Abstract

A gas generator for use for a safety device in vehicles comprises a pyrotechnical propelling charge, wherein the propelling charge is formed from a first and at least a second master batch which are in a mixed state in a filling. Each master batch has a plurality of molded propellant bodies having defined geometry and having a relative quickness. The relative quickness RQ2 of the second master batch is less than the relative quickness RQ1 of the first master batch, wherein RQ2=RQ1·fq and fq≤0.9. The invention further relates to a method for producing the propelling charge.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

A gas generator (10), in particular for a safety device in vehicles, comprises a pressure chamber (22) which is filled with compressed gas (24) and which is closed off from an environment of the gas generator (10) by a membrane (16). The compressed gas (24) contains a gaseous oxidant, which is composed predominantly of oxygen. The pressure chamber (22) receives a solid fuel (31), wherein the compressed gas (24) is in direct contact with the fuel (31) before the gas generator (10) is activated. When the gas generator (10) is activated, an igniter (14) separated pressure-tightly from the pressure chamber (22) triggers a conversion of the gaseous oxidant with the solid fuel (31), with heat being generated. The fuel (31) is in the form of a gas-permeable fuel body (32) made up of one or more fibres, and the molar fraction of the gaseous oxidant in the compressed gas (24) is at least 1.1 times the amount of oxidant required for a stoichiometric conversion of the gas-permeable fuel body (32). A module and a vehicle safety system comprise such a gas generator.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• F42B 3/04 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive for producing gas under pressure
• C06B 45/00 - Compositions or products which are defined by structure or arrangement of component or product

Abstract

The invention describes an igniter support (22) for an igniter unit (20) of a gas generator (10), comprising a first holder element (30) made from a first material and a second holder element (32) made from a second material different from the first material. Both holder elements (30, 32) can be positively coupled to each other. Further, a subassembly (16), a gas generator (10) and a method for manufacturing a gas generator (10) are described.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
• B60R 22/46 - Belt retractors, e.g. reels with means to tension the belt in an emergency
• F42B 3/26 - Arrangements for mounting initiatorsAccessories therefor, e.g. tools
• B29L 22/02 - Inflatable articles
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention describes an igniter support (22) for an igniter unit (20) of a gas generator (10), comprising a first holder element (30) made from a first material and a second holder element (32) made from a second material different from the first material. The two holder elements (30, 32) can be positively coupled to each other, especially can be at least partially positively nested. Further, a subassembly (16), a gas generator (10) as well as a method for manufacturing a gas generator (10) are described.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
• B60R 22/46 - Belt retractors, e.g. reels with means to tension the belt in an emergency
• F42B 3/26 - Arrangements for mounting initiatorsAccessories therefor, e.g. tools
• B29L 22/02 - Inflatable articles
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (100), in particular for a vehicle safety system, with a longitudinal axis (La), an outer housing (34) which is in the form of a compressed-gas container (35) which, in the inoperative state of the gas generator, is filled with compressed gas, wherein the housing (34) is closed at one housing end (10) with a closure element (50) by means of a welded joint (11), and the closure element (50) extends along the longitudinal axis (La) from the welded joint (11) into the housing (34). The housing (34) has at least one bead (4) for mechanically relieving the welded joint (11) of load, wherein a bead base (6) of the bead (4) is provided in a region of an axial longitudinal extent (Le) of the closure element (50).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators

Abstract

The invention relates to an overigniting protection device (40) for a multi-stage gas generator (10), comprising a combustion chamber limiting element (34) for limiting a combustion chamber (30) of a second ignition stage (14) of the gas generator (10) as well as an overigniting protection element (38) which is arranged on a side of the combustion chamber limiting element (34) remote from the combustion chamber (30), wherein the overigniting protection element (38) covers the side of the combustion chamber limiting element (34) remote from the combustion chamber (30), wherein the overigniting protection element (38) is tightly connected to the combustion chamber limiting element (34) via a mounting portion (42) and wherein the overigniting protection element (38) is substantially plate-shaped or completely covers the side of the combustion chamber limiting element (34) remote from the combustion chamber (30). Furthermore, the invention relates to a second ignition stage (14) of a multi-stage gas generator, a gas generator (10) and an airbag module comprising a gas generator (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/263 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using a variable source, e.g. plural stage or controlled output
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• B60R 21/268 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10), particularly a pyrotechnical tube gas generator, with an axial longitudinal direction (L), comprising an ignition unit (20), a combustion chamber (30) axially mounted downstream from the ignition unit (20) and comprising a combustion chamber bottom (35) forming a combustion chamber outlet (36), and a filter chamber (70) that is axially mounted downstream of the combustion chamber (30). According to the invention, at least one guiding sleeve (50) and a front-side baffle plate (80) are formed in the filter chamber, a first end (51) of the guiding sleeve (50), on the side of the combustion chamber, being axially mounted downstream from the combustion chamber bottom (35), and a second end (53) of the guiding sleeve (50) being associated with the baffle plate (80), a first deflection section being formed on the baffle plate (80) and the guiding sleeve (50) which allows a gas flow to an outer side of the guiding sleeve (50) into an annular first discharge chamber (75).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B01D 45/06 - Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia by reversal of direction of flow
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (100), in particular for a vehicle safety system, comprising an exterior housing (34), an igniter unit (38) having an igniter (42), and a combustion chamber (14) having fuel bodies (18, 24), the combustion chamber being arranged axially downstream of the igniter unit (38), at least one filter unit (10) being arranged within the combustion chamber (14), which filter unit divides the combustion chamber (14) along a longitudinal axis (La) of the gas generator (100) into a first combustion chamber portion (15) having a first number of first fuel bodies (18) and at least one additional combustion chamber portion (20) having an additional number of additional fuel bodies (24).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators

Abstract

The invention relates to an igniting unit (10), especially for an inflator, comprising an electric igniter (11) including a first inner cap (12) which forms a space (14) for being filled with a booster propellant charge with a second outer cap (13). In accordance with the invention, the second cap (13) is an electrically non-conductive insulating cap.

IPC Classes  ?

• F42B 3/12 - Bridge initiators
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 3/10 - Initiators therefor
• F42B 3/195 - Manufacture
• B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
• B29C 65/08 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
• B29C 65/16 - Laser beam
• B29L 31/34 - Electrical apparatus, e.g. sparking plugs or parts thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a deflector component (10) for a gas generator (100), in particular for a hybrid gas generator for a vehicle safety system. According to the invention, the deflector component (10) comprises a disc-shaped main element (40) which has a central gas-impermeable portion (41) and an outer gas-permeable portion (42), wherein the central gas-impermeable portion (41) is in the form of a gas-diffusion portion.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/261 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10; 100), comprising: an outer housing (12; 112); an igniter (14; 114), which is arranged in the outer housing (12; 112) and has an outer wall; and a blocking element (36; 136), which is separate from the outer housing (12; 112) and from the igniter (14; 114), is in direct contact with at least part of the outer wall of the igniter (14; 114) and is designed in such a way that the blocking element is substantially undeformable when the gas generator (10; 112) is activated, wherein the blocking element (36; 136) covers a contact portion (42; 142) of the outer wall of the igniter (14; 114) and leaves open an outlet portion (44; 144) of the outer wall such that, when the igniter (14; 114) is activated, a gas flow and/or particle flow can exit the interior of the igniter (14; 114) only in the region of the outlet portion (44; 144) of the outer wall of the igniter (14; 114).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• F42B 3/04 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive for producing gas under pressure

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid gas generator (10) which comprises a compressed gas chamber (20) and an igniting unit (30), wherein the compressed gas chamber (20) is closed by a first igniter-side bursting membrane (21) and a second bursting membrane (22). According to the invention, a first, rapidly burning-off pyrotechnic agent (51) and a second pyrotechnic agent (52) burning off slowly in comparison to the first pyrotechnic agent (51) are located in the hybrid gas generator (10), wherein the second bursting membrane (22) is openable by positive pressure which can be generated in the compressed gas chamber (20) and the first pyrotechnic agent (51) is separated from the second pyrotechnic agent (52) in such a manner that the positive pressure in the compressed gas chamber (20) for opening the second bursting membrane (22) can be generated by the first pyrotechnic agent (51).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/268 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/36 - Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians using airbags

Abstract

c).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source

Abstract

A propellant cage (10) for a tubular inflator (100), especially for a tubular inflator (100) of an airbag module, for forming a propellant chamber (14) and a flow passage (15) of the tubular inflator (100). The propellant cage (10) is in the form of a propellant cage spiral spring (11) having a gas inlet-side end (12) and a gas outlet-side end (13), the gas inlet-side end (12) having a smaller cross-section than the gas outlet-side end (13).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflator (10) comprising an ignition unit (30) having an igniter (31), a chamber (20) arranged axially downstream of the ignition unit (30) and a diffuser chamber (40) arranged axially downstream of the chamber (20) which is comprised by a diffuser (42), wherein a combustion chamber screen (50) having an igniter-side end (51) and a diffuser-side end (52) is disposed in the chamber (20), the combustion chamber screen (50) being tapered, especially conically, in the longitudinal direction (L) of the inflator (10) from the igniter (31) toward the diffuser (42).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (5) comprising a housing (10, 14; 11), an igniter (18) and a pyrotechnic charge (30), via which gas for filling a gasbag can be provided, wherein the gas generator (5) is free from stored pressurised gas in the idle state, characterised in that each possible diffusion path out of the internal chamber of the housing (10, 14; 11) is sealed relative to the environment of the gas generator (5) by means of a weld seam (12, 34, 40, 48). The invention also relates to a method for leak testing a pyrotechnic gas generator of this type, wherein, before the gas generator (5) is welded against diffusion, a test amount of helium is introduced into the housing (10, 14; 11) and, in a subsequent leak testing step, a measurement is carried out to determined whether helium is passing out of the housing (10, 14; 11).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

A pyrotechnical connecting interface of a pyrotechnical vehicle safety device comprises a socket (10) which includes a housing (12) with a plug-in port (14) for accepting a plug (16), the pyrotechnical connecting interface further comprising pins (26) which end in the plug-in port (14). At least one radial undercut (42) on the inner face (32) of the peripheral wall (18) of the housing (12) is entirely closed radially outward and axially and is open only towards the plug-in port (14).

IPC Classes  ?

• H01R 13/52 - Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• H01R 13/627 - Snap-action fastening
• H01R 13/405 - Securing in non-demountable manner, e.g. moulding, riveting

Abstract

A pyrotechnical connecting interface of a pyrotechnical vehicle safety device comprises a socket (10) which includes a housing (12) with a plug-in port (14) for accepting a plug (16), the pyrotechnical connecting interface further comprising pins (26) which end in the plug-in port (14) and via which electricity for activating a pyrotechnical charge can flow, the housing (12) being an injection-molded housing and being provided with a peripheral wall (18) which surrounds end portions of the pins (26) at a distance therefrom and which ends in an end face (30) on the side facing the plug; three radial undercuts (42) for interlocking engagement with three associated latching fingers (38) that are part of the plug are formed on the inner face (32) of the peripheral wall (18), are spaced apart from each other in the peripheral direction, are entirely closed axially as well as radially outward, and are made in an injection-molding process. A pyrotechnical connecting device comprises a pyrotechnical connecting interface, and a process for manufacturing a pyrotechnical connecting interface of a pyrotechnical vehicle safety device is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01R 13/52 - Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• H01R 13/627 - Snap-action fastening
• H01R 43/18 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for manufacturing bases or cases for contact members
• H01R 13/405 - Securing in non-demountable manner, e.g. moulding, riveting

Abstract

An igniter for a gas generator comprises a pole body (14) having at least one connection pin (16, 18), a retaining ring (20) and an insulation ring (22), wherein the insulation ring (22) spaces apart the at least one connection pin (16, 18) from the retaining ring (20) and electrically insulates it relative to same. The retaining ring (20) consists of a metal and the insulation ring (22) consists of a plastic. In order to produce an igniter (10) for a gas generator at least one connection pin (16, 18), a retaining ring (20) and an insulation ring (22) are provided, the connection pin (16, 18), the insulation ring (22) and the retaining ring (20) are fitted inside one another in such a way that the connection pin (16, 18) is surrounded by the insulation ring (22) and the insulation ring (22) is surrounded by the retaining ring (20), and the retaining ring (20), the insulation ring (22) and the connection pin (16, 18) are compressed in a compression step, in which at least the retaining ring (20) is deformed and the retaining ring (20), the insulation ring (22) and the connection pin (16, 18) are connected to one another securely and without play.

IPC Classes  ?

• F42B 3/195 - Manufacture
• F42B 3/198 - Manufacture of electric initiator heads

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10), in particular for a vehicle occupant protection system, comprising at least an igniter (15) and a combustion chamber (17) containing a pyrotechnic solid fuel bed (18), wherein a spring (30) is arranged in the combustion chamber (17), which spring can be elongated in the direction of an end (22) of the combustion chamber (17) remote from the igniter (16) by a gas flow produced when the gas generator (10) is activated. According to the invention, the spring (30) has a plurality of spring segments (31, 32, 33) having outside diameters (Q1, Q2, Q3) of different size.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/16 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 3/04 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive for producing gas under pressure
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to an overigniting protection device (40) for a multistage gas generator (10), comprising a combustor limiting element (34) for limiting a combustor (30) of a second ignition phase (14) of the gas generator (10) and an overigniting protection element (38), which is arranged on a side of the combustor limiting element (34) facing away from the combustor (30), wherein the overigniting protection element (38) covers the side of the combustor limiting element (34) facing away from the combustor (30), wherein the overigniting protection element (38) is fixedly connected to the combustor limiting element (34) by means of a fastening portion (42) and wherein the overigniting protection element (38) is formed substantially flat or completely covers the side of the combustor limiting element (34) facing away from the combustor (30). The invention also relates to a second ignition stage (14) of a multistage gas generator, a gas generator (10) and an airbag module having a gas generator (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source

Abstract

Described is an igniter support (22) for an igniter unit (20) of a gas generator (10), comprising a first holder element (30) made of a first material and a second holder element (32) made of a second material that is different from the first material. Both holder elements (30, 32) can be coupled together in a positive fit. Also described are a subassembly (16), a gas generator (10), and a method for manufacturing a gas generator (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 3/26 - Arrangements for mounting initiatorsAccessories therefor, e.g. tools
• F42B 3/107 - Sealing-plugs characterised by the material used

Abstract

Described is an igniter support (22) for an igniter unit (20) of a gas generator (10), comprising a first holder element (30) made of a first material and a second holder element (32) made of a second material that is different from the first material. The two holder elements (30, 32) can be coupled to one another in a form-locking manner; in particular, they can be at least partly plugged into one another in a form-locking manner. Also described are a subassembly (16), a gas generator (10), and a process for manufacturing a gas generator (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 3/26 - Arrangements for mounting initiatorsAccessories therefor, e.g. tools
• F42B 3/107 - Sealing-plugs characterised by the material used

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10), particularly a pyrotechnical raw gas generator, with an axial longitudinal direction (L), comprising an ignition unit (20), a combustion chamber (30) axially mounted downstream from the ignition unit (20) and comprising a combustion chamber bottom (35) forming a combustion chamber outlet (36), and a filter chamber (70) that is axially mounted downstream of the combustion chamber (30). According to the invention, at least one guiding sleeve (50) and a front-side baffle plate (80) are formed in the filter chamber, a first end (51) of the guiding sleeve (50), on the side of the combustion chamber, being axially mounted downstream from the combustion chamber bottom (35), and a second end (53) of the guiding sleeve (50) being associated with the baffle plate (80), a first deflection section being formed on the baffle plate (80) and the guiding sleeve (50), which allows a gas flow to an outer side of the guiding sleeve (50) into an annular first discharge chamber (75).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/262 - Elongated tubular diffusers, e.g. curtain-type
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid gas generator (10) which comprises a compressed gas chamber (20) and an igniting unit (30), wherein the compressed gas chamber (20) is closed by a first igniter-side bursting membrane (21) and a second bursting membrane (22). According to the invention, a first, rapidly burning-off pyrotechnic agent (51) and a second pyrotechnic agent (52) burning off slowly in comparison to the first pyrotechnic agent (51) are located in the hybrid gas generator (10), wherein the second bursting membrane (22) is openable by positive pressure which can be generated in the compressed gas chamber (20), and the first pyrotechnic agent (51) is separated from the second pyrotechnic agent (52) in such a manner that the positive pressure in the compressed gas chamber (20) for opening the second bursting membrane (22) can be generated by the first pyrotechnic agent (51).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10), comprising an ignition unit (30) with an igniter (31), a chamber (20) which is axially downstream of the ignition unit (30) and a diffuser chamber (40) which is surrounded by a diffuser (42) and which axially downstream of the chamber (20). A combustion chamber sieve (50) with an ignition-sided end (51) and a diffuser-sided end (52) is arranged in the chamber, said combustion chamber sieve (50) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the gas generator (10), starting from the igniter (31) towards the diffuser (42), tapering, in particular conically.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators

Abstract

An inflator (10) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The inflator (10) includes a volume of stored gas and a propellant (52) that is ignitable to undergo a reaction that produces reaction products. The reaction products include heat and gas that mix with the stored gas to produce a mixture of inflation fluid. The inflator (10) is configured to discharge the inflation fluid to inflate the protection device. The propellant (52) comprises an open cell foam fuel propellant (140). The reaction includes a combustion reaction in which the foam fuel propellant (140) reacts with a gas oxidizer comprising oxygen to produce heat and gas reaction products that mix with the stored gas.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• C06D 5/10 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets by reaction of solids with liquids

Abstract

An inflator (10) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The inflator (10) includes a volume of stored gas and a propellant (52) that is ignitable to undergo a reaction that produces reaction products. The reaction products include heat and gas that mix with the stored gas to produce a mixture of inflation fluid. The inflator (10) is configured to discharge the inflation fluid to inflate the protection device. The propellant (52) comprises an open cell foam fuel propellant (140). The reaction includes a combustion reaction in which the foam fuel propellant (140) reacts with a gas oxidizer comprising oxygen to produce heat and gas reaction products that mix with the stored gas.

IPC Classes  ?

• C06D 5/10 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets by reaction of solids with liquids
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator for use for a safety device in vehicles, which gas generator comprises a pyrotechnical propelling charge, wherein the propelling charge is formed from a first and at least a second master batch, which are in a mixed state in a filling. Each master batch has a plurality of molded propellant bodies having defined geometry and having a relative quickness. The relative quickness RQ2 of the second master batch is less than the relative quickness RQ1 of the first master batch, wherein RQ2 = RQ1 ⋅ fq and fq ≤ 0.9. The invention further relates to a method for producing the propelling charge.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

An inflator as well as a method of manufacturing an inflator, a module including an inflator and an airbag module. In an inflator, especially for a protective device in a vehicle, comprising plural components a sealant is applied in the area of abutting components, especially a sealant which adheres to both abutting components.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

An adaptive deployable restraint element (10) for a vehicle safety system comprising at least two leg elements (11, 12) at least in portions arranged in V-shape relative to each other between which at least one cross brace (13, 14, 15) connecting the leg elements (11, 12) is arranged, wherein the leg elements and/or the cross brace (13, 14, 15) are/is inflatable. The invention further relates to an airbag module and an occupant safety system comprising such restraint element as well as to the use of the fin ray effect in an adaptive restraint element.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/231 - Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
• B60R 21/2334 - Expansion control features
• B60R 21/235 - Inflatable members characterised by their material

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid inflator especially for a vehicle safety system, comprising an igniter (10), a combustion chamber (16) including a propellant charge (18) which is separated from the igniter (10) by a first bursting element (14) held by a bursting element holder (13), and comprising a compressed gas tank (20) filled with compressed gas and having at feast one discharge opening, the discharge opening being closed by a second bursting element (24) and the compressed gas tank (20) being fluid-communicated with the combustion chamber (16) so that the compressed gas surrounds the propellant charge (18). The invention excels by the fact that the bursting element holder (13) at least in portions delimits an ignition chamber (30) containing a booster charge (15), wherein a shock wave (SW) for opening the second bursting element (24) can be formed only when both the igniter (10) and the booster charge (15) have been ignited and, respectively, activated. The invention further deals with an airbag unit and a vehicle safety system comprising said hybrid inflator or said airbag unit. Moreover, the invention states a method of forming a shock wave within a hybrid inflator.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid inflator (10) comprising a combustion chamber (20) and a pressure gas tank (30), wherein in the idle state of the hybrid inflator (10) an outlet opening (31) of the pressure gas tank (30) is closed by a bursting element (32) which in the case of function of the hybrid inflator (10) can be destroyed by means of a penetration element (40), wherein a mixing chamber (70) is formed between the pressure gas tank (30) and the combustion chamber (20). In accordance with the invention, between the combustion chamber (20) and the mixing chamber (70) at least in portions a partition wall (80) having a combustion chamber side (81) and a mixing chamber side (82) is formed, wherein the partition wall (80) includes at least one combustion chamber opening (85) which in the idle state of the hybrid inflator (10) is closed by a cover (88) formed on the mixing chamber side (82) of the partition wall (80).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• B60R 21/268 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10) for a vehicle occupant safety system comprising an outer casing (20) and a filter structure (30) for purifying and/or cooling gas released inside the outer casing (20), wherein the filter structure (30) is integrated in the outer casing (20). The invention further relates to an airbag module and a vehicle occupant safety system comprising said gas generator as well as to a manufacturing method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 3/04 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive for producing gas under pressure
• B01D 46/24 - Particle separators, e.g. dust precipitators, using rigid hollow filter bodies
• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
• B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
• B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
• B22F 3/105 - Sintering only by using electric current, laser radiation or plasma
• B28B 1/00 - Producing shaped articles from the material
• B41F 15/02 - Manually-operable devices
• B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
• B29C 64/386 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• B29L 31/30 - Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid inflator (10) includes at least one combustion chamber (15) in which propellant charge is arranged and which has a discharge end (20), the propellant charge being formed of at least one propellant element (26), at least one igniting unit (12) by which the propellant charge can be ignited. The hybrid inflator (10) also includes at least one bursting element (14, 14′, 14″) which in the inactivated state of the hybrid inflator (10) delimits the combustion chamber (15) against a gas supply chamber (16) at the discharge end (20). The bursting element (14, 14′, 14″) and a restraint element (18, 18′, 18″) maintain the propellant charge in its position and/or the bursting element (14, 14′, 14″) and the propellant charge delimit a shock gas volume (SGV), wherein in the activated state of the hybrid inflator (10) the shock gas volume (SGV) acts on the bursting element (14, 14′, 14″) like a gas pressure spring.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 22/195 - Anchoring devices with means to tension the belt in an emergency

Abstract

The invention relates to a pyrotechnical actuator for a vehicle safety system comprising a cylinder (10) and a hollow piston (20) being displaceable relative to each other from an idle state to an activated state, wherein an igniter unit (30) being tightly connected to the hollow piston (20) is arranged inside the hollow piston (20). The invention excels by the fact that in the idle state the hollow piston (20) is received in the cylinder (10) and in the activated state it protrudes at least partially from the cylinder (10) so that the actuator has a larger total length in the activated state than in the idle state. The invention further relates to an actuator and a vehicle safety system comprising such actuator as well as to an actuating method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/38 - Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians using means for lifting bonnets
• B60R 21/276 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure
• F15B 15/19 - Pyrotechnical actuators

Abstract

An inflator (10), especially for a vehicle safety system, includes a combustion chamber (16) in which a solid propellant (18) combustible under the generation of gas is accommodated, and a compressed gas chamber (24) containing compressed gas (26), wherein even in the non-activated state of the inflator (10) a fluid communication exists between the combustion chamber (16) and the compressed gas chamber (24). The compressed gas (26) contains at least one inert gas as well as oxygen and at least one combustible gas, wherein the combustible gas is provided at a concentration at which no self-supporting conversion of the combustible gas with oxygen takes place.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• C06D 5/08 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets by reaction of two or more liquids
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10), in particular for a vehicle occupant protection system, comprising at least an igniter (15) and a combustion chamber (17) containing a pyrotechnic solid fuel bed (18), wherein a spring (30) is arranged in the combustion chamber (17), which spring can be elongated in the direction of an end (22) of the combustion chamber (17) remote from the igniter (15) by a gas flow produced when the gas generator (10) is activated. According to the invention, the spring (30) has a plurality of spring segments (31, 32, 33) having outside diameters (Q1, Q2, Q3) of different size, wherein each spring segment (31, 32, 33) has a plurality of spring turns.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflator (10), especially for a vehicle safety system, comprising a combustion chamber (20) containing a pyrotechnical solid propellant bed (21). In accordance with the invention, an igniting mixture (25) is located in the combustion chamber (20), wherein a filler element (30, 30′) is arranged to be movable between the igniting mixture (25) and the solid propellant bed (21) in the idle state of the inflator (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A gas generator (10) comprises an outer housing, which has at (east two housing parts (12), which are connected to each other, in the form of a diffuser bowl (14) with outflow openings (16) towards the outside and a cover (20) directly connected to the diffuser bowl (14). Inside the gas generator (10), at least one first and one second combustion chamber (30, 36) are provided, wherein the first combustion chamber (30) is delimited by an inner wall (32) and the second combustion chamber (36) is located within the space delimited by the diffuser bowl (14) and the cover (20). The diffuser bowl (14) and/or the cover (20) comprise a section (24) that is shaped, in particular deep-drawn, into an indentation, forming at least partially a circumferential section of the inner wall (32).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/217 - Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canistersConnection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/261 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
• B60R 21/263 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using a variable source, e.g. plural stage or controlled output
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a subassembly (10) of a vehicle safety system comprising a tubular casing (20) and comprising a fastening element (30) that includes at least one fastening hole (13) and a peripheral portion (31) curved at least in portions, wherein the peripheral portion (31) is connected at least at one connecting point (11) to the tubular casing (20). In accordance with the invention, the peripheral portion (31) includes at least one breakthrough (40) and a coating passage (17) is formed at least in portions between the peripheral portion (31) and the casing (20), wherein the tubular casing (20) includes at least in portions, especially on its entire exposed surface (21), an anti-corrosion layer and/or the fastening element (30) includes at least in portions, especially on its entire exposed surface (32), an anti-corrosion layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/01 - Electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
• B60R 21/217 - Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canistersConnection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
• B60R 21/00 - Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
• B05D 1/02 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials performed by spraying

Abstract

A pyrotechnical igniter (100) for an inflator of a vehicle safety system comprises at least two contact pins (102) physically separated from each other by an electrically insulating compound and a bridge wire (110) connected to both contact pins (102) in an electrically conducting manner. A fastening portion (112) in which the bridge wire (110) is welded to the contact pins (102) is provided at each of the contact pins (102).

IPC Classes  ?

• F42B 3/10 - Initiators therefor
• F42B 3/12 - Bridge initiators
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

Adaptive, deployable restraint element (10) for a vehicle safety system having two limb elements (11, 12) which are arranged in a v-shaped manner with respect to one another at least in sections and between which at least one transverse strut (13, 14, 15) is arranged which connects the limb elements (11, 12), wherein the limb elements and/or the transverse strut (13, 14, 15) can be inflated. Furthermore, the invention relates to an airbag module and to an occupant safety system having a restraint element of this type, and to the use of the fin ray effect in an adaptive restraint element.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/231 - Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration

Abstract

The invention relates to a diffuser for a gas generator, in particular for a gas generator of an airbag system, with a housing (10) in which radial outflow openings (13) are formed, wherein a plurality of outflow segments (14, 15, 16, 17) are provided which are adjacent to one another in the longitudinal axial direction and each have a number of outflow openings (13) spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and with a combustion-gas filtering element (20) which is arranged within the housing (10) in the region of the outflow segments (14, 15, 16, 17). The invention is distinguished in that the filtering element (20) has different wall thicknesses in regions of at least two outflow segments (14, 15, 16, 17) adjacent to one another. The invention furthermore relates to a gas generator, an airbag module and a vehicle safety system with a diffuser of this type.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

An inflator for a protective device in a vehicle includes a diffuser (10) forming a substantially rotation-symmetric external housing of the inflator with a closing member (12), wherein the diffuser (10) includes a plurality of discharge orifices (78) arranged in a row, and which are of circular shape. The inflator also includes a combustion chamber sleeve (60) which at least partially encloses a combustion chamber (56) filled with fuel, wherein the combustion chamber sleeve (60) is designed such that it changes its shape by pressure formed during combustion of the fuel so as to release a discharge orifice (112) leading out of the combustion chamber (56) into a further combustion chamber (44) of the inflator, for a combustion gas formed during combustion of the fuel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/261 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
• B60R 21/263 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using a variable source, e.g. plural stage or controlled output
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

An inflator for a protective device in a vehicle includes a diffuser (10) forming a substantially rotation-symmetric external housing of the inflator with a closing member (12), wherein the diffuser (10) includes a plurality of discharge orifices (78) arranged in a row, and which are of circular shape. The inflator also includes a filter (46) and a combustion chamber component at least partially enclosing at least one of a combustion chamber (56) and a combustion chamber sleeve (60), wherein the filter (46) extends in a ring-shaped manner about the combustion chamber (56) and, at a position of its ring-shaped extension, includes a critical filter portion (120) which is closer to the combustion chamber component than the remaining filter areas situated at its ring-shaped extension, wherein the critical filter portion (120) has a reduced thickness compared to areas of the filter that are adjacent to the critical filter portion (120).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/261 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

An inflator for a protective device in a vehicle includes a diffuser (10) forming a substantially rotation-symmetric external housing of the locator with a closing member (12), wherein the diffuser (10) includes a plurality of discharge orifices (78) arranged in a row, and which are of circular shape. The inflator also includes a circumferential wall (16, 22) which surrounds a combustion chamber (44) and a filter (46) which extends at least partially along the wall (16, 22), wherein the wall (16, 22) has at least one supporting portion (124) which constitutes an axial support for the filter (46) and is integrally formed with the wall (16, 22), and wherein either plural supporting portions (124) are formed by embossed beads, the heads being spaced apart from each other in circumferential direction, and wherein a supporting portion (124) is formed by a completely circumferential embossed bead.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/261 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/263 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using a variable source, e.g. plural stage or controlled output
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

An inflator for a protective device in a vehicle includes a diffuser (10) forming a substantially rotation-symmetric external housing of the inflator with a closing member (12), wherein the diffuser (10) includes a plurality of discharge orifices (78) arranged in a row, and which are of circular shape. The inflator also includes an igniter sleeve (38) which at least partially encloses an igniter (34) and an igniter chamber (42) filled with a booster charge and is adjacent to a first combustion chamber (44) filled with fuel, wherein the igniter sleeve (38), related to a central axis B of the igniter sleeve (38), has overflow orifices (98) unevenly distributed in circumferential direction.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/261 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
• B60R 21/263 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using a variable source, e.g. plural stage or controlled output
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10) for a vehicle occupant safety system, said generator comprising an outer housing (20) and a filter structure (30) for cleaning and/or cooling a gas released inside the outer housing (20), the filter structure (30) being integrated into the outer housing (20). The invention also relates to an airbag module and a vehicle occupant safety system comprising a gas generator of this type, in addition to a production method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
• F42B 3/10 - Initiators therefor
• B01D 46/00 - Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
• F42B 3/04 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive for producing gas under pressure
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid inflator (10) including a burst cap (20) including a bottom (21) and a sleeve-like side wall (22), the bottom (21) and the side wall (22) delimiting an igniter compartment (23), and the burst cap (20) in the idle mode being pressurized on the outer peripheral side with compressed gas having a filling pressure (PF) which at a functional maximum temperature of the hybrid inflator (10) has a maximum filling pressure (PFmax), and wherein the burst cap (20) can be destroyed by an igniter compartment side bursting pressure in the case of operation. In accordance with the invention, a transitional portion (24) is formed from the side wall (22) of the burst cap (20) to the bottom (21) so that the igniter compartment side bursting pressure required to destroy the burst cap (20) is lower than the sum of the maximum filling pressure (PFmax) and the filling pressure (PF). The invention further relates to a burst cap, an airbag module, a vehicle safety system as well as a method of manufacturing a burst cap.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 3/12 - Bridge initiators
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a burst device (10), especially for a hybrid inflator (40) including a burst member (20) delimiting an igniter compartment (25) at least in portions on its inside (21), wherein the burst member (20) in the idle mode can be pressurized with compressed gas on its outside (22) and, in the case of operation, the burst member (20) can be destroyed by an igniter compartment side bursting pressure, in accordance with the invention, the burst device (10) includes a support sleeve (30) arranged in the igniter compartment (25) and including an opening (32), the support sleeve (30) including a collar (34) delimiting the opening (33), wherein the burst member (20) rests on the collar (34) of the support sleeve (30) at least in portions upon pressurization from outside.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to gas generating compositions for use in safety devices for vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to said compositions based on guanidine nitrate used in pedestrian protection devices. The composition substantially comprises 75 to 98% by weight of guanidine nitrate as fuel and 2 to 25% by weight of a burn accelerator selected from the group of the transition metal compounds, the metal nitrates, metal chlorates, metal perchlorates, ammonium perchlorate and mixtures thereof, wherein the transition metal compounds are selected from the compounds of the transition metals Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Zr and Mo and wherein the gas generating composition exhibits a burn rate of from 3 to 17 mm/s at 20 MPa.

IPC Classes  ?

• C06B 25/34 - Compositions containing a nitrated organic compound the compound being a nitrated acyclic, alicyclic or heterocyclic amine
• B60R 21/36 - Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians using airbags
• C06B 29/16 - Compositions containing an inorganic oxygen-halogen salt, e.g. chlorate, perchlorate of an alkali metal with a nitrated organic compound
• C06B 31/12 - Compositions containing an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt the salt being an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal nitrate with a nitrated organic compound
• C06D 5/06 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets by reaction of two or more solids
• B60R 21/34 - Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians

Abstract

The invention relates to a bursting diaphragm (14) for an inflator (10) comprising at least one predetermined breaking contour (24) destroyable upon activation of the inflator (10), wherein a shock wave can be generated. In accordance with the invention, the predetermined breaking contour (24) includes a through hole (25) on at least one end point (27), especially on all end points (27).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• C06D 5/00 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

An inflator (10) for a vehicle airbag module comprises an external housing (12) in which a combustion chamber (36) is formed, wherein the inflator (10) can be supported to be oscillating on a body-side component of the vehicle, especially on a component of the airbag module. Inside the external housing (12) a separate balancing weight (58) is arranged for adjusting the vibration behavior of the inflator (10), wherein the balancing weight (58) has no further inflator-specific function. In an airbag module for a vehicle including such inflator (10) the latter is supported by its retaining means on another component of the airbag module so that it is adapted to oscillate about a suspension plane.

IPC Classes  ?

• B62D 7/22 - Arrangements for reducing or eliminating reaction, e.g. vibration, from parts, e.g. wheels, of the steering system
• B60R 21/203 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated conditionArrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns
• B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated conditionArrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• F16F 7/10 - Vibration-dampersShock-absorbers using inertia effect

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator assembly for an airbag module in a vehicle safety system comprising an actuator (10) and a tensioning means (20), wherein the actuator (10) includes a release member (12) which in the idle state of the actuator is connected to a retaining member (11) and is separable from the retaining member (11) by actuating a pyrotechnical ignition unit of the actuator (10) along a predetermined breaking point (13) so as to release a loop (23) of a tensioning means (20). The invention excels by the fact that the loop (23) is formed between two tensioning means portions (21, 22) which are interconnected directly at the predetermined breaking point (13) by a connecting means (30) such that the loop (23) is tensioned around the predetermined breaking point (13) in a self-fixing manner. Furthermore the invention relates to an airbag module, a vehicle safety system and a manufacturing method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/201 - Packaging straps or envelopes for inflatable members
• B60R 21/2165 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated conditionArrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member characterised by a tear line for defining a deployment opening
• B60R 21/2338 - Tethers
• B60R 21/215 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated conditionArrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member

Abstract

A vehicle safety system includes a module including an airbag and an inflator. The inflator includes a housing (12) in which a combustion chamber (16) containing a pyrotechnic propellant is arranged in which hot gas is generated and which housing includes at least one escape orifice (22) toward the environment of the inflator (10), as well as a coolant reservoir (24) arranged in the housing (12) in which coolant is accommodated prior to activation of the inflator (10) and which has at least one coolant outlet orifice (28′). The coolant outlet orifice (28) is arranged in direct vicinity of the outlet orifice (22). Upon activation of the inflator (10) coolant flows out of the inflator into the protection system and wets an adjacent wall (32) of the protection system against which also the hot gas is flowing.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

The invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator assembly (10) for release of a retaining means (12) in a vehicle safety system (14) comprising a housing (16) composed of a first housing part (18) and a second housing part (20) fixedly connected to the first housing part (18), the two housing parts (18, 20) forming a substantially tight housing chamber (22), a pyrotechnic charge (24) received in the housing chamber (22) as well as an electric ignition unit (26) for triggering of the pyrotechnic charge (24), wherein the electric ignition unit (26) extends from outside of the housing chamber (22) through the first housing part (18) into the housing chamber (22), and wherein the housing (16) includes a housing chamber portion (28) to which the pyrotechnic charge (24) is directly adjacent and includes a contact portion (30) for fastening the retaining means (12). Moreover the invention also comprises an airbag module of a vehicle safety system including such actuator assembly (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 3/00 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive
• B60R 21/2338 - Tethers

Abstract

The invention relates to a combustion chamber screen, especially for an inflator, that includes plural flow orifices and bent segments. In accordance with the invention, the bent segments are arranged around a center (M) of the combustion chamber screen so that in the circumferential direction of the combustion chamber screen (10) a waveform having plural wave peaks (12) and wave troughs (13) is formed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A subassembly (10) includes an inflator (12) for a vehicle safety system having a cylindrical outer wall (14), at least one bolt (16) fastened to the outer wall (14) in a substance-to-substance or form-fit manner, for mounting the inflator (12) on a component and a saddle element (18) attached to the bolt. The saddle element (18) includes a supporting portion (24) that bears on the outer wall (14) of the inflator (12).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/16 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/217 - Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canistersConnection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together

Abstract

The invention relates to an unlocking device (10), especially for a vehicle protection device, comprising a locking bar (16) which in a locked position establishes a connection positive at least in portions between a first component (12) to be unlocked and a second component (14) and permits relative motion of the two components (12, 14) in an open position. The unlocking device (10) further comprises a pyrotechnical actuator (18) including a pyrotechnical element (20) having a propelling charge and a piston-cylinder unit (22) having a piston (24) and a cylinder (26), wherein motion of the piston (24) or the cylinder (26) can be generated due to activation of the propelling charge upon ignition thereof and wherein the piston-cylinder unit (22) is connected to the locking bar (16) without redirection so that upon motion of the piston (24) or the cylinder (26) the locking bar is movable from its locked position into its open position.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated conditionArrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
• F42B 3/00 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive
• B60N 2/48 - Head-rests
• B60R 21/13 - Roll-over protection
• E05B 51/02 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by other non-mechanical means by pneumatic or hydraulic means
• E05B 81/02 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the type of actuators used

Abstract

A pyrotechnical igniter (100) for an inflator of a vehicle safety system comprises at least two contact pins (102) physically separated from each other by an electrically insulating compound and a bridge wire (110) connected to both contact pins (102) in an electrically conducting manner. A fastening portion (112) in which the bridge wire (110) is welded to the contact pins (102) is provided at each of the contact pins (102).

IPC Classes  ?

• F42B 3/10 - Initiators therefor
• F42B 3/12 - Bridge initiators

Abstract

An inflator (30) comprises at least one combustion chamber (34), filled with a plurality of solid propellant pellets (10), each of the solid propellant pellets (10) including a surface having a breaking point (19) which is delimited at least by two converging surfaces (28) produced by pressing. A method of manufacturing solid propellant pellets (10), includes the steps of providing a solid propellant (12), pressing the solid propellant (12) into a pellet blank (16), the pellet blank (16) having at least one predetermined breaking point (18) which divides the pellet blank (16) into at least two subareas (20), and breaking the pellet blank (16) along the at least one predetermined breaking point (18), wherein each of the at least two subareas (20) forms a solid propellant pellet (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 5/16 - Cartridges, i.e. cases with propellant charge and missile characterised by composition or physical dimensions or form of propellant charge or powder
• C06B 45/00 - Compositions or products which are defined by structure or arrangement of component or product
• C06D 5/00 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets

Abstract

A solid propellant compact (10) in the form of a compact made of a powdered and/or granulated solid propellant, especially for inflators and/or actuators of a vehicle occupant restraint system, includes at least one recess on at least one of its sides. Solid propellant compacts (10) of this type are provided in an inflator (14) comprising at least one combustion chamber. A module includes such inflator (14) with an airbag inflatable by the inflator (14). A pyrotechnical drive unit (30) comprising a housing (32), a piston (34) movable in the housing (32) includes solid propellant compacts (10) of this type.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• C06D 5/00 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets
• C06B 45/00 - Compositions or products which are defined by structure or arrangement of component or product
• F42B 5/16 - Cartridges, i.e. cases with propellant charge and missile characterised by composition or physical dimensions or form of propellant charge or powder

Abstract

A vehicle safety system includes a module including an airbag and an inflator. The inflator includes a housing (12) in which a combustion chamber (16) containing a pyrotechnic propellant is arranged in which hot gas is generated and which housing includes at least one escape orifice (22) toward the environment of the inflator (10), as well as a coolant reservoir (24) arranged in the housing (12) in which coolant is accommodated prior to activation of the inflator (10) and which has at least one coolant outlet orifice (28′). The coolant outlet orifice (28) is arranged in direct vicinity of the outlet orifice (22). Upon activation of the inflator (10) coolant flows out of the inflator into the protection system and wets an adjacent wall (32) of the protection system against which also the hot gas is flowing.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

The invention relates to an unlocking device (10), in particular for a vehicle protection device, comprising a latch (16) which in a locking position produces a positive connection at least in some areas between a first component (12) to be unlocked and a second component (14) and in an open position enables a relative movement of the two components (12, 14). The unlocking device (10) further comprises a pyrotechnic actuator (18), which has a pyrotechnic element (20) comprising a propellant and a piston/cylinder unit (22) comprising a piston (24) and a cylinder (26), wherein by activation of the propellant when the latter is ignited a movement of the piston (24) or of the cylinder (26) can be effected and wherein the piston/cylinder unit (22) is connected to the latch (16) without deflection, so that when the piston (24) or the cylinder (26) moves, the latch can be moved from the locking position thereof into the open position thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/13 - Roll-over protection

Abstract

An inflator (10), especially for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising a combustion chamber (24) in which solid propellant (28) adapted to be burnt off while forming a gas is accommodated, a storage chamber (26) containing a pressure gas (30), an igniter (14) and a component (20) arranged between the combustion chamber (24) and the storage chamber (26). There is at least one flow communication between the storage chamber (26) and the combustion chamber (24). The component (20) includes an additional weakened zone (22) adapted to be destroyed upon activation of the inflator (10) so as to permit flow of gas from the combustion chamber (24) into the storage chamber (26).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/262 - Elongated tubular diffusers, e.g. curtain-type
• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators
• B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
• B60R 21/276 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure

Abstract

A gas generator, in particular for a protective device in a vehicle, comprises a diffuser (10), which preferably forms a substantially rotationally symmetric outer housing of the gas generator together with a closing element (12). The diffuser (10) comprises more than 12, preferably more than 14, more preferably 23, outlet openings (78), which are arranged in a row. The gas generator also has a plurality of further special characteristics.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing solid fuel tablets (10), in particular for a gas generator (30) and/or a pyrotechnic actuator of a vehicle occupant restraint system, wherein said method comprises the following steps: providing a solid fuel (12), pressing the solid fuel (12) to form a tablet blank (16), wherein the tablet blank (16) has at least one predetermined breaking point (18), which divides the tablet blank (16) into at least sub-areas (20), and breaking the tablet blank (16) along the at least one predetermined breaking point (18), wherein the at least two sub-areas (20) each form a solid fuel tablet (10). The invention further relates to a solid fuel tablet (10) produced by breaking a tablet blank (16) along a predetermined breaking point (18). A gas generator (30) comprises at least one combustion chamber (34), wherein the combustion chamber (34) is filled with a plurality of solid fuel tablets (10) in the inactivated state of the generator (30), wherein the solid fuel tablets (10) each have a surface having a breaking point (19), which is bounded at least by two surfaces (28) that run toward each other and that are produced by pressing. A module having a gas generator (30) comprises an airbag that can be inflated by the gas generator (30) and a fastening device for attaching the module, in particular in the interior of a vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel tablet (20) for pyrotechnic safety devices in vehicles, such as airbag modules, belt tensioners, micro gas generators, and igniters. The fuel tablet according to the invention has a substantially cylindrical shape and can be obtained by dry pressing a powdery fuel composition. The tablet has a diameter of at most 2 mm and preferably a relative bulk density, defined as the ratio of the bulk density of the fuel tablets to the maximum theoretical density of the fuel composition, of at least 0.5. The invention further relates to a propellant, an igniter, and a gas generator each having a plurality of such fuel tablets.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• C06D 5/06 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets by reaction of two or more solids

Abstract

The invention relates to a solid fuel body (10) in the form of a pressed body made of a powdery and/or granular solid fuel, in particular for gas generators and/or actuators of a vehicle occupant restraint system, wherein said solid fuel body comprises at least one recess on at least one of the sides thereof. Such solid fuel bodies (10) are provided in a gas generator (14) having at least one combustion chamber. A module comprises such a gas generator (14) and an airbag that can be inflated by the gas generator (14). A pyrotechnic drive unit (30) having a housing (32) and a piston (34) that can be moved in the housing (32) comprises such solid fuel bodies (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• C06D 5/06 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets by reaction of two or more solids

Abstract

A gas generator (10) comprises an outer housing, which has at least two housing parts (12), which are connected to each other, in the form of a diffuser bowl (14) with outflow openings (16) towards the outside and a cover (20) directly connected to the diffuser bowl (14). Inside the gas generator (10), at least one first and one second combustion chamber (30, 36) are provided, wherein the first combustion chamber (30) is delimited by an inner wall (32) and the second combustion chamber (36) is located within the space delimited by the diffuser bowl (14) and the cover (20). The diffuser bowl (14) and/or the cover (20) comprise a section (24) that is shaped, in particular deep-drawn, into an indentation, forming at least partially a circumferential section of the inner wall (32).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/263 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using a variable source, e.g. plural stage or controlled output
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

An inflator as well as a method of manufacturing an inflator, a module including an inflator and an airbag module. In an inflator, especially for a protective device in a vehicle, comprising plural components a sealant is applied in the area of abutting components, especially a sealant which adheres to both abutting components.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• F42B 3/04 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive for producing gas under pressure

Abstract

An inflator has an elongate outer housing (110) which has at least one discharge opening (126) and which contains a compressed gas container (112) and an igniting unit (116) provided at a first axial end (114) of the compressed gas container (112). The igniting of said igniting unit generates a shock wave which, in a shock wave direction (S), enters the compressed gas container (112) at the first axial end thereof and which passes at least through some sections of the compressed gas container (112). The discharge opening (126) is arranged away from the first axial end of the compressed gas container (112) and is closed by a bursting membrane (128) which can be destroyed by the shock wave, wherein the bursting membrane (128) is not oriented perpendicularly to the shock wave direction (S). The compressed gas container (112) has a deflecting device (138; 338; 438) which deflects the shock wave running through the compressed gas container (112) from the shock wave direction (S) in the direction of the bursting membrane (128).

IPC Classes  ?

• C06D 5/00 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator subassembly (10) for a vehicle safety system comprising a pyrotechnic actuator unit (12) including an igniting portion (14) as well as a receiving element (16) forming a guide for the movable igniting portion (14) after activating the actuator unit (12). Further the invention relates to an airbag module of a vehicle safety system comprising said actuator subassembly (10) and a method of mounting a releasable tether (30) on an airbag module by means of said actuator assembly (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/2338 - Tethers
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A gas generator (10) comprises an outer housing, which has at least two housing parts (12), which are connected to each other, in the form of a diffuser bowl (14) with outflow openings (16) towards the outside and a cover (20) directly connected to the diffuser bowl (14). Inside the gas generator (10), at least one first and one second combustion chamber (30, 36) are provided, wherein the first combustion chamber (30) is delimited by an inner wall (32) and the second combustion chamber (36) is located within the space delimited by the diffuser bowl (14) and the cover (20). The diffuser bowl (14) and/or the cover (20) comprise a section (24) that is shaped, in particular deep-drawn, into an indentation, forming at least partially a circumferential section of the inner wall (32).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

An inflator as well as a method of manufacturing an inflator, a module including aninflator and an airbag moduleIn an inflator, especially for a protective device in a vehicle, comprising pluralcomponents a sealant is applied in the area of abutting components, especially asealant which adheres to both abutting components.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

In a gas generator (10), particularly for a protective device in a vehicle, comprising a plurality of parts, a sealant (42) is applied in the region of abutting parts, particularly a sealant (42) that adheres to both abutting parts.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic

Abstract

A gas generator has an igniter and a compressed gas container which contains a first filling gas and has an outflow opening that is closed by a first bursting diaphragm. Upon activation of the gas generator the igniter produces a shock wave which runs at least in part through the compressed gas container before destroying the first bursting diaphragm. The compressed gas container is filled with a mixture of the first filling gas and at least one second substance having a molar mass higher than that of helium, the proportion of the second substance being between 1 and 13 mole percent of the total filling quantity or reaching, at maximum, the total mass of the first filling gas, and the first filling gas being helium, hydrogen, or a mixture of the two gases.

IPC Classes  ?

• C06D 5/00 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets

Abstract

A gas generator for a safety system includes an explosible charge formed at least by a primary pyrotechnic compound, in a first chamber initiated by at least one initiator provided with a reinforcing charge and a secondary compound, in a second chamber, the decomposition of which is entailed by products of combustion of the primary compound, an interaction of the products of combustion of the primary compound and those of the secondary compound through an oxidation-reduction reaction occurring in a slightly confined volume, the first chamber communicating with said second chamber through a central nozzle and said second chamber being provided, at a first zone close to said first chamber, with orifices that discharge the gases and contain, in a second zone, said secondary compound; and means forming an obstacle to the passage of the gases installed in said second chamber between said first and second zones, said obstacle-forming means allowing the gases to pass into a central part and forming an obstacle to their passage into a peripheral part with sufficient transparency for the gas interaction volume to be slightly confined.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas generator (10) for use in a safety device for motor vehicles comprising a housing and a propellant (4) contained in a combustion chamber (25) of the housing for generating a pressurized gas, the housing comprising a first housing part (40) and a second housing part (30) at least partly surrounded by the first housing part (40) and at least one igniter (6) for igniting the propellant (4), and an annular filter (50) surrounding the combustion chamber (25) in which the propellant (4) is located. The filter (50) comprises a peripheral portion (52) and a radial portion (51), the radial portion (51) serving as filling body for the propellant (4) in the combustion chamber (25).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas bag module (10) for a vehicle safety system, including a gas bag (48), a gas generator (12), a module housing (46), and a pyrotechnical actuator unit (16) which is fitted to a module component by an attachment section (22), the space which is acted upon with an internal pressure upon an activation of the gas generator (12) and is at least partly limited by the gas bag interior being defined as a gas bag chamber (52). After its activation, the actuator unit (16) breaks into the attachment section (22) fixed at the module component and at least one separated fragment (24), the separated fragment (24) being situated outside of the gas bag chamber (52), and a restraint element (30) being provided which limits the freedom of movement of the separated fragment (24).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A pyrotechnical actuator unit (10) for a vehicle safety system includes an outer housing (14) made of a plastic material accommodating a pyrotechnical igniter (12) that when activated breaks the outer housing. The outer housing (14) includes first and second plastic parts (18, 20) permanently connected with each other. A gas bag module may have such an actuator unit (10). A method of manufacturing a pyrotechnical actuator unit (10) including an outer housing (14) accommodating a pyrotechnical igniter (12) and made up of first and second housing parts (48, 50) includes: producing the first housing part (48) having a recess for the pyrotechnical igniter (12), inserting the pyrotechnical igniter (12) into the recess, and injection molding the second housing part (50) onto the pyrotechnical igniter (12) and onto a first end (34) of the first housing part (48) to essentially close a receiving space (24) for the pyrotechnical igniter (12).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A gas generator has an elongate outer housing (110) which has at least one discharge opening (126) and which contains a compressed gas container (112) and an igniting unit (116) provided at a first axial end (114) of the compressed gas container (112). The igniting of said igniting unit generates a shock wave which, in a shock wave direction (S), enters the compressed gas container (112) at the first axial end thereof and which passes at least through some sections of the compressed gas container (112). The discharge opening (126) is arranged away from the first axial end of the compressed gas container (112) and is closed by a bursting membrane (128) which can be destroyed by the shock wave, wherein the bursting membrane (128) is not oriented perpendicularly to the shock wave direction (S). The compressed gas container (112) has a deflecting device (138; 338; 438) which deflects the shock wave running through the compressed gas container (112) from the shock wave direction (S) in the direction of the bursting membrane (128).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/272 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators

Abstract

A gas generator, particularly for a vehicle occupant restraint system, has at least one igniter (12), a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed (22), a combustion chamber (20) containing the propellant bed (22) and at least one wall part (24), the wall part (24) being arranged in the combustion chamber (20), which is moved by a gas stream generated on activation of the gas generator into the region of the propellant bed (22) which is not yet ignited, and in its interior (25) defines a gas-directing channel reaching into the propellant bed (22).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system a rigid outer housing (12), a chamber (14) formed in the outer housing (12), in which a compressed gas is present at least upon activation of the gas generator (10), a component immovable (20; 34; 62) relative to the outer housing (12), at least one outflow opening (22) formed in the immovable component (20; 34; 62), and a least one resilient element (26), which is clamped inside the outer housing (12) and rests against the immovable component (20; 34; 62) at least in its normal position. In its normal position, the resilient element (26) closes a flow path between the chamber (14) and external surroundings of the gas generator (10) and is deformed elastically under the influence of compressed gas, whereby it clears a flow cross-section (30) whose size is increasing with increasing pressure.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A filter for use in a gas generator of a safety arrangement in vehicles, has several layers of a woven metal fabric consisting of metal wires which are woven together. The woven metal fabric is preferably calendered, wound to form a roll, and pressed to form said filter.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 46/00 - Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours

Abstract

A pyrotechnic drive unit includes a cylinder tube (12) having an axial end (28), a piston (14) guided in the cylinder tube (12), a pyrotechnic igniter (16) which is adjacent to the piston (14) and constitutes the pyrotechnic drive, and a plastic part (18). The plastic part (18) is injection-molded to the igniter (16) and to the axial end (28) of the cylinder tube (12) so that it fastens the igniter (16) to the cylinder tube (12) and tightly closes the axial end (28) of the cylinder tube (12), the plastic part (18) engaging the piston (14) in an initial position of the drive unit (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B64D 1/04 - Dropping, ejecting, or releasing articles the articles being explosive, e.g. bombs

Abstract

A gas generator, in particular for a vehicle occupant restraint system, has a pyrotechnical propellant (16), a combustion chamber (12) filled with the pyrotechnical propellant (16), an igniter (14) associated with the combustion chamber (12), a pressure chamber (18), filled with compressed gas, which is adjacent to the combustion chamber (12) and has a first opening (22) remote from the combustion chamber (12) closed by a first diaphragm (26), the diaphragm (26) being destroyed upon activation of the igniter (14), and a second pressure chamber (28) which is filled with compressed gas and has a second opening (34) closed by a second diaphragm (36). The second diaphragm (36) is likewise destroyed upon activation of the igniter (14), and the openings (22, 34) and the gas volumes of the pressure chambers (18, 28) are adapted so that compressed gas flows out from the second pressure chamber (28) for a longer period than compressed gas from the first pressure chamber (18) to increase a gas supply time of the gas generator (10). Further, a method of activating a vehicle occupant restraint system is described.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag module (10) for a vehicle safety system, comprising an airbag (48), a gas generator (12), a module housing (46) and a pyrotechnic actuator unit (16), which is attached to a module component by means of a fixing portion (22), the area that is supplied with an internal pressure during the activation of the gas generator and that is at least partly delimited by the interior of the airbag is defined as an airbag chamber (52). The actuator unit (16), once triggered is broken up into the fixing portion (22) that is fixed to the module component and at least one separated fragment (24), the latter (24) being located outside the airbag chamber (52). The module is provided with a restraining element (30) that limits the freedom of movement of the separated fragment (24).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/233 - Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising a plurality of individual compartmentsInflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
• F42B 3/00 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive

Abstract

The invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator unit (10) for actuating a vehicle safety system, comprising a pyrotechnic igniter (12) and an external plastic housing (14) which holds the pyrotechnic igniter (12), said external housing (14) breaking up when the igniter is activated (12). The external housing (14) consists of a first plastic part (18) and a second plastic part (20), both plastic parts (18, 20) being permanently joined to one another. The invention also relates to an airbag module comprising an actuator unit (10) of this type and to a method for producing a pyrotechnic actuator unit (10) comprising a pyrotechnic igniter (12) and an external housing (14) which holds the pyrotechnic igniter (12), said external housing (14) consisting of a first housing part (48) and a second housing part (50). The method has the following steps: The first housing part (48) is first manufactured with a recess for the pyrotechnic igniter (12), the latter (12) being then inserted into said recess. Finally, the second housing part (50) is injected onto the pyrotechnic igniter (12) and a first end (34) of the first housing part (48), thus essentially sealing a receiving chamber (24) for the pyrotechnic igniter (12).

IPC Classes  ?

• F42B 3/10 - Initiators therefor
• F42B 3/00 - Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive

Abstract

An airbag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes an airbag (22) and a gas generator (10) that is connected via at least one first outflow opening (18) to an airbag chamber (28), the airbag chamber (28) being at least partially formed by the interior of the airbag (22), an actuator unit (36) being provided on the gas generator (10) and, when the actuator unit (36) is activated, it releases a traction element (50) that causes a pressure reduction in the airbag (22), an activation of the actuator unit (36) also leading to an opening of a second outflow opening (20) in the gas generator (10), which vents generator gas to an environment without this vented gas flowing into the airbag chamber (28). Moreover, the invention relates to a method of restraining a vehicle occupant with such an airbag module.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/276 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure

Abstract

A gas generator has a tubular housing in which a combustion chamber containing a propellant charge, an outflow chamber and a clearance volume are disposed, positioned behind one another axially. A partition disk is provided between the clearance volume and the outflow chamber and has a central opening and an integrally formed tube section which surrounds the opening and extends to its free end away from the clearance volume towards the combustion chamber.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A gas generator includes a generator housing (12), an igniter device mounting opening (18) which has an edge (22), an igniter device and a booster chamber (24) having a peripheral wall (26). The igniter device has a prefabricated igniter (16) sealed off towards the exterior, a booster charge (23) adjoining the igniter (16) and an injected plastic base (20). The edge (22) of the igniter device mounting opening (18) for fastening the igniter device to the generator housing (12) is embedded in the injected plastic base (20) during injecting. Connectors (14) leading to the igniter (16) are embedded into the plastic base (20) during injecting and the plastic base (20) continues in one piece into the booster chamber (24) by forming a peripheral wall (26) of the booster chamber (24) which the booster charge (23) directly adjoins.

IPC Classes  ?

• C06D 5/00 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets

Abstract

For manufacturing a gas generator (1), a tubular body (10) having an opening (14) in a circumferential wall (12) and a housing part (16) having an attachment end (26) are provided. The geometry of a proximate rim (20) of the opening (14) and that of the attachment end (26) are coordinated such that a first contact region encircling the opening (14) and a second contact region on the attachment end (26), which is circumferentially closed, are formed. The housing part (16) is placed onto the tubular body (10) such that the first contact region is in contact with the second contact region. Then the body (10) and the housing part (16) are joined to each other by capacitor discharge welding.

IPC Classes  ?

• B23K 11/10 - Spot weldingStitch welding
• B23K 31/02 - Processes relevant to this subclass, specially adapted for particular articles or purposes, but not covered by any single one of main groups relating to soldering or welding

Abstract

A gas generator for use in a safety arrangement for vehicles comprises a combustion chamber and a gas-generating propellant contained in the combustion chamber, the propellant having an auto-ignition temperature of more than about 200 degrees C., and an outer wall having a wall section directly adjoining a part of the propellant. The wall section has a smaller wall thickness than the outer wall adjacent to the wall section and is arranged relative to the propellant so that the portion of the propellant adjoining the wall section heats up to the auto-ignition temperature under bonfire conditions faster than the propellant in the rest of the combustion chamber.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Abstract

A gas generator has a cylindrical gas generator housing (22) and a connecting piece (14) which is welded to the gas generator housing (22). The connecting piece (14) has extensions (28) spaced apart in peripheral direction on the side facing the gas generator housing (22) and has a recess (31) between the extensions (28). The connecting piece (14) is welded to the gas generator housing (22) at the extensions (28).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/217 - Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canistersConnection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together

Abstract

A gas generator has a first chamber containing a first amount of substance of a solid propellant providing filling gas and a second chamber containing a second amount of substance providing filling gas. An igniter is associated with the first chamber only. The first chamber has outflow openings providing a flow connection with an environment of the gas generator. After activation of the gas generator, the second chamber is connected with the environment of the gas generator with regard to flow exclusively via the first chamber.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow

Goods & Services

Electric apparatus for remote ignition (firing). Air bags (safety devices for automobiles), safety belt pretentioners for vehicle seats, as well as their structural parts, namely igniters. Igniters and firing devices for explosives; blast-wave tubes, detonating cords and wicks, detonators, fuses, primings, detonating relays, explosives, explosive powders, electric detonators, electropyrotechnic initiators.