Air bag inflator with initiator retainer

Abstract

An inflator ( 10 ) comprises a container ( 30 ) in which inflation fluid is stored under pressure. The container ( 30 ) has an opening ( 40 ) through which inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member ( 60 ) is fixed to the container ( 30 ) and blocks flow of inflation fluid through the opening ( 40 ). The inflator includes an initiator ( 70 ) for, when actuated, rupturing the closure member ( 60 ) to enable inflation fluid to flow from the container through the opening ( 40 ). The inflator ( 10 ) also includes a retainer ( 90 ) for retaining the initiator ( 70 ) on the container ( 30 ). The retainer ( 90 ) comprises first and second parts ( 92, 94 ) that are movable relative to each other when the retainer is not connected with the container ( 30 ). The first and second retainer parts ( 92, 94 ) when connected with the container ( 30 ) cooperate to clamp the initiator ( 70 ) in position on the container. The first and second retainer parts ( 92, 94 ) define a fluid outlet ( 108, 140 ) through which inflation fluid flows from the opening ( 40 ) to exit the inflator ( 10 ).

Having described the invention, I claim:  
     
         1 . An inflator for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, comprising: 
 a container in which inflation fluid is stored under pressure, said container having an opening through which inflation fluid flows from said container;    a rupturable closure member fixed to said container and blocking flow of inflation fluid through said opening;    an initiator for, when actuated, rupturing said closure member to enable inflation fluid to flow from said container through said opening; and    a retainer for retaining said initiator on said container, said retainer comprising first and second parts that are movable relative to each other when said retainer is not connected with said container;    said first and second retainer parts when connected with said container cooperating to clamp said initiator in position on said container;    said first and second retainer parts defining a fluid outlet through which inflation fluid flows from said opening to exit said inflator.    
     
     
         2 . An inflator as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first and second retainer parts have aligned fluid outlet openings through which inflation fluid flows.  
     
     
         3 . An inflator as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first and second retainer parts have adjacent mounting portions that are secured to said container to hold said retainer in position on said container.  
     
     
         4 . An inflator as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first retainer part has a disk-shaped configuration including a central opening for receiving and supporting said initiator and at least one fluid outlet opening.  
     
     
         5 . An inflator as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a support for said rupturable closure member, said rupturable closure member having a first portion deformed into engagement with said support by the pressure of said inflation fluid in said container, said support transmitting force from said closure member to said retainer.  
     
     
         6 . An inflator as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first retainer part comprises a support for said rupturable closure member, said rupturable closure member having a first portion deformed into engagement with said support by the pressure of said inflation fluid in said container.  
     
     
         7 . An inflator as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said initiator when actuated generates combustion products and a shock wave that are directed through the interior of said support into engagement with said closure member to rupture said closure member.  
     
     
         8 . An inflator as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first retainer part is received in said container with an interference fit to locate said first retainer part relative to said container, said initiator being supported on said first retainer part, and said second retainer part being self-centering on said initiator.  
     
     
         9 . An inflator as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said container has a longitudinal axis and said fluid outlet extends parallel to said longitudinal axis of said container.