CUTTING MEANS FOR OPENING A MEMBRANE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the opening of a membrane which has sealed a hollow body until this opening.

[0002] An example of such a hollow body is a media- or gas-tight housing of a chemical oxygen generator (COG). The housing encloses an interior space. Inside the interior is a chemical core, which predominantly contains, for example, hygroscopic sodium chlorate. To ensure that the chemical core does not degrade due to environmental influences such as moisture over its service life of many, e.g., 15 years (standby mode, no oxygen generation), the interior of the COG is flooded with a medium, e.g., an inert gas such as helium or argon, and sealed in a media- or gas-tight manner. "Media-tight" or "gas-tight" in the sense of this application refers to the medium / gas / inert gas currently being used to be sealed. In the case of helium, for example, a helium-tight seal is created. For this purpose, an outlet opening of the housing is sealed in a media- or gas-tight manner with a media- or gas-tight membrane.This means that the interior of the COG is separated from the environment by, among other things, a membrane. To ensure that the oxygen produced by the chemical core upon activation can be directed to the target location / person, e.g., passenger, cabin crew, pilot, etc., the membrane must be opened in a controlled manner when needed to reliably allow sufficient oxygen to pass through. This opening of the membrane must be ensured by appropriate design.

[0003] From practice, such as DE 28 51 074 A1, it is known to open the membrane by deforming it due to the increasing internal pressure caused by the oxygen production, by being pressed against a metal nose and by being cut by the edges of this metal nose, see below the Figures 3, 4a and 4b and the corresponding description. The oxygen can, in principle, escape because the metal nose has an undercut that keeps the opening in the membrane open.

[0004] The membrane is comparatively thin, for example, with a thickness of one tenth of a millimeter, is made of sheet metal, for example stainless steel, and is media-tight for the media in question, e.g. oxygen-tight or helium-tight.

[0005] From DE 30 39 442 A1 a chemical oxygen generator is known in which the membrane inside can be opened by means of a mandrel.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve the opening of a membrane described above.

[0007] The object is achieved by a membrane arrangement according to patent claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention and other categories of invention emerge from the further claims, the following description and the attached figures.

[0008] The membrane arrangement serves or is configured as a membrane arrangement for an outlet opening of a designated hollow body. "Designated" means that the membrane arrangement is structurally matched to a specific or a specific type of hollow body and is configured for use there; e.g., it is designed for the resulting geometric / material and system requirements, etc. In other words, a particular hollow body is assumed to be known with regard to its geometry, size, material properties, etc. Specifically, certain properties of the hollow body are assumed as follows: The hollow body has an interior space or interior, and a medium, in particular an inert gas, is located in the interior of the hollow body. The hollow body has an outlet opening through which the medium can, in principle, flow from the interior of the hollow body into the exterior space surrounding the hollow body.In an initial state (e.g., the standby state of the above-mentioned COG), the medium exhibits a certain internal pressure that lies below a certain limiting pressure. "Internal pressure" here, in simplified terms, refers to a pressure difference between the interior of the hollow body and the pressure prevailing outside the hollow body (on the other side of the membrane).

[0009] The diaphragm arrangement is now configured as follows: Starting from the initial state, the diaphragm arrangement prevents the medium from passing through the outlet opening for internal pressures up to an internal pressure corresponding to a limit pressure. In other words, the diaphragm arrangement closes the outlet opening. In other words, due to the blocking effect of the diaphragm arrangement, no medium can escape from the interior or the hollow body through the outlet opening until the limit pressure is reached.

[0010] When the pressure limit is exceeded, the outlet opening is at least partially opened for the medium by means of the diaphragm arrangement. When the pressure limit is exceeded, the diaphragm arrangement "opens," allowing the medium to escape through the outlet opening. To do this, the outlet opening is at least partially opened. The medium or any other substance, especially the oxygen to be produced, can then escape.

[0011] The diaphragm assembly or its components have a designated mounting position relative to the hollow body. Here, too, "designated" means that the diaphragm assembly is mounted on the hollow body in exactly this position or under the appropriate conditions for its intended use. These conditions refer, for example, to a desired relative position, connection to the hollow body, etc.

[0012] The diaphragm assembly contains a diaphragm. In the mounted position of the diaphragm relative to the hollow body, the diaphragm seals the outlet opening in a media-tight manner, i.e., thanks to the diaphragm, medium cannot escape from the interior through the outlet opening. "Media-tight" here always refers to the medium in question within the scope of the invention. For this purpose, the diaphragm can be attached to the hollow body in a media-tight manner or is attached in the mounted position. In this mounted position, the diaphragm is also designed to increasingly bulge away from the interior as the internal pressure increases. The diaphragm thus fulfills its first aforementioned partial function in the diaphragm assembly, namely to seal the outlet opening for internal pressures up to the limit pressure for the passage of medium.

[0013] The diaphragm assembly contains a cutting means. This cutting means can also be attached or is attached to the hollow body in the intended mounting position. In this mounting position, the cutting means is arranged beyond the diaphragm with respect to the interior space. In other words, the cutting means is located on the other side of the diaphragm than the interior space.

[0014] In the assembled position, the diaphragm and the cutting medium have a specific relative position to one another, which is configured as follows: For internal pressures up to the limit pressure (i.e., despite the correspondingly increasing curvature of the diaphragm from the interior and thus towards the cutting medium), the diaphragm does not contact the cutting medium. However, as soon as the internal pressure exceeds the limit pressure, the diaphragm contacts the cutting medium due to further bulging, or vice versa. By contacting or pressing the diaphragm against the cutting medium, the latter then exerts a cutting effect capable of severing the diaphragm, i.e., cutting / creating an opening in the diaphragm.In other words, when the limit pressure is exceeded, the membrane bulging against the cutting medium is severed by the cutting medium, so that medium can pass through the resulting opening in the membrane and thus escape from the interior and reach the outlet opening and through this out of the hollow body.

[0015] The cutting means is designed like a cannula. The cannula has a wall, with the wall surrounding an outlet channel of the cannula. The cannula tapers (in the assembled position) toward the membrane at its tip end in at least one cutting tip. The cutting tip ultimately causes the aforementioned severing or opening of the membrane. In particular, when the limit pressure is reached, the membrane initially rests against the cannula at the location of the cutting tip.

[0016] When the membrane is severed, medium passing through the membrane can at least also reach the outlet channel and be guided through the outlet channel or, via this, through the outlet opening. This applies at least when the outlet channel passes through the outlet opening. When the membrane is severed, the outlet opening is therefore at least partially opened up for the medium to flow out of the interior through the outlet opening via the outlet channel. The corresponding interaction between membrane and cutting means in the form of the severing of the membrane results in the second partial effect of the membrane arrangement, namely the opening of the outlet opening for the medium above a certain limit pressure.

[0017] In this context, a "cannula" is understood to mean that the outlet channel is completely enclosed by the wall of the cannula over a certain length / section of its longitudinal extension, i.e., by a closed wall. The outlet channel is therefore not just an opening / a "hole" in a plate-like wall; rather, at least a portion of the wall actually forms a tubular longitudinal channel that completely encloses its interior, i.e., the "outlet channel." The wall extends in the extension direction of the outlet channel, in particular at least over a length that corresponds to the diameter of the channel, in particular a multiple length (e.g., 2, 3, or 5 times the length) of the diameter of the channel.

[0018] According to the invention, a cannula or hollow needle pierces the membrane instead of cutting it with a metal nose. In particular, the point-like contact of the membrane with the cutting tip results in a more secure opening of the membrane due to increased surface pressure. The membrane and the passage opening are separated, which is formed by the cross-section of the outlet channel. This is particularly true when the cannula completely penetrates the membrane, i.e. the pierced membrane only lies against the wall surrounding the outlet channel and does not partially cover the outlet channel. In the state for pressures above the limit pressure, the outlet channel therefore forms a defined passage channel for the medium to pass through the membrane. The size of the opening cut into the membrane is irrelevant if the outlet channel is the only passage through the outlet opening, i.e. if it would otherwise, for example,is still closed by a cover. The size of the passage opening for the medium corresponds at least (outflow of medium also possible next to the outlet channel), and in particular exactly (outflow only through the outlet channel) to the cross-section of the outlet channel. It is thus defined and does not depend on the current puncture situation and the resulting size of the opening in the membrane.

[0019] According to the invention, the membrane is actually completely pierced by means of the cannula and not just cut open.

[0020] According to the invention, the membrane rests on a point before or at the moment of puncture. This results in a very high surface pressure. The membrane is pierced with the entire hollow needle and cannot overlap any opening that may be created. There is no risk of the membrane resting flatly on the cutting medium before cutting, which could lead to low surface pressure; the membrane cannot overlap the opening (outlet channel), can only be punctured, or cannot tear at all.

[0021] According to the invention, an upwardly open passage results when the cannula completely penetrates the membrane, i.e., with its entire circumferential section of its wall. The outlet opening or bore in the hollow needle or cannula (outlet channel) thus determines the passage size through which medium can flow from the interior. In contrast, the above-mentioned design with a metal nose results in a passage in a membrane that is open to the side. The currently developing crack size in the membrane itself determines the passage size for medium to pass through the membrane.

[0022] According to the invention, the cannula or hollow needle can be formed as part of a connecting piece for the hollow body (see below). The known membrane cutter in the form of a metal nose is, in particular, part of a cover or housing cover for the outlet opening and thus a cutout / deformation in it.

[0023] As a result, thanks to the above-mentioned measures, the membrane arrangement is designed to prevent the medium located in the interior of the hollow body, which in the initial state has an internal pressure lower than the limit pressure, from passing through the outlet opening for an internal pressure up to the limit pressure and to at least partially open the outlet opening for the medium when the limit pressure is exceeded.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting means has a cutting edge which at least partially, in particular completely, surrounds the outlet channel. The cutting edge serves or is designed to cut the membrane, i.e. to create an opening in the membrane through which the medium can flow. If the limit pressure is exceeded, the membrane is not only pierced by the cutting tip, but upon further expansion or further movement along the cannula, the membrane is reliably cut open further by the cutting edge. In particular, this can ensure that the membrane moves further along the cannula and finally comes to rest in the area of ​​the completely circumferential wall, whereby the membrane is completely penetrated by the cannula / its outlet channel like a passage tube.

[0025] In a preferred variant of this embodiment, at least one or, in the case of several sections, a respective section of the cutting edge is designed as one of the cutting tips. Each corresponding section thus forms a separate cutting tip. In particular, several sections of the cutting edge are designed as respective cutting tips. In particular, however, only a single cutting tip is present. This allows the desired cutting behavior of the cutting means to be generated in coordination with the membrane.

[0026] In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the cutting edge extends obliquely to a direction of extension of the outlet channel. The direction of extension is, in particular, a straight line. The cutting edge extends, in particular, in a plane that is angled relative to the direction of extension, for example, at an angle between 20° and 70°. The cannula thus corresponds to a cannula known from the medical field, for example, for injections into a patient. Here, too, the desired cutting behavior can be achieved by adjusting the angle to the membrane.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting means has a connection piece for a media line. This is located on the cutting means opposite the spigot end with respect to the outlet channel. In other words, the cutting means forms a part or an extension of, or is designed integrally with, a connection piece for the media line. The outlet channel opens into the connection piece. The media line serves, for example, to guide medium flowing out of the outlet channel or connection piece or the outlet opening or the hollow body to a destination. If the hollow body is, for example, the housing of an oxygen generator for the emergency supply of passengers, cabin crew (stewardess, ...) or pilots, etc. in an aircraft, the media line is such a line, or at least a section of such a line, which leads from the oxygen generator to a breathing mask for a respective passenger, crew member, pilot, etc.An additional coupling of the hollow body to the media line is therefore no longer necessary.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane assembly includes a cover. The cover can be or is attached to the hollow body in the intended mounting position. The membrane and / or the cutting means are attached to the cover in a media-tight manner. In other words, the membrane assembly can be attached to the hollow body particularly easily by attaching the cover to its outlet opening. The cover thus serves, in particular, to close the outlet opening of the hollow body.

[0029] In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the cover can be attached or is attached to the hollow body in the assembly position in a media-tight manner. Alternatively or additionally, the cover itself is designed to be media-tight. Thus, apart from the membrane arrangement, no separate sealing of the hollow body against the medium is required.

[0030] In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the outlet channel represents the only opening through the lid, through which, with a perforated membrane, the medium can exit the interior and pass through the lid. In other words, this ensures that an opening of a defined size for the medium is provided through the lid and thus out of the hollow body. This allows, for example, a particularly precise metering or setting of the medium's exit rate from the hollow body.

[0031] In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the cutting means is designed as a single piece with the cover. If a connecting piece is present in conjunction with the above-mentioned embodiment, this can alternatively or additionally also be designed as a single piece with the cover. This makes it particularly easy to combine the cutting means and / or connecting pieces with a cover.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the entire tip end of the cutting means is designed as a single, circumferential cutting tip. In other words, a degenerate cutting tip is present in the form of a single, circumferential cutting edge that surrounds the outlet channel in a ring-like, particularly circular, plane in a plane transverse to the direction of the outlet channel.

[0033] The object of the invention is also achieved by a hollow body assembly according to claim 11. This contains the membrane assembly according to the invention. It also contains the hollow body described above, which has the interior space and the outlet opening. In the hollow body assembly, the membrane is attached to the hollow body in the intended assembly position, wherein in this assembly position it seals the outlet opening in a media-tight manner. The cutting means is attached to the hollow body in the assembly position.

[0034] As explained above, the closure case applies to internal pressures below the limit pressure, i.e. as long as the membrane is still intact and not punctured by the cutting agent.

[0035] The hollow body arrangement and at least some of its possible embodiments as well as the respective advantages have already been explained in connection with the membrane arrangement according to the invention.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the interior space is completely enclosed by the hollow body in a media-tight manner. The outlet opening is the only opening in the hollow body that is provided or available for the outflow of the medium. This does not preclude the presence of further openings in the hollow body or in relation to the interior space. However, these are not provided or intended for the outflow of the medium, but rather, for example, as electrical feedthroughs or similar. This ensures that no medium can escape from the interior space as long as the membrane is not punctured. If this is punctured, the medium must escape completely through the opening in the membrane and the outlet opening. There is no other option for the medium. This ensures controlled media discharge from the hollow body.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the interior contains an inert gas, particularly helium or argon, as at least part of the medium. In particular, in the initial state, only the inert gas is present in the interior, for example, to render the aforementioned core of a COG inert before it is activated. This allows an inert atmosphere to be created in the hollow body arrangement or in the interior.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the hollow body arrangement is a chemical oxygen generator or at least part of such an oxygen generator. A chemical core is present in the interior. This core is not activated in the initial state, but can be activated to produce oxygen as at least part of the medium. Upon activation, the chemical core also increases the internal pressure in the interior above the limit pressure through the production of oxygen. In other words, activation of the core generates oxygen, increases the internal pressure above the limit pressure, and gradually bulges the membrane, presses it against the cutting means, and is ultimately cut or pierced by it, allowing the oxygen to pass through the outlet opening. The invention creates a particularly advantageous oxygen generator.

[0039] Further features, effects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figures. Each of these figures shows a schematic diagram: Figure 1 shows a hollow body arrangement in the form of a COG in cross section with symbolically indicated cutting tip, Figure 2 shows the activation and operation of the COG from Figure 1 in six steps, Figure 3 the hollow body arrangement from Figure 1 with cutting tip according to the state of the art, Figure 4a a concrete representation of the cutting tip according to the state of the art from Figure 3 in a perspective oblique view from a first and Figure 4b second angle, Figure 5 the hollow body arrangement from Figure 1 with cutting tip according to the invention, Figure 6 a concrete representation of the cutting tip from Figure 5 in a perspective oblique view, Figure 7a a concrete representation of the cutting tip from Figure 6with pierced membrane in a perspective oblique view from a first and Figure 7b a second viewing angle, Figure 8 a concrete representation of a first and Figure 9 a second alternative cutting tip according to the invention in perspective oblique views.

[0040] Figure 1shows a hollow body arrangement 2, here in the form of a COG, i.e., a chemical oxygen generator. The hollow body arrangement 2 contains a hollow body 4, here a media-tight, here helium-tight, since helium is used as the gas, sleeve or housing made of stainless steel. This has an interior space 6 and an outlet opening 8. The hollow body arrangement 2 also contains a membrane arrangement 10, which is located in or on the hollow body 4 in a designated mounting position. The membrane arrangement 10 is one for the outlet opening 8 of the designated hollow body 4 and is configured for the following: A medium 12 located in the interior space 6 has an internal pressure PI that is initially—in an initial state—less than a limit pressure PG. For internal pressure PI up to the limit pressure PG, the membrane arrangement 10 prevents the medium 12 from passing through the outlet opening 8, i.e., from flowing out of the interior space 6 through the outlet opening 8.Strictly speaking, "internal pressure PI" here is the pressure difference between the pressures within the interior space 6 and in an exterior space 14 surrounding the hollow body 4 or located outside the outlet opening 8. The membrane arrangement 10 is also configured to at least partially open the outlet opening 8 for the medium 12 to flow out of the interior space 6 when the limit pressure PG is exceeded by the internal pressure PI.

[0041] The membrane arrangement 10 contains a membrane 16. In the illustrated assembly position M, in the initial state, this closes the outlet opening 8 in a media-tight manner and is attached to the hollow body 4 for this purpose. The membrane 16 is also a thin stainless steel membrane which is welded to the hollow body 4 in a media-tight manner, in this case helium-tight, and is itself media-tight, always with respect to the medium 12. The membrane 16, in turn, is designed to increasingly bulge away from the interior 6 or, in this case, towards the outlet opening 8 as the internal pressure PI increases, starting from the initial state, starting from an internal pressure PI less than the limit pressure PG.

[0042] The membrane assembly 10 also contains a cutting means 18 in the form of a membrane cutter. This too can be attached or is attached to the hollow body 4 in the assembly position M and is located on the side of the membrane 16 facing away from the interior 6, i.e., with respect to the interior 6, beyond the membrane 16. The cutting means 18 is in Figure 1 only symbolically indicated and is explained in detail below.

[0043] In the assembly position M, the membrane 16 and the cutting means 18 now have the following relative position R to each other: Starting from the initial state and with an internal pressure PI smaller than the limit pressure PG, the membrane 16 does not lie against the cutting means 18, as in Figure 1 is actually depicted.

[0044] However, in a situation in which the internal pressure PI has risen above the limit pressure PG, the membrane 16 then rests against the cutting means 18, since it has already curved away from the interior 6 and has therefore curved towards the cutting means 18. In this case, a cutting effect of the cutting means 18 is formed on the membrane 16, in other words, the membrane 16 is then cut through by the cutting means 18; this is now determined by means of Figure 2 further explained.

[0045] The interior space 6 is thus completely enclosed in a media-tight manner by the hollow body 4 and the membrane 16. The outlet opening 8 is the only opening of the hollow body 4 that is, at least in principle, available for the outflow of the medium 12. A chemical core 30 is present in the interior space 6. This can be activated in a manner not explained in detail here. Until it is activated, the core 30 is inactive. From its activation, it produces oxygen as part of the medium 12. The amount of oxygen produced is dimensioned such that the internal pressure PI in the interior space 6 is increased above the limit pressure PG. As long as the core 30 is not yet activated, only helium is provided as the medium 12 in the interior space 6, which thus surrounds the core 30. From the activation of the core 30, a gas mixture of helium and oxygen is created as the medium 12.

[0046] The hollow body arrangement 2 also contains, as part of the membrane arrangement 10, a connecting piece 32. This connecting piece is designed to accommodate a media line 34, indicated only symbolically here. The media line 34 serves to transport the medium 12 to a destination (not shown) upon activation of the core 30, cutting of the membrane 16, and the discharge of the medium 12 from the outlet opening 8. In the example, the destination is an oxygen mask for an airline passenger in the interior of a passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft, who is to be supplied with the medium 12, here essentially oxygen (see below), in an emergency. The connecting piece 32 thus represents an outlet of the COG.

[0047] Figure 2shows the general functioning of the hollow body arrangement 2 in the form of a COG. At a time t1, the oxygen generator is in its initial state, namely a standby state; the core 30 is not activated. The medium 12 in the interior 6, which surrounds the core 30, is exclusively helium. The oxygen generator is located, as already indicated above, on board a passenger aircraft and serves to supply passengers with oxygen in an emergency.

[0048] At time t1 an emergency situation occurs and activation 36 (indicated by an arrow) of the chemical core 30 follows. The internal pressure PI is smaller than the limit pressure PG.

[0049] At time t2, the chemical reaction begins in core 30. The internal pressure PI has not yet changed; it is still below the limiting pressure PG. The production of oxygen as part of medium 12 begins.

[0050] At time t3, the chemical reaction in core 30 is underway, and oxygen is increasingly produced. The internal pressure PI now rises, but is still below the limit pressure PG. The diaphragm 16 now begins to bulge toward the outlet opening 8 and thus toward the cutting medium 18.

[0051] At time t4, the internal pressure Pl has continued to rise, causing the membrane 16 to bulge or deform away from the interior 6 and now, at the limit pressure PG, finally rests against the cutting means 18, in this case its cutting tip 24 or pointed end 22. The further increasing internal pressure PI in the interior 6 creates pressure from the membrane 16 on the cutting means 18, causing the latter to develop a cutting effect on the membrane 16 and begin to sever or cut the membrane 16.

[0052] At time t5, the cutting action has developed, and the cutting medium 18 has cut through the membrane 16, creating an opening 36 in the membrane. The interior 6 is now no longer sealed by the membrane 16, but medium 12 can flow out of the interior 6 through the opening 36. The medium can flow past the cutting medium 18, as shown in Figure 2 shown specifically, but can also escape through an outlet channel 26 within the cutting means 18, see the Figures 5 to 9 further down.

[0053] At time t6, the outflow of the medium 12, now mainly oxygen, from the interior 6 has begun or is in full swing, indicated by an arrow 37. In the core 30, oxygen continues to be produced, which passes through the opening 36 or its outlet channel 26 (see below) through the outlet opening 8, reaches the connecting piece 32 and thus finally by means of the media line 34 (in Figure 2 not shown) to the passenger in question.

[0054] This results in a pressure equalization of the interior space 6 with the environment or the exterior space 14.

[0055] Figure 3 symbolically shows the Figures 4a,bSpecifically, a cutting means 18 according to the prior art. The cutting means 18 is formed by cutting a metal nose 40 on one side out of a sheet 38 and pre-bent it towards the interior 6, thereby forming a cutting tip 24. With increasing internal pressure Pl, the membrane 16 also contacts the cutting tip 24 and is accordingly Figure 2 severed by it. Medium 12 can then flow through the opening 42 in the sheet metal 38, which was created by bending out the sheet metal nose 40. The problem here is that parts of the membrane 16 may overlap the opening 42 or the membrane 16 may lie flat against the flat sides or the structure of the sheet metal nose 40, and the surface pressure of the cutting tip 24 on the membrane 16 is then insufficient to cut it reliably and safely.

[0056] The Figures 3, 4a and 4bthus show a membrane cutter as a punched and bent-out embodiment of a cover 50 for the outlet opening 8.

[0057] The Figures 5 to 9 show cutting means 18 according to the invention.

[0058] The cutting means 18 is designed in the manner of a cannula 20. This has a pointed end 22 which, in the assembly position M, points towards the membrane 16. The cannula 20 runs at the pointed end 22 in at least one ( Figure 5 (shows a single) cutting tip 24. Furthermore, the cannula 20 contains an outlet channel 26, which is formed by a wall 28 of the cutting means 18 surrounding this outlet channel 26.

[0059] If membrane 16 is severed (see Figure 7a,b ) the medium 12 is discharged via the outlet channel 26 through the outlet opening 8 (see Figure 5 ). Thus, as mentioned above, the outlet opening 8 is exposed to the medium 12 by means of the outlet channel 26 when the membrane 16 is severed.

[0060] In the embodiment Figure 5 the connecting piece 32 is welded to the hollow body 4 and is also made of stainless steel in a media-tight manner, here helium-tight, and thus surrounds the outlet opening 8 in a media-tight manner, so that all medium flowing out of the outlet opening 8 is directed into the media line 34.

[0061] Compared to the known embodiment according to Figures 3 and 4a,b This results in a significantly higher surface pressure of the membrane 16 on the cutting tip 24 of the cutting means 18, so that a flat contact of the membrane 16 on the cutting means 18 is excluded.

[0062] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the cutting means 18 from Figure 5. The cutting means 18 has a cutting edge 44 for the membrane 16 that completely surrounds the outlet channel 26. It can also be seen how the wall 28 completely surrounds the outlet channel 26. In Figure 6 A single section 46 of the cutting edge 44 is designed as a single cutting tip 24. This creates a particularly high surface pressure and a particularly good cutting effect when the membrane 16 is applied. The cutting edge 44 extends obliquely (in an oblique plane) to an extension direction 48 of the outlet channel 26, indicated here by a dashed line.

[0063] In the embodiment according to Figure 6 The membrane assembly 10 includes a cover 50. This cover is attachable or attached to the hollow body 4 in the assembly position M. The cutting means 18 in the form of the cannula 20 is in turn attached to the cover 50 or is formed integrally therewith. Figure 5It is merely symbolically indicated how the cover 50 is welded to the hollow body 4 in a media-tight manner. The cover 50 itself is made of metal in a media-tight manner. Thus, the cover 50 itself is designed to be media-tight and, in the assembled position, is attached to the hollow body 4 in a media-tight manner. The outlet channel 26 represents the only passage through the cover 50 and thus the outlet opening 8, through which medium 12 can escape from the interior space 6.

[0064] The Figure 7a,b show a view of the membrane 16 from the interior 6 of the hollow body 4 from different spatial perspectives from the time t5 Figure 2 , namely, when the membrane 16 has been cut through by the cutting means 18 and has wrapped around the cannula 20, ie, it rests radially outwardly or circumferentially against the wall 28. Thus, the outlet channel 26 is completely open for medium 12.

[0065] Here, it is clearly visible how even partial coverage of the outlet channel 26 by the membrane 16 is effectively prevented due to the design of the cutting means 18 as a cannula 20. The outlet channel 26 is completely open and available for the outflow of the medium 12. By dimensioning the outlet channel 26 and converting the chemical core 30 into oxygen, a flow rate of medium 12 through the outlet channel 26 can be reliably dimensioned.

[0066] The Figures 5 to 7b show the cutting means 28 as a separate part, based on a hollow needle. A combination with a connecting piece 32 according to Figure 8 is possible or desired here (not shown).

[0067] Figure 8shows an alternative embodiment of a cutting means 18 in the form of a cannula 20. Here, a cutting edge 44 is also provided that completely surrounds the outlet channel 26. The entire cutting edge 44 forms a single section 46, which is designed as a single cutting tip 24 in the manner of a ring cutting edge. Here, the connecting piece 32 for the media line 34 is directly connected to the spigot end 24. The cutting means 18 itself thus has the connecting piece 32, which is opposite the spigot end 22.

[0068] Figure 8 thus shows a rotationally symmetrical hollow needle with a central bore for piercing the membrane 16 as a separate part, but combined with an outlet or connection piece 32.

[0069] Figure 9shows a further embodiment of a cutting means 18. This also has a cutting edge 44 which runs annularly transversely or flatly around the outlet channel 26 and which represents an entire section 46 which is again designed as a ring cutting edge in the form of a cutting tip 24, insofar as comparable to the embodiment according to Figure 8 Here, the cutting means 18 is again part of a cover 50 according to Figure 6 and also made in one piece with it. In other words, the cutting means 18 here forms a rotationally symmetrical formation for piercing the membrane 16 as a feature integrated into the cover 50 and thus a housing of the hollow body arrangement 2 (of a part of the hollow body arrangement 2). Figure 9 For example, a separate connection piece 32 can then be attached (not shown). List of reference symbols

[0070] 2Hollow body arrangement 4Hollow body 6Interior 8Outlet opening (hollow body) 10Membrane arrangement 12Medium 14Exterior 16Membrane 18Cutting agent 20Cannula 22Pointed end 24Cutting tip 26Outlet channel (cannula) 28Wall 30Core (chemical) 31Activation (arrow) 32Connection piece 34Media line 36Opening (membrane) 37Arrow 38Sheet 40Sheet nose 42Perforation 44Cutting edge 46Section (cutting edge) 48Extension direction 50Cover MMounting position PIInternal pressure PGLimiting pressure RRelative position t1-6Time

Claims

1. Membrane arrangement (10) for an outlet opening (8) of a designated hollow body (4) with an interior space (6) for a medium (12) and the outlet opening (8) for the medium (12), - with a membrane (16), which in a designated mounting position (M) can be attached to the hollow body (4), closing the outlet opening (8) in a media-sealing manner, and at the same time is designed to bulge increasingly away from the interior space (6) as the internal pressure (PI) increases, - with a cutting means (18), which in the mounting position (M) can be attached to the hollow body (4) and at the same time is arranged beyond the membrane (16) with respect to the interior space (6), - wherein, in the mounting position (M), the membrane (16) and the cutting means (18) are in a relative position (R) in relation to one another in which, up to an internal pressure (PI) at the level of a limit pressure (PG), the cutting means (18) does not lie against the membrane (16) and, when the limit pressure (PG) is exceeded, the cutting means lies against the membrane (16), while producing a cutting effect that severs the membrane (16), - wherein the cutting means (18) is designed in the manner of a cannula (20), which at a pointed end (22) tapers towards the membrane (16) in at least one cutting tip (24) and has an outlet channel (26) and a wall (28) surrounding said outlet channel, - wherein, when the membrane (16) is severed, the medium (12) can be made to pass through the outlet opening (8) by means of the outlet channel (26), - wherein, when the membrane (16) is severed, the outlet opening (8) is at least partially open for the medium (12) to pass through by means of the outlet channel (26).

2. Membrane arrangement (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cutting means (18) has a cutting edge (44) for the membrane (16), running at least partially around the outlet channel (26).

3. Membrane arrangement (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that at least one respective portion (46) of the cutting edge (44) is formed as at least one of the cutting tips (24).

4. Membrane arrangement (10) according to either of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the cutting edge (44) runs at an angle to a direction of extent (48) of the outlet channel (26).

5. Membrane arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting means (18) has a connector (32) for a media line (34) opposite from the pointed end (22) with respect to the outlet channel (26).

6. Membrane arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane arrangement (10) includes a cover (50), which in the mounting position (M) can be fastened to the hollow body (4), and the membrane (16) and / or the cutting means (18) is fastened to the cover (50) in a media-sealing manner.

7. Membrane arrangement (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the cover (50) can be attached to the hollow body (4) in a media-sealing manner in the mounting position (M) and / or the cover (50) is itself formed in a media-sealing manner.

8. Membrane arrangement (10) according to either of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the outlet channel (26) represents the only opening for the medium (12) that passes through the cover (50).

9. Membrane arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the cutting means (18) and / or - if present - the connector (32) is formed in one piece with the cover (50).

10. Membrane arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entire pointed end (22) is designed as a single cutting tip (24), running around the outlet channel (26).

11. Hollow-body arrangement (2), - with the membrane arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, - with the hollow body (4) with the interior space (6) and the outlet opening (8), - wherein the membrane (16) in the designated mounting position (M) is attached to the hollow body (4), closing the outlet opening (8) in a media-sealing manner, - wherein the cutting means (18) in the mounting position (M) is attached to the hollow body (4).

12. Hollow-body arrangement (2) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the interior space (6) is completely enclosed in a media-sealing manner by the hollow body (4) and the outlet opening (8) is the only opening of the hollow body (4) for an outflowing of the medium (12).

13. Hollow-body arrangement (2) according to either of Claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the interior space (6) contains an inert gas as at least part of the medium (12).

14. Hollow-body arrangement (2) according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the hollow-body arrangement (2) is a chemical oxygen generator, wherein in the interior space (6) there is a chemical core (30) which can be activated to generate oxygen as at least part of the medium (12) and thereby increase the internal pressure (PI) in the interior space to beyond the limit pressure (PG).