Pyrotechnic means for vehicle occupant protection systems

• US 6,324,987 B1
• Filed: 05/28/1998
• Issued: 12/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Wier, Franz
• Primary Examiner(s): PRICE JR, RICHARD THOMAS
• Application Number:
  US09/086,496
• Time in Patent Office: 1,286 Days
• Field of Search: 102/530, 102/531, 102/202.5, 102/202.14, 280/741, 280/737
• US Class Current: 102/530
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26029 Ignitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2644 using only solid reacting substances, e.g. pellets, powder
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/1952 Transmission of tensioning power by cable; Return motion locking means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/4628 characterised by fluid actuators, e.g. pyrotechnic gas generators actuating a cable B60R22/4619
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 3/188 having radio-frequency filters , e.g. containing ferrite cores or inductances F42B3/185 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 3/28 Cartridge cases characterised by the material used, e.g. coatings for initiator cases F42B3/11

Abstract

A pyrotechnic means for vehicle occupant protection systems includes a container for an ignitor, propellant and/or compressed gas. To facilitate the production of gas tight pyrotechnic means having long term stability the container includes a container body and at least one container lid with an ultrasonic welded joint between said container body and said container lid.

Claims

1. A pyrotechnic device of a vehicle occupant protection system comprising:

a container accommodating an igniter and at least one of a propellant and a compressed gas, said container including a container body and at least one container lid with an ultrasonic welded joint between said container body and said container lid, and a bursting diaphragm integrally formed in said container in one of said body and said lid, said bursting diaphragm being surrounded by a notch for ensuring a controlled bursting of said diaphragm.

2. The pyrotechnic device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container body includes a peripheral wall, said bursting diaphragm being formed in said peripheral wall and being offset relative to the surface of said peripheral wall adjoining said bursting diaphragm.

3. The pyrotechnic device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bursting diaphragm is formed in said container lid, said bursting diaphragm being offset relative to the surface of said container lid adjoining said bursting diaphragm.