DE102006016012A1 - ignitor - Google Patents

Abstract

The igniter assembly includes an igniter main body having a metallic header, a conductive pin attached to the metallic header, a heat generating element provided on the metallic header and electrically connected to the conductive pin, a metallic cup having an upper surface and a side surface on the outside of the metallic cup and an ignition charge which is in contact with the heat-generating element. The assembly further includes a collar that holds the igniter main body and plastic that covers part of the top surface of the metal cup and the side surface of the metal cup, with another part of the top surface of the metal cup exposed.

Description

background the invention

Territory of invention

The The present invention relates to an ignition assembly which is incorporated in an inhibiting device can be used to protect vehicle occupants and pedestrians.

A known embodiment an electric detonator, that in an inhibitor for humans or the like is used, has a central pin (a conductive stylus) connected to a metallic header over insulating member is attached, and a ground pin (another conductive pin) attached directly to the metallic header is). A warmth is generating body across a head portion of the conductive pin and the metallic head piece, a metallic cup for holding an ignition charge is on the metallic one headpiece attached, and the metallic cup is electric with the earth pin connected.

If in this type of electric igniter the conductive pin as the earth pin works and an electric current from the outside flowing into the metallic bowl, flows the electric current in the heat generating body and causes a faulty operation of the igniter. Around such a faulty operation To prevent is an insulating material on an outer surface of the metallic cup provided, and means are provided to secure to make that the conductive pin and the ground pin are connected correctly.

US 2002/0069783 A1 discloses a header assembly 20 with an eyelet 60 and a pot 65 , the outside of the eyelet 60 surrounds, wherein an ignition charge is received in a receiving chamber formed in the pot, and wherein the pot by welding 61 at the eyelet 60 is attached. The entire igniter is covered by injection molding with the insulating material. The entire outer surface of the metallic cup is covered with a synthetic resin as an insulating component.

Of the Igniter main body is in a fitting holding the conductive pin tightly to prevent that yourself the fuze main body below the pressure moves during the the injection occurs. As a result, the conductive pen becomes light damaged, and this damage can cause the senior Pin rusts. If rust occurs, the conductivity is adversely affected.

at this ignition arrangement the resin also has a fragile part, in which the Thickness is reduced, so that the metallic cup easily upon activation of the igniter assembly can break. However, it is difficult to use the synthetic resin with a Process to produce so that the Thickness of the synthetic resin as insulating component partially reduced is, and this leads to a lack of stability of the Ignitor. To the igniter assembly Furthermore, the requirement is made that their manufacturing costs are reduced are.

Summary the invention

Of the Invention is the object of the invention to provide a Zündanordnung, the an improved ignition performance and improved quality stability, the manufacturing costs should be low.

• – einem metallischen Kopfstück,
• – einem leitenden Stift, der an dem metallischen Kopfstück befestigt ist,
• – einem Wärme erzeugenden Körper auf dem metallischen Kopfstück, der elektrisch mit dem leitenden Stift verbunden ist,
• – einem metallischen Napf mit einer Oberseite und einer Seitenfläche an einer Außenseite,
• – einer Zündungsladung, die in den metallischen Napf geladen ist, wobei der metallische Napf über dem metallischen Kopfstück angeordnet ist und
• – eine Zündungsladung in Kontakt mit dem Wärme erzeugenden Körper steht, wobei ein Kragen den Zünderhauptkörper trägt und ein Kunstharz einen Teil der Oberseite des metallischen Napfes und die Seitenfläche des metallischen Napfes überdeckt, wobei ein anderer Teil der Oberseite des metallischen Napfes nach außen freiliegt.

The present invention provides an ignition assembly comprising:
a fuze main body with

• A metallic head piece,
• A conductive pin attached to the metallic header,
• A heat generating body on the metallic header electrically connected to the conductive pin,
• A metallic cup having an upper side and a side surface on an outer side,
• An ignition charge charged in the metallic cup, the metallic cup being disposed over the metallic header, and
• An ignition charge is in contact with the heat generating body, with one collar supporting the igniter main body and one resin covering part of the top of the metallic cup and the side surface of the metallic cup, with another part of the top of the metallic cup exposed to the outside.

If the collar contains a metallic material, the resin is between the fuze main body and the collar arranged as an insulating material, and the fuze main body and the Collar are attached to each other by the synthetic resin.

• (A) Wenn die Zündanordnung hergestellt wird, indem der Zünderhauptkörper an dem Kragen mit einer Methode befestigt wird, bei der das Kunstharz eines isolierendes Materials zwischen den Kragen und den Zünderhauptkörper injiziert wird, die in einer Spritzgußform gehalten werden, kann der Zünderhauptkörper dadurch fixiert werden, daß ein Kontakt der Spritzgußform mit der Oberseite des metallischen Napfes entsteht, der nicht mit dem Kunstharz überdeckt wird, anstatt daß der leitende Stift ergriffen wird.
• (B) Wenn die Oberseite des metallischen Napfes teilweise mit dem Kunstharz überdeckt wird, ist die Menge des verwendeten Kunstharzes pro Einheit reduziert, und die Verringerung der Menge an eingesetztem Kunstharz wird wegen der Massenproduktion der Zündanordnung extrem groß, so daß die Herstellungsordnung der Zündanordnung reduziert sein können. Dies ist auch von dem Gesichtspunkt der Bewahrung der Ressourcen vorteilhaft.

In the igniter assembly of the present invention, the entirety of the cylindrical side surface and a portion of the upper surface of the metallic cup are covered with a synthetic resin which is an insulating material, and the metallic surface of the metallic cup lies against the remainder of the upper surface otherwise associated with the synthetic resin is covered, free. These constructive elements are the achieved goals described above, and the ignition assembly has functions and effects, which are shown below at (A) and (B).

• (A) When the igniter assembly is made by attaching the igniter main body to the collar by a method of injecting the synthetic resin of an insulating material between the collar and the igniter main body, which are held in an injection mold, the igniter main body can be fixed thereby in that a contact of the injection mold with the top of the metallic cup is formed, which is not covered with the resin, rather than that the conductive pin is gripped.
• (B) When the top of the metallic cup is partially covered with the resin, the amount of resin used per unit is reduced, and the reduction in the amount of resin used becomes extremely large because of the mass production of the igniter assembly, so that the manufacturing order of the igniter assembly is reduced could be. This is also advantageous from the point of view of preserving resources.

The ignitor is used when in a gas generator for an airbag or the like is installed. If the metallic cup of the ignition assembly is a housing or is another metal component of the gas generator touches is the part of the top of the metallic cup in accordance isolated with the internal structure of the gas generator.

A Shape of the top of the metallic cup, which overlaps with the resin is (a pattern of the synthetic resin that is the top of the metallic Cups covered), and an area of the top of the metallic cup at which the top of the metallic cup is not limited.

The metallic surface of the metallic cup may be exposed at the rest of the top, the not covered with the synthetic resin is.

Short description the drawings

The The present invention will be better understood from the detailed description understandable, which is made below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent the invention by way of example only, with the present invention Invention should not be limited should. Show it:

1 shows a longitudinal section through an ignition assembly according to the present invention;

2 shows various patterns of a synthetic resin covering part of the top of a metallic cup according to the present invention;

3 shows a longitudinal section through an ignition assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

4 shows an axial cross section through a conventional gas generator;

5 shows a cross section through part of the ignition assembly according to the present invention, which in 4 is installed;

6 shows an axial cross section through a conventional inflator and

7 shows a cross section through an igniter assembly according to the present invention, installed in 6 ,

detailed Description of the invention

The The present invention relates to an ignition assembly in which a peripheral edge portion of the Top of metallic cup with the resin of an electric covered by insulating plastic is, and a central portion of the top of the metallic cup is free. As a result, the functions and effects according to (A) and (B) receive.

The The present invention further relates to an ignition arrangement in which a part the top of the metallic cup of the central section of the top covered with the synthetic resin of the electrically insulating plastic may be, in which case a part of the peripheral edge portion of the top of the metallic cup may be exposed. That way the functions and the effects are kept according to (A) and (B).

The The present invention further relates to an ignition arrangement in which a fragile Part in a part of the top of the metallic cup that is free is, can be provided.

Of the fragile part can be formed by a procedure to reduce the thickness of the appropriate part, or a method of forming grooves in a cross shape, radial Shape or the like.

The present invention further relates to an ignition assembly in which the collar comprises a metallic material, wherein the synthetic resin is further disposed between the igniter main body and the collar as an insulating material, so that the Igniter main body and the collar are secured together by the resin.

Of the Igniter main body and the collar can be attached to each other at the same time as the fuze main body with the synthetic resin covered is, in a single plastic injection process.

The ignitor Can be used with an inflator or an inflator be using a gas generating agent as one Gas source, or in an inflator, a compressed gas as a gas source used, or in an inflator, both the gas-producing Medium as well as the compressed gas used. In addition, the ignition arrangement able to exert an equally advantageous ignition performance, if It is installed in inflators, the various internal Have structures.

at the ignition arrangement becomes a part of the top of the metallic cup, which comes with an ignition charge loaded, covered with plastic, the rest of the top of the metallic cup is exposed. As a result the functions and effects according to (A) and (B) are achieved.

The Thickness of the plastic can be in a range of 0.3 to 1.5 mm, preferably be set to 0.5 to 1.2 mm to the electrical Insulation of the metallic cup to ensure.

Around desired Positions of the part of the top of the metallic cup with plastic to coat, is applied a method in which the top of the metallic Cup pressed against a predetermined injection mold, the previously molded is, so that the Plastic cover in the desired Form (in the desired Pattern), whereupon the plastic is injected.

The Top of the metallic cup, which is pressed against the injection mold, is not covered with plastic, and as a result, remains part of the top of the metallic one Napfes exposed.

embodiments the invention

(1) Ignition arrangement of 1

1 is a longitudinal section through a Zündanordnung 10 ,

The ignition arrangement 10 contains a fuze main body 11 and a metallic igniter collar 12 that is integral with a plastic 13 attached to each other. Plastic 13 can be introduced using an injection molding process.

A central pin 16 (a) (senior pin) and an earth pin 16 (b) (another conductive pin) are on a metallic header 15 attached. The earth pin 16 (b) can on the metallic head piece 15 be fixed by welding, like 1 in block lines shows.

Part of a periferic section of the center pin 16 (a) is of an insulating element 17 (Glass or the like) surrounded so that the central pin 16a the metallic head piece 15 not touched directly. The earth pin 16b is electric with the metallic head piece 15 connected. An upper end surface of the central pin 16a , the insulating element 17 and an upper surface of the metallic header 15 are designed so that they are aligned. Both the central pin 16 (a) as well as the earth pin 16 (b) may be attached to the metallic header via an insulating member.

A bridgewire 16 is across the center pin 16 (a) and the metallic head piece 15 as an electric resistance wire (heat-generating body). The bridge wire 18 is used to convert electrical energy (in other words, an electrical signal) into heat energy. A platinum wire (with a melting point of 1,870 ° C), a chrome nickel wire (with a melting point of 1,400 ° C) or a similar wire can be used as a bridgewire 18 be used. The bridge wire 18 Can be done by welding with the center pin 16 (a) and the metallic head piece.

A metallic cup 20 is on the metallic head piece 15 arranged, and an ignition charge 21 is housed in the interior thereof (a space which receives an ignition charge), so that they the bridgewire 18 touched. As material for the ignition charge 21 passing through the bridge wire 18 For example, zirconium calcium perchlorate may be used to ignite and burn off generated heat.

The metallic cup 20 is on the surface of the metallic head piece 15 attached to an open side portion of the metallic cup by welding, so that the metallic cup 20 and the metallic head piece 15 abut each other.

The metallic cup 20 has a cylindrical side surface 20 (a) and an upper surface 20 (b) , The entire cylindrical side surface 20 (a) and a part of the upper surface 20 (b) are with a plastic 25 covered, which is electrically insulating. The rest of the part of the upper surface 20 (b) is not with the plastic 25 thus covering an area of the metallic cup (a part of the upper surface 20b ) is exposed (the exposed part of the top 20 (b) is hereinafter referred to as an "exposed area 30 "be draws). A fragile portion of the metallic cup may be on a portion of the exposed surface 20 be provided, in which the thickness is reduced or formed therein a cross-shaped groove. When the igniter assembly 10 is activated, breaks the metallic cup 20 on the exposed area 30 (or at the fragile portion, if the fragile portion is provided). The pattern in which the plastic 25 the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 is set within a range that allows the above-mentioned functions according to (A) and (B).

The 2 (a) to 2 (f) show examples of a pattern of plastic covering a part of the upper surface of the metallic cup. In 2 (a) is a peripheral edge portion of the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 from the plastic 25 covered in a ring shape, and the surface of the metallic cup is exposed in a central portion of the upper surface. A circular fragile section 26 the central portion of the metallic cup is of reduced thickness at the exposed surface 30 intended. Plastic 25 For example, in the following way, in the pattern that is in 2 (a) is shown trained.

The fuze main body 11 and the igniter collar 12 are arranged in an injection mold (an upper mold and a lower mold) so as to have a predetermined space therebetween. At this time, the igniter collar 12 between the lower half of the mold and the upper side fixed (gripped). With regard to the fuze main body 11 become the center pen 16a and the earth pin 16 (b) in a hole of the mold, which is formed, for example, in the lower mold inserted, and a part of the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 that of the exposed area 30 is pressed against a predetermined position of the upper mold. Thus, the fuze main body becomes 11 through the central pin 16 (a) and the earth pin 16 (b) held in the hole in the lower mold and the exposed surface 30 is pressed against the upper mold. When the plastic is then introduced into the interior of the injection mold, the part of the upper surface becomes 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 that touches the upper mold, not covered with the plastic. As a result, the igniter assembly becomes 10 with the exposed area 30 that in the 1 and 2 (a) shown is received.

In 2 B) is the peripheral edge portion of the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 from the plastic 25 covered in the pattern shown in the drawing, so that the surface of the metallic cup 20 in the central portion of the upper surface 20 (b) is free. A radially grooved fragile section 27 is at the exposed area 30 provided, as shown in the drawing.

In 2 (c) is the peripheral edge portion of the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 from the plastic 25 covered in the pattern shown in the drawing, so that the surface of the metallic cup 20 in the central portion of the upper surface 20 (b) is free. A radially grooved fragile section 28 is at the exposed area 30 provided, as shown in the drawing.

In 2 (d) is the central portion of the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 from the plastic 25 covered in a circular shape, and the surface of the metallic cup 20 is located at the peripheral edge portion of the upper surface 20 (b) free. A fragile section of the metallic cup 20 can work in a similar way on the exposed area 30 be provided.

In 2 (e) is a part of the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 including the central portion of the metallic cup 20 from the plastic 25 covered in the pattern shown in the drawing (the plastic 25 , the cylindrical side surface 20 (a) covered, and the plastic 25 that is the top surface 20 (b) covered, interconnected) and the surface of the metallic cup lies in four parts of the peripheral edge portion of the upper surface 20 (b) free. The fragile section may be similar to the exposed surface 30 be provided.

In 2 (f) is a part of the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup 20 including the central portion of the upper surface of the plastic 25 covered in a cross shape, so that the plastic 13 , the cylindrical side surface 20 (a) covered, and the plastic 25 that is the top surface 20 (b) covered, interconnected, and the surface of the metallic cup 20 is exposed at the four wing-shaped sections. A fragile portion of the metallic cup may be similarly exposed on the exposed surface 30 be educated.

Both 1 and 2 , with the exception of 2 (d) , becomes the plastic 25 and the plastic 13 formed simultaneously by a single injection when the fuze main body 11 and the collar 12 to be integrated.

The upper surface 20 (b) the metallic cup of the igniter main body 11 is from the plastic 25 in the pattern that is in 2 (a) is shown, covered, and when the ignition charge 21 at Activation of the ignition device ignited and burned, creates an ignition energy, the exposed surface 30 (the fragile section 26 ) breaks. The ignition energy is then passed through a fraction of the exposed surface 30 omitted. The exposed area 30 is a trajectory formed when the fuze main body 11 is in contact with the injection mold, whereby the functions and effects according to (A) are achieved. In addition, the amount of plastic according to the exposed area 30 can be reduced, resulting in a very large overall reduction when the igniter assembly 10 for example, in units of several millions, thus achieving the functions and effects according to (B).

(2) Ignition arrangement according to 3

3 is a longitudinal section through an ignition assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The reference numerals corresponding to those shown in FIG 1 used are identical elements.

In the ignition arrangement 100 becomes the fuze main body 11 first prepared, whereupon the fuze main body 11 and the metallic collar 12 be integrally secured together by an annular projection 12a of the metallic collar 12 is caulked. The pattern in which the plastic 25 the upper surface 20 (d) of the metallic cup 20 covered, can be selected from those in the 2 (a) to 2 (f) are shown.

3. Gas generator, in the ignition arrangement 10 of the 1 is installed (which uses a gas generating agent as a gas source)

4 shows a gas generator for an airbag, as in 1 JP-A No. 10-95302 is shown. In 1 JP-A-No. Designated 10-95302 4 an igniter, and thus are the detonator 4 and a collar portion integrated therewith through the igniter assembly 10 of the present invention, which in 1 is shown.

In the gas generator, the 4 shows is a transport container 53 who has a promotional charge 5 accommodates, arranged in an ignition device, the one chamber 23 contains. The cargo container 53 is generally formed of a conductive material such as aluminum.

As in 5 (a) is shown, touched on the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup (the plastic covering pattern of the 2 (a) has) the ignition assembly 10 plastic 25 which covers a part of the peripheral edge portion of the upper surface, a bottom surface 53 (a) of the transport container 53 so that the exposed surface 30 the floor area 53 (a) not touched.

Even if an electric current in a housing 1 of the airbag inflator, this electric current does not flow into the metallic cup 20 and the metallic head piece 15 so that malfunctions of the fuze main body 11 can not occur.

In the 4 and 5 (a) have the detonator 4 (the igniter assembly 10 when replaced) and the igniter transport container 53 However, depending on the internal structure of the gas generator, they may also have non-coincident center axes in the axial direction (for example, the igniter may be the same as the center axis in the axial direction (shown by the dotted line in the drawing) 4 in 4 be a little to the left).

As in 5 (b) is shown, in such a case, only the part of the upper surface 20 (b) of metallic cup standing near the conveyor cargo container 53 (a) is or is in contact with this, with the plastic 25 be covered.

(4) Inflator with built-in igniter assembly 10 of the 1 (using a compressed gas as a gas source)

6 shows an inflator, as in 1 JP-A No. 2003-25951 is shown. In 1 referred to in this publication 26 an igniter, and thus are the detonator 26 and a collar part integrated therewith through the ignition arrangement 10 of the present invention, which in 1 is shown.

When the igniter assembly 10 in 6 is installed, there is a gap between the upper surface 20 (d) the metallic cup and a fragile plate 19 however, depending on an internal structure of the inflator, the top surface may 20 (d) of the metallic cup and the fragile plate 19 be arranged closer to each other. Even in such a case, the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup and the fragile plate 19 be put in a similar state, in which the upper surface 20 (b) of the metallic cup with the bottom surface 53 (a) touches, as in 5 (a) is shown why a faulty operation (malfunction) can not occur.

Besides, in 6 the detonator 26 (the igniter assembly 10 if placed instead) and the fragile plate 19 matching center axes in the axial direction, however, the igniter 26 (the igniter assembly 10 if used instead), and the zer breakable plate 19 in the axial direction also mismatched center axes depending on the internal structure of the inflator have (for example, the fuze 26 in 6 something to be shifted to the lower side).

In this case, as in 7 Shown is a lower half of the upper surface 20 (b) the metallic cup of the plastic 25 covered and an upper half of the upper surface 20 (b) is as an exposed area 30 intended. This makes it possible, only a part of the upper surface of the metallic cup with the plastic 25 to cover the closest to the fragile plate 19 lies.

As described above, the ignition assembly the present invention are used in gas generators, which have different known internal structures and different ones use known gas sources and it has a similar ignition performance regardless of the gas generator in which it is installed.

It it is obvious that the described invention can be varied in various ways. These variations and modifications, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the scope of the inventive concept.

Claims (5)

ignitor full: an igniter main body which - a metallic one Headpiece - one conductive pin which is fixed to the metallic header, - a heat-generating Element, which is arranged on the metallic head piece and electrically connected to the conductive pen, - a metallic bowl, the one upper surface and a side surface Outside contains at the metallic cup, and - one ignition charge having in contact with the heat generating element, - one Collar holding the fuze main body and - one Plastic, which forms part of the upper surface of the metallic cup and the side surface the metallic cup covered, in which another part next to the covered one Part of the upper surface the metallic cup is exposed. ignitor according to claim 1, characterized, that the upper one area of the metallic cup has an edge portion and a central portion Has, that the Plastic covers at least a portion of the edge portion of the upper surface and that the central portions of the upper surface the metallic cup is exposed. ignitor according to claim 1, characterized, that the upper one area of the metallic cup has an edge portion and a central portion having, that the Plastic part of the upper surface including the central portion of the upper surface covered, and that part the upper edge portion of the upper surface of the metallic cup is free. ignitor according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the metallic cup a fragile section on the upper surface of the metallic cup which is exposed. ignitor according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized, that the collar of a metallic Material exists, that the Plastic also between the fuze main body and the collar is arranged as an insulating material, and that the fuze main body and the collar are fastened together by the plastic.