Filler tube adapter for an inflator

Abstract

An adapter (100) for connecting a fill tube (60) to an inflator (56) includes a sleeve (102) configured to fit over a discharge end portion (92) of the inflator and to connect to the inflator. The adapter further includes an end portion (104) including a fitting (106) configured to receive and connect to the fill tube, wherein the sleeve is configured to direct inflator fluid discharged from the inflator to the fitting, and the fitting is configured to direct the inflator fluid into the fill tube.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 464,718, filed September 2, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a vehicle safety system comprising: an airbag module including an airbag; an inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating the airbag; and a filling tube for delivering the inflation fluid from the inflator to the airbag. The airbag module further includes an adapter for facilitating connection between the filling tube and the inflator, allowing the inflator to be positioned away from the airbag. Background Technology

[0004] It is known to provide an inflator for inflating inflatable vehicle occupant protection devices (such as airbags). Inflators can be of several types, such as solid propellant type, stored gas type, or hybrid type. Solid propellant type inflators include a volume of solid propellant, typically in tablet form, which is essentially pyrotechnic and ignites upon activation of the inflator to produce an inflation fluid. Stored gas type inflators store a volume of pressurized inflation fluid released in response to inflator activation. Hybrid inflators combine these technologies, including pressurized inflation fluid and a volume of solid propellant gas-generating material.

[0005] Inflators for passenger front airbags (PABs) and curtain airbags (CABs) are typically cylindrical and elongated, comprising a tubular housing that helps define a gas chamber in which stored gas and / or solid propellant is stored. An igniter assembly includes an igniter end cap supported (e.g., welded) at one end of the housing. The igniter assembly includes an igniter supported by the igniter end cap, and a ruptureable diaphragm (e.g., a bursting disc) connected to the igniter end cap and isolating the igniter from the gas chamber. The igniter assembly seals the gas chamber at one end of the housing.

[0006] The inflator includes an outlet assembly located at the end of the housing opposite to the igniter assembly. The outlet assembly includes an outlet or nozzle through which inflating fluid is discharged when the inflator is activated. The outlet assembly also includes a ruptureable membrane (e.g., a bursting disc) that is attached to the outlet end cap and seals the outlet / nozzle. The outlet assembly closes the gas chamber at the end of the housing opposite to the igniter assembly.

[0007] The outlet assembly further includes an end cap that fits over the outlet / nozzle and is secured (e.g., welded) to the inflator housing. The end cap forms a diffuser including multiple openings configured to disperse and diffuse inflation fluid discharged from the inflator through the outlet / nozzle. The diffuser openings can be configured to guide the inflation fluid in multiple directions (e.g., radial, axial, or any one or more angles therein). For safety reasons, the diffuser openings are configured to be thrust-neutral before installation in the vehicle. "Thrust-neutral" means that the diffuser openings are configured such that accidental initiation and discharge of the inflation fluid will not propel the inflator into a projectile.

[0008] When the inflator is activated, reaction products from the igniter cause the rupture disc of the igniter assembly to rupture. In a stored-gas inflator configuration, the igniter is configured to generate a shock wave that propagates through the stored gas in the chamber and causes the rupture disc of the outlet assembly to rupture, releasing the inflator fluid for discharge through the outlet / nozzle and diffuser into the protection device. In a solid propellant or hybrid inflator configuration, reaction products from the igniter enter the chamber and ignite the solid propellant, causing a reaction that produces reaction products (e.g., heat and inflator fluid). The reaction in response to the solid propellant causes an increase in heat and pressure in the chamber, causing the rupture disc of the diffuser assembly to rupture. The inflator fluid is then discharged from the inflator through the diffuser and into the protection device.

[0009] Passenger front airbag (PAB) inflators are typically configured to be positioned inside the airbag, allowing inflation fluid to be released directly into the airbag. Curtain airbag (CAB) inflators can be configured to be positioned inside the airbag or connected to the airbag's nozzle, which is typically in the form of a tubular sleeve. An outlet assembly typically facilitates this connection. The difference between PAB and CAB inflators is that the volume of inflation fluid produced by a PAB inflator must be significantly larger than that produced by a CAB inflator, because the volume of a PAB is significantly larger than that of a CAB. Accordingly, PAB inflators can be significantly larger than CAB inflators both physically and in terms of the volume of inflation fluid they produce. Summary of the Invention

[0010] A vehicle safety system includes an airbag module that implements a device configured to allow an inflator to be remotely connected to the airbag. According to one embodiment, the passenger front airbag (PAB), typically deployed from the dashboard in front of the passenger-side front seated occupant, is instead deployed from the vehicle roof. For example, the space for deploying the PAB along the front edge of the vehicle roof is limited due to the thickness of the roof structure and the presence of a sunroof (creating an opening through the roof). Because of this limited space, and at least in part because the PAB is a large-volume airbag requiring a correspondingly large volume of inflation fluid, it may be necessary to position the inflator remotely from the airbag, for example, along the side edge of the vehicle (i.e., the roof longitudinal beam), and connect the remotely positioned inflator to the PAB via an inflator tube.

[0011] To reduce manufacturing complexity, the remotely positioned inflator of a roof-mounted PAB module could potentially use the same PAB inflator implemented in a dashboard-mounted PAB module. However, since dashboard-mounted PAB modules typically house the inflator within the airbag, while roof-mounted PAB modules utilize a filling tube connection to mount the inflator remotely from the airbag, adjustments are needed to ensure the same inflator can be used in both cases. Accordingly, the airbag modules disclosed herein provide various methods and structures for adapting conventional PAB inflators to remote PAB inflation via a filling tube.

[0012] According to one aspect, an adapter for connecting a filling tube to an inflator includes a sleeve configured to engage with and connect to a discharge end portion of the inflator. The adapter also includes an end portion comprising a connector configured to receive and connect the filling tube, wherein the sleeve is configured to direct inflation fluid discharged from the inflator to the connector, and the connector is configured to introduce inflation fluid into the filling tube.

[0013] Alternatively, the sleeve can be configured to receive an inflator stud to connect the adapter to the inflator.

[0014] According to another option, the sleeve may include a slot configured to receive an inflator stud for connecting an adapter to an inflator.

[0015] According to another option, the slot can have a generally L-shaped configuration. The adapter can be configured to slide axially over the discharge end of the inflator, such that the inflator stud enters and slides along the first leg of the slot until the inflator stud engages the edge of the slot. The adapter can also be configured to rotate relative to the inflator knob, such that the inflator stud enters and slides along the second leg of the slot.

[0016] Alternatively, the second leg of the slot can be configured such that interference is formed when the inflator stud enters the second leg of the slot. This interference can hold the adapter on the inflator.

[0017] According to another perspective, interference can form between the opposite edge of the second leg of the slot and the inflator thimble.

[0018] According to another perspective, interference can be formed by the engagement between the inflator stud and an edge of the second leg of the slot, and by the engagement between the discharge end of the inflator and the end portion of the adapter.

[0019] On the other hand, the fitting can be configured to connect to the filling tube via one of a compression fitting, a connecting fitting, and a crimp fitting.

[0020] According to another aspect, the adapter may include a throat extending between the sleeve and the connector. The throat may include a plurality of thrust-neutral openings configured to radially discharge inflatable material in opposite directions. The connector may be configured to receive an end-closing nut that blocks inflatable fluid from flowing through the connector, such that inflatable fluid discharged from the inflator is radially directed through the thrust-neutral openings. The connector may also be configured to receive an end-opening nut including an opening that allows the filling tube to pass through the connector and through the throat, thereby blocking the thrust-neutral openings. The end-opening nut, when combined with the connector, forms a fitting that connects the filling tube to the adapter.

[0021] According to another option, the adapter may include a pair of adapter halves that can be connected to each other to form a sleeve.

[0022] According to another option, each adapter half may include one or more flanges configured to overlap each other and receive fasteners to connect the adapter half to each other and secure the adapter to the discharge end of the inflator.

[0023] According to another aspect, one of the adapter halves includes an opening configured to receive an inflator plug.

[0024] According to another option, the adapter can be configured to adapt to an inflator configured to radially discharge inflation fluid into the airbag, or to axially discharge inflation fluid into the filling tube.

[0025] According to another aspect, an airbag module may include an airbag, an inflator for generating an inflation fluid for inflating the airbag, a filling tube for conveying inflation fluid from the inflator to the airbag, and an adapter according to any of the foregoing aspects.

[0026] Alternatively, the airbag module can be configured to be installed in the vehicle roof. The airbag can be configured to deploy downwards to the inflatable deployment position. The inflator can be configured to be located away from the airbag installation, and the filling tube can be configured to extend from the inflator to the airbag.

[0027] According to another option, the airbag may include a frontal airbag configured to deploy between the vehicle occupants and the vehicle's dashboard. The airbag may be configured to be mounted in the roof crossbeams, and the inflator may be configured to be mounted in the roof longitudinal beams.

[0028] According to another option, the inflator can be a passenger airbag inflator configured to be positioned inside a passenger airbag that deploys from the dashboard. An adapter can be configured to adapt the passenger airbag inflator for use with a filling tube.

[0029] According to another aspect, a vehicle safety system may include an airbag module according to the foregoing aspects. The vehicle safety system may also include a controller configured to activate an inflator in response to an event that would require the airbag to inflate and deploy. Attached Figure Description

[0030] For those skilled in the art, the foregoing and other features of the present invention will become apparent after reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view illustrating a vehicle safety system installed in a vehicle according to an example construction of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a 3D diagram of an airbag module that forms part of a vehicle's safety system.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing the installation of the vehicle safety system in the vehicle's roof structure.

[0034] Figure 4A to Figure 4D The construction and installation of a filling tube adapter that forms part of an airbag module, based on an example adapter, are shown.

[0035] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The construction of a filling tube adapter that forms part of an airbag module is shown, based on another example of an adapter.

[0036] Figures 6A to 6C The construction and installation of a filling tube adapter that forms part of an airbag module, based on another example of an adapter, are shown.

[0037] Figure 7 shows the construction of a filling tube adapter that forms part of an airbag module, based on another example of an adapter.

[0038] Figures 8A and 8B show the different states of the filling tube adapter in Figure 7.

[0039] Figures 9A to 9B The construction and installation of a filling tube adapter that forms part of an airbag module, based on another example of an adapter, are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] This invention relates to a vehicle safety system 10 for assisting in the protection of occupants 12 of a vehicle 14. The vehicle safety system 10 includes an airbag module 50, which includes an airbag 52 for assisting in the protection of occupants 12 in the event of an event for which occupant protection is desired (e.g., a collision). Figure 1 In the example configuration of the vehicle safety system 10 shown, the airbag module 50 is a passenger front airbag module, and the airbag 52 is a front passenger airbag (PAB) that can be inflated between the dashboard 20 of the vehicle 14 and the occupant 12 of the vehicle seat 22 on the passenger side 24 of the vehicle.

[0041] The airbag module 50 and therefore the airbag 52 can have alternative configurations. For example, the airbag module can be a frontal driver airbag (DAB) module, which is configured such that the DAB inflates and deploys between the occupant on the driver's side 26 of the vehicle 14 and the vehicle steering wheel (not shown). As another alternative, the airbag module can be a curtain airbag (CAB) module, which is configured such that the CAB inflates on the passenger side 24 or driver's side 26 of the vehicle 14 between the vehicle occupant and the side structure 28 of the vehicle.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, when inflated, PAB 52 occupies the space defined by the dashboard 20, windshield 28, and roof 30 of vehicle 14, which helps define the reaction surface for supporting the PAB against the impact forces of occupant 12. Of course, the space occupied by the airbag, the surface defining that space, and the reaction surface for the airbag will vary depending on the alternative embodiments listed above. For example, the DAB 52 embodiment will include a steering wheel to help form the reaction surface, while the CAB embodiment will include vehicle side structures 32 (e.g., doors, pillars, etc.).

[0043] The airbag module 50 is mounted to the vehicle roof 30 and deploys downwards after inflation. To facilitate this mounting arrangement, the airbag module may include hardware 62 (e.g., a bracket) for mounting the airbag 52 to the vehicle 14, and hardware 64 (e.g., a bracket) for mounting the inflator 56 to the vehicle (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0044] refer to Figure 3 The vehicle safety system 10 may include two airbag modules 50—one airbag module mounted on the passenger side 24 (PAB module) and one airbag module mounted on the driver side 26 (DAB module). Each airbag module 50 includes its own airbag 52 (DAB or PAB) enclosed in a cover or housing 54. Each airbag module 50 also includes an inflator 56 and a filling tube 60 for delivering inflation fluid from the inflator to the airbag 52.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle roof 30 may include a sunroof 40, which limits the space available for mounting the airbag module 50. The introduction of the sunroof 40 (especially the increasingly common large panoramic sunroof) essentially limits the available structures for mounting the airbag module 50 to the roof longitudinal beams 42 and the roof crossbeams 44, which extend along the side structure 32 of the vehicle 14 and extend laterally across the vehicle between the roof longitudinal beams.

[0046] Furthermore, the frontal airbag configuration of the PAB and DAB modules 50 includes a large-volume airbag 52. Therefore, the inflator 56 must be configured accordingly to deliver the required volume of inflatable fluid to inflate and deploy the airbag 52 within the required time. With this in mind, and considering the presence of the sunroof 40, the airbag module 50 is configured to mount the inflator 56 on the roof longitudinal beam 42 and the airbag 52 on the roof cross beam 44, wherein the inflator tube 60 is configured to follow the structure of the roof 30 and connect the inflator and the airbag.

[0047] The volume of the roof-mounted PAB 52 can be the same as or comparable to that of a conventional dashboard-mounted airbag. The roof-mounted configuration of the DAB 52 can have a much larger volume than a conventional steering wheel-mounted DAB configuration. Because the DAB 52 is roof-mounted, its configuration is not limited by the steering wheel mounting arrangement, thus providing a coverage area far exceeding that of a conventional steering wheel-mounted airbag. As a result, the DAB and PAB can have sufficiently equal volumes, allowing the same inflator to be used in both the DAB and PAB modules 50.

[0048] Furthermore, since the volume of airbag 52 is comparable to that of the PAB mounted on the dashboard, it is desirable to implement the same inflator in both the roof-mounted PAB and DAB modules 50 as the inflator used with the PAB module mounted on the dashboard. This is advantageous in terms of manufacturing, as the same inflator can be used in a wider range of vehicles, i.e., vehicles implementing the dashboard-mounted airbag module and vehicles implementing the roof-mounted airbag module 50 disclosed herein. This economies of scale can result in considerable savings in cost, manufacturing workload and complexity, materials, and spare parts.

[0049] To achieve this economy of scale, the inflator 56 implemented in the airbag module 50 is configured for use with conventional PAB modules mounted on the dashboard. The fact that the inflator 56 can be used in a conventional PAB module configuration mounted on the dashboard is not insignificant. The dashboard-mounted PAB module implements an airbag inflation mechanism configuration, wherein the inflator, or at least the diffuser, is positioned within the inflatable volume of the airbag. The diffuser is configured to radially discharge inflation fluid into the airbag volume. This configuration serves to redirect the inflation fluid laterally or radially from the axial direction along which the inflation fluid is discharged from the inflator's gas chamber into the space between the dashboard and the occupant.

[0050] This configuration also conforms to thrust neutrality requirements, which dictate that the inflator be configured such that accidental discharges before installation do not generate thrust that would cause the inflator to become a self-propelled projectile. To achieve this, the inflator diffuser can, for example, be configured to discharge inflation fluid radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the inflator and in the opposite direction.

[0051] To facilitate the implementation of a conventionally constructed PAB inflator 56, the airbag module 50 includes an adapter 100 that facilitates the connection of the filling tube 60 to the inflator 56. The inflator 56 can be of any construction, such as a solid propellant inflator, a stored gas inflator, or a hybrid inflator. Refer to Figures 4A to 4B. Figure 4D The inflator 56 includes a cylindrical housing 80 defining a gas chamber, which, depending on the inflator's construction, can store propellant material and / or store gas. A pair of studs 86 extend from the housing 80 and facilitate connection of the inflator to the vehicle 14. For example, the studs 86 may be threaded studs configured to receive threaded fasteners, such as nuts 88 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 ), in order to establish this connection.

[0052] The inflator 56 includes a nozzle 82 located at one end of the housing 80 and an igniter assembly 84 located at the opposite end of the housing. The nozzle 82 includes a ruptureable membrane (e.g., a bursting disc) that prevents inflation fluid from being discharged through the nozzle. The igniter assembly 84 is configured to be electrically connected to the airbag controller 130 (see...). Figure 1 The igniter assembly 84 includes an igniter (not shown) that can be activated in response to an electrical signal from the airbag controller 130 to ignite the propellant to begin generating gas and rupture the bursting disc 90 to release the inflation fluid through the nozzle 82.

[0053] The inflator 56 also includes a diffuser 92, which is connected to the housing 80, for example, by welding, and covers the nozzle 82. The diffuser 92 includes a pair of outlet openings 94, which are generally elongated and positioned on radially opposite sides of the diffuser. The shape, size, number, and positioning of the outlet openings 94 can vary. The outlet openings 94, being of equal size / shape and radially opposite to each other, give the inflator 56 a thrust-neutral configuration.

[0054] The adapter 100 includes a sleeve 102 having a generally cylindrical configuration, a tapered / dotted end 104, and a connector 106 extending axially therefrom. The sleeve 102 is configured to fit over the inflator 56, covering a portion of the diffuser 92 and the housing 80 extending axially beyond at least one of the studs 86. The sleeve 102 is configured to form a tight fit with the outer surface of the housing.

[0055] The adapter 100 includes a slot 110 for facilitating connection of the adapter to the housing 80. The slot 110 is L-shaped and includes a first leg 112 extending axially into an open end of the sleeve 102. A second leg 114 extends transversely to the first leg 112 along the circumference of the sleeve 102. To connect the adapter 100 to the inflator 56, the sleeve 102 slides past the diffuser 92 and along the outer side of the housing 80, as indicated by arrow A in approximately Figure 4B.

[0056] As the adapter 100 advances over the inflator 56, it is manipulated so that the stud 86 closest to the outlet 82 enters the first leg 112 of the slot 110. When the stud 86 reaches the second leg 114, the adapter 100 rotates, as indicated by arrow B in approximately Figure 4C, causing the stud 86 to enter the second leg. As shown in Figure 4C, the installation of the adapter 100 is complete when the stud 86 engages the end of the second leg 114.

[0057] In one example configuration, adapter 100 can be installed by mounting a threaded fastener (e.g., nut 88 (see example)). Figure 2The threaded fastener 88 is fixed to the inflator 56 and is used to connect the inflator to the vehicle 14 via the stud 86. In this configuration, the fastener 88 allows both the bracket 64 and the adapter 100 to abut against the inflator housing 80, reinforcing the connection between these components. Simultaneously, the fastener 88 also connects the inflator 56 and the airbag module 50 to the vehicle structures 42, 44 (see again). Figure 2 ).

[0058] In another example configuration, the adapter 100 can be secured to the inflator 56 via an interference fit. For example, the width of the second leg 114 of the slot 110 can be slightly smaller than the diameter of the stud 86, thus creating an interference fit. In this case, the turning step of FIG4C will push the stud 86 along the second leg 114 of the slot 110, thereby creating an interference fit that will secure the adapter 100 to the inflator 56.

[0059] As another example, an interference fit can be formed between engaging the stud 86 with the rear edge of the second leg of the slot 110 and engaging the tapered / dome-shaped end 104 of the adapter 100. Essentially, the adapter 100 can be configured such that the end 104 engages with the end of the inflator, such as the diffuser 92 or nozzle 82, before the stud 86 is fully engaged with the second leg 114 of the slot 110. As a result, an interference is formed. As the adapter is turned (FIG. 4C), the interference is overcome and the stud 86 engages with the second leg 114. Through this interference, the adapter 100 can be connected to the inflator 56.

[0060] refer to Figure 4D When adapter 100 is connected to inflator 56, sleeve 102 and conical / dome-shaped end portion 104 cover inflator nozzle 82 and diffuser 92. Adapter 100 forms chamber 116 into which inflation fluid is radially discharged through diffuser opening 94. Chamber 116 redirects the inflation fluid so that it flows through connector 106, into filling tube 60, and via filling tube to airbag 52.

[0061] The adapter 100 can be configured to connect to the filling tube 60 in various ways. For example, as shown in Figures 4A to 4B... Figure 4DIn the example configuration, connector 106 has external threads and is configured to secure the filling tube 60 via compression fitting 120. Compression fitting 120 includes a compression nut 122 configured to thread onto the externally threaded connector 106. Compression nut 122 has an end wall 124 with an opening 126 through which the filling tube 60 extends and enters the connector 106. Compression sleeve / washer 128 slides over the outside of the filling tube 60 and is positioned between the axial end of connector 104 and the end wall 124 of compression nut 122. Compression sleeve / washer 128 may be made of a material such as brass or polymer that deforms in response to compression when compression nut 122 is tightened. Through this deformation, compression fitting secures the filling tube to adapter 100.

[0062] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Another example construction of adapter 100 is shown below. (Reference) Figure 5A In this example configuration, connector 106 is configured to facilitate a crimp connection to the filling tube 60. To facilitate the crimp connection, connector 106 forms a crimp fitting 150, which includes one or more external recesses 152 extending circumferentially around connector 106. (See reference...) Figure 5B To form a crimped connection, the filler tube 60 is positioned above the connector 106, and a crimping tool is used to press the tube into the recess 152 of the crimp fitting 150. The crimp creates an annular recess 154 on the outside of the filler tube 60, where the filler tube wall is pressed into the recess 152.

[0063] Figures 6A to 6C Another example configuration of adapter 100 is shown. In this example configuration, connector 106 has external threads and is configured to secure filling tube 60 via coupling fitting 170. Coupling fitting 170 includes nut 172, female connector 174, and male connector 176. Female connector 174 is threaded onto connector 106. Male connector 176 is threaded onto the end of filling tube 60, wherein nut 172 is positioned on filling tube before male connector is installed.

[0064] The male connector 176 has an outwardly flared end 180 that has a stepped configuration that is at least partially received in a recess 182 of the female connector 174. As the male connector 176 is received in the female connector 174, the nut 172 slides over the male connector and engages the external thread 184 on the female connector. The nut 172 is screwed onto the female connector 174. When this happens, the nut engages one of the stepped flares of the male connector 176. Further tightening of the nut 172 pushes the male connector 176 into the female connector and strengthens their engagement, thereby connecting the filler tube 60 to the adapter 100. Although the female connector 174 and male connector 176 of the coupling fitting 170 are shown connected to the adapter 100 and the filler tube 60 respectively via threaded connections, it should be understood that one or both of these connections can be established by alternative means (e.g., welding).

[0065] Figure 7 shows another example configuration of the adapter. The adapter 200 in Figure 7 differs from other configurations disclosed herein in that the adapter replaces the diffuser 92, rather than mounting it on top of the diffuser. The adapter 200 includes a sleeve 202 that fits onto the end of the inflator 56 and covers the nozzle 82 (see, for example, [link to original document]). Figure 4D The adapter 200 tapers from the sleeve 202 to form a cylindrical throat 204, which includes a plurality of thrust-neutral openings 206 configured to radially discharge inflator in selected opposite directions, such that the assembly of the inflator 56 and the adapter is thrust-neutral prior to installation. The throat 204 may also include an annular edge 210 configured to increase structural stability. The adapter 200 further includes a connector 212 with external threads 214. Internally, an inflation fluid passage 216 extends the length of the adapter 200 from the sleeve 202 to the connector 212.

[0066] Advantageously, the adapter 200 is configured to provide a thrust-neutral configuration for transporting and handling the inflator 56 prior to installation and an operating configuration for installation in a vehicle. Figure 8A illustrates the thrust-neutral configuration. In this configuration, an end-sealing nut 220 is threaded onto the connector 212, thereby blocking the inflation fluid passage 216. In this thrust-neutral configuration, if the inflator is accidentally started prior to installation, the nut 220 blocks axial inflation fluid flow through the passage 216, thereby forcing fluid radially through the thrust-neutral opening 206.

[0067] Figure 8B illustrates the operational state of the adapter 200. In the operational configuration, the end-closing nut 220 is removed, and the filling tube 60 is installed through the opening 224 in the end-opening nut 222 and enters the inflation fluid passage 216. The filling tube 60 extends axially beyond and covers the thrust neutral opening 206. As a result, when the inflator 56 is installed and started, inflation fluid flows axially from the inflator into the filling tube 60. As another advantage, the adapter 200 does not redirect the inflation fluid flow from the inflator 56, which increases the volumetric flow rate of the inflation fluid through the filling tube 60 by reducing back pressure.

[0068] The adapter 200 can be configured to connect to the filling tube 60 in a variety of ways (including any of the methods described above). In the example configuration of FIG8B, the connector is a compression fitting 230, similar to or equivalent to the compression fittings shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, wherein a nut 222 receives a compression sealing element, such as a gasket, sleeve, or washer 226, which is pressed against the connector 212 and the filling tube 60 to connect the filling tube to the adapter 200. Alternatively, the connector can be as follows: Figures 5A to 5B The crimp fitting shown, or as shown Figures 6A to 6C The connecting pipe fittings shown.

[0069] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Another example configuration of adapter 250 is shown. In this example configuration, adapter 250 has a two-piece construction and includes a first adapter half 252 and a second adapter half 254. Adapter halves 252 and 254 cooperate to form a sleeve 256 of adapter 250. Adapter halves 252 and 254 are configured to be connected via flanges 270, which overlap each other so that their respective fastener openings 272 are aligned. The overlapping flanges 270 can be interconnected via fasteners extending through the openings 272.

[0070] To secure adapter 250 to inflator 56, adapter halves 252 and 254 are together wrapped around adjacent portions of diffuser 92 and inflator housing 80. In doing so, the stud 86 at the diffuser end adjacent to inflator 56 passes through an opening 266 in the stud receiving portion 264 of the second adapter half 254. When connected in this manner, adapter halves 252 and 254 are secured to inflator 56.

[0071] Adapter 250 also includes a connector 274 composed of halves that come together when adapter halves 252 and 254 are connected. Each adapter half 252 and 254 includes an outwardly extending portion 276 that aligns with a corresponding opening in diffuser 92. These portions 276 increase the volume of a chamber formed by adapter 250 in the region where inflation fluid is discharged into the adapter and redirected to connector 274.

[0072] Fitting 274 can be configured to facilitate connection to the filling tube in any of the methods disclosed herein (e.g., compression fitting, manifold fitting, or crimp fitting). Figures 9A to 9B In the example configuration, the connector 274 is configured for crimping fittings and includes at least one annular recess 280 for receiving the crimped filler tube.

[0073] From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize the applications, improvements, changes, and modifications that can be made to the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such applications, improvements, changes, and modifications that fall within the scope of the art.

Claims

1. An adapter for connecting a filling tube to an inflator, the adapter comprising: A sleeve, the sleeve being configured to fit over and connect to the discharge end portion of the inflator; as well as The end portion includes a connector configured to receive and connect the filling tube, wherein the sleeve is configured to guide inflation fluid discharged from the inflator to the connector, and the connector is configured to introduce the inflation fluid into the filling tube; The adapter also includes a throat extending between the sleeve and the connector, the throat including a plurality of thrust-neutral openings configured to radially discharge inflatable material in opposite directions; The connector is configured to receive an end-sealing nut that blocks the flow of inflation fluid through the connector, thereby radially guiding the inflation fluid discharged from the inflator through the thrust neutral opening; and The connector is configured to receive an end-opening nut, the end-opening nut including an opening that allows the filling tube to pass through the connector and through the throat, thereby blocking the thrust neutral opening. The end-opening nut, in conjunction with the connector, forms a fitting that connects the filling tube to the adapter.

2. The adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The sleeve is configured to receive an inflator stud to connect the adapter to the inflator.

3. The adapter as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The sleeve includes a slot configured to receive the inflator stud for connecting the adapter to the inflator.

4. The adapter as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The slot has a generally L-shaped configuration, and the adapter is configured to slide axially over the discharge end of the inflator, such that the inflator stud enters the first leg of the slot and slides along the first leg until the inflator stud engages the edge of the slot. The adapter is further configured to be rotated relative to the inflator, such that the inflator stud enters the second leg of the slot and slides along the second leg.

5. The adapter as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The second leg of the slot is configured such that when the inflator stud enters the second leg of the stud, interference is formed, which holds the adapter on the inflator.

6. The adapter as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The interference is formed between the opposite edge of the second leg of the slot and the inflator bolster.

7. The adapter as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The interference is formed by the engagement between the inflator stud and an edge of the second leg of the slot, and by the engagement between the discharge end of the inflator and the end portion of the adapter.

8. The adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The connector is configured to connect to the filling tube via one of a compression fitting, a connecting fitting, and a crimp fitting.

9. The adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The adapter includes a pair of adapter halves that can be connected to each other to form the sleeve.

10. The adapter as claimed in claim 9, wherein, Each adapter half includes one or more flanges configured to overlap each other and receive fasteners to connect the adapter halves to each other and secure the adapter to the discharge end of the inflator.

11. The adapter as claimed in claim 10, wherein, One of the adapter halves includes an opening configured to receive the inflator plug.

12. The adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The adapter is configured to adapt to an inflator configured to radially discharge inflation fluid into the airbag, and to axially discharge inflation fluid into the filling tube.

13. An airbag module, comprising: airbags; An inflator for generating an inflation fluid for inflating the airbag; A filling tube for delivering inflation fluid from the inflator to the airbag; as well as The adapter as described in claim 1.

14. The airbag module as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The airbag module is configured to be installed in the roof of a vehicle, wherein the airbag is configured to deploy downwards to an inflatable deployment position, wherein the inflator is configured to be installed away from the airbag, and wherein the filling tube is configured to extend from the inflator to the airbag.

15. The airbag module as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The airbag includes a frontal airbag configured to deploy between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle's dashboard, wherein the airbag is configured to be mounted in a roof crossbeam and the inflator is configured to be mounted in a roof longitudinal beam.

16. The airbag module as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The inflator is a passenger airbag inflator configured to be positioned inside a passenger airbag that deploys from the dashboard, wherein the adapter is configured to adapt the passenger airbag inflator for use with the filling tube.

17. A vehicle safety system, comprising: The airbag module as described in claim 13; as well as A controller configured to activate the inflator in response to an event that would cause the airbag to inflate and deploy.

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