초록 ▼

This invention relates to a multi-stage gas bag inflator, operable initially, when activated, to cause the gas bag to deploy slowly and then, after a delay, to deploy rapidly, includes a housing having at least first and second chambers of preferably different size, separated by a bulkhead. One cham

This invention relates to a multi-stage gas bag inflator, operable initially, when activated, to cause the gas bag to deploy slowly and then, after a delay, to deploy rapidly, includes a housing having at least first and second chambers of preferably different size, separated by a bulkhead. One chamber is preferably smaller since it can be used to produce a smaller amount of gas to cause the initial slow deployment of the gas bag. A gas generant charge is ignited in the first chamber, and after some delay, a gas generant charge in the second chamber is ignited. The multi-stage inflator according to this invention can be used to provide the varying inflation rates needed to adjust the inflation of air bags to accommodate the severity of the collision and the position of the occupants. The inventive inflator is small in size and economical to produce.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A multi-stage air bag inflator for a vehicle comprising:a. a housing being divided into at least two chambers which are adjacent to each other and separated by an impermeable bulkhead;b. a first combustion chamber containing a solid gas producing material; provided in one of the at

[ We claim:] [1.] A multi-stage air bag inflator for a vehicle comprising:a. a housing being divided into at least two chambers which are adjacent to each other and separated by an impermeable bulkhead;b. a first combustion chamber containing a solid gas producing material; provided in one of the at least two chambers;c. a second combustion chamber containing a solid gas producing material provided in another one of the at least two chambers;d. a first ignition means for igniting said gas producing material in the first combustion chamber;e. a filter/cooling chamber associated with said first combustion chamber;f. a second ignition means for igniting said gas producing material in said second combustion chamber;g. a filter/cooling chamber associated with said second combustion chamber, said filter chambers are positioned between said combustion chambers and said bulkhead, wherein the filter chambers, combustion chambers, and the bulkhead are in a positional relationship that requires the gases generated by said solid gas producing material to travel from the combustion chamber through the filter before impacting upon said bulkhead; andh. apertures in said first and second filter/cooling chambers, wherein said apertures are sealed with a foil.