초록 ▼

An inflator (10) comprises a housing (20) defining a combustion chamber (144). An inflation fluid source (152) in the combustion chamber (144) in the housing (20) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid under pressure. An initiator (94) is provided in the housing (20) for actuating the inflation fl

An inflator (10) comprises a housing (20) defining a combustion chamber (144). An inflation fluid source (152) in the combustion chamber (144) in the housing (20) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid under pressure. An initiator (94) is provided in the housing (20) for actuating the inflation fluid source (152). The housing (20) has a fluid passage (150) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing. The housing (20) deforms due to the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (152) by the initiator (94). The flow area of the fluid passage (150) increases due to deformation of the housing (20) and varies in accordance with the pressure of inflation fluid in the housing upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (152). The housing (20) comprises first and second housing parts (40, 30) having respective engageable portions (84, 46) that move, upon actuation of the fluid source (152), from a first condition in abutting engagement with each other to a second condition spaced apart from each other to vary the flow area of the fluid passage (150). The first housing part (40) comprises a one-piece metal member that supports the initiator (94) and at least partially defines the combustion chamber (144). The combustion chamber (144) extends around the initiator (94). The one-piece metal member (40) includes a first portion (70) supporting the initiator (94) and defining a radially inner wall of the combustion chamber (144) and a second portion (64) defining a radially outer wall of the combustion chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, we claim:] [1.] An inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said inflator comprising:a housing defining a combustion chamber;an inflation fluid source in said combustion chamber in said housing and actuat

[ Having described the invention, we claim:] [1.] An inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said inflator comprising:a housing defining a combustion chamber;an inflation fluid source in said combustion chamber in said housing and actuatable to provide inflation fluid under pressure; andan initiator in said housing for actuating said inflation fluid source;said housing having a fluid passage for directing flow of inflation fluid out of said housing to the inflatable device;said housing deforming due to the pressure of inflation fluid in said housing upon actuation of said inflation fluid source by said initiator;the flow area of said fluid passage increasing due to deformation of said housing and varying in accordance with the pressure of inflation fluid in said housing upon actuation of said inflation fluid source;said housing comprising first and second housing parts having respective engageable portions that move, upon actuation of said fluid source, from a first condition in abutting engagement with each other to a second condition spaced apart from each other to vary the flow area of said fluid passage;said first housing part comprising a one-piece metal member that supports said initiator and at least partially defines said combustion chamber, said combustion chamber extending around said initiator, said one-piece metal member including a first portion supporting said initiator and defining a radially inner wall of said combustion chamber and a second portion defining a radially outer wall of said combustion chamber.