Membrane assembly for a diaphragm valve and diaphragm valve

Abstract

Membrane assembly (12) for a membrane valve (10), comprising a membrane (14) which includes a functional area (26) designed to interact with other components of the membrane valve (10) and to separate opposing chambers, and a tab (28) projecting laterally from the functional area (26), wherein a through-opening (30) is provided in the tab (28) and a marking element (32) is attached in the through-opening (30), wherein the membrane (14) is multilayered and the through-opening (30) extends through all layers of the membrane (14), wherein the membrane (14) in its installed position comprises a top (34) and a bottom (36), characterized in that the marking element (32) has the same color as the bottom (36) and / or is made of the same material as the bottom (36) and / or has a shape that is an indicator of the material of the bottom (36).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a diaphragm assembly for a diaphragm valve, comprising a diaphragm which includes a functional area designed to interact with other components of the diaphragm valve and to separate opposing chambers, and a tab projecting laterally from the functional area.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a diaphragm valve with such a diaphragm assembly.

[0003] Diaphragm valves with diaphragm assemblies are known from the prior art. Both single-layer and multi-layer diaphragms are used. Single-layer diaphragms can be made, for example, of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. Multi-layer diaphragms comprise, in addition to a layer of elastomer material, for example, a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0004] When diaphragms are installed in a corresponding diaphragm valve, they are no longer visible from the outside. This is a disadvantage when the diaphragms need to be replaced, for example, as part of maintenance, because it is then impossible to tell from the outside which type of diaphragm is installed in the diaphragm valve.

[0005] For this reason, membranes with a molded-on tab have become common. These tabs protrude from the functional area of ​​the membrane in such a way that they are visible even when the membrane is installed. The tab thus protrudes from the corresponding membrane valve. Since the tab has the same structure as the membrane, the membrane type can be roughly identified based on its shape. For example, it can be determined whether it is a single-layer or multi-layer membrane and which materials were used for the different layers. Of course, the materials used must also be visually distinguishable for this to be possible.

[0006] Since the machines or systems in which the diaphragm valve is installed typically need to be shut down during diaphragm replacement, it is crucial for a swift replacement process that the diaphragm type can be identified quickly and reliably. This must be possible even in installation spaces that are difficult to access or see. An error in identifying the diaphragm type can delay the replacement process. Furthermore, if an unsuitable diaphragm is accidentally installed in the diaphragm valve, malfunctions can occur. This must be avoided.

[0007] DE 10 2015 210 204 A1 discloses a diaphragm assembly for a diaphragm valve comprising a diaphragm. This diaphragm has a functional area in its center, designed to interact with other components, in particular a valve seat. The diaphragm includes a tab projecting laterally from the functional area, into which a marking element in the form of an RFID transponder is integrated.

[0008] US 2015 / 0083247A1 describes a diaphragm valve with lateral tabs protruding from the diaphragm, in which indicators are depicted that indicate a manufacturing date and a serial number.

[0009] US 9 046 180 B2 discloses a two-layer diaphragm for a diaphragm valve with reinforced areas, wherein tabs protrude laterally from the diaphragm.

[0010] US 9 157 534 B2 describes a diaphragm valve with a two-layer diaphragm, from which a tab protrudes laterally, serving to align the diaphragm.

[0011] US 2011 / 0 094 609 A1 describes a membrane with a marking to indicate origin, production date, batch and other information.

[0012] US 2009 / 0212912A1 describes an identification pin for attachment to a garment.

[0013] US Patent 6 239 737 B1 discloses an RFID transponder that can be attached to an object and used to identify the object.

[0014] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a diaphragm assembly and an associated diaphragm valve in which the diaphragm type can be determined particularly quickly and reliably in the installed state. In particular, the materials used for the manufacture of the diaphragm should be able to be determined.

[0015] The task is solved by a membrane assembly of the type mentioned above, in which a through-opening is provided in the tab and a marking element is attached to the through-opening. The membrane is multilayered, and the through-opening extends through all layers of the membrane. In its installed position, the membrane comprises a top and a bottom.

[0016] The through-hole extends from one upper side of the diaphragm, specifically the tab, to one lower side of the diaphragm, again specifically the tab. Because the marking element is positioned within this through-hole, it is located laterally to the corresponding diaphragm valve when the diaphragm is installed. In other words, the marking element protrudes from the diaphragm valve. This allows for easy and reliable identification of the marking element. Once the marking element is secured in the through-hole, it is visible from at least two sides. The type of marking element indicates the type of diaphragm.The functional area, designed to interact with other components of the diaphragm valve and to separate opposing chambers, is the area that comes into contact with the fluid that can be shut off by the valve and, in the case of a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated diaphragm valve, with the activating fluid. Furthermore, the functional area includes the circumferential clamping section in which the diaphragm is clamped between two housing parts. The tab projects outwards from the clamping section.

[0017] According to the invention, the marking element has the same color as the underside and / or is made of the same material as the underside and / or has a shape that serves as an indicator of the underside's material. This allows for a simple and reliable determination of the membrane type based on the clearly visible marking element. This is advantageous for multi-layered membranes when the tab is only visible from one side. In most cases, the membrane is only visible from above when installed. Therefore, layers of the membrane oriented towards the underside cannot be directly identified. However, the marking element now makes the information about the material of the layer on the underside of the membrane visible from above as well.If the marking element is the same color as the underside of the membrane, the material of the marking element can advantageously be chosen independently of the membrane material. In this context, a particularly cost-effective material can be used for the marking element. Furthermore, a material with properties that are advantageous for the marking element, such as impact resistance, can be selected. Overall, this makes the information about the membrane type available on the upper side of the membrane in a reliable and simple manner.

[0018] Advantageously, the marking element is visible from a top-facing viewing angle. Diaphragm valves are typically accessible and / or visible from this side. Pipes connected to the diaphragm valve are usually located on the underside. Therefore, the visibility from above provides a reliable way to determine the diaphragm type.

[0019] Furthermore, the marking element can protrude from an upper and / or lower interface of the membrane. The upper interface of the membrane can correspond to the top surface, and the lower interface to the bottom surface. Thus, the marking element is clearly visible even from directions oblique to the central axis of the opening. In extreme cases, the protruding parts of the marking element can be seen from a direction essentially perpendicular to the central axis of the opening. This results in the marking element being visible from virtually all directions.

[0020] In one embodiment, the marking element has at least one lateral extension for retaining it in the through-opening. This extension can be completely or partially circumferential. Preferably, the extension is designed such that it geometrically blocks the marking element from passing through the through-opening in at least one direction. The marking element is thus positively locked in the through-opening, at least in this direction. If the marking element has multiple extensions, it can be positively locked in several directions. The section extending through the membrane forms an undercut over the extension(s).

[0021] If the marking element is cylindrical, particularly circular cylindrical, at least one of its axial ends has a thickening opposite a central region. This thickening can be a diameter thickening, especially a fully circumferential one. It may, for example, have the shape of a collar, a head, or a cap. Cylindrical marking elements with a diameter thickening at only one of their axial ends can also be described as mushroom-shaped.

[0022] The marking element can also have two lateral extensions for securing it in the through-opening, with the lateral extensions positioned on opposite sides of the membrane when installed. Thus, in the installed state, one extension is located on the top and one on the bottom. The extensions can again be fully or partially circumferential with respect to a central axis of the through-opening. In the case of cylindrical, and especially circular, marking elements, both axial ends exhibit a thickening, particularly a diameter thickening, relative to a central region of the marking element. This effectively prevents the marking element from protruding from the through-opening.

[0023] A marking element with two projections can be made in one piece or in two pieces. In the case of a one-piece marking element, it can be inserted into the opening by utilizing the elasticity of the membrane material. After insertion, the membrane elastically compresses into a central area of ​​the marking element, thus holding it securely in place. This also applies to cylindrical and circular cylindrical marking elements.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the marking element is a label with a retaining ring that extends through the opening. The retaining ring securely holds the label in the opening and thus to the diaphragm. The label provides information about the diaphragm type, in particular the material of one or more diaphragm layers. For this purpose, the label can be a specific color or made of a specific material. Information in the form of alphanumeric characters can also be embossed on the label. When the diaphragm assembly is installed, the label hangs laterally from an associated diaphragm valve. This allows for reliable external identification of the installed diaphragm type.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the marking element is essentially cylindrical, and the through-opening has a cross-section that essentially corresponds to a cross-section of the marking element. The fact that the cross-sections correspond means that they have essentially the same geometric shape and / or size. For example, the marking element is circular-cylindrical, i.e., it has a circular cross-section, and the through-opening also has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the marking element can have a polygonal cross-section, e.g., rectangular or triangular. In this case, the through-opening also has a polygonal cross-section.

[0026] A cylindrical marking element, especially a circular cylindrical one, can also be described as pin-shaped.

[0027] Preferably, the circumference of the circular cylindrical marking element is larger than the circumference of the through-hole such that the marking element and the through-hole form an interference fit. Inserting the marking element into the through-hole causes the latter to expand elastically. The marking element is then held in the through-hole by these elastic forces. For a circular cylindrical marking element, the characteristic parameter "diameter" can also be used instead of "circumference." The marking element thus has a slightly larger diameter than the through-hole. In all cases, this ensures that the marking element is reliably and visibly held in the through-hole, and in particular, securely against loss.

[0028] The outer surface of the section of the marking element protruding through the opening can also be convex. This means that, particularly in the central region of the marking element, it has a larger diameter and / or circumference than at its ends. This facilitates the insertion of the marking element into the opening. For example, an interference fit can form between the central region of the marking element and the opening.

[0029] Preferably, the marking element has a lateral extension at each of its axial ends for retaining the marking element in the through-opening. An axial end surface of each extension, facing the central region, rests against the membrane. This results in no or only very narrow gaps between the axial end surfaces facing the central region and the membrane. This is advantageous with regard to potential deposits of foreign substances. Such deposits are thereby avoided, making the membrane assembly suitable for applications where hygiene and cleanliness are of paramount importance and where no gaps that could promote the accumulation of foreign substances are permissible.

[0030] The marking element can include an electronic data storage element, in particular an RFID chip. In this context, the data storage element can, for example, be inserted into a cavity formed in the marking element. Alternatively, the data storage element can be integrated into the marking element during its manufacturing process. For example, the data storage element can be injection-molded or cast into the marking element. In all cases, the data storage element is securely connected to the marking element.

[0031] The data storage element can be attached to the marker element in such a way that it can be removed from it without damage. The data storage element can then be replaced very easily.

[0032] The data storage element can contain data identifying the membrane type and / or the materials of the membrane layers. Additionally or alternatively, data relating to the membrane's history, such as the membrane's manufacturing date or data on the operation of the membrane valve in which the membrane is installed, can be stored on the data storage element. In this context, diagnostic data for the membrane valve, the number of closing and / or opening cycles, the stroke, the temperature of the medium flowing through the valve, and / or the ambient temperature can also be stored.

[0033] Preferably, the marking element includes a data read interface for reading data stored on the electronic data storage element and / or a data write interface for writing data to the electronic data storage element. Information about the membrane type can be stored on and read from the data storage element via these interfaces. Thus, the membrane type can be determined electronically. For this to work, a suitable readout device must communicate with the data read interface. Consequently, the membrane type can also be determined quickly and reliably in this way.

[0034] A visual display device, in particular an indicator light, can also be provided, which is coupled to the electronic data storage element. This allows data and / or states of the diaphragm assembly and / or the diaphragm valve stored on the data storage element to be displayed. Among other things, the display device can indicate the diaphragm type. If the display device is an indicator light, different diaphragm types can be indicated, for example, by using indicator lights of different colors.

[0035] Preferably, the indicator light is designed to illuminate when a data transfer takes place. Particularly in environments where many diaphragm valves equipped with diaphragm assemblies according to the invention are arranged in a small space, it is thus possible to see with the naked eye which of the diaphragm valves is currently reading data from or writing data to. This prevents potential errors.

[0036] In one embodiment, the marking element comprises at least one cutting edge designed to create openings in the membrane. The opening can thus be created using the marking element. Preferably, the creation of the opening and the attachment of the marking element within the opening occur sequentially.

[0037] For example, the cutting edge is located on the end face of a circular cylindrical marking element. This element is then placed with its end face onto the tab at the point where it is to be attached. Subsequently, for example by rotating the marking element, the opening is cut into the tab, and the marking element is then immediately inserted into the opening. There, it can be held in place by an interference fit.

[0038] A process for manufacturing the membrane assembly therefore comprises the following steps: a) Creating the through-opening, in particular by means of a cutting edge arranged on the marking element and b) subsequent attachment of the marking element in the through-opening.

[0039] The marking element can be in two parts, and the two parts can be interlocked. Preferably, the two parts are inserted into the through-opening from opposite sides, e.g., a first part from the top of the membrane and a second part from the bottom. The marking parts are then interlocked in the area of ​​the through-opening; preferably, one part has a mushroom-shaped end and the other a complementary receptacle that widens when interlocked.

[0040] In the case of two-part marking elements, a cutting edge can only be provided on one of the marking element parts.

[0041] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a diaphragm valve of the type mentioned above with a diaphragm assembly according to the invention. In such a diaphragm valve, the type of diaphragm used is easily and reliably identifiable.

[0042] The invention is explained below with reference to various embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These show: - Fig. 1 a diaphragm valve according to the invention with a diaphragm assembly according to the invention in a schematic side view, - Fig. 2 the diaphragm valve off Fig. 1 in a top view along direction II, - Fig. 3 a single-layer membrane of an exemplary membrane assembly, - Fig. 4 the membrane out Fig. 3 in a representation cut along IV-IV, - Fig. 5 a two-layer membrane of a membrane assembly according to the invention, - Fig. 6 the membrane out Fig. 5 in a representation cut along VI-VI and - Fig. 7 to Fig. 13 different embodiments of a marking element of a membrane assembly according to the invention.

[0043] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a diaphragm valve 10 with a diaphragm assembly 12.

[0044] The diaphragm assembly 12, more precisely a diaphragm 14 of the diaphragm assembly 12, is arranged in the illustrated embodiment between a first diaphragm valve component 16 and a second diaphragm valve component 18.

[0045] The first diaphragm valve component 16 includes a valve actuator 20.

[0046] The diaphragm valve 10 is coupled to fluid lines 22, 24 via the second diaphragm valve component 18.

[0047] The diaphragm assembly 12 is arranged within the diaphragm valve 10 in such a way that a functional area 26 of the diaphragm 14, delimited by broken lines, can interact with components of the diaphragm valve 10 and can separate opposing chambers from each other in the course of the valve function.

[0048] The membrane 14 also includes a tab 28 that extends laterally from the functional area 26.

[0049] There is a through opening 30 in the tab 28 (see Fig. 3) provided in which a marking element 32 is attached.

[0050] The Fig. Figures 3-6 show two embodiments of a membrane 14 in detail. For clarity, no marking element 32 is arranged in the through-opening 30 in either case.

[0051] The embodiment according to the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a single-layer membrane.

[0052] The membrane according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 has a two-layer structure. A first membrane layer 14a is an elastomer layer. A second membrane layer 14b is made of PTFE.

[0053] Various embodiments of the marking element 32, which of course also extends into the through-openings 30 of the membranes 14 made of the Fig. 3 - 6 can be attached, can the Fig. 7 - 13 can be taken.

[0054] The marking element 32, regardless of its embodiment, serves to transmit information about the membrane type to a user when the membrane assembly 12 is installed. In particular, it is important to use the marking element 32 to identify the material from which the membrane 14 is made.

[0055] A common case is that a user in an installation position of the membrane 14 (see Fig. 1) can only see the upper surface 34 of the membrane. More precisely, a user can only see the upper surface 34 of the membrane 14 in the area of ​​the tab 28 and cannot see the lower surface 36 of the membrane 14.

[0056] However, for example during maintenance work where the membrane 14 needs to be replaced, it is important for the user to know what material the underside 36 of the membrane 14 is made of (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) Only then can he have a suitable replacement membrane ready before the actual removal of membrane 14.

[0057] To enable this, the marking element 32 can essentially have the same color as the underside 36. The material of the underside 36 can then be deduced from the color of the marking element 32.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the marking element 32 is made of the same material as the underside 36. Thus, in this case too, the material of the underside 36 is recognizable from the top side 34.

[0059] The marking element 32 is visible in all embodiments from a viewing direction directed towards the upper surface 34 (see, for example, Fig. 2).

[0060] The following section discusses specific variations of the individual embodiments of the marking element.

[0061] In the embodiments according to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the marking element 32 protrudes opposite an upper boundary surface, which in this case corresponds to the upper surface 34, the membrane 14.

[0062] In the embodiments according to Fig. 1, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 The marking element 32 protrudes from both an upper and a lower interface of the membrane 14. In this case, the upper interface again corresponds to the top surface 34 and the lower interface to the bottom surface 36.

[0063] Thus, the marking element 32 is also clearly visible from viewing directions that fall obliquely on the top surface 34 of the membrane 14.

[0064] The marking element 32 also includes an electronic data storage element 38, which is shown only schematically in the figures. In particular, the data storage element 38 is an RFID chip.

[0065] The data storage element 38 can contain information about the materials from which the membrane 14 is made.

[0066] Additionally, information on the use and / or life cycle of the membrane valve 10, to which the marking element 32 is assigned, can be stored there.

[0067] A data readout interface, not shown in detail, is provided for reading data stored on data storage element 38.

[0068] To be able to write data to the data storage element 38, a data write interface is set up, which is not described in any further detail.

[0069] Furthermore, a visual display device 40 is provided, which is coupled to the data storage element 38.

[0070] The display device 40 is shown by way of example only in the embodiments according to Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 12 shows that all other embodiments can also be equipped with a display device 40.

[0071] In the examples shown, the display device 40 is an LED indicator. This illuminates when a data transfer to or from the data storage element 38 takes place. Thus, in an environment with several diaphragm valves 10 and therefore also several data storage elements 38, it is easy to see which data storage element 38 is currently communicating with.

[0072] The indicator device 40 can also be arranged at a different location on the diaphragm valve 10. In particular, it can be designed as a light ring on the valve actuator 20, which can also be generally referred to as the drive.

[0073] In the embodiment according to Fig. The marking element 32 is a plaque 42, which is attached to the through-opening 30 by a fastening ring 44. The data storage element 38 is integrated into the plaque 42.

[0074] In addition, further information on the diaphragm assembly 12 and / or the diaphragm valve 10 may be stored on the plaque 42, for example in the form of a label or imprint.

[0075] The marking elements 32 according to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 have a lateral extension 46 for holding the marking element 32 in the through-opening 30. The head-like extension 46 blocks the marking element 32 from being pushed out of the through-opening 30 in at least one direction.

[0076] The marking elements 32 according to the Fig. 11-13 each have two lateral extensions 46, 48, which are disc- or lens-shaped. Both are designed to hold the marking element 32 in the through-opening 30.

[0077] When the marking element 32 is mounted on the membrane 14, the extensions 46 and 48 are arranged on opposite sides of the membrane 14. In this case, extension 46 is always positioned on the upper side 34 and extension 48 on the lower side 36.

[0078] In other words, each of the extensions 46, 48 blocks the extension of the marking element 32 in one direction. Thus, the marking element 32 is held axially fixed in the through-opening 30.

[0079] In the embodiments according to the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 the marking element 32 is essentially cylindrical, wherein a cross-section in the central area of ​​the marking element 32 corresponds to a cross-section of the passage opening 30.

[0080] In these embodiments, the extensions 46, 48 run completely around the circumference and can also be described as diameter thickenings.

[0081] Furthermore, the axial end surfaces 50, 52 of the extensions 46, 48, which face the central region of the marking element 32, are in contact with the membrane 14. In other words, there is no gap between the extensions 46, 48 and the membrane 14. These embodiments are particularly resistant to dirt deposits. They are also easy to clean.

[0082] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8 The circumference of the marking element 32 and the associated through-opening 30 are chosen such that the marking element 32 and the through-opening 30 form an interference fit. The circumference of the marking element 32 is therefore slightly larger than the circumference of the through-opening 30. Only the elasticity of the membrane 14 allows the marking element to be inserted into the through-opening 30.

[0083] The marking element 32 is held in the through-opening 30 by force-fit.

[0084] The same applies to the embodiment according to Fig. 10. Here, an additional lateral surface 54 of the marking element is convex.

[0085] The marking element 32 according to the Fig. 12 and Fig. Marking element 13, unlike the other marking elements 32, is designed in two parts. The two parts of marking element 32 are interlocked.

[0086] This ensures that the marking element 32 remains in the passage opening 30 even in the event of vibrations or shocks that may occur during valve operation.

Claims

[1] Membrane assembly (12) for a membrane valve (10), comprising a membrane (14) which includes a functional area (26) designed to interact with other components of the membrane valve (10) and to separate opposing chambers, and a tab (28) projecting laterally from the functional area (26), wherein a through-opening (30) is provided in the tab (28) and a marking element (32) is attached in the through-opening (30), wherein the membrane (14) is multilayered and the through-opening (30) extends through all layers of the membrane (14), wherein the membrane (14) in its installed position comprises a top (34) and a bottom (36), characterized by , that the marking element (32) has the same color as the underside (36) and / or is made of the same material as the underside (36) and / or has a shape that is an indicator of the material of the underside (36). [2] Membrane assembly (12) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the marking element (32) is visible from a viewing direction directed towards the top (34). [3] Membrane assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the marking element (32) protrudes relative to an upper interface and / or relative to a lower interface of the membrane (14). [4] Membrane assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the marking element (32) has at least one lateral extension (46, 48) for holding the marking element (32) in the through-opening (30). [5] Membrane assembly (12) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the marking element (32) has two lateral extensions (46, 48) for holding the marking element (32) in the through-opening (30), wherein in the assembled state the lateral extensions (46, 48) are arranged on opposite sides of the membrane (14). [6] Membrane assembly (12) according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized by , that the marking element (32) has a lateral extension (46, 48) at each of its axial ends for holding the marking element (32) in the through-opening (30) and an axial end surface (50, 52) of each extension (46, 48) facing the central region rests against the membrane (14). [7] Membrane assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the marking element (32) is a plaque (42) with a fastening ring (44) that extends through the through-opening (30). [8] Membrane assembly (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the marking element (32) is essentially cylindrical and the through-opening (30) has a cross-section essentially corresponding to a cross-section of the marking element (32). [9] Membrane assembly (12) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the circumference of the circular cylindrical marking element (32) is such that the circumference of the through-hole (30) is larger than the circumference of the through-hole (30) that the marking element (32) and the through-hole (30) form an interference fit. [10] Membrane assembly (12) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that a lateral surface (54) of the cylindrical marking element (32) is convex. [11] Membrane assembly (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the marking element (32) comprises an electronic data storage element (38), in particular an RFID chip. [12] Membrane assembly (12) according to claim 11, characterized by, that the marking element (32) comprises a data read interface for reading data stored on the electronic data storage element (38) and / or a data write interface for writing data to the electronic data storage element (38). [13] Membrane assembly (12) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that a visual display device (40), in particular a light display, is provided which is coupled to the electronic data storage element (38). [14] Diaphragm valve (10) with a diaphragm assembly (12) according to one of the preceding claims.

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