Connector for mounting inflator in airbag module
First Claim
1. In an airbag module comprising an airbag and a canister which contains an inflator and which is connected in the module for inflation of the airbag by gas issuing into the canister from said inflator and thence into the airbag, the improvement wherein said inflator is fastened inside said canister by a plug and socket connector comprising a plug member including at least one lug and a socket member including a groove, one member of the plug and socket connector being fixed on the inflator and the other member being fixed to a wall of said canister and said members being connected to join the inflator and the canister by inserting the plug member into the socket member and turning one of said plug member and socket member relative to the other member through an are of less than one turn so that the at least one lug on the plug member engages the groove on the socket member.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In an airbag module comprising an inflator inside a canister the inflator is fastened inside the canister by means of a plug and socket connector which comprises a plug member and a socket member. One member of the connector is fastened to an end of the inflator and the other member of the connector is fastened to a wall of the canister. To join the inflator to the canister the plug member is inserted into the socket member and one member is turned relative to the other through a small arc less than one turn to tighten the connection.
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Citations
12 Claims
- 1. In an airbag module comprising an airbag and a canister which contains an inflator and which is connected in the module for inflation of the airbag by gas issuing into the canister from said inflator and thence into the airbag, the improvement wherein said inflator is fastened inside said canister by a plug and socket connector comprising a plug member including at least one lug and a socket member including a groove, one member of the plug and socket connector being fixed on the inflator and the other member being fixed to a wall of said canister and said members being connected to join the inflator and the canister by inserting the plug member into the socket member and turning one of said plug member and socket member relative to the other member through an are of less than one turn so that the at least one lug on the plug member engages the groove on the socket member.
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7. An improved inflator, for use with an airbag module of the type including a canister having a socket defining a groove, the inflator comprising:
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a) a hollow metal cylinder containing a gas-generating material and an igniter, the hollow metal cylinder having at least one opening for releasing inflation gas therefrom, and the hollow metal cylinder having a closed end; b) a plug member extending from the closed end of the metal cylinder, the plug member including at least one lug, the plug member configured to be receivable in the socket of the canister such that each of the at least one lug of the plug member would be in locking interengagement with the groove of the canister socket upon relative rotation of less than one turn between the plug member and canister socket. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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8. An improved canister, for use in an airbag module of the type including an inflator comprising a hollow metal cylinder containing a gas-generating material and an igniter, the hollow metal cylinder having at least one opening for releasing inflation gas therefrom, and the hollow metal cylinder having a closed end, a plug member extending from the closed end of the metal cylinder, the plug member including at least one lug, the improved canister comprising:
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a) an open-topped container formed by first and second side walls, a bottom wall and first and second end walls; b) a socket member extending from said first end wall, the socket member defining a recessed groove, the recessed socket groove configured to receive the at least one lug of the inflator plug member in locking interengagement upon relative rotation of less than one turn between the canister socket and the inflator plug. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification