INFLATOR, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME AND MODULE INCLUDING SAID INFLATOR

• US 20170341617A1
• Filed: 08/15/2017
• Published: 11/30/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Original Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Inventors: Bierwirth, Sebastian, Hofmann, Achim, Neumayer, Hans-Peter, Spitzenberger, Dieter, Fuerstenberger, Franz, Nuiding, Hannes, Leier, Dieter, Schoenhuber, Georg, Friedrich, Joerg
• Granted Patent: US 10,589,709 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2279/10 for air bags, e.g. inflators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 39/12 of wire gauze; of knitted wire; of expanded metal
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26029 Ignitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26076 characterised by casing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/264 using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic B60R21/268 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2644 using only solid reacting substances, e.g. pellets, powder
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 3/04 for producing gas under pressure generators of inflation fluid especially adapted for vehicle air bags B60R21/26

Abstract

An inflator as well as a method of manufacturing an inflator, a module including an inflator and an airbag module. In an inflator, especially for a protective device in a vehicle, comprising plural components a sealant is applied in the area of abutting components, especially a sealant which adheres to both abutting components.

Claims

1. An inflator comprising:

a first component (112) and

a second component (114) connected to the first component (112) by an injected plastic base (116) by at least partially surrounding both components (112, 114) by injection molding,

wherein the first component (112) has an adhesive film (142) applied before injection molding in a contact area (140) with the plastic base (116).

2. An inflator according to claim 1, wherein the first component (112) is made of metal, ceramic and/or plastic material

3. An inflator according claim 1, wherein the first component (112) is an inflator housing or forms a partial element of an inflator housing.

4. An inflator according to claim 1, wherein the second component (114) is a prefabricated igniter closed to the outside.

5. An inflator according to claim 1, wherein the first component (112) has an orifice (120) for receiving and mounting the second component (114) the edge (122) of which is embedded in the plastic base (116) during injection molding.

6. An inflator according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive film (142) covers only part of the portion of the first component (112) surrounded by injection molding.

7. An inflator according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive film (142) covers the entire portion of the first component (112) surrounded by injection molding.

8. An inflator according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive film (142) projects from the portion of the first component (112) surrounded by infection molding.

9. An inflator according to claim 1. wherein the adhesive film (142) comprises a plastic film (144) and an adhesive layer (148).

10. An inflator according to claim 9, wherein the plastic film (144) is made of the same material as the plastic base (116),

11. An inflator according to claim 10, wherein the plastic film (144) is made of a material which is suited for establishing a connection with the material of the plastic base (116).

12. An inflator according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive of the adhesive layer (146) can be activated by a predetermined contact pressure or thermal influence.

13. An inflator according to claim 10, wherein the materials of the plastic film (144) and the plastic base (116) are selected such that during injection-molding the plastic base (116) the plastic film (144) at least partially melts with the plastic base (116).

14. An inflator according to claim 10, wherein the adhesive film (142), especially the adhesive layer (146), forms a bonding bridge between the first component (112) and the plastic base (116),

15. An inflator according to claim 14, wherein the bonding bridge is plastically and/or elastically deformable.

16. An inflator according to claim 9, wherein the plastic film (144) includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

17. A method for manufacturing an inflator (10)s especially for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising the steps of:

providing a first component (112) containing metal and/or plastic material and/or ceramic material,

providing a second component (114) to be connected to the first component (112),

applying an adhesive film (142) to the first component (112) in a connecting area,

positioning the second component (114) relative to the first component (112), and

jointly surrounding at least partially the first and second components (112,114) by injection molding, thereby forming a plastic base (116) connecting the components (112, 114),

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein a plastic film (144) of the adhesive film (142) melts with the plastic base (116) during injection molding.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein during or after applying the adhesive film (142) the adhesive of the adhesive film (142) is activated by pressing or beating.

20. A module comprising an inflator (10,110), an airbag (96) inflatable by the inflator (10, 110) and a fastening means for attaching the module, especially in the interior of a vehicle, wherein the inflator (10, 110) is formed according to claim 17.