Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-13
2001-03-27
Hess, Douglas (Department: 2167)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C280S742000, C280S740000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206419
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a device for inflating an airbag having a gas generator for producing an inflation gas and a valve control for adjusting a cross section of a flow channel through which the inflation gas supplied to the interior of the airbag, by means of valve elements.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
A device of this type is known from EP 0812741 A1. With the known device, the quantity of inflation gas supplied to the airbag is regulated by a valve control, one or more controlled shutters being used as valve elements which are provided in the path of gas flow between the gas generator and the interior of the airbag. The quantity of inflation gas supplied to the interior of the airbag is controlled as a function of the unimpeded advance movement of the airbag into the passenger compartment. The risk of injury to a vehicle occupant located “out of position”, for example in a forwardly displaced position, is thus avoided. The presence of a child seat in the path of advance movement of the airbag is also allowed for, and the quantity of inflation gas supplied to the interior of the airbag controlled accordingly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a device of the type mentioned at the outset in which controlled actuation of the valve elements is improved.
According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the valve elements are held, in particular in a rattle-free manner, in their rest position with a holding force which is lower than the actuating force used to actuate the valve elements, as described in the characterising portion of the main claim.
This ensures that the valve elements are held securely in their rest position. The risk that the valve elements will be moved unintentionally from the rest position by the gas stream, vibrations and the like is avoided by the holding elements designed, in particular, as shear elements, for example shear pins. The holding force of the holding elements is so designed that it is lower than the actuating force with which the valve elements are moved into the cross section of flow of the inflation gas stream by suitable actuators. However, the holding force is greater than forces exerted by the inflation gas stream on the valve elements due to turbulence, suction and the like. This ensures that even the maximum cross section of flow for the inflation gas streaming into the interior of the airbag is reliably available if there is no obstacle in the path of advance movement of the airbag as it is inflated. When the valve control is activated the valve elements can be actuated by pyrotechnic devices activated as a function of the desired control, by stored mechanical energy (for example springs) which is released as a function of the valve control, or by electromagnetic devices, or other suitable means.
Valve flaps which can be pivoted into the cross section of flow of the inflation gas, valve slides that are slid into the cross section of flow, or valve shutters of a different design can be used as valve elements. One valve element or a plurality of valve elements can be provided, in particular for incremental control.
Noises due to rattling of the valves are avoided during normal vehicle operation, in particular, as a result of the rattle-free positioning of the valve elements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3704032 (1972-11-01), Fiala
patent: 3815935 (1974-06-01), Jones
patent: 3887109 (1975-06-01), Libkie
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patent: 4817828 (1989-04-01), Goetz
patent: 4846368 (1989-07-01), Goetz
patent: 5433475 (1995-07-01), Kokeguchi
patent: 5437473 (1995-08-01), Henseler
patent: 5492365 (1996-02-01), Bayley et al.
patent: 5642902 (1997-07-01), France
patent: 5707078 (1998-01-01), Swanberg et al.
patent: 5820162 (1998-10-01), Fink
patent: 5863578 (1999-01-01), Guarino
patent: 6050601 (2000-04-01), Pantke et al.
patent: 6062598 (2000-05-01), Faigle
patent: 0812741A1 (1997-12-01), None
patent: 0974500A1 (2000-01-01), None
patent: 9734785 WO (1997-09-01), None
Breed Automotive Technology Inc.
Colley Benjamin
Drayer Lonnie
Hess Douglas
Jasmin Lynda
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