JPH06321040A - Reaction canistor for expandable 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 This invention relates to an inflatable passive restraint system for use in a vehicle to restrain the movement of a seated person 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 of a structure for housing and positioning.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Safe restraint systems, ie "passive restraint systems", especially inflatable bags or cushions, have been adapted to self-actuate from a non-deployed state to a deployed state without the need for operator intervention. There has been much debate about embedded restraint systems and their use in automobiles because it is generally accepted in the United States that the use of such passive restraint systems is desirable.

It is well known to use cushions or bags that are inflated with gas, such as inflatable bags (so-called airbags), to protect people in the vehicle when it 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 generally an inert gas such as nitrogen gas.
In such systems, the inflatable bladder is normally stored in an uninflated and folded state, minimizing its occupied space. Upon activation of the restraint system, gas is expelled from the inflator and the bladder is rapidly inflated. The bag then restrains the movement of the person in the vehicle in the event of a collision.

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

In a typical inflatable passive restraint system, a bladder module is used in which an outer reaction housing or canister is provided. 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, which includes what is referred to as a bladder inflator or simply an inflator or generator. When inflated, the inflator generates gas to inflate the bladder.

The housing structure not only protects the inflatable bag and the gas generator until the inflatable bag is deployed, but also acts to absorb the load generated by the deployment of the inflatable bag. Such loads are large and if the loads are not fully absorbed, the vehicle may be damaged. For example, if the inflatable module assembly is on the passenger side, the vehicle dashboard is damaged. Therefore, in the prior art, a heavy housing structure, particularly a steel material housing structure, has been used to house and retain the expander of the inflatable module assembly, particularly on the passenger side, to prevent or reduce its damage. It is practical to do.

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

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

More particularly, US Pat. No. 4,941,678, issued Jul. 17, 1990, discloses a lightweight reaction canister assembly designed to avoid the use of a bell mouth. The lightweight reaction canister assembly includes a body portion formed from a continuous extruded aluminum product. In such an assembly, a restraint string is provided at the inner opening of the air bag. The functions of such a restraint string include the following. That is, 1) the function of restraining the load of the reaction canisters 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 weight 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 stiffening flange that adds to the weight of the canister assembly is eliminated. However, a drawback of such an arrangement is that the assembly and manufacturing work is complicated and cumbersome,
Another point is that the inflator cannot be installed as the final work of module assembly.

Accordingly, there is a need and desire for an extensive and improved arrangement of lightweight assemblies.

Also, most inflatable passive restraint systems for automobiles have a common basic component, an air bag,
Included are expanders and reaction canisters, but such systems are mounted on vehicles of various sizes and shapes. There are various types of expanders, and for example, fireworks expanders, gas storage expanders, hybrid expanders, etc. are known. These expanders come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Inflators are individually designed for a particular application.

Accordingly, a reaction canister structure that is adaptable to a wide variety of applications and which can utilize an expander arbitrarily selected from various types of expanders. There is a request for. That is, there is a desire for a reaction canister structure that is versatile and compatible over a wide range.

There is also a need for an improved arrangement that can improve various desirable features, such as a variety of mounting features in vehicle-side inflatable restraint system applications.

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

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved structure used to house the inflator and inflatable bladder of an inflatable passive restraint system.

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

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

[0017]

The main objectives of the present invention are at least partially achieved by a specially configured reaction canister body portion. The reaction canister body portion is formed into a gutter-like shape by extrusion molding. The reaction canister body portion includes an integrally molded inflator holder having a partial, generally circular cross-section. The reaction canister body portion includes first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side walls, each of the opposed ends provided with a number of end plate mounting portions. Such a reaction canister body portion is used in an inflatable passive restraint canister including an inflator.

The prior art fails to 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 lightweight reaction canister assembly can be used for a wide range of applications, and 2) the introduction of various desirable features, such as a variety of mounting features, economically and efficiently.

A lightweight reaction canister assembly for an inflatable passive restraint system according to the present invention comprises an extruded trough body portion, the trough body portion having a one-piece inflator holder, opposed ends and opposed sidewalls. And a large number of end plate mounting portions provided at each of the facing ends. The canister assembly further comprises first and second end face closures attached to the corresponding ends of the gutter-shaped body portion, the attachments cooperating with respective end plate attachments. This is done by means of the holding means arranged. First and second
Each of the end plates is provided with an expander flange seat which receives and holds the appropriate end of the elongated gas generating expander.

As used herein, the term "thrust neutral" refers to the expansion of an inflator when it is started, for example, when it is suddenly started during bladder deployment, shipping, storage, or the like. It means that the propulsive force of the vessel is zero. That is, a large number of gas discharge holes are formed in the expander, so that the gas is discharged in the opposite directions, so that the expander itself is not propelled by the gas discharge, so the expander does not move. . In short, the gas flow propulsion method is indefinite.

The term directional also means that when the expander is started, a propulsive force is applied to the expander in a predetermined direction due to its outgassing. Therefore, when the gas is released, the expander can move.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. According to an embodiment of the invention described below, an improved reaction canister body for use with an inflatable passive restraint system such as is used in a vehicle to restrain the movement of a occupant in the vehicle during a collision. A partial and reaction canister assembly is provided.

In the following description of the invention, reference will be made to passenger air bag module assemblies for motor vehicles, including large vehicles, small vehicles, especially automobiles, but the invention is not limited to other types, including for example airplanes. It should be understood that it is not only applicable to other vehicles, but also to other air bag module assemblies, such as driver air bag module assemblies. It should also be understood for the case of motor vehicles that the passenger bladder module assembly is typically much larger than the driver bladder module assembly, including typical dimensional differences between them. The present invention is believed to be particularly useful for passenger bladder module assemblies due to physical physical differences.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 through 3 of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a reaction canister body portion as an extrudate, which reaction canister portion is designated generally by the reference numeral 10 and its entirety. The shape is an elongated and narrow open container or a gutter-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 a bladder module subassembly, generally indicated at 16 in FIGS. 2 and 3. . It should be noted that in practicing the present invention, such a bladder module subassembly forms a component of a complete module assembly, which is typically housed in or in a suitable portion of the vehicle. It should be understood that it is fitted. In a passenger module assembly, the module assembly is typically housed in a vehicle instrument panel / dashboard (not shown). On the other hand, in the driver module assembly, the module assembly is generally housed in the steering wheel.

The reaction canister body portion 10 includes an integrally molded inflator holder 18, which has a partial, generally circular cross-section, and which is part of the integral structure of the first and second sidewalls. It comprises parts 20 and 22, both side walls being connected to each other by a concave base 24. Thus, the holder 18 is formed with a gap opening, which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 26. Generally, due to practical constraints in the extrusion process, such as die tongue ratio, and restrictions in the use of such reaction canister body parts, such as the reaction canister body parts, Not only to obtain a proper gas flow but also to be provided with an opening of a size that ensures proper spacing and positioning of the mounting parts, and the reaction canister body part functions as an expander holder. Due to the restriction that a holder has to be provided, the reaction canister body part comprising the holder, which is partly of 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 about 180 degrees or less, preferably about 135 degrees or less.

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

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

2, the holder 18 is sized and configured to house and retain the inflator 50 of the inflatable restraint system, the inflator 50 being defined by 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 expanders 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 expander. That is, the sidewalls 20 and 22 of the holder are desirably sized and dimensioned to cooperate with the concave base 24 so that the gap opening 26, even when used with a directional inflator. A width is provided to prevent the inflator held in the holder from exiting from it.

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

The inflator 50, as shown in FIG. 3, takes the form of an elongated cylinder consisting of a chamber portion 51 and is held concentrically 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 large number of mounting holes 57. The mounting hole 57A
Can be used to attach the end plates to the reaction canister body portion 10 and the mounting holes 57B can be used as needed to attach the inflator to the bladder module assembly.

A circular opening 64 is formed in the second end plate 56 and a first opening is provided to allow the inflator to be inserted into the holder as a final process in the assembly operation of the bladder module assembly. A relatively small key grooved opening 66 is formed in the end plate 54. Also, as shown, the expander 5
No. 0 first end wall 52 is provided with a flange 68, and second end wall 53 thereof is provided with a keyed threaded stud 72 common to such expanders. For the dimensions of the circular opening 64, see the second end wall portion 5 of the expander 50.
3 is supposed to be able to 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, inflator 50 may be provided with mounting holes (not shown) in its flange base, for example, to allow for further fixation of the inflator within the bladder module assembly. Are aligned with mounting holes 57B formed in either or both of the end plates 54 and 56. In addition, the end surface 36 of the reaction canister body portion 10
Alternatively, the end face mounting portion 78 is provided at 36. Thus, by using suitable fittings such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc. adapted to cooperate with the mounting holes formed in the end plate and flange base and the end surface mounting portion provided in the reaction canister body portion, It is possible to have a more secure connection of the inflator within the bladder module assembly, but such a more secure connection may be selected as needed.

Similarly, the dimensions of the keyed opening 66 are such that the stud 72 can be fitted and received therein. With such an arrangement, the relative angular position of the expander 50 within the reaction canister body portion 10 about the longitudinal axis 80 is determined by the keyed opening 66 and the keyed threaded stud 72. It End plates 54 and 56, respectively, may be retained against end wall portions 52 and 53 of inflator 50 by engaging nuts (not shown) with keyed threaded studs 72.

A plurality of gas outlet holes 84 are also formed along at least one side of the inflator 50, for example, along one side indicated by reference numeral 85, which allows gas to escape from the chamber portion 51, The bladder 60 is then guided there to be inflated, as is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3.

1 to uniformly and systematically distribute the gas to the inflating bladder to assist in the uniform and orderly deployment of the bladder.
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 control plates or gas flow passage holes having a particular size, shape and / or arrangement.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gas flow directing means may take the form of a bladder-supported gas flow diffuser 90, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or so. A bladder-supporting gas flow diffuser 90 may be included. Air bag support and gas flow diffuser 90
A large number of openings 92 are formed in the through hole, and a gas flow is passed through these openings. The placement and dimensions of the openings 92 are such that the gas flow is distributed in the bladder 60 in the desired configuration.

A preferred device or system that may be used in practicing the present invention is a support device system such as that disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,280 filed December 18, 1992 The device system also has 19
A diffusing surface member such as that disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,277, filed December 18, 1992, is incorporated. The contents of both of the above US patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. As disclosed therein, the dimensions, geometry and arrangement of the gas flow passage holes are designed to meet specific application requirements, but the invention is not necessarily limited to gas with a particular morphology. It is not limited to use with a diffuser consisting of a flow-through hole. Also, as disclosed in the above-mentioned US patent application, such a diffuser system not only provides the desired gas flow diffusion, but also facilitates the following advantages: 1) module assembly. Advantages: 2) Proper support of the bladder within the module assembly, 3) Desirable isolation of the inflator heating surface from both the bladder surface and human contact in the vehicle. There are also advantages. For example,
Speaking of bladder support within a module assembly, does the bladder support means advantageously avoid the need for conventional fittings such as screws or rivets?
Alternatively, the need can be minimized.

Also, a diffuser system, such as a bladder-supporting / gas-flow diffuser 90, facilitates handling of the bell-shaped mouth of the reaction canister assembly, thus ensuring the integrity of the reaction canister assembly. Maintenance is enhanced.

Thus, the reaction canister body portion 10
Is provided with an integrally molded mounting sleeve 94 as part of the opposing sidewalls 30 and 32. As described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and also in the aforementioned US patent application Ser. No. 07/99.
Such a mounting sleeve allows the bladder to be installed in an inflatable safety system without the need for a fitting, as fully disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,280. It should be understood here that when embodying the invention in its broader aspects, the invention may not be limited to use only with the mounting sleeve 94, and if desired, air This means that the bag supporting and gas flow diffuser 90 can be attached in another manner. For example, the bladder-supporting and gas-flow diffuser 90 may be mounted with a fitting such as a screw or rivet as disclosed in the above-mentioned US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,277. Also,
It should also be understood that, if desired, the present invention can be practiced with a cushion retainer as disclosed in the above-referenced US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,280. Such a cushion retainer not only retains the bladder (eg, cushion) within the module assembly, but also minimizes, or preferably avoids, the use of fittings such as screws or rivets. . The cushion holder does not necessarily have to have a gas diffusion function.
Furthermore, it should be understood that the present invention may also be practiced using bladder attachment modes with attachments such as screws and / or rivets, without utilizing the gas flow diffusion feature as described above. is there.

As is well known in the art, the bladder of the inflatable restraint system is provided with one or more vent holes (not shown) for withdrawing gas from it in the desired manner. Such a vent hole advantageously facilitates the extraction of gas from the bladder after deployment, which is desirable immediately after a crash and for the duration thereafter. More specifically, immediately after the collision accident, for example, it is desirable that the air bag is soft when contacted by a person in the vehicle, which has a large cushioning effect and prevents the person in the vehicle from being repelled. In the period immediately following the collision,
After deployment of the air bladder, a person in the vehicle can easily escape from the vehicle.

As is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, the bladder 60 is provided with a thick peripheral edge 98. Such thickening of the peripheral edge of the bladder 60 is disclosed in both of the above-mentioned US patent applications, US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,277 and US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 993,280. Such a thick edge may take the form of a closed loop 100 of bladder material at the edge of the gas inlet of bladder 60, within which closed bead material 102 is suitable.
Is added, which further ensures positive engagement of the bladder 60 with the module assembly 16.
As disclosed in both of the above U.S. patent applications, the bladder support and gas flow diffuser 90 is formed with a channel 104 in which a thick peripheral edge 98 of the bladder 60 is secured.
This forms a bladder / gas flow diffuser subassembly adapted to be coupled to the reaction canister body portion.

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

Side wall connections 4 of the reaction canister body portion 10 to facilitate the desired outgassing of the bladder.
2 and 44 each have a vent hole 1 as shown in FIG.
06 is formed. Due to such vent holes 106, gas extraction from the air bag on the back side is performed. That is, gas is withdrawn from the back side of the canister body, which greatly reduces the likelihood of contact between the withdrawn gas and a person in the vehicle. Further, due to the vent hole 106 provided in the canister body portion, the inflation pressure of the air bladder, for example, the air bladder to be initially inflated, through the cover of the canister bladder, from the air bladder holding space to the inside of the vehicle. The applied pressure can be equalized.

In the illustrated embodiment, a gas cooling cavity 108 is formed in the reaction canister body portion 10 where the withdrawal gas can be appropriately cooled. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a heat-conducting material 109 may be provided in the gas cooling space 108, which facilitates cooling of the extraction gas from the air bag, that is, removal of heat from the extraction gas. Such heat-conducting material preferably has a large surface area, which not only allows it to absorb a large amount of heat, but also allows the withdrawal gas to pass through it. The heat-conducting material located in the gas cooling cavity serves to keep the generated or generated heat inside the reaction canister body portion, which heat may be isolated from the person in the vehicle. For example, the heat-conducting material may be in the form of metal wool, such as steel wool, more preferably aluminum wool which has a relatively high thermal conductivity and is relatively lightweight.

As is apparent from FIG. 3, the reaction canister body portion 10 is further provided with a protective cover holding portion 110, and the protective cover holding portion 110 is, as shown in the drawing, an outer end portion of each of the opposing side walls 30 and 32. It is in the form of a slot formed in. 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 within the bladder holding cavity 58 of the bladder module subassembly 16. In the form of a wrap that is bonded to the reaction canister body portion 10 in the vicinity thereof. The protective cover 112 has an outer edge 1
An elastic band provided at 15 or other suitable bead material 114 is secured to the reaction canister body portion 10, at which time the bead material or the like is protected.
It is fixed in the 0 slot. The protective cover 112 functions to protect the bladder from damage that may be caused by accidental or other undesired contact with other components of the inflatable restraint system and 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 tough material that is abrasion and tear resistant, but that material is preferably such that it will be broken in place, for example by perforation. To be done. For example, the protective cover may be formed from fiber reinforced paper sold under the trade name TYVEK by EI Du Pont Nemours CO. However, it should be understood that other materials with the desirable properties as described above may also be used.

Further, the reaction canister body portion 10 is provided with a large number of end surface closing body mounting portions 118, and the end surface closing body mounting portion 118 includes the above-mentioned end surface mounting portions. The end closure fittings 118 may take a hollow form, but when the reaction canister body portion 10 is molded by extrusion, such fittings are preferably normally "screw slot" in the extrusion art.
It may take the form of a groove referred to as. However, it should be understood that the form of the attachments described above may not be limited to the use of screw attachments.

As shown, the mounting portion 118 surrounds the reaction canister body portion 10, ie, the opposing side wall 30.
And 32 and also along the perimeter of expander holder 18, thereby allowing reaction canister body portion 1
A secure attachment of the end closure 120 (see FIG. 2) to 0 is guaranteed. Preferably, the 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 described in detail below, a fitting 124, such as a swage, for securing the end closure to the bladder module assembly.
ng) screws can be used.

The reaction canister body portion 10 has one more
One or more mounting seats are provided and these mounting seats are shown generally at 126. Such mounting seats may be of the external type for mounting the reaction canister body within, for example, a given vehicle, or for attaching suitable fittings to or within the reaction canister body. It may be an internal format type or a semi-internal format type.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the position, orientation, and shape of the external type mounting seat such as the mounting bracket 126A can be appropriately set to fulfill its purpose. Further, an internal type or semi-internal type mounting seat such as the mounting bracket 126B can be extruded as a part of the side wall 112, for example. Such a mounting bracket 126B is obtained by forming a recess 128 which is useful for isolating the bladder from the mounting nuts or other elements used within the reaction canister assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a reaction canister body portion 10 'constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the reaction canister body portion 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an expander holder 18 'is integrally formed with the reaction canister body portion 10'.
8'has a partial substantially circular cross section. Also, the reaction canister body portion 10 'is provided with first and second opposing side walls or panels, for example a top side wall 30' and a bottom side wall 32 ', between which an air bag holding cavity 58 is provided. 'Is formed. The holder 18 'of the reaction canister body portion 18' has a similar construction to the holder 18 of the reaction canister body portion 10, said holder 18 'having a partially circular cross section. However, the difference between the holder 18 'is that it is the side wall 2
One point is to include a diffusing portion 130 that is bridged 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 the diffusion portion 130, as will be described in more detail below.
A gas flow is passed through.

Generally, the diffusing 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. It is spanned between the side wall portions 20 'and 22' at an arc angle of 120 degrees or more, which provides the diffusion portion 130 with sufficient width to provide a proper interface between the inflator chamber and the bladder. It is formed.

Extrusion of parts is generally not suitable for irregularly shaped products, including hollow morphology. Therefore, it is desired that the hollow portion does not exist in the extruded product. Therefore, the holder 18 ′ has a diffusion portion 130
Since the base portion in the form of a hollow portion includes the holder 18 ',
Has been omitted from.

A number of openings 132 are formed in the integrally formed diffusing portion or sections, which allow gas flow therethrough. The placement and dimensions of the openings 132 are such that the distribution of the gas flow to the bladder (not shown) is done in the desired manner. Also, the reaction canister body portion 10 '
Is shown as not having a one-piece mounting sleeve, but it should be understood that such a mounting sleeve could be incorporated into the reaction canister body portion 10 'if desired. Further, the above-described air bag supporting / gas flow diffuser or gas flow diffuser can also be used in combination with the reaction canister body portion including the expander holder provided with the integral diffusion chamber, if necessary. Should be understood. For example, such a combination may be utilized in adapting the reaction canister body portion to various applications that require special distribution of gas flow to the bladder.

Further, in the reaction canister structure as shown in FIG. 4, a mounting hole is appropriately formed in the side wall portion and / or the end plate of the reaction canister assembly, and the mounting tool is inserted into the mounting hole. The reaction canister assembly can be fitted with a bladder, with or without a locking nut.

As is apparent from the above description, the reaction canister body portion 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is an expander having various design modes (ie, a directional expander or a thrust-neutral expander). ), But because the reaction canister body portion 10 'shown in FIG. 4 cannot totally enclose the expander,
The reaction canister body portion 10 'is preferably utilized with a directional inflator, i.e., an inflator adapted to direct gas exit holes to the diffusing portion of the holder to properly direct gas into the inflating bladder. It

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the end plates are used to close the ends of the bladder-holding cavity formed by the reaction canister body, and within the reaction canister body. It is also used to secure the inflator. FIG. 5 shows different end closure embodiments. Further, FIG. 5 shows an air bag module subassembly 1 constructed according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
6 "is also shown and this air bag 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 "has an air bag 60" and an air bag supporting 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.
A gas outlet hole 141 is formed along the one side 142 thereof.

The bladder module subassembly 16 "employs an end closure including end plates 144 and 146 which serve to close both ends of the bladder holding cavity. The closure includes ends 154 and 158, which serve to close end surfaces 160 and 162 of tubular chamber 140. Each end 154 and 158 is provided with a mating end surface 166, each mating end surface. 166 receives or is coupled to each of the end surfaces of the tubular chamber 140. Also, each of the ends 154 and 158 is provided with a flange 167 in which a mounting hole 168 is formed. To be done.

To reduce the number of parts required in the reaction canister assembly, at least a portion of the fixture includes end plates 144 and 146 and ends 154 and 15.
8 and 8 are used simultaneously for fixing both. That is, the fixtures designated by reference numeral 124B ″ are end plates 144 and 146.
And the ends 154 and 158 are secured together, however, the fixture indicated by reference numeral 124A ″ is used to secure the end plates 144 and 146, but not the 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 thicker and more durable than the materials used for them. This is because the pressure exerted by the end closure on the end faces 160 and 162 of the tubular chamber is much greater than the pressure it exerts on the end face of the bladder holding cavity. Similarly, ends 154 and 15
The attachment for securing 8 to the reaction canister assembly must be able to withstand the high pressures applied. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the ends 154 and 1
An end closure fitting for attaching 58 to the reaction canister body portion, such as an end closure fitting indicated by reference numeral 78 ", has four screws relatively evenly spaced about the outer end surface of the tubular chamber 18". In the form of a slot,
A fitting 124B ″ is used for this screw slot.
The screw slot 78 ″ and the fitting 124B ″ are the end plates 14
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 ".

Thus, the fitting 124B "has a mounting hole 16
8 and 57B "and mountings 78" in cooperation with ends 154 and 158 and end plates 144 and 14
6 and the reaction canister body portion 10 "are coupled to each other. Similarly, the fitting 124A" cooperates with the mounting hole 57A "and the mounting portion 118" to end plates 144 and 146.
And the reaction canister body portion 10 "are connected to each other.

Thus, according to the present invention, a relatively inexpensive and reliable fixing to the end face closure can be achieved and flexibility is given to its assembly and manufacture.

The reaction canister assembly according to the present invention provides a wide range of variability in the materials of construction of the expander chamber. For example, the chamber can be formed from various high strength aluminum alloys, such as 2000 and 7000 series aluminum. Thus, conventional aluminum materials used in the manufacture of reaction canisters will have yield strengths of about 30,000 to about 40,000 pis, but the strength of such high strength aluminum alloys will be 30 to 70% higher (of course pis). Measurement at yield strength). Therefore, the wall thickness of the chamber may be smaller when compared to an expander chamber that uses low strength materials and is designed with the same pressure application conditions. Also, such a reaction canister assembly can readily use a tubular chamber made seamless by extrusion or pultrusion. Therefore, the tubular material used for manufacturing the expander chamber can be standardized.

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

However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited by the end face closure or its attachment means, and other forms of end face closure or inertia welding and It should be appreciated that other attachment means such as MIG welding may also be utilized.

On the other hand, in its widespread application, the present invention is not limited by the type or mode of operation of the expander. So, for example, fireworks (pyrotechn
It is also possible to embody the present invention in an ic) type expander, a gas storage type expander, a hybrid type expander, and the like, if necessary.

Further, when the present invention is embodied by using the reaction canister body portion 10 having the expander holder 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the expander is entirely contained in the reaction canister body portion 10. Since it is housed in the same direction, not only the expander with directivity but also the expander whose gas propelling direction is indefinite (that is, thrust-neutral expander)
Any of these can be used. I mean,
This is because the base of the expander holder can properly obtain the gas flow toward the opening side, that is, the air bag side.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the components within the chamber 51 of the expander or by the gas generating material components contained therein, where any commercially available material may be utilized. obtain. For example, the components in the chamber may be those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,860 issued Feb. 2, 1990.

The reaction canister body portion according to the present invention is preferably obtained by continuously extruding extrudable materials, such as magnesium or aluminum, which materials are used in the reaction canister body portion inflatable restraint system. It can withstand the high temperatures and pressures that it will experience when applied to. By extruding the reaction canister body portion, various necessary or desirable design requirements or characteristics can be incorporated into the reaction canister body portion. For example, as described above, the following items can be given as the requirements or characteristics in the design. That is, the features of the attachment part of the bladder support and / or the gas flow diffuser, the features of the vent hole that promotes the desired gas extraction, and the cooling space that can cool the gas in a desired manner. And a protective cover holding portion for facilitating the holding of the protective cover on the reaction canister body portion, an end face closing body for the reaction canister body portion, for example, an end plate attached or an end for the reaction canister body portion. Features of the end face closure mounting part that facilitates the combined mounting of the plate and the end, the mounting seat of the external type and the mounting seat of the internal type or semi-internal type (for example, the reaction canister main body part It is used for mounting in the vehicle, the latter is suitable for the reaction canister body part or inside it. It features matters for may be utilized) and the like for mounting.

Further, according to the present invention, not only can the reaction canister body portion be rapidly manufactured by extrusion-molding the reaction canister body portion, but also the extrusion molded article can be cut into various lengths. Reaction canister assemblies of various sizes can also be easily obtained.

As noted above, the force the reaction canister assembly experiences during deployment of the bladder, that is, the force that results in the undesired bell-shaped mouth of the reaction canister assembly, extends around the reaction canister assembly. It is desirable to have a relatively rigid structure for the reaction canister assembly in order to affect and counteract the ment panel structure. Indeed, with a reaction canister body portion incorporating one or more features as described above, its rigidity is relatively enhanced as a result of the incorporation of such features. However, it should be understood here that reinforcing convexities or flanges or the like (not shown) may be incorporated into the reaction canister assembly and portions thereof if additional rigidity is required. Yes,
Such a reinforcing projection or a flange may be formed as a part of the reaction canister body during extrusion molding, or may be additionally attached by welding.

The swage screw is a form of fitting that is particularly practical in the practice of the invention. Swage screw type fittings are generally screwed into the mounting holes and installed therein. The removal torque of the swage screw is 80% or more of the tightening torque. During such screw formation, the material into which the swage screw is screwed (generally a metallic material) expands or displaces, which is different from the case where the material is removed when a thread cutting type fixture is used. Is. Also, if the fixture is used in connection with a component of a vehicle-side inflatable restraint system, the use of a threaded type fixture produces undesired fine metal chips. Cannot be removed easily. On the contrary, in the case of the swage screw, as is clear from the above description, such fine metal chips are not generated. By using the swage screw fitting, it is possible to form the mounting portion on the reaction canister body portion by simple extrusion molding when the reaction canister body portion is extruded. In this case, the swage screw fitting is inserted. Occasionally, a screw is formed on the mounting portion.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and as will be apparent from the above disclosure, other fasteners such as rivets, bolts or other screw fasteners may be used in the practice of the invention. However, the first consideration in choosing fixtures and materials of construction is that the pressure within the reaction canister assembly during inflation gas release is about 40%.
It means that the fixtures and materials of construction must be able to withstand them when they reach 0 psi.

As should be apparent from the above description, it should be appreciated that the reaction canister structure according to the present invention is adaptable to 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 drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction canister body portion having an expander holder constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a component arrangement of an air bag module subassembly including the reaction canister body portion of FIG.

3 is a cross section of the air bag module subassembly shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction canister body portion constructed 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 part arrangement of an air bag module subassembly constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 ... Reaction canister body 12 ... Reaction canister assembly 16 ... Air bag module subassembly 18 ... Expander holder 60 ... Air bag 90 ... Air bag support and gas flow diffuser

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor David Jay. Green United States, Utah 84302, Braygam City, East 117 North 500

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A trough-shaped body portion of a lightweight reaction canister for use in an inflatable passive restraint system containing an inflator, wherein the trough-shaped body portion is formed by extrusion and is integrally molded. A holder, wherein the gutter-shaped main body portion is provided with first and second opposing end portions and first and second opposing side walls, and each of the opposing end portions is provided with a plurality of end plate mounting portions. A gutter-shaped main body that is characterized by being. 2. The trough-shaped main body portion according to claim 1, wherein the expander holder includes first and second side wall portions, and the first and second side wall portions are integrally formed by a concave base portion. A trough-shaped body portion coupled to the inflator holder forming a gap opening. 3. The gutter-shaped body portion of claim 2, wherein the gap opening forms an angle of at least about 45 degrees. 4. The trough-shaped body portion according to claim 1, wherein the inflator holder includes first and second side wall portions, and the first and second side wall portions allow gas to pass therethrough. A gutter-shaped body part, characterized in that it is integrally joined to each other by a diffused part that has become a. 5. The gutter-shaped body portion of claim 4, wherein the diffusing portion is spanned between the first and second sidewall portions of the expander holder with an arc angle of at least about 30 degrees. Characteristic gutter-shaped main body part. 6. The gutter-shaped body portion of claim 4, wherein the diffusing portion is spanned between the first and second sidewall portions of the expander holder with an arc angle of at least about 120 degrees. Characteristic gutter-shaped main body part. 7. The gutter-shaped body portion of claim 1, wherein opposing side walls of the gutter-shaped body portion are connected to the expander holder by a connecting portion, the gutter-shaped body portion being one of the connecting portions. At least one gas cooling cavity adjacent to one of the two, and at least one vent hole for advancing gas from the gas cooling cavity is provided in the adjacent connecting portion. Body part. 8. The gutter-shaped body part according to claim 7, wherein a heat conductive material is stored in the gas cooling cavity. 9. The gutter-shaped body portion of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second opposing sidewalls is additionally provided with at least one mounting sleeve.
The mounting sleeve is adapted to mount at least one component selected from the group consisting of an air bag support, a diffuser, and an air bag support / diffuser to the trough-shaped body portion. A gutter-shaped body part. 10. The gutter-shaped body according to claim 1, wherein at least one external-type integrally-formed mounting seat for mounting the reaction canister body on a vehicle is provided. part. 11. The trough-shaped body part according to claim 1, wherein at least one integrally-formed mounting seat forming an isolation cavity is provided in the reaction canister body part. 12. A lightweight reaction canister assembly for an inflatable passive restraint system, comprising an integrally formed inflator holder, opposed ends, opposed sidewalls, and a plurality of end faces on each of the opposed ends. An extruded gutter-shaped body portion comprising a closure body attachment part, an elongated gas generating expander disposed in a holder for an integrally formed expander of the extruded gutter-shaped body portion, and including a chamber; An end closure, each of which is attached to the corresponding end face of the extruded trough body by means disposed in co-operative relationship with the corresponding end closure attachment. Each of the second end closures is provided with an expander chamber engagement portion arranged to receive and support a corresponding end of the elongate gas generating expander. -Assembly. 13. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, wherein the expander chamber comprises a seamless extruded tube and at least one of the end face closures is provided with an end. A lightweight reaction canister assembly. 14. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, wherein the expander chamber comprises a pultruded tube and at least one of the end closures is provided with an end. Canister assembly. 15. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, wherein the expander chamber comprises a high strength aluminum alloy. 16. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, wherein the expander holder comprises first and second sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls being integrally formed by a concave base. A lightweight reaction canister assembly, wherein the expander holder forms a gap opening and the expander is of an indeterminate type of gas propulsion direction. 17. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, wherein the expander holder comprises first and second side walls with at least about 30 between the first and second side walls. The expander is of a directional type, which is integrally connected to each other by a diffusing part that is laid across at an arc angle of 10 degrees, and allows gas to pass through the diffusing part. Features a lightweight reaction canister assembly. 18. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, wherein the expander holder comprises first and second sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls being integrally formed by a concave base. Coupled to the inflator holder to form a gap opening at an angle of at least about 45 degrees, and further provided with a bladder support and diffuser, the gutter-shaped body portion additionally having at least one mounting sleeve. A lightweight reaction canister assembly, wherein said mounting sleeve is adapted to mount an air bag support and diffuser to said gutter-shaped body portion. 19. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 12, further comprising an air bladder protective cover and the inflator holder having at least one integrally formed protective cover retaining portion. A lightweight reaction canister assembly, wherein the bar is attached to the reaction canister assembly by means of retaining means cooperating with the integrally formed protective cover retaining portion. 20. The lightweight reaction canister assembly of claim 19, wherein the retaining means comprises an elastic band disposed around an outer edge of the protective cover and secured within the integrally formed protective cover retaining portion. A lightweight reaction canister assembly characterized in that