Hollow multi-chamber radial wheels for air supply systems

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a radial wheel (100) for an air supply system, the radial wheel (100) having an axis of rotation (101) and a hub portion (110), the hub portion (110) having an outer hub surface (114) defining a gas flow path (116), the outer hub surface (114) being curved for radial gas flow such that a root end of the outer hub surface (114) axially located on a root side (103) is positioned radially outward of a forward end of the outer hub surface (114) axially located on a forward side (102). The radial wheel (100) further includes a plurality of blades (120) extending radially outward from the hub portion (110) into the gas flow path (116), and an internal structure (130), the internal structure (130) including a plurality of chambers including a first chamber (131) and a second chamber (132), a radial structural element (141) axially disposed between the first chamber (131) and the second chamber (132) and extending radially outward from the rotation axis (101) across the hub portion (110), and an axial structural element (142) extending axially from the radial structural element (141) across the first chamber (131). The present disclosure further provides an air supply system including such a radial wheel (100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a radial wheel for an air intake system. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an air intake system including such a radial wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] Air intake systems, particularly turbochargers, can be used to increase the power output of combustion engines. Typically, a turbine wheel can be located in the exhaust path of the combustion engine, and a compressor wheel can be located upstream of the combustion engine. Exhaust gases generated by the combustion engine can be expanded in the turbine wheel. The extracted energy is transferred by a shaft to the compressor wheel, which can compress the air supplied to the engine. By utilizing the energy of the exhaust gases to compress the air supplied to the combustion process of the combustion engine, the combustion process and efficiency of the combustion engine can be optimized.

[0003] Typically, the compressor wheel and / or turbine wheel of the air intake system is embodied as a radial wheel. Radial wheels according to the present disclosure also refer to wheels with an axial flow component, commonly referred to as diagonal wheels. Radial wheels may include multiple layered blades that result in complex external geometries.

[0004] The radial compressor and turbine wheels of an air charge system may be loaded by high centrifugal forces. The performance characteristics of the air charge system may be affected by the weight and inertia characteristics of the compressor and turbine wheels. The life and fatigue limits of the radial wheels may depend on the stability and stiffness of the radial wheels.

[0005] Additive manufacturing may be used to manufacture compressor wheels and / or turbine wheels. One drawback of radial wheels due to additive manufacturing is the poor trade-off between manufacturing-related costs, such as material and printing time per part, and component benefits, especially when printing component structures originally designed and optimized for traditional manufacturing methods. Furthermore, additive manufacturing may typically be less advantageous for larger components. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a radial wheel for an air intake system, and an air intake system having such a radial wheel, for improving the performance of the air intake system and / or reducing manufacturing costs by reducing the weight and inertia characteristics of the radial wheel.

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a radial wheel for an air intake system. The radial wheel includes a rotational axis and a hub portion having an outer hub surface defining a gas flow path. The outer hub surface is curved for radial gas flow such that a root end of the outer hub surface, located axially on the root side, is positioned radially outward of a forward end of the outer hub surface, located axially on the forward end side. The radial wheel further includes a plurality of blades extending radially outward from the hub portion into the gas flow path and an internal structure. The internal structure has a plurality of chambers, including a first chamber and a second chamber. A radial structural element of the internal structure is axially positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber and extends radially outward across the hub portion. The internal structure further includes at least one structural element extending axially from the radial structural element across the first chamber.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an air intake system having a radial wheel as disclosed herein.

[0010] The details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth in the specification, which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a radial wheel according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the radial wheel of FIG. 1 on section AA. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a radial wheel according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a radial wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure relates generally to a radial wheel, particularly a radial compressor wheel and / or a radial turbine wheel, for an air intake system, particularly a turbocharger, that provides advantageous weight and inertia characteristics through an optimized internal structure. Radial wheels according to the present disclosure partially absorb axial forces through axial structural elements and partially absorb radial and centrifugal forces through radial structural elements, allowing the radial wheel to withstand high rotational speeds as well as high thermal and structural loads. In some embodiments, the radial wheel has hollow blades.

[0014] Embodiments of radial wheels according to the present disclosure may be particularly suitable for use in industrial applications, particularly as compressor wheels for air charge systems in industrial applications. Some embodiments of radial wheels according to the present disclosure may be particularly suitable for use as compressor wheels and / or turbine wheels for turbochargers. Embodiments of air charge systems and / or radial wheels according to the present disclosure may be suitable for use in the power industry, heavy off-highway vehicles, rail and / or marine industries, etc.

[0015] In general, this disclosure describes a radial wheel for an air supply system having a rotational axis and a hub portion having an outer hub surface that defines a gas flow path. Typically, the hub portion is rotationally symmetrically disposed about the rotational axis. As used herein, the rotational axis corresponds to the axis about which the radial wheel rotates. The term "axially" refers to a direction along the rotational axis, and the term "radially" refers to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The term "radially inner" refers to a location closer to the rotational axis than a "radially outer" location. The outer hub surface may be curved for radial gas flow. As used herein, the term "radial gas flow" includes a mixed flow having radial and axial flow components. A root-end portion of the outer hub surface may be axially located at the root side and angled radially outward from a nose-end portion of the outer hub surface that is axially located at the nose side.

[0016] The root end of the compressor wheel is typically located upstream along the gas flow path of the air charge system compared to the front end, while the root end of the turbine wheel is typically located downstream along the gas flow path of the air charge system compared to the front end.

[0017] The blades extend radially outward from the hub portion into the gas flow path. The hub portion of the radial wheel according to the present disclosure further includes an internal structure. The internal structure has a plurality of chambers, particularly a plurality of hollow chambers. As used herein, the term "chamber" refers to a substantially hollow portion within the hub portion that can be bounded in all directions by walls, which can have one or more openings. The one or more openings can be useful for manufacturing purposes and / or to further reduce the weight of the radial wheel. The one or more openings can be arranged in a rotationally symmetric manner.

[0018] The internal structure further includes radial structural elements and axial structural elements. As used herein, the term "radial structural element" refers to a structural element extending between any two points on the outer hub surface and through the rotation axis, where the radial structural element extends at least partially and / or sectionally in the radial direction. The radial structural element can be axially disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The radial structural element can extend radially outward across the entire hub portion to the outer hub surface and through the rotation axis of the radial wheel. The radial structural element can extend substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and / or at least sectionally angled and / or curved relative to the radial direction. The upper surface of the radial structural element can extend differently from the lower surface of the radial structural element. As used herein, the term "upper surface" refers to the lower wall portion of the upper chamber that bounds the chamber at the root side. Similarly, the term "lower surface" can refer to the upper wall portion that bounds the lower chamber at the front end side. For example, the upper surface may extend substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation across the hub portion, while the lower surface may be arcuate, or vice versa. In embodiments, the thickness of the radial structural elements may be constant or may vary. In particular, the thickness of the radial structural elements may depend on the radial position. As used herein, the term "thickness" may refer to the axial distance between the upper and lower surfaces at a location where the upper surface is located axially forward of the lower surface. The mid-plane may be defined by a plane located the same distance from the upper and lower surfaces. The mid-plane may extend through the axis of rotation.

[0019] The axial structural element can extend from the radial structural element over the entire axial extent of the first chamber. The axial structural element can extend substantially axially and / or at least piecewise angular or curved relative to the axis of rotation. Preferably, at least one axial structural element can extend from the radial structural element across the first chamber within a cylindrical region having a diameter equal to or smaller than the smallest diameter of the outer hub surface. The axial structural element can include multiple sub-elements.

[0020] As used herein, the term "throughout the axial / radial extension" refers to an extension between any two points positioned substantially opposite each other along the axial / radial direction, and the term "substantially" refers to an extension that may be angled relative to the axial / radial direction such that the two points may be offset from each other relative to the respective direction.

[0021] The chambers arranged in the hub portion may be arranged in an axially stacked manner. For high rotational speeds acting on the radial wheel as well as high structural loads, it may be appropriate to provide more chambers. To subdivide the hollow space, for example, into two axially stacked chambers, more substantially radially arranged structural elements may be provided. Radially arranged structural elements, for example, radial structural elements, may be appropriate for absorbing centrifugal forces and for providing rigidity.

[0022] The internal structure can be formed such that its principal axis of inertia corresponds to the rotation axis of the radial wheel. In particular, each element, such as the radial structural element and the axial structural element, can be formed such that its principal axis of inertia corresponds to the rotation axis of the radial wheel. In embodiments, a discrete rotationally symmetric arrangement of single elements of the internal structure can be formed such that its principal axis of inertia corresponds to the rotation axis of the radial wheel. According to embodiments, different elements of the internal structure can have mutually corresponding principal axes of inertia to the rotation axis of the radial wheel, but each of these different elements may not necessarily have a principal axis of inertia corresponding to the rotation axis of the radial wheel.

[0023] In embodiments, a single element of the internal structure, such as a radial structural element and / or an axial structural element, can be formed dependent on a plurality of blades disposed in the hub portion. For example, the plurality of blades can include eight blades extending radially outward from the hub portion, with the single elements and / or subelements of the internal structure being disposed at discrete angles as integer multiples or integer fractions of 45°. In some embodiments, the plurality of blades can include nine blades extending radially outward from the hub portion, with the single elements and / or subelements of the internal structure being disposed at discrete angles as integer multiples of 40°. Such embodiments can enhance the smooth operation of the radial wheel. In some embodiments, it may be useful to avoid such dependencies with respect to vibration modes.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the radial structural elements can extend continuously between two mutually opposing circumferential positions across the hub portion, for example, in at least one cross section including the rotation axis. Preferably, the radial structural elements can extend between any two mutually opposing circumferential positions in multiple cross sections including the rotation axis. Particularly preferably, the radial structural elements can extend between any two mutually opposing circumferential positions in any cross section including the rotation axis. Such a design allows the radial wheel to withstand high rotational speeds. As used herein, the term "continuously extending" refers to a structure that extends along a continuous path between mutually opposing circumferential positions, for example, through the radial structural elements. Preferably, in each cross section including the rotation axis and each mutually opposing circumferential position.

[0025] In embodiments, the plurality of chambers of the internal structure may include at least one chamber disposed within at least one of the plurality of blades of the radial wheel. Providing a substantially hollow blade may improve the inertial characteristics of the radial wheel.

[0026] According to some embodiments, a lattice structure can be disposed in at least one of the plurality of chambers. In particular, the lattice structure can span at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, and particularly preferably at least 80% of the volume of each chamber. As used herein, a lattice structure spanning at least 60% of the volume of each chamber is defined by 60% of the interior volume of each chamber being spaced at most a characteristic length from the lattice structure. The characteristic length can be defined by the lattice constant of the lattice structure. The lattice structure can, for example, enable a reduction in the wall thickness of the axial and / or radial structural elements. The lattice structure can enable a reduction in weight and improved inertia characteristics of the radial wheel. The lattice structure can function as a support structure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the third chamber can be axially disposed at the base of the first and second chambers, and / or the fourth chamber can be axially disposed at the front end of the first and second chambers. By subdividing the hollow hub portion into multiple axially stacked chambers, the radial wheel can withstand higher centrifugal forces while reducing weight and improving inertia characteristics.

[0028] According to an embodiment, at least one chamber of the plurality of chambers can be connected to another chamber of the plurality of chambers. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of chambers can be connected to one another. As used herein, the term "connect" refers to a connection through a path between two locations through which powder, such as powder used in additive manufacturing, can pass directly or indirectly. For example, a first chamber can be indirectly connected to a fourth chamber through a direct connection from the first chamber to the second chamber and another direct connection from the second chamber to the fourth chamber, or vice versa. The plurality of chambers can be connected to one another, for example, by one or more openings in the peripheral walls. Such an embodiment can facilitate the production of radial wheels.

[0029] In some embodiments, the internal structure can have a plurality of radial spokes that can connect the forward end side of the radial structural element to the radially outer surface of the chamber. Specifically, the radial spokes can extend axially from the forward end side of the radial structural element radially outward and toward the forward end. In embodiments, the radial structural element can be directly connected to the outer hub surface at an axial position closer to the root end than the plurality of radial spokes. In some embodiments, the plurality of spokes can include a number of spokes that is an integer multiple or integer fraction of the number of blades extending radially outward from the hub portion. The plurality of radial spokes can absorb and / or direct a partial centrifugal force acting on the radial structural element at an axial position closer to the forward end than an axial position on the forward end side of the radial structural element. The plurality of radial spokes can increase the stability and rigidity of the radial wheel.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the first chamber can be positioned substantially at the axial level of the maximum diameter of the hub portion, and / or the second chamber can be positioned closer to the forward end than the first chamber. As used herein, the term "axial level of the maximum diameter of the hub portion" refers to the largest diameter section on the rotational axis, which can have the largest radial distance relative to the hub portion. The largest diameter section can include a center point or be a point on the rotational axis. The term "substantially at the axial level of the maximum diameter of the hub portion" can refer to an extended section on the rotational axis that is extended compared to the largest diameter section. The extended section can have the same center point as the largest diameter section and can extend from the center point or from the center point in both directions on the rotational axis by up to 10% of the axial extension of the hub portion beyond the largest diameter section. As used herein, the term "the first chamber is positioned substantially at the axial level of the maximum diameter of the hub portion" refers to a design in which any portion of the first chamber can be positioned within the radial extension region of the extended section. In such an embodiment, the inertia characteristics of the radial wheel can be improved, while providing high stability and stiffness.

[0031] In some embodiments, the radial structural elements can have a non-planar lower surface. The upper surface of the radial structural elements can be non-planar. In particular, the lower surface and / or the upper surface can be curved from the radially inner to the radially outer direction toward the root end and / or can protrude forward at the radially inner portion.

[0032] In embodiments, the radial structural elements can be formed based on a ratio between two parameters. For example, the thickness of the radial structural elements can be formed according to an upper thickness-diameter ratio or a lower thickness-diameter ratio. As used herein, the "diameter" of the upper thickness-diameter ratio can be defined by the maximum radial extension of the upper surface of the radial structural element. Similarly, the "diameter" of the lower thickness-diameter ratio can be defined by the maximum radial extension of the lower surface of the radial structural element. The upper thickness-diameter ratio and / or the lower thickness-diameter ratio can be between 0.01 and 0.40, preferably between 0.05 and 0.22, and particularly preferably between 0.01 and 0.18.

[0033] According to an embodiment, at least one sub-element of the axial structural element may be rotationally symmetric about the axis of rotation, hi an embodiment, the axial structural element may be rotationally discretely symmetric about discrete angles, such as integer multiples of about 30°, preferably about discrete angles that may depend on the number of blades extending radially outward from the hub portion.

[0034] In some embodiments, the axial structural element may be supported at its root side to absorb axial loads, such as tensile and / or compressive loads.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the material ratio of the radial wheel can be between 30% and 70%, preferably between 40% and 60%, and particularly preferably between 45% and 55%. As used herein, the term "material ratio" refers to the percentage of material placed within a predetermined volume. For example, a solid object can have a material ratio of 100%.

[0036] In embodiments, the radial wheel may be integrally formed by a lamination process. In particular, the radial wheel may be integrally formed by a lamination process from one or more types of powder, such as one or more types of metal powder.

[0037] According to embodiments, the radial wheel may be a radial compressor wheel. In some embodiments, the radial wheel may be an open wheel, i.e., a radial wheel that does not include a shroud. In embodiments, the blades may be attached at their bases to the hub but are otherwise unconnected, particularly not connected to each other by a shroud.

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, some examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example can be provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, and not as a limitation of the disclosure. For example, features illustrated or described as part of an embodiment can be used with other embodiments to yield still further embodiments. The drawings may not be to scale.

[0039] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a radial wheel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The radial wheel 100 may be a radial compressor wheel or a radial turbine wheel.

[0040] The radial wheel 100 can be used in an air intake system, in particular a turbocharger. According to an embodiment, the radial wheel 100 can include coupling means at the root side 103 for attaching the radial wheel 100 to a shaft of the air intake system. In an embodiment, the radial wheel 100 can have a shaft. In an embodiment, a tube rotating about the rotation axis 101 of the radial wheel 100 can be arranged partially through the radial wheel 100 for attaching the radial wheel 100 to the shaft by fastening means or the like. The tube can be included in the radial wheel 100.

[0041] The radial wheel 100 may have a hub portion 110 that includes an outer hub surface 114. The outer hub surface 114 may define a gas flow passage 116. The hub portion 110 may have a larger diameter at the root side 103 than at the leading side 102 of the radial wheel. The outer hub surface 114 may be curved for radial and / or oblique gas flow.

[0042] The radial wheel 100 may be disposed on an outer hub surface 114 and may include a plurality of blades 120. The plurality of blades 120 may extend radially outward from the hub portion 110 into the gas flow passage 116. The radial wheel 100 may be an open wheel such that the radial wheel 100 does not include a shroud.

[0043] In an embodiment, the radial wheel 100 has a partially hollow interior structure 130. Preferably, the interior structure 130 can be substantially hollow. For example, the partially hollow interior structure 130 allows the radial wheel 100 to have a material ratio of less than 60%, preferably less than 55%, and particularly preferably less than 50%, compared to a solid radial wheel having the same external geometry.

[0044] The internal structure 130 can be defined by multiple chambers, such as a first hollow chamber 131 and a second hollow chamber 132. The chambers can be bounded in all directions by walls. The space bounded by the wall(s) can be hollow. The multiple chambers can be formed in different designs, such as a cube, a sphere, or some other design; for example, one or more chambers can be bounded at least in part by walls of uniform wall thickness in the hub portion 110, such that the design of the one or more chambers can depend at least in part on the geometry of the outer hub surface 114. In an embodiment, the walls can have one or more openings.

[0045] The internal structure 130 may include a third chamber 133 and a fourth chamber 134. The third chamber 133 may be axially disposed on the root side 103 of the first chamber 131. The fourth chamber 134 may be axially disposed on the forward side 102 of the second chamber 132.

[0046] The plurality of blades 120 may further include at least one blade chamber 121. The blade chamber 121 may be disposed within the blade 122. In an embodiment, the blade chamber 121 may be formed at least in part according to the geometry of the blade 122; in particular, the blade 122 may resemble a shell having a uniform wall thickness.

[0047] In embodiments, a wall separating one or more of the plurality of chambers may have an opening. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the second chamber 132 and the fourth chamber 134 may be partially separated by the same wall. A wall axially disposed between the second chamber 132 and the fourth chamber 134 may have one or more openings such that the second chamber 132 and the fourth chamber 134 are directly connected. According to embodiments, any of the plurality of chambers may be connected to any other of the plurality of chambers. The connection may be direct or indirect. Specifically, the first chamber 131 may be directly connected to the second chamber, which may in turn be directly connected to the fourth chamber 134, thereby indirectly connected to the fourth chamber 134.

[0048] The internal structure may further include additional chambers. For example, the fourth chamber may be divided into two or more chambers by a wall. By providing additional chambers, the radial wheel 100 may have a higher percentage of material ratio than if fewer chambers were provided. A higher percentage of material ratio may increase the stiffness of the radial wheel and may be able to absorb larger forces, but may require more material to accelerate during operation of the radial wheel 100, which may lead to larger forces and / or more adverse inertial characteristics.

[0049] A radial structural element 141 may be disposed axially between the first chamber 131 and the second chamber 132. The radial structural element 141 may extend substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 101. In an embodiment, the radial structural element 141 may extend radially outward across the hub portion 110 and through the axis of rotation 101. The radial structural element 141 may absorb circumferential forces during operation of the radial wheel 100.

[0050] The radial structural element 141 may extend between two opposing circumferential positions across the hub portion 110 in multiple cross sections that consecutively include the rotation axis 101. The multiple cross sections that include the rotation axis 101 may form angles that are integer multiples of 15° with respect to each other. Preferably, the radial structural element 141 may extend between any two opposing circumferential positions in any cross section that includes the rotation axis 101.

[0051] In an embodiment, the radial structural elements 141 can be formed according to an upper thickness-to-diameter ratio and / or a lower thickness-to-diameter ratio, which can be between 0.01 and 0.40, preferably between 0.05 and 0.22, and particularly preferably between 0.01 and 0.18. The thickness of the radial structural elements 141 can be selected depending on the axial position and / or the radial extension of the radial structural elements 141.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the first chamber 131 can be positioned substantially at the axial level of the maximum diameter of the hub portion 110. The radial structural element 141 can be positioned on the front end side 102 of the first chamber 131, so that the radial structural element 141 can be in a favorable position to absorb large circumferential forces.

[0053] The radial structural element 141 may have a non-planar lower surface. In particular, the radial structural element 141 may be arcuate from the axis of rotation and expand in radial position toward the root side 103. The upper surface of the radial structural element 141 may be non-planar. In particular, the upper surface of the radial structural element 141 may be curved from the radially inner side to the radially outer side toward the front end.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1 , the axial structural element 142 may extend substantially axially across the first chamber 131. The axial structural element 142 may be designed, for example, as one or more pillars, such as cylinders, each corresponding to a sub-element of the axial structural element. In operation, the axial structural element 142 may absorb axial forces acting on the radial wheel 100. In an embodiment, the axial structural element 142 may extend partially in the radial direction. Preferably, the axial structural element 142 may be designed rotationally symmetric with respect to the rotation axis 101. Also, in an embodiment, the discrete rotationally symmetric design of the multiple sub-elements of the axial structural element 142 may be formed, for example, by an integer multiple of 30°.

[0055] For example, it may be useful to provide support at the root of the axial structural element 142 to absorb large axial tensile and / or compressive forces.

[0056] The radial wheel 100 as shown in FIG. 1 can be integrally formed by a layer-by-layer process. Specifically, the radial wheel 100 can be formed from powder. The powder can be a metal powder. For example, when forming a radial compressor wheel, titanium alloy powder and / or aluminum alloy powder can be used. When forming a turbine wheel, nickel alloy powder is typically used. The radial wheel 100 can be manufactured, for example, by a selective laser melting process.

[0057] In some embodiments, the radial wheel 100 can be integrally formed from multiple materials by a layering process. For example, high stress regions of the radial wheel 100 can be printed using a different material, such as a high strength metal alloy, than low stress regions of the radial wheel 100. In some embodiments, materials can be selected at least in part depending on radial and / or axial position. For example, a highly thermally conductive material, such as copper, can be selected for regions, elements of the internal structure 130, and / or sub-elements of the internal structure 130 that are close to the axis of rotation 101.

[0058] In an embodiment, a support structure can be used to print the radial wheel 100. According to an embodiment, a lattice structure 160 can be used as the support structure. The lattice structure 160 can be disposed in one or more of the chambers. Specifically, the lattice structure 160 can span at least 80% of the volume of each chamber. The interior volume of each chamber is separated from the lattice by at most the characteristic length of the lattice structure 160.

[0059] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the radial wheel 100 of Figure 1 taken along section AA. Figure 2 shows a plurality of blades 120 that may extend radially outward from the outer hub surface 114. Additionally, a second chamber 132 is shown in perspective cross section. The wall that bounds the second chamber on the root side 103 may be the upper surface of a radial structural element 141.

[0060] According to an embodiment, a plurality of radial spokes 150 may be disposed within the second chamber 132. The plurality of radial spokes 150 may couple the radial structural element 141 to the radially outer surface of the second chamber 132. For example, the radial spokes 150 may extend radially outward from the forward end side of the radial structural element 141 and axially toward the forward end side 102, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2 . Similarly, the plurality of radial spokes 150 may additionally or alternatively be disposed in other of the plurality of chambers. Furthermore, the plurality of radial spokes 150 may additionally and / or alternatively be disposed between the first chamber 131 and the third chamber 133 and / or between the second chamber 132 and the fourth chamber 134, and an opening may be provided between any of the plurality of radial spokes 150 that may directly connect two respective chambers to each other.

[0061] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a radial wheel 100 according to some embodiments. The radial wheel 100 can have a hub portion 110 and a plurality of blades 120 that rotate about an axis of rotation 101. The hub portion 110 can include an internal structure 130 that can include a plurality of chambers. The internal structure 130 of the radial wheel 100 in FIG. 3 includes a first chamber 131, a second chamber 132, and a plurality of blade chambers 121.

[0062] The radial structural element 141 can be axially disposed between the first chamber 131 and the second chamber 132. The radial structural element 141 can extend less axially than radially. A lower surface 143 of the radial structural element 141 can be curved such that the radial structural element 141 extends to the maximum diameter of the hub portion 110. The radial structural element 141 can include an opening. Specifically, the radial structural element 141 can include multiple bars arranged at angles to one another. For example, each bar of the multiple bars can extend across the entire hub portion 110. An opening can be formed between every two bars. Each bar of the multiple bars can extend between a first position and a second position. The second position can correspond to the first position when rotated 180° around the rotation axis 101. In some embodiments, the radial structural element 141 can be continuous and formed without any openings.

[0063] A cylindrical axial structural element 142 can be arranged, extending from the radial structural element 141 across the first chamber 131 into a cylindrical region that can have a diameter equal to or smaller than the smallest diameter of the outer hub surface 114. In some embodiments, multiple sub-elements of the axial structural element 142 can be arranged in a discrete, rotationally symmetric manner. Specifically, in the annular pattern, one sub-element of the axial structural element 142 can be arranged every 15° or every integer multiple of 15°. The sub-elements can have a circular cross-section.

[0064] A lattice structure 160 can be disposed within the second chamber 132. The lattice structure 160 may allow for an increase in the size of a hollow chamber such as the second chamber 132. The lattice structure 160 can, in particular, improve the inertia characteristics of the radial wheel, because the wall thickness of the hub portion 110 can be reduced and forces that would otherwise have to be absorbed by the outer wall of the hub portion 110 can be absorbed by the lattice structure 160 at a radial position closer to the rotation axis 101.

[0065] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a radial wheel 100. The radial wheel 100 can have an internal structure 130 including a first chamber 131, a second chamber 132, a third chamber 133, a fourth chamber 134, and a blade chamber 121 for each of a plurality of blades 120 extending radially outward from a hub portion 110 of the radial wheel.

[0066] 4 can include a radial structural element 141. Additionally, the internal structure 130 can include an axial structural element 142 having a plurality of sub-elements. A first sub-element 142a can be formed as a pillar extending from the radial structural element 141 along the rotation axis 101 throughout the first chamber 131, the third chamber 133, and the second chamber 132. A cylindrical second sub-element 142b can be formed around the rotation axis 101 across the first chamber 131.

[0067] The lattice structure 160 can be formed in the fourth chamber 134 and / or in any other chamber of the plurality of chambers. The lattice structure 160 can serve as a support structure for integrally forming the radial wheel 100. For example, the radial wheel 100 can be formed layer by layer by a 3D printer. The lattice structure 160 can serve as a support structure and remain within the chamber during operation of the radial wheel 100.

[0068] Any of the radial wheel embodiments may be implemented in an air supply system according to the present disclosure, for example as a radial compressor wheel and / or as a turbine wheel.

[0069] Thus, in the foregoing description, radial wheels are presented with reference to specific examples. It is to be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein can be combined in combinations other than the specific combinations shown in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that various modifications can be made to the referenced examples without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 100 Radial Wheel 101 Rotation axis 102 Front end side 103 Root side 110 Hub 114 outer hub surface 116 Gas flow path 120 Multiple Blades 121 Blade Chamber 122 Blade 130 Internal structure 131 First Chamber 132 Second Chamber 133 Third Chamber 134 Fourth Chamber 141 Radial structural elements 142 Axial structural elements 142a First subelement 142b Second subelement 143 Bottom surface 150 Multiple Radial Spokes 160 Lattice structure

Claims

1. A radial wheel (100) having a rotation axis (101) for an air supply system, comprising: a hub portion (110) having an outer hub surface (114) defining a gas flow path (116), the outer hub surface (114) being curved for radial gas flow such that a root end of the outer hub surface (114) located axially on a root side (103) is positioned radially outward of a forward end of the outer hub surface (114) located axially on a forward side (102); a plurality of blades (120) extending radially outward from the hub portion (110) into the gas flow passage (116); an internal structure (130); Equipped with The internal structure (130) a plurality of chambers including a first chamber (131) and a second chamber (132); a radial structural element (141) disposed axially between the first chamber (131) and the second chamber (132) and extending radially outward from the rotation axis (101) across the hub portion (110); an axial structural element (142) extending axially from said radial structural element (141) across said first chamber (131); A radial wheel (100) comprising:

2. 2. The radial wheel (100) of claim 1, wherein the radial structural element (141) extends continuously between two opposing circumferential positions across the hub portion (110) in at least one cross section including the rotation axis (101).

3. The radial wheel (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of chambers further comprises a blade chamber (121) disposed in at least one of the blades (122).

4. The radial wheel (100) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal structure (130) further comprises a lattice structure (160) within at least one of the plurality of chambers.

5. 5. The radial wheel (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of chambers further comprises a third chamber (133) axially disposed on a root side (103) of the first chamber (131) and the second chamber (132), and / or a fourth chamber (134) axially disposed on a front end side (102) of the first chamber (131) and the second chamber (132).

6. 6. A radial wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of chambers is connected to another one of the plurality of chambers, and in particular, each of the plurality of chambers is connected to one another.

7. 7. The radial wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the internal structure (130) further comprises a plurality of radial spokes (150) that connect a front end side of the radial structural element (141) to a radially outer surface of the second chamber (132), and in particular, the radial spokes (150) extend axially from the front end side of the radial structural element (141) radially outward toward the front end side.

8. 8. A radial wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first chamber (131) is arranged substantially at the axial level of the maximum diameter of the hub portion (110), and / or the second chamber (132) is arranged at a position closer to the front end side (102) than the first chamber (131).

9. A radial wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the radial structural element (141) comprises a non-planar lower surface (143).

10. 10. The radial wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the axial structural element (142) is formed rotationally symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis (101).

11. 11. The radial wheel (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the axial structural element (142) is supported at the root side to absorb axial loads.

12. 12. The radial wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the radial wheel (100) is made up of a material ratio of 30% to 70%, preferably 40% to 60%, particularly preferably 45% to 55%.

13. The radial wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the radial wheel (100) is integrally formed by a layering process, in particular from one or more types of powder.

14. The radial wheel (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the radial wheel (100) is a radial compressor wheel.

15. An air supply system comprising a radial wheel (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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