Expansible chamber devices – Collapsible chamber wall portion – Wall portion formed of flexible material
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-30
2001-02-20
Nguyen, Hoang (Department: 3745)
Expansible chamber devices
Collapsible chamber wall portion
Wall portion formed of flexible material
C092S1030SD, C092S1030SD
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189435
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to diaphragms. In particular, this invention relates to a diaphragm for an actuator connected to an engine turbo charger. The invention may also be applicable to other diaphragm applications.
Diaphragms made of fabric coated with elastomeric material are known. In automotive use, such diaphragms are exposed to a high number of pressure cycles and a significant amount of dirt from the surrounding environment. Dirt often collects on the underside of the diaphragm. Abrasive particles in the dirt tend to cut or abrade the crossing fibers or strands of the fabric, which allows the air pressure from the pressure side of the actuator to cause a hole to form through the diaphragm. The fabric surrounding the hole is then required to hold the air pressure. This tends to weaken the fabric and lead to its premature failure, making the actuator ineffective. Therefore, there is a need for a more dirt-resistant diaphragm for such actuators.
A primary objective of the present invention is the provision of a dirt-resistant diaphragm for an actuator.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of an actuator diaphragm having ribs formed thereon for additional strength and resistance to leaks.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of an actuator diaphragm having ribs formed on its low pressure or fabric side.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of an elastomer-coated, fabric-based diaphragm having ribs thereon which improve the penetration and adherence of elastomer and the life of the diaphragm.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of a diaphragm with ribs thereon which tend to channel contaminants away from the zone or zones of the diaphragm where failures can sometimes occur.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of an actuator having ribs which extend beyond the piston contact area.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of an actuator diaphragm having a greater life, in terms of pressure cycles, than existing actuator diaphragms.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of an actuator diaphragm that is economical to produce, durable, and reliable in use.
These and other objectives will be apparent from the drawings, as well as from the description and the claims which follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a diaphragm. In particular, this invention relates to a diaphragm for a turbo charger actuator. The diaphragm includes a layer of fabric having upper and lower surfaces. A first layer of elastomeric material coats at least a portion of the upper surface of the fabric to prevent pressurized air from passing through. A second layer of elastomeric material coats at least a portion of the lower surface of the fabric to form a plurality of ribs thereon.
The ribs reinforce the fabric and prevent dirt or other abrasive particles from wearing holes in the elastomeric material and the fabric. When the fabric has woven strands, the ribs protect some of the points where the strands intersect in key areas on the diaphragm. The ribs also channel contaminants away from the zone(s) of the diaphragm where failures can sometimes occur.
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Lange Shawn H.
Vertanen Mark W.
Gits Manufacturing Company
Nguyen Hoang
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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