US 6,598,854 B1Granted

Flap mechanism

AssigneeFilterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH

InventorsThomas Jessberger, Stefan Maier, Robert Vaculik

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

A flap mechanism includes elements for compensating tolerances and shrinkage of the flap. The compensating elements include a flap edge which is applied to the flap by assembly injection molding after the flap has cooled, thereby decreasing any gap produced between the flap and a surrounding frame by shrinkage of the flap. In addition the flap has a flap shaft which can be journaled in the frame through a conical region on the shaft such that axial shrinkage of the shaft to produce a mounting which is free of play. This construction makes it unnecessary to use additional sealing elements at the mounting locations of the flap, and the flap is also prevented from vibrating in its mounting which, in a worst case scenario, could lead to destruction of the flap.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A flap mechanism comprising a frame and a flap member comprising a flap shaft and at least one flap vane, said flap shaft being journaled in passageways in said frame such that the flap member can pivot between a closed position in which an opening through said frame is at least substantially closed and a position in which said opening is open;

wherein said flap shaft and at least one of the passageways of said frame in which the flap shaft is journaled have two conical zones with opposed slop angles for compensating for shrinkage of the flap member due to the process by which it is manufactured or to temperature or atmospheric humidity fluctuations, and the materials of the frame and flap member and the dimensions of the flap shaft and the at least one passageway are such that there exists a temperature range in which there is no play between the flap shaft and said at least one passageway in said conical zones.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/807,895Filed 19 Apr 2001
Priority: DE 198 48 44021 Oct 1998
Granted: 29 Jul 2003
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

F02D 9/101
Details of the flap: special flap shapes, ribs, bores or the like
F02D 9/10
Throttle valves specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of such valves in conduits: having pivotally-mounted flaps
F02D 9/1015
Special flap shapes, ribs, bores or the like: details of the edge of the flap, e.g. for lowering flow noise or improving flow sealing in closed…
F02D 9/106
Details of the valve housing: sealing of the valve shaft in the housing, e.g. details of the bearings