DEVICE FOR INFLATING A SAFETY BAG FOR VEHICLE PASSENGERS

• US 3,741,584 A
• Filed: 04/08/1971
• Issued: 06/26/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hiroshi Arai
• Original Assignee: Hiroshi Arai
• Inventors: Arai, Hiroshi
• Primary Examiner(s): Friaglia, Leo
• Assistant Examiner(s): Silverstrim, John P.
• Application Number:
  US05/132,274
• Time in Patent Office: 810 Days
• Field of Search: 280/15AB,15B 180/98,91,103 343/7ED 222/6 137/39,51
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2633 with a plurality of inflation levels
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01332 by frequency or waveform analysis
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/268 using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas B60R21/26005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1044 With other condition responsive valve control

Abstract

A device for inflating a safety bag which forms a protective cushion in a vehicle for passengers includes a compressed air source which is connected to the protective air bag through two separate connecting lines. Each line is controlled by a valve which is operated either by a collision-sensing or crash detector. One of the detectors is set to operate the valve at a first condition in which a collision is sensed and it provides an inflation of a bag at a predetermined rate which is less than the passage flow rate through the second valve controlled passage. The second valve is controlled by a separate detector which is set to operate at a higher value or at a distinct collisionsensing condition, for example, at the condition of actual impact, or after a predetermined first collision condition has been achieved. The collision conditions are measured, for example, by accelerometers. The arrangement is such that both flow passages, or at least one flow passage, will provide for an air connection to the bag to provide rapid inflation of the bag to protect the passenger as necessary.

Claims

1. A safety device for vehicles, comprising a compressed air source, a protective bag inflatable to provide a protective cushion for supporting a vehicle passenger in the event of a collision, first passage means connected between said air source and said bag, a first valve in said first passage means closing said passage means, first detection means including transmitter and receiver means for detecting the rate of close of an object with the vehicle and for generating a first signal when the rate exceeds a predetermined amount, said first valve being operated in response to said first signal to establish connection between said air source and said bag through said first passage means, second passage means connected between said air source and said bag, a second valve in said second passage means closing said second passage means, second detection means including an impact detector operable upon collision of the vehicle for generating a secoNd signal, said second valve being operated in response to said second signal to establish connection between said air source and said bag through said second passage means.

2. A safety device for vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said impact detector includes an accelerometer, a relay connected to said accelerometer and operable thereby to send an electrical current to operate said second valve.

3. A safety device for vehicles, according to claim 1, wherein said second passage means is of a size larger than said first passage means, said second detector means being an impact detector.

4. A safety device for vehicles, comprising a compressed air source, a protective air bag for protecting passengers, a first air line connected from said air source to said air bag, a second air line connected from said air source to said air bag, a solenoid valve in said first line, a solenoid valve in said second line, impending impact sensing means for detecting a rate of close of the vehicle with an object above a predetermined amount which would indicate an impending impact condition and being connected to said first solenoid valve to operate said first solenoid valve to permit air flow through said first passage means to said bag upon sensing an impending impact condition, and impact sensing means connected to said second solenoid valve for generating a current to operate said second solenoid valve to open said passage when said vehicle is subjected to impact.

5. A safety device for vehicles, according to claim 4, wherein said second passage is of a greater size than said first passage so that the inflation rate is greater through said second passage than through said first passage.