Fluidic Assembly

Abstract

A fluidic assembly having a fluidic component includes a flow chamber which is traversable by a fluid flow which enters into the flow chamber through an inlet opening of the flow chamber and emerges from the flow chamber through an outlet opening of the flow chamber. The fluidic component includes at least one device for realizing an oscillation of the fluid flow at the outlet opening. The oscillation is effected in an oscillation plane. The fluidic assembly includes a device for diverting the oscillating fluid flow which emerges from the outlet opening of the fluidic component. The diverting is variable over time.

Claims

1. A fluidic assembly having a fluidic component, wherein the fluidic component comprises a flow chamber which is traversable by a fluid flow which enters into the flow chamber through an inlet opening of the flow chamber and emerges from the flow chamber through an outlet opening of the flow chamber, wherein the fluidic component comprises at least one means for realizing an oscillation of the fluid flow at the outlet opening, and wherein the oscillation is effected in an oscillation plane, and further comprising a device for diverting the oscillating fluid flow which emerges from the outlet opening of the fluidic component, wherein the diverting is variable over time.

2. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device for diverting the fluid flow provides a means for diverting the fluid flow in a manner that is variable over time, and wherein the means for diverting the fluid flow includes, in particular, a fluid.

3. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device for diverting the fluid flow is arranged in such a manner that the means for diverting the fluid flow acts in such a manner on the oscillating fluid flow that the fluid flow is steered out of the oscillation plane.

4. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device for diverting the fluid flow is arranged in such a manner that the means for diverting the fluid flow acts on the fluid flow substantially along an axis which encloses an angle which is greater than 0 with the oscillation plane of the oscillating fluid.

5. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the means for diverting acts on the fluid flow along the axis from the one direction, from the opposite direction or from both directions.

6. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the means for diverting acts on the fluid flow along the axis in an alternating manner from the one direction and from the opposite direction.

7. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device for diverting the fluid flow is arranged in such a manner that the means for diverting the fluid flow acts on the fluid flow directly at the outlet opening of the flow chamber.

8. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device for diverting the fluid flow is traversable by the means for diverting the fluid flow.

9. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device for diverting the fluid flow includes a fluidic component.

10. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device for diverting includes a separator in order to divide the means for diverting into at least two branches.

11. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the separator comprises an inlet opening and at least two outlet openings, wherein the cross sectional area of the at least two outlet openings is greater in each case than the cross sectional area of the inlet opening.

12. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein separator opens out into at least two supply lines.

13. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least two supply lines are directed onto the oscillating fluid flow which emerges from the outlet opening of the fluidic component, wherein the at least two supply lines are directed onto the oscillating fluid flow on this side and on the other side of the oscillation plane of the oscillating fluid flow.

14. The fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the dimensions of the at least two supply lines are chosen in such a manner that the at least two supply lines reach to the outlet opening of the fluidic component and extend at the outlet opening of the fluidic component in each case at least over the entire width of the outlet opening of the fluidic component.

15. A device for generating a fluid jet, wherein the device includes a fluidic assembly as claimed in claim 1, and wherein she device is a part of at least one of a cleaning apparatus, in particular, a dishwasher, an industrial cleaning plant, a washing machine, a hand spray or a high-pressure cleaner, a mixing system, in particular an injection system for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine, a cooling system which provides a fluidic coolant, and an extinguishing system for extinguishing a fire, wherein the extinguishing system provides the fire-extinguishing fluid.

16.-18. (canceled)

19. A fluidic component having a flow chamber which is traversable by a fluid flow which enters into the flow chamber through an inlet opening of the flow chamber and emerges from the flow chamber through an outlet opening of the flow chamber, wherein the fluidic component comprises at least one means for realizing an oscillation of the fluid flow at the outlet opening, and wherein the at least one means for realizing an oscillation includes an uneven number of secondary flow channels which is greater than 1.

20. The fluidic component as claimed in claim 19, wherein the flow chamber comprises a main flow channel which includes multiple chambers, the number of which corresponds to the number of secondary flow channels and which are each connected fluidically to a secondary flow channel, and wherein the chambers are open toward an axis which extends centrally from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

21. The fluidic component as claimed in claim 20, wherein the chambers are twisted about the axis.

Description

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail below by way of exemplary embodiments in connection with the drawings, in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 shows an exterior view of a fluidic assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a wireframe graphic of the fluidic assembly from FIG. 1 for visualizing the inner operating geometry;

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a view of the inner operating geometry from FIG. 2 as a negative;

[0028] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged representation of the detail A from FIG. 3;

[0029] FIG. 5 shows five snapshots (images I to V) of the fluid flow in the fluidic assembly from FIGS. 1 to 4 to show the dynamics of the fluid jet emerging from the fluidic assembly;

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a sectional representation of the fluidic assembly from FIG. 1 along the plane S.sub.1;

[0031] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged representation of the detail B from FIG. 6;

[0032] FIG. 8 shows a sectional representation of the fluidic assembly from FIG. 1 along the plane S.sub.2;

[0033] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged representation of the detail C from FIG. 8;

[0034] FIG. 10 shows a sectional representation (image I) of the fluidic component from FIG. 8 which serves in the fluidic assembly from FIGS. 1 to 9 as main flow generator, and a sectional representation (image II) of a fluidic component which can be used alternatively as main flow generator in the fluidic assembly;

[0035] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged sectional representation (image I) of the separator of the fluidic assembly from FIG. 6 and a sectional representation (image II) of an alternative embodiment of the separators;

[0036] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged representation of the fluidic component from FIG. 6;

[0037] FIG. 13 shows a view of the inner operating geometry of a fluidic assembly according to a further embodiment as a negative;

[0038] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged representation of the separator and of the supply lines of the fluidic assembly from FIG. 13;

[0039] FIG. 15 shows two snapshots (images I and II) of the oscillating jet which emerges from the fluidic assembly from FIGS. 1-9, the snapshots showing the oscillating jet from two different viewing directions at the same time;

[0040] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the inner operating geometry of a cup component according to an embodiment as a negative;

[0041] FIG. 17 shows a top view of the cup component from FIG. 16;

[0042] FIG. 18 shows a further side view of the cup component from FIG. 16;

[0043] FIG. 19 shows a perspective representation of the cup component from FIG. 16;

[0044] FIG. 20 shows a sectional representation of the cup component from FIG. 16 along the line AA;

[0045] FIG. 21 shows a sectional representation of the cup component from FIG. 18 along the line BB; and

[0046] FIG. 22 shows a wireframe graphic of the cup component according to a further embodiment for visualizing the inner operating geometry.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the exterior view of a fluidic assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows the fluidic assembly 1 from FIG. 1, the inner operating geometry of said embodiment being visualized as a wireframe graphic. The fluidic assembly 1 includes two inlet openings 2a, 2b and one outlet opening 3. The outlet opening 3 is connected fluidically to each of the two inlet openings 2a, 2b. The first inlet opening 2a is connected fluidically to the outlet opening 3 via a first line 21a and a first fluidic part geometry I, whilst the second inlet opening 2b is connected fluidically to the outlet opening 3 via a second line 21b and a second fluidic part geometry II. The fluidic part geometries I and II are arranged downstream of the lines 21a or 21b. The fluidic part geometries I and II provide the cavity that is relevant to the functioning of the fluidic assembly 1. The lines 21a and 21b can be realized in an arbitrary manner. As an alternative to the embodiment shown with two inlet openings 2a, 2b, it is possible to provide only one inlet opening to which a line connects which divides downstream into two branches in order to supply the two part geometries I and II.

[0048] The fluidic assembly 1 is traversable by a fluid which enters into the fluidic assembly 1 via the inlet openings 2a, 2b and emerges from the fluidic assembly 1 via the outlet opening 3. In this case, a fluid flow, which carries out a three-dimensional movement in space at the outlet opening 3, is generated as a result of the interaction between the two part geometries I and II. The fluid can be liquid, gaseous or multi-phase and, where applicable, can also be acted upon with solid particles. In the embodiment of the fluidic assembly 1 from FIG. 1, different fluids can be supplied to the two part geometries I and II on account of the individual inlet openings 2a, 2b.

[0049] The first fluidic part geometry I is shown, in particular, in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9, and the second fluidic part geometry II is shown, in particular, in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7. FIG. 3 shows the relative arrangement of the two part geometries I and II with respect to one another (for the embodiment of the fluidic assembly 1 from FIGS. 1 to 9). The fluidic part geometries I and II are connected fluidically to one another at the outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1. The first fluidic part geometry I includes a first fluidic component 4 (main flow generator) and generates a fluid flow that oscillates in an oscillation plane. The second fluidic part geometry II forms a device for diverting the fluid flow of the first fluidic component 4 and includes a second fluidic component 5 (secondary flow generator), to which a separator 6 connects downstream, followed by two supply lines 7, into which the separator 6 opens out.

[0050] The main flow generator (the first fluidic component) 4 includes a flow chamber 400 which is traversable by a fluid flow which enters into the flow chamber 400 through an inlet opening 401 and emerges from the flow chamber 400 of the main flow generator 4 through an outlet opening 402. The center points of the inlet opening 401 and of the outlet opening 402 lie on an axis X.sub.4, which predefines the main flow direction of the fluid inside the first fluidic component 4. The flow chamber 400 includes a main flow channel 403 and two secondary flow channels (feedback channels) 404. The secondary flow channels 404 are provided as means for realizing an oscillation of the fluid flow. The secondary flow channels 404 and the main flow channel 403 are arranged substantially in a plane, the main flow channel 403 being arranged between the two secondary flow channels 404. A fluid flow, which oscillates in an oscillation plane which is parallel to the plane in which the two secondary flow channels 404 and the main flow channel 403 are arranged, is generated at the outlet opening 402 by means of the two secondary flow channels 403. In this case, the fluid flow oscillates between two maximum deflections which define the oscillation angle of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4. The oscillation angle of the main flow generator 4 can be between 1 and 89, the oscillation angle being defined here in the oscillation plane with reference to the axis X.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4. The oscillation angle of the main flow generator 4 is preferably between 2.5 and 70. In a particularly preferred manner, the oscillation angle of the main flow generator 4 is between 2.5 and 60. The oscillation angle is adjustable depending on the area of application of the fluidic assembly 1. The oscillation angle is influenced mainly by the geometry of the main flow generator 4.

[0051] As an alternative to this, other types of fluidic components can also be used as the main flow generator 4, for example such which generate an oscillating fluid jet by means of colliding fluid jets or in another way (without secondary flow channels). The only important thing is that the main flow generator 4 generates a fluid jet which wanders back and forth, that is which oscillates.

[0052] The secondary flow generator (the second fluidic component) 5 corresponds to the main flow generator 4 as regards operating principle. The secondary flow generator 5 (FIGS. 6 and 12) includes a flow chamber 500 which is traversable by a fluid flow which enters into the flow chamber 500 through an inlet opening 501 and emerges from the flow chamber 500 through an outlet opening 502. The center points of the inlet opening 501 and of the outlet opening 502 lie on an axis X.sub.5, which predefines the main flow direction inside the second fluidic component 5. The flow chamber 500 includes a main flow channel 503 and two secondary flow channels (feedback channels) 504. The secondary flow channels 504 are provided as means for realizing an oscillation of the fluid flow. The secondary flow channels 504 and the main flow channel 503 are arranged substantially in a plane, the main flow channel 503 being arranged between the two secondary flow channels 504. A fluid flow, which oscillates in an oscillation plane which is parallel to the plane in which the two secondary flow channels 504 and the main flow channel 503 are arranged, is generated at the outlet opening 502 by means of the two secondary flow channels 503. In this case, the fluid flow oscillates between two maximum deflections which define the oscillation angle of the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5. The oscillation angle of the secondary flow generator 5 can be between 0.25 and 85, the oscillation angle being defined here in the oscillation plane with reference to the axis X.sub.5 of the secondary flow generator 5. The oscillation angle of the secondary flow generator 4 is preferably between 1 and 70. In a particularly preferred manner, the oscillation angle of the secondary flow generator 4 is between 2.5 and 50. Similarly to in the case of the main flow generator 4, different types of fluidic components can be used as secondary flow generators 5. For example, the so-called feedback-free fluidic components can be used or components which generate an oscillating flow by means of colliding jets or by interacting vortices or recirculation areas inside the component.

[0053] The oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4 and the oscillation plane of the secondary flow generator 5 together enclose an angle of substantially 90. However, embodiments in which the angle deviates from 90 are also conceivable. The main flow channel 403 of the main flow generator 4 and the main flow channel 503 of the secondary flow generator 5 comprise slightly different forms in the embodiment from FIG. 3. As an alternative to this, they can also be formed identically. In principle, therefore, it is possible to use structurally identical or different fluidic components as main flow generator 4 and as secondary flow generator 5.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the secondary flow generator 5 and the main flow generator 4 are arranged coaxially to one another. This means that the axis X.sub.4 and the axis X.sub.5 are aligned coaxially. Along with the embodiment shown here, the axis X.sub.4 and the axis X.sub.5 can also be aligned co-linearly (parallel) or approximately parallel to one another. Other relative arrangements of the axes X.sub.4 and X.sub.5 are also possible. The axes X.sub.4 and X.sub.5 in the embodiment from FIG. 9 thus enclose, for example, an angle of 90.

[0055] The separator 6 (FIGS. 3 and 6) is arranged downstream of the second fluidic component (of the secondary flow generator) 5 and is traversable by the fluid flow which emerges from the secondary flow generator 5. The separator 6 comprises an inlet opening 601 and two outlet openings 602, the inlet opening 601 of the separator 6 corresponding to the outlet opening 502 of the secondary flow generator 5. The outlet openings 602 of the separator 6 are arranged, in this case, in a plane which corresponds to the oscillation plane of the secondary flow generator 5. The fluid flow emerging from the secondary flow generator 5 oscillates at the oscillation angle between two maximum deflections. As a result of the oscillation of the fluid flow emerging from the secondary flow generator 5, said fluid flow is steered alternately to the one and to the other outlet opening 602 of the separator 6 so that two pulsing fluid jets are generated by the separator 6. The supply lines 7 are traversable by the pulsing fluid jets. The supply lines 7 each comprise an inlet opening 701 and an outlet opening 702. In this case, the inlet opening 701 of each supply line 7 corresponds to an outlet opening 602 of the separator 6. The fluid jets then flow in a pulse-like manner through the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 out of the second fluidic part geometry II in order to interact with the fluid jet which emerges from the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged representation of the detail A from FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the main flow generator 4 and the supply lines 7. The outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 and the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 each have a rectangular cross section. As an alternative to this, the cross section can comprise the form of an oval, trapezium, triangle, a diamond, a polygon or a mixed form. The rectangular cross sectional area of the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 is determined by the width b.sub.EX and the depth t.sub.EX of the outlet opening 402 (see FIGS. 7 and 9). The width b.sub.EX extends, in this case, parallel to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4 and perpendicularly to the axis X.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4, whilst the depth t.sub.EX extends perpendicularly to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4 and perpendicularly to the axis X.sub.4.

[0057] The outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1 also comprises a rectangular cross sectional area. The rectangular cross sectional area of the outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1 is determined in said embodiment by the width b.sub.EX of the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 and by the distance between the two outlet openings 702. Said distance corresponds to the depth t.sub.EX of the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 (see FIG. 7). Consequently, the outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1 and the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 are the same size. (In an alternative embodiment, the outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1 can be greater or smaller than the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4.) The outlet width b.sub.EX of the fluidic assembly 1 can be between 0.005 mm and 80 mm. A width b.sub.EX of between 0.05 mm and 45 mm is preferred. A width b.sub.EX of between 0.1 mm and 25 mm is particularly preferred. The outlet depth t.sub.EX of the fluidic assembly 1 lies within the same value ranges as the outlet width b.sub.EX, the outlet depth t.sub.EX and the outlet width b.sub.EX being able to be different sizes within the named value ranges.

[0058] The oscillation angle of the main flow generator 4 and the oscillation angle of the secondary flow generator 5 are determined by the outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1. If the cross sectional area of the outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1 is reduced whilst all other parameters remain unchanged, the oscillation angle and/or the oscillation angle is/are decreased as the fluid velocity in said cross sectional area increases. Consequently, the oscillation angle and/or can be adjusted by means of the size of the cross sectional area of the outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1.

[0059] The outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 also comprise in each case a rectangular cross sectional area. The rectangular cross sectional areas of the outlet openings 702 are formed with the same size and the same shape in said embodiment. The size of each cross sectional area is determined by the height h.sub.702 of the outlet opening 702 and by the outlet width b.sub.EX of the outlet opening 702 (FIGS. 7 and 9). In this case, the outlet width b.sub.EX of the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 corresponds to the outlet width b.sub.EX of the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4. The outlet width b.sub.EX of the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 extends parallel to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4 and perpendicularly to the axis X.sub.4. The height h.sub.702 of the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 extends parallel to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4 and parallel to the axis X.sub.4. The fluid of the secondary flow generator 5 (FIG. 5) flows in a pulse-like manner through the outlet openings 702 and is, in this case, directed to the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4 on this side and on the other side of the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4. The velocity of the fluid at the outlet openings 702 preferably oscillates between a maximum velocity and 0, or, particularly preferred, between two maximum velocities with different signs. In the latter case, the fluid flows alternately out of the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 and back into the supply lines 7 by realizing a transient, alternately unsteady flow.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows, in five snapshots I to V, a simulation of five flow situations offset in time for a fluid flow which traverses the fluidic assembly 1 from FIG. 3 and emerges from the same. The fluidic part geometries I and II are filled with water at a temperature of 25 in the simulation. The velocity of the fluid flow inside the fluidic assembly 1 and on the projection surface 8 is standardized to the value 1. In this case, the fluid flow in FIG. 5 is colored all the darker, the higher its velocity.

[0061] The velocity and the pressure of the fluid flow hardly influence the operability of the fluidic assembly in the embodiment shown. The fluidic assembly 1 thus operates for very small inlet pressures of a few mbar up to several hundred bar, such as, for example, for the range between 0.002 bar and 2500 bar. A pressure range of between 0.005 bar and 1800 bar is preferred and the pressure range of between 0.05 bar and 1100 bar is particularly preferred. The pressure specifications are relative to the ambient pressure. The velocity of the fluid flow 24, 25 in the main flow channels 403, 503 of the main flow generator 4 and of the secondary flow generator 5, however, influences the oscillation frequency of the fluid flows 24, 25 in the oscillation planes of the main flow generator 4 and of the secondary flow generator 5.

[0062] It can be seen by the change in the velocity field on the projection surfaces 8 of the individual part pictures I to V that the emerging fluid flow 20 is deflected in different directions in space and consequently wanders three-dimensionally in space. The movement path of the emerging fluid flow 20 can comprise very different forms on the projection surface 8. The fluid flow 20 can thus trace a rectangle or an oval, for example line by line or quasi chaotically or the path of a vertical and/or rotating figure of eight.

[0063] The kinematics of the emerging fluid flow 20 is influenced by the oscillation frequency and the oscillation angle of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4 and by the pulsation frequency of the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5 in combination with the separator 6. The homogeneity and/or the form (round, oval, almost triangular, polygonal or rectangular projection surfaces and mixed forms thereof) of the emerging fluid flow 20 can be influenced by modulating the characteristics of the fluid flows of the main flow generator 4 and of the secondary flow generator 5. Different movement paths of the fluid flow can be generated, in particular, by combining the dynamically changing oscillation angles and .

[0064] The angle at which the fluid flow 20 emerges from the fluidic assembly 1 can be determined by addition of the pulse of the fluid flow 24 of the main flow generator 4 and of the fluid flows 27 in the supply lines 7. On this basis, the main flow generator 4 and the supply lines 7 (here, in particular, the outlet openings 702 and the angle (FIG. 7)) are able to be adapted for different technical applications.

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a detail of the main flow generator 4 and of the supply lines 7 from FIG. 6 in an enlarged manner. The component depth of the main flow generator 4 upstream of the outlet opening 402 is designated by way of t.sub.4. The component depth t.sub.4 is defined perpendicularly to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4. The component depth t.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 can be constant (as in the embodiment in FIGS. 6 and 7) or can taper or increase in size downstream in the region of the outlet opening 402 (t.sub.EX). By tapering (t.sub.4>t.sub.EX) or enlarging (t.sub.4<t.sub.EX) the component depth of the main flow generator 4 in the region of the outlet opening 402, the velocity of the fluid flow can be increased or reduced with constant mass flow, as a result of which the oscillation angle of the secondary flow generator 5 is able to be influenced. By varying the component depth of the main flow generator 4, the influence of the pulse transmission of the fluid flows in the supply lines 7 on the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4 can change. Consequently, with the geometry of the supply lines 7 unchanged, the oscillation angle can be adjusted by varying the component depth of the main flow generator 4. In the embodiment in FIGS. 6 and 7, the depth t.sub.EX of the outlet opening 402 and the depth t.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 are the same. The depth t.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 can lie within the range of between 0.005 mm and 90 mm. A preferred depth t.sub.4 is between 0.04 mm and 50 mm. A particularly preferred depth t.sub.4 lies within the range of between 0.1 mm and 30 mm.

[0066] The height h.sub.702 of the outlet openings 702 determines the length of the portion of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4 along the axis X.sub.4 which interacts with the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5 emerging from the supply lines 7. The height h.sub.702 is adjustable in dependence on the oscillation angle of the secondary flow generator 5 and on the desired pulse transmission of the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5 to the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4. The height h.sub.702 can be between 0.01 mm and 35 mm. A height h.sub.702 of between 0.02 mm and 24 mm is preferred, and a height h.sub.702 of between 0.05 mm and 18 mm is in particular advantageous. The height h.sub.702 is smaller than or equal to a quarter of the component length l.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4.

[0067] In this case, the length l.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 is the distance between the inlet opening 401 and the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 along the axis X.sub.4 (FIG. 8). The inlet opening 401 and the outlet opening 402 are defined at the point where the cross sectional area of the fluidic component, which the fluid flow passes when it enters into the flow chamber 400 or emerges from the flow chamber again, is in each case smallest (locally). (Said definition of the inlet and outlet openings applies correspondingly to the secondary flow generator 5 and to the separator 6.) The length l.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 can be between 0.01 mm and 500 mm. A component length l.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 of between 0.02 mm and 350 mm is preferred. A component length l.sub.4 of between 0.05 mm and 220 mm is particularly preferred.

[0068] In the embodiment in FIGS. 6 and 7, the supply lines 7 initially have a constant height h.sub.7 downstream of their inlet openings 701. Further downstream (for example halfway along the supply lines 7) the height h.sub.7 constantly reduces downstream until it reaches the height h.sub.702 at the outlet openings 702. The height h.sub.7 is defined, in this case, as the diameter of the supply lines 7 in the oscillation plane of the secondary flow generator 5 and perpendicularly to the flow direction of the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5 in the supply lines 7.

[0069] The supply lines 7 are directed onto the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4 on this side and on the other side of the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4. In this case, the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5 from the supply lines 7 impinges on the oscillation plane of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4 at an angle . The angle is defined as the angle which is spanned by the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4 (or by the boundary walls of the main flow generator 4 parallel to the oscillation plane thereof) and a tangent on a central line of curvature 70 of the supply lines 7. The central line of curvature 70 extends, in this case, centrally through the supply lines 7. The tangent is shown in FIG. 7 by a dotted line as an example of a point on the central line of curvature 70 at the outlet opening 702. The angle is different depending on the distance between the point on the central line of curvature 70 and the outlet opening 702, the angle approaching 90 as the distance is reduced. In the embodiment in FIG. 7, the angle for the point on the central line of curvature 70 at the outlet opening 702 is 92. The angle (for the point on the central line of curvature 70 at the outlet opening 702) can be between 30 and 150. An angle of between 60 and 120 is preferred (for the point on the central line of curvature 70 at the outlet opening 702). An angle of between 75 and 110 is particularly preferred (for the point on the central line of curvature 70 at the outlet opening 702). The angle determines the direction of the pulse of the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5. As a result, the oscillation angle of the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5 can also be influenced.

[0070] The supply lines 7 can be designed in the region of their outlet openings 702 with regard to the angle and to the central line of curvature 70 such that as uniform or constant a velocity profile of the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5 is realized at the outlet openings 702. It is advantageous when the velocity profile is slightly asymmetrical over the height h.sub.702. The velocity profile is preferably as constant as possible along the width b.sub.7 of the supply lines 7 or the width b.sub.EX of the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 (FIG. 9). The width b.sub.7 is the extent of the supply lines 7 transversely to the flow direction of the fluid flow in the supply lines 7 and substantially parallel to the oscillation plane of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4. In the embodiment from FIGS. 8 and 9, the width b.sub.7 is initially constant and then increases constantly downstream until it reaches the width b.sub.EX at the outlet opening 702.

[0071] In order to generate a velocity profile as homogenous as possible at the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7, the supply lines 7 can comprise at least one portion in which the size of the cross sectional area of the supply lines 7 decreases downstream. The cross sectional area is the area which is traversable by the fluid flow. As a result of such a convergent portion, the fluid flow can be accelerated within the supply lines 7. In order to obtain a desired profile of the fluid flow at the outlet opening 702, a (divergent) portion, in which the size of the cross sectional area of the supply lines 7 increases downstream, can be provided downstream of the convergent portion. The cross sectional areas do not have to change transversely to the flow direction in all directions inside the plane in a uniform manner in the convergent and divergent portions. As an alternative to this, additional elements can be arranged in or on the supply lines 7 for homogenizing the fluid flow, as, for example, guide vanes or (honeycombed/hexagonal) grid structures.

[0072] The pulse of the fluid flow, which emerges from the supply lines 7, is additionally determined by the cross sectional areas of the outlet openings 702. The diverting additions 7 are preferably formed such that the cross sectional area of the supply lines 7 upstream of the outlet opening 702 and in particular at the inlet opening 701 of the supply line 7 is greater than at the outlet opening 702. The cross sectional area of the outlet opening 702 is, in particular, between 70% and 100% of the cross sectional area of the supply lines 7 upstream of the outlet opening 702 and between 70% and 100% of the cross sectional area of the inlet opening 701 of the supply lines 7. In the case of incompressible fluids, the cross sectional area of the outlet opening 702 should be between 80% and 100% of the cross sectional area of the supply lines 7 upstream of the outlet opening 702 and between 80% and 100% of the cross sectional area of the inlet opening 701 of the supply lines 7. The cross sectional areas of the supply lines 7 are rectangular in said embodiment. In principle, other forms of cross sectional area are also conceivable.

[0073] FIG. 9 shows a sectional representation of the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 along the oscillation plane of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4, a top view of an outlet opening 702 of one of the two supply lines 7 and of an outlet portion 33, which connects to the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4. The outlet portion 33 is delimited at two oppositely situated sides (parallel to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4) each by one of the outlet openings 702 of the two supply lines 7 and at two oppositely situated sides (perpendicularly to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4) each by a boundary wall 34. The boundary walls 34 are slightly rounded at their end directed in opposition to the main flow direction of the fluid flow. The rounded form includes a circle segment with the radius r which is defined in the oscillation plane of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4. The radius r can assume the value of zero in the extreme case, that is to say that the end of the boundary wall 34 directed in opposition to the main flow direction is realized as an edge. The radius r can consequently be, for example, between 0 mm and 15 mm. However, the end of the boundary wall 34 directed in opposition to the main flow direction is preferably rounded so that the radius r is preferably greater than 0 mm. The radius is preferably between r>0 mm and 12 mm and particularly preferred between >0 mm and 7 mm. The end of the boundary wall 34 directed in the main flow direction of the fluid flow is preferably realized as an edge, that is to say the radius here corresponds to 0.

[0074] The boundary walls 34 enclose an angle (in the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4). Said angle can influence the oscillation angle of the main flow generator 4. In the case where the angle is smaller than the oscillation angle of the fluid flow emerging from the main flow generator 4, the oscillation angle is delimited by the angle . The angle is preferably identical to the oscillation angle or greater than the oscillation angle . The angle can assume, for example, values of between 5 and 175. Said angle is frequently determined by the installation space available. Insofar as the angle is greater than the oscillation angle , the fluid flow is sucked onto the boundary walls 34 by means of the Coanda effect, as a result of which the oscillation angle is increased to the angle .

[0075] FIG. 10 shows, in part images I and II, two different examples of fluidic components which can be used as main flow generators 4 of the fluidic assembly 1. In this case, the fluidic component from part image I corresponds to the main flow generator 4 of the fluidic assembly 1 from FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0076] With regard to the operating principle of the realization of an oscillating flow, the fluid component from part image II corresponds to the fluid component from part image I. Thus, in both fluidic components secondary flow channels 404 are used for realizing an oscillating fluid flow. In addition, separators 405 in the form of bulges (the boundary wall of the flow chamber 400) are provided at the inlet of the secondary flow channels 404 in the case of the fluidic component from part image II. In this case, at the inlet of each secondary flow channel 404, a bulge 405 projects in each case above a portion of the circumferential edge of the secondary flow channel 404 into the respective secondary flow channel 404 and changes the cross sectional area thereof at this point by decreasing the cross sectional area. The separation of the secondary flows from the main flow is influenced and controlled by the separators 405.

[0077] An outlet portion 33, which widens constantly downstream of the outlet opening 402 in the oscillation plane of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4, connects directly downstream of the outlet opening 402. The outlet portion 33 has a trapezoidal cross section when viewed in the oscillation plane of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4. The outlet portion 33 is delimited at two oppositely situated sides (parallel to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4) each by one of the outlet openings 702 of the two supply lines 7 and at two oppositely situated sides (perpendicular to the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4) each by a boundary wall 34. The outlet portion 33 extends along the main flow direction (along the axis X.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4, or along the height h.sub.702 of the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7) over a length l.sub.33. The length l.sub.33 is the distance between the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 and the outlet opening 3 of the fluidic assembly 1 along the axis X.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4. The height h.sub.702 of the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 can differ from the length l.sub.33 of the outlet portion 33. In particular, the height h.sub.702 of the outlet openings 702 can be shorter than the length l.sub.33, the outlet openings 702 extending from the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 toward the outlet opening 3 but not reaching the outlet opening 3. For this purpose, for example, the material thickness h.sub.w of the boundary wall of the supply lines 7 arranged downstream can be chosen to be correspondingly large. As a result of said design, on the one hand the pulse of the fluid jet from the supply lines 7 can be focused on the fluid jet of the main flow generator 4 and, on the other hand, greater mechanical stability can be achieved for the boundary wall of the supply lines 7 arranged downstream. As an alternative to this, the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 can also reach from the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4 to the outlet opening 3. In said case, the height h.sub.702 of the outlet openings 702 and the length l.sub.33 of the outlet portion 33 are the same size.

[0078] The cross sectional form of the outlet portion 33 (when seen in the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4), as shown in the part image II in FIG. 10, can be trapezoidal or can be in other forms (rectangular, polygonal, triangular, oval, mixed form thereof). Corresponding to the form, the width b.sub.33 of the outlet portion 33 can consequently be constant or also not constant. The width b.sub.33 is preferably at least 65% of the width b.sub.EX of the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4. In a particularly preferred manner, the width b.sub.33 is at least 80% of the width b.sub.EX of the outlet opening 402 of the main flow generator 4. For example, the width b.sub.33 of the outlet portion 33 can alter (enlarge) downstream in such a manner that the boundary walls 34 substantially enclose the angle . Corresponding to the form of the outlet portion 33 in the oscillation plane of the main flow generator 4, the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7 can be formed in an identical manner.

[0079] FIG. 11 shows, in the part images I and II, two different embodiments of the separator 6. The two separators 6 shown differ in the form of the flow distributer 603. The flow distributer 603 divides the oscillating fluid flow, which flows from the inlet opening 601 into the separator 6 in such a manner that the oscillating fluid flow flows alternately through one of the two outlet openings 602. In the two embodiments shown, two outlet openings 602 are shown. In principle, the separator 6 can also comprise more than two outlet openings. A pulsing flow, which flows into the supply lines 7, is generated by means of the separator 6 in combination with the fluidic component 5. The velocity of the fluid flow inside the supply lines 7 or at the outlet openings 602 of the separator 6 is preferably briefly periodically approximately 0 or the velocity is reduced (to, for example, 75% of the maximum velocity). It is particularly advantageous when the flow direction of the fluid changes briefly periodically, that is to say the sign of the velocity field changes briefly periodically in the outflow direction.

[0080] Two different embodiments of the separator 6 are suitable for these purposes (in combination with the secondary flow generator 5). In this case, the secondary flow generator 5 and the separator 6 can be realized in one piece or as individual elements. The first embodiment (part image I) generates a substantially binary or digital flow pattern. Said embodiment can be used in the case of higher oscillation frequencies (from around 100 Hz). A flow signal, which almost corresponds to a rectangular function, can be generated with said embodiment at each outlet opening 702 of the supply lines 7, the rectangular functions for the two outlet openings 702 being displaced by half a phase toward one another. In the embodiment from part image I, the fluid flow is not divided by a sharp edge but is steered into the outlet opening 602 reciprocally by an inner curved wall 603 as flow distributor. The curved wall 603 is arranged, in this case, between the two outlet openings 602 and is arched outward (when viewed along the axis X.sub.5 in the fluid flow direction). As a result of the curvature of the inner wall 603, an indentation (recess) is generated. The cross sectional area of the outlet openings 602 is in each case greater than or equal to the cross sectional area of the inlet opening 601. As a result, the effect of the binary flow pattern can be supported. In particular in the case of fluids with a high density and incompressible media, cross sectional areas of the outlet openings 602, which are greater than the cross sectional area of the inlet opening 601, are advantageous. In addition, the space between the inner curved wall 603 and the inlet opening 601 can be realized with regard to form and size in such a manner that a vortex is generated there. Said vortex supports the previously mentioned velocity reduction or velocity reversal at the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7. The effect of the binary flow pattern can also be supported as a result.

[0081] The second embodiment (part image II) generates a substantially analogue flow pattern. The second embodiment is advantageous, in particular, for compressible fluids and in the case of applications with a low oscillation frequency (as a rule below 200 Hz). In the case of said embodiment, the inner wall 603 is realized as a wedge which projects into the separator 6 in opposition to the fluid flow direction substantially along the axis X.sub.5. Here too, the cross sectional area of the outlet openings 602 is in each case greater than or equal to the cross sectional area of the inlet opening 601.

[0082] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of the invention. Said embodiment differs from the embodiment from FIGS. 1 to 9 in particular by the relative arrangement of the first fluidic part geometry I and of the second fluidic part geometry II. In addition, the size ratios of the first fluidic part geometry I and of the second fluidic part geometry II are different compared to the embodiment from FIGS. 1 to 9. In the case of the embodiment from FIGS. 13 and 14, the axis X.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 and the axis X.sub.5 of the secondary flow generator 5 are not arranged coaxially (one after the other) but the axes X.sub.4 and X.sub.5 enclose an angle with one another of substantially 90. The oscillation planes of the main flow generator 4 and of the secondary flow generator 5 enclose an angle with one another of substantially 90.

[0083] When maintaining a fixed angle between the oscillation planes of the main flow generator 4 and of the secondary flow generator 5, a change in the angle between the axis X.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 and the axis X.sub.5 of the secondary flow generator 5 has no significant effect on the operation of the fluidic assembly 1. The relative arrangement of the two fluidic part geometries I and II is frequently predefined by the available installation space.

[0084] As soon as the axis X.sub.4 of the main flow generator 4 and the axis X.sub.5 of the secondary flow generator 5 are no longer aligned substantially coaxially or parallel, the geometry of the supply lines is to be designed, where necessary, in a manner deviating from the embodiment from FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0085] Also in the embodiments in FIGS. 13 and 14 (analogous to the embodiment from FIGS. 1 to 9) the fluid flow, which emerges from the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7, preferably comprises as uniform a profile as possible along the width b.sub.EX of the outlet opening 702. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the width b.sub.7 (b.sub.EX) of the supply lines 7 (of the outlet openings 702) is defined as the diameter of the supply lines 7 in the oscillation plane of the secondary flow generator 5 and perpendicularly to the flow direction of the fluid flow of the secondary flow generator 5 in the supply lines 7. Correspondingly, the height h.sub.7 (h.sub.702) of the supply lines 7 (of the outlet openings 702) is defined as the extent of the supply lines 7 transversely to the flow direction of the fluid flow in the supply lines 7 and substantially parallel to the oscillation plane of the fluid flow of the main flow generator 4. Accordingly, the definitions of the widths b.sub.7 and b.sub.EX and of the heights h.sub.7 and h.sub.702 in the two embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9 or 13 and 14 are interchanged.

[0086] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the width b.sub.7 of the supply lines is initially constant and then increases constantly downstream until it reaches the width b.sub.EX at the outlet opening 702. The supply lines 7 have initially a constant height h.sub.7 downstream of their inlet openings 701. Further downstream, (for example halfway along the supply lines 7) the height h.sub.7 constantly reduces downstream until it reaches the height h.sub.702 at the outlet openings 702.

[0087] The width of the outlet opening 702 of the supply lines 7 can be up to 30% greater or smaller than the width b.sub.EX of the outlet opening of the main flow generator 4. As a result, the producibility can be simplified.

[0088] The size of the cross sectional area of the supply lines 7 is preferably as constant as possible along the extension direction of the supply lines 7, in spite of the height and width of the supply lines 7 changing along the extension direction of the supply lines 7. However, the size of the cross sectional areas can reduce by up to 30% downstream toward the outlet openings 702 of the supply lines 7. In a preferred manner, the cross sectional area of the supply lines 7 is a maximum of 30% smaller than the cross sectional area of the inlet opening 701 in an arbitrary portion of the supply lines between the inlet opening 701 and the outlet opening 702. The cross sectional area of the outlet opening 702 is preferably no more than 30% smaller than the cross sectional area of the supply line 7 upstream of the outlet opening 702. In the case of low-pressure applications of less than 250 bar inlet pressure, the deviation is preferably less than 20%.

[0089] FIG. 15 shows, in the part images in I and II, two snapshots of the fluid which emerges from the fluidic assembly according to FIGS. 1 to 9, the two snapshots showing the fluid flow at the same moment but from different directions. An angle of, for instance, 80 lies between the two directions in the part images I and II. It can be seen in both images that the fluidic assembly 1 generates a fluid jet which oscillates not only in a spatial plane but in two planes, and consequently the fluid jet carries out a three-dimensional vibration. Said fluid flow comprises an almost rectangular spray pattern. Such a spray pattern is suitable, for example, for cleaning and spray distribution applications.

[0090] The forms of the fluidic components which are shown in the fluid assembly according to the invention in FIGS. 1 to 15 are only as an example. As an alternative to this, it is also possible to use fluidic components which generate an oscillation by means of colliding fluid jets or by means of interacting vortices or recirculation areas or which have means for realizing an oscillation of the fluid flow other than secondary flow channels (feedback-free fluidic components).

[0091] FIGS. 16 to 21 show different views of a fluidic component, the so-called cup component, according to an embodiment. In this case, only the inner operating geometry of the cup component 10 is shown. The exterior form can be chosen as required. The cup component only includes one fluidic geometry (in contrast to the fluidic assembly 1 from FIGS. 1-15). Said fluidic geometry includes a flow chamber 100 which is traversable by a fluid flow which enters into the flow chamber 100 through an inlet opening 101 and emerges from the flow chamber 100 through an outlet opening 102. In said embodiment the inlet opening 101 and the outlet opening 102 each have a circular cross sectional area. In principle, other forms can also be used. The center points of the inlet opening 101 and of the outlet opening 102 lie on an axis X.sub.1 which predefines the main flow direction inside the cup component 10. The flow chamber 100 includes a main flow channel 103 and five secondary flow channels (feedback channels) 104a-e.

[0092] The number of secondary flow channels 104a-e is only as an example. The cup component 10 can also comprise a different uneven number (at least three) of secondary flow channels. The secondary flow channels 104a-e are realized substantially identically. However, they can also be realized in a different manner. The secondary flow channels 104a-e are provided as a means for realizing an oscillation of the fluid flow. In this case, the secondary flow channels 104a-e are arranged evenly around the main flow channel 103 (when viewed along the axis X.sub.1). Evenly means that the identical angle always lies between two adjacent secondary flow channels, here namely 360/5=72. Said arrangement of the secondary flow channels avoids two secondary flow channels and the main flow channel being able to be arranged in one plane, wherein the main flow channel would be arranged between the two secondary flow channels. The angle between adjacent secondary flow channels 103 can also be different insofar as the angles are chosen in such a manner that no two secondary flow channels and the main flow channel are arranged in one plane. The oscillation angles of the fluid flow emerging from the cup component 10, the form and the size of the projection surface of the fluid jet can be influenced by the angle . The secondary flow channels 104a-e branch off from the main flow channel 103 (directly) downstream of the inlet opening 101 and combine with the same again (directly) upstream of the outlet opening 102. The secondary flow channels 104a-e, when viewed in the main flow direction, are initially directed from the inlet opening 101 to the outlet opening 102 and reverse their direction substantially just in front of the outlet opening 102. The cross sectional areas of the secondary flow channels 104a-e are round in this embodiment; however, they can be realized in an arbitrary manner.

[0093] The main flow channel 103 comprises chambers 110a-e, the number of which corresponds to the number of secondary flow channels 104a-e. In this case, each chamber 110a-e is connected fluidically to a secondary flow channel 104a-e. The chambers 110a-e are formed by the outside wall of the main flow channel 103 and are open in the direction of the axis X.sub.1. In the embodiment shown, the chambers 110a-e comprise a substantially semi-circular outside wall (FIG. 21) in the cutting plane transversely to the axis X.sub.1. Other forms, in particular asymmetrical forms, are also possible insofar as the chambers 110a-e are open to the axis X.sub.1. The forms are preferably constant and comprise a curvature. In this case, the outside wall of the individual chambers 110a-e can project into the flow chamber 100 to different degrees. The outside wall of a chamber can also be realized asymmetrically. This means that the boundary wall can project into the flow chamber more on one side of the chamber than on the other side of the chamber and/or that the wall can be aligned asymmetrically on both sides of the chamber. In addition, the dimension by which the outside wall projects into the flow chamber on the individual sides of the chambers can be constant or vary over the length l of the cup component.

[0094] In particular, the chambers 110a-e can be twisted about the axis X.sub.1. The twisting can be pronounced to varying degrees and reach from a few seconds to multiple degrees (even more than 360). The achievement of the twisting is that the fluid is conducted into the adjacent chambers 110a-e.

[0095] The main flow channel 103 with the individual chambers 110a-e is formed such that the cross sectional area of the main flow channel 103, transversely to the axis X.sub.1 proceeding from the inlet opening 101, initially becomes larger downstream and then tapers again. The outside wall of the tapering portion encloses an angle with the axis X.sub.1. The tapering portion (when viewed along the axis X.sub.1) is shorter than the enlarging portion. For example, the enlarging portion can be twice as long as the tapering portion. The form of the outside wall of the main flow channel 103 changes non-constantly at the transition between the enlarging portion and the tapering portion.

[0096] The fluid flows through the inlet opening 101 into the main flow channel 103 where it contacts predominantly the wall of one of the five chambers 110a-e as a result of the Coanda effect and flows in the direction of the outlet opening 102. The largest part of the fluid leaves the cup component 10 through the outlet opening 102. A small part of the fluid does not leave the component 10 but passes directly upstream of the outlet opening 102 into the secondary flow channels 104a-e. At the same time, a varying amount of fluid passes into the individual secondary flow channels 104a-e, the predominant part flowing into the secondary flow channel 104a-e which is connected to the chamber 110a-e, the wall of which the inflowing fluid has contacted. In the secondary flow channels 104a-e the fluid flows in the direction of the inlet opening 101. The returning fluid portion emerges from the secondary flow channels 104a-e directly downstream of the inlet opening 101 and urges the fluid entering through the inlet opening 101 into a chamber other than the chamber that was filled predominantly in the preceding cycle. As no two chambers 110a-e and no two secondary flow channels 104a-e lie diametrically opposite one another, no oscillation is able to be realized in a plane in which the two chambers 110a-e and two secondary flow channels 104a-e are arranged. The achievement is rather that the fluid flow is steered alternately into the different chambers 110a-e and an emerging fluid jet, which is moved three-dimensionally in space and, in this case, oscillates between multiple points (five here), is consequently generated. In order to generate the dynamically moving fluid jet, a transient flow is generated inside the cup component 10. The movement of the emerging fluid flow can be influenced by the fluid velocity and the angle .

[0097] The secondary flow channels 104a-e can each be aligned to a preferred chamber 110a-e so that the fluid jet emerging from the secondary flow channels 104a-e steers the fluid flow entering at the inlet opening 101 into the corresponding preferred chambers 110a-e.

[0098] The length l of the cup component 10 can assume values of between 0.1 mm and 1000 mm. Preferred lengths l are within the range of between 0.15 mm and 500 mm. The length is defined as the distance between the inlet opening 101 and the outlet opening 102 along the axis X.sub.1, the inlet opening 101 and the outlet opening 102 each being defined at the point where the cross sectional area of the fluidic component, which the fluid flow passes when it enters into the flow chamber 100 or emerges again from the flow chamber, is in each case smallest (locally).

[0099] The cup component comprises a divergent part 112 having the length l.sub.out (FIG. 18) downstream of the outlet opening 102. The divergent part is, however, optional. Said divergent part 112 can take over various tasks. One task is the concentrating of the jet emerging from the outlet opening 102. The divergent part can also be utilized for the purpose of reducing or increasing the size of the oscillation angle of the emerging jet.

[0100] FIG. 22 shows a cup component 10 according to a further embodiment. Said embodiment differs from that from FIGS. 16 to 21 in that the secondary flow channels 104a-e are fluidically interrupted. Rather, just one approach each is provided for the inlet openings and outlet openings. The approaches for the inlet openings and outlet openings are connectable, for example, to a tube or hose. For one thing, the inlet opening of a secondary flow channel can thus be connected to the associated outlet opening. However, the inlet opening of a secondary flow channel can also be connected to the outlet opening of another secondary flow channel. As a result, the alignment of the secondary flow channels can be individually adapted and the movement progression of the fluid jet emerging from the cup component can be influenced.

[0101] The cup component 10 from FIG. 22 is realized externally substantially in the form of a cylinder, the rotational axis of the cylinder extending along the main flow direction of the cup component. The external design is only as an example and can deviate from the form of a cylinder.