JP2577869B2 - Reaction canister for inflatable restraint system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an improve structural body to store and position a gas generator and an inflatable bag in a vehicle concerning an inflatable passive restraint system used in the vehicle to restrain movement of a seated person at the time of collision. CONSTITUTION: A gutter type main body part 10 of a light reaction canister used for an inflatable passive restraint system storing an inflator is constituted of a holder 18 for an inflator formed by extrusion molding and integrally molded, by providing first and second opposed end parts and first and second opposed side walls 30, 32 on it and by providing a plural number of end plate mounting parts on each of the opposed end parts.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an inflatable passive restraint system for use in a vehicle to restrain the movement of a occupant in the event of a collision, and more particularly to a gas generator and an inflatable bag within the vehicle. The present invention relates to an improvement in a structure for storing and positioning a housing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A safety restraint system, or "passive restraint system", particularly an inflatable bag or cushion, which is adapted to self-activate from a non-deployed state to an expanded state without the need for operator intervention. There has been much debate about the integrated restraint systems and their use in motor vehicles because it is generally accepted in the United States that the use of such passive restraint systems is desirable.

[0003] It is well known to use cushions or gas-inflated bags, such as inflatable bags (so-called airbags), to protect persons in the vehicle when the vehicle suddenly decelerates or in the event of a collision. . When unpacking the bag,
If the bag is filled with a rapidly released gas, the gas used is typically an inert gas such as nitrogen gas.
In such a system, the inflatable bladder is normally stored in an uninflated and folded state, occupying minimal space. Upon activation of the restraint system, gas is released from the inflator and the bag is rapidly inflated. The bag then restrains movement of the person in the vehicle during a collision.

[0004] The vehicle-side inflatable restraint system includes a multi-crash detector located or mounted on the vehicle frame or body, which multi-crash detector detects rapid deceleration of the vehicle. I have. The multi-crash detector outputs a signal to an inflatable module assembly located in the vehicle compartment, which initiates the deployment of the bladder. Generally, an inflatable bag provided for protection of a vehicle driver, that is, a driver side air bag, is attached to a storage portion located in a steering column of the vehicle. On the other hand, the inflatable bag that protects the passenger sitting in the front seat, that is, the passenger side inflatable bag, is usually attached to the instrument panel / dashboard of the vehicle.

A typical inflatable passive restraint system uses a bladder module, which is provided with an outer reaction housing or canister. The canister is usually referred to as a reaction can or simply a can. The reaction canister holds and houses the other components of the bladder module system, including those referred to as bladders or simply inflators or generators. The inflator generates gas when activated to inflate the bladder.

[0006] The housing structure not only protects the inflatable bag and the gas generator until the inflatable bag is deployed, but also serves to absorb the load generated by the deployment of the inflatable bag. Such loads are large, and if the loads are not sufficiently absorbed, the vehicle may be damaged. For example, if the inflatable module assembly is on the passenger side, the vehicle dashboard will be damaged. Therefore, in the prior art, a heavy housing structure, especially a steel material housing structure, for storing and holding the inflator of the inflatable module assembly on the passenger side is used to prevent or reduce the damage. It is practical to do.

However, the need to reduce the weight of automobiles has been pointed out, and there is a need for a lightweight inflatable passive restraint system on the passenger side. The weight savings of such a system can be achieved by utilizing an aluminum material to house the inflator and inflatable bladder, rather than the heavy steel material conventionally used in reaction canister structures. The use of aluminum materials in such inflatable passive restraint systems has been described, for example, in 1985.
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,547,342 and 19, issued October 15,
This is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,675 issued Dec. 31, 1985.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

More specifically, US Pat. No. 4,941,678, issued Jul. 17, 1990, discloses a lightweight reaction canister assembly designed to avoid the use of a bell-shaped mouth. The lightweight reaction canister assembly includes a body portion formed from a continuously extruded aluminum product. In such an assembly, a restraining string is provided at the inner opening of the air bag. The functions of such a restraining string include the following. That is, 1) the function of restraining the load on the reaction canister arranged in the lateral direction, and 2) the function of maintaining the pushing force at the mouth of the canister when the air bag is deployed. According to such a configuration, a lighter portion at the mouth of the canister can be used, and a reinforcing flange along the side wall of the canister,
The need for a reinforcing flange to increase the weight of the canister assembly is eliminated. However, the disadvantages of such an arrangement are that the assembly manufacturing operation is complicated and troublesome,
Further, as a final operation of assembling the module, there is a point that the inflator cannot be mounted.

Accordingly, there is a need and need for a wide range of improved arrangements of lightweight assemblies.

[0010] Most automotive inflatable passive restraint systems also include common basic components such as bladders,
Inflators and reaction canisters are included, but such systems are mounted on vehicles of various sizes and shapes. There are various types of expanders, such as a pyrotechnic expander, a gas storage expander, a hybrid expander, and the like. These inflators come in various sizes and shapes. Since the inflators are individually designed for a particular application.

Accordingly, a reaction canister structure adaptable to a wide variety of applications, the reaction canister structure being able to utilize an expander arbitrarily selected from various types of expanders. There is a request for That is, there is a need for a reaction canister structure that is flexible and compatible over a wide range.

There is also a need for an improved arrangement that can improve various desirable features, such as various mounting configurations in the application of vehicle-side inflatable restraint systems.

[0013] There is also a need for an arrangement in which an inflator can be mounted as a final assembly operation of the air bladder module assembly.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved structure for use in receiving and positioning an inflator and an inflatable bag of an inflatable passive restraint system.

Another object of the present invention is to solve one or more of the problems described above.

Yet another object of the present invention is a reaction canister assembly with such an improvement, which meets the high standards and requirements essential for safety systems and is low cost and highly productive and simple reaction canister. It is to provide an assembly.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main object of the invention is at least partially achieved by a specially configured reaction canister body. The reaction canister body is formed in a trough-like form by extrusion. The reaction canister body portion includes a one-piece inflator holder, the holder having a partial substantially circular cross section. The reaction canister body portion has first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side walls, each of which is provided with a number of end plate attachments. Such a reaction canister body portion is used in an inflatable passive restraint canister that includes an inflator.

The prior art cannot provide a simple, low cost, and reliable arrangement for a vehicle-side inflatable passive restraint system. The arrangement according to the present invention has the following advantages. For example,
1) the light-weight reaction canister assembly can be used for a wide range of uses; and 2) the various desirable features, such as various mounting features, can be introduced economically and efficiently.

The lightweight reaction canister assembly for an inflatable passive restraint system according to the present invention comprises an extruded gutter-shaped body portion, the gutter-shaped body portion having an integral inflator holder, opposing ends, and opposing side walls. And a number of end plate mounting portions provided at each of the opposed ends. Canister assembly further comprises a first and second end closure, these end closure is attached to the corresponding end portion of the gutter body, the mounting cooperating with the respective end plate attachment portion It is performed by holding means arranged as described above. First and second
Each of the end plates is provided with an inflator flange seat which receives and holds the corresponding end of the elongated gas generating inflator.

As used herein, the term "thrust neutral" refers to the inflator when it is activated, for example, when it is suddenly activated during bladder deployment, transportation, storage, etc. Is that the thrust of the vessel is zero. That is, the inflator is formed with a large number of gas discharge holes, so that the gas is discharged in opposite directions, and therefore, the propulsive force is not exerted on the expander itself by the gas discharge, so that the expander does not move. . In short, the gas flow propulsion method is undefined.

The term directivity also means that when the inflator is activated, a propulsive force is applied to the inflator in a predetermined direction to release its gas. This allows the inflator to move during gas release.

[0022]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention described below, an improved reaction canister body for use in an inflatable passive restraint system such as that used in vehicles to restrain the movement of occupants in the vehicle in the event of a collision. A part and a reaction canister assembly are provided.

In the following description of the invention, reference is made to a passenger air bladder module assembly for a motor vehicle, including a heavy vehicle, a small vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, etc., but the invention is not limited to other types, including for example airplanes. It should be understood that the present invention can be applied not only to the vehicle of the present invention but also to other bladder module assemblies, for example, a driver's bladder module assembly. It should also be understood that in the case of motor vehicles, the general differences between them, including the typical dimensional differences that the passenger air bladder module assembly is much larger than the driver air bladder module assembly. Due to physical differences, the present invention is believed to be particularly useful for passenger bladder module assemblies.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a reaction canister body portion as an extruded product, the reaction canister portion being indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 and being generally shown. A typical configuration is an elongated and narrow open or trough-shaped container. Although the reaction canister body portion 10 is shown separately in FIG. 1, it forms part of the reaction canister assembly 12 in the bladder module subassembly, generally designated 16 in FIGS. . In the practice of the present invention, such a bladder module sub-assembly is a component of a complete module assembly, which is usually housed in or located in a suitable portion of the vehicle. It should be understood that they are worn. In a passenger module assembly, the module assembly is typically housed in a vehicle instrument panel / dashboard (not shown). On the other hand, in a driver module assembly, the module assembly is generally housed in a steering wheel.

The reaction canister body 10 includes an integrally formed inflator holder 18 having a partially substantially circular cross-section, and having first and second side walls as part of the integral structure. It has parts 20 and 22, which are connected to each other by a concave base 24. Thus, a gap opening is formed in the holder 18 and this gap opening is indicated generally by the reference numeral 26. In general, due to practical constraints in the extrusion process, such as limitations on the die tongue ratio, etc., and restrictions on the use of such a reaction canister body, for example, appropriate for the reaction canister body. The restriction that the opening must be provided in such a size that not only obtains a proper gas flow but also ensures proper spacing and positioning of the mounting portion, and the reaction canister main body functions as an expander retainer. Due to the constraint that a holder must be provided, the reaction canister body portion with the holder having a partially substantially circular cross section has a gap with an arc angle of at least about 45 degrees, preferably at least about 90 degrees. An opening is provided and the arc angle is generally less than about 180 degrees, preferably less than about 135 degrees.

The reaction canister body 10 is provided with first and second opposing side walls or opposing panels, both of which are, for example, a top side wall 30 and a bottom side wall 32.
It is said. The reaction canister body 10 further includes a first
And second opposing ends 36 and 38, respectively (see FIG. 2). Opposing side walls 30 and 32 are spaced apart from each other and are preferably formed directly and continuously from the integrally formed holder 18 or are connected to the holder 18 via side wall connections 42 and 44, respectively, as shown. Formed continuously.

In the embodiment shown, the opposing side walls 30 and 3
2 are of different lengths and the bottom side wall 32 is longer than the top side wall 30. Generally, the shape of the reaction canister body 10 is such that it can be successfully incorporated into the dashboard / instrument panel of a motor vehicle. However, the invention does not have to be used with opposing side walls having such relative lengths. That is, the present invention is applicable to a reaction canister body having a similar length of opposing side walls, and is also applicable to a reaction canister body having a top side wall longer than a bottom side wall.

As shown in particular in FIG. 2, the holder 18 is dimensioned and configured to receive and hold an inflator 50 of an inflatable restraint system, the inflator 50 being adapted to accommodate the chamber portion 5.
1 and first and second end wall portions 52 and 53.

As already mentioned, the holder is preferably provided with a substantially circular cross section, since the most commonly used inflators also have a substantially circular outer cross section. In this case, the diameter of the circular cross section of the holder is made larger than the diameter of the inflator, so that the inflator can be arranged and held in the holder.

The holder also functions as a support for the inflator. That is, the side walls 20 and 22 of the holder are desirably sized and shaped to preferably cooperate with the concave base 24 so that the gap opening 26 is open even when used with a directional expander. A width is provided to prevent the inflator held in the holder from exiting therefrom.

Opposite side wall 30 of reaction canister body
And 32 are spaced apart from each other as described above, while first and second end plates 54 and 56 are associated with inflator 50.
Are formed by the two end plates to form an air bag holding space generally indicated by reference numeral 58. As shown in FIG.
The air bladder 60 is folded in the usual manner and accommodated in the air bladder holding space 58. In the preferred embodiment shown, the opposing side walls 30 and 32 are substantially parallel to each other, thus assuring a more uniform formation of the bladder holding cavity. Thus, the likelihood that air bladders contained within the bladder holding cavity between the opposing side walls are trapped or trapped on the projecting surface or projecting edge of the reaction canister body portion in an undesirable manner is reduced. . However, it should be understood here that the opposing side walls may be arranged at an angle to one another. That is, such an angular arrangement of opposing sidewalls may be desirable in certain applications, for example, for accommodation within a particular opening formed in a dashboard or instrument panel.

The inflator 50 has an elongated cylindrical configuration comprising a chamber portion 51, as shown in FIG. 3, and is concentrically held within the holder 18 between the end plates 54 and 56.
As will be described in detail later, each of the end plates 54 and 56 is provided with a number of mounting holes 57. The mounting hole 57A
Can be used to attach the end plate to the reaction canister body portion 10, and mounting holes 57B can be used as needed to attach the inflator to the bladder module assembly.

To enable the inflator to be inserted into the holder as a final step in the assembly of the bladder module assembly, a circular opening 64 is formed in the second end plate 56 and the first The end plate 54 has a relatively small key grooved opening 66 formed therein. Also, as shown, the inflator 5
The first end wall 52 of the zero is provided with a flange 68, and the second end wall 53 thereof is provided with a threaded stud 72 with a key as common to such inflators. Regarding the size of the circular opening 64, the second end wall 5
3 can be inserted there, but the first
The flange 68 of the end wall 52 is adapted to engage the second end plate 56 around the circular opening 64. If desired, the inflator 50 may be provided with mounting holes (not shown) at its flange base, for example, to further secure the inflator within the bladder module assembly. Are aligned with mounting holes 57B formed in one or both of the end plates 54 and 56. Also, the end 36 of the reaction canister body 10
Or 36 is provided with an end mounting portion 78. Thus, by using a suitable mounting tool such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc., which cooperates with a mounting hole formed in the end plate and the flange base and an end mounting section provided in the reaction canister body. It is possible to make the connection of the inflator within the bladder module assembly more secure, but such a more secure connection can be selected as required.

Similarly, the dimensions of the keyed opening 66 are such that the stud 72 can be adapted and received therein. With such an arrangement, the relative angular position of the inflator 50 about the longitudinal axis 80 within the reaction canister body 10 is determined by the keyed aperture 66 and the keyed threaded stud 72. You. The end plates 54 and 56 may be held against the end walls 52 and 53 of the expander 50 by engaging a nut (not shown) with the keyed threaded stud 72.

Also, a plurality of gas outlet holes 84 are formed along at least one side of the inflator 50, for example, along one side indicated by reference numeral 85, whereby gas is released from the chamber portion 51, The bladder 60 is then directed there to be inflated, as is evident from FIGS.

[0036] In order to distribute the gas uniformly and orderly in the inflating bladder, and to help the bladder to deploy uniformly and orderly, one can be placed in the reaction canister assembly.
One or more gas flow directing means may be incorporated. For example, such gas flow directing means may be in the form of a plurality of gas flow regulating plates or gas flow passage holes having a particular size, shape and / or arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gas flow directing means may take the form of a bladder-supported gas flow diffuser 90, or such. The air bag supporting gas flow diffuser 90 may be included. Air bag support and gas flow diffuser 90
Are formed with a number of openings 92 through which the gas flow is passed. The arrangement and dimensions of the openings 92 are such that the gas flow is distributed in the bladder 60 in the desired manner.

A preferred device or system that can be used in the practice of the present invention is a support device system such as that disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,280, filed Dec. 18, 1992. The equipment system also has 19
A diffusing surface member as disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,277, filed Dec. 18, 92, is incorporated. The contents of the above-mentioned U.S. patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. As disclosed therein, the size, geometry and arrangement of the gas flow passage holes are designed to meet specific application requirements, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to gas having a particular configuration. It is not limited to use with a diffuser consisting of flow holes. Also, as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. patent application, such a diffuser system not only provides the desired gas flow diffusion, but also facilitates the following advantages: 1) facilitates module assembly. 2) the advantage that the bladder is properly supported within the module assembly; and 3) the heating surface of the inflator is isolated in a desirable manner from both the surface of the bladder and contact by humans in the vehicle. Benefits are also obtained. For example,
Regarding the support of the bladder in the module assembly, the bladder support means advantageously avoids the need for conventional fittings such as screws or rivets,
Or the need can be minimized.

Also, a diffuser system, such as a bladder support and gas flow diffuser 90, facilitates handling of the bell-shaped mouth of the reaction canister assembly, thereby improving the integrity of the reaction canister assembly. Maintenance is enhanced.

Thus, the reaction canister body 10
Is provided with an integrally molded mounting sleeve 94 as part of the opposing side walls 30 and 32. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser.
As fully disclosed in 3,280, such a mounting sleeve allows the bladder to be mounted in an inflatable safety system without the need for a fitting. It should be understood that if the invention is embodied in a broader aspect, the invention cannot be limited to use with mounting sleeve 94 only, This means that the bag support and gas flow diffuser 90 can be mounted in another mode. For example, the attachment of the air bag support and gas flow diffuser 90 can be accomplished with a fixture such as a screw or rivet as disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,277. Also,
It should also be understood that, if desired, the present invention may be implemented using a cushion retainer as disclosed in the above-cited U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,280. Such a cushion retainer not only holds the bladder (eg, cushion) within the module assembly, but also minimizes the use of fixtures, such as screws or rivets, and preferably avoids the use of such fixtures. . Note that it is not always necessary to provide the cushion retainer with a gas diffusion function.
Further, it should be understood that the present invention may be practiced using a bladder mounting arrangement, such as screws and / or rivets, without utilizing the gas flow diffusion features described above. is there.

As is well known in the art, the bladder of the inflatable restraint system is provided with one or more vents (not shown) for extracting gas therefrom in a desired manner. Such a vent advantageously facilitates the withdrawal of gas from the bladder after deployment, which is desirable immediately after and following a crash. More specifically, immediately after a collision accident, for example, it is desirable that the air bag is soft when contacted by a person in the vehicle, thereby providing a large cushioning effect and suppressing the person in the vehicle from being repelled. During the period immediately following the crash,
After deployment of the bladder, escape from the vehicle by persons within the vehicle is facilitated.

As apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, the air bladder 60 is provided with a thick peripheral edge 98. This thickening of the peripheral edge of the bladder 60 is disclosed in both of the aforementioned U.S. patent applications, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,277 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,280. Such a thick edge can take the form of a closed loop 100 of air bladder material at the edge of the gas intake of the bladder 60, in which a suitable bead material 102 is contained.
, Which ensures more positive engagement of the bladder 60 with the module assembly 16.
As disclosed in both U.S. patent applications, the bladder support and gas flow diffuser 90 is formed with a channel 104 in which the thick perimeter edge 98 of the bladder 60 is secured.
This forms an air bladder / gas flow diffuser subassembly adapted to be coupled to the reaction canister body.

As disclosed in the above-cited US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,277, such bead material 102 may comprise a wide variety of materials, such as metallic materials or preferably plastic materials, especially extruded thermoplastic materials. And may take various shapes or forms to meet specific application requirements.

To facilitate the desired outgassing of the bladder, the side wall connection 4 of the reaction canister body 10
2 and 44 each have a vent 1 as shown in FIG.
06 is formed. Due to such ventilation holes 106, gas is extracted from the air bag on the back side. That is, gas is withdrawn from behind the canister body, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of contact between the withdrawn gas and people in the vehicle. In addition, the air holes 106 provided in the canister body allow the air bag deployment pressure, for example, the air bag to be initially deployed, to protrude from the air bag holding space through the cover of the canister air bag into the interior of the vehicle. Pressure can be equalized.

In the embodiment shown, a gas cooling cavity 108 is formed in the reaction canister body 10 where the withdrawn gas can be suitably cooled. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a heat conducting material 109 may be provided in the gas cooling space 108, thereby promoting cooling of the gas extracted from the air bag, that is, removal of heat from the extracted gas. Such a thermally conductive material is preferably provided with a large surface area, so that the thermally conductive material not only absorbs a large amount of heat, but also allows a withdrawal gas to pass therethrough. The thermally conductive material located within the gas cooling cavity functions to retain the generated or generated heat inside the reaction canister body portion, which can be isolated from persons within the vehicle. For example, the thermally conductive material may be in the form of metal wool, such as steel wool, more preferably aluminum wool having relatively high thermal conductivity and relatively light weight.

As is apparent from FIG. 3, the reaction canister main body 10 is further provided with a protective cover holding portion 110, and this protective cover holding portion 110 is provided with an outer end portion of each of the opposing side walls 30 and 32 as shown. In the form of a slot formed in the slot. For example, a protective cover 112, such as fiber reinforced paper, may be configured as part of the bladder module subassembly 16 and the bladder 60 in the bladder holding cavity 58 of the bladder module subassembly 16. In the form of a wrap connected to the reaction canister body 10 in the vicinity. The protective cover 112 has its outer edge 1
15 is secured to the reaction canister body 10 by an elastic band or other suitable bead material 114, the bead material or the like being attached to the protective cover holding portion 11 at this time.
0 is fixed in the slot. Protective cover 112 functions to protect the bladder from damage that may be caused due to accidental or other undesired contact by other components of the inflatable restraint system and the external elements to which the bladder is exposed. The protective cover 112 also has a function of protecting the reaction canister assembly from dust and the like.

In practice, the protective cover 112 is preferably formed from a wear-resistant and tear-resistant, durable material, which is preferably such that it can be broken at predetermined points, for example by perforation. Is done. For example, the protective cover may be formed from fiber reinforced paper sold by EI Du Pont Nemours CO. Under the trade name TYVEK. However, it should be understood that other materials having the preferred properties as described above may also be used.

Also, the reaction canister body 10 is provided with a number of end closure mounting portions 118, and the end closure mounting portions 118 include the above-described end mounting portions. Although the end closure mount 118 can take the form of a hollow, when the reaction canister body portion 10 is formed by extrusion, such a mount is preferably a "screw slot", typically in the extrusion art.
Can take the form of a groove referred to as However, it should be understood that the configuration of the mounting described above cannot be limited to the use of a screw mounting alone.

As shown, the mounting portion 118 surrounds the reaction canister body 10, that is, the opposite side wall 30.
32 and along the periphery of the inflator holder 18 so that the reaction canister body 1
A secure mounting of the end closure 120 (see FIG. 2) with respect to 0 is guaranteed. Preferably, end closure attachments are provided at least on each side of opposing end walls 52 and 53. The end closure 120 maintains a circular cross section of the reaction canister body portion 10.

In the bladder module assembly according to the present invention, the end closure may be in the form of an end plate. As will be described in greater detail below, a fixture 124, such as a swagi, is used to secure the end closure to the bladder module assembly.
ng) Screws can be used.

The reaction canister body 10 further includes
One or more mounting seats are provided, which are indicated generally by the reference numeral 126. Such mounting seats may be of the external type for mounting the reaction canister body in, for example, a given vehicle, or for mounting appropriate fittings or the like to or within the reaction canister body. Internal or semi-internal type.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the location, orientation and size and shape of the external mounting seat, such as mounting bracket 126A, can be set as appropriate to serve its purpose. Also, an internal or semi-internal mounting seat, such as mounting bracket 126B, can be extruded as part of side wall 112, for example. Such mounting bracket 126B results from the formation of a recess 128 which is useful for isolating the bladder from mounting nuts or other elements used in the reaction canister assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a reaction canister body portion 10 'constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As in the case of the reaction canister body 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an inflator holder 18 'is formed integrally with the reaction canister body 10'.
8 'has a partial substantially circular cross section. The reaction canister body 10 'is provided with first and second opposing side walls or opposing panels, for example, a top side wall 30' and a bottom side wall 32 ', between which an air bag holding space 58 is provided. 'Is formed. The holder 18 'of the reaction canister body 18' has the same configuration as the holder 18 of the reaction canister body 10, and the holder 18 'has a partial substantially circular cross section. However, the difference between the holders 18 'is that
It includes a diffusion portion 130 spanned and coupled between 0 'and 22'. Such a diffusion part 13
0 is preferably integrally molded as part of the reaction canister body portion and, as described in more detail below, the diffusion
Is passed through by the gas flow.

Generally, the diffuser portion 130 has an arc angle of at least about 30 degrees, preferably at least about 45 degrees, more preferably at least about 90 degrees or more, and even more preferably at least about 90 degrees. It is bridged between the side walls 20 'and 22' at an arc angle of 120 degrees or more so that the diffuser section 130 is provided with sufficient width to provide a proper interface between the inflator chamber and the bladder. It is formed.

In general, extrusion of parts is not suitable for irregularly shaped products, including in the form of cavities. Therefore, it is desired that the hollow part does not exist in the extruded article. For this reason, the holder 18 'is
So that the base in the form of a hollow portion is
Has been omitted.

The integral diffusion portion has a number of openings 132 formed therein through which a gas stream may pass. The arrangement and dimensions of the openings 132 are such that the distribution of the gas flow to the bladders (not shown) is effected in the desired manner. Also, the reaction canister body 10 '
Although illustrated as not having an integral mounting sleeve, it should be understood that such a mounting sleeve may be incorporated into the reaction canister body portion 10 'if desired. In addition, the air bag support and gas flow diffuser or the gas flow diffuser as described above can be used in combination with a reaction canister main body portion including an inflator holder having an integrated diffusion chamber as necessary. Should be understood. For example, such a combination may be utilized in adapting a reaction canister body portion to various applications that require special distribution of a gas stream to a bladder.

In the reaction canister structure as shown in FIG. 4, a mounting hole is appropriately formed in a side wall and / or an end plate of the reaction canister assembly, and a mounting tool is inserted through the mounting hole. An air bladder can be attached to the reaction canister assembly, with or without a locking nut.

As is apparent from the above description, the reaction canister body 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 can be used in various types of expanders (ie, a directional expander or a thrust neutral expander). ), But the reaction canister body portion 10 ′ shown in FIG. 4 cannot completely surround the inflator,
The reaction canister body portion 10 'is preferably utilized with a directional inflator, i.e., an inflator adapted to direct gas into the inflating bladder with the gas outlet holes directed to the diffusion portion of the holder. You.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the end plate is used in order to close the both end portions of air bag retaining cavity formed by the reaction canister body part, moreover the reaction canister body part It is also used to secure the inflator to the inflator. FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the end closure. FIG. 5 shows an air bladder module sub-assembly 1 constructed according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
6 "is also shown, wherein the bladder module subassembly 16" is provided with a reaction canister body portion 10 "in which an inflator holder 18" is integrally formed. Furthermore,
The reaction canister body 10 "includes an air bladder 60" and an air bladder support and gas flow diffuser 90 "as shown in FIG.
However, instead of using the conventional expander as shown in FIG. 2, a tubular chamber 140 is used as the expander, and the tubular chamber 140 is used.
Has a gas outlet hole 141 formed along one side 142 thereof.

[0059] end closure comprising an end plate 144 and 146 to the air bag module subassembly 16 'is used, said end plate functions to close the both end portions of air bag retaining cavity. The The end closure includes ends 154 and 158, which serve to close the ends 160 and 162 of the tubular chamber 140. Each of the ends 154 and 158 has a mating end 166. Each joint end
Part 166 is coupled the end in order to therein or to accept the closure of each end of the tubular chamber 140. Each of the ends 154 and 158 is provided with a flange 167, in which a mounting hole 168 is formed.

In order to reduce the number of parts required in the reaction canister assembly, at least some of the fittings are provided with end plates 144 and 146 and end portions 154 and 15
8 is used simultaneously for both fixing. That is, the fixtures designated by reference numeral 124B "are end plates 144 and 146.
Used to secure both ends 154 and 158, a fixture designated by reference numeral 124A "is used to secure end plates 144 and 146, but is used to secure ends 154 and 158. I can't.

In such a reaction canister assembly, ends 154 and 158 are preferably end plates 144
And 146 are formed from a material that is thicker and more durable than the material used for. Because the pressure end closure member is received by the end 160 and 162 of the tubular chamber is the end
The reason for this is that the pressure is much greater than the pressure exerted on the end of the air bag holding cavity by the partial closure. Similarly, ends 154 and 15
The mounting for securing 8 to the reaction canister assembly must be able to withstand such large pressures. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, ends 154 and 1
End for attaching 58 to the reaction canister body
An end closure attachment, for example, an end closure attachment designated by reference numeral 78 ", is in the form of four threaded slots that are relatively evenly spaced about the outer end of the tubular chamber 18".
A fitting 124B ″ is used for the screw slot.
The screw slot 78 "and the fixture 124B"
4 and 146 are larger in diameter and longer than the mountings 118 "and 124A" used only to secure the reaction canister body portion 10 "to the reaction canister body portion 10".

Thus, the mounting fixture 124B ″ is attached to the mounting hole 16
8 and 57B "and end portions 154 and 158 and end plates 144 and 14 in cooperation with mounting portion 78".
6 and the reaction canister body portion 10 "are connected to each other. Similarly, the fitting 124A" cooperates with the mounting hole 57A "and the mounting portion 118" to form the end plates 144 and 146.
And the reaction canister body 10 ″ are joined together.

Thus, according to the present invention, a relatively inexpensive and secure attachment to the end closure can be achieved, while providing flexibility for its assembly manufacture.

The reaction canister assembly according to the present invention provides a wide variety of materials for the inflator chamber material. For example, the chamber may be formed from various high strength aluminum alloys, such as 2000 and 7000 series aluminum. Thus, the usual aluminum materials used in the manufacture of reaction canisters will have a yield strength of about 30,000 to about 40,000 pis, but the strength of such high strength aluminum alloys will be increased by 30 to 70% (of course, pis Measurement of yield strength). Thus, the wall thickness of the chamber may be thinner as compared to an inflator chamber that uses low strength materials and is designed with the same pressure application conditions. Such a reaction canister assembly also allows for the easy use of seamlessly formed tubular chambers by extrusion or pultrusion. Therefore, it becomes possible to standardize the tubular material used for manufacturing the expander chamber.

Further, the number and arrangement of the above-mentioned mounting portions can be changed as necessary so as to meet specific application conditions.

It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited by the end closures or the means of attachment thereof, and that other forms of end closures and inertia may be employed as desired. Other attachment means such as welding and MIG welding could also be utilized.

On the other hand, in the broad application of the present invention, the present invention is not limited by the type or mode of operation of the inflator. Thus, for example, pyrotechnical (pyrotechn
The present invention can be applied to an ic) type expander, a gas storage type expander, a hybrid type expander, or the like, if necessary.

Further, when the present invention is embodied using the reaction canister main body 10 having the inflator holder 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the inflator is entirely within the reaction canister main body 10. The expander is not only a directional expander, but also an expander with an undefined gas propulsion direction (ie, a thrust-neutral expander).
Any of these can be used. I mean,
This is because a gas flow toward the opening side, that is, the air bag side is appropriately obtained for the base of the inflator holder.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the components in the inflator chamber 51 nor by the gas generating material components contained therein, optionally utilizing commercially available materials. obtain. For example, components within the chamber may be those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,860, issued Feb. 2, 1990.

The reaction canister body according to the invention is preferably obtained by continuously extruding an extrudable material, such as magnesium or aluminum, which material comprises an inflatable restraint system. Can withstand high temperatures and high pressures that would be experienced when applied to By extruding the reaction canister body, it is possible to incorporate various necessary or desirable design requirements or characteristics into the reaction canister body. For example, as described above, such design requirements or characteristics include the following. That is, the features of the attachment portion of the air bag support and / or the gas flow diffuser, the features of the vent hole which facilitates the desired gas extraction, and the cooling air capable of cooling the gas in a desirable manner. Location, features of the protective cover holder to facilitate holding of the protective cover on the reaction canister body, attachment of an end closure to the reaction canister body, e.g., attachment of an end plate or reaction canister body. Features of the end closure mounting to facilitate the combined mounting of the end plate and the end, an external mounting seat and an internal or semi-internal mounting seat (the former is, for example, a reaction canister body part It is used for mounting in a predetermined vehicle, and the latter is suitable for mounting on or inside the reaction canister body. It features matters for may be utilized) and the like for mounting.

According to the present invention, by extruding the reaction canister main body, not only can the reaction canister main body be manufactured quickly, but the extruded product can be cut into various lengths. Reaction canister assemblies of various sizes can also be easily obtained.

As described above, the force which the reaction canister assembly experiences during deployment of the bladder, ie, the force which results in the undesired bell mouth of the reaction canister assembly, is reduced by the instrument surrounding the reaction canister assembly. It is desirable for the reaction canister assembly to be relatively rigid in order to counteract the effect of the panel structure. Indeed, with a reaction canister body portion incorporating one or more features as described above, its stiffness is relatively increased as a result of the incorporation of such features. However, it should be understood that if additional stiffness is required, the reaction canister assembly and portions thereof may incorporate reinforcing convexities or flanges or the like (not shown). Yes,
Such a reinforcing convex or flange or the like may be formed as part of the reaction canister body during extrusion, or may be additionally attached by welding.

The swage screw is a particularly practical form of fixture in the practice of the present invention. Swage screw type fittings are typically threaded into mounting holes and installed therein. The removal torque of the swage screw is 80% or more of the tightening torque. At the time of forming such a screw, the material into which the swage screw is screwed (generally a metal material) expands or displaces, which is different from the case where the material is removed when using a threaded type attachment. It is. Also, if the fixture is used in connection with components of a vehicle-side inflatable restraint system, the use of a threaded-type fixture may produce undesirable fine metal chips, Cannot be easily removed. On the contrary, in the case of the swage screw, as is apparent from the above description, such fine metal chips are not generated. According to the use of the swage screw fitting, it is possible to form the mounting portion by simple extrusion on the reaction canister body when the reaction canister body is extruded. In this case, the insertion of the swage screw fitting is performed. Sometimes a screw is formed in the mounting portion.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art and from the foregoing disclosure, other implements, such as rivets, bolts or other screw mounts, may be used in the practice of the present invention. However, the first consideration when choosing fittings and structural materials is that the pressure in the reaction canister assembly during inflation gas release should be about 40
That is, when the pressure reaches about 0 psi, the fixture and the structural material must be able to withstand it.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the reaction canister structure according to the present invention is compatible with a wide variety of applications. Therefore, the reaction canister structure according to the present invention can be widely used without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction canister body configured with an embodiment of the present invention, the reaction canister body having an expander holder.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a component arrangement of an air bladder module sub-assembly including the reaction canister main body of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bladder module sub-assembly shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction canister body portion configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the reaction canister body portion having an expander holder.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a component arrangement of an air bladder module sub-assembly constructed according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Reaction canister main body part 12 ... Reaction canister assembly 16 ... Air bag module sub-assembly 18 ... Inflator holder 60 ... Air bag 90 ... Air bag support and gas flow diffuser

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor David Jay. Green United States of America, Utah 84302, Brigham City, East 117 North 500 (56) References JP-A-4-201760 (JP, A) JP-A-4-22357 (JP, U)

Claims (20)

(57) [Claims] 1. A gutter-shaped body portion of a lightweight reaction canister for use in an inflatable passive restraint system containing an inflator, the gutter-shaped body portion being extruded into one piece.
An expander housing formed in a structure and having a generally circular cross section less than 360 degrees.
And an inflatable passive restraint housing the expander.
In the system, the tubes of the inflator chamber are kept in a coaxial relationship
Wherein said gutter-shaped body portion has first and second opposed ends.
And first and second opposed side walls, the opposed end portion having
Are provided with a plurality of end plate mounting portions, and the main body portion is provided.
Sidewalls are generally parallel and spaced from one another,
The air bag holding space is limited, and the air bag holding space is
Has a length greater than the distance the expander holder projects
Trough-shaped body portion, characterized in that that. 2. The gutter-shaped main body portion according to claim 1, wherein the expander holder has first and second side walls, and the first and second side walls are integrally formed by a concave base. A gutter-shaped body portion coupled, wherein the inflator holder forms a gap opening. 3. The gutter body of claim 2, wherein the gap opening forms an angle of at least about 45 degrees. 4. The gutter body of claim 1, wherein the expander holder includes first and second side walls, the first and second side walls allowing gas to pass therethrough. A gutter-shaped main body part, which is integrally connected to each other with a diffusion part that has become. 5. The gutter-shaped body portion of claim 4, wherein the diffuser portion is measured with respect to the cross section and has a first and second sidewall of the expander holder with an arc angle of at least about 30 degrees. trough-shaped body portion, characterized in that stretched between parts. 6. The gutter-shaped body portion of claim 4, wherein the diffuser portion is measured with respect to the cross-section and has a first and second side wall of the expander holder with an arc angle of at least about 120 degrees. trough-shaped body portion, characterized in that stretched between parts. 7. The gutter-shaped main body part according to claim 1, wherein a side wall of the gutter-shaped main body part is connected to the side wall by a connecting part.
Coupled to the inflator holder and adjacent one of the connections
Forming at least one gas cooling cavity,
Connection part is for extracting gas from the gas cooling space.
A gutter-shaped body part having at least one gas vent to enable it . 8. The gutter-shaped main body portion according to claim 7, wherein a heat conductive material is stored in the gas cooling space. 9. The gutter-shaped main body portion according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second opposed side walls.
Has additionally at least one mounting sleeve,
Mounting sleeve, the air bag retainer, a diffuser, and an air bag retention
At least one component selected from the group consisting of a combination of a cage and a diffuser is attached to the gutter-shaped main body.
A gutter-shaped main body portion characterized by being suitable for: 10. The gutter-shaped body according to claim 1, further comprising at least one externally formed integral mounting seat for mounting said reaction canister body to a vehicle. part. 11. The gutter-shaped body portion according to claim 1, wherein at least one integrally formed mounting seat is provided for forming an isolated cavity in the reaction canister body portion. 12. A lightweight reaction canister assembly for an inflatable passive restraint system, wherein the light quantity reaction canister
The gutter assembly comprises an extruded , one-piece gutter-shaped body portion;
The main body part has an inflator holder, an opposite end, and an air bag.
Approximately parallel to and between each other to define a holding cavity
Spaced apart opposing side walls and at each of the opposing ends
And a plurality of end closures attached to the body.
The side wall of the inflator holder is within the air bag holding space.
There has a length greater than the distance projecting, Chang inflator to the inflatable dexterity the holder of the body portion
An elongate inflator having a tubing, and further comprising first and second end closures;
Are arranged in cooperative relationship with the respective end closure mountings
Means associated with each of said body portions
The first and second ends closed
Each of the strands has an associated one of the ends of the inflator.
Inflator chamber member arranged for receiving and supporting
A lightweight reaction canister assembly further comprising a joint . 13. The lightweight reaction canister assembly according to claim 12, wherein said inflator chamber comprises a seamless extruded tube and at least one of said end closures is provided with an end. Lightweight reaction canister assembly. 14. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, wherein said inflator chamber comprises a pultrusion tube and at least one of said end closures is provided with an end. Reaction canister assembly. 15. The lightweight reaction canister assembly according to claim 12, wherein said expander chamber is comprised of a high strength aluminum alloy. 16. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, wherein said expander holder includes first and second side walls, said first and second side walls being integrally formed by a concave base. Wherein the inflator holder defines a gap opening and the inflator is of an indeterminate type of gas propulsion direction. 17. The lightweight reaction canister assembly according to claim 12, wherein said expander holder is substantially circular.
Comprising a have a cross section and first and second side wall portions, said first and second sidewall portions therebetween, with respect to the cross-section
The gases are united together by a diffuser portion measured and bridged at an arc angle of at least about 30 degrees, wherein the gases are
And it can pass through the diffusion portion, lightweight reaction canister assembly the inflator which is a type having directivity. 18. The lightweight reaction canister assembly according to claim 12, wherein said expander holder is substantially circular.
With first and second side walls integrally joined by a concave base , and further with respect to said cross section.
The assembly defines a gap opening at an angle of at least about 45 degrees , the assembly further comprising a bladder holder and a diffuser.
Comprising, said body portion, said bladder to said body portion
At least one holder suitable for mounting the retainer and diffuser
A light weight reaction canister assembly, characterized by additionally having an attached sleeve . 19. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, further comprising a bladder protection cover, wherein said inflator holder is provided with at least one integrally formed protection cover holder, and wherein said protection is provided. A lightweight reaction canister assembly, wherein the bar is attached to the reaction canister assembly by retaining means cooperating with the integrally formed protective cover retainer. 20. The lightweight reaction canister assembly according to claim 19, wherein said retaining means comprises an elastic band disposed about an outer edge of said protective cover and fixed within said integrally formed protective cover retaining portion. A lightweight reaction canister assembly, characterized in that: