JP4763648B2 - Inflator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in protecting a vehicle occupant, and more particularly, to provide an inflating fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device being in an inflated state for a desired time period. It is related with the inflator maintained.

  It is known to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device to assist in protecting a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision. One special type of inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is a side curtain that expands downward from the roof of the vehicle into the occupant compartment between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle side structure during a side impact or rollover. Known side curtains are inflated from an unexpanded state by an inflation fluid that is directed from the inflator through the fill tube to the side curtain.

  The present invention is an apparatus for assisting protection of a vehicle occupant having a side structure. The device includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device that can be inflated to a position between a vehicle side structure and a vehicle occupant. The device also includes an inflator that inflates the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device and maintains the vehicle occupant protection device in an inflated state for at least 5 seconds. The inflator contains an inflating fluid that is stored under pressure. The inflation fluid is substantially formed of helium.

The present invention also includes a stored gas inflator that is operable to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device for a long period of time. The inflator has container means for containing the inflation fluid under pressure. The inflation fluid is substantially formed of helium. The container means has at least one openable portion for releasing inflation fluid to flow out of the container means. The inflator also has first output means connected to the container means and directing inflation fluid into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The first output means releases inflation fluid from the inflator at a relatively high flow rate over a relatively short period of time. The inflator also has second output means connected to the container means for directing inflation fluid into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The second output means releases inflation fluid from the inflator at a relatively low flow rate over a relatively long period of time. This relatively long time period is at least 5 seconds.
In the present invention, the expansion fluid is inflated so that an increase in temperature of the fluid due to heat transfer from the surroundings to the expansion fluid after being supplied to the vehicle occupant protection device helps maintain the expanded state. As a result, the vehicle occupant protection device is supplied at a temperature lower than the ambient state.

  The present invention relates to a device for assisting protection of a vehicle occupant. In particular, the present invention relates to an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device such as a side curtain assembly that assists in protecting a vehicle occupant during a vehicle side impact or vehicle rollover. As a representative example of the present invention, FIG. 1 schematically shows an apparatus 10 that assists in protecting an occupant of a vehicle 12.

  The device 10 has an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in the form of a side curtain 14. The side curtain 14 is mounted adjacent to the side structure 16 and the roof 18 of the vehicle 12. A fill tube 20 extends into the side curtain 14. The activatable inflator 22 directs inflation fluid into the side curtain 14 in operation to inflate the curtain. The side curtain 14 expands from an unexpanded state or storage state (not shown) to an expanded state as shown in FIG. In the inflated state, the side curtain 14 is located between the vehicle side structure 16 and the vehicle occupant.

  The vehicle 12 has a known sensor 24 for sensing side impacts on the vehicle and / or vehicle rollover to activate the inflator 22. The sensor 24 may include a vehicle electrical circuit for actuating the inflator 22 in response to a side impact on the vehicle and / or sensing vehicle rollover. If an inflator is to be activated, sensor 24 provides an electrical signal on lead 26 to inflator 22.

  The inflator 22 (FIG. 2) has a source of inflation fluid for the side curtain 14. The inflator 22 has a generally elongated container 30 having a main body portion 32 and an end cap 34. The end cap 34 is attached to the open end 33 of the main body portion 32 by friction welding. However, the end cap 34 can be connected to the main body portion 32 by any method known in the art such as laser welding, brazing or screws.

  The main body portion 32 of the container 30 has a tubular and cylindrical shape with a cylindrical side wall 40 extending in the axial direction. Side wall 40 has a cylindrical inner surface 42 centered on a longitudinal central axis 44 of inflator 22. The second end portion 46 of the main body portion 32 is closed by a dome-shaped end wall 48. Side wall 40 and end wall 48 define a chamber 50 within container 30.

Chamber 50 contains pressurized inflation fluid. Inflation fluid stored in the chamber 50 is formed in substantially helium preferably storage pressure in the range of about 2.758X10 ⁵ to 4.826x10 ⁵ hPa (about 4000psi to about 7000 psi). The use of helium as the expansion fluid facilitates pressurization of the side curtain 14 during curtain expansion. According to the present invention, because of the Joule-Thompson coefficient that restricts the flow, the helium expansion fluid enters the side curtain 14 from the fill tube at a temperature below ambient conditions. The heat transfer from the periphery increases the temperature of the helium expansion fluid, thereby increasing the pressure of the helium expansion fluid in the expanded side curtain 14. This assists in maintaining the inflated state of the side curtain 14 over the desired time period. This desired time period is at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 7 seconds.

  The end cap 34 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the container 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an axially extending cylindrical side wall 70 and an end surface 72. An annular fluid outlet passage 76 is formed in the side wall 70 of the end cap 34 in an annular row. The flow area, number and / or shape of the outlet passage 76 can be selected to throttle or control the flow of helium inflation fluid through the fill tube 20 and into the side curtain 14. As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the fill tube 20 is connected to the end cap 34 in a known manner.

  End cap 34 has a surface 78 (FIG. 2) that extends generally parallel to end surface 72. A passage 80 extends axially through the end cap 34 and intersects the surface 78. The passage 80 directs the expanded helium fluid from the chamber 50 to the outlet passage 76. The passage 80 is centered on the shaft 44.

  A rupturable closure member 92 (FIGS. 2 and 3), such as a rupturable disc, is attached to the surface 78 by laser welding 94. However, the rupture disc 92 can be connected to the surface 78 by any method known in the art, such as brazing, projection welding or electron beam welding. The rupture disc 92 is centered on the shaft 44 and blocks the flow of inflation fluid through the passage 80 to the passage 76.

  A starter 98 centered on the shaft 44 is housed in a hollow support 100 that supports a closure member 92. Lead wire 26 extends from connector pin 101 of starter 98 and receives an electrical signal from sensor 24. The support 100 has a center on the shaft 44. The support 100 (FIGS. 2 and 3) has a flange 102 that engages an end surface 72 of the end cap 34. The flange 102 extends radially outward of the support 100 and engages a radially extending base 104 of the starter 98.

  An annular rim portion 106 extends from end surface 72. The rim portion 106 initially projects axially away from the end surface 72 and is then crimped around the base 104 of the starter 98 to hold the starter and support 100 in place within the end cap 34. Alternatively, the starter 98 and support 100 can be welded to the end cap 34 to hold the starter and support within the end cap.

  The support 100 protrudes inward along the shaft 44 and abuts against the closing member 92. Accordingly, the support body 100 is attached to the closing member 92 in a load supporting relationship. Specifically, the closure member 92 is subjected to the storage pressure of the helium inflation fluid in the chamber 50. Therefore, the closure member 92 transmits axially outward fluid storage pressure to the support 100. The support 100 then transmits the stored pressure to the end surface 72 of the end cap 34 where the starter 98 couples to the crimped rim 106 of the end surface 72.

  The support 100 defines a chamber 110. The end portion 112 of the support 100 has a circular rim 114 that engages the closure member 92. The rim 114 defines an opening 116 in the chamber 110.

  The closure member 92 has a central dome-shaped portion 122 that extends into the chamber 110. The portion 124 of the closure member 92 surrounds the dome-shaped portion 122. A portion 124 of the closure member 92 extends from the circular rim 114 of the support 100 to the surface 78 of the end cap 34. Another portion 126 of the closure member 92 surrounds the portion 124 and is welded to the surface 78.

  When chamber 50 is not filled with a helium inflation fluid, closure member 92 is in the form of a flat disk, as shown in FIG. The closure member 92 is remote from the rim 114 of the support 100. During subsequent loading of the closure member 92 due to the pressure of the helium inflation fluid, the closure member undergoes stress and plastically deforms into the chamber 110. The closing member 92 is deformed from the flat disk shown in FIG. 4 to the shape shown in FIG. Work hardening of the closure member 92 occurs during plastic deformation.

  When an electrical signal is received from sensor 24, starter 98 operates in a known manner to produce shock waves and combustion gases. The pressure of the combustion gas, in combination with the shock wave, acts on the dome-shaped portion 122 of the closing member 92 to reverse the dome from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the large movement of the dome 122 shears the dome from the closure member 92. The portion 124 of the closure member 92 around the dome 122 continues to block the passage 80. When the dome 122 is removed, the pressure generated by the helium inflation fluid is supported only by the strength of the portion 124. The pressure of the helium inflation fluid tears the portion 124 of the closure member 92 away from the support 100 to the position shown in FIG. The tearing and opening of closure member 92 provides a flow of helium inflation fluid through passage 80 to outlet passage 76 and back curtain 14.

  FIG. 8 shows an inflator 22a configured in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. The inflator 22a of the second embodiment is similar in configuration to the inflator 22 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-7), and is similar to the side curtain 14 shown in FIG. (Not shown) can be used to inflate. Parts of the inflator 22a (FIG. 8) that are similar or identical to corresponding parts of the inflator 22 (FIGS. 1-7) are labeled with the same reference numerals and a subscript “a” is added for clarity.

  The inflator 22a (FIG. 8) includes a container 30a having a substantially elongated shape. The container 30a has a main body portion 32a and an end cap 34a. The end cap 34a is secured to the open end of the main body portion 32a by friction welding, but can alternatively be secured by other known methods such as laser welding, brazing or screws.

  The main body portion 32a of the container 30a has a tubular and cylindrical shape with an axially extending cylindrical side wall 40a centered on a longitudinal central axis 44a of the inflator 22a. The main body portion 32 a also has a dome-shaped end wall 48.

Main body portion 32a and end cap 34a define a chamber 50a within container 30a. Chamber 50a contains a volume of inflation fluid that is stored under pressure. Inflation fluid stored in the chamber 50a is formed in substantially helium at storage pressure which may be in the range of about 2.758X10 ⁵ to 4.826x10 ⁵ hPa (about 4000psi to about 7000 psi).

  A rupturable closure member 92a is secured to the end cap 34a and blocks the flow of helium inflation fluid from the chamber 50a. The inflator 22a does not have a pyrotechnic material for generating gas that inflates the side curtain. Only helium inflation fluid is used to inflate the side curtain.

  The end cap 34a of the container 30a has a substantially cylindrical shape with a cylindrical side wall 70a and an end portion 72a remote from the chamber 50a. The side wall 70 a has a cylindrical outer surface 200. The end cap 34 a has a central chamber 202. An electrically actuable starter 98a of known shape is mounted on the end cap 34a and projects into the central chamber 202 of the end cap.

  The inflator 22a has a main inflation fluid outlet passage 210 and an auxiliary or supplemental inflation fluid outlet passage 230 that allows the flow of helium inflation fluid from the central chamber 202 of the end cap 34a to the side curtain. . The main outlet passage 210 has a first portion 212 that extends radially from the central chamber 202 to the outer surface 200 of the side wall 70a of the end cap 34a. A second portion 214 of the main outlet passage 210 extends perpendicularly from the first portion 212 to the outer surface 200. The second portion 214 extends in a direction intersecting the plane of the paper as shown in FIG. 8, and therefore only its circular entrance is shown in FIG.

  A valve 220 is located in the first portion 212 of the main outlet passage 210. The valve 220 includes a valve member 222, a spring 224, and a retainer 226. The retainer 226 is screwed into the end cap 34 a at the radially outer end of the first portion 212 of the outlet passage 210. Spring 224 extends between retainer 226 and valve member 222. The spring 224 biases the valve member 222 to a closed position that abuts a valve seat 228 formed on the end cap 34 a adjacent to the other end of the first portion 212 of the outlet passage 210. In other words, the valve member 222 is biased toward the central chamber 202 and downward in FIG.

  The valve member 222 is exposed to fluid pressure in the central chamber 202 of the end cap 34a. When the valve member 222 is in the closed position, the valve 220 is in a closed state that blocks fluid flow from the central chamber 202 of the end cap 34a to the second portion 214 of the main outlet passage 210.

  The refill outlet passage 230 is a continuously open passage extending between the central chamber 202 and the outer surface 200 of the end cap 34a. The first portion 232 radially inward of the refill outlet passage 230 has a narrow cylindrical shape. A second portion 234 of the refill outlet passage 230 extends radially outward from the first portion 232. The second part spreads outward and has a larger flow area than the first part 232.

  The first portion 232 of the refill outlet passage 230 has a relatively small flow area and thus greatly restricts the flow of fluid through the refill outlet passage. In contrast, the main outlet passage 210 has a relatively large flow area.

  In the event of an impact on the vehicle that is greater than a predetermined threshold, the starter 98a is activated in a known manner to rupture the closure member 92a. The helium inflation fluid flows out of the chamber 50a and into the central chamber 202 within the end cap 34a.

  Helium inflation fluid always begins to flow out of the inflator 22a through the open refill outlet passage 230 at all times. Only when the valve is opened, inflation fluid flows through the main outlet passage 210. In particular, when the closure member 92a ruptures, the fluid pressure in the central chamber 202 of the end cap 34a acting on the valve member 222 increases rapidly until the bias effect of the valve spring 224 is overcome. The valve member 222 moves away from the valve seat 228 upward in FIG.

  As the valve member 222 moves far enough, the second portion 214 of the main outlet passage 210 is in fluid communication with the central chamber 202 of the end cap 34a. Helium inflation fluid flows from the end cap 34a through the first and second portions 212, 214 of the main outlet passage 210. Due to the relatively large flow area of the main outlet passage 210, the helium inflation fluid flows through the main outlet passage at a relatively high flow rate.

  The flow of helium inflation fluid through the main outlet passage 210 continues as long as the fluid pressure in the central chamber 202 of the end cap 34a is sufficient to maintain the valve 220 open. In particular, immediately after the expander 22a is activated and the closure member 92a is ruptured, the pressure in the chamber 50a begins to drop. After a relatively short period of time, the pressure in the central chamber 202 drops to a level that is low enough for the valve spring 224 to close the valve 220. The flow of helium expansion fluid through the main outlet passage 210 stops. The flow of helium inflation fluid through the refill outlet passage 230 continues throughout this period. This is because the replenishment outlet passage is continuously open.

  Due to the relatively high pressure and flow rate of the helium inflation fluid flowing through the main outlet passage 210, the side curtain expands rapidly. This flow lasts for a relatively short period of time (eg, about 20 milliseconds). This relatively short period of time is long enough to inflate the side curtain to assist in protecting the vehicle occupant in the event of a side impact on the vehicle or rollover of the vehicle.

  After this initial rapid flow of helium inflation fluid into the side curtain, the inflator 22a continues to supply helium inflation fluid to the side curtain through the refill outlet passage 230. This flow is relatively low. This is because the effective flow area of the replenishment outlet passage 230 is relatively small. The replenishment outlet passage 230 discharges helium expansion fluid only at a flow rate sufficient to compensate for the pressure loss in the side curtain during leakage or cooling. Thus, the pressure of the helium inflation fluid in the side curtain can be maintained at the desired relatively constant level, allowing the side curtain to be filled with inflation fluid for a desired period of time. The desired time period is at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 7 seconds. The desired time period is long enough to help prevent vehicle occupants from being thrown out of the vehicle during a side impact or vehicle rollover.

  The flow area of the main outlet passage 210 is about 10 times or an order of magnitude greater than the effective flow area of the replenishment outlet passage 230. The actual and relative dimensions of the outlet passages 210, 230 are the pressure to store the helium inflation fluid, the volume of the side curtain, the required expansion rate and permeability of the side curtain, the required expansion pressure and rollover at the first impact. Depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to the post-accident inflation pressure necessary to prevent occupants from being thrown out in the event of an accident.

  FIG. 9 shows an inflator 22b configured in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. The inflator 22b of the third embodiment is similar in configuration to the inflator 22a of the second embodiment (FIG. 8), and is similar to the side curtain 14 shown in FIG. 1 (not shown in FIG. 9). ) Can be used to inflate. Parts of the inflator 22b (FIG. 9) that are similar or identical to corresponding parts of the inflator 22a (FIG. 8) are indicated with the same reference numerals and a subscript “b” is added for clarity.

  The inflator 22b has a main inflation fluid outlet passage 300 that allows inflation fluid flow from the inflator to the side curtain. The main outlet passage 300 is a continuously open passage extending between the central chamber 202b of the end cap 34b and the outer surface 200b of the end cap. The flow area of the main outlet passage 300 is large enough to fill the side curtain with inflation fluid in a relatively short period of time (eg, about 20 milliseconds).

  The inflator 22b also has a refill assembly 310 for providing a relatively slow flow of inflation fluid into the side curtain to long compensate or compensate for the pressure loss in the side curtain. The refill assembly 310 has an auxiliary container 312. The auxiliary container 312 has a main body portion 314 and an inner end portion 316. Inner end portion 316 has a central opening or passage 318.

A rupturable portion (eg, a closure member or foil membrane) 320 of the auxiliary container 312 is secured to the inner end portion 316 and closes the auxiliary container 312. A quantity of pressurized inflation fluid is stored in the auxiliary container 312. Inflation fluid stored in the auxiliary container 312 is formed in substantially helium at storage pressure which may be in the range of about 2.758X10 ⁵ to 4.826x10 ⁵ hPa (about 4000psi to about 7000 psi).

The rupturable portion 320 exits the auxiliary vessel 312 and blocks the flow of helium inflation fluid through the central opening 318 of the inner vessel end portion 316.
A threaded passage 322 is formed in the side wall 70b of the end cap 34b. The passage 322 extends radially from the central chamber 202b to the outer surface 200b of the side wall 70b of the end cap 34b. The inner end portion 316 of the auxiliary container 312 is screwed into the passage 322. Inner end portion 316 holds spring 324 and needle 326 within passage 322.

  Needle 326 is hollow and has an inflation fluid outlet passage 328 extending the entire length of the needle. The sharp end portion 330 of the needle 326 is located within the central opening 318 of the inner end portion 316 of the auxiliary container 312, adjacent to the rupturable portion 320 of the auxiliary container. Opposite the sharp end portion 330, the needle 326 has an inner end portion 332 that is exposed to fluid pressure in the central chamber 202b of the end cap 34b. The spring 324 biases the needle 326 away from the rupturable portion 320 of the auxiliary container 312 against this fluid pressure.

  When the inflator 22b is activated, the starter 98b is activated, causing the closure member 92b to rupture. The helium inflation fluid flows out of the chamber 50b of the main container 30b and flows into the central chamber 202b of the end cap 34b. The helium inflation fluid immediately begins to flow out of the inflator 22b through the main outlet passage 300.

  Immediately after the inflator 22b is activated and the closure member 92b is ruptured, the pressure in the chamber 50b begins to drop. After a period of time, the pressure in the chamber 50b is low enough that the main container 30b is substantially empty. This typically occurs only in about 20 milliseconds because the flow area of the main outlet passage 300 is relatively large. Accordingly, the side curtain expands rapidly because the pressure and flow rate of the helium expansion fluid flowing from the main vessel 30b is relatively large.

  Meanwhile, the increased pressure in the central chamber 202b acting on the needle 326 overcomes the bias effect of the spring 324. The needle 326 moves to engage the rupturable portion 320 of the auxiliary container 312 and rupture it. The helium inflation fluid flows out of the auxiliary vessel 312 and passes through the outlet passage 328 of the needle 326 and into the central chamber 202b of the end cap 34b. The helium inflation fluid from the auxiliary vessel 312 mixes with the helium inflation fluid from the main vessel 30b and exits the expander 22b through the main outlet passage 300.

  Since the flow area of the outlet passage 328 of the needle 326 is relatively small, the helium expansion fluid is discharged from the auxiliary vessel 312 at a relatively low flow rate. The auxiliary vessel 312 discharges helium expansion fluid only at a flow rate sufficient to compensate for the pressure loss in the side curtain due to leakage or cooling. The volume and pressure of the helium inflation fluid is selected to provide this replenishment flow to keep the side curtain inflated for the desired time period. The desired time period is at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 7 seconds. Thus, the fluid pressure in the side curtain can be maintained at the desired relatively constant level, allowing the side curtain to remain filled with inflation fluid for a longer period of time for occupant protection. To do.

  FIG. 10 shows an inflator 22c configured in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The inflator 22c of the fourth embodiment is similar in configuration to the inflator 22b of the third embodiment (FIG. 9), and is similar to the side curtain 14 shown in FIG. 1 (not shown in FIG. 10). ) Can be used to inflate. Parts of the inflator 22c (FIG. 10) that are similar or identical to corresponding parts of the inflator 22b (FIG. 9) are indicated with the same reference numerals and a subscript “c” is added for clarity.

The inflator 22c has a main inflator 400 and an auxiliary inflator 420, which are identical except for fluid volume, pressure and output flow rate. The main inflator 400 has a container or housing 402 with a main body portion 404 and an end cap 406. The inflator housing 402 defines a chamber 408 that is closed by a rupturable closure member 410. A quantity of pressurized inflation fluid is stored in chamber 408. Inflation fluid stored in the chamber 408 is formed in substantially helium at storage pressure which may be in the range of about 2.758X10 ⁵ to 4.826x10 ⁵ hPa (about 4000psi to about 7000 psi).

  End cap 406 has a central chamber 414. Closure member 410 blocks the flow of inflation fluid 412 from chamber 408 into central chamber 414. When the closure member 410 ruptures, a plurality of outlet passages 416 in the end cap 406 allow the inflation fluid 412 to flow from the central chamber 414. Each outlet passage 416 has a cylindrical shape and is continuously open. A starter 418 mounted on the end cap 406 projects into a chamber 414 in the center of the end cap.

The auxiliary inflator 420 has a container or housing 422 with a main body portion 424 and an end cap 426. The inflator housing 422 defines a chamber 428 that is closed by a rupturable closure member 430. A quantity of pressurized inflation fluid is stored in chamber 428. Inflation fluid stored in the chamber 428 is formed in substantially helium at storage pressure which may be in the range of about 2.758X10 ⁵ to 4.826x10 ⁵ hPa (about 4000psi to about 7000 psi).

  End cap 426 has a central chamber 434. The closure member 430 blocks the flow of inflation fluid from the chamber 428 into the central chamber 434. A starter 438 mounted on the end cap 426 protrudes into the central chamber 434 of the end cap.

  A plurality of outlet passages 440 are formed in the end cap 426 to allow the flow of helium inflation fluid from the central chamber 434. Each outlet passage 440 has a cylindrical shape and is continuously open. The total flow area of the outlet passage 440 of the auxiliary inflator 420 is substantially smaller than the total flow area of the outlet passage 416 of the main inflator 400.

  Upon activation of the inflator 22c, the starter 418 of the main inflator 400 operates in a known manner to rupture the closure member 410. The helium inflation fluid flows out of chamber 408 and into the central chamber 414 of end cap 406. The helium inflation fluid immediately begins to flow out of the main inflator 400 through the outlet passage 416.

  Immediately after the main inflator 400 is activated and the closure member 410 ruptures, the pressure in the chamber 408 begins to drop. After a period of time, the pressure is low enough that the main inflator 400 is substantially empty. Due to the relatively large flow area of the outlet passage 416, this typically occurs only in about 20 milliseconds. The volume and pressure of the helium inflation fluid in the main inflator 400 is selected so that the side curtain can be filled with inflation fluid within this time period.

  Meanwhile, the auxiliary inflator 420 is activated and begins to discharge helium inflation fluid from the outlet passage 440. Because the flow area of the outlet passage 440 of the auxiliary expander 420 is relatively small, the helium expansion fluid is discharged from the auxiliary expander at a relatively low flow rate. As a result, the flow of helium inflation fluid from the auxiliary inflator 420 to the side curtain can last for a desired time period. The desired time period is at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 7 seconds.

  Due to the relatively high pressure and flow rate of the helium inflation fluid flowing from the main inflator 400, the side curtain expands rapidly. After this initial rapid flow of helium inflation fluid into the side curtain, assembly 22c continues to supply helium inflation fluid from the auxiliary inflator 420 to the side curtain. The auxiliary expander 420 discharges the helium expansion fluid only at a flow rate sufficient to compensate for pressure loss in the side curtain upon leakage or cooling. Thus, the fluid pressure in the side curtain can be maintained at the desired relatively constant level, allowing the side curtain to remain filled with inflation fluid for a desired time period for occupant protection. To do. The desired time period is at least 5 seconds, preferably at least 7 seconds.

  The side curtain 14 can be made of any suitable material such as nylon or polyester. Nylon can be coated with silicone or urethane. Similarly, polyester can be coated. The urethane coating has a stronger adhesion to polyester than nylon.

  From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are included within the spirit of the invention.

1. In an apparatus for assisting the protection of a vehicle occupant having a side structure,
An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device capable of inflating to a position between the vehicle side structure and the vehicle occupant;
An inflator for inflating the vehicle occupant protection device and maintaining the vehicle occupant protection device in an inflated state for at least 5 seconds, comprising an inflated stored inflation fluid substantially formed of helium; ;
A device characterized by comprising:
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inflator maintains the vehicle occupant protection device in an inflated state for at least 7 seconds.
3. It further includes a fill tube having a portion located in the vehicle occupant protection device, and the fill tube delivers the inflation fluid to the vehicle occupant protection device to inflate the vehicle occupant protection device. The apparatus of claim 1.
4. The inflator is
A container for storing the inflation fluid under pressure, the container having an outlet passage through which the inflation fluid passes from the container toward the vehicle occupant protection device;
A rupturable closure member secured to the container and blocking the flow of the inflation fluid through the outlet passage;
A starter that ruptures the closure member to allow the inflation fluid to flow through the passageway in operation;
4. The apparatus of claim 3, comprising:
5. A support for supporting the closure member against the pressure of the inflation fluid in the container; the starter deforms the support when activated, and the closure member 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus ruptures below to open the passage and provides a flow of inflation fluid from the container through the passage.
6). The inflator is
Container means for containing inflation fluid under pressure, the container means having at least one releasable portion for releasing inflation fluid to flow out of the container means;
First output means connected to the container means for releasing inflation fluid from the inflator at a relatively high flow rate over a relatively short period of time;
Second output means connected to the container means for releasing inflation fluid from the inflator at a relatively low flow rate over a relatively long period of time;
4. The apparatus of claim 3, comprising:
7). 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the relatively long time period is at least 5 seconds.
8). 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the relatively long time period is at least 7 seconds.
9. The inflator has means for releasing fluid at a first predetermined flow rate for a first time period and at a second predetermined flow rate for a second predetermined time period, wherein the second predetermined flow rate is 4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the device is selected to have a flow rate sufficient to compensate only for leakage from the protective means or pressure loss in cooling of the protective means.
10. The inflator has a first container, an open main inflation fluid outlet passage for providing inflation fluid at a high flow rate from the first container to the protection device, and a relatively large amount of inflation fluid into the side curtain. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a refill assembly for providing a slow flow.
11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the refill assembly has a second container that contains an amount of inflation fluid separate from the inflation fluid in the first container.
12 The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a movable member for opening the second container and discharging the inflation fluid from the second container.
13. 4. The expander of claim 3, wherein the expander includes a first stored gas expander and a second stored gas expander, wherein the first and second gas expanders have different output flow rates. Equipment.
14 The first storage gas expander has means for releasing fluid at a first predetermined flow rate for a first time period, and the second storage gas expander has a second predetermined time period for a second time period. The second predetermined flow rate is selected to be sufficient to compensate only for leakage from the protection means or pressure loss in cooling the protection means. The apparatus of claim 13.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is made of a polyester material.
16. In a stored gas inflator operable to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device for a long period of time,
Container means for containing an expansion fluid substantially formed of helium under pressure, the container means having at least one releasable portion for releasing the expansion fluid to flow out of the container means; ;
First output means connected to the container means for directing the inflation fluid into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, the inflation from the inflator at a relatively high flow rate over a relatively short period of time; First output means for releasing fluid;
Second output means connected to the container means for directing the inflation fluid into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device from the inflator at a relatively low flow rate over a relatively long period of time A second output means for releasing
Have
An inflator characterized in that the relatively long time period is at least 5 seconds.
17. The inflator of claim 16, wherein the relatively long time period is at least 7 seconds.
18. 17. The inflator of claim 16, wherein the first output means comprises a first outlet passage and a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow through the first outlet passage.
19. 19. The valve assembly according to claim 18, wherein the valve assembly is operable to allow fluid flow through the first outlet passage when the pressure in the container means is above a predetermined pressure. The inflator described.
20. 20. The inflator of claim 19, wherein the second output means has a second outlet passage that is continuously open.
21. The inflator of claim 16, wherein the second output means comprises an auxiliary inflation fluid source.
22. 23. The inflator of claim 21, wherein the second output means includes a movable member for opening the auxiliary inflation fluid source and discharging fluid from the auxiliary inflation fluid source.
23. 17. An inflator according to claim 16, wherein said container means comprises first and second containers for inflation fluid.

It is the schematic which shows the apparatus which makes the assistance for protecting the passenger | crew of a vehicle based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an inflator portion of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inflator of FIG. FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the ruptureable closure member before the inflation fluid enters the container closed by the closure member. FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the closure member after the starter of the inflator has been activated. FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing a portion of the sheared closure member. FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing the closure member during the flow of inflation fluid from the container. It is a longitudinal direction sectional view of an inflator concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but showing an inflator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 but showing an inflator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle occupant protection device 12 Vehicle 14 Side curtain 16 Side structure 20 Fill tube 22, 22a, 22b, 22c Inflator 30, 30a, 30b Container 32, 32a, 404 Main body part 34, 34a, 34b, 406 End cap 50, 50a, 50b, 408 Chamber 76 Outlet passage 92, 92a, 92b Closing member 98, 98a, 98b Starter 210, 416, 440 Outlet passage 220 Valve 230 Replenishment outlet passage 300 Outlet passage 310 Replenishing assembly 312 Auxiliary container 320 burstable portion 322 passage 328 outlet passage 400, 420 inflator 412 inflation fluid 418, 436 starter 410, 430 closure member

Claims (18)

An apparatus for providing inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, comprising:
The device
A container (30) for storing the inflation fluid under pressure and having an outlet passage (76) through which the inflation fluid passes;
A rupturable closure member (92) secured to the container and blocking flow of the inflation fluid through the passageway;
A support (100) of the rupturable closure member defining a chamber (110) adjacent to the rupturable closure member (92);
The rupturable closure member (92) includes a first portion (122) that is deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid, and a second annular portion that surrounds the first portion. (124), and the first portion (122) and the second annular portion (124) are partitioned by a side wall of the support (100), and the second annular portion The part is deformed to the outside of the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid, and the first part and the second annular part are before the inflation fluid is introduced into the container (30). Has a flat shape,
The apparatus further comprises a starter (98) operable to rupture the closure member (92) ;
The second annular portion (124) traverses an annular space (80) defined between the outer diameter of the support (100) and the inner diameter of the container (30 ) and leading to the passage (76). Straddling ,
By the pressure of the inflation fluid in the container (30), said first portion (122) is deformed into the chamber (110) of said support toward the front Symbol support (100) (30) cage, before Symbol second annular portion (124), that the pre-stressed in the direction of flow of said inflation fluid towards the annular space (80) within the outside of the container (30) has been added A device characterized. The apparatus of claim 1.
The container (30) has a cylindrical side wall (40) and an annular shoulder (78) formed on the inner surface of the side wall,
The rupturable closure (92) material has a ring-shaped third portion (126) that surrounds the second annular portion (124) and is coupled to the shoulder (78). And the device. The apparatus of claim 2.
The support (100) comprises a distal end (114) that is axially offset from the shoulder (78);
The device, characterized in that the first portion (122) of the rupturable closure member (92) is deformed to engage the distal end (114) of the support (100). The apparatus of claim 2.
Said annular space (80) is characterized by being defined between the inner diameter of the outer diameter and the shoulder portion of said support (100) (78), device.   The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the annular space (80) assists in defining the outlet passage (76). The apparatus according to claim 4.
The starter (98) has at least a portion disposed in the chamber (110), and the starter is in operation on the first portion (122) of the rupturable closure member (92). An apparatus for producing a product in the chamber that acts to rupture the closure member.   The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure member (92) is circular and has a central dome-shaped part including the first part (122). The apparatus of claim 7.
The starter (98) has a base (104) supported by a portion of the container (30);
The support (100) is a hollow member having a first open end adjacent to the closure member (92) and a second end supported by the base (104) on the opposite side of the first open end. Including
Device, characterized in that the starter (98) extends inside the hollow member. The apparatus of claim 1.
The inflation fluid acting on the second annular portion (124) opens the second annular portion away from the support (100) to open the passage and from the container. An apparatus for providing a flow of inflation fluid through the passage. The apparatus of claim 9.
The device characterized in that the second annular part (124) blocks the passage before it opens away from the support (100) to open the passage. The apparatus of claim 1.
The rupturable closure member (92) has a third portion (126) that surrounds the second annular portion (124), wherein the third portion (126) and the container (30) The apparatus further comprising a connection between. The apparatus of claim 11.
Device, characterized in that the connection between the third part (126) and the container (30) comprises a weld joint. The apparatus of claim 1.
The support (100) has a first open end adjacent to the closure member (92), the first open end defining a circular rim (114) defining an opening into the chamber (110). Including
The apparatus, wherein the rim has a surface that engages the closure member. The apparatus of claim 13.
The circular rim (114) is characterized in that the closure member (92) assists in defining the periphery of the first portion (122) that engages the circular rim (114). apparatus.   14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the first part (122) extends into the chamber (110) through the opening.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stored inflation fluid consists solely of helium. The apparatus of claim 1.
A helium inflation fluid is stored in the container (30), and the helium inflation fluid inflates and expands the associated inflatable vehicle occupant protection device to a desired pressure within a desired time period without any additional means. Device characterized in that it is sufficient to deploy. The apparatus of claim 1.
The support (100) has an inner surface defining the chamber (110) and an opposite outer surface;
The apparatus, wherein the inflation fluid flows around the support (100) adjacent to the outer surface and through the outlet passage (76) when the closure member (92) is ruptured.

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