JP2013166494A - Gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas generator allowing reduction in production costs and reduction of restrictions on assembling work, and allowing safe and ready production.SOLUTION: A gas generator includes a lower-side shell 10 constituted of a press-molded product, a holder 30 constituted of a resin molded part fixed to the lower-side shell 10, an igniter 40, and a substantially columnar holding cover 50. The igniter 40 is contained in a substantially cylindrical holding wall 34 provided on the folder 30, and is nipped and held by the holding cover 50 and the holder 30. The holding wall 34 has a first locking claw 34a, and the holding cover 50 has a second locking claw 53a. Parts where the first locking claw 34a and the second locking claw 53a are provided are configured such that only the claws interfere with each other, and, there exists a part where the first locking claw 34a and the second locking claw 53a mutually superpose in any state when the holding cover 50 is rotated relative to the holding wall 34.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas generator incorporated in an occupant protection device, and more particularly to a so-called disk-type gas generator incorporated in an airbag device installed in a steering wheel of an automobile.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, airbag devices, which are occupant protection devices, have been widely used from the viewpoint of protecting occupants such as automobiles. The airbag device is equipped for the purpose of protecting the occupant from the impact generated when the vehicle or the like collides. The airbag is inflated and deployed instantaneously when the vehicle or the like collides, so that the airbag becomes a cushion of the occupant. It is to catch the body.

  The gas generator is incorporated in this airbag device, and ignites the igniter by energization from the control unit at the time of a vehicle collision, etc., and the gas generating agent is burned by the flame generated in the igniter to instantly generate a large amount of gas. This is a device for inflating and deploying the airbag. Note that the airbag device is mounted on, for example, an automobile steering wheel or an instrument panel.

  There are various types of gas generators, and there is a so-called disk-type gas generator as a gas generator suitably used for a driver side airbag device equipped on a steering wheel or the like. In general, a disk-type gas generator has a short cylindrical housing whose end in the axial direction is closed, a gas outlet is provided on the peripheral wall of the housing, and a gas generating agent, an igniter, and a filter are provided inside the housing. Etc. are accommodated.

  The housing of a disk-type gas generator is generally configured by combining a bottomed cylindrical metal member called a lower shell and a bottomed cylindrical metal member called an upper shell. Of these, the lower shell constitutes at least a bottom plate portion of the housing, and an igniter is assembled and fixed to the bottom plate portion.

  Conventionally, since the shape of the upper shell is relatively simple, it has been generally manufactured by pressing a single plate member made of metal. On the other hand, for the lower shell, the shape of the portion where the igniter is assembled is complicated. For example, the metal block is cut into the portion (the portion serving as the igniter fixing portion of the lower shell). It was common to be manufactured by. However, the manufacture of the lower shell by such a cutting process has been a factor that greatly reduces the manufacturing cost, and thus improvement has been demanded.

  Therefore, the structure of the lower shell is simplified, and this is manufactured by pressing a single metal plate-like member, and an igniter is inserted into the lower shell manufactured by the press molding by resin molding. Attempts have been made to fix in the department. References disclosing such a configuration include, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-266548 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Translation of PCT International Publication No. 2005-528276 (Patent Reference 2), Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-521181 (Patent Reference 3). JP, 2010-173558, A (patent documents 4), JP, 2010-173559, A (patent documents 5), JP, 2010-173560, A (patent documents 6), etc. are mentioned.

  In the gas generators disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 6, an igniter is assembled by insert molding using a resin material as a raw material to a lower shell formed by pressing one metal plate-like member. Configuration is adopted. More specifically, a resin molded part is formed by pouring an insulating fluid resin material into a space between an igniter arranged in an opening provided in the lower shell and the lower shell and solidifying the same. And the resin molded part is fixed to the surface of the igniter and the surface of the lower shell, respectively, so that the igniter is fixed to the lower shell.

JP-A-4-266548 JP 2005-528276 A Special table 2007-521181 JP 2010-173558 A JP 2010-173559 A JP 2010-173560 A

  However, when the configuration as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 6 is employed, there is a problem that the igniter is exposed to a high temperature and high pressure environment during insert molding. In other words, an igniter is a part loaded with an igniting agent that reacts sensitively to static electricity or fire, etc., so that it needs to be handled with great care. This will entail considerable difficulty in ensuring the safety of the assembly work. For this reason, many restrictions have been imposed on the assembly work, which has been an obstacle to the easy production of the gas generator.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can reduce the production cost, and there are few restrictions in the assembly work, and gas generation that can be produced safely and easily is possible. The purpose is to provide a vessel.

  The gas generator based on this invention is provided with the housing, the igniter, and the holding | maintenance part. The housing is constituted by a top plate portion and a bottom plate portion that closes an end portion in the axial direction, and a peripheral wall portion provided with a gas outlet, and includes a combustion chamber containing a gas generating agent therein. It consists of the member. The igniter includes an igniter loading unit loaded with an igniter for burning the gas generating agent. The holding part is a part that holds the igniter. The housing has at least a lower shell including the bottom plate portion and an upper shell including the top plate portion. The bottom plate portion is provided with an opening. The holding portion includes a holding base portion provided with an accommodation recess in which the ignition agent loading portion is accommodated by a substantially cylindrical holding wall portion standing toward the top plate portion, and the ignition agent. A substantially cylindrical holding cover portion covering the loading portion. The holding base part is solidified by attaching a fluid resin material to the bottom plate part so as to reach a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate part from a part of the inner surface of the bottom plate part via the opening. By being formed, at least a part thereof is composed of a resin molded portion fixed to the bottom plate portion. The holding wall portion includes a cylindrical first base portion and a first locking claw portion projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the first base portion. A second base portion having a columnar shape and a second locking claw portion projecting outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second base portion are provided. The igniter is held by the igniter loading portion being sandwiched between the holding cover portion and the holding base portion when the first locking claw portion and the second locking claw portion are locked. Has been. In the portion where the first locking claw portion and the second locking claw portion are provided, the inner diameter size of the tip portion of the first locking claw portion is configured to be larger than the outer diameter size of the second base portion. And the outer diameter of the tip of the second locking claw is smaller than the inner diameter of the first base, and the outer diameter of the tip of the second locking claw is the first. It is comprised larger than the internal-diameter dimension of the front-end | tip part of 1 latching claw part. Here, in the gas generator according to the present invention, in any state when the holding cover portion is rotated relative to the holding wall portion with the axis of the holding wall portion as a rotation center. In addition, when viewed along the axial direction of the housing, there is a portion where the first locking claw and the second locking claw overlap.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the first locking claw portion is constituted by a plurality of locking pieces divided along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion. It is preferable that the two locking claws are constituted by a single locking piece provided continuously in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the holding cover.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, when the holding cover portion is fitted toward the holding wall portion in order to lock the first locking claw portion and the second locking claw portion. It is preferable that the upper surface of the first locking claw portion and the lower surface of the second locking claw portion that come into contact with each other have an inclined shape.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the second locking claw portion is a portion on the upper surface that is locked to the first locking claw portion, and the root of the second locking claw portion. It is preferable to have the groove part extended along the circumferential direction in the part corresponded to.

  The gas generator according to the present invention includes a cup-shaped member having a substantially cylindrical shape having a bottom and containing therein a transfer chamber loaded with a transfer agent for burning the gas generation agent by being ignited by the ignition agent. In this case, the cup-shaped member is disposed so as to protrude into the combustion chamber so as to face the ignition charge loading portion via the holding cover portion. It is preferable. In that case, it is preferable that the holding wall portion further includes a third locking claw portion projecting outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first base portion, and the cup-shaped member has a cylindrical shape. It is preferable to have a 3rd base part and the 4th latching claw part protrudingly provided toward the inner side from the inner peripheral surface of the said 3rd base part. Moreover, it is preferable that the said cup-shaped member is hold | maintained by the said holding wall part, when the said 3rd latching claw part and the said 4th latching claw part latch. Here, in the portion where the third locking claw portion and the fourth locking claw portion are provided, the outer diameter size of the tip portion of the third locking claw portion is larger than the inner diameter size of the third base portion. It is comprised small, the internal diameter dimension of the front-end | tip part of the said 4th latching claw part is comprised larger than the outer diameter dimension of the said 1st base, The outer-diameter dimension of the front-end | tip part of the said 3rd latching claw part Is preferably configured to be larger than the inner diameter of the tip portion of the fourth locking claw. In that case, in the gas generator according to the present invention, in any state in which the cup-shaped member is rotated relative to the holding wall portion around the axis of the holding wall portion as a rotation center. However, when viewed along the axial direction of the housing, it is preferable that a portion where the third locking claw portion and the fourth locking claw portion overlap is present.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that the third locking claw portion is constituted by a plurality of locking pieces divided along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion, It is preferable that the 4th latching claw part is comprised with the some latching piece parted along the circumferential direction of the said cup-shaped member.

  The gas generator according to the present invention comes into contact when the cup-shaped member is fitted toward the holding wall portion in order to lock the third locking claw portion and the fourth locking claw portion. It is preferable that both the upper surface of the third locking claw portion and the lower surface of the fourth locking claw portion are inclined.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that the bottom plate portion has a projecting cylindrical portion projecting toward the top plate portion, and in that case, the opening It is preferable that a part is provided in the axial direction edge part located in the said top-plate part side of the said projecting cylindrical part. In this case, it is preferable that the holding base part covers the entire projecting cylindrical part.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the lower shell may have an adhesive layer on at least a part of the surface of the portion covered by the holding base.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can be set as the gas generator which can reduce manufacturing cost, has few restrictions in an assembly | attachment operation | work, and can manufacture safely and easily.

It is the schematic of the gas generator in embodiment of this invention. It is a general | schematic enlarged view of the igniter vicinity of the gas generator in embodiment of this invention. It is a partially broken perspective view of the holding base part and lower shell of the gas generator in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially broken side view of the holding base part and lower shell of the gas generator in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a partially broken top view of the holding stand part and lower shell of the gas generator in an embodiment of the invention. It is a partially broken perspective view of the holding cover part of the gas generator in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the holding cover part of the gas generator in embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the holding | maintenance cover part of the gas generator in embodiment of this invention. It is a partially broken perspective view of the cup-shaped member of the gas generator in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the cup-shaped member of the gas generator in embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view of the cup-shaped member of the gas generator in embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic for demonstrating the assembly structure and assembly procedure of the igniter of a gas generator and cup-shaped member in embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows an example of the assembly | attachment state with respect to the holding cover part of the gas generator in the embodiment of this invention, and the holding stand part of a cup-shaped member. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows another example of the assembly | attachment state with respect to the holding cover part of the gas generator and the holding base part of a cup-shaped member in embodiment of this invention. It is an expansion schematic of the igniter vicinity of the gas generator which concerns on the 1st modification based on embodiment of this invention. It is a partially broken perspective view of the holding base part and lower shell of the gas generator concerning the 2nd modification based on an embodiment of the invention. It is a partially broken perspective view of the holding cover part of the gas generator concerning the 3rd modification based on an embodiment of the invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments and modifications thereof, the present invention is applied to a disk-type gas generator incorporated in an airbag device equipped in a steering wheel or the like of an automobile. In the following embodiments and modifications thereof, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged view of the vicinity of an igniter. 3 to 5 are a partially broken perspective view, a partially broken side view, and a partially broken plan view of the holding base portion and the lower shell of the gas generator in the present embodiment. 6 to 8 are a partially broken perspective view, a side view, and a plan view of the holding cover portion of the gas generator in the present embodiment. 9 to 11 are a partially broken perspective view, a side view, and a bottom view of the cup-shaped member of the gas generator in the present embodiment. First, with reference to these FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 11, the structure of the gas generator 1 in this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gas generator 1 in the present embodiment has a short cylindrical housing closed at both ends in the axial direction, and an igniter 40 as a component inside the housing. The transfer charge 64, the gas generating agent 71, the filter 80, and the like are accommodated. In addition to the above-described components, a holding base 30 and a holding cover 50 as a holding unit for holding the igniter 40 are disposed in the space inside the housing.

  The short cylindrical housing includes a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20. Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is made of a press-formed product formed by pressing one metal plate-like member.

  The lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are each formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a housing is configured by joining these opening surfaces so as to face each other. The lower shell 10 has a bottom plate portion 11 and a peripheral wall portion 12, and the upper shell 20 has a top plate portion 21 and a peripheral wall portion 22. For joining the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20, electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like is preferably used.

  A projecting cylindrical portion 13 that protrudes toward the top plate portion 21 side is provided at a substantially central portion of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower side shell 10, whereby a substantially central portion of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower side shell 10 is provided. The hollow part 14 is formed in. The projecting cylindrical portion 13 is a portion to which the igniter 40 is fixed via the holding portion described above, and the hollow portion 14 is a portion serving as a space for providing the female connector portion 36 on the holding base portion 30. .

  Here, the protruding cylindrical portion 13 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and has a tapered shape so that its outer diameter decreases as it approaches the top plate portion 21 side. Further, an opening 15 (see FIG. 2) having a circular shape in a plan view is provided at an axial end located on the top plate portion 21 side of the protruding cylindrical portion 13. The opening 15 is a part through which the pair of terminal pins 43 of the igniter 40 is inserted.

  As described above, the lower shell 10 is manufactured by pressing one metal plate-like member. Specifically, the lower shell 10 is formed into a shape as shown in the figure by pressing a single metal plate member from above and below using a pair of molds consisting of an upper mold and a lower mold. Will be produced.

  Here, as the metal plate-like member constituting the lower shell 10, for example, a metal made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy or the like having a plate thickness before pressing of approximately 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm. A so-called high-tensile steel plate that does not cause breakage or the like even when a tensile stress of 440 MPa or more and 780 MPa or less is applied is preferably used. In addition, as a plate | board thickness after a press, it is preferable that the thickness of the thinnest part shall be about 1.0 mm or more. The press working may be performed by hot forging or cold forging, but is more preferably performed by cold forging from the viewpoint of improving dimensional accuracy.

  The upper shell 20 is manufactured by pressing one metal plate-like member as described above. Specifically, the upper shell 20 is formed into a shape as shown in the figure by pressing a single metal plate-like member from above and below using a pair of molds consisting of an upper mold and a lower mold. Will be produced. Here, as the metal plate-like member constituting the upper shell, a metal plate made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy, or the like can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a holding base portion 30 is provided around the protruding cylindrical portion 13 provided at a substantially central portion of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. The holding base 30 includes an inner covering portion 31 that covers a part of the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, an outer covering portion 32 that covers a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, and a lower side A connecting portion 33 is provided in the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the shell 10, and is connected to the inner covering portion 31 and the outer covering portion 32.

  This holding base part 30 is an insulating fluid resin so as to reach from a part of the inner surface of the bottom plate part 11 to a part of the outer surface via an opening 15 provided in the bottom plate part 11 of the lower shell 10. It consists of a resin molding part formed by adhering a material to the bottom plate part 11 and solidifying it. That is, the holding table 30 is formed by injection molding (more specifically, insert molding) using a mold.

  As a raw material for the holding table 30 formed by injection molding, a resin material excellent in heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, and the like after curing is suitably selected and used. In that case, it is not limited to a thermosetting resin typified by an epoxy resin or the like, but is typified by a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66), a polypropylene sulfide resin, or a polypropylene oxide resin. It is also possible to use a thermoplastic resin. When these thermoplastic resins are selected as raw materials, it is preferable to contain glass fibers or the like as fillers in these resin materials in order to ensure the mechanical strength of the holding table 30 after molding. However, when sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured with only the thermoplastic resin, it is not necessary to add the filler as described above.

  The holding base part 30 is fixed to the bottom plate part 11 on the surface on the bottom plate part 11 side of each of the inner covering part 31, the outer covering part 32 and the connecting part 33 described above. Here, the holding base part 30 is provided so as to completely cover the protruding cylindrical part 13 provided on the bottom plate part 11 of the lower shell 10, whereby the protruding cylindrical part 13 is provided with the holding base part 30. Is completely buried.

  In addition, it is good also as performing the injection molding mentioned above using the lower side shell 10 by which the adhesive bond layer was previously provided in the predetermined position of the surface of the baseplate part 11 of the part which will be covered with the holding stand part 30. FIG. The adhesive layer can be formed by previously applying an adhesive to a predetermined position of the bottom plate portion 11 and curing it.

  In this way, since the cured adhesive layer is positioned between the bottom plate portion 11 and the holding base portion 30, the holding base portion 30 made of the resin molded portion is more firmly fixed to the bottom plate portion 11. It becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holding base portion 30 from rotating relative to the bottom plate portion 11 after injection molding. Further, if the adhesive layer is provided in an annular shape along the circumferential direction so as to surround the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11, it is possible to ensure higher sealing performance in the portion.

  Here, as the adhesive to be applied in advance to the bottom plate portion 11, a material containing a resin material excellent in heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance and the like after curing as a raw material is preferably used. Those containing a resin or a silicone resin as a raw material are particularly preferably used. In addition to the above resin materials, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, melamine resins, urea resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyurethane resins, polyimide resins, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, Polyvinyl chloride resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polytetrafluoroethylene resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, acrylonitrile styrene resin, acrylic resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin, Polyphenylene ether resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyolefin resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polysulfone resin, polyether sulfone resin, polyester Arylate resins, polyether ether ketone resin, polyamideimide resin, those containing a liquid crystal polymer such is available as an adhesive as described above.

  The position where the adhesive is applied is not particularly limited. For example, the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 11 where the protruding cylindrical portion 13 is formed (that is, covered by the outer covering portion 32 of the holding base portion 30). The entire surface of the portion of the bottom plate portion 11) or only a part thereof, or the inner surface of the portion of the bottom plate portion 11 where the protruding cylindrical portion 14 is formed (that is, the portion covered by the inner covering portion 31 of the holding base portion 30). Or the entire surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the portion covered by the holding table 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a holding wall portion 34 having an annular shape stands on the top plate portion 21 side at a portion facing the top plate portion 21 of the inner covering portion 31 of the holding base portion 30. Accordingly, the holding recess portion 35 is provided in the holding base portion 30. The housing recess 35 is a part for receiving the igniter 40 and housing a part thereof.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the holding wall portion 34 protrudes inward from the cylindrical portion as the first base portion 34 </ b> A (see FIG. 3) and the inner peripheral surface of the first base portion 34 </ b> A. It has the 1st latching claw part 34a and the 3rd latching claw part 34b projected toward the outer side from the outer peripheral surface of 34 A of 1st base parts. Each of the first locking claw portion 34a and the third locking claw portion 34b is composed of a plurality of locking pieces divided along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion 34, whereby individual locking The pieces are arranged so as to be aligned along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion 34.

  The 1st latching claw part 34a is a site | part for fixing the holding cover part 50 mentioned later to the holding base part 30, and is integrated with other site | parts of the holding base part 30 at the time of the injection molding of the holding base part 30 simultaneously. Provided. The upper surface of the 1st latching claw part 34a has the inclined shape which goes below as it goes inside along the radial direction of a housing. In the present embodiment, the individual locking pieces constituting the first locking claw portion 34 a are provided at four locations every 90 ° along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion 34.

  The 3rd latching claw part 34b is a site | part for fixing the cup-shaped member 60 mentioned later to the holding base part 30, and is integrated simultaneously with the other site | part of the holding base part 30 at the time of injection molding of the holding base part 30. Provided. The upper surface of the 3rd latching claw part 34b has the inclined shape which goes below as it goes inside along the radial direction of a housing. In the present embodiment, the individual locking pieces constituting the third locking claw portion 34 b are provided at four locations every 90 ° along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion 34.

  In addition, below the portion of the holding wall portion 34 where the first locking claw portion 34a and the third locking claw portion 34b are provided, a plurality of holes are provided penetrating in the radial direction so as to be aligned along the circumferential direction. The through-hole part 34c is located. The plurality of through-hole portions 34c are portions provided so that the holding wall portion 34 is easily elastically deformed along the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of through-hole portions 34c form individual locking pieces constituting the first locking claw portion 34a and the third locking claw portion 34b along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion 34. 4 locations are provided every 90 °.

  In addition, the holding wall portion 34 has a fitting convex portion 34 d having an annular shape at a portion facing the top plate portion 21 of the upper side shell 20. The fitting convex portion 34d is fitted into a fitting concave portion 62d (see FIG. 2 and the like) provided in the cup-shaped member 60 described later, so that the contact area between the cup-shaped member 60 and the holding base portion 30 is increased. This is a part for securing the cup-shaped member 60 to the holding table 30 more firmly while ensuring a larger size.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a female connector portion 36 is formed in a portion of the holding base portion 30 facing the outside of the outer covering portion 32. The female connector part 36 is a part for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the igniter 40 and a control unit (not shown), and the bottom plate part 11 of the lower shell 10. It is located in the hollow part 14 provided in. In the female connector portion 36, a portion near the lower end of the terminal pin 43 of the igniter 40 is disposed so as to be exposed. A male connector is inserted into the female connector portion 36, thereby realizing electrical continuity between the harness core wire and the terminal pin 43.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a pair of insertion holes 37 are provided in the connecting portion 33 of the holding base portion 30. The pair of insertion holes 37 are portions through which the pair of terminal pins 43 of the igniter 40 are inserted, and both ends thereof reach the housing recess 35 and the female connector portion 36 described above, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the igniter 40 is an ignition device (squib) that generates a flame for burning the gas generating agent 71 by igniting the transfer charge 64, a part of which is described above. It is fixed in a state of being accommodated in an accommodation recess 35 provided in the holding table 30. The details of the assembly structure of the igniter 40 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the igniter 40 mainly includes an igniting agent loading unit loaded with an igniting agent 45 and a pair of terminal pins 43 connected to the igniting agent loading unit. The igniting agent loading unit includes the igniting agent 45 that generates a flame by igniting and burning during operation, and a resistor (not shown) for igniting the igniting agent 45. Yes. The pair of terminal pins 43 are connected to the igniting agent loading unit in order to ignite the igniting agent 45.

  More specifically, the igniting agent loading unit includes a squib cup 42 made of a bottomed cylindrical member, and a disk-like embolus 41 that closes the open end of the squib cup 42. An ignition powder 45 is accommodated in a space formed by the cup 42. Here, the embolus 41 constitutes the bottom surface of the igniting agent loading portion loaded with the igniting agent 45, and the portion constituting the top surface of the igniting agent loading portion of the squib cup 42 is provided with a score 42 a. Yes. The embolus 41 and the squib cup 42 are joined by welding or the like, for example.

  The embolus 41 supports a pair of terminal pins 43. Specifically, a through hole is provided in the central portion of the embolus 41, and one of the pair of terminal pins 43 is inserted so as to pass through the through hole, and this is connected to the embolus 41 by the insulating joint 44. The other of the pair of terminal pins 43 is joined to a predetermined position on the lower surface of the embolus 41 by welding or the like. In addition, as a specific material of the insulating bonding portion 44, glass, resin, or the like can be given.

  The resistor (bridge wire) described above is attached to the tip portion located in one of the pair of terminal pins 43 so as to connect the embolus 41, and the resistor The igniting agent 45 is positioned so as to surround or close to the resistor.

  Here, nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium / potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium / tungsten / potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, or the like is generally used as the igniting agent.

  When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 43. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the igniting agent 45 starts to burn. The high-temperature flame generated by the combustion flows out to the outside when the squib cup 42 containing the igniting agent 45 bursts starting from the score 42a. The time from when the current flows through the resistor until the igniter 40 is activated is generally 2 milliseconds or less when a nichrome wire is used as the resistor.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seal member 48 is interposed between the lower surface of the embolus 41 of the igniter 40 and the bottom surface of the housing recess 35 of the holding base 30. The seal member 48 has an annular shape that can be disposed so as to surround the pair of terminal pins 43 of the igniter 40, and is provided with an insertion hole 48 a at the center thereof. The seal member 48 hermetically seals a gap generated between the igniter 40 and the holding base part 30 to hermetically seal a combustion chamber 70 described later, and the igniter 40 is stable with respect to the holding base part 30. When the igniter 40 is assembled to the holding base 30, the cushion is inserted into the gap described above.

  As the sealing member 48, it is preferable to use a material made of a material having sufficient heat resistance and durability. For example, it is preferable to use a gasket made of EPDM resin which is a kind of ethylene propylene rubber. If a liquid sealing agent (not shown) is separately applied to the portion where the sealing member 48 is interposed, the sealing performance of the combustion chamber 70 can be further improved.

  Here, as the liquid sealing agent, those containing a resin material excellent in heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance and the like after curing are suitably selected and used. As the resin material, for example, cyanoacrylate-based Resins and silicone resins are particularly preferably used. In addition to the above resin materials, the above resin materials include phenolic resins, epoxy resins, melamine resins, urea resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyurethane resins, polyimide resins, polyethylene resins. Resin, polypropylene resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polytetrafluoroethylene resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, acrylonitrile styrene resin, acrylic resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal Resin, polycarbonate resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyolefin resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polysulfone resin, polyether Sulfone resins, polyarylate resins, polyether ether ketone resin, polyamide-imide resin, liquid crystal polymer, etc. are available.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a holding cover portion 50 is fixed to the holding base portion 30 so as to cover the igniter 40. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 to 8, the holding cover portion 50 is made of a member having a substantially cylindrical shape, and includes a cylindrical second base portion 53 </ b> A (see FIG. 6) and a lower surface of the second base portion 53 </ b> A. A recess 51 in which the igniter loading portion of the igniter 40 provided in the housing is accommodated, and a concave score 52 provided on the upper surface of the second base 53A. The holding cover portion 50 is provided with the above-described concave portion 51 and the score 52, so that the substantially cylindrical peripheral cylinder portion 53 positioned around the concave portion 51 and the score 52 and the peripheral cylindrical portion 53 are positioned inside. It has a substantially flat fragile portion 54.

  Moreover, the holding cover part 50 has the 2nd latching claw part 53a protruding toward the outer side from the outer peripheral surface of the 2nd base 53A. The second locking claw portion 53 a is configured by a single locking piece that is continuously provided in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the holding cover portion 50. The second locking claw portion 53 a is a portion for fixing the holding cover portion 50 to the holding base portion 30. The lower surface of the second locking claw portion 53a has an inclined shape that goes upward as it goes outward along the radial direction of the housing.

  Further, a ridge portion 53b having an annular shape is provided on the lower surface of the holding cover portion 50 so as to surround the igniter 40, and the ridge portion 53b is orthogonal to the circumferential direction which is the extending direction thereof. It has a surface shape that is curved along the direction. The protrusion 53b is a part of the seal member 48 sandwiched between the lower surface of the holding cover part 50 and the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 35, and the seal member 48 is locally compressed at a portion where the protrusion 53b is provided. It is for making a state. By providing the protrusion 53b on the holding cover 50, a high sealing performance can be obtained after assembly.

  The holding cover portion 50 is formed by injection molding using a mold. As a raw material for the holding cover portion 50 formed by injection molding, a resin material excellent in heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, and the like after curing is suitably selected and used. In that case, it is not limited to a thermosetting resin typified by an epoxy resin or the like, but is typified by a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66), a polypropylene sulfide resin, or a polypropylene oxide resin. It is also possible to use a thermoplastic resin.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cup-shaped member 60 is fixed to the holding table 30 so as to cover the holding cover 50. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9 to 11, the cup-shaped member 60 has a bottomed cylindrical shape including a top wall portion 61 and a side wall portion 62, and a transfer charge 64 is accommodated therein. A heat transfer chamber 63 is included. The cup-shaped member 60 is fixed to the holding base 30 so that the heat transfer chamber 63 provided therein faces the ignition charge loading portion of the igniter 40 via the holding cover 50.

  The lower end of the side wall portion 62 of the cup-shaped member 60 has a cylindrical portion serving as a third base portion 62A (see FIG. 9) and a fourth locking claw projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the third base portion 62A. Part 62b. The 4th latching claw part 62b is comprised by the some latching piece parted along the circumferential direction of the cup-shaped member 60, and, thereby, each latching piece is the circumferential direction of the cup-shaped member 60. Are arranged in line.

  The fourth locking claw 62 b is a part for fixing the cup-shaped member to the holding base 30. The lower surface of the fourth locking claw 62b has an inclined shape that goes upward as it goes inward along the radial direction of the housing. In the present embodiment, the individual locking pieces constituting the fourth locking claw portion 62 b are provided at four positions every 90 ° along the circumferential direction of the cup-shaped member 60.

  In addition, a plurality of through-hole portions 62c provided so as to penetrate in the radial direction so as to be arranged along the circumferential direction are located above the portion of the cup-shaped member 60 where the fourth locking claw portion 62b is provided. ing. The plurality of through-hole portions 62c are portions provided so that the lower end of the cup-shaped member 60 is easily elastically deformed along the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of through-hole portions 62c correspond to the individual locking pieces constituting the fourth locking claw portion 62b along the circumferential direction of the cup-shaped member 60 every 90 °. There are four places.

  A plurality of notches 62e are positioned at the lower end of the cup-shaped member 60 so as to be aligned along the circumferential direction. The plurality of notches 62e are portions provided so that the lower end of the cup-shaped member 60 is easily elastically deformed along the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of cutout portions 62e are positioned so as to be positioned between the individual locking pieces constituting the fourth locking claw portion 62b along the circumferential direction of the cup-shaped member 60. Four locations are provided for each °.

  Further, the side wall portion 62 of the cup-shaped member 60 has a fitting recess 62 d having an annular shape at a portion facing the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. The fitting concave portion 62d is fitted into the fitting convex portion 34d provided in the holding base portion 30 described above, so that a larger contact area between the cup-shaped member 60 and the holding base portion 30 is ensured. And a portion for fixing the cup-shaped member 60 to the holding table 30 more firmly.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cup-shaped member 60 seals the heat transfer chamber 63 provided inside the cup-shaped member 60 in a state where the cup-shaped member 60 is fixed to the holding table 30. The cup-shaped member 60 is to be ruptured or melted as the pressure in the heat transfer chamber 63 rises or the generated heat is conducted when the transfer powder 64 is ignited by the operation of the igniter 40. The cup-shaped member 60 may be a metal member such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a thermosetting resin typified by an epoxy resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon). 66), and those made of a resin member such as a thermoplastic resin typified by polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin and the like are preferably used.

The transfer charge 64 filled in the transfer chamber 63 is ignited by a flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40, and generates heat particles by burning, thereby burning a gas generating agent 71 described later. It is a drug. The charge transfer agent 64 must be capable of reliably starting the combustion of the gas generating agent 71 and is generally composed of a metal powder / oxidant represented by B / KNO ₃ or the like. Things are used. As the explosive charge 64, a powdery one, one formed into a predetermined shape by a binder, or the like is used. Examples of the shape of the charge transfer agent 64 formed by the binder include various shapes such as a granular shape, a columnar shape, a sheet shape, a spherical shape, a single-hole cylindrical shape, a porous cylindrical shape, and a tablet shape.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a combustion chamber 70 in which a gas generating agent 71 is accommodated is located in a space inside the housing composed of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20. More specifically, the holding table 30 and the cup-shaped member 60 fixed thereto are disposed so as to protrude into the combustion chamber 70 formed inside the housing. 30 and a space surrounding the cup-shaped member 60 in the radial direction of the housing and a space between the cup-shaped member 60 and the top plate portion 21 are configured as a combustion chamber 70.

  A filter 80 is disposed along the inner periphery of the housing in a space surrounding the combustion chamber 70 in the radial direction of the housing. The filter 80 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and its central axis is disposed so as to substantially coincide with the axial direction of the housing.

  The gas generating agent 71 is a chemical that generates gas by being ignited and burned by hot particles generated by the operation of the igniter 40. As the gas generating agent 71, it is preferable to use a non-azide-based gas generating agent. Generally, the gas generating agent 71 is formed as a molded body containing a fuel, an oxidizing agent, and an additive. As the fuel, for example, a triazole derivative, a tetrazole derivative, a guanidine derivative, an azodicarbonamide derivative, a hydrazine derivative, or a combination thereof is used. Specifically, for example, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole and the like are preferably used. The oxidizing agent is selected from basic nitrates such as basic copper nitrate, perchlorates such as ammonium perchlorate and potassium perchlorate, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia. Nitrate containing cation is used. As the nitrate, for example, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and the like are preferably used. In addition, examples of the additive include a binder, a slag forming agent, and a combustion adjusting agent. As the binder, for example, an organic binder such as a metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose or a stearate, or an inorganic binder such as synthetic hydroxytalcite or acidic clay can be suitably used. As the slag forming agent, silicon nitride, silica, acid clay, etc. can be suitably used. Moreover, as a combustion regulator, a metal oxide, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, graphite, etc. can be used suitably.

  The shape of the molded body of the gas generating agent 71 includes various shapes such as a granular shape, a pellet shape, a granular shape such as a cylindrical shape, and a disk shape. In addition, in the cylindrical shape, a porous (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape or a porous cylindrical shape) having a hole in the molded body is also used. These shapes are preferably selected as appropriate according to the specifications of the airbag apparatus in which the gas generator 1 is incorporated. For example, a shape in which the gas generation rate changes with time during the combustion of the gas generating agent 71 is selected. It is preferable to select an optimal shape according to the specifications. In addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 71, it is preferable to appropriately select the size and filling amount of the molded body in consideration of the linear combustion rate, the pressure index, and the like of the gas generating agent 71.

  The filter 80 is, for example, one obtained by winding and sintering a metal wire such as stainless steel or steel, one obtained by pressing a net material knitted with a metal wire, or by winding a perforated metal plate. Things are used. Here, as the net material, specifically, a knit metal mesh, a plain weave metal mesh, an assembly of crimped metal wires, or the like is used. In addition, as a perforated metal plate, for example, expanded metal that has been cut into a zigzag pattern on the metal plate and expanded to form a hole and processed into a mesh shape, or a hole is formed in the metal plate and at that time A hook metal or the like obtained by flattening the burr generated at the periphery of the hole is used. In this case, the size and shape of the hole to be formed can be appropriately changed as necessary, and holes of different sizes and shapes may be included on the same metal plate. In addition, as a metal plate, a steel plate (mild steel), a stainless steel plate, for example can be used suitably, and nonferrous metal plates, such as aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, or these alloys, can also be utilized.

  When the gas generated in the combustion chamber 70 passes through the filter 80, the filter 80 functions as a cooling unit that cools the gas by taking away the high-temperature heat of the gas, and a residue contained in the gas. It also functions as a removing means for removing (slag) and the like. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residue from being discharged to the outside, it is necessary to ensure that the gas generated in the combustion chamber 70 passes through the filter 80.

  A plurality of gas outlets 23 are provided in the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 at a portion facing the filter 80. The gas outlet 23 is for leading the gas that has passed through the filter 80 to the outside of the housing. A seal tape 24 is affixed to a main surface located on the filter 80 side of the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 so as to close the gas outlet 23. As this sealing tape 24, an aluminum foil or the like having an adhesive member applied on one side is used. Thereby, the airtightness of the combustion chamber 70 is ensured.

  An upper side support member 72 for fixing the upper end of the filter 80 to the housing is disposed at the end of the upper side shell 20 on the top plate portion 21 side in the space inside the housing. The upper-side support member 72 has a portion that comes into contact with the top plate portion 21 of the upper-side shell 20 and a portion that comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the filter 80.

  A cushion material 74 is disposed inside the upper support member 72 so as to contact the gas generating agent 71 accommodated in the combustion chamber 70. The cushion material 74 is provided for the purpose of preventing the gas generating agent 71 made of a molded body from being pulverized by vibration or the like, and is preferably a ceramic fiber molded body or a foamed resin (for example, foamed silicone). Is used.

  On the other hand, a lower support member 73 for fixing the lower end of the filter 80 to the housing is disposed at the end of the lower shell 10 on the bottom plate portion 11 side in the space inside the housing. The lower support member 73 has a portion that contacts the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 and a portion that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the filter 80.

  The upper side support member 72 and the lower side support member 73 are formed by, for example, pressing a metal plate-like member, and preferably a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold steel). For example, a cold rolled steel plate or a stainless steel plate is used.

  Since the upper side support member 72 and the lower side support member 73 are formed by bending a part of a metal plate-like member as described above, the upper side support member 72 and the lower side support member 73 are Each has moderate elasticity. Therefore, the upper side support member 72 and the lower side support member 73 are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the filter 80, respectively, and the filter 80 is held and fixed by the housing.

  Each of the upper support member 72 and the lower support member 73 includes a gap between the upper end of the filter 80 and the top plate portion 21 of the upper shell 20 and the lower end of the filter 80 and the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. It also functions to prevent the outflow of gas from the gap between the two.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the assembly structure and assembly procedure of the igniter and cup-shaped member of the gas generator in the present embodiment. Next, in addition to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 described above, with reference to FIG. 12, the assembly structure and assembly procedure of the igniter 40 and cup-shaped member 60 of the gas generator 1 in the present embodiment will be described in detail. explain.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in the gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, the ignition charge loading portion of the igniter 40 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 35 provided in the holding base portion 30, and A state in which the igniter 40 is pressed against the holding base part 30 by fixing the holding cover part 50 to the holding base part 30 so as to cover the igniting agent loading part of the igniter 40 accommodated in the housing recess 35. It is assembled with.

  Specifically, the holding cover 50 is held by the first locking claw 34 a provided on the holding wall 34 and the second locking claw 53 a provided on the holding cover 50 being locked. The igniter loading portion of the igniter 40 is fixed downward to the base portion 30 by the holding cover portion 50 in a state where the upper end portion is accommodated in the concave portion 51 provided on the lower surface of the holding cover portion 50. It is pressed.

  Further, a seal member 48 is interposed on the bottom surface of the accommodation recess 35 of the holding base 30, and the seal member 48 is provided on the lower surface of the embolus 41 of the igniter 40, the lower surface of the holding cover portion 50, and the accommodation recess 35. It is sandwiched between the bottom of Therefore, the seal member 48 is pressed toward the bottom surface of the housing recess 35 by the medicine housing portion and the holding cover portion 50 of the igniter 40, and is thus compressed. Note that the ignition charge loading portion of the igniter 40 is not directly in contact with the holding base portion 30 but is held by being sandwiched between the holding cover portion 50 and the seal member 48.

  At the time of assembly, as shown in FIG. 12, a holding base portion 30 as a resin molding portion is formed in advance on the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 by injection molding, and the inside of the receiving recess 35 of the holding base portion 30 In the state where the seal member 48 is accommodated, the igniter 40 is inserted from the upper side (that is, the top plate 21 side after assembly) toward the accommodation recess 35. At this time, the pair of terminal pins 43 of the igniter 40 are inserted into the insertion holes 48 a provided in the seal member 48 and the pair of insertion holes 37 provided in the connecting portion 33 of the holding base 30.

  Next, as in the case of the igniter 40, the holding cover portion 50 is inserted into the housing recess 35 from the upper side. At this time, the second locking claw portion 53a of the holding cover portion 50 comes into contact with the first locking claw portion 34a of the holding wall portion 34. As described above, the first locking claw portion 34a is provided. Since the holding wall portion 34 of the remaining portion can be elastically deformed, the portion of the holding wall portion 34 is retracted radially outward, and the holding cover portion 50 is inserted to a predetermined position in the housing recess 35. It becomes possible to do. As described above, since the upper surface of the first locking claw portion 34a and the lower surface of the second locking claw portion 53a are both inclined, the insertion of the holding cover portion 50 into the receiving recess 35 is smoother. Will be done.

  After the holding cover portion 50 is inserted into the housing recess 35, the holding wall portion 34 returns to its original shape, and the first locking claw portion 34a and the second locking claw portion 53a are engaged. It will be stopped. As described above, the igniter 40 is fixed to the holding table 30 in a state of being stored in the receiving recess 35 of the holding table 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the cup-shaped member 60 is fixed to the holding wall portion 34 provided in the holding base portion 30. Specifically, the cup-shaped member 60 is held by the third locking claw portion 34b provided on the holding wall portion 34 and the fourth locking claw portion 62b provided on the cup-shaped member 60 being locked. It is fixed to the base part 30.

  When assembling, the cup-shaped member 60 is previously loaded with a predetermined amount of explosives 64 in a state opposite to the top and bottom shown in FIG. 12, and the igniter 40 is attached to the holding base 30 as a resin molding part. In the assembled state, the holding wall portion 34 of the holding base portion 30 is inserted toward the cup-shaped member 60 from the opening end side of the cup-shaped member 60 (that is, the bottom plate portion 11 side after the mounting).

  At this time, the fourth locking claw portion 62b of the cup-shaped member 60 comes into contact with the third locking claw portion 34b of the holding wall portion 34, but as described above, the lower end of the side wall portion 62 of the cup-shaped member 60. Since the elastic deformation is possible, the lower end of the side wall portion 62 is retracted radially outward, and the fitting convex portion 34d positioned at the tip portion of the holding wall portion 34 is replaced with the fitting concave portion 62d of the cup-shaped member 60. It becomes possible to insert in. As described above, since the upper surface of the third locking claw portion 34b and the lower surface of the fourth locking claw portion 62b are both inclined, the insertion of the holding wall portion 34 into the cup-shaped member 60 is further improved. It will be done smoothly.

  Then, after the fitting convex portion 34d is inserted into the fitting concave portion 62d, the lower end of the side wall portion 62 of the cup-shaped member 60 is restored to the original shape, and the third locking claw portion 34b and the fourth locking portion 34d. The locking claw 62b is locked. As described above, the cup-shaped member 60 is fixed to the holding table 30.

  Here, in the gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, when the holding cover portion 50 and the cup-shaped member 60 are assembled to the holding base portion 30, the holding base of the holding cover portion 50 and the cup-shaped member 60. Even if the circumferential positioning with respect to the portion 30 is not performed, these can be assembled. The mechanism will be described below.

  FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are main part sectional views showing an example of the assembled state of the holding cover part of the gas generator and the holding base part of the cup-shaped member in the present embodiment and another example. The cross sections shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross sections when the holding base part 30, the holding cover part 50, and the cup-shaped member 60 are cut along the line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. . 14 is assembled in a state where both the holding cover portion 50 and the cup-shaped member 60 are rotated by 45 ° around the axis of the holding wall portion 34 with respect to the assembled state shown in FIG. The assembled state is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the holding wall portion 34 described above is provided at the portion where the first locking claw portion 34 a and the second locking claw portion 53 a are provided. The first base portion 34A (see FIG. 3) is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the above-described second base portion 53A (see FIG. 6) of the holding cover portion 50 is formed in a columnar shape.

  Here, when the inner diameter dimension of the first base portion 34A of the holding wall portion 34 is R1, and the outer diameter size of the second base portion 53A of the holding cover portion 50 is R3, these R1 and R3 satisfy the condition of R1> R3. Meet. Therefore, when the holding cover portion 50 is inserted into the housing recess 35 defined by the inner peripheral surface of the holding wall portion 34, the first base portion 34A of the holding wall portion 34 with respect to the second base portion 53A of the holding cover portion 50. Will not interfere.

  In addition, when the inner diameter dimension of the tip end portion of the first locking claw portion 34a provided on the holding wall portion 34 is R2, R2 satisfies the condition of R2> R3 and is provided on the holding cover portion 50. Further, when the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the second locking claw 53a is R4, R4 satisfies the condition of R4 <R1. Therefore, when the holding cover portion 50 is inserted into the housing recess 35, the first locking claw portion 34a of the holding wall portion 34 does not interfere with the second base portion 53A of the holding cover portion 50, and the holding wall The second locking claw portion 53a of the holding cover portion 50 does not interfere with the first base portion 34A of the portion 34.

  And R2 which is the internal diameter dimension of the front-end | tip part of the 1st latching claw part 34a provided in the holding wall part 34, and the outer-diameter dimension of the front-end | tip part of the 2nd latching claw part 53a provided in the holding | maintenance cover part 50 Satisfying the relationship of R2 <R4, there is a portion where the first locking claw portion 34a and the second locking claw portion 53a overlap when viewed along the axial direction of the housing. As a result, the first locking claw portion 34a and the second locking claw portion 53a can be locked.

  Here, since the 2nd latching claw part 53a is comprised with the single latching piece provided cyclically | annularly along the circumferential direction of the holding cover part 50, it is shown in FIG.13 and FIG.14. As shown, when viewed along the axial direction of the housing in any state where the holding cover 50 is rotated relative to the holding wall 34 around the axis of the holding wall 34 as the rotation center In addition, there is a portion where the first locking claw portion 34a and the second locking claw portion 53a overlap each other.

  Therefore, when the holding cover portion 50 is assembled to the holding base portion 30, they can be assembled even if the holding cover portion 50 is not positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the holding base portion 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the holding wall portion 34 is provided in the portion where the third locking claw portion 34b and the fourth locking claw portion 62b are provided. The above-described first base portion 34A (see FIG. 3) is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the above-described third base portion 62A (see FIG. 9) of the cup-shaped member 60 is formed in a columnar shape.

  Here, when the outer diameter of the first base portion 34A of the holding wall portion 34 is R5 and the outer diameter of the third base portion 62A of the cup-shaped member 60 is R7, R5 and R7 satisfy R5 <R7. The condition is met. Therefore, when the holding wall portion 34 is inserted into the cup-shaped member 60, the third base portion 62A of the cup-shaped member 60 does not interfere with the first base portion 34A of the holding wall portion 34.

  Further, when the outer diameter of the tip end portion of the third locking claw portion 34b provided on the holding wall portion 34 is R6, R6 satisfies the condition of R6 <R7 and is provided on the cup-shaped member 60. When the inner diameter of the tip end portion of the fourth locking claw 62b is R8, R8 satisfies the condition of R8> R5. Therefore, when the holding wall portion 34 is inserted into the cup-shaped member 60, the fourth locking claw portion 62b of the cup-shaped member 60 does not interfere with the first base portion 34A of the holding wall portion 34. The third locking claw portion 34b of the holding wall portion 34 does not interfere with the third base portion 62A of the member 60.

  And R6 which is the outer diameter size of the tip portion of the third locking claw portion 34b provided on the holding wall portion 34, and the inner diameter size of the tip portion of the fourth locking claw portion 62b provided on the cup-shaped member 60. Satisfying the relationship R6> R8, there is a portion where the third locking claw portion 34b and the fourth locking claw portion 62b overlap when viewed along the axial direction of the housing. As a result, the third locking claw portion 34b and the fourth locking claw portion 62b can be locked.

  Here, each of the third locking claw portion 34 b and the fourth locking claw portion 62 b is configured by a plurality of locking pieces divided along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion 34 and the cup-shaped member 60. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the circumferential size of the gap located between the adjacent locking pieces of the third locking claw portion 34b is the same as that of the locking pieces of the fourth locking claw portion 62b. Since it is configured to be smaller than the size in the circumferential direction, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cup-shaped member 60 is rotated relative to the holding wall 34 around the axis of the holding wall 34. In any of the cases, the third locking claw portion 34b and the fourth locking claw portion 62b overlap each other when viewed along the axial direction of the housing.

  Therefore, when the cup-shaped member 60 is assembled to the holding table 30, these can be assembled even if the holding cover 50 is not positioned in the circumferential direction with respect to the holding table 30.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, operation | movement of the gas generator 1 in this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  When a vehicle equipped with the gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment collides, a collision is detected by a collision detection unit provided separately in the vehicle, and based on this, a control unit provided separately in the vehicle The igniter 40 is activated by energization.

  When the igniter 40 is actuated, the squib cup 42 is ruptured starting from the score 42a as described above, and accordingly, the fragile portion 54 of the holding cover portion 50 is opened. At this time, as described above, by forming the score 52 in the holding cover portion 50 in advance, the fragile portion 54 that covers the ignition charge loading portion of the holding cover portion 50 is immediately opened, and the transmission is performed. An ignition delay of the explosive 64 is prevented in advance, and a quick ignition operation of the explosive 64 can be realized.

  The explosive charge 64 accommodated in the heat transfer chamber 63 is ignited and burned by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40 with the opening of the fragile portion 54 of the holding cover portion 50, and generates a large amount of heat particles. Let The cup-shaped member 60 is ruptured or melted by the combustion of the charge transfer agent 64, and the above-described hot particles flow into the combustion chamber 70.

  The gas generating agent 71 accommodated in the combustion chamber 70 is ignited and burned by the flowing heat particles, and a large amount of gas is generated. The gas generated in the combustion chamber 70 passes through the inside of the filter 80. At this time, heat is taken away and cooled by the filter 80, and the residue contained in the gas is removed by the filter 80, and the outside of the housing. Flow into the periphery.

  As the internal pressure of the housing increases, the sealing by the sealing tape 24 that has closed the gas outlet 23 of the upper shell 20 is broken, and gas is jetted out of the housing through the gas outlet 23. The jetted gas is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the gas generator 1 to inflate and deploy the airbag.

  In the gas generator 1 in the present embodiment described above, the igniter 40 is pressed by the holding cover portion 50 against the holding base portion 30 which is a resin molding portion formed in advance by injection molding. Since it is the structure assembled | attached by insertion, the igniter 40 is not insert-molded at the time of injection molding of the holding stand part 30. FIG. Therefore, the igniter 40, which is a part loaded with the igniting agent 45 that reacts sensitively to static electricity or fire, is not exposed to a high-temperature and high-pressure environment at the time of assembly. Can be secured. Therefore, restrictions on the assembling work are greatly reduced such that the work place is not restricted during injection molding.

  On the other hand, the assembling of the igniter 40 to the holding base part 30 is only to insert the holding cover part 50 into the holding base part 30 in a state in which the seal member 48 and the igniter 40 are accommodated in the accommodating recess 35 in advance. This can be done very easily because it can be accomplished by work. Here, as described above, in the gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the circumferential direction of the holding cover portion 50 with respect to the holding base 30 when the holding cover 50 is assembled to the holding base 30. Since these components can be assembled even if they are not positioned, the assembly work can be facilitated and the tact time can be shortened, improving workability and reducing manufacturing costs. Can be realized.

  In addition, when the igniter 40 is assembled, the seal member 48 is accommodated in advance in the accommodating recess 35 of the holding table 30, so that the igniter 40 and the holding table 30 are assembled after the assembly. Since the sealing member 48 can be in a compressed state, it is possible to reliably maintain the sealing performance at the portion, and the igniter 40 is assembled by the holding cover portion 50 and the sealing member 48 after assembly. Since the pinched state can be obtained, the igniter 40 can be stably held by the reaction force of the compressed seal member 48.

  Further, since the holding base 30 is formed by injection molding, the specific shape can be changed variously by changing the shape of the mold, and the structure of the locking portion for locking the igniter 40 can be changed. It can be easily changed to one suitable for the shape of the igniter 40. Therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily select the shape of the holding base 30 that makes it easier to assemble in accordance with the shape of the igniter 40 to be used, and it is possible to ensure a wide degree of design freedom.

  Further, since the holding base part 30 for fixing the igniter 40 to the lower shell 10 is formed by injection molding, the holding base part 30 is fixed to the lower shell 10, and the seal in the part is made. It is possible to secure sufficient sex. That is, as described above, the holding base part 30 is constituted by the inner covering part 31, the outer covering part 32, and the connecting part 33, so that the margin of fixing between the lower shell 10 and the holding base part 30 is ensured to be moderately long. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of peeling at the interface portion between the lower shell 10 and the holding table 30 and to reliably maintain the sealing performance for a long period of time.

  Furthermore, since the holding base part 30 for fixing the igniter 40 to the lower shell 10 is formed by injection molding, a portion for fixing the igniter 40 is cut into the lower shell 10. The effect of reducing the weight compared to the case of forming by applying, the effect of reducing the occurrence of variability due to the absence of burrs that occur in the case of cutting and ensuring the shape reproducibility, and the dielectric breakdown due to the occurrence of burrs. The effect that it can be prevented can also be obtained.

  As described above, by using the gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, there are few restrictions in the assembling work, and it can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and the stable fixing of the igniter and the high seal are possible. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gas generator capable of ensuring the safety.

  In addition, in the gas generator 1 in this Embodiment mentioned above, since it is the structure by which the cup-shaped member 60 is assembled | attached by the fitting to the holding stand part 30 which is a resin molding part previously formed by injection molding, The cup-shaped member 60 loaded with the explosive charge 64 is not insert-molded during the injection molding of the holding table 30. Therefore, the restrictions in the assembling work are greatly reduced from this point. On the other hand, the assembly of the cup-shaped member 60 with respect to the holding table 30 can be realized only by inserting the cup-shaped member 60 into the holding table 30. You can do it.

  Here, as described above, in the gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the circumferential direction of the cup-shaped member 60 with respect to the holding base 30 when the cup-shaped member 60 is assembled to the holding base 30. Since these components can be assembled even if they are not positioned, the assembly work can be facilitated and the tact time can be shortened, improving workability and reducing manufacturing costs. Can be realized.

  Further, in the gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the size of the opening 15 provided in the projecting cylindrical portion 13 of the lower shell 10 is set to the igniting agent loading which is the maximum outer shape portion of the igniter 40. It is configured smaller than the size of the part. With this configuration, even if unexpected damage or the like occurs in the holding base 30, the igniter 40 receives the increase in the internal pressure of the combustion chamber 70 during operation and the opening 15 Thus, the gas generator 1 can be prevented from jumping out of the housing and the gas generator 1 can be operated safely.

  FIG. 15 is an enlarged schematic view of the vicinity of the igniter of the gas generator according to the first modification based on the present embodiment. Next, a gas generator according to a first modification based on the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the gas generator according to the first modified example is the gas in the present embodiment described above only in the specific shape of the second locking claw portion 53 a provided in the holding cover portion 50. This is different from the generator 1. More specifically, the second locking claw portion 53a provided on the holding cover portion 50 is a portion on the upper surface that is locked to the first locking claw portion 34a provided on the holding wall portion 34, and A portion corresponding to the base of the second locking claw 53a has an annular groove 53a1 extending along the circumferential direction.

  The groove 53a1 is provided so that the second locking claw 53a can be more easily elastically deformed when the second locking claw 53a contacts the first locking claw 34a during assembly. And is provided to prevent the second locking claw 53a from being plastically deformed during assembly.

  With this configuration, when the holding cover portion 50 is assembled to the holding base portion 30, the second locking claw portion 53 a can be easily formed by largely bending the base portion of the second locking claw portion 53 a. It will be elastically deformed, and it will be possible to assemble the holding cover part 50 to the holding base part 30 smoothly, and compressive stress will concentrate on the root part of the second locking claw part 53a, resulting in plastic deformation. This can be prevented, and the stable attachment of the holding cover part 50 to the holding base part 30 becomes possible.

  That is, if the above configuration is adopted, not only the assembling work is facilitated, but also the second locking claw portion 53a can be easily returned to the original shape after the assembly. Variations in assembly position accuracy caused by plastic deformation in the portion 53a can be suppressed, and there is a problem in that the holding cover unit 50 rattles after assembly or a problem in insufficient assembly strength. Etc. can be effectively prevented.

  FIG. 16 is a partially broken perspective view of a holding base portion and a lower shell of a gas generator according to a second modification based on the embodiment of the present invention. Next, with reference to this FIG. 16, the gas generator which concerns on the 2nd modification based on this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the gas generator according to the second modification is different from the gas generator 1 in the present embodiment described above only in the specific shape of the holding wall portion 34 of the holding base portion 30. ing. More specifically, the holding wall portion 34 has a plurality of cutout portions 34e so as to be arranged along the circumferential direction.

  The plurality of cutout portions 34e are portions provided so that the holding wall portion 34 is easily elastically deformed along the radial direction. In the second modification, the plurality of cutout portions 34e are provided. In addition, four positions are provided every 90 ° so as to be positioned between the individual locking pieces constituting the first locking claw portion 34a and the third locking claw portion 34b along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion 34. Yes.

  With this configuration, the holding wall portion 34 is easily elastically deformed radially outward when the holding cover portion 50 is assembled to the holding base portion 30, so that the holding cover portion 50 can be held smoothly. Assembling with respect to the base part 30 becomes possible, and the first locking claw part 34a provided on the holding wall part 34 and the second locking claw part 53a provided on the holding cover part 50 are plastically deformed. Can be prevented beforehand, and the stable attachment of the holding cover part 50 to the holding base part 30 becomes possible.

  FIG. 17 is a partially broken perspective view of a holding cover portion of a gas generator according to a third modification based on the embodiment of the present invention. Next, with reference to this FIG. 17, the gas generator which concerns on the 3rd modification based on this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the gas generator according to the third modified example is the gas in the present embodiment described above only in the specific shape of the second locking claw portion 53 a provided in the holding cover portion 50. This is different from the generator 1. More specifically, the second locking claw portion 53a provided in the holding cover portion 50 has a rectangular shape in sectional view.

  With this configuration, when the holding cover portion 50 is assembled to the holding base portion 30, deformation caused by contact with the first locking claw portion 34 a provided on the holding wall portion 34 is the second engagement. Since it concentrates in the site | part of the lower side of the front-end | tip part of the pawl part 53a, it becomes difficult to produce plastic deformation in the site | part and root part of the upper side of the front-end | tip part of the 2nd latching claw part 53a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in assembly position accuracy caused by plastic deformation in the second locking claw portion 53a, and to prevent problems such as the holding cover portion 50 rattling after assembly and assembly strength. It is possible to effectively prevent problems such as a shortage, and the stable attachment of the holding cover part 50 to the holding base part 30 becomes possible.

  In the embodiment of the present invention described above and the modification thereof, the case where the lower shell is configured by a press-formed product formed by pressing a single metal plate-like member is illustrated. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and a lower shell formed by a combination of pressing and other processing (forging, drawing, cutting, etc.) may be used. It is good also as using the lower side shell formed only by these processes.

  Further, the specific shape and the like of the first to fourth locking claws can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention and the modification thereof, only the second locking claw portion is constituted by a single annular locking piece continuous in the circumferential direction, and the remaining first and first The case where the third and fourth locking claw portions are constituted by a plurality of locking pieces divided along the circumferential direction is illustrated, but the first to fourth locking claw portions are all single. These locking pieces may be used, or any of them may be made up of a plurality of locking pieces. Further, even when these are constituted by a plurality of locking pieces, the number and the forming position of the locking pieces provided along the circumferential direction are not limited as described above, It can be changed.

  In addition, the specific shape of the protruding cylindrical portion provided on the lower shell, the specific shape of the holding base provided on the lower shell, the igniter assembled on the holding base, and the holding The specific shapes and the like of the cover part and the cup-shaped member can naturally be changed as appropriate within the range allowed in light of the spirit of the present invention.

  As described above, the above-described embodiment and its modifications disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas generator, 10 Lower side shell, 11 Bottom plate part, 12 Perimeter wall part, 13 Projection cylinder part, 14 Depression part, 15 Opening part, 20 Upper side shell, 21 Top plate part, 22 Perimeter wall part, 23 Gas outlet 24 sealing tape, 30 holding base part, 31 inner covering part, 32 outer covering part, 33 connecting part, 34 holding wall part, 34A first base part, 34a first locking claw part, 34b third locking claw part, 34c Through-hole part, 34d Fitting convex part, 34e Notch part, 35 Housing recessed part, 36 Female connector part, 37 Insertion hole, 40 Igniter, 41 Embolizer, 42 Squib cup, 42a Score, 43 Terminal pin, 44 Joining Part, 45 ignition agent, 48 seal member, 48a insertion hole, 50 holding cover part, 51 recessed part, 52 score, 53 peripheral cylinder part, 53A second base part, 53a second locking claw part, 53 a1 groove part, 53b protrusion part, 54 weak part, 60 cup-shaped member, 61 top wall part, 62 side wall part, 62A 3rd base part, 62b 4th latching claw part, 62c through-hole part, 62d fitting recessed part, 62e Notch part, 63 Transfer chamber, 64 Transfer agent, 70 Combustion chamber, 71 Gas generating agent, 72 Upper side support member, 73 Lower side support member, 74 Cushion material, 80 Filter.

Claims (9)

A short cylindrical housing that includes a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is housed, and is constituted by a top plate portion and a bottom plate portion that close an axial end portion, and a peripheral wall portion provided with a gas jet port;
An igniter including an igniter loading unit loaded with an igniter for burning the gas generating agent;
A holding part for holding the igniter,
The housing has at least a lower shell including the bottom plate portion and an upper shell including the top plate portion,
The bottom plate portion is provided with an opening,
The holding portion includes a holding base portion provided with a housing recess portion in which the ignition agent loading portion is accommodated by a substantially cylindrical holding wall portion standing toward the top plate portion, and the ignition agent. A substantially cylindrical holding cover portion covering the loading portion,
The holding base part is solidified by attaching a fluid resin material to the bottom plate part so as to reach a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate part from a part of the inner surface of the bottom plate part via the opening. It is formed by making a resin molded part formed by fixing at least a part of the bottom plate part,
The holding wall portion has a cylindrical first base portion and a first locking claw portion projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the first base portion,
The holding cover portion includes a columnar second base, and a second locking claw projecting outward from an outer peripheral surface of the second base,
The igniter is held by the ignition charge loading portion being sandwiched between the holding cover portion and the holding base portion by the first locking claw portion and the second locking claw portion being locked. And
In the portion where the first locking claw portion and the second locking claw portion are provided, the inner diameter size of the tip portion of the first locking claw portion is configured to be larger than the outer diameter size of the second base portion. In addition, the outer diameter dimension of the distal end portion of the second locking claw portion is smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the first base portion, and the outer diameter dimension of the distal end portion of the second locking claw portion is the first. It is configured to be larger than the inner diameter of the tip of the locking claw,
In any state when the holding cover portion is rotated relative to the holding wall portion with the axis of the holding wall portion as a rotation center, when viewed along the axial direction of the housing, A gas generator in which a portion where the first locking claw portion and the second locking claw portion overlap is present. The first locking claw portion is composed of a plurality of locking pieces divided along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion,
2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the second locking claw portion is constituted by a single locking piece provided continuously in an annular shape along a circumferential direction of the holding cover portion.   In order to lock the first locking claw portion and the second locking claw portion, the first locking claw portion that contacts when the holding cover portion is fitted toward the holding wall portion. The gas generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both of the upper surface of the first and the lower surfaces of the second locking claws are inclined.   The second locking claw portion is a groove portion extending along the circumferential direction in a portion on the upper surface that is locked to the first locking claw portion and corresponding to a root of the second locking claw portion. The gas generator according to claim 1, comprising: A cup-shaped member having a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom including therein a transfer chamber loaded with a transfer agent for burning the gas generating agent by being ignited by the ignition agent;
The cup-shaped member is disposed so as to protrude into the combustion chamber so as to face the ignition charge loading portion via the holding cover portion,
The holding wall portion further includes a third locking claw portion protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first base portion,
The cup-shaped member has a cylindrical third base, and a fourth locking claw projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the third base,
The cup-shaped member is held by the holding wall portion when the third locking claw portion and the fourth locking claw portion are locked,
In the portion where the third locking claw portion and the fourth locking claw portion are provided, the outer diameter size of the distal end portion of the third locking claw portion is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter size of the third base portion. In addition, the inner diameter dimension of the distal end portion of the fourth locking claw portion is configured to be larger than the outer diameter dimension of the first base portion, and the outer diameter dimension of the distal end portion of the third locking claw portion is the fourth. It is configured to be larger than the inner diameter of the tip of the locking claw,
In any state where the cup-shaped member is rotated relative to the holding wall portion with the axis of the holding wall portion as a rotation center, when viewed along the axial direction of the housing, The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a portion where the third locking claw portion and the fourth locking claw portion overlap is present. The third locking claw portion is constituted by a plurality of locking pieces divided along the circumferential direction of the holding wall portion,
The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein the fourth locking claw portion is configured by a plurality of locking pieces divided along a circumferential direction of the cup-shaped member.   The third locking claw portion that contacts when the cup-shaped member is fitted toward the holding wall portion to lock the third locking claw portion and the fourth locking claw portion. The gas generator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each of an upper surface of the first locking claw and a lower surface of the fourth locking claw portion has an inclined shape. The bottom plate portion has a protruding cylindrical portion protruding toward the top plate portion side,
The opening is provided at an axial end located on the top plate portion side of the projecting cylindrical portion,
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the holding base part covers the entire projecting cylindrical part.   The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower shell has an adhesive layer on at least a part of the surface of the portion covered by the holding base.

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