Pressure balancing device and housing comprising such pressure balancing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure equalization device, comprising a holding part (1) having a gas penetration opening (2) and a diaphragm (3) made of a rubber-elastic material, the diaphragm (3) being held on the holding part (1) and covering the gas penetration opening (2), the diaphragm (3) being loaded on one side with an ambient pressure (4) and on the other side with a pressure (5) to be equalized, wherein the diaphragm (3) has a metastable first state (6) and a stable second state (7) depending on the pressure difference, and wherein the diaphragm (3) can jump from a holding position (8), in which the diaphragm sealingly covers the gas penetration opening (2), into an open position (9), in which the diaphragm (3) is held on the holding part (1) in a metastable and sealing manner, in which the diaphragm (3) is held in the gas penetration opening (2). The diaphragm is stable and disengaged from the holding part (1) and releases the gas through-opening (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure balancing device and a housing comprising such a pressure balancing device. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure balancing devices for housings are known from DE 10 2017 003 360 B3. These known pressure balancing devices have an inner side, an outer side, and a cage, the cage having gas permeation openings that connect the inner and outer sides in a flow-directing manner related to a pressure differential. The gas permeation openings are covered by gas-permeable diaphragms, which are functionally arranged in parallel with overpressure valves configured for rupture protection.

[0003] Another pressure balancing device is known from EP 2 545 882 A1. The pressure balancing device is configured to balance the internal pressure within a housing, wherein an electrochemical device is disposed within the housing. A gas-permeable diaphragm deforms according to changes in internal pressure and is preferably made of PTFE material. Under normal conditions, the diaphragm achieves pressure balance between its inner and outer sides. In the event of undesirably high internal pressure within the housing, the diaphragm is destroyed by a pin configured as an emergency venting element. The destroyed diaphragm releases a gas permeation opening for emergency venting of the housing. This provides rupture protection for the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to improve pressure balancing devices so that they have a simple structure with few parts, thereby enabling them to be manufactured easily and cost-effectively in terms of manufacturing technology and economy, and to operate reliably over a long period of use. Furthermore, the pressure balancing device should achieve very rapid pressure balancing by allowing for rapid flow through it at the highest possible volumetric flow rate.

[0005] The objective is achieved according to the invention by a pressure balancing device having the features of the invention.

[0006] For favorable design solutions, please refer to this article.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objective, a pressure balancing device is proposed, comprising a retaining member with a gas permeation opening and a diaphragm made of a rubber-elastic material, wherein the diaphragm is held at the retaining member and covers the gas permeation opening, wherein the diaphragm is loaded with ambient pressure on one side and with a pressure to be balanced on the other side, wherein the diaphragm has a metastable first state and a stable second state in relation to the pressure difference, and wherein the diaphragm can abruptly jump from a retaining position to an open position, wherein in the retaining position, the diaphragm is metastable and sealed at the retaining member, and in the open position, the diaphragm is stable and disengages from the retaining member, releasing the gas permeation opening.

[0008] The pressure to be balanced is, for example, the pressure present in the housing, where a pressure balancing device is applied.

[0009] The ambient pressure can be atmospheric pressure.

[0010] Pressure equalization devices can be installed within a housing and mounted in the housing wall and / or integrated into a cover for the housing. The advantage of pressure equalization devices is that pressure equalization is achieved very rapidly through high volumetric flow, solely by means of a snap-action diaphragm. Consequently, pressure equalization devices have a particularly small and simple construction, making them easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0011] In particular, the pressure balancing device ensures that only small fluctuations in the trigger pressure are present.

[0012] Pressure balance is maintained without disruption.

[0013] This also means that the pressure balancing equipment can be tested 100%.

[0014] This 100% testing is feasible because the material is not damaged during its normal use in the pressure balancing equipment. In particular, rupture-resistant membranes should not be applied, as they are typically affected by significant aging effects.

[0015] During its manufacturing process, the pressure balancing device can undergo functional testing, in which the diaphragm is loaded until it suddenly jumps to the open position. The pressure difference as the diaphragm transitions from a metastable first state to a stable second state can be measured here. If the pressure difference is within a predetermined tolerance range, the diaphragm can then be reloaded into the pressure balancing device and placed in the metastable first state, as the transition is non-destructive, after which the component is then packaged and shipped in a usable manner.

[0016] The functions of the pressure balancing device are explained below:

[0017] The diaphragm can operate in relation to a pressure difference and has a metastable first state and a stable second state.

[0018] Metastability is a weak form of stability. The first state of metastability is stable with respect to small changes in the pressure difference at the diaphragm, but unstable with respect to larger changes.

[0019] The diaphragm only jumps from its metastable first state to its stable second state when the pressure difference at the diaphragm is a large value determined during the construction of the pressure balancing device.

[0020] So-called twist-off screw caps also have metastable and stable states. Due to the negative pressure in the container closed by the twist-off screw cap, the intermediate part of the screw cap, which is constructed in the form of a jumping frog, remains in a metastable state. If air flows into the previously closed container when the screw cap is opened, the intermediate part of the cap suddenly jumps back to its stable, manufacturing-induced state.

[0021] In particular, the rubber-elastic material constituting the diaphragm is airtight. Therefore, the advantage is that the pressure difference is applied to the diaphragm without delay in practice and directly causes its operation. The pressure to be balanced cannot escape through the rubber-elastic and airtight diaphragm.

[0022] According to an advantageous design, the diaphragm, in its metastable first state, has a pre-bent arch towards the pressure to be balanced. The diaphragm thus remains below the pressure differential threshold in its first state.

[0023] The first form can be essentially lens-shaped.

[0024] In contrast, the diaphragm preferably has a second shape in the stable second state, which is a pre-bent arch facing away from the pressure to be balanced.

[0025] The second form can be essentially hemispherical.

[0026] During periods when the pressure rise inside the housing, such as a battery housing, is within a noncritical range, the diaphragm remains in a holding position in its metastable first state, in which the diaphragm sealably covers the gas permeation opening. Here, the diaphragm is sealed at the holding member.

[0027] Then, as the pressure inside the housing further increases, a critical threshold is reached, at which point the diaphragm abruptly jumps from its metastable first state to a stable second state, thus jumping to the open position. In the open position, the diaphragm detaches from the retaining member and releases gas through the opening.

[0028] The abrupt transition from the metastable first state to the stable second state is carried out suddenly in practice, allowing the largest possible penetration cross-section to be released through the gas penetration opening in the shortest possible time. The pressure differential is thus equalized as quickly as possible, minimizing the risk of damage to the housing of any pressure equalization device applied there.

[0029] Furthermore, the design of the pressure balancing element offers the advantage that large manufacturing tolerances in the production of pressure balancing equipment have only a minor impact on the performance characteristics of the pressure balancing equipment.

[0030] Allowing for larger manufacturing tolerances means lower manufacturing costs.

[0031] The diaphragm, which can jump, does not have an additional tolerance chain with other components of the pressure balancing device, such as the retaining components.

[0032] This is because the diaphragm undergoes a movement significantly greater than the manufacturing tolerances when it abruptly jumps from a metastable state to a stable state. This movement is typically many times greater than the manufacturing tolerances. This ensures the good functional reliability of the pressure balancing device, especially the diaphragm during the jump.

[0033] To ensure the defined performance characteristics of the diaphragm from a metastable first state to a stable second state, and especially to a defined abrupt transition, the diaphragm can be provided with a gas-permeable support on the side facing the pressure to be sealed, with the diaphragm in close contact with the support in its metastable first state. The support's supportive function is advantageous in preventing undesirable, large deformation of the diaphragm, made of a rubber-elastic material, in its metastable first state, which reduces its service life. Thus, the pressure balancing device exhibits good performance characteristics that remain unchanged over a long period of use.

[0034] Furthermore, the support structure is particularly advantageous if the diaphragm's rubber-elastic material has low bending stiffness.

[0035] The support can be configured as a support grid. This allows it to support the rubber-elastic diaphragm without hindering the application of a pressure to be balanced.

[0036] In terms of the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the pressure balancing device, it can be proposed that the support and retaining components be constructed as a single piece using uniform materials. The pressure balancing device thus has an overall structure with few parts.

[0037] A diaphragm may surround a gas-permeable central region. The diaphragm forms an overpressure valve with rupture protection, wherein the diaphragm and the gas-permeable central region are arranged in parallel in terms of function. The gas-permeable central region may be made of, for example, e-PTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) or a nonwoven composite material comprising at least one nonwoven layer. The gas-permeable central region forms a breathable diaphragm portion. The gas-permeable central region here covers and thereby seals the central opening in the diaphragm, which is made of a rubber-elastic material.

[0038] Rubber is an elastic material that is impermeable to gases.

[0039] The pressure balancing device in this case additionally has ventilation and exhaust during normal operation, as in the pressure balancing device described at the beginning of DE 10 2017 003 360 B3.

[0040] A favorable design can be proposed whereby the central region has a coaxially and hermetically sealed annular retaining element with a void, which is covered by a gas-permeable central diaphragm. The central diaphragm is connected to a rubber-elastic material by means of the retaining element. The retaining element and the central diaphragm can form a pre-installed unit. The installation of the pressure balancing device is thus simplified.

[0041] The retaining element can preferably be made of a tough material. Polymer materials can preferably be used as the material.

[0042] The retaining element is hermetically surrounded by a rubber-elastic material of the diaphragm and is connected in a shape and / or material fit with the rubber-elastic material of the diaphragm. Through the airtight connection between the retaining element and the rubber-elastic material of the diaphragm, flow short-circuiting detrimental to the operating characteristics is prevented in the area during normal use of the pressure balancing device. Changes in the pressure differential at the diaphragm thus cause a direct response from the diaphragm.

[0043] The central diaphragm can be made of e-PTFE or a nonwoven composite material, wherein the nonwoven composite material comprises at least one nonwoven layer. The nonwoven composite material provides good gas permeability and, through the central diaphragm, protects the interior of the housing where the pressure balancing equipment is applied from humidity and / or contaminants.

[0044] The central diaphragm can be covered by a grid-shaped protective cap on its side facing away from the pressure to be balanced. The central diaphragm, which is more sensitive than the rubber-elastic material of the diaphragm, is thus protected from external influences that reduce its service life.

[0045] Preferably, the protective cover is fastened to the retaining element. The two components are positioned close to each other in space, making their close-fitting fixation structurally advantageous.

[0046] The diaphragm, in its open position, can be covered by a dome-shaped and grid-shaped collection cover for the diaphragm. Advantageously, if the diaphragm is thrown from the holding component and uncontrollably enters the surrounding environment in order to balance an undesirably high pressure differential at the diaphragm, it is instead held within the pressure balancing device by the collection cover.

[0047] The collection cover can have venting and exhaust openings. This allows the overpressure to be balanced to enter the surrounding environment without obstruction.

[0048] The collection cover is preferably fixed at the retaining component or on the support. This fixing is structurally simple, as is the installation of pressure balancing devices, especially the installation of the collection cover at the retaining component.

[0049] The collection cover and the retaining component or support can be connected to each other relatively movable in the axial direction. Advantageously, in order to release the pressure to be balanced, the enlarged usable surface of the venting and exhaust openings of the collection cover is released.

[0050] The diaphragm can be completely detached from the retaining component in its open position.

[0051] In order to achieve rapid pressure equalization through high volumetric flow, the diaphragm is thrown away from the holding component.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a housing comprising a pressure balancing device as described above and at least one boundary wall that boundaryes the internal space of the housing and separates it from the surrounding environment of the housing, wherein at least one gas-permeable housing diaphragm is disposed in the boundary wall and wherein the diaphragm is arranged in parallel with a central diaphragm and / or a housing diaphragm in a functionally parallel manner.

[0053] During normal use of the housing, pressure equilibrium is achieved through the gas-permeable central diaphragm and / or the housing diaphragm, respectively. If a pressure differential exceeding a still permissible threshold is achieved at the diaphragm, the diaphragm, constructed of an elastomeric material, opens as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Four embodiments of the pressure balancing device according to the present invention are as follows: Figures 1 to 10 It was explained in detail.

[0055] exist Figure 11 The image shows a housing that includes one of the pressure balancing devices previously shown.

[0056] The attached figures are shown in the schematic diagrams:

[0057] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the pressure balancing device is shown in its operating state during normal use, in which no pressure difference or only a very small pressure difference is applied to the diaphragm.

[0058] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The operating state of the pressure balancing device, in which a pressure to be balanced is formed within the housing and the diaphragm moves from its metastable first state to a stable second state in relation to the pressure difference.

[0059] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pressure balancing device in the system has the gas permeation opening fully open and is in a state of complete pressure balancing. The diaphragm is in its open position and completely detached from the retaining component.

[0060] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the pressure balancing device is shown, similar to... Figure 1 In one embodiment, the membrane has a central region that is permeable to gas.

[0061] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the pressure balancing device is shown, similar to... Figure 1 In one embodiment, the diaphragm is covered by a collection cap.

[0062] Figure 6 This shows the operating status of the pressure balancing device. Figure 5 In the third embodiment, during the operating state, a pressure to be balanced is formed within the housing, and the diaphragm moves from its metastable first state to a stable second state in relation to the pressure difference.

[0063] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the third embodiment, the gas permeation opening is fully open and complete pressure equalization is achieved. The diaphragm, in its open position, is completely detached from the retaining member and collected within the collection cover.

[0064] Figure 8 A fourth embodiment of the pressure balancing device is shown, similar to... Figure 5 In the third embodiment, the membrane has a gas-permeable central region, such as... Figure 4 The second embodiment,

[0065] Figure 9 This shows the operating status of the pressure balancing device. Figure 8 In the fourth embodiment, during the operating state, a pressure to be balanced is formed within the housing, and the diaphragm moves from its metastable first state to a stable second state in relation to the pressure difference.

[0066] Figure 10 Show Figure 8 and Figure 9 The pressure balancing device in which the gas permeation opening is fully open and complete pressure balancing is achieved. The diaphragm, in its open position, is completely detached from the retaining component and collected within the collection cover.

[0067] Figure 11 The housing is shown, which includes Figures 1 to 10 One of the pressure balancing devices in the system. Detailed Implementation

[0068] exist Figures 1 to 3 The first embodiment of the pressure balancing device is shown in the figure.

[0069] The pressure balancing device is a component of the apparatus, which additionally includes a housing 15 and a battery housing 16 relative to the pressure balancing device. The pressure balancing device and the housing 15 can be connected to each other via common connections. For example, the connection can be made via threaded or snap-fit ​​connections.

[0070] The pressure balancing device includes a retaining component 1, which is made of a rigid material, such as a polymer. The retaining component 1 has a centrally located gas penetration opening 2, which is covered by a diaphragm 3 made of a rubber-elastic material.

[0071] exist Figure 1 The settings during its normal use are shown, wherein, as shown here, no pressure differential is applied at diaphragm 3.

[0072] The diaphragm 3 is sealed at the retaining member 1, wherein the diaphragm 3 is loaded with ambient pressure 4 on its outer side and with pressure to be balanced 5 on its inner side. The state in which the diaphragm 3 is in the operating state shown is a metastable first state 6.

[0073] The diaphragm 3 has a first shape 10 in the metastable first state 6 shown, which is a pre-bent arch towards the pressure 5 to be balanced. The first shape is essentially a lens-shaped pre-bent arch towards the pressure 5 to be balanced.

[0074] Here, the diaphragm is supported on the side facing the pressure 5 to be balanced at the support body 12, which is gas permeable and is configured as a support grid 13.

[0075] exist Figure 2 In the middle, the pressure to be balanced is 5 and in Figure 1 The operating state shown in the diagram increases and accumulates. This is due to the increase in pressure difference at the diaphragm, which... Figure 1 The metastable first state 6 shown in the figure moves to the position of Figure 3The stable second state 7 is shown in the figure.

[0076] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, diaphragm 3 is also sealed to retaining member 1, yet it has elastically deformed toward a stable second state 7. In the illustrated position of diaphragm 3, the diaphragm abruptly jumps from retaining position 8 to... Figure 3 The open position is shown in point 9.

[0077] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, diaphragm 3 is shown in its open position 9 and is in a stable second state 7. The diaphragm is completely detached from the retaining member 1 and the gas penetration opening 2 is fully released.

[0078] The diaphragm 3 is in a stable second state 7, which corresponds to the state caused by the manufacturing of the diaphragm 3. The second shape 11 is substantially hemispherical.

[0079] Depending on the specific application, the diaphragm 3 may have a gas-permeable central region 14, which is surrounded by a rubber-elastic and gas-impermeable material.

[0080] Membrane 3 in Figure 1 In the operating state shown, it is attached to the support body 12 under elastic preload. The support body and the retaining component 1 are one piece and made of the same material.

[0081] exist Figure 4 The second embodiment of the pressure balancing device is shown, which is similar to Figure 1 In the first embodiment, the membrane 3 has a gas-permeable central region 14.

[0082] The setup is shown during its normal use, wherein, as shown herein, no pressure differential is applied at diaphragm 3.

[0083] The diaphragm 3 is sealed at the retaining member 1, wherein the diaphragm 3 is loaded with ambient pressure 4 on its outer side and with pressure to be balanced 5 on its inner side. The state in which the diaphragm 3 is in the operating state shown is a metastable first state 6.

[0084] The diaphragm 3 has a first shape 10 of pre-bending toward the pressure 5 to be balanced in the metastable first state 6 shown, and the diaphragm is therefore essentially lens-shaped and pre-bending toward the pressure 5 to be balanced.

[0085] Here, the diaphragm is supported on the side facing the pressure 5 to be balanced at the support body 12, which is gas permeable and is configured as a support grid 13.

[0086] The central region 14 includes an annular retaining element 17 with a void 18, coaxially and hermetically disposed within the diaphragm 3, wherein the void 18 is covered by a gas-permeable central diaphragm 19. Through the gas-permeable central diaphragm 19, a flow connection is established between the inner side of the housing 15, which has a pressure 5 to be balanced, and the surrounding environment of the pressure balancing device, where an ambient pressure 4 exists. The central diaphragm 19 is connected to a rubber-elastic material by means of the retaining element 17. The retaining element 17 and the central diaphragm 19 form a pre-installed unit.

[0087] The retaining element 17 is made of a tough polymer material.

[0088] The retaining element 17 is hermetically surrounded by the rubber-elastic material of the diaphragm 13 and is connected to the rubber-elastic material of the diaphragm 3 in a shape and / or material fit. This airtight connection prevents flow short-circuiting that is detrimental to the operating characteristics during normal use of the pressure balancing device. Changes in the pressure differential at the diaphragm 3 thus cause a direct response from the diaphragm.

[0089] In this embodiment, the central diaphragm 19 is made of a nonwoven composite material comprising at least one nonwoven layer. The nonwoven composite material exhibits good gas permeability and, through the central diaphragm, protects the interior of the housing 15 from humidity and / or contaminants, where a pressure balancing device is applied.

[0090] The central diaphragm 19 is covered by a grid-shaped protective cover 20 on its side facing away from the pressure to be balanced 5. The protective cover 20 is also made of a polymer material. The central diaphragm 19, which is more sensitive than the rubber-elastic material of the diaphragm 3, is thus protected from external influences that reduce its service life.

[0091] The protective cover 20 is fastened to the retaining element 17.

[0092] exist Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pressure balancing device is shown, which is similar to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the diaphragm 3 is covered by a collection cover 21.

[0093] The collection cover 21 is dome-shaped and grid-shaped, and collects the diaphragm 3 if the diaphragm is fully removed from the retaining member 1 in the open position 9. Advantageously, if the diaphragm is thrown from the retaining member 1 to balance an undesirably high pressure difference at the diaphragm 3, the diaphragm 3 does not fall uncontrollably into the surrounding environment, but is held within the pressure balancing device by the collection cover 21.

[0094] The collection cover 21 has venting and exhaust openings 22. Thus, the overpressure 5 to be balanced can enter the surrounding environment 4 without obstruction.

[0095] The collection cover 21 is movably fixed to the retaining member 1 in the axial direction 23. This fixing is structurally advantageous, as is the installation of pressure balancing devices, and especially the installation of the collection cover 21 at the retaining member 1.

[0096] Figure 6 Showing the running status Figure 5 In the third embodiment, in the operating state, a pressure 5 to be balanced is formed within the housing 15 and the diaphragm 3 moves from its metastable first state 6 to a stable second state 7 in relation to the pressure difference.

[0097] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the third embodiment, the gas penetration opening 2 is fully open and fully pressure balanced. The diaphragm 3 is in its open position 9 and completely detached from the retaining member 1.

[0098] Figure 8 A fourth embodiment of the pressure balancing device is shown, similar to... Figure 5 In one embodiment, the membrane 3 includes a gas-permeable central region 14 having a central membrane 19.

[0099] Figure 9 This shows the operating status of the pressure balancing device. Figure 8 In the fourth embodiment, in the operating state, a pressure 5 to be balanced is formed within the housing 15 and the diaphragm 3 moves from its metastable first state 6 to a stable second state 7 in relation to the pressure difference.

[0100] Figure 10 Show Figure 8 and Figure 9 The pressure balancing device in the middle, wherein the gas penetration opening 2 is fully open and complete pressure balancing is achieved. The diaphragm 3 is in its open position 9 and is completely detached from the retaining member 1.

[0101] Pressure balancing devices, and indeed the entire apparatus comprising them, have a few parts and a simple construction, and can therefore be manufactured cost-effectively. Pressure balancing devices exhibit excellent performance characteristics that remain constant over long periods of use.

[0102] exist Figure 11 The diagram shows housings 15 and 16, which include the pressure balancing device described above. Housings 15 and 16 include a boundary wall 24 that confines the internal space 25 of the housings 15 and 16 and separates it from the surrounding environment 26. At least one gas-permeable housing diaphragm 27 is disposed within the boundary wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the diaphragm 3 is arranged in parallel with the housing diaphragm 27 in a functional manner.

[0103] During normal use of housings 15 and 16, pressure equilibrium is achieved through the gas-permeable housing diaphragm 27. If, in contrast, a pressure difference exceeding a permissible threshold is reached at the impermeable elastomer diaphragm 3, the diaphragm 3 opens as an overpressure valve, as described above, to prevent damage / destruction to housings 15 and 16.

Claims

1. A pressure balancing device comprising a retaining member (1) having a gas penetration opening (2) and a diaphragm (3) made of a rubber-elastic material, wherein the diaphragm (3) is held at the retaining member (1) and covers the gas penetration opening (2), wherein the diaphragm (3) is loaded with ambient pressure (4) on one side and with pressure to be balanced (5) on the other side, wherein the diaphragm (3) has a metastable first state (6) and a stable second state (7) in relation to the pressure difference, and wherein the diaphragm (3) is capable of jumping from a retaining position (8) to an open position (9), wherein in the retaining position the diaphragm is sealingly covering the gas penetration opening (2), is metastable and sealingly held at the retaining member (1), and in the open position the diaphragm is stable and disengaged from the retaining member (1) and releases the gas penetration opening (2).

2. The pressure balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The membrane (3) is airtight.

3. The pressure balancing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The diaphragm (3) has a first shape (10) in the metastable first state (6) pre-bent towards the pressure to be balanced (5).

4. The pressure balancing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first form (10) is basically lens-shaped.

5. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The diaphragm (3) has a second form (11) in the stable second state (7) that is opposite to the pressure pre-bending arch to be balanced.

6. The pressure balancing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second form (11) is basically hemispherical.

7. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The diaphragm (3) is provided with a gas-permeable support (12) on the side facing the pressure (5) to be balanced, and the diaphragm (3) is in close contact with the support in its metastable first state (6).

8. The pressure balancing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support (12) is configured as a support grid (13).

9. The pressure balancing device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The support (12) and the retaining component (1) are one piece and made of the same material.

10. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The membrane (3) surrounds the central region (14) where gas can permeate.

11. The pressure balancing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The central region (14) has an annular retaining element (17) coaxially and sealingly disposed in the diaphragm (3), the retaining element having a void (18), and the void (18) being covered by a gas-permeable central diaphragm (19).

12. The pressure balancing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The retaining element (17) is made of a tough material.

13. The pressure balancing device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The retaining element (17) is sealed around the rubber elastic material of the diaphragm (3) and is connected in a shape and / or material fit with the rubber elastic material of the diaphragm (3).

14. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The central diaphragm (19) is made of e-PTFE or a nonwoven composite material, the nonwoven composite material comprising at least one nonwoven layer.

15. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The central diaphragm (19) is covered by a grid-shaped protective cap (20) on its side away from the pressure (5) to be balanced.

16. The pressure balancing device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The protective cover (20) is fixed to the retaining element (17).

17. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The diaphragm (3) is covered in the open position (9) by a dome-shaped and grid-shaped collection cover (21) for the diaphragm (3).

18. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The collection cover (21) has ventilation and exhaust openings (22).

19. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The collection cover (21) is fixed at the retaining member (1) or the support (12).

20. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The collection cover (21) and the retaining member (1) or the support (12) are connected to each other in a relatively movable manner in the axial direction (23).

21. The pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, The diaphragm (3) is completely detached from the retaining member (1) in its open position (9).

22. A housing comprising a pressure balancing device according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and at least one boundary wall (24) defining an internal space (25) of the housing (15, 16) and separating it from the surrounding environment (26) of the housing (15, 16), wherein at least one gas-permeable housing diaphragm (27) is provided in the boundary wall (24) and wherein the diaphragm (3) is arranged in parallel with the central diaphragm (19) and / or the housing diaphragm (27) in a functionally parallel manner.

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