Pipe joints or couplings – Ball and socket
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-06
2003-05-06
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3679)
Pipe joints or couplings
Ball and socket
C280S741000, C222S003000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06557902
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a gas generator comprising at least one gas outlet to which a gas tube is connected.
Gas generators of this kind are for example used in motor vehicles and serve to inflate the airbag in the event of an accident via the gas tube which is plugged into the interior of a folded airbag and which can be provided with a plurality of gas outlet openings. The positions at which the gas generator and the airbag are arranged in the vehicle are predetermined so that the gas generator and the gas tube are to be mounted at a relative orientation which is matched to the respective vehicle. In this it must also be taken into account that relative movements between the gas tube and the gas generator can be produced through vehicle body movements which arise during the operation of the vehicle.
The problem (object) on which the invention is based is to provide a gas generator of the initially named kind which is as simple to mount as possible and the capability of functioning of which in the mounted state is lastingly ensured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention a jointedly connected component consisting of a gas generator and a gas tube is created which can be adapted in a simple manner to the circumstances of the respective vehicle. The invention is advantageous in particular for applications in which long gas tubes are used to inflate side airbags which expand downwardly starting from the vehicle roof in the manner of a curtain in the event of an accident. In particular in gas tubes with a great length, which e.g. can amount to more than 1 m, the invention prevents small angular movements during the mounting of the gas generator from resulting in large deviations in the desired position of the gas tube in the vehicle, since the angular position of the gas tube can be matched exactly to the circumstances of the respective vehicle. Low and in principal acceptable installation tolerances in the region of the gas generator can thus not lead to unacceptable deviations from the predetermined installation position of the gas tube and of the airbag.
The jointed connection which is provided in accordance with the invention between the gas outlet of the gas generator and the gas tube thus enables installation tolerances in the region of the gas generator to be compensated already at the gas generator through a corresponding displacement of the gas tube, and thus a correct position of the gas tube and the airbag in the vehicle always to be ensured. In this way the mounting of airbag modules is considerably simplified through the invention.
A further advantage of the jointed connection in accordance with the invention consists in that movements of the vehicle body, which arise during the operation of the vehicle and which lead to a relative movement between the gas generator and the gas tube, are compensated, whereby the occurrence of damages and leaks in the region of the connection between the gas tube and the gas generator is avoided.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the jointed connection is designed as a ball and socket joint.
Through this the gas tube can be adjusted continuously in any desired direction.
In accordance with a further preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention the gas tube is secured with a clamping ring to the gas outlet, with a run-up inclination being provided at the gas outlet and/or at the clamping ring.
Through this a relative movement between the clamping ring and the gas outlet in a direction which is predetermined by the run-up inclination can be produced during the clamping of the clamping ring in order to draw the gas tube towards the gas outlet and to fix it between the clamping ring and the gas outlet by means of the clamping ring.
If in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention the clamping ring is held by a clamp and an airbag is clamped between the clamping ring and the clamp, the gas tube can be held at the gas outlet and the airbag at the clamping ring at the same time by a tightening of the clamp. In this way the pre-mounting of the component comprising a gas generator, the gas tube, the airbag and the clamping ring can be considerably simplified.
In accordance with a further preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention a line contact is provided between a clamping ring and the gas tube.
In this way, the friction between the clamping ring and the gas tube is minimized so that the gas tube can be easily adjusted and nevertheless be held securely at the gas outlet.
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Einsiedel Heinrich
Glöckler Oliver
Waimer Maximilian
Browne Lynne H.
Dunwoody Aaron
Foley & Lardner
Takata (Europe) Vehicle Safety Technology GmbH
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