Switchable flap valve

A switchable flap valve having at least one valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) disposed for pivoting about a longitudinal axis in a housing part (1) for opening or closing a valve opening (11) provided in the housing part (1) in which a strip element (4, 4a, 4b) is formed on the upper side of the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve plate, The surface of the strip element (4, 4a) is inclined toward an adjacent housing wall (20) or toward a second strip (4b) and forms a hollow channel with the housing wall (20) or with the strip (4b). The free longitudinal edge (18) of the strip (4, 4a, 4b) is held in a latch mechanism (7, 8) to maintain the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) in the closed position. In the housing part (1) at least one opening (13) communicating with one end of the hollow channel is provided, which also is in communication with a pressure generator (14) whose actuation introduces pressure into the hollow channel and elastically deforms the strip elements (4, 4a, 4b) to release the strip elements from the holders or latches (7, 8) so that the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) can pivot to the open position.