Diaphragm for separating media, and valve comprising said diaphragm

Abstract

The invention relates to a diaphragm (30), in particular a roll diaphragm, for separating the media of two volumes (10, 12) in a valve (14, 14'), for example a purge valve and / or a drain valve of an electrochemical cell (16), having a seal part (18) which is provided for a static installation in the valve (14, 14'), a functional part (20) which is designed to be installed on a movable component (22), in particular on a valve armature (24), of the valve (14, 14'), and a flexibly deformable central part (26) which is arranged between the functional part (20) and the seal part (18), in particular when viewed in the radial direction (28) of the diaphragm (30), and which is designed to deform, in particular elastically, in the event of a relative movement between the functional part (20) and the statically held seal part (18), wherein the central part (26) has a curvature (32) in an unloaded / force-free state of the diaphragm (30).

Description

[0001] Membrane for media separation and valve with the membrane

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a membrane according to claim 1 and a valve according to claim 22.

[0004] The use of membranes for media separation in valves has already been proposed.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with advantageous properties with regard to reducing the forces required to move a valve armature. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 22, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] A membrane, in particular a rolling membrane, for media separation between two volumes in a valve, for example a purge valve and / or a drain valve of an electrochemical cell, is proposed, comprising a sealing part which is provided for static mounting in the valve, a functional part which is provided for mounting on a movable component, in particular on a valve armature, of the valve, and a flexibly deformable central part which, in particular viewed in a radial direction of the membrane, is arranged between the functional part and the sealing part, and which is provided to be deformed, in particular elastically, during a relative movement between the functional part and the statically held sealing part, wherein the central part has a curvature in an unloaded / force-free state of the membrane.This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the force required to move a valve armature, in particular by absorbing a change in volume on opposite sides of the diaphragm during movement of the valve armature by a change in the shape of the diaphragm. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve high efficiency, in particular cost-effectiveness, in particular by allowing an electromagnet moving the valve armature to have a reduced copper requirement. Furthermore, media separation with particularly high wear resistance can advantageously be achieved, in particular since no fretting wear occurs at any point on the diaphragm. The valve armature forms, in particular, a stroke adjustment element of the electromagnet, in particular of the valve.

[0008] In particular, the membrane is designed as an impermeable membrane / as an impermeable diaphragm. Preferably, the membrane is liquid-tight. Preferably, the membrane is gas-tight. Particularly preferably, the membrane is hydrogen gas-tight, nitrogen gas-tight, and / or water vapor-tight. Preferably, a (gas) leakage of the membrane is less than 10 -4mbar*l / s. However, smaller or larger leaks are also conceivable. In particular, the membrane is intended for use in large temperature ranges encompassing the freezing point of water. Preferably, the membrane is intended for use in a temperature range between -40°C and 85°C at least. However, a design of the membrane for higher or lower temperatures is also conceivable. In particular, the membrane is intended for use in a low pressure range at least between 0 bar(a) and 6 bar(a), preferably at least between 0.4 bar(a) and 4 bar(a). However, a design of the membrane for higher pressures is also conceivable. “Intended” should be understood to mean specially programmed, designed and / or equipped.The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfils and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0009] In particular, the membrane is provided to separate a possibly moist flow area from an armature guide space in which the valve armature is guided. This can advantageously prevent armature jamming, e.g. due to moisture, in particular water, freezing onto walls in the armature guide space. In particular, a first volume of the volumes separated by the membrane is formed by the controllable or controllable flow area / flow space of the valve. In particular, a second volume of the volumes separated by the membrane is formed at least partially by the armature guide space, in particular by an armature guide element. The electrochemical cell can be designed, for example, as a fuel cell or an electrolyzer. A purge valve of an electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell, is provided to remove gases accumulating in the electrochemical cell, for example nitrogen.A drain valve is provided, in particular, for draining liquids, especially water, preferably corrosive deionized water, which, for example, arises as a reaction product in the fuel cell, from the electrochemical cell. The sealing part, the functional part, and the central part are preferably each integral part of the membrane.

[0010] The sealing part statically mounted in the valve is in particular mounted in such a way that at least the sealing part remains at least substantially stationary and / or undeformed by the movement when the valve armature moves and / or when the diaphragm is deformed. The functional part mounted on the movable component of the valve preferably follows the movements of the movable component. The functional part is movable relative to the statically held sealing part, in particular when the diaphragm is in the assembled state. The central part is preferably at least predominantly elastically deformable. The central part forms a volume compensation part of the diaphragm. The central part is in particular intended to deform when the valve armature moves in such a way that compression of gas in the two volumes by the movement of the valve armature is prevented as far as possible.The unloaded / force-free state of the diaphragm is preferably a state in which no forces act on the diaphragm, in particular with the exception of gravity and air pressure. In particular, the sealing part is annular. In particular, the central part is annular. In particular, the functional part is annular and / or circular disk-shaped. The central part is preferably a central annular part of the diaphragm. Preferably, a maximum outer diameter of the diaphragm is less than 18 mm. Preferably, a maximum height of the diaphragm is less than 5 mm. In particular, a ratio of the maximum height of the diaphragm to the maximum outer diameter of the diaphragm is approximately 1:4.

[0011] It is further proposed that the curvature be at least substantially annular, preferably completely, encircling the functional part. This advantageously allows for a particularly uniform distribution of forces. In particular, the annular curvature encircling the functional part is inverted / curved (concave) in an opening direction of the valve armature / counter a closing direction of the valve armature. In particular, the curvature forms a kind of loop shape in a cross-sectional view.

[0012] If the curvature extends over at least 20%, preferably over at least 25%, advantageously over at least 30%, preferably over at least 35% and particularly preferably over at least 40% of a total contour length of a cross-section of the membrane, in particular one which divides the membrane into two at least substantially identical halves, a particularly high force compensation capacity of the membrane can advantageously be achieved. A particularly high volume compensation capacity of the central part can advantageously be achieved. In particular, the total contour length of the cross-section of the membrane is measured along an upper side of the membrane, preferably facing the valve armature, and / or along an underside of the membrane, preferably facing away from the valve armature. The curvature preferably extends over approximately 41% of the total contour length of the cross-section of the membrane.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the functional part has a sealing surface and / or a sealing contour, which is intended to be at least temporarily seated on a valve seat and / or on a nozzle of the valve. This advantageously allows the membrane to be used in addition to a switching function, by means of which the flow area can be opened and closed. Advantageously, a simple and / or cost-effective design of the valve with the membrane can be achieved. In particular, the seating of the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour on the valve seat creates a gas-tight division of the first volume of the volumes separated by the membrane into two sub-volumes. A leakage rate of the seal due to the seating of the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour on the valve seat is preferably less than 10' 4mbar*l / s. In particular, the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour sits on the valve seat in a first switching state of an electromagnet moving the valve armature. In particular, the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour is lifted from the valve seat in a second switching state of the electromagnet moving the valve armature. In particular, the valve armature is moved in the axial direction of the diaphragm between the first switching state and the second switching state. Preferably, the diaphragm is closer to its unloaded / force-free shape in the first switching state than in the second switching state. In particular, the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour forms an integrated central sealing zone of the diaphragm. In particular, the nozzle has a nominal diameter of between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm. Alternatively, larger or smaller nozzle nominal diameters are also conceivable.

[0014] It is further proposed that the curvature be concave when viewed in a direction pointing towards the sealing surface and / or sealing contour. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve particularly low-force, in particular almost force-free, volume compensation during movement of the valve armature. It is also proposed that the curvature, at least in the unloaded / force-free state, have a maximum curvature depth which is greater than a maximum material thickness of the diaphragm within the central part and / or than a maximum material thickness of the functional part. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a particularly high force compensation capacity of the diaphragm. Advantageously, a particularly high volume compensation capacity of the central part can be achieved. Advantageously, a particularly low axial stiffness of the diaphragm, in particular in the central part of the diaphragm, can be achieved.In addition, the combination of the curvature and the wall thickness can achieve low radial stiffness. In particular, this means that volume changes in the two volumes are absorbed by the membrane with low axial force generation. In particular, an average material thickness / wall thickness, preferably a maximum material thickness / wall thickness, of the central part of the membrane is less than 1 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm. In particular, an average material thickness / wall thickness, preferably a maximum material thickness / wall thickness, of the functional part of the membrane is less than 1.3 mm, preferably about 1.25 mm or about 1 mm. In particular, the maximum depth of curvature of the central part of the membrane is more than 1 mm, preferably more than 1.3 mm, more preferably more than 1.50 mm.

[0015] If the sealing part is arranged on a radial outer side of the membrane and / or if the functional part comprises a central region of the membrane, a particularly advantageous construction can be achieved.

[0016] If, in addition, the sealing part is designed to be at least substantially annular around the central part, a good seal of the membrane and / or a high mobility of the central part can advantageously be achieved.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the sealing part has at least two

[0018] Sealing contact elements, in particular sealing contact rings, are formed which are spaced apart from one another in the radial direction. In this way, a particularly good seal between the two volumes can be achieved by the sealing part. A decoupling of the static (sealing part) and the dynamic (functional part) sealing function of the diaphragm can advantageously be achieved. The sealing contact elements / sealing rings can advantageously enable a particularly robust assembly, e.g. by clamping the sealing part. In particular, the sealing contact elements are clamped into a receiving space of the valve during assembly of the diaphragm in the valve and remain statically motionless there during operation of the valve. The diaphragm is provided to decouple a static and a dynamic sealing function.

[0019] If the sealing part additionally forms at least two sealing contact elements, in particular sealing contact rings, which are spaced apart from one another perpendicular to the radial direction, in particular in the axial direction, the sealing effect of the (static) sealing part can advantageously be increased even further. In particular, the sealing part comprises a total of at least four sealing contact elements, in particular sealing contact rings, wherein two of the sealing contact elements, in particular sealing contact rings, are arranged on the same side of the membrane and wherein two further sealing contact elements, in particular sealing contact rings, are arranged on sides of the membrane that are opposite or point away from one another in the axial direction of the membrane. In particular, the sealing contact elements, in particular sealing contact rings, serve to mechanically support the sealing part of the membrane, which is statically mounted by clamping.In particular, the sealing contact elements, in particular sealing contact rings, can be deformed by clamping during assembly of the sealing part of the membrane.

[0020] It is additionally proposed that the functional part has an undercut contour which is provided for mounting the membrane on the movable component, in particular on the valve armature. This advantageously enables simple, quick and / or reliable mounting of the membrane on the movable component. The undercut contour is provided in particular for producing a (permanent) positive connection between the membrane, in particular of the functional part, and the valve armature. The valve armature is knotted / clipped into the undercut contour of the functional part, in particular during mounting of the membrane. In particular, the undercut contour forms a type of retaining lug, in particular a snap-in lug, in the cross-sectional view.

[0021] If the functional part forms a receiving area for the movable component, in particular the valve armature, which is at least partially delimited on one side by the undercut contour, a secure and / or easy-to-install hold of the membrane on the movable component can advantageously be achieved. In particular, the movable component has a mounting element whose shape is adapted to the shape of the receiving area. In particular, the mounting element of the movable component allows the mounting element to engage behind the movable component in the axial direction. In particular, the receiving area is delimited by the undercut contour on a side of the functional part facing away from the sealing surface and / or sealing contour of the functional part.In particular, the undercut contour extends at least partially in the radial direction of the membrane towards a central axis of the membrane, which in particular runs parallel to the axial direction of the membrane.

[0022] It is further proposed that a maximum diameter of the receiving area is at least 10%, preferably at least 15% and more preferably at least 19% larger than a minimum diameter of the undercut contour and / or at most 30%, preferably at most 25% and more preferably at most 20% larger than a minimum diameter of the undercut contour. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a good and, in particular, permanent hold of the movable component on the membrane. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve an optimum between the durability of the membrane on the movable component and the ability of the movable component to be mounted on the membrane. A diameter difference between the maximum diameter of the receiving area and the minimum diameter of the undercut contour is preferably approximately 1.1 mm. This value has been shown to be optimum in simulations for a maximum outer diameter of the membrane of at most 18 mm.

[0023] It is also proposed that the undercut contour have an insertion bevel which is intended to guide an automatic elastic deflection of the undercut contour by a temporary deformation of the membrane during assembly of the movable component by a movement of the movable component directed towards the functional part and running perpendicular to the radial direction of the membrane / movable component and / or parallel to the axial direction of the membrane / movable component. This can advantageously simplify and / or guide assembly. When the movable component is inserted into the central part, the side walls of the receiving space of the functional part initially deflect laterally and after passing the undercut contour, this snaps into a recess or diameter taper of the movable component.

[0024] If the diaphragm has a rotationally symmetrical design, this can advantageously facilitate assembly and / or achieve a particularly uniform force distribution. In particular, the axial direction of the diaphragm forms the axis of rotational symmetry of the diaphragm.

[0025] Furthermore, if the membrane has a one-piece, particularly monolithic, design, simple assembly and / or a simple and / or efficient construction can advantageously be achieved. "One-piece" is understood to mean, in particular, materially bonded, such as by a welding process and / or adhesive process, etc., and particularly advantageously, integrally formed, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process. In particular, the membrane is formed entirely from the same material.

[0026] It is also conceivable that the membrane is made of a material, in particular an elastomer, with a glass transition temperature (T g ) of less than -40°C. This advantageously makes it particularly suitable for temperatures below the freezing point of water, especially since the membrane thus exhibits low stiffness at low temperatures. However, membranes with higher glass transition temperatures are also conceivable.

[0027] It is also proposed that the membrane be made of a material, in particular an elastomer, with a compression set of less than 25%, preferably less than 20%. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a high level of tightness. Advantageously, particularly low leakage can be achieved, even at low temperatures, in particular below the freezing point of water. In particular, as an alternative to a monolithic design of the membrane, it is also conceivable for the membrane to be designed as a two-component or multi-component membrane, which is preferably made in the functional part and / or in the sealing part from a material with a particularly low compression set and / or from a thermoplastic material.In particular, the material of the middle part of the 2- or multi-component membrane can then be made of a different material than the functional part and / or the sealing part, for example of a material with a particularly high degree of flexibility.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the membrane be made of an elastomer, in particular an ethylene-propylene-diene (monomer) rubber. This advantageously allows the aforementioned requirements for the membrane to be optimally met.

[0029] In addition, it is proposed that, at least in the unloaded / force-free state of the diaphragm, the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour of the functional part lie in a plane which, in an axial direction of the diaphragm, is spaced from a plane in which one of the sealing contact elements, in particular the sealing contact rings, of the sealing part lies. This makes it possible to achieve an advantageous design and / or force distribution. In particular, when viewed along the axial direction towards the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour, at least in the unloaded / force-free state of the diaphragm, the planes in which the sealing contact elements of the sealing part lie lie behind the plane in which the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour of the functional part lies.In particular, in a viewing direction along the axial direction towards the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour, at least in the unloaded / force-free state of the membrane, a lowest point of the curvature of the central part lies behind all planes in which the sealing contact elements of the sealing part are located and behind the plane in which the sealing surface and / or the sealing contour of the functional part is located.

[0030] Furthermore, a valve, in particular a purge valve and / or drain valve for an electrochemical cell, is proposed, comprising the electromagnet, which has at least the armature guide element and the valve armature, which is movably guided in the armature guide space of the armature guide element and can be actuated by a magnetic field of the electromagnet, and comprising the diaphragm, which is mounted on an end region of the valve armature, which is sealingly mounted on an end region of the armature guide element, and which is intended to keep a fluid flow, in particular a gas and / or liquid flow, that can be switched and / or controlled by the valve, away from the armature guide space of the armature guide element. This advantageously reduces the force required to move the valve armature, in particular by allowing a change in volume on opposite sides of the diaphragm during movement of the valve armature to be absorbed by a change in the shape of the diaphragm.Advantageously, a high level of efficiency, in particular cost efficiency, can be achieved, in particular because the electromagnet moving the valve armature can have a reduced copper requirement.

[0031] It is also proposed that the diaphragm be arranged on the valve armature in such a way that the curvature of the diaphragm is everted toward the armature guide chamber (second volume), which is to be separated from the fluid flow (first volume) that can be switched and / or controlled by the valve. This advantageously enables a particularly advantageous volume compensation function of the diaphragm.

[0032] In a method for assembling the valve, in at least one method step, a counter-holding device is introduced into the curvature of the central part of the diaphragm and in at least one further method step, the valve armature is pressed along an insertion direction against an insertion bevel of an undercut contour of the functional part, such that the undercut contour and side walls of a receiving area of ​​the functional part deflect laterally relative to the insertion direction until a front side of the valve armature touches a base of the receiving area and has passed the undercut contour, which then moves elastically back to its starting position. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve simple and / or secure assembly. When the valve armature is pulled in the assembled state, the undercut contour preferably holds the valve armature within the receiving space of the diaphragm.

[0033] In at least one further method step, the sealing part of the diaphragm is clamped axially between the armature guide element or a housing of the valve and another valve component of the valve in such a way that axially opposite sides of the diaphragm are sealed against each other. This advantageously allows for a particularly high degree of sealing between the two volumes.

[0034] The membrane according to the invention and the valve according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the membrane according to the invention and the valve according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein. Drawings

[0035] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0036] They show:

[0037] Fig. 1 schematically shows an exemplary system with an electrochemical cell having a valve,

[0038] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the valve with a membrane, Fig. 3 is a schematic enlarged part of a cross section through the valve with the membrane in a closed operating state of the valve,

[0039] Fig. 4 schematically shows the enlarged part of the cross-section through the valve with the membrane in an open operating state of the valve,

[0040] Fig. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling the valve and

[0041] Fig. 6 shows an intermediate step of the valve assembly process using a counter-holding device.

[0042] Description of the embodiment

[0043] Figure 1 shows an example of a system with an electrochemical cell 16. The electrochemical cell 16 is designed as a fuel cell. The electrochemical cell 16 has a valve 14. The valve 14 is designed as a purge valve. The electrochemical cell 16 has a further valve 14'. The further valve 14' is designed as a drain valve. The drain valve and the purge valve are at least substantially identical in construction. The system with the electrochemical cell 16 also has a hydrogen tank 102, a PCV and shut-off valve 104, a pressure sensor 106, a jet pump 108, a separator 110, a stack 112, an air inlet 114, and a cooling fluid inlet 116. A further detailed description of the system with the electrochemical cell 16 known from the prior art is omitted here due to lack of relevance.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the valve 14, 14'. The valve 14, 14' has an electromagnet 66. The electromagnet 66 is provided for generating a magnetic field. The electromagnet 66 comprises a magnetic coil 120 and a magnetic core 118. The electromagnet 66 comprises a movably mounted valve armature 24. The electromagnet 66 comprises an armature guide element 68. The armature guide element 68 forms an armature guide space 70. The valve armature 24 is movably guided in the armature guide space 70 of the armature guide element 68. The magnetic field of the electromagnet 66 causes the valve armature 24 to be actuated depending on its strength and / or activation. The valve armature 24 forms a movable component 22 of the valve 14, 14'. The valve armature 24 is mounted for movement parallel to an axial direction 52 of the valve armature 24. The valve 14, 14' includes a nozzle 38. The valve 14, 14' includes a valve seat 36.When a sealing element rests on the valve seat 36, the nozzle 38 closes. The nozzle 38 forms a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet. The valve 14, 14' includes an opening 122. The opening 122 forms a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet. Between the nozzle 38 and the opening 122, the valve 14, 14' forms a flow chamber 124. By sealing or releasing the valve seat 36 by means of the valve armature 24, a flow of a fluid through the flow chamber 124 is blocked or enabled. In the region of the valve seat 36, the nozzle 38 has a surface 132 that is beveled relative to a radial direction 28 of the valve armature 24. The beveled surface 132 of the nozzle 38 forms an angle of approximately 15° with the radial direction 28. A contact point 134 of the nozzle 38, at which a sealing element touches the nozzle 38 during sealing, is rounded (R0,1).This advantageously allows for a good sealing effect while still maintaining a tolerable load on the sealing element. The valve 14, 14' has a housing 94. The housing 94 defines the outward boundary of the valve 14, 14'.

[0045] The valve 14, 14' has a diaphragm 30. Figures 3 and 4 each schematically show a partial cross-section through the diaphragm 30. Figure 3 shows an operating state in which the nozzle 38 is closed. Figure 4 shows an operating state in which the nozzle 38 is open. The diaphragm 30 is deformed during a change of state between the operating states of Figures 3 and 4. The shape assumed by the diaphragm 30 in Figure 3 corresponds at least substantially to an undeformed basic state of the diaphragm 30 and / or an unloaded / force-free state of the diaphragm 30.

[0046] The membrane 30 separates the flow chamber 124 and the armature guide chamber 70 from one another in a sealing manner, in particular in a gas-tight manner. The membrane 30 is impermeable to gases, vapors, and liquids involved in the operation of a fuel cell. The membrane 30 is designed as a rolling membrane. The membrane 30 is intended for media separation between two volumes 10, 12. A first volume 10 of the two volumes 10, 12 is formed at least partially by the flow chamber 124. A second volume 12 of the two volumes 10, 12 is formed at least partially by the armature guide chamber 70. The second volume 12, which predominantly contains air, is minimized within the available installation space between the valve armature 24 and the housing 94 of the valve 14, 14'. In this way, the effects of temperature expansion, which can be particularly large in the case of air and which can particularly negatively influence the operation of the valve 14, 14', can be kept to a minimum.The diaphragm 30 is mounted on an end region 72 of the valve armature 24. The diaphragm 30 is sealingly mounted on an end region 74 of the armature guide element 68, in particular on a radially outer part of the end region 74 of the armature guide element 68. The diaphragm 30 is provided to keep the fluid flow, which can be switched and / or regulated by the valve 14, 14' and flows through the flow chamber 124, away from the armature guide chamber 70 of the armature guide element 68. The valve armature 24 can be adjusted with particularly low force due to a special design / shape of the diaphragm 30. The adjustment of the valve armature 24 is at least substantially independent of changing pressure levels within the valve 14, 14' due to the special (symmetrical) design / shape of the diaphragm 30. In Fig. 2, the valve 14, 14' is shown by way of example in a closed state in which no fluid can flow from the opening 122 to the nozzle 38 or vice versa.

[0047] The membrane 30 has a rotationally symmetrical design. The membrane 30 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axial direction 52. The membrane 30 is formed in one piece. The membrane 30 is monolithic. The membrane 30 is formed from a material with a glass transition temperature of less than -40°C. The membrane 30 is formed from a material with a compression set of less than 20%. The membrane 30 is formed from an elastomer. The membrane 30 is formed from an ethylene-propylene-diene (monomer) rubber.

[0048] The diaphragm 30 has a sealing part 18. The sealing part 18 is provided for static mounting in the valve 14, 14'. During mounting in the valve 14, 14', the sealing part 18 is clamped between the armature guide element 68 and another valve component 96 of the valve 14, 14'. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing part 18 of the diaphragm 30 is clamped between the housing 94 and the other valve component 96 during mounting in the valve 14, 14'. The sealing part 18 is arranged on a radial outer side 46 of the diaphragm 30. The sealing part 18 forms a radially outermost part of the diaphragm 30. The sealing part 18 of the diaphragm 30 has at least two sealing contact elements 50, 50', which are spaced apart from one another in a radial direction 28 of the diaphragm 30. The radial directions 28 of the diaphragm 30 and the valve armature 24 are preferably identical. The axial directions 52 of the diaphragm 30 and the valve armature 24 are preferably identical.The sealing part 18 of the membrane 30 has at least two sealing contact elements 50, 50", which are spaced apart from one another perpendicular to the radial direction 28, in particular in the axial direction 52. Overall, the sealing part 18 of the membrane 30 has four sealing contact elements 50, 50', 50", 50"'. The sealing contact elements 50, 50', 50", 50'" each form sealing contact rings surrounding a central region 48 of the membrane 30.

[0049] The diaphragm 30 has a functional part 20. The functional part 20 is intended for mounting on the movable component 22, in particular on the valve armature 24, of the valve 14, 14'. The functional part 20 comprises the central region 48 of the diaphragm 30. The functional part 20 of the diaphragm 30 has a sealing surface 34. The sealing surface 34 is intended to sit at least temporarily on the valve seat 36 and / or the nozzle 38, in particular to close the flow chamber 124. In the unloaded / force-free state of the diaphragm 30, as shown in particular in Figure 3, the sealing surface 34 of the functional part 20 lies in a plane which, viewed in the axial direction 52 of the diaphragm 30, is spaced apart from planes in which the sealing contact elements 50, 50', 50", 50'" of the sealing part 18 are located.

[0050] The functional part 20 forms a receiving area 56 for the movable component 22, in particular the valve armature 24. The valve armature 24 has a mounting element 76. The mounting element 76 is intended to be arranged in the receiving area 56 of the functional part 20 of the diaphragm 30. The receiving area 56 has side walls 86, 86'. The side walls 86, 86' delimit the receiving area 56 on two sides. The functional part 20 forms an undercut contour 54. The undercut contour 54 is intended for mounting the diaphragm 30 on the movable component 22, in particular on the valve armature 24. The receiving area 56 is partially delimited by the undercut contour 54 on a side 58 different from the side walls 86, 86' and a base 90 of the receiving area 56. The receiving area 56 has a maximum (internal) diameter of 60. The undercut contour 54 has a minimum (internal) diameter of 62.The maximum diameter 60 of the receiving area 56 is at least 15% larger than the minimum diameter 62 of the undercut contour 54. The maximum diameter 60 of the receiving area 56 is at most 25% larger than the minimum diameter 62 of the undercut contour 54. The undercut contour 54 has an insertion bevel 64. The insertion bevel 64 is provided to guide an automatic elastic deflection of the undercut contour 54 by a temporary deformation of the membrane 30, in particular of the side walls 86, 86' of the receiving area 56, during assembly of the movable component 22 in the receiving area 56 by a movement of the movable component 22 directed towards the functional part 20 and perpendicular to the radial direction 28.

[0051] The diaphragm 30 has a central part 26. The central part 26 is flexibly deformable. The central part 26 is elastically deformable. The central part 26 is arranged between the functional part 20 and the sealing part 18, as viewed in the radial direction 28 of the diaphragm 30. The central part 26 is intended to be elastically deformed upon a relative movement between the functional part 20 and the statically held sealing part 18, in particular during an adjusting movement of the valve armature 24. The sealing part 18 is designed to extend at least substantially in a ring shape around the central part 26. The sealing part 18 is designed to extend at least substantially in a ring shape around the functional part 20. The central part 26 is designed to extend at least substantially in a ring shape around the functional part 20.

[0052] The central portion 26 of the diaphragm 30 has a curvature 32. The central portion 26 of the diaphragm 30 has the curvature 32 in the unloaded / force-free state of the diaphragm 30. The curvature 32 is permanently formed into the diaphragm 30. The curvature 32 runs at least substantially annularly around the functional part 20. The curvature 32 extends over at least 35% of a total contour length of a cross-section of the diaphragm 30 that divides the diaphragm 30 into two at least substantially identical halves. The curvature 32 is concave when viewed in a direction 126 toward the sealing surface 34. At least in the unloaded / force-free state, the curvature 32 has a maximum curvature depth 40 that is greater than a maximum material thickness 42 of the diaphragm 30 within the central portion 26 of the diaphragm 30.The curvature 32 has, at least in the unloaded / force-free state, a maximum curvature depth 40, which is greater than a maximum material thickness 44 of the functional part 20 of the diaphragm 30. The diaphragm 30 is arranged on the valve armature 24 such that the curvature 32 of the diaphragm 30 is everted in the direction of the armature guide chamber 70, which is to be separated from the fluid flow that can be switched and / or regulated by the valve 14 (see also Fig. 2). The total contour length of the central part 26 of the diaphragm 30 is maximized within the available installation space between the valve armature 24 and the housing 94 of the valve 14, 14'.

[0053] Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling the valve 14, 14'. In at least one method step 78, a counter-holding device 80 is introduced into the curvature 32 of the central part 26 of the diaphragm 30 (cf. Fig. 6). In at least one further method step 82, the valve armature 24 is pressed along an insertion direction 84 (cf. Fig. 6) against the insertion bevel 64 of the undercut contour 54 of the functional part 20 of the diaphragm 30, so that the undercut contour 54 and the side walls 86, 86' of the receiving area 56 of the functional part 20 of the diaphragm 30 deflect laterally relative to the insertion direction 84 until a front side 88 (cf. Fig. 6) of the valve armature 24 touches the bottom 90 (cf. Fig. 6) of the receiving area 56 and has passed the undercut contour 54. In at least one further method step 130, the undercut contour 54 and the side walls 86, 86' then move elastically back to their starting positions.In at least one further method step 92, the sealing part 18 of the diaphragm 30 is clamped between the armature guide element 68 or the housing 94 of the valve 14, 14' and the further valve component 96 of the valve 14 in the axial direction 52 such that the opposite sides 98, 100 of the diaphragm 30 in the axial direction 52 are sealed gas-tight from one another. Reference numerals.

[0054] 10 volumes

[0055] 12 volumes

[0056] 14 Valve

[0057] 16 Electrochemical cell

[0058] 18 Sealing part

[0059] 20 functional part

[0060] 22 Movable component

[0061] 24 valve anchors

[0062] 26 Middle section

[0063] 28 Radial direction

[0064] 30 membrane

[0065] 32 Curvature

[0066] 34 Sealing surface

[0067] 36 Valve seat

[0068] 38 nozzle

[0069] 40 curvature depth

[0070] 42 material thickness

[0071] 44 material thickness

[0072] 46 Radial outer side

[0073] 48 Central Area

[0074] 50 sealing contact element

[0075] 52 Axial direction

[0076] 54 undercut contour

[0077] 56 Recording area

[0078] 58 page

[0079] 60 diameter

[0080] 62 diameter

[0081] 64 insertion bevel

[0082] 66 electromagnet armature guide element

[0083] Anchor guide room End area End area

[0084] Mounting element

[0085] Process step

[0086] Counterholding device

[0087] Process step

[0088] Insertion direction side wall front

[0089] Floor

[0090] Process step

[0091] Housing

[0092] Valve component

[0093] Page

[0094] Page

[0095] hydrogen tank

[0096] PCV and shut-off valve

[0097] pressure sensor

[0098] jet pump

[0099] separator

[0100] Stack

[0101] Air intake

[0102] Cooling fluid inlet

[0103] magnetic core

[0104] magnetic coil

[0105] opening

[0106] Flow space Viewing direction Process step 132 Surface

[0107] 134 Contact point

Claims

Claims 1. Membrane (30), in particular a rolling membrane, for media separation of two volumes (10, 12) in a valve (14, 14'), for example a purge valve and / or a drain valve of an electrochemical cell (16), comprising a sealing part (18) which is provided for static mounting in the valve (14, 14'), a functional part (20) which is provided for mounting on a movable component (22), in particular on a valve armature (24), of the valve (14, 14'), and a flexibly deformable central part (26) which, in particular viewed in a radial direction (28) of the membrane (30), is arranged between the functional part (20) and the sealing part (18), and which is provided to be deformed, in particular elastically, during a relative movement between the functional part (20) and the statically held sealing part (18), wherein the central part (26) is in a unloaded / force-free state of the membrane (30) has a curvature (32).

2. Membrane (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the curvature (32) is formed at least substantially annularly around the functional part (20).

3. Membrane (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the curvature (32) extends over at least 20%, preferably over at least 25%, advantageously over at least 30%, preferably over at least 35% and particularly preferably over at least 40%, of a total contour length of a cross section of the membrane (30).

4. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional part (20) has a sealing surface (34) and / or a sealing contour which is provided for at least temporary seating on a valve seat (36) and / or on a nozzle (38) of the valve (14, 14').

5. Membrane (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that the curvature (32) is concave when viewed in a direction (126) pointing towards the sealing surface (34) and / or sealing contour.

6. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curvature (32), at least in the unloaded / force-free state, has a maximum curvature depth (40) which is greater than a maximum material thickness (42) of the membrane (30) within the central part (26) and / or than a maximum material thickness (44) of the functional part (20).

7. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing part (18) is arranged on a radial outer side (46).

8. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional part (20) comprises a central region (48) of the membrane (30).

9. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing part (18) is formed at least substantially annularly around the central part (26).

10. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing part (18) forms at least two sealing contact elements (50, 50'), in particular sealing contact rings, which are spaced apart from one another in the radial direction (28).

11. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing part (18) forms at least two sealing contact elements (50, 50”), in particular sealing contact rings, which are spaced apart from one another perpendicular to the radial direction (28), in particular in the axial direction (52).

12. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional part (20) has an undercut contour (54) which is provided for mounting the membrane (30) on the movable component (22), in particular on the valve armature (24).

13. Membrane (30) according to claim 12, characterized in that the functional part (20) forms a receiving area (56) for the movable component (22), in particular the valve armature (24), which is at least partially delimited on one side (58) by the undercut contour (54).

14. Membrane (30) according to claim 13, characterized in that a maximum diameter (60) of the receiving area (56) is at least 10%, preferably at least 15% and preferably at least 19% larger than a minimum diameter (62) of the undercut contour (54).

15. Membrane (30) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a maximum diameter (60) of the receiving area (56) is at most 30%, preferably at most 25% and preferably at most 20% larger than a minimum diameter (62) of the undercut contour (54).

16. Membrane (30) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the undercut contour (54) has an insertion bevel (64) which is provided to direct an automatic elastic deflection of the undercut contour (54) by a temporary deformation of the membrane (30) during assembly of the movable component (22) by a movement of the movable component (22) directed towards the functional part (20) and perpendicular to the radial direction (28).

17. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a rotationally symmetrical design.

18. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a one-piece, in particular monolithic, design.

19. Membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design made of a material with a compression set of less than 25%, preferably less than 20%.

20. Membrane (30) according to one of claims 18 or 19, characterized by a design made of an elastomer, in particular an ethylene-propylene-diene (monomer) rubber.

21. Membrane (30) according to claim 4 and according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that at least in the unloaded / force-free state of the membrane (30), the sealing surface (34) and / or the sealing contour of the functional part (20) lies in a plane which is spaced apart in an axial direction (52) of the membrane (30) from a plane in which one of the sealing contact elements (50, 50', 50"), in particular the sealing contact rings, of the sealing part (18) lies.

22. Valve (14, 14'), in particular a purge valve and / or drain valve for an electrochemical cell (16), with an electromagnet (66) which has at least one armature guide element (68) and a valve armature (24) which is movably guided in an armature guide space (70) of the armature guide element (68) and which can be actuated by a magnetic field of the electromagnet (66), and with a membrane (30) according to one of the preceding claims, which is mounted on an end region (72) of the valve armature (24), which is sealingly mounted on an end region (74) of the armature guide element (68), and which is intended to keep a fluid flow which can be switched and / or regulated by the valve (14, 14') away from the armature guide space (70) of the armature guide element (68).

23. Valve (14, 14') according to claim 22, characterized in that the membrane (30) is arranged on the valve armature (24) in such a way that the curvature (32) of the membrane (30) is everted in the direction of the armature guide space (70), which is to be separated from the fluid flow that can be switched and / or regulated by the valve (14, 14').

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