FILTERDIFFUSOR

Abstract

Diffuser (100) for an airbag, including: a first tube (104) with a first circumferential wall (116) which has a wedge connected to a receiving section (142) and defines a first opening (156); and a second tube (108) which is inserted through the first opening (156) perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis (X) of the first tube (104), wherein the second tube (108) defines a notch (184) on a third cylindrical section (172) of a second circumferential wall (166), wherein the wedge (144) is inserted into the notch (184) to engage a second opening (180) of the third cylindrical section (172) in the receiving section (142), wherein the first tube (104) defines a first cavity (158), the second tube (108) defines a second cavity (188) and the first cavity (158) is in fluid communication with the downstream second cavity (188), wherein the second tube (108) defines at least one perforation (182) in the third cylindrical section (172), and the first cavity (158) is in fluid communication with the second cavity (188) via the second opening (180) and the at least one perforation (182), wherein the receiving section (142) is designed to receive the second tube (108), and wherein the receiving section (142) of the first opening (156) is opposite along a longitudinal axis (Y) of the second tube (108).

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to airbag components in the vehicle and in particular to a filter diffuser. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In recent years, diffusers have been developed to disperse a flow of gas within an airbag in order to inflate it. For example, a diffuser can be connected to a reaction canister and an airbag. These diffusers fluidically connect the reaction canister to the airbag and help to disperse the gases generated in the reaction canister throughout the airbag.

[0003] Certain known diffusers feature an air pump tip designed to be positioned within the airbag. The air pump tip has a longitudinal axis and defines circumferential holes perpendicular to this axis to disperse gases generated in the reaction canister in a variety of directions within the airbag.

[0004] However, these existing diffusers do not direct the gases in specific, predetermined directions within the airbag. Therefore, there is a need for a diffuser that directs gases in specific, predetermined directions within an airbag.

[0005] Publication DE 19957578A1 describes, for example, an inflatable device for an occupant of a motor vehicle, in which gases generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the airbag via appropriately directed gas lines.

[0006] Publication JP-H 10264762A describes a connection associated with an airbag, including a laterally attached support tube for the gas generator, with the gas generator projecting laterally into the connecting tube.

[0007] The publication DE 20215541U1 describes a restraint system for a side gasbag, wherein an elongated gas generator in the area of ​​a B-pillar is connected to the side gasbag via a gas distributor. SUMMARY

[0008] The invention solves the problem through the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0009] According to one aspect, an exemplary diffuser has a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a wedge and defines a first opening. The second tube is inserted through the first opening. The second tube defines a notch. The wedge is inserted into the notch.

[0010] According to another aspect, an exemplary diffuser has a first tube and a second tube. The first tube defines a cavity. The second tube is inserted into the first tube. The second tube has a perforated section located within the cavity. The second tube defines an outlet that is aligned with the first tube. The outlet is in fluid communication with the cavity via the perforated section.

[0011] According to another aspect, an exemplary diffuser has a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a chamfer. The chamfer defines an opening. The second tube extends through the opening and engages with the chamfer to create a seal. The second tube has a perforated section that is positioned within the first tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first exemplary diffuser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the first exemplary diffuser made of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of the first exemplary diffuser from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary diffuser from the Fig. 1-3 along line 4-4 from Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first exemplary diffuser from the Fig. 1-4, taken from section B Fig. 4; and Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary diffuser from the Fig. 1-5 along line 6-6 from Fig. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a diffuser that directs a gas flow in specific, predetermined directions within an airbag and filters the gas flow upstream of the airbag.

[0013] A first exemplary diffuser 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the Fig. Shown in 1-6. With reference to the Fig. Figures 1-6 show that the first exemplary diffuser 100 has a first tube 104 and a second tube 108. The first tube 104 engages with the second tube 108. In some embodiments, the first tube 104 and / or the second tube 108 are metallic. In other embodiments, the first tube 104 and / or the second tube 108 are made of a polymer. The first tube 104 and the second tube 108 can be made of any suitable material.

[0014] With reference to Fig. 1 The first pipe 104 has a first end wall 112 and a first circumferential wall 116. The first end wall 112 is connected to the first circumferential wall 116. With reference to Fig. Figure 4 shows that the first circumferential wall 116 has a first cylindrical section 120, a first flat section 124, a second flat section 126, a first ramp section 130, and a second ramp section 132. The first cylindrical section 120 is connected to the first ramp section 130 and the second ramp section 132. The first flat section 124 is opposite the second flat section 126. The first flat section 124 is connected to the first ramp section 130. The second flat section 126 is connected to the second ramp section 132. With reference to Fig. 6 The first circumferential wall 116 also has a first curved section 136, a second curved section 138, a receiving section 142 and a wedge 144. With reference to Fig. 2. The first curved section 136 and the second curved section 138 are opposite each other. The first curved section 136 and the second curved section 138 are connected to the first flat section 124. The first curved section 136 and the second curved section 138 are also connected to the second flat section 126. The receiving section 142 is generally circular. The receiving section 142 is connected to the second flat section 126 and extends outwards from it. The wedge 144 is not circular (e.g., square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.) and is connected to the receiving section 142 and to the second flat section 126. With reference to Fig. 1 The first perimeter wall 116 also has a first transition area 148 and a chamfer 150. The first end wall 112 is connected to the first transition area 148. With reference to Fig. 4 The chamfer 150 is opposite the receiving section 142 and is connected to the first flat section 124. With reference to Fig. 4 defines the first cylindrical section 120 as a first inlet 154. With reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 defines the chamfer 150 as a first opening 156. The first inlet 154 is in fluid communication with the first opening 156. The first tube 104 defines a first cavity 158. With reference to Fig. 4 is the first opening 156 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of the first tube 104.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 1. The second pipe 108 has a second end wall 162 and a second circumferential wall 166. The second end wall 162 is connected to the second circumferential wall 166. With reference to Fig. 4 The second circumferential wall 166 has a second transition area 168, a second cylindrical section 170, and a third cylindrical section 172. The second transition area 168 is connected to the second cylindrical section 170 and the third cylindrical section 172, forming a partially conical, tapered transition between them. The second cylindrical section 170 has a larger diameter than the third cylindrical section 172. The second cylindrical section 170 defines a first outlet 176 and a second outlet 178. In some embodiments, the first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178 are aligned with the longitudinal axis X. In other embodiments, the first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178 are offset relative to the longitudinal axis X. With reference to Fig. 6. The third cylindrical section 172 defines a second opening 180, several perforations 182, and a notch 184. Thus, the third cylindrical section 172 is perforated. The second opening 180 is in fluid communication with the several perforations 182. The second tube defines a second cavity 188. With reference to Fig. In some embodiments, the first outlet 176 is located opposite the second outlet 178. The first outlet 176, the second outlet 178, and each of the multiple perforations 182 are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis Y of the second tube 108.

[0016] With regard to the Fig. 4-6, the second tube 108 is inserted into the first tube 104 through the first opening 156. In some embodiments, the chamfer 150 engages tightly and sealingly in the second cylindrical section 170 via an interference fit. In other words, before the second tube 108 is installed in the first tube 104, the outer diameter of the second cylindrical section 170 is larger than the inner diameter of the chamfer 150 (not shown). The chamfer 150 and the second transition area 168 act as insertion features to facilitate the insertion of the second tube 108 into the first tube 104. With reference to Fig. In some embodiments, section 5 defines a groove 190 on the second tube 108 to receive the chamfer 150 in a snap-fit ​​manner. Thus, the second tube 108 engages securely with the first tube 104 in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0017] With regard to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 6. The wedge 144 is inserted into the notch 184 to engage the third cylindrical section 172. With reference to Fig. 4 prevents the insertion of the wedge 144 into the notch 184 and a rotation of the second tube 108 relative to the first tube 104 in the first opening 156 about the axis Y. With reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 The third cylindrical section 172 sits in the receiving section 142. The insertion of the third cylindrical section 172 into the receiving section 142 prevents the second tube 108 from pivoting relative to the first tube 104. Thus, with regard to Fig. 4. The first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178 are fixed in position relative to the first pipe 104. In the example from the Fig. 4 and Fig. In 6, the first tube 104 and the second tube 108 are generally perpendicular. In some embodiments, the receiving section 142 and the wedge 144 are offset from the first opening, and the first tube 104 and the second tube 108 are not arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0018] With regard to the Fig. 4-6, the third cylindrical section 172 and the second transition area 168 are arranged in the first cavity 158. The multiple perforations 182 are in fluid communication with the first cavity 158 and the second cavity 188. With reference to Fig. 4. The first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178 are in fluid communication with the second cavity 188. The first cavity 158 is in fluid communication with the first inlet 154. Thus, the first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178 are in fluid communication with the first inlet 154 via the first cavity 158, the multiple perforations 182, and the second cavity 188.

[0019] With regard to the Fig. 4 and Fig. In operation, the first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178 are located downstream of the second cavity 188. In operation, the second cavity 188 is located downstream of the multiple perforations 182. In operation, the multiple perforations 182 are located downstream of the first cavity 158. In operation, the first cavity 158 is located downstream of the first inlet 154.

[0020] With regard to the Fig. 4 and Fig. Conversely, in operation, the first inlet 154 is located upstream of the first cavity 158. In operation, the first cavity 158 is located upstream of the multiple perforations 182. In operation, the multiple perforations 182 are located upstream of the second cavity 188. In operation, the second cavity 188 is located upstream of the first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178.

[0021] With regard to the Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 The first cylindrical section 120 is designed to engage sealingly with a reaction canister (not shown). When the reaction canister generates a stream of gas, the stream enters the diffuser 100 via the first inlet 154. Each of the multiple perforations 182 is dimensioned to prevent solids (not shown) carried along by the gas stream from entering the second cavity 188. Thus, the solids remain in the first cavity 158. In other words, the third cylindrical section 172 filters the gas stream from the reaction canister upstream of the second cavity 188.

[0022] With regard to the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig.The second cylindrical section 170 is designed to engage sealingly with an airbag (not shown). When the second tube 108 engages with the airbag, the second end wall 162 is located inside the airbag, and the first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178 are in fluid communication with an interior space defined by the airbag (not shown). The diffuser 100 can be oriented relative to the airbag to strategically direct the flow of gas exiting the second tube 108, via the first outlet 176 and the second outlet 178, to specific regions of the airbag's interior space (not shown).

[0023] It is evident from the foregoing that the aforementioned first exemplary diffuser 100 filters and directs a stream of gas from an airbag reaction canister. Thus, the diffuser 100 can contribute to faster and more even inflation of the airbag. Furthermore, the diffuser 100 can prevent solids from entering a vehicle's cockpit. Additionally, because the second tube 108 fits tightly into the first tube 104 and is fixed relative to it, the diffuser 100 does not require a secondary weld seam, unlike existing diffusers. Therefore, the first exemplary diffuser 100 can offer cost, material, and / or energy savings compared to existing diffusers.

[0024] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, and the like, may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are used only in relation to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed so that an upper section becomes a lower section and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and so on.

[0025] Various features of the disclosure are specified in the following patent claims.

Claims

[1] Diffuser (100) for an airbag, comprising: a first tube (104) with a first circumferential wall (116) which has a wedge connected to a receiving section (142) and defines a first opening (156); and a second tube (108) which is inserted through the first opening (156) perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis (X) of the first tube (104), wherein the second tube (108) defines a notch (184) on a third cylindrical section (172) of a second circumferential wall (166), wherein the wedge (144) is inserted into the notch (184) to engage a second opening (180) of the third cylindrical section (172) in the receiving section (142), wherein the first tube (104) defines a first cavity (158), the second tube (108) defines a second cavity (188) and the first cavity (158) is in fluid communication with the downstream second cavity (188), wherein the second tube (108) defines at least one perforation (182) in the third cylindrical section (172), and the first cavity (158) is in fluid communication with the second cavity (188) via the second opening (180) and the at least one perforation (182), wherein the receiving section (142) is designed to receive the second tube (108), and wherein the receiving section (142) of the first opening (156) is opposite along a longitudinal axis (Y) of the second tube (108). [2] Diffuser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving section (142) extends outwards from a flat section (126) of the first tube (104). [3] Diffuser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first tube (104) has a chamfer (150) and the chamfer (150) defines the first opening (156). [4] Diffuser (100) according to claim 3, wherein the second tube (108) defines a groove (190) designed to snap the chamfer (150) into place. [5] Diffuser (100) according to claim 3, wherein the second tube (108) is press-fitted against the chamfer (150). [6] Diffuser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second tube (108) has a transition area (168) between a first cylindrical section (170) and the third cylindrical section (172). [7] Diffuser (100) according to claim 6, wherein the transition area (168) is partially conical. [8] Diffuser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the perforation (182) is dimensioned to filter solids so that they cannot pass from the first cavity (158) into the second cavity (188). [9] Diffuser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second tube (108) defines an outlet (176, 178) in fluid communication with the second cavity (188). [10] Diffuser (100) according to claim 9, wherein the outlet (176, 178) is aligned with the first tube (104).

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