초록 ▼

An inflator (10) for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device (34) comprises a vessel (12) containing stored gas (54) and ignitable material (62). The vessel (12) has a portion (30) that provides a first opening for fluid to flow from the vessel when the pressure in the vessel reaches a predet

An inflator (10) for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device (34) comprises a vessel (12) containing stored gas (54) and ignitable material (62). The vessel (12) has a portion (30) that provides a first opening for fluid to flow from the vessel when the pressure in the vessel reaches a predetermined pressure. The inflator (10) also comprises an igniter (72) for igniting the ignitable material (62) and increasing the pressure in the vessel (12). The inflator (10) also comprises a control part (40) upstream of the portion (30) for controlling fluid flow to the first opening. The control part (40) defines a second opening (46) that increases in size as the pressure in the vessel (12) increases.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An inflator for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device, said inflator comprising:a vessel containing stored gas and ignitable material, said vessel having a portion that provides a first opening for fluid to flow from said vessel when the pressure in said vessel reaches a predetermined pr

1. An inflator for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device, said inflator comprising:a vessel containing stored gas and ignitable material, said vessel having a portion that provides a first opening for fluid to flow from said vessel when the pressure in said vessel reaches a predetermined pressure; an igniter for igniting said ignitable material and increasing the pressure in said vessel; and a control part upstream of said portion for controlling fluid flow to said first opening, said control part defining a second opening that increases in size as the pressure in said vessel increases.