Valve diaphragm

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve diaphragm (100) having a functional region (130) which is surrounded by an outer clamping region (120), at least one, in particular regular, microstructure (150) being arranged at least in some sections across a wet-side surface (124) of the functional region (130) and the clamping region (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a valve diaphragm. Background Art

[0002] Valve diaphragms for diaphragm valves are well known.

[0003] The valve diaphragm according to claim 1 solves the problems of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] One aspect of the present description relates to a valve diaphragm having a functional region which is surrounded by an outer clamping region, wherein a wet side surface spanning the functional region and the clamping region is provided with at least one, in particular regular, microstructure at least in sections.

[0005] Providing a surface with a regular microstructure prevents microcracks because the mobility and stability of the wet side surface is improved. This extends the service life of the valve diaphragm. In addition, maintenance intervals can be extended and cleanliness improved.

[0006] Furthermore, the microstructures can improve the hydrophobicity of the wet-side surface.

[0007] For example, it is advantageous if at least one microstructure covers the clamping area and the functional area of ​​the wet side surface.

[0008] This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with a protruding, continuous micro-web, ie a micro-structure in the form of a honeycomb, for example, since in particular a continuous protruding web has a stabilizing effect and an enhanced sealing effect when interacting with a mating sealing part.

[0009] Advantageously, at least one microstructure is honeycomb-shaped or web-shaped.

[0010] Advantageously, the stability of the surface is increased.

[0011] For example, it is advantageous if at least one microstructure comprises a continuous micronetwork of protrusions surrounding microrecesses.

[0012] This advantageously creates a common convex surface which is not interrupted by micro-recesses but is continuous and acts as a micro-barrier. In particular, in the clamping area and the sealing web area, differences in the sealing fit, such as scratches, can be compensated by microstructures and micro-material flows.

[0013] For example, it is advantageous if the average maximum distance between two opposing microgrids of the associated microrecesses of the microstructure is between 10 μm and 500 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 100 μm.

[0014] For example, it is advantageous if at least one microstructure comprises a continuous concave microsurface surrounding the microprotrusions.

[0015] Advantageously, the functional region of the wet side surface has a first contact angle, the functional region having a first microstructure, and wherein the clamping region has a second contact angle, the clamping region having a second microstructure, the second contact angle being smaller than the first contact angle.

[0016] The functional area is thus more hydrophobic than the clamping portion. As a result, the process medium provided by the diaphragm adheres less firmly to the functional area. On the other hand, the smaller second contact angle has a favorable effect on clamping the diaphragm between the wet side surface of the clamping portion and the mating sealing portion of the valve body, and thus has a favorable effect on the sealing to the outside.

[0017] Advantageously, the micro-depressions or at least one of the recessed micro-surfaces is convex at least in some sections.

[0018] This not only improves fluidity but also reduces flow resistance.

[0019] Advantageously, a flexure zone of the wet side surface is arranged between the clamping zone and the central zone, the adjustment axis extending through the flexure zone, and wherein the flexure zone comprises at least one microstructure.

[0020] Therefore, the flexure areas that are subject to dynamic stress benefit from a microstructure that prevents cracks, especially microcracks.

[0021] For example, it is advantageous if at least some of the raised microwebs in the clamping region of the wet side surface follow the contour, in particular the circular shape, of the clamping region.

[0022] This advantageously creates a barrier to provide a defined sealing edge when clamping the sealing area or clamping area. In addition, process fluids introduced into the sealing area are reduced.

[0023] Advantageously, as soon as the clamping part is pressed onto the mating part by the clamping force, unevenness on the surface of the mating part of the valve body associated with the clamping part can be compensated. In particular, under the effect of the clamping force, the structures on the wet side surface of the clamping part can flow, thereby increasing the sealing to the outside. Despite the enlargement of the assembly process window, for example the torque window, the assembly is improved because the sealing to the outside can be reliably produced. This allows the sealing force introduced into the clamping area to remain unchanged or even to be reduced, while the width of the clamping part can be reduced. This can improve the sealing of the diaphragm valve to the outside, extend the service life of the diaphragm and save installation space.

[0024] For example, it is advantageous if at least some of the raised microwebs in a sealing web area of ​​the wet-side surface extending across the feed axis follow a longitudinal profile of the sealing web area.

[0025] These microprotrusions advantageously improve the sealing effect in the area of ​​the web, ie the sealing effect on the inside.

[0026] For example, it is advantageous if the projections of at least a plurality of protruding micromeshes facing the adjustment axis are steeper than the associated projections facing away from the adjustment axis.

[0027] The barrier effect of the microgrid is advantageously improved.

[0028] For example, it is advantageous if the ratio of the average distance between adjacent microprotrusions to the average depth of the microstructure is between 0.2 and 0.9, in particular between 0.2 and 0.6.

[0029] This can advantageously enhance the sealing effect and also improve the hydrophobic behavior of the surface.

[0030] For example, it is advantageous if the projections of at least a plurality of microwebs facing towards the central longitudinal axis of the sealing web area are steeper than the associated projections facing away from the central longitudinal axis.

[0031] The barrier effect of the microgrid is advantageously improved.

[0032] For example, the microprotrusions advantageously increase the contact angle of the wet-side surface.

[0033] In particular, the individual microprotrusions advantageously increase the contact angle. The increased contact angle ensures better cleanability. Since even PFTE or PFA undergo an aging process, the individual microprotrusions ensure that the desired contact angle can be maintained even over a longer period of time. The service life and application cycle of the valve diaphragm are increased. Cleaning-related costs can be reduced. In particular, the media contact surfaces of the functional area benefit from this microstructure.

[0034] For example, it is advantageous if concentric sub-regions of the deflection zone of the wet side surface, in particular the middle region and the edge regions of the deflection zone surrounding the middle region, have at least two microstructures that are different from each other.

[0035] The tensile forces acting concentrically on the middle region act on this middle region. On the other hand, the edge regions surrounding the middle region are subject to rolling movements. Thus, differently designed microstructures support the corresponding movement or reinforce the corresponding wet-side surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In the figure: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a two-part valve diaphragm; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the wet-side surface of a valve diaphragm having a similar microstructure; Figure 3 shows a schematic example of a microstructure in the clamping region of a diaphragm; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a microstructure; Figure 5 shows a schematic example of a microstructure in the sealing web region of the wet side surface of a diaphragm; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a microstructure; Figure 7 shows a schematic example of a microstructure in the flexure region of a valve diaphragm; Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of example wet-side surfaces of valve diaphragms having different microstructures in the flexure zone are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary two-piece diaphragm 300, which includes a first diaphragm 100 facing the valve body of the diaphragm valve and a second diaphragm 200 facing the actuator of the diaphragm valve. The second diaphragm 200 is made of an elastomer, for example, and the first diaphragm 100 is made of a highly chemically resistant plastic material such as PFA or PTFE. Through holes 110-116 pass through the valve diaphragms 100, 200 and are used to pass fastening elements, such as studs.

[0038] Figure 1 This is merely an example. Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable, in particular diaphragms 100 with a substantially circular outer contour and / or without through holes 110-116. In particular, a one-piece embodiment, for example with only the first diaphragm 100, is also conceivable. In particular, the one-piece diaphragm 100 can also be made of different materials, for example an elastomeric material such as EPDM.

[0039] The figure relates to a valve diaphragm 100 having a functional region 130 which is surrounded by an outer clamping region 120 , wherein a wet side surface 124 spanning the functional region 130 and the clamping region 120 is provided with at least one, in particular regular, microstructure 150 at least in sections.

[0040] The two-piece diaphragm 300 is clamped in a lateral clamping area 120 between the valve body and the actuator. The diaphragm 100 is clamped in the clamping area 120 between the two components of the diaphragm valve and seals the diaphragm valve to the outside.

[0041] The functional area 130 of the valve diaphragm 100 is pressed onto the valve seat of the valve body to close the fluid passage formed by the valve body and the wet side 122 of the first diaphragm 100 for the process fluid.

[0042] The valve diaphragm 100 is included in Figure 11 and the dry side surface facing the actuator. The wet side surface 124 spans the functional area 130 and the clamping area 120. The movement is caused by a drive rod, which is moved by the actuator along the adjustment axis S and is pressed on the two-piece diaphragm 300, for example with a pressure piece. Here, the sealing web 132 (shown in the figure) of the first diaphragm 100 presses on the valve seat. Of course, in other embodiments, the sealing web in the sense of a visible protrusion can also be omitted. The fluid channel is opened by moving the first diaphragm 100 away from the valve seat.

[0043] The adjustment axis S extends, for example, perpendicularly to the imaginary diaphragm plane in the region of the imaginary center of the valve diaphragm 100. In the functional region 130, the diaphragm 100 comprises a static central region 134, which is pressed onto the valve seat on the wet side together with the lateral part of the sealing web region to close the diaphragm valve. Apart from the mentioned pressure loads, the central region 134 moves substantially along the adjustment axis S.

[0044] The diaphragm 100 includes a dynamic region 136, which surrounds the central region 134 and is also referred to as a flexure region. The dynamic region 136 ensures by movement that the central region 134 can be lifted from the valve seat and opens a cross section for the flow of the process fluid. The movement of the dynamic region 136 corresponds to the concentric flexure movement. The diaphragm 100 includes a static clamping region 120, which surrounds the dynamic region 136.

[0045] The schematic enlarged detail A1 shows a microstructure 150 which is present on the wet-side surface 124 and which in the present case has raised heights following the shape of a grid or a mesh.

[0046] Microstructures may also be arranged on the dry side of membrane 100 , for example to prevent material wear.

[0047] The regularity of the microstructure 150 includes, for example, a repetition of a microstructure pattern across a portion of the surface 124. In another example, the regularity of the microstructure 150 means that protrusions and / or depressions are introduced into the surface according to geometric design rules. Therefore, the regularity of the microstructure 150 can be identified by micro-inspection of the wet-side surface 124.

[0048] To produce the microstructure 150 , the production tool is, for example, preformed accordingly.

[0049] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the wet side surface 124 of the diaphragm 100 is shown. For greater clarity, the through holes 110-116 are not shown.

[0050] As shown, at least one microstructure 150 covers the clamping area 120 and the functional area 130 of the wet side surface 124. The at least one microstructure 150 is honeycomb and / or mesh-shaped.

[0051] According to the schematic enlarged details A2a, A2b, A2c, a honeycomb-like microstructure 150 covers the clamping area 120, the flexure area 136 and the sealing web 132. In particular, the entire wet-side surface 124 can be covered with the microstructure 150.

[0052] As shown, at least one microstructure 150 includes a continuous raised micronetwork 152 surrounding hexagonal microrecesses 154 .

[0053] The average maximum distance dMax between two opposing micromeshes 152 of associated microrecesses 154 of the microstructure 150 is between 10 μm and 500 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 100 μm.

[0054] The distance dMax represents the maximum distance of the arrangements of directly opposing piconets 152. Over a plurality of pairs of piconets, the corresponding distances are averaged to obtain the distance dMax.

[0055] Figure 3 Schematically shown are enlarged details A3a, A3b, A3c of different configurations of the clamping area 120 of the wet side surface 124. The clamping area 120 surrounds the functional area 130 and thus has a rounded inner edge. Depending on the configuration of the valve diaphragm 100, the clamping area 120 on the wet side protrudes in the shape of a circular ring. The contour of the clamping area 120 is therefore circular. Details A3a- A3c show different examples of microstructures 150 in the clamping area 120 with corresponding radial extension axes Ra-Rc.

[0056] These examples show that at least some of the protruding microwebs 152 in the clamping region 120 of the wet side surface 124 follow the contour, in particular the circular shape, of the clamping region 120. In particular, the microwebs 152 extend along the contour of the clamping region 120 without interruption.

[0057] According to detail A3a, the protruding microwebs 152, in each case with microrecesses 154 arranged between them, extend in the shape of grooves and concentrically with the adjustment axis S. According to detail A3b, the protruding microwebs 152x extend respectively perpendicularly to the radial extension axis Rb. According to detail A3c, the protruding microwebs 152 extend in a wave-like manner in the circumferential direction, ie along the circular contour of the sealing area 120.

[0058] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a clamping region 120 of a valve diaphragm 100 is shown, in the continuation of which the adjustment axis S lies. The wet-side surface 124 comprises a microstructure 150 shown in cross-section.

[0059] The ratio of the average distance dMax between adjacent microprotrusions 164 to the average depth t of the microstructure 150 is between 0.2 and 0.9, in particular between 0.2 and 0.6. This also applies to the other microstructures 150 shown.

[0060] As shown, the protrusions 156 of at least a plurality of the protruding micromeshes 152 facing toward the adjustment axis S are steeper than the associated protrusions 158 facing away from the adjustment axis S.

[0061] Figure 5 Enlarged details A5a, A5b, A5c of different configurations of the sealing web area 132 of the wet-side surface 124 are schematically shown.

[0062] As shown, at least some of the raised microwebs 152 in the sealing web region 132 of the wetside surface 124 extending through the feed axis S follow the longitudinal profile of the sealing web region 132 .

[0063] The sealing web area 132 is arranged in the functional area 130 and extends along the central longitudinal axis M. Depending on the configuration of the valve diaphragm 100, the sealing web area 32 on the wet side is convex or not convex in a web-like manner. The contour of the sealing web area 132 is elongated. Details A3a-A3c show different examples of microstructures 150 in the sealing web area 132, which have a corresponding central longitudinal axis M.

[0064] According to detail A5a, the protruding micro-networks 152, in each case with the micro-recesses 154 arranged therebetween, extend in the shape of grooves and parallel to the central longitudinal axis M. According to detail A5b, the continuous protruding micro-networks 152 of the honeycomb structure follow a corresponding parallel axis to the central longitudinal axis M. According to detail A5c, the protruding micro-networks 152 extend in a wave-like manner and follow a parallel axis to the central longitudinal axis M.

[0065] Figure 6 A schematic cross section of a sealing web region 132 of a valve diaphragm 100 is shown, the cross section including a continuous adjustment axis S. The wet side surface 124 includes a microstructure 150 shown in cross section.

[0066] For example, as shown, the projections 156 of at least a plurality of microwebs 152 facing the central longitudinal axis M of the sealing web region 132 are steeper than the associated projections 158 facing away from the central longitudinal axis M.

[0067] Figure 7 Enlarged details A7a-A7e of various configurations of a dynamic region 136, which may also be referred to as a dynamic loading region or flexure portion, of the wetside surface 124 are schematically shown. Details A7a-A7e each show an individual microstructure 150 covering the dynamic region 136 at least in some portions.

[0068] For example, enlargements A7a - A7c show that at least one microstructure 150 includes a continuous recessed microsurface 162 that surrounds a microprotrusion 164 .

[0069] The microprotrusions 164 increase the contact angle of the wet-side surface 124 relative to the flat structure of the corresponding surface, compared to the contact angle determined primarily by the material.

[0070] In particular, the functional area 130 of the wet side surface 124 has a first microstructure 150, the functional area 130 has a first contact angle, wherein the clamping area 120 has a second microstructure 150, the clamping area 120 has a second contact angle, and the second contact angle is smaller than the first contact angle. In particular, the second contact angle is at least 20°, in particular at least 40°, in particular at least 60° smaller than the first contact angle. The contact angle is related to the interaction between the corresponding surface and water.

[0071] According to detail A7a, dome-shaped microprotrusions 164 protrude from the continuous microsurface 162. According to detail A7b, a continuous recessed micronet in the form of a continuous microsurface 162 follows a honeycomb structure. The microprotrusions 164 protrude from the microsurface 162 and are separated from each other by the microsurface 162. According to detail A7c, tetrahedral microprotrusions 164 extend from the recessed microrecesses, which are collectively referred to as microsurfaces 162.

[0072] The micro-depressions 154, or at least one of the recessed micro-surfaces 162, are convex at least in some portions.

[0073] In contrast to details A7a and A7b, details A7d and A7e essentially show an inverted pattern of the microstructure 150. In the schematically shown detail A7d, there is thus a continuous surface in the sense of a convex micromesh 152, into which convex or dome-shaped microrecesses 154 are introduced. The schematically shown detail A7e shows a honeycomb-like microstructure 150, in which the interconnected micromeshes 152 form a honeycomb shape and microgrooves 154 are introduced between the micromeshes.

[0074] and Figure 7 on the contrary, Figure 8 It is shown that the wet side surface 124 in the dynamic region 136 is provided with different microstructures 150 at least outside the sealing web region 132 .

[0075] For example, as shown, the flex zone 136 of the wetside surface 124 is disposed between the clamping region 120 and the central region 134 with the adjustment axis S extending therethrough, wherein the flex zone 136 includes at least one microstructure 150 .

[0076] As shown, concentric sub-regions 180, 182, 184 of the flexure zone 136 of the wetside surface 124, particularly the middle region 182 and the edge regions 180, 184 of the flexure zone 136 surrounding the middle region 182, have at least two microstructures 150 that are different from each other.

[0077] For example, the middle region 182 includes microstructures 150 that primarily strengthen the surface, such as a honeycomb shape, and the edge regions 180 , 184 include microstructures 150 that primarily have a hydrophobic effect or support flexural motion.

[0078] The schematically shown enlarged detail A8a shows a microstructure 150 with concave depressions in the edge regions 180, 184, which are surrounded in each case by a rounded edge and by a protruding web 152. On the other hand, detail A8b shows a honeycomb-like microstructure 150 for the wet side surface 124 of the middle region 182 or of the middle region 182.

Claims

1. A valve diaphragm (100) having a functional region (130), the functional region (130) being surrounded by an outer clamping region (120), wherein: A wet side surface (124) spanning the functional area (130) and the clamping area (120) is provided with at least one microstructure (150), in particular a regular microstructure (150), at least in some sections.

2. The valve diaphragm (100) according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the microstructures (150) covers the clamping area (120) and the functional area (130) of the wet-side surface (124).

3. The valve diaphragm (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one of the microstructures (150) is honeycomb-shaped or mesh-shaped.

4. The valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least one microstructure (150) includes a continuous raised micronetwork (152) surrounding microrecesses (154).

5. The valve diaphragm (100) according to claim 4, wherein: At least some of the protruding microwebs (152) in the clamping region (120) of the wet-side surface (124) follow the contour, in particular the circular shape, of the clamping region (120).

6. The valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The ratio of the average distance (dMax) between adjacent microprotrusions (164) or adjacent microgrids (152) to the average depth (t) of the microstructure (150) is between 0.2 and 0.9, in particular between 0.2 and 0.

6.

7. The valve diaphragm (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The projections (156) of at least a plurality of the projecting micro-webs (152) facing the adjustment axis (S) are steeper than the associated projections (158) facing away from the adjustment axis (S).

8. The valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: At least some of the raised microwebs (152) in the sealing web region (132) of the wet side surface (124) extending through the feed axis (S) follow the longitudinal profile of the sealing web region (132).

9. The valve diaphragm (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The projections (156) of at least a plurality of microwebs (152) facing toward a central longitudinal axis (M) of the sealing web region (152) are steeper than associated projections (158) facing away from the central longitudinal axis (M).

10. The valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The average maximum distance (dMax) between two opposing microgrids (152) of associated microrecesses (154) of the microstructure (150) is between 10 μm and 500 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 100 μm.

11. The valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The at least one microstructure (150) includes a continuous concave microsurface (162) surrounding a microprotrusion (164).

12. The valve diaphragm (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The micro-protrusions (164) increase the contact angle of the wet side surface (124).

13. The valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The functional area (130) of the wet side surface (124) has a first contact angle, the functional area (130) has a first microstructure (150), and wherein the clamping area (120) has a second contact angle, the clamping area (120) has a second microstructure (150), and the second contact angle is smaller than the first contact angle.

14. The valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The micro-depressions (154) or at least one of the recessed micro-surfaces (162) are convex at least in some sections.

15. The valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The flexure region (136) of the wet side surface (124) is arranged between the clamping region (120) and the central region (134), the adjustment axis (S) extends through the flexure region (136), and wherein the flexure region (136) includes the at least one microstructure (150).

16. The valve diaphragm (100) according to claim 15, wherein: Concentric sub-regions (180, 182, 184) of the flexure zone (136) of the wet side surface (124), in particular a middle region (182) and edge regions (180, 184) of the flexure zone (136) surrounding the middle region (182), have at least two microstructures (150) that are different from each other.

17. A diaphragm valve comprising a valve diaphragm (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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