JP2005313864A - Inflator and free moving body in fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inflator which shows less malfunction and deterioration due to environmental factors during storage or use, and is easy to handle. <P>SOLUTION: The inflator comprises a pressure tank which is filled with a pressurized medium and has a weakened part on a part of the tank, a first coil which is movable between a distant position and a close position relative to the weakened part in a casing disposed next to the pressure tank to cover the weakened part, a current supply means which supplies currents to the first coil, and a penetrating means which forms a passage penetrating the weakened part and introducing the pressurized medium into the casing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an inflator that supplies a pressurized medium by opening a tank filled with the pressurized medium, and a free moving body in fluid using the inflator.

  Opening a tank filled with a pressurized medium such as high-pressure gas or its liquefied substance as a supply source of compressed gas, such as an inflator used for a vehicle tire or airbag, and a drive mechanism using a pneumatic actuator Therefore, an inflator that supplies a high-pressure pressurized medium is used.

According to Patent Document 1, an inflator housing (tank) provided with a rupturable plate is filled with a pressurized medium (pressurized medium). An igniter provided with an igniting agent is provided inside the diffuser portion connected to the inflator housing. When an ignition signal is received from the outside, the igniter provided in the igniter burns, the rupture disk is destroyed by the explosive force when the igniter burns, and the inflator housing is opened.
JP 2002-255006 A

  However, since the conventional inflator as described above uses an igniting agent to destroy the rupturable plate, when used at a high temperature exceeding the spontaneous ignition temperature of the igniting agent, the igniting agent does not receive an ignition signal from the outside. It will burn. That is, even when the supply of the pressurized medium is not intended, the inflator malfunctions and starts supplying the pressurized medium.

  In addition, since the igniting agent is used to destroy the rupturable plate, when the inflator is stored in a hot and humid environment, the igniting agent absorbs moisture and the ignition agent burns in response to an external ignition signal. In some cases, a sufficient burning rate cannot be obtained and the rupturable plate is not destroyed. That is, even when the supply of the pressurized medium is intended, the inflator does not operate correctly and the pressurized medium is not supplied.

  In addition, because ignition powder is used to destroy the rupturable plate, warehouses that store inflators, vehicles that transport inflators, etc. have qualifications as incidental equipment such as fire walls for handling dangerous goods, and dangerous goods handlers. An administrator etc. was required, and simple handling was not possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is intended to provide an inflator and a free moving body in fluid that are less likely to deteriorate due to the environment during storage and use, operate correctly in a wide range of environments, and are easy to handle. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, an inflator of the present invention is provided adjacent to the pressure tank so as to cover the fragile portion and a pressure tank filled with a pressurized medium and having a fragile portion in a part thereof. A housing, a reciprocating member provided inside the housing and capable of reciprocating between a position closer to and farther from the weak portion within the housing, and the reciprocating member as the weak portion A first coil provided at a position capable of being moved from a farther position to a closer position; a current supply means electrically connected to the first coil; and provided on the weak part side of the reciprocating member. And penetrating means capable of forming a flow path for penetrating the fragile portion and introducing the pressurized medium into the housing.

  The free moving body in fluid of the present invention is filled with a body capable of moving in fluid, a wing provided on the body, and a pressurizing medium, and has a fragile portion in a part thereof. A pressure tank provided inside, a housing provided adjacent to the pressure tank so as to cover the fragile portion, provided inside the housing, and from the fragile portion inside the housing A reciprocating member capable of reciprocating between a close position and a distant position; a first coil provided at a position where the reciprocating member can be moved from a position far from the fragile portion to a close position; and A current supply means electrically connected to the first coil; and provided on the weakened portion side of the reciprocating member, for penetrating the weakened portion and introducing the pressurized medium into the housing Penetrating means capable of forming a flow path; and It is opened to the edge near the rear of, communication with the interior of the housing, and having a a spout for ejecting the pressurized medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inflator and a free moving body in fluid that are less likely to deteriorate due to the environment during storage or use, operate correctly in a wide range of environments, and are easy to handle.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inflator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, an opening 2 is provided on one end side of the substantially cylindrical pressure vessel 1. A space 3 inside the pressure vessel 1 is filled with a pressurized medium such as compressed air, liquefied carbon dioxide, or liquefied nitrogen. As the material of the pressure vessel 1, a metal having a relatively high hardness and high tensile strength, such as brass or structural steel having a sufficient thickness, which is not easily deformed or ruptured by an external impact or the like is suitable. Yes.

  The pressure vessel 1 is provided with a sealing plate 4. As the material of the sealing plate 4, for example, a metal having a relatively low hardness and a low tensile strength, such as copper, aluminum, or soft iron, which is thinner than the wall of the pressure vessel 1 is suitable. The sealing plate 4 is provided so as to seal the opening 2 using a method such as welding so that the pressurized medium does not leak from the pressure vessel 1. A portion of the sealing plate 4 provided in the pressure vessel 1 that overlaps the opening 2, that is, the fragile portion 26 has a part of the surface of the sealing plate 4 exposed directly to the space 3. 1 or lower. A screw portion 5 is provided around the sealing plate 4 and is processed so that the screw portion 5 functions as a male screw. In this way, the pressure tank 6 is configured in advance by the pressure vessel 1 and the sealing plate 4.

  A housing 7 is provided adjacent to the pressure tank 6. A part of the inner periphery of the housing 7 is processed so as to function as a female screw for the screw portion 5 of the sealing plate 4. The casing 7 and the sealing plate 4 are screwed using a sealing material, packing, or the like as necessary. That is, the housing 7 is provided so as to cover the fragile portion 26 by being screwed to the sealing plate 4.

  The housing 7 is provided with an opening 8. The opening 8 is provided to lead out the released pressurized medium to the outside of the inflator 100 when the pressurized medium is released from the pressure tank 6. The opening 8 is connected to a supply target of the pressurized medium via a pressure hose or the like according to the use of the inflator 100. For example, when used as a pneumatic tire for a vehicle tire, the tire and the opening 8 can be connected by a pressure hose provided with a regulator. For example, when used as a part of a vehicle airbag, the airbag and the opening 8 can be connected using a pressure hose. For example, when used as a compressed gas supply source of the drive mechanism, the compressed air introduction port of the drive mechanism and the opening 8 can be connected using a pressure hose.

  A reciprocating member 9 is provided inside the housing 7. The reciprocating member 9 is provided so as to be able to reciprocate inside the housing 7. The reciprocable range of the reciprocating member 9 is between a position closer to and farther from the weakened portion 26. At least a part of the reciprocating member 9 is made of a conductive member such as copper.

  The reciprocating member 9 is provided with a penetrating means 11. The penetrating means 11 is provided on the weak portion 26 side of the reciprocating member 9. The penetrating means 11 is made of a material having high hardness such as a stainless alloy, and is provided so that the penetrating means 11 can penetrate the fragile portion 26 when the reciprocating member 9 moves from a position far from the fragile portion 26 to a close position. It has been. In the penetrating means 11, for example, by providing the hollow part 10 in the penetrating means 11, when the penetrating means 11 penetrates the fragile part 26, a flow path is formed so that the space 3 communicates with the inside of the housing 7. Has been processed. By processing the penetrating means 11 in this way, when the penetrating means 11 penetrates the fragile portion 26, a flow path is formed between the space 3 and the inside of the housing 7, and the pressurized medium filled in the space 3 However, it ejects from the opening part 8 provided in the housing | casing 7 through the flow path and the housing | casing 7. FIG.

  The casing 7 is provided with a coil 12 (first coil). When the coil 12 generates a repulsive force between the coil 12 and the reciprocating member 9, a position where the reciprocating member 9 moves from a position far from the fragile portion 26 to a position close to the fragile portion 26, for example, far from the fragile portion 26. From the side, the coil 12, the reciprocating member 9, and the coil 12, the reciprocating member 9, and the fragile portion 26 are provided in a substantially lined position. The coil 12 is electrically connected to a current supply means 13 provided separately. The current supply means 13 includes a capacitor 14 for storing electric charge supplied from a power source (not shown), and a switch 15 for discharging the electric charge stored by changing from the disconnected state to the connected state to the coil 12. Is provided. The coil 12 can generate an impact force in a direction repelling the reciprocating member 9 from the coil 12 by instantaneously releasing the electric charge stored from the capacitor 14.

  For example, when a coil having a diameter of 20 mm is used as the coil 12, the impact force generated between the reciprocating member 9 and the coil 12 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a graph in which time is plotted on the horizontal axis and impact force is plotted on the vertical axis when the charging voltage to the capacitor 14 is changed to 160 to 570V. The capacitor 14 was a 63 μF capacitor. When the charging voltage is 570 V, the impact force generated between the reciprocating member 9 and the coil 12 is about 500 N as shown in FIG. 2, and the impact force sufficient for the penetrating means 11 to penetrate the fragile portion 26 is generated. Can do.

  Next, the operation of the inflator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3A shows the inflator 100 before the pressurized medium is ejected.

  First, the fragile portion 26 is not penetrated by the penetrating means 11. The reciprocating member 9 provided with the penetrating means 11 is disposed between the sealing plate 4 and the coil 12. The reciprocating member 9 is temporarily fixed using a fixing means (not shown) such as a permanent magnet as required.

  Next, when current is supplied to the capacitor 14 from the power source, the capacitor 14 stores electric charge. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the switch 15 is brought into a connected state by an operator, a control device, or the like, the capacitor 14 instantaneously releases electric charge, and current is supplied to the coil 12. By supplying current to the coil 12, an impact force in a repulsive direction is generated between the reciprocating member 9 and the coil 12.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the reciprocating member 9 moves from a position far from the fragile portion 26 to a position close thereto, and the penetrating means 11 penetrates the fragile portion 26 accordingly.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), the space 3 is filled through the flow path between the space 3 formed when the penetrating means 11 penetrates the fragile portion 26 and the inside of the housing 7. The pressure medium is ejected from an opening 8 provided in the housing 7.

  As described above, since the inflator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention does not use an igniting agent to eject the pressurized medium from the pressure tank 6, it is possible to reduce deterioration due to the environment during storage or use. Can do. In addition, since no igniting agent is used inside, it operates correctly in a wide range of environments, and no special storage such as a fire wall is required for storage, and it can be handled easily.

  Although the reciprocating member 9 is made of a conductive member and is configured to generate a repulsive force with the coil 12, the reciprocating member 9 generates a force repelling the coil 12 as shown in FIG. You may provide the coil 16 (2nd coil) wound in the direction which can do. The coil 16 is electrically connected to the current supply means 13, and a repulsive force is generated between the coil 12 and the coil 16 by supplying current from the current supply means to the coil 12 and the coil 16. Due to this repulsive force, the reciprocating member 9 moves from a position far from the fragile portion 26 to a near position, the penetrating means 11 provided in the reciprocating member 9 penetrates the fragile portion 26, and the pressurized medium is supplied from the pressure tank 6 to the housing. 7 is ejected from an opening 8 provided in the housing 7.

  Further, by providing the hollow means 10 in the penetrating means 11, the penetrating means 11 is processed so that when the penetrating means 11 penetrates the sealing plate 4, a flow path that connects the space 3 and the inside of the housing 7 is formed. However, a groove (not shown) may be provided on the side surface of the penetrating means 11. The groove provided on the side surface of the penetrating means 11 forms a gap between the penetrating means 11 and the sealing plate 4 when the penetrating means 11 penetrates the fragile portion 26.

  Further, the pressure vessel 1 and the sealing plate 4 may be integrally formed, for example, a commercially available small-sized CO2 cylinder having a thin fragile portion in a part where liquefied carbon dioxide gas is sealed.

  Moreover, since the pressure tank 6 and a commercially available small-sized CO2 cylinder are screwed by the screw portion 5, the pressure tank 6 and the commercially available small-sized CO2 cylinder in which the pressurized medium is emptied using the inflator 100 are used. By replacing, the inflator 100 can be used again.

(Second Embodiment)
5 and 6 show a free moving body 200 in fluid using an inflator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fluid free moving body 200, FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a steering blade 201 (blade) described later of the fluid free moving body 200, and FIG. 6B is a fluid free moving body 200. 200 is a sectional view of a body 202 described later. In addition, the same part as each part of 1st Embodiment is shown with the same code | symbol, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the fluid free moving body 200, four steering blades 201 are provided on a body 202. When moving in the fluid, the free moving body 200 in the fluid controls the posture by controlling the balance of the force applied to the body 200 and the steering blade 201 from the fluid.

  An inflator 102 is provided inside the body 202. The inflator 102 is provided with current supply means 203. As the current supply means 203, for example, a connector or a contact terminal that can be electrically connected to the outside can be used. In order to supply electric power for generating an impact force in the direction of repulsion from the coil 12 from the outside of the free moving body 200 in the fluid, the current supply means 203 is provided. For example, the current supply unit 203 can supply power to the coil 12 by connecting a power source, a capacitor, a switch, or the like (not shown). Since other configurations are the same as those of the inflator 100 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The body 202 is provided with an opening 204. Further, the steering blade 201 is provided with two outlets 205 for each system. An outlet 205 of the other system is provided so that an outlet 205 of one system opens to one surface of the steering blade 201 and an opening of the other face of the steering blade 201. In order to control the posture of the in-fluid free moving body 200 by changing the flow of the fluid flowing around the steering blade 201 when the in-fluid free moving body 200 moves in the fluid, the ejection port 205 is provided. ing. The posture of the in-fluid free moving body 200 can be controlled by switching from which ejection port 205 the pressurized medium ejected from the ejection port 205 is ejected.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, fluids 301 and 302 are flowing around the steering blade 201. The fluid 301 flows against the surface of one surface of the steering blade 201. The fluid 302 flows against the surface of the other surface of the steering blade 201. Next, when the pressurized medium 303 is ejected from one ejection port 205, for example, from the ejection port 205 on the fluid 302 side of the steering blade 201 as shown in FIG. 7B, the balance of the flow of the fluids 301 and 302 is balanced. Changes, and a force 304 is generated on the steering blade 201. That is, by controlling the amount and timing of the pressurized medium 303 ejected from the ejection outlet 205 and from which ejection outlet 205 the ejection of the pressurized medium 303 is performed, the posture of the free moving body 200 in the fluid can be controlled. .

  A pipe 206 for guiding the pressurized medium ejected from the inflator 102 to the ejection port 205 is provided inside the steering blade 201.

  A fluid path switching element 207 is provided inside the body 202. The fluid switching element 207 is provided so as to be able to switch which of the plurality of jet outlets 205 pressurize the pressurized medium ejected from the inflator 102. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the pressure medium is switched so as to be switched to one of the two jet nozzles 205 provided in one steering blade 201. Actually, it is provided so that it can be switched whether the pressure medium is guided to any of the six jet outlets 205 provided in the other three steering blades 201, that is, a total of eight jet outlets 205. Yes.

  The fluid path switching element 207 is provided with an input path 207a. The input path 207a is provided so that the pressurized medium ejected from the inflator 102 is input.

  The pressurized medium input from the input path 207a is output from any one of a plurality of output paths 207b. Each output path 207 b is provided so as to communicate with the pipe 206.

  The valve 207c is provided so that it can be switched whether the opening 204 is open to the outside of the free moving body 200 in fluid or closed. The fluid switching element 207 is provided so that the pressurized medium input from the input path 207a is guided to the output path 207b in the direction of the closed opening 204. That is, by switching which opening 204 is opened, it is possible to switch from which ejection port 205 the pressurized medium ejected from the inflator 102 is ejected.

  A regulator 208 can be provided between the inflator 102 and the input path 207a. The regulator 208 is provided so that the flow rate required for the fluid switching element 207 to be switched can be secured and the flow rate of the pressurized medium ejected from the ejection port 205 can be controlled. By controlling the regulator 208, the magnitude of the force 304 applied to the steering blade 201 can be controlled.

  As described above, the in-fluid free moving body 200 using the inflator according to the second embodiment of the present invention does not use an igniting agent to eject the pressurized medium from the pressure tank. Deterioration due to the environment can be reduced. In addition, since no igniting agent is used to eject the pressurized medium from the pressure tank, it operates correctly in a wide range of environments, and a special storage such as a fire wall is not required for storage and can be handled easily.

  In addition, the conventional free-moving body in fluid requires a heavy actuator such as hydraulic pressure or electric motor for driving the flap, but the in-fluid free-moving body 200 using the inflator is a space necessary for posture control. Since the weight and energy are very small, the free moving body in the fluid can be reduced in size and weight. This not only increases the degree of freedom in designing the free moving body in the fluid, but also reduces the kinetic energy of the free moving body in the fluid, reduces the resistance to the fluid, extends the cruising distance, and improves the motion performance. realizable.

  In the present embodiment, the embodiment in which the eight outlets 205 of the eight systems are switched by one fluid switching element 207 has been described. However, the number of fluid switching elements is not limited to one. For example, two fluid switching elements that can switch which jet outlet 205 of the four systems are combined, or which of the two systems It is also possible to combine four fluid switching elements that can switch whether or not to eject from the nozzle 205.

  Further, the embodiment has been described in which the fluid switching element 207 switches from which outlet 205 the pressurized medium ejected from the inflator 102 is ejected depending on which opening 204 is opened. However, other known fluid switching elements can be used for the fluid switching element 207. For example, a plurality of known solenoid valves can be combined and used as a fluid switching element.

Sectional drawing which shows 1st Embodiment of the inflator by this invention The figure which shows the repulsive force which the coil of 1st Embodiment of the inflator by this invention generate | occur | produces Sectional drawing which shows operation | movement of 1st Embodiment of the inflator by this invention Sectional drawing which shows the modification of 1st Embodiment of the inflator by this invention The perspective view of the free motion body in fluid using the 2nd Embodiment of the inflator by this invention Sectional drawing of the free-moving body in fluid using the second embodiment of the inflator Sectional view of a free moving body in fluid using a second embodiment of an inflator according to the present invention

Explanation of symbols

1 Pressure vessel 2 Opening 3 Space 3
4 Seal plate 4
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Thread part 6 Pressure tank 7 Case 8 Opening part 9 Reciprocating member 10 Hollow part 11 Penetration means 12 Coil 13 Current supply means 14 Capacitor 15 Switch 16 Coil 26 Weak part 100, 101, 102 Inflator 200 Free moving body 201 in fluid Steering Blade 202 Body 203 Current supply means 204 Opening 205 Spout 304 Force 206 Pipe 207 Fluid path switching element 207a Input path 207b Output path 207c Valve 207
208 Regulator 301, 302 Fluid 303 Pressure medium 304 Force

Claims (7)

A pressure tank filled with a pressurized medium and having a fragile portion in a part thereof;
A housing provided adjacent to the pressure tank to cover the fragile portion;
A reciprocating member that is provided inside the housing and capable of reciprocating between a position closer to and farther from the fragile portion inside the housing;
A first coil provided at a position where the reciprocating member can be moved from a position far from the weak part to a position close to the weak part;
Current supply means electrically connected to the first coil;
A penetrating means provided on the fragile portion side of the reciprocating member, penetrating through the fragile portion, and capable of forming a flow path for introducing the pressurized medium into the housing;
An inflator characterized by comprising: The inflator according to claim 1, wherein the current supply unit includes a capacitor. The inflator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the reciprocating member has conductivity. The reciprocating member includes a second coil wound in a direction capable of generating a force repelling the first coil and electrically connected to the current supply means. The inflator according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A body that can move in fluid,
Wings provided on the body;
A pressure tank filled with a pressurized medium, having a fragile part in a part thereof, and provided inside the body;
A housing provided adjacent to the pressure tank to cover the fragile portion;
A reciprocating member that is provided inside the housing and capable of reciprocating between a position closer to and farther from the fragile portion inside the housing;
A first coil provided at a position where the reciprocating member can be moved from a position far from the weak part to a position close to the weak part;
Current supply means electrically connected to the first coil;
A penetrating means provided on the fragile portion side of the reciprocating member, penetrating through the fragile portion, and capable of forming a flow path for introducing the pressurized medium into the housing;
An opening near the trailing edge of the wing, communicated with the interior of the housing, and a jet outlet for ejecting the pressurized medium;
A free moving body in fluid, characterized by comprising: The free moving body in fluid according to claim 5, wherein at least a part of the reciprocating member has conductivity. The reciprocating member includes a second coil wound in a direction capable of generating a force repelling the first coil and electrically connected to the current supply means. The free moving body in fluid according to claim 5 or 6.

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