inserted into the lubricant bore opening G1 and welded in place as explained above.

[0067] Fourth embodiment in a first embodiment variant: The Fig. Figure 7B shows in the middle figure a housing-side section through the obtuse-angled branch 10 of the lubricant channel 11, 12 with the fourth closure element 4 according to the invention which can be arranged in the branch 10 in a first embodiment, wherein the upper figure illustrates a two-part closure element consisting of the sub-component 4A, 4B' and the sub-component 4B'' and the lower figure illustrates a housing area of ​​the housing of the component G in the assembled state with the fourth closure element in the two-part embodiment, each in perspective views.

[0068] The two-part closure element 4 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 4 is formed, on the other hand, by the other sub-component 4B'' of the contour element 4B.

[0069] It is planned to form a two-part contour element from the sub-component 4A, B' and the sub-component 4B'', whereby in turn a flow-optimized pressure loss insert inner contour 4B IK The contour element 4A, 4B, 4B', 4B'', designed as an insert, is manufactured from two sub-components to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0070] The special feature is that, in the exemplary embodiment, the first sub-component 4B' of the contour element 4B is already formed as a single component together with the sealing element 4A. The second part forms the second sub-component 4B'' of the contour element 4B''.

[0071] It is preferably provided that a parting line of the subcomponents 4B', 4B'' continues to run along the inner contour, thereby avoiding complex parting lines created by undercuts. In other words, the parting line continues to divide the circular pipe bend in the contour element 4B into two half-shells 4B', 4B'' in the exemplary embodiment. After their manufacture, the components 4A, 4B' and the subcomponent 4B'' are assembled and, in particular, clipped or glued together.

[0072] In the installed state of the locking element 4, the gap between the joined components 4A, 4B' and 4B'' runs in the direction of the longitudinal extent (reference numeral Z, compare Fig. 7A) of the lubricant bore opening G1.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the components 4A; 4B' and 4B'' can have positioning lugs analogous to the third embodiment, which correspond with regard to contour and positioning to positioning openings in the other sub-component, so that simple assembly is enabled by inserting the positioning lugs into the positioning openings, wherein the insert inner contours 4B' IK , 4B'' IK The partial halves 4B'-1 and 4B''-2 have flow-optimized pressure loss-optimized insert inner contours after assembly. IK form.

[0074] The insert inner contour 4B IKThe fourth embodiment of the closure element 4 of the first embodiment variant is designed as a flow-optimized pressure-loss arc > 90°, which in the exemplary embodiment is obtuse-angled, wherein the arc has openings 4B-1 and 4B-2 on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the contour element 4B designed as an insert (compare Fig. 7A) which correspond precisely in position and in terms of their cross-sections to the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2.

[0075] The insert inner contour 4B IK The contour element 4B, designed as an insert, can be manufactured from two halves 4B', 4B'' in a single plastic mold to reduce production costs. Alternatively, the halves 3B', 3B'' can be produced as pressed aluminum parts.

[0076] The sealing element 4A, which is formed integrally with the first component 4A', is a type of separate cover for sealing against the lubricant bore opening G1. In the exemplary embodiment, this cover is oval in shape. According to the invention, the cover 4A achieves its function as a sealing element by being welded to the housing of component G around its circumference. It is understood that the cover 4A can also be pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1 as a press-fit component (compare first embodiment), or it can be provided with an O-ring and thus seal against the inner surfaces of the lubricant bore opening G1 via the O-ring (compare third embodiment).

[0077] The locking element 4 according to the third embodiment is therefore two-part in the first embodiment variant.

[0078] During assembly, the first step involves joining the two-part insert, namely components 4A, 4B', and 4B''. The resulting contour element 4B of the closure element 4, along with its associated sealing element 4A, is then inserted into the opening G2 of the housing after the initial assembly. Simultaneously, the sealing element 4A, together with the contour element 4B, is inserted and positioned in the lubricant bore opening G1, after which the cover 4A is welded to the housing around its circumference.

[0079] Fourth embodiment in a second variant: Fig. Figure 7C shows in the middle figure a housing-side section 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, wherein the upper figure illustrates a three-part closure element with a partial component 4A, a partial component 4B' and a partial component 4B'' and the lower figure illustrates a housing area of ​​the housing of component G in the assembled state with the fourth closure element in the three-part embodiment, each in perspective views.

[0080] The three-part closure element 4 separately comprises the sealing element 4A as the first sub-component, a sub-component 4B' of the contour element 4B and a further sub-component 4B'' of the contour element 4B.

[0081] It is planned to form a two-part contour element 4B; 4B', 4B'', wherein in turn a flow-optimized pressure loss insert inner contour 4B IK of the contour element 4B; 4B', 4B'' designed as an insert, to reduce manufacturing costs from two partial components, in particular partial halves 4B' and 4B''.

[0082] It is preferably provided that a parting line of the subcomponents 4B', 4B'' runs along the inner contour, thereby avoiding complex parting lines through undercuts. In other words, the parting line divides the circular pipe bend in the contour element 4B into the subcomponents 4B', 4B'', in particular into two half-shells. After their manufacture, the subcomponents 4B', 4B'' are brought into an assembled state and in particular clipped, bonded, or welded together.

[0083] In the installed state of the locking element 4, the gap between the joined sub-components 4B', 4B'' runs in the direction of the longitudinal extent (reference numeral Z, compare Fig. 7A) of the lubricant bore opening G1.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the subcomponents 4B', 4B'' can have positioning lugs analogous to the third embodiment, which correspond with positioning openings in the other subcomponent with respect to their contour and positioning, so that simple assembly is made possible by inserting the positioning lugs into the positioning openings, wherein the insert inner contours 4B' IK , 4B'' IK The partial halves 4B'-1 and 4B''-2 have flow-optimized pressure loss-optimized insert inner contours after assembly. IK form.

[0085] The insert inner contour 4B IKThe fourth embodiment of the closure element 4 of the first embodiment variant is designed as a flow-optimized pressure-loss arc > 90°, which in the exemplary embodiment is obtuse-angled, wherein the arc has openings 4B-1 and 4B-2 on the channel-side boundary surfaces of the contour element 4B designed as an insert (compare Fig. 7A) which correspond precisely in position and in terms of their cross-sections to the cross-sections of the channel openings 11-1 and 11-2.

[0086] The insert inner contour 4B IK To reduce manufacturing costs, the insert can be produced from two halves 4B', 4B'' in a single plastic mold. Alternatively, the halves, i.e., the sub-components 3B', 3B'', can be produced as pressed aluminum parts.

[0087] The sealing element 4A is preferably also a component and, for sealing against the lubricant bore opening G1, is a type of separate cover, which in the exemplary embodiment is oval. According to the invention, the cover is designed to function as a sealing element by being welded to the housing around its circumference. It is understood that the cover can also be pressed into the lubricant bore opening G1 as a press-fit part (compare first embodiment) or it can be provided with an O-ring and thus seal against the inner surface of the lubricant bore opening G1 via the O-ring (compare third embodiment).

[0088] The locking element 4 according to the fourth embodiment is therefore three-part in the second embodiment variant.

[0089] During assembly, the two-part insert 4B, 4B', 4B'' is first joined together. After prior assembly, the contour element 4B of the closure element 4 is inserted into the opening G2 of the housing of component G. Subsequently, the sealing element 4A is inserted into the lubricant bore opening G1 and, for example, welded to the housing around its circumference.

[0090] Through a special use of the closure elements 1, 1*, 2, 3, 4 with flow-optimized inner contour 1B IK , 2B IK , 4B IK , 4B IK The flow resistance in the branches 10 is sustainably reduced.

[0091] The one-piece or multi-piece locking elements 1, 1*, 2, 3, 4 can optionally be made entirely of plastic, a lightweight heat-resistant plastic or metal, or a combination of these materials.

[0092] The closure elements 1, 1*, 2, 3, 4 can, for example, be manufactured using so-called rapid prototyping. In this process, the respective closure element is built up layer by layer from shapeless or shape-neutral material using physical and / or chemical effects.

[0093] The embodiments always describe a transition from two channels 11, 12 in a branch 10. It is understood that distributions with more than two (> 2) channels 11, 12... to be connected can also be designed according to the principle of the invention with corresponding internal contours 1B. IK , 2B IK , 3B IK , 4B IK the contour elements 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B can be formed so that three or more channels can be connected to each other in a flow-optimized and pressure-loss-reduced manner.

[0094] The solution according to the invention represents a significant improvement over the publication EP 1 077 357 B1, since the deflection of the fluid flow, in particular the lubricant flow, is not only achieved via partially formed spherical segment-shaped deflection surfaces, but more flow-optimized bends are formed as transitions between the channel elements 11, 12, so that the entire deflection area, which is defined by the contour elements 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B with the cylindrical inner contours 1B IK , 2B IK , 4B IK , 4B IK The resulting arcs significantly reduce dead space formation, secondary flow and friction on the arc walls compared to the conventional plug solution, which has right-angled transitions on the inside of the flow. Reference symbol list 10 branch in the component 11 first channel 11-1 first canal opening 12 second channel 12-1 second channel opening A first locking element (state of the art) B second locking element (state of the art) G component G1 Lubricant bore opening G2 clearance G2 IK Housing inner contour G2.1 IK Positioning hole G4 clearance G4 IK Housing inner contour G14A weld between G1 and 4A Z Longitudinal direction of the bore opening G1 1 first locking element 1A Sealing element 1B Contour element, insert 1B IK inner contour 1B AK Outer contour 1B-1 Opening 1B-2 Opening 1B-3 Positioning element, positioning pin 1* first locking element in a version variant with positioning pin 1B-3 2 second locking element 2A Sealing element 2B Contour element, insert 2BIK Insert inner contour 2B AK Insert outer contour 2B-1 Opening 2B-2 Opening 3 third locking element 3A Sealing element 3A-1 O-Ring 3B Contour element 3B' first subcomponent 3B'-1 Positioning nose 3B'' second subcomponent 3B''-2 Positioning Opening 3B IK Insert inner contour 3B' IK Insert inner contour of the half half 3B AK Insert outer contour 4 fourth locking element 4A Sealing element 4B Contour element 4B' first subcomponent 4B'' second subcomponent 4B-1 Opening 4B-2 Opening 4B IK inner contour 4B AK Outer contour

Claims

[1] Closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) for closing a housing of a fluid-carrying component (G) which has at least one component-side fluid opening at which at least two fluid channels (11, 12) meet, which form a branch (10) inside the component (G), characterized by , that • the closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) has at least one sealing element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) which, in the assembled state, seals the at least one fluid opening, and • the closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) comprises at least one contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B), wherein the contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B) has at least two openings (1B-1, 1B-2; 2B-1, 2B-2; 3B-1, 3B-2; 4B-1, 4B-2) on at least two boundary surfaces of the contour element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) 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), correspond with the cross-sectional contours of the openings (11-1, 12-1) of the at least two fluid channels (11, 12) with regard to their position and their cross-sectional shape, • wherein the closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) is formed in one piece, two pieces or three pieces from the at least one sealing element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) and the at least one contour element (1B, 2B, 3B, 4B), wherein - the sealing element (2A) and the contour element (2B) are joined together in one piece, or - the sealing element (1A, 4A) and the contour element (1B, 4B) are designed separately as two parts, or - the sealing element (3A, 4A) and a two-part contour element (3B; 3B', 3B" / 4B; 4B', 4B") are formed separately in three parts. [2] Locking element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the contour element (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) is used as an insert with a component outer contour (1B) AK , 2B AK , 3B AK , 4B AK ) is formed, which in the assembled state of the locking element (1, 2, 3, 4) and the component (G) in the area of ​​the branch (10) with a housing inner contour (G2 IK , G4 IK ) corresponds to a clearance (G2, G4) in the area of ​​the branch within the component (G). [3] Locking element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 1, characterized by, 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 at least in the assembly area circular cylindrical cross-sections of the openings (11-1, 12-1) of the at least two fluid channels (11, 12) correspond. [4] Locking element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 1 and 3, characterized by , 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 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 assembled area. [5] Locking element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 1 and 3, characterized by , 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) and 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 the component (G) in the area of ​​the branch (10) correspond with circular cylindrical cross-sections of the openings (11-1, 12-1) of the at least two fluid channels (11, 12) in the assembly area. [6] Locking element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , 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° ausgebildet ist. [7] Locking element (1*) according to claim 2, characterized by , 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) is inserted into a positioning bore (G2.1IK ) the housing inner contour (G2 IK ) the release (G2) intervenes. [8] Locking element (3) according to claim 1, characterized by , that one subcomponent (3B', 4B') of the two-part contour element (3B; 3B', 3B'' / 4B; 4B', 4B'') has 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''), correspond and interlock with respect to their position and the cross-sections of the outer and inner contours of the positioning lugs (3B'-1) and positioning openings (3B''-2). [9] Locking element (3) according to claim 8, characterized by , 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 non-circular cylindrical pipe bend or the circular cylindrical pipe bend are separated, so that a division plane is formed which defines 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) into two half-shells (3B', 3B'' / 4B', 4B''), wherein the sub-components (3B', 3B'' / 4B', 4B'') are clipped or glued together in the assembled state. [10] Locking element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sealing element (4A) of the closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) serves to seal against the component-side fluid opening in the assembled state either as • Press-fit part is formed, or • is equipped with a seal, or • is designed as a weld-in part. [11] Closure element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the one-piece or multi-piece locking element (1, 1*, 2, 3, 4) is optionally made entirely of plastic, in particular a lightweight heat-resistant plastic, or of a metal or a combination of the aforementioned materials.

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