Membrane block

Abstract

The present invention relates to a membrane block (1) comprising a plurality of membrane elements (2). Each membrane element (2) comprises a flat membrane (3) and a frame (4). A first flow path (7) and a second flow path (8) are formed between adjacent membrane elements (2). To this end, adjacent membrane elements (2) in the membrane block (1) are offset from each other in the width direction (BR) or the longitudinal direction (LR). The present invention also relates to a humidifier comprising the membrane block (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to a membrane block for a humidifier according to the type defined in the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a humidifier comprising a casing and a membrane block arranged in the casing.

[0002] Humidifiers are used, for example, in fuel cell systems with fuel cells to humidify dry supply air flowing toward the fuel cell with moist exhaust air flowing from the fuel cell. In this case, the humidifier typically includes a membrane block with multiple membrane elements stacked and in contact with one another. Each membrane element may include a flat, flexible membrane, which is surrounded and stabilized by an annular frame. The membrane elements are stacked one on top of the other in the height direction, and the frames of the membrane elements are spaced apart from one another. This creates multiple flow channels between the membrane elements or between the membranes of the membrane elements, through which exhaust air and supply air can flow alternately in the height direction of the membrane block. A disadvantage is that the membrane block requires increased construction space due to the frames themselves and the required spacing between the frames. If the height of the membrane block is reduced in the height direction, the total number of membrane elements and therefore the total number of membranes is also reduced. This leads to a decrease in the water transport rate within the membrane block.

[0003] DE 10 2020 212 596 A1 discloses a humidifier with such a membrane block.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a membrane block of the type mentioned at the beginning and for a humidifier of the type mentioned at the beginning, which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​stacking the membrane elements of a membrane block on top of each other without any gaps between the frames, thereby reducing the height of the membrane block in the vertical direction, and of shifting the membrane elements relative to each other in the transverse direction relative to the vertical direction, thereby opening the flow paths laterally to allow flow through.

[0007] The membrane block according to the present invention is particularly designed for use in a humidifier in a fuel cell system equipped with a fuel cell. The membrane block comprises a plurality of membrane elements stacked one on top of the other in the height direction. Each membrane element comprises a flat membrane and a rectangular frame surrounding the membrane at its edges. Each membrane element extends in the lengthwise and widthwise directions, and is thus oriented transversely to the height direction. The height, width, and lengthwise directions are oriented relative to the membrane block and are perpendicular to each other. First and second flow channels are formed between adjacent membrane elements, alternating in the height direction. The first flow channel is permeable in the widthwise direction but closed in the lengthwise direction, and the second flow channel is permeable in the lengthwise direction but closed in the widthwise direction. According to the present invention, adjacent membrane elements in the membrane block are offset from each other in the widthwise or lengthwise direction. Thus, the widthwise oriented frame regions of the frames of adjacent membrane elements are in contact with each other and the lengthwise oriented frame regions of the frames of adjacent membrane elements are not in contact with each other, or the lengthwise oriented frame regions of the frames of adjacent membrane elements are in contact with each other and the widthwise oriented frame regions of the frames of adjacent membrane elements are not in contact with each other, thereby forming a first flow path or a second flow path between adjacent membrane elements.

[0008] The membrane elements are arranged in contact with each other in the height direction, with no gaps between the frames, so that the height of the membrane block defined in the height direction is minimal. In this case, adjacent membrane elements are offset from each other in the width direction or the longitudinal direction, so that the flow paths between the membrane elements are open to the outside. The frame of each membrane element has two frame regions oriented in the width direction facing each other and two frame regions oriented in the longitudinal direction facing each other. These frame regions are joined to each other at the corners of the frame. When adjacent membrane elements are offset from each other in the width direction, the frame regions oriented in the width direction of the frame overlap each other, while the frame regions oriented in the longitudinal direction of the frame do not contact each other. This allows flow to pass between adjacent membrane elements in the width direction, but does not allow flow to pass in the longitudinal direction, or is closed. This forms a first flow path. When adjacent membrane elements are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction, the frame regions oriented in the longitudinal direction of the frame overlap each other, and the frame regions oriented in the width direction of the frame do not contact each other. The flow paths between adjacent membrane elements are thus open in the longitudinal direction but closed or closed in the width direction, forming second flow paths. The membrane elements may be bonded to each other in a materially bonded manner, preferably by adhesive, on the frame.

[0009] The frame regions of adjacent membrane elements that are not in contact with each other and oriented in the longitudinal or width direction may be offset from each other. In this case, the frame regions may be offset from each other so that the first flow paths or the second flow paths are permeable and / or so that the first flow paths or the second flow paths are open to the outside. The frame regions of adjacent membrane elements that are not in contact with each other and oriented in the longitudinal or width direction may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, thereby forming a permeable zone between the frame regions. In this case, the first flow paths or the second flow paths may be formed by the permeable zone at least in a predetermined region, i.e., completely or only partially.

[0010] Each frame may have a constant height, particularly in the height direction. In other words, each frame may have a constant height in the height direction over its entire periphery. Due to the constant height of each frame, adjacent frames are directly superimposed on each other at the contact areas. In this case, each contact area is formed by adjacent frame areas oriented in the width direction of the adjacent frames in the first flow path, and by adjacent frame areas oriented in the length direction of the adjacent frames in the second flow path. The constant height of each frame allows a seal to be formed at each contact area, so that no additional sealing material needs to be inserted between the individual frames or between the individual membrane elements. In other words, the constant height of each frame prevents gaps between the frames of each membrane element at each contact area, so that air cannot enter the membrane block through each contact area.

[0011] Each membrane and each frame is rectangular. Each membrane may be surrounded by plastic by injection molding, thereby forming a rectangular frame surrounding the membrane. That is, the membrane and frame may be connected to each other in a materially or inseparably manner. Each membrane may be flat and flexible, or may be supported and stabilized or reinforced by a frame. The height of the frame, as defined in the height direction, may be particularly greater than the thickness of the membrane, as defined in the height direction. This allows a first or second flow path through which a flow can pass between the membranes of adjacent membrane elements. In other words, when the frames are stacked on top of each other, the membranes of adjacent membrane elements can be spaced apart from each other. Each frame may have a C-shaped cross section transverse to the width and / or length directions and may surround the membrane at its edge. The width of each frame, as defined in the width / length direction, may be the same on all sides. Preferably, the membrane elements can be offset in the width and / or length direction by more than the width of the frame, as defined in the width and / or length direction.

[0012] In a possible embodiment of the membrane block, four membrane elements stacked one above the other in the stacking direction can form one membrane group, and these membrane groups can be arranged one above the other in the height direction. The second membrane element of each membrane group can be offset a first distance in the positive width direction with respect to the first membrane element of each membrane group. The third membrane element of each membrane group can be offset a second distance in the positive longitudinal direction with respect to the second membrane element of each membrane group. The fourth membrane element of each membrane group can be offset a third distance in the negative width direction with respect to the third membrane element of each membrane group. The first membrane element of a subsequent membrane group can be offset a fourth distance in the negative longitudinal direction with respect to the fourth membrane element of the preceding membrane group.

[0013] It should be understood that each membrane element in each membrane group is successive in height according to its number. The fourth membrane element of one membrane group is successive in height to the first membrane element of another membrane group. In this case, a positive or negative offset is formed in the width direction or length direction, respectively. In this case, the positive and negative offsets are formed in opposite directions.

[0014] The first distance and the third distance may be the same. This allows a positive widthwise offset of the membrane elements to be offset by a negative widthwise offset of the membrane elements. The second distance and the fourth distance may be the same. This allows a positive longitudinal offset of the membrane elements to be offset by a negative longitudinal offset of the membrane elements. This allows membrane elements with the same number to overlap each other in the height direction or not be offset from each other in the width and / or length directions. However, membrane elements with the same number are arranged in groups with an offset corresponding to their numbers. If the first distance and the third distance, and the second distance and the fourth distance are the same, respectively, the four edge regions of the membrane block are oriented in the height direction, and the membrane block has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Furthermore, it is conceivable that all distances in the membrane block are the same. In other words, the positive and negative longitudinal offsets may be the same magnitude as the positive and negative widthwise offsets. Each distance may be greater than the width of each frame of the membrane element, so that a passage or an opening leading to the outside from the membrane block is formed between the frames of adjacent membrane elements, in other words, each flow path can be opened to the outside.

[0015] In the above-described embodiment, the first flow passages, which are permeable in the width direction but closed in the longitudinal direction, can be formed between the first and second membrane elements and between the third and fourth membrane elements in the membrane block, respectively. The second flow passages, which are permeable in the longitudinal direction but closed in the width direction, can be formed between the second and third membrane elements and between the fourth and first membrane elements in the membrane block, respectively. As already mentioned above, in the case of widthwise offset, the frame regions oriented in the width direction of each frame overlap each other, while the frame regions oriented in the longitudinal direction of the frames do not overlap each other. This forms the first flow passages, which are permeable in the width direction but closed in the longitudinal direction. In contrast, in the case of vertically offset, the frame regions oriented in the longitudinal direction of each frame overlap each other, while the frame regions oriented in the width direction of the frames do not overlap each other. This forms the second flow passages, which are permeable in the longitudinal direction but closed in the width direction.

[0016] The geometric area of ​​the membrane element defined transversely to the height direction may be smaller than the geometric area of ​​the membrane block defined transversely to the height direction. In other words, the membrane block may occupy an area transversely to the height direction that is larger than the area of ​​each membrane element due to the membrane elements being stacked in a staggered manner.

[0017] The membrane elements may be identical to one another, which significantly simplifies the manufacture of the membrane block.

[0018] Each membrane element may have at least one corner member extending from the frame, and each corner member may extend outward from the frame at a corner of the frame in a direction transverse to the height direction. The corner members and / or the frames of each membrane element may overlap each other in the height direction, forming a continuous edge region of the membrane block in the height direction. To this end, each corner member may have a height-defined height equivalent to the height of the frame defined in the height direction. If corner members are not provided, the frames of each membrane element are arranged offset from each other at the edges of the membrane block oriented in the height direction. As a result, the edge regions of the membrane block are not continuous or have gaps in the height direction. The corner member can close this gap, making the edge region of the membrane block continuous. This allows the membrane block to be easily sealed at each edge oriented in the height direction.

[0019] In particular, exactly three corner elements can be provided for each membrane element and formed at exactly three corners of each frame. In this case, each corner element can protrude in the width direction and / or the length direction, respectively, to compensate for the shifting of the frame or membrane element in the width direction and / or the length direction. In this case, each corner element can be shaped differently from each other. Thus, one corner element can protrude only in the width direction, another corner element can protrude only in the length direction, and yet another corner element can protrude outward from the frame in both the width direction and the length direction. In this case, all membrane elements or all frames equipped with corner elements can be shaped identically to each other.

[0020] Each frame of each membrane element may have at least one reinforcing rib. Each reinforcing rib may connect two opposing frame regions of the frame, thereby reinforcing each membrane of the membrane element. In this case, each reinforcing rib may be integrally formed with the frame itself or may be an inseparable part of the frame. The reinforcing rib may be materially connected to the membrane. In this case, each reinforcing rib facing the first flow path may be oriented in the width direction, and / or each reinforcing rib facing the second flow path may be oriented in the length direction. In other words, each reinforcing rib may be oriented in the direction of fluid flow in the flow path formed between adjacent membrane elements. The frame may have at least one reinforcing rib on each side of the membrane. The reinforcing ribs of adjacent membrane elements may be in contact with each other, thereby defining the spacing between the membranes.

[0021] The invention further relates to a humidifier comprising a casing and a membrane block arranged in the casing, the membrane block being formed as described above according to the invention, to which reference is made at this point in order to avoid repetition.

[0022] Further important features and advantages of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, the drawings and the corresponding description of the drawings based on the drawings.

[0023] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those further described below can be used not only in the respective combinations described, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in detail in the following description, where like reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical elements.

[0025] The figures are each schematic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a membrane block according to the present invention in a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the height-oriented edge region of a membrane block according to the invention in a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the stepwise stacking of membrane elements in a membrane block according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the stepwise stacking of membrane elements in a membrane block according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the stepwise stacking of membrane elements in a membrane block according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the stepwise stacking of membrane elements in a membrane block according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the stepwise stacking of membrane elements in a membrane block according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane block according to the present invention in a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows a membrane block according to the present invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 shows one membrane group of a membrane block according to the present invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a membrane block according to the present invention in a second embodiment, taken transversely to the longitudinal direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view transverse to the width direction of a membrane block according to the present invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing membrane elements of each membrane group of a membrane block according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing membrane elements of each membrane group of a membrane block according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing membrane elements of each membrane group of a membrane block according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing membrane elements of each membrane group of a membrane block according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 shows a membrane block according to the present invention in a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a membrane block according to the present invention in a third embodiment, taken transversely to the longitudinal direction. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view transverse to the width direction of a membrane block according to the present invention in a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a view showing a membrane element of a membrane block according to the third embodiment of the present invention from one side. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are views showing membrane elements of a membrane block according to the present invention in a third embodiment from different sides.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a membrane block 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The membrane block 1 includes a plurality of membrane elements 2, each of which is positioned above the other in the height direction HR of the membrane block 1 and overlaps with another in a predetermined region. Each membrane element 2 extends transversely to the height direction HR, or in a width direction BR and a longitudinal direction LR. The height direction HR, width direction BR, and longitudinal direction LR are oriented perpendicular to each other. Each membrane element 2 includes a rectangular membrane 3 and a rectangular frame 4 surrounding the membrane 3 over its entire periphery. The frame 4 includes two opposing frame regions 5a and 5b and two opposing frame regions 6a and 6b. The frame regions 5a and 5b are oriented in the width direction BR, and the frame regions 6a and 6b are oriented in the longitudinal direction LR. The opposing frame regions 5a and 5b or 6a and 6b are oriented spaced apart from each other and joined at corners 13 of the frame 4. In this case, the frame 4 has a width B transverse to the height direction HR. Furthermore, the frame 4 has a constant height in the circumferential direction in the height direction HR. Here and hereafter, for the sake of clarity of the drawings, several elements are shown on one of these membrane elements 2.

[0028] The frame 4 has a C-shaped cross section transverse to the width direction BR and transverse to the longitudinal direction LR. In this case, the height of the frame 4 defined in the height direction HR is greater than the thickness of the membrane 3 defined in the height direction HR, thereby forming a first flow channel 7 and a second flow channel 8 between the membranes 3 of adjacent membrane elements 2 in the height direction HR. The first flow channel 7 is permeable in the width direction BR but closed in the longitudinal direction LR, and extends parallel to and between the frame regions 5a and 5b of the frame 4 of adjacent membrane elements 2. The second flow channel 8 is permeable in the longitudinal direction LR but closed in the width direction BR, and extends parallel to and between the frame regions 6a and 6b of the frame 4 of adjacent membrane elements 2. The first flow channels 7 and the second flow channels 8 are arranged alternately in the height direction HR.

[0029] The frame 4 of each membrane element 2 extends annularly and surrounds the membrane 3 on all sides. To maintain the flow paths 7 and 8, adjacent membrane elements 2 are offset from each other in the width direction BR or the longitudinal direction LR. As a result, the frames 4 of each membrane element 2 are in contact with each other only in the frame regions 5a and 5b oriented in the width direction BR or the frame regions 6a and 6b oriented in the longitudinal direction LR, but are not in contact with each other in the other frame regions 6a and 6b or the other frame regions 5a and 5b. The mutual stacking of the membrane elements 2 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 7.

[0030] The membrane block 1 is designed for use in a humidifier in a fuel cell system with a fuel cell. Dry supply air flowing toward the fuel cell can flow through the first flow path 7, and humid exhaust air flowing from the fuel cell can flow through the second flow path 8, or vice versa. The membrane 3 of each membrane element 2 is air-impermeable and water vapor-permeable, so that inside the membrane block 1, the dry supply air can be humidified by the humid exhaust air.

[0031] 2 shows a view of one of four edge regions 9 oriented in the height direction HR of a membrane block 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Each edge region 9 is formed along the edge of the membrane block 1 oriented in the height direction HR. Since the individual membrane elements 2 are offset from one another, each edge region 9 of the membrane block 1 is not continuous and has a gap.

[0032] 3 to 7 show diagrams illustrating the stepwise stacking of membrane elements 2 in a membrane block 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this case, four membrane elements 2 stacked one above the other in the height direction HR each form one membrane group 10. The individual membrane groups 10 are arranged one above the other in the height direction of the membrane block 1. The membrane block 1 may have any number of membrane groups 10. It is also possible that the first membrane group 10 in the height direction HR and / or the last membrane group 10 in the height direction HR is incomplete.

[0033] For ease of description, the membrane elements 2 of each membrane group 10 are numbered accordingly. Thus, each membrane group 10 includes a first membrane element 2A, a second membrane element 2B, a third membrane element 2C, and a fourth membrane element 2D. The membrane elements 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are identical to one another, and the distinction is made only for ease of description. In each membrane group 10, the membrane elements 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are adjacent to one another in the height direction HR, according to their numbers. If another membrane group 10 follows in the height direction HR, the first membrane element 2A of the subsequent membrane group 10 follows the fourth membrane element 2D of the preceding membrane group 10. That is, in the height direction HR, the membrane elements are arranged in the following order: 2D, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2A...

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, the first membrane element 2A is placed in the initial position.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4 , the second membrane element 2B is offset by a distance D1 in the positive width direction BR relative to the first membrane element 2A. In this case, the distance D1 is greater than the width B of the frame 4. The frame regions 5a and 5b of the frames 4 of the membrane elements 2A and 2B, which are oriented in the width direction BR, are overlapped with each other, and the frame regions 6a and 6b of the frames 4 of the membrane elements 2A and 2B, which are oriented in the longitudinal direction LR, are offset with each other. This forms a first flow path 7 between the membrane elements 2A and 2B. The first flow path 7 is closed in the longitudinal direction LR, or transverse to the width direction BR, by the overlapping frame regions 5a and 5b of the frame 4, and is open in the width direction BR, or transverse to the longitudinal direction LR, by the offset frame regions 6a and 6b of the frame 4. The first flow path 7 is accordingly open to flow in the width direction BR and closed in the longitudinal direction LR.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5 , the third membrane element 2C is offset by a distance D2 in the positive longitudinal direction LR relative to the second membrane element 2B. In this case, the distance D2 is greater than the width B of the frame 4. The frame regions 6a and 6b of the frames 4 of the membrane elements 2B and 2C, oriented in the longitudinal direction LR, are superimposed on one another, while the frame regions 5a and 5b of the frames 4 of the membrane elements 2B and 2C, oriented in the width direction BR, are offset from one another. This forms a second flow path 8 between the membrane elements 2B and 2C. The second flow path 8 is closed in the width direction BR, or transverse to the longitudinal direction LR, by the superimposed frame regions 6a and 6b of the frame 4, and is open in the longitudinal direction LR, or transverse to the width direction BR, by the offset frame regions 5a and 5b of the frame 4. The second flow path 7 is accordingly open in the longitudinal direction LR and closed in the width direction BR.

[0037] Referring to Figure 6, the fourth membrane element 2D is offset by a distance D3 in the negative width direction BR relative to the third membrane element 2B. In this case, the distance D3 is greater than the width B of the frame 4. In this case, the negative width direction BR is the opposite direction to the positive width direction BR. Since the distance D3 corresponds to the distance D1, the offset of the second membrane element 2B is offset by the offset of the fourth membrane element 2D. Similar to the offset in the positive width direction BR in Figure 4, a first flow path 7 is formed between the membrane elements 2C and 2D.

[0038] 7, the first membrane element 2A of the subsequent membrane group 10 is offset by a distance D4 in the negative longitudinal direction LR with respect to the fourth membrane element 2D of the preceding membrane group 10. In this case, the distance D4 is greater than the width B of the frame 4. In this case, the negative longitudinal direction LR is opposite to the positive longitudinal direction LR. Since the distance D4 corresponds to the distance D2, the offset of the third membrane element 2C is offset by the offset of the first membrane element 2A. Similar to the offset in the positive longitudinal direction LR according to FIG. 5, a second flow path 8 is formed between the membrane elements 2D and 2A of the adjacent membrane groups 10.

[0039] The first membrane element 2A is followed—as already explained with reference to FIG. 4—by the second membrane element 2B. Thus, stacking of membrane elements 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D may optionally be carried out further until the desired height of the membrane block 1 in the height direction HR is achieved.

[0040] 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the membrane block 1 according to the invention in the first embodiment, taken transversely to the width direction BR / height direction HR. As can be particularly clearly seen in this figure, the distance D1 / D3 or D2 / D4 is greater than the width B of the frame 4 in the width direction BR, so that the channels 7 / 8 are open outward. Furthermore, in FIG. 8 it can be seen that the channels 7 / 8 do not run straight, but rather in an S-shape.

[0041] 9 shows a diagram of a membrane block 1 according to the present invention in a second embodiment. The membrane block 1 in the second embodiment differs only in the shape of the membrane elements 2, as will be described in detail later. In other respects, both embodiments are identical. In this case, the membrane elements 2 have corner pieces 11 in each edge region 9 of the membrane block 1, which fill the gaps formed by the mutual misalignment of the frames 4. This allows each edge region 9 of the membrane block 1 to be continuously shaped, and the membrane block 1 can be easily sealed at its edges.

[0042] 10 shows a view of a membrane group 10 of a membrane block 1 according to the present invention in a second embodiment. As can be particularly clearly seen in this figure, the membrane elements 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are offset relative to one another, as in the membrane block 1 of the first embodiment. However, in each edge region 9 of the membrane block 1, the membrane elements 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are positioned one above the other in the height direction HR at the corner pieces 11 or at the frame 4, forming continuous or gap-free edge regions 9 of the membrane block 1, respectively.

[0043] 11 and 12 show cross-sectional views of a membrane block 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 11, the membrane block 1 is cross-sectioned transversely to the longitudinal direction LR, and in Fig. 12, the membrane block 1 is cross-sectioned transversely to the width direction BR. As can be seen in Figs. 11 and 12, the frame regions 5a and 5b and the frame regions 6a and 6b of the frames 4 of adjacent membrane elements 2 are alternately offset from each other. As a result, first flow paths 7 and second flow paths 8 are alternately formed in the height direction HR, as in the first embodiment.

[0044] 13 to 16 show views of membrane elements 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D of each membrane group 10 of a membrane block 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The membrane elements 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D shown in these figures are stacked one on top of the other in a manner similar to that described in FIGS. 3 to 7. The corner pieces 11 protruding outward from the frame 4 in the width direction BR and / or the longitudinal direction LR allow the edge regions 9 of the membrane block 1 to be formed without any gaps. Each membrane element 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is shaped identically to one another. The membrane elements 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D can be positioned appropriately for stacking by rotating / shifting / pivoting each membrane element 2.

[0045] 17 shows a diagram of a membrane block 1 according to the invention in a third embodiment. The membrane block 1 in the third embodiment differs from the membrane block 1 in the second embodiment only in the configuration of the frame 4 of the membrane element 2, as will be described in more detail below. Otherwise, both embodiments are identical. The frame 4 of the membrane element 2 in this case has two reinforcing ribs 12 on each side of the membrane 3, which connect the frame regions 5a and 5b of the frame 4 on one side of the membrane 3 and the frame regions 6a and 6b on the other side of the membrane 3, thereby reinforcing the frame 4 or the membrane 3. In this case, each reinforcing rib 12 is always oriented in the flow direction of the respective flow channel 7 or 8.

[0046] 18 and 19 show cross-sectional views of a membrane block 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 18, the membrane block 1 is cross-sectionally taken in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction LR, while in FIG. 19, the membrane block 1 is cross-sectionally taken in a direction transverse to the width direction BR. As can be seen from this figure, the reinforcing ribs 12 of adjacent frames 4 overlap each other, dividing each flow channel 7 or 8 into partial flow channels. This improves the flow through each flow channel 7 or 8. In this case, the reinforcing ribs 12 are oriented in the width direction BR in the first flow channel 7 and in the longitudinal direction LR in the second flow channel 8.

[0047] 20 and 21 show views of a membrane element 2 of a membrane block 1 according to the invention in a third embodiment. In FIGS. 20 and 21, the membrane element 2 is shown from different sides. In this case, the frame 4 has two reinforcing ribs 12 in each of the two frame regions of the membrane 2. On one side, the reinforcing ribs 12 are provided for the first flow channel 7 and are oriented in the width direction BR. On the other side, the reinforcing ribs 12 are provided for the second flow channel 8 and are oriented in the longitudinal direction LR.

Claims

1. A membrane block (1) for a humidifier, comprising: The membrane block (1) has a plurality of membrane elements (2) stacked one above the other in the height direction (HR), Each of the membrane elements (2) comprises a flat membrane (3) and a rectangular frame (4) surrounding the membrane (3) at its edges, Each of the membrane elements (2) extends in a longitudinal direction (LR) and a width direction (BR), First flow paths (7) and second flow paths (8) are formed alternately in the height direction (HR) between adjacent membrane elements (2), The first flow path (7) allows flow in the width direction (BR) and is closed in the machine direction (LR), and the second flow path (8) allows flow in the machine direction (LR) and is closed in the width direction (BR). In the membrane block (1), The membrane block (1) is characterized in that the adjacent membrane elements (2) in the membrane block (1) are offset from each other in the width direction (BR) or the longitudinal direction (LR), such that the frame regions (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) of the frames (4) of the adjacent membrane elements (2) oriented in the width direction (BR) or the longitudinal direction (LR) are in contact with each other, and the frame regions (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) of the frames (4) of the adjacent membrane elements (2) oriented in the longitudinal direction (LR) or the width direction (BR) are not in contact with each other, thereby forming the first flow path (7) or the second flow path (8) between the adjacent membrane elements (2).

2. Four membrane elements (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) stacked one above the other in the stacking direction each form one membrane group (10), and the membrane groups (10) are arranged one above the other in the height direction (HR), The second membrane element (2B) of each membrane group (10) is offset by a first distance (D1) in the positive width direction (BR) with respect to the first membrane element (2A) of each membrane group (10), the third membrane element (2C) of each membrane group (10) is offset by a second distance (D2) in the positive longitudinal direction (LR) with respect to the second membrane element (2B) of each membrane group (10); the fourth membrane element (2D) of each membrane group (10) is offset by a third distance (D3) in the negative width direction (BR) with respect to the third membrane element (2C) of each membrane group (10); the first membrane element (2A) of the subsequent membrane group (10) is offset by a fourth distance (D4) in the negative longitudinal direction (LR) with respect to the fourth membrane element (2D) of the preceding membrane group (10); The membrane block (1) according to claim 1.

3. the first distance (D1) and the third distance (D3) are identical to each other, and / or the second distance (D2) and the fourth distance (D4) are identical to each other, and / or the first distance (D1), the second distance (D2), the third distance (D3) and the fourth distance (D4) are identical to each other; and / or Each of the distances (D1, D2, D3, D4) is greater than the width (B) of each of the frames (4) of the membrane elements (2), thereby forming a passageway leading from the membrane block (1) to the outside between the frames (4) of the adjacent membrane elements (2). A membrane block (1) according to claim 2.

4. In the membrane block (1), the first flow paths (7), which are capable of flowing in the width direction (BR) and are closed in the longitudinal direction (LR), are formed between the first membrane element (2A) and the second membrane element (2B) and between the third membrane element (2C) and the fourth membrane element (2D), respectively; In the membrane block (1), the second flow paths (8) that allow flow in the longitudinal direction (LR) and are closed in the width direction (BR) are formed between the second membrane element (2B) and the third membrane element (2C) and between the fourth membrane element (2D) and the first membrane element (2A), respectively. Membrane block (1) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. 5. The membrane block (1) according to claim 1, wherein all membrane elements (2) of the membrane block (1) are identical to one another.

6. The membrane block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the height of the frame (4) defined in the height direction (HR) is greater than the thickness of the membrane (3) defined in the height direction (HR), thereby forming each of the flow paths (7, 8) between the membranes (3) of the membrane elements (2) adjacent in the height direction (HR).

7. 7. The membrane block (1) according to claim 1, wherein the geometric area of ​​the membrane element (2) defined transversely to the height direction (HR) is smaller than the geometric area of ​​the membrane block (1) defined transversely to the height direction (HR).

8. Each of the membrane elements (2) has at least one corner member (11) extending from the frame (4), and each corner member (11) extends outward from the frame (4) in a direction transverse to the height direction (HR) at a corner (13) of the frame (4); The corner members (11) and / or the frames (4) of the membrane elements (2) are positioned one above the other in the height direction (HR) to form a continuous edge region (9) of the membrane block (1) in the height direction (HR). Membrane block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. The membrane block (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the frames (4) of each of the membrane elements (2) has at least one reinforcing rib (12), and each of the reinforcing ribs (12) connects two opposing frame regions (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) of each of the frames (4) to each other, thereby reinforcing each of the membranes (3) of the membrane elements (2).

10. 10. The membrane block (1) according to claim 9, wherein each of the reinforcing ribs (12) facing the first flow path (7) is oriented in a width direction (BR) and / or each of the reinforcing ribs (12) facing the second flow path (8) is oriented in a longitudinal direction (LR).

11. 11. The membrane block (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame regions (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) of the frames (4) of each of the adjacent membrane elements (2) that are oriented in the longitudinal direction (LR) or the width direction (BR) and that are not in contact with each other are offset from each other so that each of the first flow paths (7) or each of the second flow paths (8) can flow through them.

12. 12. The membrane block (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame regions (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) of the frames (4) of each adjacent membrane element (2) that are oriented in the longitudinal direction (LR) or the width direction (BR) and that are not in contact with each other are offset from each other so that each of the first flow paths (7) or each of the second flow paths (8) is open outward.

13. 13. The membrane block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the frame regions (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) of the frames (4) of each adjacent membrane element (2) that are oriented in the longitudinal direction (LR) or the width direction (BR) and that are not in contact with each other have a predetermined distance from each other, thereby forming flow-through zones between the frame regions (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) of the frames (4).

14. 14. The membrane block (1) according to claim 13, wherein each of the first flow paths (7) or each of the second flow paths (8) is formed, at least in a predetermined area, by each of the permeable zones.

15. A humidifier comprising a casing and a membrane block (1) formed according to any one of claims 1 to 14 arranged in said casing.

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