Patent ID: 6874813
Filing Date: 2005-04-05
Classification: F42B

Abstract:
1. Hybrid gas generator used for motor vehicle safety to inflate an airbag, comprising a body containing an ignition device, and a reservoir having an elongated shape connected to the body and containing pressurized gas, together with initially closed-off discharge orifices, said body possessing: i) a first pyrotechnic charge capable of generating a quantity of gas which, coupled to the volume of gas contained in the reservoir, allows the airbag to be inflated in a time period of less than 50 milliseconds, and ii) a second pyrotechnic charge capable of generating a quantity of gas sufficient to keep the airbag inflated for a time period of several seconds, wherein: a nozzle at the junction between a first end of said reservoir and said body, creates a central passage which is initially closed off by a frangible membrane, the gases generated within the body by both the first and the second pyrotechnic charges can pass through said central passage, after fracture of said frangible membrane, the first pyrotechnic charge can fracture the frangible membrane and, with the pressurized gas contained in the reservoir, open the discharge orifices, such that the pressurized gas in the reservoir and the gas generated by the first pyrotechnic charge can escape out of the reservoir at a second end of the reservoir and be discharged via the discharge orifices, in order to inflate the airbag in a time period of less than 50 milliseconds, and the gas generated by the second pyrotechnic charge can escape out of the reservoir at the second end of the reservoir and be discharged via the discharae orifices in order to keep the airbag inflated for a time period of several seconds.