摘要 |
The inflator ( 10 ) for inflating a pneumatic protective article or gear comprises a gas-containing bottle ( 17 ) with a sealing cap ( 19 ) applied thereto, an inflator housing ( 12 ), a striking member ( 13 ) contained in the inflator housing ( 12 ) and capable of moving lengthwise therein and provided at a first end thereof with a protruding piercing pin ( 16 ) adapted to make a hole in the sealing cap ( 19 ), a coil compression spring ( 21 ) contained in the inflator housing ( 12 ) and adapted to urge the striking member ( 13 ) at a second end thereof, opposite to the first end carrying the piercing pin ( 16 ), and to drive the striking member ( 13 ) against the sealing cap ( 19 ) of the bottle ( 17 ), a gas outlet port ( 20 ) provided in a wall of the inflator housing ( 12 ) for permitting the gas contained in the bottle ( 17 ) to flow from the inflator ( 10 ) into the pneumatic protective article or gear, holding means ( 24, 25 ) associated with the inflator ( 10 ) and co-operating with the striking member ( 13 ) in order to releasably hold it in a cocked condition against the action of the coil compression spring ( 21 ), actuation means ( 26 ) associated with the inflator ( 10 ) and adapted to release the holding means ( 24, 25 ), control means ( 28 ) associated with the actuation means ( 21 ) and adapted to operate the inflator ( 10 ) by causing the actuation means to release the holding means. The shape of the piercing pin ( 16 ) prevents it from remaining stuck inside the hole made in the sealing cap ( 19 ) of the bottle ( 17 ). The backward travel of the piercing pin ( 16 ), once the sealing cap ( 19 ) is perforated, is not contrasted by the coil compression spring ( 21 ).
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