DE102023004832A1 - Flap device for a vehicle and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a flap device (10), comprising a housing (12) having a channel (K) through which a fluid can flow, comprising a shaft (16) rotatable about a rotational axis (D) relative to the housing (12), and comprising a flap (18) connected to the shaft (16) in a rotationally fixed manner, which flap can be rotated with the shaft (16) about the rotational axis (D) relative to the housing (12) between a closed position (ST) fluidically blocking at least a partial area (TB1, TB2) of a flow cross-section (Q) of the channel (K) through which the fluid can flow, and at least one open position (O) releasing at least the partial area (TB1, TB2), wherein the shaft (16) has a first longitudinal area (L1) arranged in a corresponding receptacle (A) of the housing (12) with a first outer diameter and a first Length range (L1) adjoining second length range (L2) with a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter.

Description

The invention relates to a flap device for a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one such flap device.

The DE 37 26 332 C1 discloses an intake line part of an internal combustion engine, with a crankcase ventilation line opening upstream of a throttle valve and with a heated outlet area.

The object of the present invention is to provide a flap device for a vehicle and a vehicle with at least one such flap device, so that the probability of corrosion of the flap device can be kept particularly low.

This object is achieved by a flap device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a vehicle having the features of patent claim 9. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a flap device, also referred to as a flap system, for a vehicle preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a car and most particularly as a passenger car. This means that the vehicle, in its fully manufactured state, has the flap device. The flap device has a housing which has a channel through which a flow can pass. Very particularly, the channel is delimited, in particular directly, by an inner circumferential surface, in particular by a cylindrical inner circumferential surface, of the housing. The flap device also has a shaft which is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the housing. The flap device also has a flap which is connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. In principle, it is conceivable for the flap to be designed separately from the shaft and connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the flap to be formed integrally with the shaft. The flap can rotate with the shaft about the axis of rotation relative to the housing between a closed position and at least one open position. In other words, the flap can be rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the housing between the closed position and the open position. More particularly, by rotating the shaft about the axis of rotation and relative to the housing, the flap can be rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the housing and thereby rotated between the open position and the closed position. For example, an actuator is provided by means of which the shaft can be driven and thus rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the housing. By rotating the shaft about the axis of rotation and relative to the housing, the flap can be rotated, i.e. twisted, about the axis of rotation and relative to the housing between the closed position and the open position by means of the actuator via the shaft. In the closed position, at least a partial area of a flow cross-section of the channel through which the fluid can flow is fluidically blocked by the flap, so that the fluid can no longer flow through the blocked partial area. More particularly, in the closed position, the flap extends in an imaginary plane in which, for example, the axis of rotation runs. In particular, the plane runs perpendicular to a flow direction in which the fluid can flow through the channel and thus the flow cross-section or is flowed through during vehicle operation. In the open position, the flap exposes at least the partial area, so that in the open position, the fluid can flow through the exposed partial area, in particular in the flow direction.

In order to be able to keep the probability of corrosion of the flap device, and thus the probability of excessive and/or excessively rapid corrosion of the flap device caused, for example, by condensate, particularly low, the invention provides that the shaft has a first longitudinal region arranged in a corresponding receptacle of the housing, also referred to as a shaft receptacle, having a first outer diameter and a second longitudinal region adjoining the first longitudinal region in the axial direction of the shaft and thus along the axis of rotation towards the flap and the channel, having a second outer diameter which is smaller than the first outer diameter. When considering the housing alone, the receptacle opens into the channel. In other words, when considering the housing alone, the receptacle and the channel are fluidically connected to one another. In particular, the shaft is cylindrical on the outer circumference in the first longitudinal region, so that the shaft has the shape of a right circular cylinder in the first longitudinal region. Thus, the first length range has the first outer diameter in the circumferential direction of the shaft running around the rotational axis, and thus has the first outer diameter over 360 degrees. Thus, for example, the first length range has a first outer circumference, which is preferably circular and has the first outer diameter. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the second length range has a second outer circumference, which is preferably circular and has the second outer diameter. Thus, for example, the shaft is cylindrical on the outer circumference side in the second length region, so that, for example, the shaft has the shape of a right circular cylinder on the outer circumference side in the second length region. At least part of the second length region of the shaft is arranged in the receptacle. The at least part of the second length region is also referred to as the first part. When reference is made above and below to the part, this means, unless otherwise stated, the at least part of the second length region. In principle, it would be conceivable for a second part of the second length region, which adjoins the first part of the second length region in the axial direction of the shaft, in particular directly, to be arranged in the channel and thus outside the receptacle.

Preferably, the flow cross-section, particularly when viewed in the aforementioned plane, is circular or circular-segment-shaped and thus arranged within a circular envelope, wherein the receptacle, for example, adjoins the flow cross-section or the envelope, particularly in the axial direction of the shaft, is rectangular when viewed in the aforementioned plane. Viewed three-dimensionally, the receptacle is, for example, cylindrical on the inner circumference, thus in the shape of a right circular cylinder.

Furthermore, according to the invention, at least one additional element is provided which is formed separately from the shaft and separately from the flap and is connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, and which can rotate with the shaft and with the flap about the axis of rotation relative to the housing between the open position and the release position. The additional element is arranged at least partially at least in the part of the second longitudinal region and extends outwards in the radial direction of the shaft and far enough away from the shaft that the additional element ends outwards in the radial direction of the shaft at the first outer diameter. In other words, a free end of the additional element which is spaced apart from the shaft in the radial direction of the shaft and which ends outwards at its end in the radial direction of the shaft is arranged on a third outer diameter which corresponds to the first outer diameter. In other words, again in other words, said end of the additional element is arranged flush with the first outer diameter or with the first longitudinal region, viewed outwards in the radial direction of the shaft. When reference is made above and below to the radial direction, this means, unless otherwise stated, the radial direction of the shaft. When reference is made above and below to the axial direction, this means, unless otherwise stated, the axial direction of the shaft.

In particular, it is provided that the receptacle, when viewed solely from the housing in the radial direction of the shaft, is delimited outwards, in particular directly, by an inner circumferential surface of the housing, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the housing is preferably cylindrical and thus in the form of a right circular cylinder. Since the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter, the second longitudinal region, i.e. the first part of an outer circumferential surface of the shaft arranged on the second longitudinal region, is set back inwards in the radial direction of the shaft and thus towards the axis of rotation relative to the first longitudinal region, i.e. relative to a second part of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft arranged in the first longitudinal region, so that the second longitudinal region or the first part of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft is set back inwards in the radial direction of the shaft and thus towards the axis of rotation and away from the inner circumferential surface of the housing. Thus, when considering the shaft alone, the shaft in the second longitudinal region has a greater distance, in the radial direction of the shaft, from the inner circumferential surface of the housing than in the first longitudinal region. This prevents an excessive, undesirable capillary effect of the receptacle, so that it can be avoided that such a capillary effect does not convey undesirable substances, which can condense out and thus form condensate that may cause corrosion, in excessive quantities into the receptacle through capillary action. Furthermore, it can be ensured, for example, that at least during operation of the vehicle the fluid can advantageously flow between the second longitudinal region of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the housing, whereby, for example, an area arranged in the radial direction of the shaft between the second longitudinal region and the inner circumferential surface of the housing can be advantageously dried. This can prevent the formation of an excessive amount of condensate, particularly in the intake, so that the probability of corrosion of the flap device caused by such condensate can be kept particularly low.

The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: In order to achieve particularly low-emission operation, modern internal combustion engines temporarily recirculate a portion of the exhaust gas from the respective internal combustion engine into an intake tract of the respective internal combustion engine, also simply referred to as the engine. Systems, in particular control systems, for adjusting, i.e. for controlling or regulating the supply of air to the combustion chambers of the respective internal combustion engine are therefore inherently exposed to combustion residues contained in the recirculated exhaust gas. These residues, due to lower temperatures in the intake tract compared to an exhaust system of the respective internal combustion engine through which the exhaust gas can flow, can condense with water vapor contained in the exhaust gas and/or the air and thus form condensate. One of the aforementioned systems for adjusting the air supply is, for example, a throttle valve, whereby, for example, the aforementioned valve according to the invention can be designed as such a throttle valve. EGR valves, by means of which the amount of exhaust gas to be recirculated can be adjusted, are also exposed to the aforementioned combustion residues. The aforementioned condensation of combustion residues sometimes produces highly acidic exhaust gas condensates on the material surfaces of components that come into contact with the acidic exhaust gas condensates, whereby the acidic exhaust gas condensates lead to corrosive attacks on the structural materials from which the components are made. With regard to EGR valves, EGR flaps and throttle valves, narrow gap areas are particularly at risk from the resulting condensates, such as those found in a shaft feedthrough through a housing wall, also known as the housing wall. One such feedthrough is the aforementioned receptacle. To accommodate small secondary gas flows, very tight tolerances of less than 1 mm, for example, are provided in these areas. However, these very tight tolerances have a capillary effect on the condensates that form and can therefore cause very intensive condensate loading. Condensates introduced in this way can evaporate only with great difficulty due to the gap geometry and can therefore lead to intensive corrosion loading. In addition, oxygen access to these gaps is hindered, which can lead to the formation of vents and subsequent crevice corrosion of the materials used. The corrosion products forming in the gap subsequently impair the mechanical function of the actuator, leading to complete failure by preventing the adjustment movement.

Conventional flap systems are predominantly constructed with housings made of aluminum materials, which house a flap driven by a shaft made of high-alloy chromium or chromium-nickel steel, usually also made of high-alloy steel. During assembly, the flap is inserted into a slot in the shaft and screwed into place via a hole drilled into the shaft perpendicular to the flap surface. To seal the gas flow to drive the flap, the shaft is guided and sealed by two bearings mounted in the housing. In a contact area between the flap and the housing, the shaft is usually guided through a hole in the housing. The hole is designed so that as little gas as possible can enter the gap area to prevent flow around the flap. If acidic exhaust gas condensate enters this area, intensive corrosion of the shaft and the surface of the hole in the housing repeatedly occurs, especially during extended downtimes, unless countermeasures are taken. The voluminous corrosion products that form there enter the gap area and lead to a disruption of the mechanical function of the flap and even to the complete blockage of the flap movement if no appropriate countermeasures are taken. In principle, it would be conceivable to significantly widen the gap between the shaft and the housing to avoid the problems mentioned above. However, this leads to undesirable flow around the closed flap and is not suitable for the requirements of future engine generations. Alternative solutions include the use of costly, highly resistant inserts made of polymers or high-alloy steels or the conversion of the housing materials to polymers or highly alloyed materials. However, these can limit the application range of the components or involve significant cost increases.

The aforementioned problems and disadvantages can be avoided by the invention. On the one hand, the second outer diameter, which is smaller than the first outer diameter, allows an advantageously large distance between the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the housing to be realized, so that an excessive capillary effect, through which condensate or condensate-forming substances are conveyed into the receptacle, can be avoided. In addition, the aforementioned regions arranged between the second longitudinal region and the inner circumferential surface of the housing, the receptacle of which is designed, for example, as a bore, can be advantageously flushed, in particular by means of the fluid, in order to thereby prevent the accumulation of an excessive amount of condensate or condensate-forming substances. to be able to avoid this. By means of the additional element, it is possible to prevent an undesirable, excessive flow of fluid around the flap, particularly in the closed position of the flap, so that, for example, particularly in the closed position of the flap, the additional element can be used to prevent the fluid from flowing through the aforementioned region between the second longitudinal region and the inner circumferential surface of the housing and thus bypassing the flap. In particular, the invention makes it possible to avoid an excessively circumferential gap region in a contact area between the shaft and the housing, in particular by - in comparison to conventional solutions - modifying the existing shaft without structural changes to the existing housing, existing bearings, etc.

The second outer diameter, which is smaller than the first outer diameter, does not necessarily have to extend completely around the shaft in the circumferential direction of the shaft running around the axis of rotation, but preferably the second outer diameter, which is smaller than the first outer diameter, extends around the shaft in the circumferential direction of the shaft running around the axis of rotation over less than 360 degrees, in particular over less than 180 degrees. Preferably, the shaft has in the second length region at least or exactly two successive partial regions, also referred to as shaft regions, which run around the circumferential direction of the shaft and in which the shaft has the second outer diameter which is smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein it is provided that the shaft regions lie opposite one another in the radial direction of the shaft. Preferably, the respective wall region extends around the shaft in the circumferential direction of the shaft over less than 180 degrees, in particular over less than 160 degrees. In particular, it is provided that the additional element, in particular the respective additional part of the additional element, is arranged in the circumferential direction of the shaft between the shaft regions, so that preferably the additional parts of the additional element and the shaft regions and the shaft regions are arranged alternately one after the other in the circumferential direction of the shaft running around the axis of rotation.

In order to be able to prevent, on the one hand, excessive condensate formation in the receptacle and, on the other hand, an excessive amount of fluid from flowing through the receptacle and thus bypassing the flap in the closed position of the flap, one embodiment of the invention provides that in the said plane in which the flow cross-section and preferably also the axis of rotation run, and viewed in the radial direction of the shaft, on either side of the part of the second longitudinal region arranged in the receptacle, a gap is arranged as a respective part of the receptacle, said gap running in the plane and arranged in the radial direction of the shaft between the part of the second longitudinal region arranged in the receptacle and a respective wall region of the housing partially and in particular directly delimiting the receptacle in the radial direction of the shaft, wherein the additional element, in the closed position of the flap, fluidically blocks the respective gap at least predominantly, in particular completely, and wherein the additional element, in the open position of the flap, in particular completely opens the respective gap that opens into the channel. In particular, for example, in the closed position, a first of the gaps is at least predominantly, i.e. at least more than half or completely, fluidically blocked by a first of the additional parts of the additional element, a first of the gaps being fluidically blocked by a first of the additional parts of the additional element, so that it can be avoided that, in the closed position of the flap, an excessive amount of fluid flows through the respective gap and thus bypasses the flap. In the open position, however, the fluid can flow through the gap and thus convey condensate or substances that could lead to undesired condensate out of the gap and thus remove them. In addition, this can prevent undesired capillary forces that could move condensate or substances leading to condensate into the receptacle.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the additional element is arranged in the axial direction of the shaft, following the flap in an extension of the flap, and in particular is aligned with the flap, so that, for example, viewed in the axial direction of the shaft, i.e. viewed in a second plane that runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the additional element and the flap are congruent. In particular, it is provided that, viewed in the second plane, the flap and the additional element have the same thickness, running in the radial direction of the shaft. As a result, for example, when the flap is in the open position, the fluid can advantageously flow between the part of the second longitudinal region and the inner circumferential surface of the wall, and in the closed position, an excessive amount of fluid can be prevented from bypassing the flap.

A further embodiment is characterized by the additional element being disc- or plate-shaped. For example, in the open position, the additional element can The valves can release the area arranged between the second longitudinal region and the inner circumferential surface of the housing and advantageously fluidically block it in the closed position. Thus, the fluid can advantageously flow through the area, particularly in the open position, and in the closed position, an excessive amount of fluid can be prevented from bypassing the flap.

In order to minimize the likelihood of corrosion of the flap device, a further embodiment of the invention provides for the additional element to be made of a plastic, i.e., a polymer. The polymer can be, for example, a fluoropolymer or a high-temperature-resistant polymer such as PEEK. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the additional element to be made of a metallic material. The metallic material from which the additional element is made is preferably a high-alloy chromium-nickel steel (CrNi steel).

The additional element, which is formed separately from the shaft and connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, is mechanically connected to the shaft, for example by clamping and/or screwing and/or welding, such as spot and/or laser welding.

In order to advantageously block the area arranged between the part of the second longitudinal region and the inner circumferential surface of the housing, particularly in the closed position of the flap, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the additional element extends in the axial direction of the shaft over the entire part of the second longitudinal region arranged in the receptacle. This can, in particular, prevent an excessive amount of fluid from bypassing the flap in the closed position, thus ensuring advantageous function of the flap device while simultaneously keeping the probability of corrosion to a particularly low level.

In order to be able to realize an advantageous rotationally fixed connection between the flap and the shaft, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the additional element is partially arranged in a recess in the shaft. The recess in the shaft is designed, for example, as a slot. For example, compared to conventional solutions, the recess in the shaft is extended in such a way that the recess extends, for example, in the axial direction of the shaft such that the recess is at least partially arranged in the receptacle. In particular, the recess extends, for example, in the axial direction of the shaft such that part of the recess is arranged in the second longitudinal region of the shaft. In this case, it is particularly conceivable for the additional element to be arranged in the recess, in particular in a recess part of the recess arranged in the second longitudinal region of the shaft. As a result, for example, the additional element can advantageously and in particular directly adjoin the flap in the axial direction of the shaft, in particular such that the additional element is supported directly on the flap in the axial direction of the shaft. This prevents an excessive amount of fluid from surrounding the valve, especially in the closed position.

Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if the first longitudinal section is rotatably mounted on the housing via a bearing that is separate from the shaft and separate from the housing. This ensures advantageous function of the flap device. Since the second longitudinal section, which has a smaller second outer diameter than the first outer diameter, adjoins the first longitudinal section in the axial direction of the shaft, an undesirable capillary effect, through which condensate and condensate-forming substances are transported into the receptacle and to the bearing, can be avoided, so that the probability of corrosion of the flap device can be kept particularly low.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a car and most particularly as a passenger car, which has at least one flap device according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

• 1 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer Klappeneinrichtung für ein Fahrzeug, wobei sich eine Klappe der Klappeneinrichtung in einer Schließstellung befindet;
• 2 eine weitere schematische Querschnittsansicht der Klappeneinrichtung, wobei sich die Klappe in einer Offenstellung befindet; und
• 3 eine schematische Längsschnittansicht der Klappeneinrichtung, wobei sich die Klappe in der Schließstellung befindet.

The drawing shows:

• 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a flap device for a vehicle, wherein a flap of the flap device is in a closed position;
• 2 a further schematic cross-sectional view of the flap device, wherein the flap is in an open position; and
• 3 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the flap device, with the flap in the closed position.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a flap device 10, also referred to as a flap system, for a vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle. The flap device 10 has a housing 12, which has a channel K through which a fluid, in particular a gas, can flow. In particular, the channel K can be or will be flowed through by the fluid in a flow direction during operation of the vehicle, wherein the flow direction, for example, 2 is illustrated by an arrow 14. The flow direction and thus the arrow 14 are perpendicular to the image plane of 1 and 2 . Out of 1 and 2 It can be seen that the channel K is circular when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction, thus having a circular cross-section and thus extending, in particular completely, within a circle, thus a circular envelope. The channel K has a flow cross-section Q through which the fluid can flow, which, viewed in the plane which, for example, is the image plane of 1 or 2, is circular, i.e., circular in shape and, in particular, lies entirely within the envelope curve. The channel K or the flow cross-section Q is delimited, in particular directly, by an inner circumferential surface M1 of the housing 12, wherein the inner circumferential surface M1 is cylindrical and thus in the form of a right circular cylinder. Viewed in the plane, the inner circumferential surface M1 is circular.

The flap device 10 further comprises a shaft 16, which is rotatable about a rotational axis D relative to the housing 12. The flap device 10 also comprises a flap 18, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft 16 and is thereby rotatable with the shaft 16 about the rotational axis D relative to the housing 12 between a closed position and at least one open position. 1 the closed position of the flap 18, designated ST, is shown, and in 2 the open position of the flap 18, designated O, is shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the closed position ST and the open position O are respective end positions of the flap 18, which can be rotated into the respective end position, but not beyond the respective end position. In the closed position ST, the flow cross-section Q is maximally closed by means of the flap 18, and in the open position O, the flap 18 maximally opens the flow cross-section Q. The flap 18 can be locked in the closed position ST and in the open position O relative to the housing 12, in particular by means of an adjusting device which is not shown in the figures. It is conceivable that the flap 18 can be rotated, in particular by means of the adjusting device, into at least one or more intermediate positions lying between the closed position ST and the open position O and can be fixed, in particular, in the respective intermediate position relative to the housing 12, wherein the flap 18 in the respective intermediate position further releases the flow cross-section Q compared to the closed position ST and more fluidically blocks it compared to the open position O.

The flap 18 here has two flap parts 20 and 22, wherein, viewed in the radial direction of the shaft 16, the radial direction of which runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation D, the flap part 20 is arranged on this side of the shaft 16 and the flap part 22 is arranged on the other side of the shaft 16. The respective flap part 20, 22 protrudes from the shaft 16 in the radial direction of the shaft 16. Furthermore, viewed in the radial direction of the shaft 16, a first partial region TB1 of the flow cross-section Q is arranged on this side of the shaft 16 and a second partial region TB2 of the flow cross-section Q is arranged on the other side of the shaft 16. In the closed position ST of the flap 18, the partial area TB1 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, i.e. at least more than half or completely blocked by the flap part 20, and in the closed position ST, the partial area TB2 of the flow cross-section Q is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely, fluidically blocked by the flap part 20. In the open position O, the flap parts 20 and 22 release the partial areas TB1 and TB2, in particular completely in each case, so that in the open position O the fluid can flow through the released partial areas TB1 and TB2. Viewed in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16 running around the axis of rotation D, a respective circumferential area of the shaft 16 adjoins the respective flap part 20, 22, wherein the surrounding areas are free of the flap 18. In the circumferential direction of the shaft 16, the surrounding areas of the shaft 16 and the flap parts 20 and 22 are arranged alternately one after the other. This allows the flap 18 in the closed position ST, the partial areas TB1 and TB2 are at least partially blocked and in the open position O, they are released.

In the axial direction of the shaft 16, the axial direction of which coincides with the axis of rotation D, a respective receptacle A of the housing 12 adjoins the presently circular flow cross-section Q on both sides. The respective receptacle A is delimited in the radial direction of the shaft 16 outwards, in particular directly, by a second inner circumferential surface M2 of the housing 12. Viewed three-dimensionally, the respective inner circumferential surface M2 is cylindrical, thus in the form of a right circular cylinder. Viewed in the aforementioned plane, which in the present case coincides with the image plane of 1 coincides, the respective receptacle A is cylindrical and thus in the form of a right circular cylinder. It can be seen that the respective receptacle A adjoins the channel K and thus the flow cross-section Q in the axial direction of the shaft 16 away from the flap 18. Thus, viewed three-dimensionally, the respective receptacle A and thus the respective lateral surface M2 are cylindrical, and thus in the form of a respective right circular cylinder, and viewed in the said plane, the respective receptacle A and thus the respective inner circumferential lateral surface M2 are rectangular.

When considering the housing 12 alone, the respective receptacle A opens into the channel K, thus the respective receptacle A is fluidically connected to the channel K.

For each receptacle A, the shaft 16 has a first longitudinal region L1 arranged in the respective receptacle A and having a first outer diameter. The respective first longitudinal region L1 is, for example, cylindrical and completely circumferential in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16 and thus in the shape of a right circular cylinder, so that, for example, the shaft 16 has the first outer diameter in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16 in the respective longitudinal region L1 completely circumferentially, i.e., circumferentially over 360 degrees. The circumferential direction of the shaft 16 running around the axis of rotation D is illustrated by an arrow 24. The aforementioned plane is also referred to as the first plane. The circumferential direction of the shaft 16 runs, for example, in a second plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation D and thus perpendicular to the aforementioned first plane. Viewed in the second plane, for example, the respective receptacle A and thus the respective inner circumferential surface M2 are cylindrical, and therefore in the shape of a right circular cylinder. The flow direction runs parallel to the second plane or in the second plane.

In the axial direction of the shaft 16, a respective second longitudinal region L2 of the shaft 16 adjoins the respective length range L1 towards the flap 18, which in the respective second length range L2 has a respective second outer diameter which is smaller than the first outer diameter. For example, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, it is conceivable that the second outer diameter extends completely around the shaft 16 in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16, so that the shaft 16 has the second outer diameter completely around the shaft 16 in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16 in the respective length range L2, and thus circumferentially over 360 degrees. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the shaft 16 to have at least or exactly two shaft regions in the respective second length region L2, which are consecutive and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16 and are also referred to as further circumferential regions, wherein the respective shaft region extends in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16 over less than 180 degrees, in particular over less than 160 degrees. The aforementioned shaft regions are also referred to as first shaft regions. In the circumferential direction of the shaft 16, for example, second shaft regions which are arranged in the shaft region L2 can adjoin the respective first shaft region on both sides. Viewed in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16, the first shaft regions and the second shaft regions are arranged alternately one after the other, wherein, for example, the respective second shaft region has a respective third outer diameter which is preferably larger than the second outer diameter. For example, the respective third outer diameter corresponds to the first outer diameter.

Since the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter, the respective second length range L2 is set back in the radial direction of the shaft 16 inwards and thus towards the axis of rotation D relative to the respective first length range L1 and thereby pointing away from the respective lateral surface M2.

It can also be seen that at least a respective part of the respective second length range L2 is arranged in the respective receptacle A. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, a respective first part of the respective length range L2 is arranged in the respective receptacle A, and a respective second part of the respective length range L2 is arranged in the channel K. In this case, the respective second part of the respective second length range L2 closes in the axial Direction of the shaft 16 directly to the respective first part of the respective second length range L2.

In the respective length range L2, the flap device 10 has a respective additional element 26, which is formed separately from the shaft 16 and separately from the flap 18 and separately from the housing 12 and is connected to the shaft 16 in a rotationally fixed manner. The respective additional element 26 has at least or exactly two additional parts Z1 and Z2, wherein the respective additional part Z2 is arranged on this side of the shaft 16 in the radial direction of the shaft 16 and wherein the respective additional part Z1 is arranged on the other side of the shaft 16 in the radial direction of the shaft 16. This means in particular that the respective additional part Z1, Z2 protrudes outwards from the shaft 16 in the radial direction of the shaft 16. In this case, for example, the additional elements 26 and the flap 18 are arranged in a common arrangement plane which, for example, coincides with the aforementioned first plane at least in the closed position ST. In particular, it is conceivable that when the shaft 16 has the aforementioned shaft regions, the additional parts Z1, Z2 of the respective additional element 26 are arranged offset in the circumferential direction of the shaft 16 relative to the first shaft regions and, for example, in the second shaft regions.

The respective additional element 26, in particular the respective additional part Z1, Z2, extends outwards in the radial direction of the shaft 16 so far away from the shaft 16 that the respective additional element 16 ends outwards in the radial direction of the shaft 16 at the first outer diameter and is thus arranged or terminates flush with the respective length range L1, in particular when viewed outwards in the radial direction of the shaft 16.

Out of 2 It can be seen that, because the shaft 16 has the respective second outer diameter which is smaller than the respective first outer diameter in the respective length range L2, in the first plane and in the radial direction of the shaft 16, on this side and on the other side of the respective part of the respective second length range L2 arranged in the respective receptacle A, a gap is arranged as a respective part of the respective receptacle A, which gap runs in the first plane and in the radial direction of the shaft 16 between the respective part of the respective second length range L2 arranged in the respective receptacle A and a respective wall region W of the housing 12 which partially delimits the respective receptacle A and directly delimits it in the radial direction of the shaft 16 to the outside, wherein the additional elements 26, also referred to as intermediate elements, fluidically block the gap S in the closed position ST of the flap 18 in each case at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely. In the open position O, the additional elements 26 open the gap S.

This prevents the fluid from flowing through the gap S in the closed position ST and thus bypassing the flap 18. In the open position O, however, the fluid can flow not only through the released partial areas TB1 and TB2 of the flow cross-section Q, but also through the gap S, so that, for example, the fluid can convey condensate or condensate-forming substances out of the gaps S and thus remove them. In addition, since the respective second outer diameter is smaller than the respective first outer diameter, a capillary effect of the respective receptacle A can be avoided, thereby preventing an excessively large amount of condensate or condensate-forming substances from being conveyed into the receptacle A due to capillary action. Thus, the probability of excessive and/or excessively rapid corrosion of the flap device 10 caused by condensate can be kept particularly low or even avoided.

3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view in a section plane designated AA, which can be, for example, the second plane. In 3 the flap 18 is in its closed position ST. Particularly good 1 to 3 It can be seen that the respective additional element 26, viewed in the axial direction of the shaft 16, is arranged in an extension of the flap 18 following the flap 18 and, in particular, is aligned with the flap 18, so that, viewed in the second plane, the respective additional element 26 and the flap 18 are arranged congruently. Furthermore, it is provided here that the respective additional element 26 extends in the axial direction of the shaft 16 over the entire part of the respective second length range L2 arranged in the respective receptacle A. As a result, the respective gap can advantageously be closed in the closed position ST.

The shaft 16 has a slot-shaped recess 28, for example, in which the flap 18 and the respective additional element 26 are arranged. For example, the flap parts 20 and 22 are designed as one piece with one another, thus being formed from a single piece. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the respective additional parts Z1 and Z2 of the respective additional element 26 are designed as one piece with one another, thus being formed from a single piece. In this case, it is conceivable that the recess 28 is designed as a through-opening that completely penetrates the shaft 16 in the radial direction of the shaft 16. In this case, the flap 18 and the additional element 26, for example, penetrate elements 26 the recess 28 in the radial direction of the shaft 16, so that the additional elements 26 and the flap 18, viewed in the radial direction of the shaft 16, protrude from the shaft 16 on both sides and in the radial direction of the shaft 16 and protrude from the shaft 16.

The first shaft regions are local regions with an outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter. Since the respective additional element 26 extends outwardly in the radial direction of the shaft 16 up to the first outer diameter and ends at the first outer diameter, the second outer diameter, which is smaller than the first outer diameter, is compensated for by the respective additional element 26.

Preferably, the flap 18 is straightened on its respective side facing the respective additional element 26 in the axial direction of the shaft 16, and thus has a flat design, and preferably the respective additional element 26 is straightened on its respective side facing the flap 18 in the axial direction of the shaft 16, and thus has a flat design. In this case, for example, the side of the respective additional element 26 facing the flap 18 rests in the axial direction of the shaft 16, in particular directly, against the respective side of the flap 18 facing the respective additional element 26 in the axial direction of the shaft 16, thereby preventing an excessive amount of fluid from bypassing the flap 18 and the additional elements 26, particularly in the closed position ST. In particular, the sides of the flap 18 and the respective additional element 26 interact in a form-fitting manner.

In comparison to conventional solutions, the respective gap S is an extended area between the retracted or recessed length range L2 and the inner circumferential surface M2 of the housing 12. The respective gap S is an area or circumference that is not critical for the closing behavior of the flap device 10 and prevents a capillary effect of the respective receptacle A and enables drying of, in particular, liquid media in the respective receptacle A and a gas exchange in the respective gap S between the shaft 16 and the housing 12. Thus, an excessively strong corrosion load and the formation of crevice corrosion in the respective gap S, in particular in the respective receptacle A as a whole, can be effectively prevented. In addition, compared to conventional solutions, a critical area portion with small gap widths can be reduced by at least 70%, so that in the event of deposits forming in the respective gap S, significantly lower motor forces are required by a motor provided for rotating the shaft 16 and thus the flap 18 to release a jamming of the flap 18 caused by such deposits. The motor is, for example, an electric motor, by means of which the shaft 16 and, via the shaft 16, the flap 18 can be driven and thus rotated about the rotation axis D relative to the housing 12.

Each length range L1 is assigned a respective bearing 30, which is formed separately from the flap 18, separately from the housing 12, and separately from the shaft 16. The length ranges L1 are rotatably mounted on the housing 12 via the bearings 30, so that the shaft 16 is rotatably mounted on the housing 12 via its length ranges L1 and the bearings 30.

List of reference symbols

10

flap device

12

Housing

14

Arrow

16

Wave

18

flap

20

flap part

22

flap part

24

Arrow

26

Additional element

28

recess

A

Recording

D

Rotation axis D

K

channel

M1

inner circumferential surface

M2

inner circumferential surface

O

Disclosure

Q

Flow cross-section

S

gap

ST

Closed position

TB1

Sub-area

TB2

Sub-area

W

Wall area

Z1

Additional part

Z2

Additional part

QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 37 26 332 C1 [0002]

Claims (9)

A flap device (10) for a vehicle, comprising a housing (12) having a channel (K) through which a fluid can flow, a shaft (16) rotatable about a rotational axis (D) relative to the housing (12), and a flap (18) connected to the shaft (16) in a rotationally fixed manner, which flap can be rotated with the shaft (16) about the rotational axis (D) relative to the housing (12) between a closed position (ST) fluidically blocking at least a partial area (TB1, TB2) of a flow cross-section (Q) of the channel (K) through which the fluid can flow, and at least one open position (O) releasing at least the partial area (TB1, TB2), characterized in that : - the shaft (16) has at least one first longitudinal area (L1) arranged in a corresponding receptacle (A) of the housing (12), the receptacle (A) of which opens into the channel (K) when the housing (12) is viewed alone, with a first outer diameter and a second longitudinal region (L2) which adjoins the first longitudinal region (L1) in the axial direction of the shaft (16) towards the flap (18) and the channel (K) and has a second outer diameter which is smaller than the first outer diameter; - at least part of the second longitudinal region (L2) is arranged in the receptacle (A), and - at least one additional element (26) which is formed separately from the shaft (16) and separately from the flap (18) and is connected to the shaft (16) in a rotationally fixed manner, which additional element is arranged at least partially at least in the part of the second longitudinal region (L2) and extends outwards from the shaft (16) in the radial direction of the shaft (16) so far that the additional element (26) ends outwards at the first outer diameter in the radial direction of the shaft (16). Flap device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that in a plane in which the flow cross-section (Q) runs, and viewed in the radial direction of the shaft (16), on this side and on the other side of the part of the second longitudinal region (L2), a gap (S) running in the plane and arranged in the radial direction of the shaft (16) between the part of the second longitudinal region (L2) and a respective wall region (W) of the housing (12) partially delimiting the receptacle (A) is arranged as a respective part of the receptacle (A), wherein the additional element in the closed position (ST) of the flap (18) at least predominantly fluidically blocks the respective gap (S), and wherein the additional element (26) in the open position (O) of the flap (18) releases the respective gap (S) which opens into the channel (K). Flap device (10) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the additional element (26) is arranged following the flap (18) in an extension of the flap (18) viewed in the axial direction of the shaft (16). Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional element (26) is disc-shaped or plate-shaped. Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional element (26) is formed from a metallic material or from a plastic. Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional element (26) extends in the axial direction of the shaft (16) over the entire part of the second longitudinal region (L2) arranged in the receptacle (A). Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional element (26) is partially arranged in a recess (28) of the shaft (16). Flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal region (L1) is rotatably mounted on the housing (12) via a bearing (30) formed separately from the shaft and separately from the housing. Vehicle with at least one flap device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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