초록 ▼

An inflator (12) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) includes a vessel (14) having a chamber (16) which holds fluid under pressure. An opening (20) to the chamber (16) is defined by an inner side surface (66, 76) of the vessel (14). A plug (18) is disposed in the open

An inflator (12) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) includes a vessel (14) having a chamber (16) which holds fluid under pressure. An opening (20) to the chamber (16) is defined by an inner side surface (66, 76) of the vessel (14). A plug (18) is disposed in the opening (20) to the chamber (16) to block the opening. A passage (42) is formed in the plug (18) to direct fluid from the chamber (16) to the inflatable device (36). The plug (18) is welded to the inner side surface (66, 76) of the vessel (14) to retain the plug (18) in the vessel (14) and form a fluid tight seal between the plug (18) and the vessel (14). Preferably, a rim portion (84) of the vessel (14) is disposed outward of the weld and extends over a portion (104) of the plug (18) to help in retaining the plug (18) in the vessel. Also the side surface (66, 76) of the vessel (14) preferably tapers radially inward in a direction towards the chamber in the vessel. The plug (18) has a tapered outer side surface (90) which sealingly engages with the inner side surface (66, 76) of the vessel (14).

대표청구항 ▼

An inflator for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said inflator comprising: a vessel having a chamber for holding fluid under pressure to inflate the inflatable device, said vessel having inner surface means for at least partially defining an opening to the chamber; a plug

An inflator for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said inflator comprising: a vessel having a chamber for holding fluid under pressure to inflate the inflatable device, said vessel having inner surface means for at least partially defining an opening to the chamber; a plug disposed in the opening in said vessel to block the opening, said plug having passage means for directing fluid from said chamber to the inflatable device; and a weld between said inner surface means on said vessel and said plug to retain said plug in said vessel and to form a fluid tight seal between said vessel and said plug; said vessel having a rim which is disposed outward of said weld and extends over a portion of said plug to further retain said plug in said vessel.