Flow-optimised angle piece

Abstract

The object of the invention is provide an angle piece that can be produced in large quantities and overcomes flow disadvantages. This object is achieved by an angle piece for fluidically connecting fluid lines to a housing (1), wherein the housing (1) forms a receiving space (2), a connection piece (3) and a channel (4) through which fluid can flow, the channel (4) through which fluid can flow having an inflow direction E and an outflow direction A and the outflow direction A being offset by an angle W with respect to the inflow direction E, the channel (4) through which fluid can flow comprising a straight channel section (10) and a curved channel section (20), the curved channel section (20) having a curvature inner side (21) and a curvature outer side (22) and a first partial channel (30) and a second partial channel (40), the first partial channel (30) adjoining the straight channel section (10) and the second partial channel (40) adjoining the first partial channel (30), the first partial channel (30) having a first widening (31) in such a way that a first edge (50) is formed on the curvature inner side at the boundary between the straight channel section (10) and the first partial channel (30), and a second edge (51) being formed on the curvature inner side at the boundary between the first partial channel (30) and the second partial channel (40).

Description

[0001] Flow-optimized elbow

[0002] The invention relates to an angled piece for fluid-communicating connection of fluid lines according to claim 1.

[0003] Fluid lines are used wherever fluids need to be supplied, circulated, or discharged. In the automotive sector, cooling systems in particular rely on fluid lines. These fluid lines connect various components such as heat exchangers, pumps, and reservoirs.

[0004] Fluid lines in complex systems cannot always run continuously and uninterrupted; they must sometimes be interrupted and reconnected in an assembled state. Particularly tight radii also pose challenges for fluid lines due to their resistance to bending. In such cases, elbow fittings can replace the bends.

[0005] These complex systems are highly optimized, especially in times of efficiency and sustainability, particularly with regard to minimizing losses in each individual component.

[0006] Angle fittings of common types are usually manufactured using injection molding, allowing for the rapid, cost-effective, and consistent production of a large number of identical components. This manufacturing process typically requires molds for the outer contour and cores to form the cavity when producing hollow parts.

[0007] Removing these cores often requires avoiding undercuts in the product design so that the cores can be easily pulled out without damaging protrusions or other protruding sections. As a result, elbow fittings frequently have an inner edge on the curve, which leads to fluid dynamic problems such as pressure loss.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide an angled piece that can be produced in large quantities and overcomes fluid dynamic disadvantages.

[0009] This task is solved by the object defined by the features of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 10.

[0010] The invention relates to an angled fitting for fluid-communicating connection of fluid lines to a housing, wherein the housing forms a receiving chamber, a connection nozzle, and a fluid-flow channel, the fluid-flow channel having an inflow direction and an outflow direction, the outflow direction being offset by an angle relative to the inflow direction. The fluid-flow channel comprises a straight channel section and a curved channel section, the curved channel section having an inner curvature and an outer curvature and comprising a first sub-channel and a second sub-channel, the first sub-channel being adjacent to the straight channel section and the second sub-channel being adjacent to the first sub-channel.The first sub-channel has a first widening, such that a first edge is formed on the inside of the curvature at the boundary between the straight channel section and the first sub-channel, and a second edge is formed on the inside of the curvature at the boundary between the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel.

[0011] Terms like "straight" or "curved" refer to a lateral cross-sectional view and in the direction of flow. The curvature of fluid-flowing channels perpendicular to the flow direction remains even in a "straight section".

[0012] The terms inflow and outflow direction with respect to the fluid-flowing channel are used in the context of the application for illustrative purposes only and are not to be interpreted functionally. This means that the fluid can flow through the elbow in both directions, i.e., bidirectionally. In this case, the inflow and outflow directions would be reversed.

[0013] When a fluid flows into the elbow fitting in the inflow direction, it is deflected by the angle at which the outflow direction is offset from the inflow direction. The fluid flows from the straight channel section into the first sub-channel, with the portion of the fluid on the inside of the curve flowing over the first edge. The portion of the fluid on the outside of the curve is guided along the outer surface of the curve. From the first sub-channel, the fluid flows into the second sub-channel, being guided on the inside of the curve over the second edge. This second edge is formed by the housing at the transition from the first to the second sub-channel. The advantage here is that the fluid flow is guided over two edges. Starting with a fluid flow over a single edge, the flow over two edges is an approximation of the fluidically ideal curvature on the inside of the curve.This reduces the pressure losses due to fluid flow as the fluid flows over the inside of the curve.

[0014] In a technically advantageous embodiment, the second sub-channel has a larger radius of curvature than the first sub-channel.

[0015] A deflection of fluid flow leads to turbulence at the deflection surfaces, for example, the inner wall of the elbow fitting on the outer side of the curve. The more abrupt the deflection, the stronger the turbulence. Small radii of curvature therefore cause stronger turbulence, and larger radii of curvature cause less turbulence. The second channel section continues the deflection of the first, but has a larger radius of curvature, thus reducing fluid flow. This reduces turbulence compared to an elbow fitting with a straight second channel section. The flow is deflected over a longer path and is therefore less turbulent, thus reducing the pressure drop.

[0016] In a further technically advantageous embodiment, the angle is between 45° and 135°, in particular 90°.

[0017] Standard angles, in particular, are used in many different systems and can therefore be produced cost-effectively in large quantities.

[0018] In a further technically advantageous embodiment, the radius of curvature of the second partial channel is the same on the inside and outside of the curvature.

[0019] The radius of curvature is the inverse of the curvature of a curve. A high value indicates a relatively shallow curvature, while a low value signifies a steeper curvature. A uniform radius of curvature on both the inside and outside of the second channel section can promote a smoother flow with less resistance. A more uniform flow, and thus a smoother flow path, can reduce flow instabilities and turbulence, which can lead to increased pressure loss. In an elbow fitting with a uniform radius of curvature, the probability of laminar flow is higher, which can result in more stable flow behavior.

[0020] In a further technically advantageous embodiment, the first partial channel is straight on the inside of the curve in a flow direction between the straight channel section and the second partial channel.

[0021] A straight section on the inside of the curvature forms a curved second edge, thus improving the effect that a flow guided over two edges generates less turbulence and therefore pressure loss than a flow guided over a single edge. Because the second edge in the housing is curved rather than straight, a sharp or right-angled edge in the housing is eliminated, and flow separation downstream can be effectively and advantageously counteracted.

[0022] In a further technically advantageous embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe in the first sub-channel is larger than in the straight section and larger than in the second sub-channel, decreasing in the direction of flow within the first sub-channel. To generally avoid critical cross-sectional changes for the flow, which can even cause additional pressure losses, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe in the first sub-channel can be essentially the same as in the straight section and the second sub-channel. This means that the differences in size can be marginal, and, for example, an increase in the pipe cross-section of a maximum of 1–3% is possible.

[0023] The straight section of the first sub-channel, on the inside of the curve, can, in conjunction with the curved outer wall of the sub-channel, create a larger cross-sectional area from the transition between the first channel section and the first sub-channel, so that the first edge on the inside of the curve is spaced away from an inner wall of the straight section. The flow cross-section of the first sub-channel can decrease in the direction of flow. This further reduces turbulence and results in a smoother flow through a gentler deflection towards the second sub-channel.

[0024] In a further technically advantageous embodiment, the curvature of the curved channel section exceeds the angle of deflection of the angled piece.

[0025] For example, the angle swept by the curved channel section could exceed the angle of the diversion by up to 10°. This could be described as over-curvature or over-deflection. The curved channel section can therefore extend further in the direction of the curvature within the housing than the connection nozzle and thus have a larger radius compared to a straight section within the connection nozzle. This could reduce flow instabilities.

[0026] In a further technically advantageous embodiment, the second sub-channel has a second widening at its end opposite the first sub-channel.

[0027] A second widening at the end of the second channel, opposite the first, can further promote a uniform flow. The increased flow cross-section suppresses further turbulence and thus enhances flow uniformity. Particularly in combination with an overcurvature, pressure loss due to turbulence or flow disturbances can be reduced.

[0028] In a further technically advantageous embodiment, the second widening in the outflow direction is funnel-shaped.

[0029] A funnel-shaped second widening in the outflow direction can further prevent turbulence and promote flow uniformity. The smooth, funnel-like shape of the widening prevents abrupt changes in the flow cross-section, thus preventing the formation of turbulence and pressure losses. The increased flow cross-section also allows for a less abrupt deflection, especially if the curved channel section is excessively curved.

[0030] In another technically advantageous embodiment, the angled piece is an injection-molded part.

[0031] The design of the elbow fitting as an injection-molded part is particularly advantageous. Injection-molded parts can be produced cost-effectively in large quantities. The special design of the elbow fitting can advantageously combine fluid dynamics and manufacturing requirements. Fluid dynamic disadvantages inherent in conventional injection-molded parts can be avoided or at least reduced through this design. Manufacturing effort remains low. The elbow fitting can be manufactured with optimized fluid dynamics and without undercuts.

[0032] In another technically advantageous embodiment, the curved channel section is formed using a rotary core tool.

[0033] A rotary core tool is a movable insert within an injection mold that moves along a circular path within the mold during the manufacturing process, thus forming a curved channel section. Once the angled part has cured, the rotary core tool can be withdrawn through the curved channel section by twisting and pulling. This allows for the creation of curves that would be impossible to produce with conventional cavity inserts due to undercuts.

[0034] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view through an angled piece with an angle of 90°.

[0036] Figure 1 shows an angle fitting with a housing 1, the housing 1 forming a receiving chamber 2, a connection nozzle 3, and a fluid-flow channel 4. The fluid-flow channel 4 shown has, by way of example, an inflow direction E and an outflow direction A, which are offset by an angle W, in this embodiment 90°. Since the angle fitting, or rather the fluid-flow channel 4, is bidirectional, the inflow and outflow directions E and A could, in principle, also be arranged in the opposite orientation. The fluid-flow channel 4 has a straight channel section 10 and a curved channel section 20, with the straight channel section 10 extending within the receiving chamber 2.

[0037] The curved channel section 20 has an inner curvature side 21 and an outer curvature side 22 and comprises a first sub-channel 30 and a second sub-channel 40, wherein the first sub-channel 30 adjoins the straight channel section 10 and the second sub-channel 40 adjoins the first sub-channel 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the first sub-channel 30 extends from the straight channel section 10 along the inner side of the curvature over a straight section to the transition of the straight section to the second sub-channel 40, wherein the first sub-channel 30 has a first widening 31, such that a second edge 51 is formed at the transition of the two sections on the inner side of the curvature, and such that the transition from the straight channel section 10 to the curved channel section 20 is abrupt on the inner side of the curvature. As a result, the straight channel section 10 forms a first edge 50 at the transition.

[0038] The transition from the straight channel section 10 to the curved channel section is continuous on the outer side of the curve and leads from a straight wall to a circular arc wall. The second sub-channel 40 extends from the second edge 51 to the end of the curved channel section 20, where the connecting nozzle 3 also terminates in the flow direction. The curved channel section 20 has a curvature, relative to the angle W between the inflow direction E and the outflow direction A, that exceeds this angle W. The second sub-channel 40 has a second widening 42 at its end 41 opposite the first sub-channel 30, which widens in a funnel shape in the outflow direction A.

[0039] The curvature of the first partial channel 30 has an outer radius of curvature that forms a first circular arc. The second partial channel 40 has an outer radius of curvature that forms a second circular arc with a larger radius. The path of the curved channel section 20 is over-curved compared to the 90° bend. This means that the curved channel section 20 continues to curve further than it does until reaching the 90° angle. The connecting nozzle 3 at the end of the elbow terminates perpendicular to the 90° bend and runs coaxially on the outside of the housing in the outflow direction A.

[0040] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways.

[0041] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations.

[0042] Reference numeral list

[0043] 1 case

[0044] 2 Recording room

[0045] 3 connection spigots

[0046] 4 fluid-flowable channels

[0047] 10 straight canal section

[0048] 20 curved canal section

[0049] 21 Inner side of curvature

[0050] 22 Outer side of curvature

[0051] 30 first sub-channel

[0052] 31 first widening

[0053] 40 second sub-channel

[0054] 41 opposite end to the first sub-channel

[0055] 42 second widening 50 first edge 51 second edge E Inflow direction A Outflow direction

[0056] S Flow direction W Angle between inflow direction and outflow direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Elbow fitting for fluid-communicating connection of fluid lines to a housing (1), wherein the housing (1) forms a receiving chamber (2), a connection nozzle (3) and a fluid-flow channel (4), wherein the fluid-flow channel (4) has an inflow direction (E) and an outflow direction (A) and the outflow direction (A) is offset by an angle (W) relative to the inflow direction (E), wherein the fluid-flow channel (4) comprises a straight channel section (10) and a curved channel section (20), wherein the curved channel section (20) has an inner curvature (21) and an outer curvature (22) and comprises a first partial channel (30) and a second partial channel (40), wherein the first partial channel (30) adjoins the straight channel section (10) and the second partial channel (40) adjoins the first partial channel (30), wherein the first partial channel (30) widening (31) such that,that a first edge (50) is formed on the inside of the curvature at the boundary between the straight channel section (10) and the first sub-channel (30), and a second edge (51) is formed on the inside of the curvature at the boundary between the first sub-channel (30) and the second sub-channel (40).

2. Angle piece according to claim 1, wherein the second partial channel (40) has a larger radius of curvature than the first partial channel (30).

3. Angle piece according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the angle (W) is between 45° and 135°, in particular 90°.

4. Angle piece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radius of curvature of the second partial channel (40) is the same on the inside and outside of the curvature.

5. Angle piece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first partial channel (30) is straight on the inside of the curvature in a flow direction (S) between straight channel section (10) and second partial channel (40).

6. Angle piece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a conduit cross-section in the first partial channel (30) is larger than in the straight channel section (10) and is larger than in the second partial channel (40) and decreases within the first partial channel (30) in the direction of flow (S).

7. Angle piece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the curvature of the curved channel section (20) exceeds the angle (W).

8. Angle piece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second partial channel (40) has a second widening (42) at its end (41) opposite the first partial channel (30).

9. Angle piece according to claim 8, wherein the widening (42) in the outflow direction (A) is funnel-shaped.

10. Angle piece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle piece is an injection-molded part.

11. Angle piece according to claim 10, wherein the curved channel section (20) is formed by means of a rotary core tool.

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