Diaphragm rupture signaling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a diaphragm rupture signaling device. In order to provide a diaphragm rupture signaling device for a diaphragm pump which ensures functionally more reliable rupture signaling compared to the prior art, a diaphragm arranged between a drive unit and a delivery unit is disclosed, having at least a first and a second substantially circular diaphragm layer, the diaphragm having a clamping region and a working region and a sensor region, at least one of the diaphragm layers is designed such that the distance between the diaphragm layers increases when the pressure between the diaphragm layer and an adjacent diaphragm layer increases, the diaphragm layer moving further away from the adjacent diaphragm layer in the section of the sensor region than in other sections of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm layer moving further away from the adjacent diaphragm layer when the pressure between the diaphragm layer and the adjacent diaphragm layer increases. A diaphragm rupture signaling signal in the diaphragm pump is thereby triggered.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a diaphragm pump having a diaphragm rupture signalling device, which is formed by a diaphragm arranged between a drive unit and a delivery unit of the diaphragm pump, and which has a sensor area in which a diaphragm rupture is converted into a diaphragm rupture signalling signal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a diaphragm for a diaphragm pump according to the invention, and to a method for repairing a diaphragm pump in which a diaphragm rupture according to the invention has occurred.

[0002] Background

[0003] Diaphragm pumps convey liquids by means of the movement of a diaphragm. In the process, the stroke movement of the working area of the diaphragm is transferred to the liquid to be conveyed according to the resulting stroke volume. In the case of diaphragm pumps, a distinction is made between mechanically actuated diaphragms and hydraulically actuated diaphragms.

[0004] In the case of a hydraulically actuated diaphragm, the movement of a piston is transmitted via a working fluid to the diaphragm, thereby effecting alternating compression and suction movements (compression stroke and suction stroke). In the case of a mechanically actuated diaphragm, the working area of the diaphragm is preferably moved back and forth perpendicular to the diaphragm surface by a drive device arranged in the drive unit of the pump. Different from a hydraulically actuated diaphragm, this diaphragm is not subjected to a full-surface load, but rather to a more central circular load, which can more easily cause the diaphragm to rupture, especially at higher pressures.

[0005] If the diaphragm ruptures (e.g. due to wear), this can lead to a change in the stroke volume and thus also to a change in the pump output per stroke. This is particularly critical for metering pumps, as it can lead to a direct deviation between the expected pump volume and the actual pump volume.

[0006] In addition, there is a risk that the liquid to be pumped can enter the pump through a defective diaphragm. This is particularly critical for liquids that are, for example, toxic, corrosive or explosive, as the liquid to be pumped can then escape from the pump.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a system that can prevent the diaphragm of a diaphragm pump from rupturing, or that can immediately indicate a rupture, such that the operator of the pump is aware of the rupture and can correct the defect. Prior Art

[0008] A double-layer safety diaphragm for a diaphragm pump is known from EP 1 384 891 B1, in which in the event of diaphragm rupture, liquid can penetrate between the two diaphragm layers and cause an increase in pressure there. A sensor area is provided in the diaphragm layer facing the delivery unit. The sensor area is designed such that when the pressure increases, the distance between the diaphragm layer facing the delivery unit and the diaphragm layer facing the drive unit increases more than in all other areas of the diaphragm.

[0009] In some embodiments of the safety diaphragm described in EP 1 384 891 B1, the diaphragm layer on the side facing the delivery unit is formed with a smaller material thickness in the sensor area than in other sections of the diaphragm. In other embodiments, the material of this diaphragm layer has a higher elasticity here.

[0010] The sensor area of the safety diaphragm described in EP 1 384 891 B1 includes a small circular area in the area where the diaphragm is clamped between the drive unit and the delivery unit. An indicator element arranged in the delivery unit is aligned with this circular area. The element mechanically detects the expansion of the diaphragm in the direction of the delivery unit and transmits it in the form of a signal to the signal indicating element, whereby the diaphragm rupture is visibly indicated outside the delivery unit.

[0011] When the safety diaphragm described in EP 1 384 891 B1 is inserted for the first time, or when a ruptured diaphragm is replaced, the safety diaphragm must always be inserted in such a way that the sensor area is precisely aligned with the signal reporting element arranged in the delivery unit, otherwise rupture notification cannot be guaranteed or at least reliable rupture notification cannot be guaranteed. Reliable rupture reporting also requires that the signal indicating element outside the delivery unit is intact and always displays the rupture report signal in a clearly visible manner. In the diaphragm pump described in EP1 384 891 B1, the signal indicating element protrudes on the delivery unit and is therefore vulnerable to mechanical damage.

[0012] Object of the invention

[0013] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a diaphragm rupture signaling device for a diaphragm pump, which, compared with the prior art, ensures a more reliable rupture signaling in terms of function than conventional diaphragm pumps.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a diaphragm pump with a diaphragm rupture signaling device is disclosed, the diaphragm pump having a diaphragm, a drive unit and a delivery unit, wherein the diaphragm is arranged between the drive unit and the delivery unit, wherein the drive unit has a drive device that can move back and forth along a movement axis, and the delivery unit has a delivery chamber for receiving the liquid to be pumped, wherein the diaphragm can be moved by the drive device such that the liquid in the delivery chamber moves, wherein

[0016] - The diaphragm has at least a first diaphragm layer and a second diaphragm layer,

[0017] - The at least first diaphragm layer and the second diaphragm layer have a substantially circular perimeter and are in planar contact with each other,

[0018] - The diaphragm has a clamping zone extending around the entire circumference at the outer end of the circular perimeter for clamping the diaphragm between the drive unit and the conveying unit, and a working zone adjacent in the direction of the center point of the circular perimeter,

[0019] - A sensor zone is provided in a section of the clamping zone, in which at least one of the diaphragm layers is designed such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layer and the adjacent diaphragm layer increases, the distance between the diaphragm layers increases, the diaphragm layer moves further away from the adjacent diaphragm layer than in other sections of the diaphragm, and

[0020] - wherein a signal reporting element is arranged at the sensor zone of the diaphragm, which converts the increase in the distance between the diaphragm layers in this section of the sensor zone into a diaphragm rupture signaling signal and transmits the diaphragm rupture signaling signal.

[0021] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a diaphragm pump is disclosed, which has a diaphragm rupture signaling device of the aforementioned type, wherein the sensor zone extends over the entire extent of a circular path that is substantially concentric with the circular perimeter of the diaphragm.

[0022] Since the sensor zone extends entirely on a circular path concentric with the circular circumference of the diaphragm, this results in a continuous annular sensor zone, which does not have to be precisely aligned with the signal reporting element arranged in the conveying unit when the diaphragm is inserted into the diaphragm pump. This eliminates the risk of failures in rupture detection caused by diaphragms with insufficiently precise manufacturing and alignment.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the term "substantially concentric" includes not only an absolutely concentric arrangement, but also a design with a minimum deviation within <2.0 mm (which may occur due to manufacturing reasons).

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a diaphragm pump is disclosed, which has a diaphragm rupture signaling device of the aforementioned type, wherein the diaphragm is arranged between the drive unit and the conveying unit such that the first diaphragm layer faces the direction of the conveying unit and the second diaphragm layer faces the direction of the drive unit, and the sensor zone provided in a section of the clamping zone is designed such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layers increases, the second diaphragm layer moves more easily away from the adjacent diaphragm layer than in other sections of the diaphragm, increasing the distance between the diaphragm layers, and as a result, increasing the distance between the diaphragm layers in the direction of the drive unit in this section of the sensor zone.

[0025] Due to the fact that the second diaphragm layer is directed towards the drive unit and is designed to expand in the direction of the drive unit when the pressure between the diaphragm layers increases, the signal indicating element can be arranged in the area of the drive unit and thus is not located outside the delivery unit where it is vulnerable to mechanical damage, which is typically the case with conventional diaphragm pumps.

[0026] Both the first and second aspects of the present invention described above provide a diaphragm rupture signaling device for a diaphragm pump, which ensures more reliable rupture signaling compared to the prior art. These two aspects of the present invention represent alternative technical solutions to potential problems of the present invention, and these two aspects can be implemented individually or in a complementary manner. The fact that only one of these two aspects is expressed in the main claim of the appended patent claims and the other aspect is only expressed in the subsequent dependent claims is purely formal and not a technical motivation.

[0027] For example, the technical solution according to the first aspect of the present invention (where the sensor area extends completely around a circular path concentric with the circular perimeter of the diaphragm) does not necessarily require that the second diaphragm layer facing the drive unit be designed such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layers in the sensor area increases, the second diaphragm layer can easily move in the direction of the drive unit. Instead, in the technical solution according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first diaphragm layer directed towards the delivery unit can also be designed such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layers in the sensor area increases, the first diaphragm layer can easily move in the direction of the delivery unit, as described in EP 1 384 891B1.

[0028] On the other hand, the technical solution according to the second aspect of the present invention (according to which the second diaphragm layer directed towards the drive unit is designed such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layers in the sensor area increases, the second diaphragm layer can easily move in the direction of the drive unit) does not necessarily require that the sensor area extends completely on a circular path concentric with the circular circumference of the diaphragm. Instead, in the technical solution according to the second aspect of the present invention, the sensor area can also include a small circular domain, as described in EP 1 384 891 B1.

[0029] Only in certain embodiments, the advantages of the technical solution according to the first aspect of the present invention are combined with the advantages of the technical solution according to the second aspect of the present invention, such that in these embodiments, the sensor area extends completely on a circular path concentric with the circular circumference of the diaphragm, wherein the second diaphragm layer facing the drive unit is formed in the sensor area such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layers increases, the second diaphragm layer can easily move in the direction of the drive unit. Specific Embodiments

[0030] The diaphragm pump according to the present invention can be a pure feed pump or a metering pump that delivers a precisely defined volume per stroke. Preferably, in the case of the diaphragm pump described herein, the diaphragm pump is a metering pump. In this case, the delivery chamber serves as a metering chamber for precisely delivering a defined volume per stroke.

[0031] The present invention includes both a diaphragm pump with a hydraulically actuated diaphragm and a diaphragm pump with a mechanically actuated diaphragm. In the case where the diaphragm is hydraulically displaced, the drive device in the drive unit is a piston, and the reciprocating motion of the piston causes the working fluid located between the piston and the diaphragm to exert different pressures on the diaphragm, thereby causing the diaphragm to reciprocate correspondingly. In the mechanically actuated diaphragm configuration, the actuator is fixedly attached to the central region of the diaphragm such that the reciprocating motion of the actuator is directly applied to the diaphragm.

[0032] In an embodiment where the sensor region extends entirely on a circular path concentric with the circular periphery of the diaphragm, the sensor region forms an annular region that is bounded by or spaced a certain distance from the outer end of the circular periphery of the diaphragm. In certain embodiments, the distance from the outer edge of the annular sensor region to the outer end of the circular circumference of the diaphragm is always at least 1 mm or more, at least 3 mm or more, or even at least 5 mm or more.

[0033] The annular sensor region can also be directly adjacent to the working region. However, the distance between the inner edge of the annular sensor region and the working region is preferably always at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, or even at least 5 mm.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the width of the sensor region (i.e., the distance between the inner and outer edges of the annular sensor region) can be at most 2.5 cm. In a particular embodiment, the minimum width is at least 0.3 cm or at least 0.5 cm, and the maximum width is at most 2.0 cm, at most 1.5 cm, or only at most 1.0 cm.

[0035] According to the present invention, the sensor region is designed such that in the case of a diaphragm rupture resulting in an increase in pressure between the diaphragm layers, the distance between the diaphragm layers increases. This increase in distance is mechanically detected by the signal reporting element and converted into diaphragm rupture signaling information and forwarded. For this purpose, in the diaphragm according to the present invention, at least one diaphragm layer is designed such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layers in the sensor region increases, the at least one diaphragm layer can be more easily deformed and thus move further away from the adjacent diaphragm layer than in other regions of the diaphragm.

[0036] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the fact that one diaphragm layer in the sensor region is more deformable and the greater increase in the distance between the diaphragm layers is caused by the fact that at least one diaphragm layer in this region is designed to have a smaller layer thickness overall or in some sections than in all other regions. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, this is achieved by the diaphragm in the sensor region being made of a different material that is more deformable than all other diaphragm sections, either completely or at least in some sections.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the first and second diaphragm layers in the sensor region are designed such that one of the two diaphragm layers has a recess extending in the direction of the other diaphragm layer over substantially the entire width of the sensor region, and the other of the two diaphragm layers has an indentation extending substantially over the entire width of the sensor region, wherein the recess in one diaphragm layer and the indentation in the other diaphragm layer are positioned opposite each other, and the two diaphragm layers are not substantially connected to each other over the entire sensor region.

[0038] Outside the sensor region, for stability purposes, the diaphragm layers can be connected to each other at least in some sections. However, it must be ensured that in the event of a diaphragm rupture in the working region, the liquid that penetrates between the diaphragm layers can penetrate into the sensor region so that the diaphragm rupture event can be transmitted to the signal reporting element.

[0039] The sensor region is preferably designed such that a pressure increase of 2 bar or more between the diaphragm layers causes the distance between the diaphragm layers to increase by at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, and more preferably at least 2 mm. The increase in the distance between the diaphragm layers in the above-mentioned region particularly advantageously occurs when the pressure increases by only 1 bar, and even more preferably when the pressure increases by only 0.5 bar.

[0040] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm layers are designed such that when the overpressure between the diaphragm layers caused by a diaphragm rupture no longer exists, the distance between the diaphragm layers returns to at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, and particularly preferably at least 80% of the original distance after the diaphragm rupture event.

[0041] All plastic and polymer materials commonly used for diaphragm pump diaphragms can be considered as materials for the diaphragm layers, such as ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), or polyethylene (PE). Preferably, the material of the first diaphragm layer is EPDM. Preferably, the material of the second diaphragm layer is PTFE, which has the advantage that the liquid that penetrates between the diaphragm layers cannot penetrate to the outside through the PTFE layer, thereby protecting the sensitive components of the diaphragm pump and protecting the user.

[0042] In certain embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the first diaphragm layer and the second diaphragm layer, a third diaphragm layer is provided on the side of the first diaphragm layer opposite to the second diaphragm layer. Preferably, the material of the third diaphragm layer includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene (PE).

[0043] In certain embodiments, the diaphragm is arranged between the drive unit and the delivery unit such that the first diaphragm layer faces the delivery unit and the second diaphragm layer faces the drive unit. Depending on which of the two diaphragm layers in the sensor area is designed such that in the case of diaphragm rupture the distance between this diaphragm layer and the other diaphragm layer increases due to the pressure increase between the diaphragm layers, the signal reporting element is provided on the drive unit or the delivery unit of the diaphragm pump. In a conventional diaphragm pump, the signal reporting element is typically arranged in the delivery unit such that the indication of diaphragm rupture is usually provided outside the delivery unit. In contrast, in the diaphragm pump according to the present invention, the signal reporting element is preferably arranged on the drive unit because a mechanically better protected arrangement can be made here, whereby the risk of accidental damage to the signal reporting element is lower.

[0044] In certain embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the signal reporting element, a signal indicating element is provided which receives the diaphragm rupture signaling signal sent by the signal reporting element and visually displays the diaphragm rupture signaling signal outside the drive unit or the delivery unit. The advantage of these embodiments is that the movement of one of the diaphragm layers in the sensor area, which is usually mechanically transmitted along the same axis as the movement of the diaphragms away from each other in the sensor area, by transmitting the signal to an additional signal indicating element, the position of the indication of the diaphragm rupture signaling signal does not necessarily have to be on the same axis as the movement of the signal indicating element.

[0045] Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention are designed such that the diaphragm rupture signaling signal sent by the signal reporting unit is a movement of the signal reporting unit along a first axis, which results in a movement of the signal indicating element along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis forming an angle greater than 0°. Preferably, the angle by which the second axis of movement deviates from the first axis of movement is at least 30°, at least 45°, at least 60° or at least 75°. In a particular embodiment, the angle between the first axis and the second axis is 90 ± 5° or substantially 90°.

[0046] In some embodiments, there is a direct force transmission from the signal reporting element to the signal indicating element. In other embodiments, the movement of the signal reporting element due to membrane rupture activates a trigger mechanism, which in turn results in a movement of the signal indicating element that is not proportional to the movement force of the signal reporting element.

[0047] In a particular embodiment with a trigger mechanism, the trigger mechanism is a spring-loaded bolt, which fixes the signal indicating element when the diaphragm is intact and releases the signal indicating element when the signal reporting element transmits the diaphragm rupture signaling signal. The corresponding released signal indicating element can then be moved, for example, only by gravity. In addition or as an alternative, the signal indicating element can also be moved by a spring or the like.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the trigger element and / or the signaling element is prestressed by a compression spring with a force of ≥0.1 Newton, preferably ≥0.5 Newton and particularly preferably ≥1 Newton.

[0049] The signal indicating element can indicate a diaphragm rupture event in various ways, whether visually, acoustically or in the form of an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the signal indicating element is a signaling body having a diaphragm rupture indicating portion, wherein at least the diaphragm rupture indicating portion is arranged in the drive unit or the conveying unit so that the diaphragm rupture indicating portion is not visible from the outside when the diaphragm is intact. Only in the case of a diaphragm rupture, the diaphragm rupture signaling signal transmitted by the signal reporting element causes the signal indicating element to move so that the diaphragm rupture indicating portion becomes visible from the outside. In these embodiments, in the case of an intact diaphragm, the signal reporting element can be hidden in the drive unit or the conveying unit in a protected manner. Therefore, it is only visible from the outside of the drive unit or the conveying unit in the case of a diaphragm rupture.

[0050] In some embodiments of the invention, the diaphragm rupture indication portion has no special features. The mere fact that the diaphragm rupture indication portion becomes visible from the outside is sufficient here as a diaphragm rupture indicator. However, in some embodiments, additional signaling or information functions are provided in the diaphragm rupture indication portion. For example, the diaphragm rupture indication portion may have a particularly eye-catching color design, or may contain an inscription, a barcode or a QR code.

[0051] The inscription in the diaphragm rupture indication portion may, for example, indicate the order or type number of the diaphragm affected by the diaphragm rupture. For ordering purposes, the barcode or QR code may be scanned or read. The information provided in this manner may also include, for example, instructions for disassembling or rearranging a replacement diaphragm.

[0052] In addition to or as an alternative to the visual display in the form of a diaphragm rupture indication part, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the signal indicating element is designed such that it can trigger an electrical signal. For example, a magnet can be provided in the signal indicating element to trigger a reed contact arranged in the pump. The signal indicating element can also trigger a light barrier. For this purpose, in certain embodiments, a continuous recess can be provided in the indicating element. In other embodiments, the electrical signal is generated piezoelectrically, for example by applying a spring-loaded bolt. The electrical signal can also be generated capacitively or inductively, for example by detecting a continuous recess or a metal insert in the signal indicating element. Additionally, the signal indicating element can also have a short-circuited metal insert.

[0053] In embodiments provided with a signal indicating element, it is preferred that when the pump is running, as long as a diaphragm rupture still exists, the signal indicating element cannot be displaced back to the starting position from the signal indicating position caused by the diaphragm rupture.

[0054] In embodiments having a signal indicating element, in the case of a diaphragm rupture, in a state where the diaphragm rupture indication part is visible from the outside, the element can be removed manually without using tools.

[0055] In addition to the diaphragm pump having the above-described diaphragm rupture signaling device according to the present invention, the present invention also relates to a diaphragm for such a diaphragm pump, the diaphragm having at least a first diaphragm layer and a second diaphragm layer, wherein the at least first diaphragm layer and the second diaphragm layer have a substantially circular perimeter and are laid flat against each other, the diaphragm having a clamping zone at the outer end of the circular perimeter for clamping the diaphragm in the diaphragm pump and extending around the entire perimeter, and a sensor zone is provided in a section of the clamping zone of the diaphragm, in which sensor zone at least one diaphragm layer is designed such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layer and the adjacent diaphragm layer increases, the distance between the diaphragm layers increases, and the diaphragm layer moves to be further away from the adjacent diaphragm layer in this section of the sensor zone than in other sections of the diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm is characterized in particular by the fact that the sensor zone extends entirely on a circular path that extends concentrically with the outer end of the circular circumference of the diaphragm.

[0056] Additionally, the diaphragm according to the present invention can also have at least one of the above other features.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for repairing a diaphragm pump having a diaphragm rupture signaling device according to the present invention, wherein the diaphragm has a rupture part, and the ruptured diaphragm is replaced with a diaphragm according to the present invention as described above.

[0058] For the purposes of the original disclosure, it should be noted that all features that a person skilled in the art can derive from this specification, the drawings and the claims, even if they are specifically described only in combination with certain other features, can be combined individually and in any combination with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, unless this has been explicitly excluded or the technical environment makes such a combination impossible or meaningless. For the sake of brevity and readability of this specification, a comprehensive and explicit presentation of all conceivable feature combinations has been omitted here only.

[0059] Furthermore, it should be noted that it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the following examples are only intended to illustrate possible embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will easily understand that all other embodiments additionally having the features or combinations of features mentioned in the claims of the present invention are also within the scope of protection of the present invention. For the sake of brevity and readability of this specification, a comprehensive and explicit presentation of all possible embodiments has been omitted here only.

[0060] The following drawings show examples of embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 1 is a cross-section through the pump head of a diaphragm pump according to the present invention, where the diaphragm is intact and the diaphragm rupture signaling device has not been triggered.

[0062] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a detailed view of the diaphragm rupture signaling device of the diaphragm pump according to the present invention as shown, where the diaphragm is intact and the diaphragm rupture signaling device has not been triggered.

[0063] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a detailed view of the diaphragm pump as shown, where the diaphragm is defective and the diaphragm rupture signaling device has signaled a diaphragm rupture.

[0064] Figure 4 is a highly schematic top view of the diaphragm according to the present invention.

[0065] As Figure 1 shown, a cross-sectional view of the pump head of a diaphragm pump according to the present invention having a diaphragm rupture signaling device shows the diaphragm 1 clamped between the end of the drive unit 2 and the delivery unit 3 shown here. In particular, the clamping zone E of the diaphragm 1 is fixed between the drive unit 2 and the delivery unit 3. In the central region of the diaphragm 1, the diaphragm 1 is firmly connected to the drive device 4 arranged in the drive unit 2. When the drive device 4 moves back and forth along the movement axis B, the liquid in the delivery chamber 5 of the delivery unit 3 moves according to the stroke volume of the drive unit 4 and the corresponding movement of the diaphragm 1 in the working area A. The signal reporting element 8 and the signal indicating element 9 are located at the lower end of the drive unit 2.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a diaphragm pump according to the present invention as Figure 1 shown, in which, in the state Figure 2 shown, the diaphragm 1 is intact, so the diaphragm rupture signaling device does not indicate a diaphragm rupture signaling signal. In this detailed view, the sensor area S of the diaphragm 1 and the two-layer structure can be clearly seen, and the two-layer structure includes a first diaphragm 6 and a second diaphragm 7 that are in full-surface contact with each other. In the Figure 2 embodiment shown, the first diaphragm layer 6 faces the direction of the delivery unit 3, while the second diaphragm layer 7 faces the direction of the drive unit 2. In the sensor area S, the diaphragm 1 is designed such that the first diaphragm 6 has a recess over substantially the entire width of the sensor area S, and the second diaphragm layer 7 has a corresponding embossing over substantially the entire width of the sensor area S. Thus, the recess on one side and the embossing on the other side are positioned opposite each other over substantially the entire sensor area and are not connected to each other in this area. In the sensor area S and in the direction of the drive unit 2, there is a signal reporting element 8 in the form of a pin located on the second diaphragm layer 7 of the diaphragm 1, and the signal reporting element 8 can move back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the sensor area S. In the direction of the drive unit 2, a locking portion 12 is provided on the signal reporting element 8, and the locking portion 12 is biased by a spring 11 and, in the Figure 2 state shown, holds the signal indicating element 9 in a position where the signal indicating element 9 is completely arranged within the housing of the drive unit 2.

[0067] Figure 3 shows the same detailed view of the diaphragm pump of the present invention as Figure 2 shown, in which Figure 3 shows the state in which the diaphragm rupture signaling device has been triggered due to a diaphragm rupture. Due to the increased pressure between the diaphragm layers 6 and 7 that occurs during a diaphragm rupture, the embossing in the second diaphragm layer 7 bulges out in the sensor area S such that it moves away from the first diaphragm layer 6, and the signal reporting element 8 adjacent to the second diaphragm layer 7 moves in the direction of the drive unit 2, whereby the locking portion 12 and thus also is pressed in the direction of the drive unit 2 against the force of the spring 11, such that the locking portion 12 releases the signal indicating element 9, which causes the signal indicating element 9 to protrude from the housing of the drive unit 2 due to gravity, such that the diaphragm rupture indicating portion 10 can be seen from the outside.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a diaphragm according to the present invention, in which a central working area A is demarcated from a clamping area E. In the Figure 4In the illustrated highly schematic embodiment, the annular sensor region S is located within the clamping region E, at a certain distance from both the working region A and the outer edge of the diaphragm 1.

[0069] List of reference numerals

[0070] 1. Diaphragm

[0071] 2. Driving unit

[0072] 3. Conveying unit

[0073] 4. Driving device

[0074] 5. Conveying chamber

[0075] 6. First diaphragm layer

[0076] 7. Second diaphragm layer

[0077] 8. Signal reporting element

[0078] 9. Signal indicating element

[0079] 10. Diaphragm rupture indicating part

[0080] 11. Spring

[0081] 12. Locking part

[0082] A. Working region

[0083] B. Axis

[0084] E. Clamping region

[0085] S. Sensor region.

Claims

1. A diaphragm pump with a diaphragm rupture signaling device, the diaphragm pump having a diaphragm (1), a drive unit (2) and a delivery unit (3), the diaphragm (1) being arranged between the drive unit (2) and the delivery unit (3), the drive unit (2) having a drive device (4) which can be moved back and forth along a movement axis (B), and the delivery unit (3) having a delivery chamber (5) for accommodating a liquid to be pumped, wherein: The diaphragm (1) can be moved by the drive device (4) so ​​that the liquid in the delivery chamber (5) moves, wherein: The diaphragm (1) comprises at least a first diaphragm layer (6) and a second diaphragm layer (7), - the at least first and second diaphragm layers (6, 7) have a substantially circular periphery and are in planar contact with each other, the membrane (1) has a clamping zone (E) and an operating zone (A), the clamping zone (E) extending around the entire circumference at the outer end of the circular periphery for clamping the membrane (1) between the drive unit (2) and the conveyor unit (3), the operating zone (A) adjoining in the direction of the center point of the circular periphery, a sensor zone (S) is arranged in a section of the clamping zone (E), in which at least one of the diaphragm layers (6, 7) is designed such that when the pressure between the diaphragm layer (6, 7) and the diaphragm layer (7, 6) adjacent thereto increases, the distance between the diaphragm layers (6, 7) increases, and the diaphragm layer (6, 7) moves further away from the adjacent diaphragm layer (7, 6) than in other sections of the diaphragm (1), and - wherein a signal reporting element (8) is arranged at the sensor area (S) of the diaphragm (1), the signal reporting element (8) converting an increase in the distance between the diaphragm layers (6, 7) in the section of the sensor area (S) into a diaphragm rupture signaling signal and transmitting the diaphragm rupture signaling signal, Characterized in that the sensor zone (S) extends over the entire extent of a circular path which is substantially concentric with the circular periphery of the diaphragm (1).

2. The diaphragm pump with a diaphragm rupture signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor zone (S) extends at the outer end of the circular periphery of the diaphragm (1) or at a distance therefrom.

3. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that The sensor zone (S) extends at a distance from the working zone.

4. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first diaphragm layer and the second diaphragm layer (6, 7) are designed so that one of the two diaphragm layers (6, 7) has a recess in the sensor area (S) extending over substantially the entire width of the sensor area (S) in the direction of the other of the two diaphragm layers (7, 6), and the other of the two diaphragm layers (7, 6) has a recess in the sensor area (S) extending over substantially the entire width of the sensor area (S) in the direction of the first diaphragm layer (6, 7).

5. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The diaphragm (1) is arranged between the drive unit (2) and the conveying unit (3), so that the first diaphragm layer (6) points in the direction of the conveying unit (3), and the second diaphragm layer (7) points in the direction of the drive unit (2).

6. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The signal reporting element (8) is arranged on the drive unit (2) or in the drive unit (2).

7. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that A signal indicating element (9) is arranged on the drive unit (2) or on the conveying unit (3), and the signal indicating element (9) receives the diaphragm rupture signaling signal sent by the signal reporting element (8) and visually displays the diaphragm rupture signaling signal outside the drive unit (2) or outside the conveying unit (3).

8. The diaphragm pump with a diaphragm rupture signaling device according to claim 7, characterized in that The diaphragm rupture signaling signal sent by the signal reporting element (8) is the movement of the signal reporting element (8) along a first axis, which causes the movement of the signal indicating element (9) along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis form an angle >0°.

9. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that The diaphragm rupture signaling signal transmitted by the signal reporting element (8) is the movement of the signal reporting element (8) activating a trigger mechanism (10) to cause movement of the signal indicating element (9).

10. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The signal indicating element (9) triggers an electrical signal or the signal indicating element (9) has a diaphragm rupture indicating part (10), wherein the diaphragm rupture indicating part (10) is arranged in the drive unit (2) or in the conveying unit (3) so that when the diaphragm (1) is arranged in the drive unit (2) or in the conveying unit (3) in a manner that is not visible from the outside, the diaphragm rupture indicating part (10) is not visible from the outside, and wherein the diaphragm rupture signaling signal sent by the signal reporting element (8) causes the signal indicating element (9) to move so that the diaphragm rupture indicating part (10) becomes visible from the outside.

11. The diaphragm pump with a diaphragm rupture signaling device according to claim 10, characterized in that The diaphragm rupture indication portion (10) has an inscription, a bar code or a QR code.

12. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that In a state where the diaphragm rupture indicating portion (10) is visible from the outside, the signal indicating element (9) can be removed manually without using a tool.

13. Diaphragm pump with diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that In a state where the diaphragm rupture indicating portion (10) is visible from the outside, when the pump is running, as long as the diaphragm rupture still exists, the signal indicating element (9) cannot move back to the initial position from the signaling position caused by the diaphragm rupture.

14. A diaphragm (1) for a diaphragm pump, wherein: The diaphragm (1) comprises at least a first diaphragm layer (6) and a second diaphragm layer (7), - the at least first and second diaphragm layers (6, 7) have a substantially circular periphery and are connected to each other in such a way that the at least first and second diaphragm layers (6, 7) lie against each other, - the diaphragm (1) has a full-circumferential clamping area (E) at the outer end of the circular periphery for clamping the diaphragm (1) in a diaphragm pump, the sensor area (S) being arranged in a section of the clamping area (E) of the diaphragm, wherein at least one of the diaphragm layers (6, 7) is designed so that when the pressure between the diaphragm layer (6, 7) and an adjacent diaphragm layer (7, 6) increases, the distance between the diaphragm layers (6, 7) increases, and the diaphragm layer (6, 7) moves further away from the adjacent diaphragm layer in the section of the sensor area (S) than in other sections of the diaphragm (1), It is characterized in that the sensor zone (S) extends over the entire extent of a circular path which extends substantially concentrically with the outer end of the circular circumference of the diaphragm (1).

15. A method for repairing a diaphragm pump having a diaphragm rupture signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the diaphragm (1) has a rupture, characterized in that The diaphragm (1) with the rupture portion is replaced by a diaphragm according to claim 14.

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