BLANK FOR A CONDUIT ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A blank for a conduit arrangement includes an annular conduit having a first end and a second end, which is formed by a channel surrounded by a wall. The conduit arrangement has an axis of rotation and the conduit extends in a circumferential direction over an angle of more than 360 degrees about the axis of rotation and forms at least one wind turn. The axis of rotation is arranged perpendicularly to a base surface, the wall having first surfaces which are arranged at a first angle of at least 30 degrees relative to the base surface or in which a surface normal forms at least one second angle of 0 to 60 degrees with respect to the base surface. First partial surfaces of the walls, which face one another in an axial direction, of adjacent turns are arranged spaced apart from one another. The blank is produced by an additive manufacturing process.

Claims

1.-13. (canceled)

14. A blank of a line arrangement, comprising: an annular line which has a first end and a second end and is formed by a channel enclosed by a wall; wherein the line arrangement has an axis of rotation and the annular line extends in a circumferential direction over more than 360 degrees around the axis of rotation and forms at least two turns; wherein the turns are arranged adjacent to one another in an axial direction, and wherein the axis of rotation is arranged perpendicular to a base area; wherein the channel has a throughflow cross section and at least one of the turns forms the channel and has a cross section that encompasses the throughflow cross section, and the cross section has a height between a lower boundary and an upper boundary in the axial direction; wherein, starting from the lower boundary and up to at least 30% of the height, the wall exclusively includes first areas (a) that are arranged at a first angle of at least 30 degrees with respect to the base area, or (b) in which a surface normal forms at least a second angle of from 0 to 60 degrees with respect to the base area; wherein first sub-areas of the walls of adjacently arranged turns face one another in the axial direction and are arranged spaced apart from one another; and wherein the blank is produced by an additive manufacturing process.

15. The blank of claim 14, further comprising a supporting structure that is formed by second areas of up to at least 30% by weight; wherein the second areas (a) are arranged at an angle of at least 30 degrees with respect to the base area, or (b) such that a surface normal forms at least a second angle of from 0 to 60 degrees with respect to the base area.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein, starting from the wall, the supporting structure extends in a radial direction one of inside or outside the at least one turn.

17. The blank of claim 14, further comprising a supporting structure that has a proportion of at most 30% by weight with respect to material forming the blank.

18. The blank of claim 15, wherein the supporting structure comprises a web that extends inwardly or outwardly from the wall of the at least one turn at least in a radial direction and encircles the wall in the circumferential direction; wherein webs of individual turns are attached to a supporting wall which is arranged inside or outside the at least one turn and extends from the base area in the axial direction.

19. The blank of claim 15, wherein the supporting structure comprises a connecting wall which encircles the wall in the circumferential direction and connects the walls of turns which are arranged adjacent to one another to one another.

20. The blank of claim 14, wherein, in the axial direction, the blank has a first end face and an oppositely arranged second end face; wherein the first end and the second end are arranged on the second end face; wherein, starting from the first end, the channel extends at least partially in the axial direction as far as the first end face and forms a first turn at the first end face.

21. The blank of claim 14, wherein the throughflow cross section has a largest width, wherein the largest width is at least eight millimeters.

22. The blank of claim 14, wherein the two turns respectively have cross sections which are arranged adjacent to one another in the axial direction, wherein the two cross sections are different from one another.

23. The blank of claim 14, wherein first sub-areas of adjacently arranged turns that face one another in an axial direction are arranged spaced apart from one another, and individual turns are connected exclusively via the wall.

24. The blank of claim 14, wherein the line arrangement is used as an electrical inductor through which a coolant can flow via the channel.

25. A method of making a blank of a line arrangement, the method comprising: creating a blank having a supporting structure by a generative manufacturing process, wherein the supporting structure is formed by second areas that are up to 30% by weight of the supporting structure, wherein the second areas (a) are arranged at an angle of at least 30 degrees with respect to the base area, or (b) such that a surface normal forms at least a second angle of from 0 to 60 degrees with respect to the base area, and wherein, starting from the wall, the supporting structure extends in a radial direction exclusively inside or outside the at least one turn; and removing the supporting structure.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the supporting structure that has a proportion of at most 30% by weight with respect to material forming the blank.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The disclosure is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be pointed out that the invention is not intended to be restricted by the examples shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the substantive matter explained in the figures and to combine them with other constituent parts and knowledge from the present description and/or figures. The same reference signs denote the same objects and therefore where appropriate explanations from other figures can be used in a supplementary manner. In the figures, in each case schematically:

[0052] FIG. 1: shows a first example of a blank and/or of a line arrangement in a perspective view;

[0053] FIG. 2: shows a second example of a blank and/or of a line arrangement in a perspective view;

[0054] FIG. 3: shows a detail of the blank and/or of the line arrangement according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a perspective view and partially in section;

[0055] FIG. 4: shows a part of the first example of a blank according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0056] FIG. 5: shows a part of the second example of a blank according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0057] FIG. 6: shows a machining operation of the blank according to FIG. 4 in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0058] FIG. 7: shows the processed blank (the line arrangement) according to FIG. 6 in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0059] FIG. 8: shows a third example of a line arrangement in a perspective view;

[0060] FIG. 9: shows the line arrangement according to FIG. 8 in a view along the axis of rotation;

[0061] FIG. 10: shows the line arrangement according to FIGS. 8 and 9 in a side view in section;

[0062] FIG. 11: shows the line arrangement according to FIGS. 8 to 10 during operation as an inductor;

[0063] FIG. 12: shows a part of a fourth example of a blank in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0064] FIG. 13: shows another part of the fourth example according to FIG. 12 in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0065] FIG. 14: shows the fourth example according to FIGS. 12 and 13 in a side view;

[0066] FIG. 15: shows a part of a fifth example of a blank in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0067] FIG. 16: shows another part of the fifth example according to FIG. 15 in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0068] FIG. 17: shows the fifth example according to FIGS. 15 and 16 in a side view;

[0069] FIG. 18: shows a part of a sixth example of a blank in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0070] FIG. 19: shows another part of the sixth example according to FIG. 19 in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0071] FIG. 20: shows the sixth example according to FIGS. 18 and 19 in a side view;

[0072] FIG. 21: shows a part of a seventh example of a blank in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0073] FIG. 22: shows another part of the seventh example according to FIG. 21 in a perspective view, partially in section;

[0074] FIG. 23: shows the seventh example according to FIGS. 21 and 22 in a side view;

[0075] FIG. 24: shows an eighth example of a blank and/or of a line arrangement in a perspective view;

[0076] FIG. 25: shows a part of the eighth example of a blank in a perspective view, partially in section; and

[0077] FIG. 26: shows a detail of the blank and/or of the line arrangement according to FIGS. 24 and 25 in a perspective view and partially in section.

DESCRIPTION

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a first example of a blank 1 and/or of a line arrangement 2 in a perspective view. FIG. 2 shows a second example of a blank 1 and/or of a line arrangement 2 in a perspective view. FIG. 3 shows a detail of the blank 1 according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view and partially in section. FIGS. 1 to 3 are described jointly below.

[0079] The blank 1 and/or the line arrangement 2 comprises an annular line 3 which has a first end 4 and a second end 5 and is formed by a channel 7 enclosed by a wall 6. The line arrangement 2 and/or the blank 1 has an axis of rotation 8. The line 3 extends in a circumferential direction 9 over more than 360 angular degrees (here approx. 990 angular degrees) around the axis of rotation 8 and forms two turns 10, which are arranged adjacent to one another in an axial direction 14 (axial direction 14 parallel to the axis of rotation 8). The axis of rotation 8 is arranged perpendicular to a base area 11. The wall 6 has first areas 12 (which do not make contact with the base area 11) which are arranged and/or run at a first angle 13 of at least 30 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11 (i.e. first angles 13 between 30 and 150 angular degrees and/or between 45 and 135 angular degrees). The wall 6 has first areas 12 (which do not make contact with the base area 11), in which a surface normal 31 forms at least a second angle 32 of from 0 to 60 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11. First sub-areas 15, which face one another in the axial direction 14, of the walls 6 of adjacently arranged turns 10 are arranged spaced apart from one another. The blank 1 is produced exclusively by a generative manufacturing process.

[0080] The line arrangement 2 comprises an annular line 3 which has turns 10 arranged adjacent to one another in the axial direction 14. The individual turns 10 arranged adjacently in the axial direction 14 are arranged at positions in the radial direction 18 that overlap one another.

[0081] The line 3 extends between a first end 4 and a second end 5. The wall 6 of the line 3 forms a channel 7 through which a fluid can flow. The channel 7 has a throughflow cross section 25 through which the fluid can flow. The throughflow cross section 25 is substantially constant along the line 3.

[0082] Starting from the base area 11, the blank 1 is produced by a generative manufacturing process. The blank 1 is thus formed (e.g. by successive solidification (if appropriate, melting or liquefaction in the interim) of a previously formless or form-neutral material) starting from the base area 11 and in the axial direction 14, layer by layer (each layer substantially parallel to the base area 11).

[0083] During production of the blank 1, (first and second) areas 12, 17 are formed which run in a manner inclined at least by 30 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11 in the axial direction 14 or in which a surface normal 31 forms at least a second angle 32 of from 0 to 60 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11. An area of the blank 1 that makes contact with the (solid) base area 11 and/or a bottom layer can in particular run at a smaller first angle 13.

[0084] The channel 7 has a throughflow cross section 25 with a largest width 26.

[0085] The examples shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ by way of the different inclinations of the walls 6 of the line 3 and also by way of the arrangement of the first end 4 and second end 5 of the line 3.

[0086] FIG. 4 shows a part of the first example of a blank 1 according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 5 shows a part of the second example of a blank 1 according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 6 shows a machining operation of the blank 1 according to FIG. 4 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 7 shows the processed blank 1 (the line arrangement 2) according to FIG. 6 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIGS. 4 to 6 are described jointly below. Reference is made to the statements relating to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0087] The blank 1 has a supporting structure 16 which is used to produce the blank 1. The supporting structure 16 is likewise (exclusively) produced by a generative manufacturing process. The supporting structure 16 is materially bonded to the blank 1 and/or to the line arrangement 3. The supporting structure 16 is produced jointly (i.e. at least partially parallel at the same time) with the blank 1 and/or the line arrangement 2.

[0088] The blank 1 additionally has a supporting structure 16 which is formed exclusively by second areas 17, wherein the second areas 17 are arranged at a first angle 13 of at least 30 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11 in the axial direction 14. The supporting structure 16 has second areas 17 (which do not make contact with the base area 11), in which a surface normal 31 forms at least a second angle 32 of from 0 to 60 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11 (see FIG. 3, illustrated there on first areas 12). Starting from the wall 6, the supporting structure 16 extends in a radial direction 18 inside (FIG. 5) or outside (FIGS. 4 and 6) the turns 10.

[0089] The blank 1 comprises the annular line 3 and the supporting structure 16, and the supporting structure 16 has a proportion of at most 30% by weight with respect to the material forming the blank 1. In particular, the annular line 3, which in particular comprises exclusively the wall 6 forming the channel 7, thus has a proportion of at least 70% by weight.

[0090] The supporting structure 16 comprises web 19 that extends inwardly or outwardly from the wall 6 of the respective turn 10 at least in a radial direction 18 and encircles the wall 6 in the circumferential direction 9, wherein webs 19 of individual turns 10 are attached to a supporting wall 20 which is arranged inside or outside the at least one turn 10 and extends from the base area 11 in the axial direction 14.

[0091] Here, the supporting structure 16 is formed exclusively by the supporting wall 20 and the webs 19.

[0092] FIG. 6 illustrates that the webs 19, which extend outwardly (here) from the wall 6 of the respective turn 10 at least in a radial direction 18 and encircle the wall 6 in the circumferential direction 9, can be removed easily by (mechanical) processing by means of the tool 28 (feed direction labelled by the arrow; blank 1 is rotated with respect to the tool 28).

[0093] FIG. 8 shows a third example of a line arrangement 2 in a perspective view. FIG. 9 shows the line arrangement 2 according to FIG. 8 in a view along the axis of rotation 8. FIG. 10 shows the line arrangement 2 according to FIGS. 8 and 9 in a side view in section. FIG. 11 shows the line arrangement 2 according to FIGS. 8 to 10 during operation as an inductor. FIGS. 8 to 11 are described jointly below. Reference is made to the statements relating to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0094] In the axial direction 14, the line arrangement 2 has a first end face 22 and an oppositely arranged second end face 23. The first end 4 and the second end 5 are arranged on the second end face 23. Starting from the first end 4, the channel 7 extends at least partially in the axial direction 14 as far as the first end face 22 and forms a first turn 24 there. Starting from the first turn 24, the channel 7 extends over further turns 10 to a last turn 27, which is arranged on the second end face 23, as far as a second end 5.

[0095] The line arrangement 2 has walls 6 which are curved on the outside. The curved wall 6 results in throughflow cross sections 25 which are different for the individual turns 10. The line arrangement 2 can be used as an inductor for the production of joints, e.g. constant-velocity ball joints. The inductor is e.g. inserted in joint outer parts 30 of constant-velocity joints such that at least the inner surfaces of the joint outer part 30 (e.g. guide surfaces for balls or for a cage) can be treated by the inductor.

[0096] The line arrangement 2 can be connected to a coolant supply via connection channels 29. The connection channels 29 are connected to the ends 4, 5, e.g. via a soldered connection.

[0097] FIG. 12 shows a part of a fourth example of a blank 1 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 13 shows another part of the fourth example according to FIG. 12 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 14 shows the fourth example according to FIGS. 12 and 13 in a side view. FIGS. 12 to 14 are described jointly below. Reference is made to the statements relating to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0098] The blank 1 has a supporting structure 16 which is used to produce the blank 1. The supporting structure 16 is formed exclusively by second areas 17. Starting from the wall 6, the supporting structure 16 extends in a radial direction 18 exclusively outside the turns 10.

[0099] The blank 1 comprises the annular line 3 and the supporting structure 16. By contrast to FIGS. 4 to 6, here the supporting structure 16 is formed exclusively by the connecting wall 21. The supporting structure 16 has a connecting wall 21 which encircles the wall 6 in the circumferential direction 9 and connects the walls 6 of turns 10 which are adjacent to one another to one another. The connecting walls 21 extend here exclusively in the axial direction 14 and in the circumferential direction 9.

[0100] FIG. 15 shows a part of a fifth example of a blank 1 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 16 shows another part of the fifth example according to FIG. 15 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 17 shows the fifth example according to FIGS. 15 and 16 in a side view. FIGS. 15 to 17 are described jointly below. Reference is made to the statements relating to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0101] By contrast to the fourth example of the blank 1, starting from the wall 6 of a turn 10, the connecting wall 21 extends in the radial direction 18 and in the axial direction 14 (and in the circumferential direction 9).

[0102] FIG. 18 shows a part of a sixth example of a blank 1 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 19 shows another part of the sixth example according to FIG. 19 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 20 shows the sixth example according to FIGS. 18 and 19 in a side view. FIGS. 18 to 20 are described jointly below. Reference is made to the statements relating to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0103] By contrast to the fourth example, starting from the wall 6, the supporting structure 16 extends in a radial direction 18 exclusively inside the turns 10.

[0104] FIG. 21 shows a part of a seventh example of a blank 1 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 22 shows another part of the seventh example according to FIG. 21 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 23 shows the seventh example according to FIGS. 21 and 22 in a side view. FIGS. 21 to 23 are described jointly below. Reference is made to the statements relating to FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0105] By contrast to the fifth example, starting from the wall 6, the supporting structure 16 extends in a radial direction 18 exclusively inside the turns 10.

[0106] FIG. 24 shows an eighth example of a blank 1 and/or of a line arrangement 2 in a perspective view. FIG. 25 shows a part of the eighth example of the blank 1 in a perspective view, partially in section. FIG. 26 shows a detail of the blank 1 and/or of the line arrangement 2 according to FIGS. 24 and 25 in a perspective view and partially in section. FIGS. 24 to 26 are described jointly below. Reference is made to the statements relating to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0107] During production of the blank 1, starting from the base area 11, first areas 12 are formed which run in a manner inclined at least by 30 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11 in the axial direction 14 or in which a surface normal 31 forms at least a second angle 32 of from 0 to 60 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11. An area of the blank 1 that makes contact with the (solid) base area 11 and/or a bottom layer can in particular run at a smaller first angle 13.

[0108] The channel 7 has a throughflow cross section 25 and the turn 10 forming the channel 7 has a cross section 33 that encompasses the throughflow cross section 25. The cross section 33 has a height 36 between a lower boundary 34 (the lowest point of the cross section 33 in the axial direction 14) and an upper boundary 35 (the highest point of the cross section 33 in the axial direction 14) in the axial direction 14. Starting from the lower boundary 34 and up to approx. 80% of the height 36, the wall 6 has exclusively first areas 12 (which do not make contact with the base area 11). In the rest of the region of the cross section 33 (i.e. from approx. 80% of the height 36 to 100% of the height 36), the wall 6 of the turn 10 is formed by areas (i.e. in particular surfaces, here a curved surface with a radius in the throughflow cross section 25 of at most 8 millimeters) which run in a manner inclined by less than 30 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11 and the surface normal 31 of which forms at least a (smallest) second angle 32 of more than 60 angular degrees with respect to the base area 11.