VEHICLE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE HAVING PERIPHERALLY SECURED FLAPS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME.

摘要

A pressure relief valve ( 12 ) for relieving air pressure from a passenger compartment ( 14 ) of a vehicle ( 10 ) includes a base ( 18 ) having a peripheral portion ( 30 ). A central opening ( 42 ) extends through the peripheral portion ( 30 ). The pressure relief valve ( 12 ) also includes a plurality of flaps ( 74 ) for closing the central opening ( 42 ) of the base ( 18 ). Each flap ( 74 ) has an outer end ( 82 ) connected with the peripheral portion ( 30 ) of the base ( 18 ) and an inner end ( 80 ) that is movable relative to the peripheral portion ( 30 ) and the other flaps ( 74 ) for enabling airflow through the central opening ( 42 ). Each flap ( 74 ) has opposite surfaces ( 76 and 78 ) against which air pressure acts. Differential air pressure acts on the opposite surfaces ( 76 and 78 ) causing the flap ( 74 ) to move to enable airflow through the central opening ( 42 ).