JP2024042621A - Alignment mechanism for mounting gas generator on module - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide alignment mechanism that enables a gas generator to be mounted on an airbag module or the like more quickly and easily than before.SOLUTION: Alignment mechanisms 80A and 80B are installed in a portion of a gas generator 100 and portions of airbag modules 90A and 90B. An upper part-side shell 20 further has a flange 25 erected outward continuously from a lower end of a peripheral wall part 22. The flange 25 has protruding parts 81A and 81B for alignment and a pair of protruding parts for fixing that can be fixed to the modules. The protruding part 81A for alignment is provided to protrude outward from an outer edge of the flange 25. The protruding part 81A for alignment has a cylindrical convex part 83A with a bottom. The convex part 83A can be inserted into a hole part 82A formed in the airbag module 90A. The protruding parts for fixing are provided to protrude outward from the outer edge of the flange 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an alignment mechanism that makes the installation of a gas generator to a module quick and easy.

2. Description of the Related Art As typified by Patent Document 1 listed below, attachment mechanisms used when attaching a gas generator to an airbag module, a vehicle, or the like have been conventionally known. This attachment mechanism includes a cylindrical main body having a plurality of communication holes, an inwardly bent part formed inward at an opening on one end of the cylindrical main body, and an opening on the opposite side of the cylindrical main body. It has a flange portion formed in the flange portion. Furthermore, mounting holes are formed in the flange portion at four convex portions formed at equal intervals. After aligning each of these mounting holes with the corresponding holes provided in the module case etc., the gas generator can be attached to the airbag module etc. by fastening them with bolts and nuts or rivets. It is possible to fix it.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-140028

In the gas generator of Patent Document 1, it is essential to fasten using bolts and nuts or rivets, but there are relatively many fastening parts and the installation process is complicated. It was not possible to quickly and easily attach the device to an airbag module or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a positioning mechanism that allows a gas generator to be attached to an airbag module or the like more quickly and easily than ever before.

(1) The present invention provides an airbag module having a housing, and a protrusion for fixing an airbag module to a fixed part, which is provided on the housing so as to protrude from a side surface of the housing toward the outside of the housing. An alignment mechanism for aligning the fixed position of the fixing protrusion of the generator with the fixed part of the airbag module, the mechanism protruding from a side surface of the housing toward the outside of the housing. , at a position shifted from the position of the fixing protrusion, a positioning protrusion provided on the housing and at least a portion of the positioning protrusion provided on the airbag module are inserted to form a starting point. By doing so, the fixing protrusion includes an inserted part whose attachment position can be aligned with the fixed part of the airbag module.

(2) In the positioning mechanism of (1) above, the inserted part is a hole, at least a part of the positioning protrusion is a convex part that can be inserted into the hole, and The fixing protrusion is provided with a mounting hole, and the fixed part of the airbag module is provided with a hole through which the fixing protrusion can be fixed with a mounting tool through the mounting hole. Preferably.

(3) As another point of view, in the alignment mechanism of (1) above, two or more of the fixing protrusions are provided, and at least two of the fixing protrusions are also the alignment protrusions. , the same number of the inserted parts as the alignment protrusions are provided, and each of the fixed parts of the same number as the alignment protrusions among the fixed parts is integrated with each of the inserted parts. Each of the fixed parts that is formed into a single piece and is integrated with the inserted part includes a pair of clamping members that clamp and fix the positioning protrusion when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the inserted part. It may also have the following.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a positioning mechanism that allows a gas generator to be attached to an airbag module or the like more quickly and easily than before.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a structure of a gas generator and a part of an airbag module, including a positioning mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of the gas generator of FIG. 1 viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram including at least a part of the positioning mechanism according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is an external view of the gas generator seen from the bottom side, and (b) is a gas generator seen from the direction of the arrow in (a). FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a generator and a cross section of a portion of an airbag module. FIG. 7 is a diagram including at least a part of the positioning mechanism according to the third embodiment, in which (a) is an external view of the gas generator seen from the bottom side, and (b) is a diagram showing the case where the gas generator is attached to the airbag module. This is a diagram used for explanation. FIG. 5 is a diagram used to explain how the gas generator of FIG. 4 is attached to the airbag module.

First Embodiment
An alignment mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Note that the gas generator 100 shown in Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2.

The alignment mechanisms 80A, 80B are incorporated into a portion of the gas generator 100 and a portion of the airbag modules 90A, 90B, as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the positioning mechanisms 80A and 80B will be specifically explained along with the explanation of the gas generator 100 and the airbag modules 90A and 90B.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gas generator 100 in this embodiment has a short, generally cylindrical housing with both axial ends closed. The holding part 30, the igniter 40, the cup-shaped member 50, the transfer charge 56, the gas generating agent 61, the lower holding member 62, the upper holding member 63, the cushioning material 64, the filter 70, etc. as component parts are accommodated. It is configured. Furthermore, a gas generating agent storage chamber 60 that mainly accommodates the gas generating agent 61 among the internal components described above is located in the storage space provided inside the housing.

The short, generally cylindrical housing includes a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20. Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is a press molded product formed by pressing a rolled metal plate member.

The lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are each formed into a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and are combined and joined so that their opening surfaces face each other to form a housing. The lower shell 10 has a bottom plate part 11 and a peripheral wall part 12, and the upper shell 20 has a top plate part 21 and a peripheral wall part 22. As a result, the ends of the housing in the axial direction are closed by the top plate part 21 and the bottom plate part 11. Note that electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used to join the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20.

The upper shell 20 further includes a flange 25 that extends outward from the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 22 . As shown in FIG. 2, the flange 25 has alignment protrusions 81A, 81B and fixing protrusions 91A, 91B.

As shown in FIG. 2, the alignment protrusions 81A and 81B are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the upper shell 20 and protrude outward from the outer edge of the flange 25. Each of the alignment protrusions 81A and 81B has a bottomed cylindrical protrusion 83A and 83B formed by embossing so as to protrude upward, as shown in FIG. ing. As shown in FIG. 1, the convex portion 83A can be inserted or press-fitted into a hole 82A (inserted portion) provided in the airbag module 90A (only a portion is shown). Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1, the convex portion 83B can be inserted or press-fitted into a hole 82B (inserted portion) provided in the airbag module 90B (only a portion is shown). Note that the airbag modules 90A and 90B are parts for fixedly supporting the housing of the gas generator 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the upper shell 20 and protrude outward from the outer edge of the flange 25. It is provided so as to have a positional relationship that intersects at an angle of 90° with respect to the positions of the projections 81A and 81B. Moreover, each of the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B has attachment holes 92A and 92B, as shown in FIG. The mounting holes 92A and 92B are formed to correspond to the positions of two holes (not shown) that are fixed parts provided in the airbag module, and as in the past, bolts and nuts, or rivets It is possible to fix the attachment holes 92A, 92B to each of the two holes using fasteners (attachments) such as.

Here, the mounting holes 92A and 92B of the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B are quickly and easily aligned with the positions of the two holes provided in the airbag module, and the gas generator 100 is fixed to the airbag module. Explain the method. First, any one of the protrusions 83A, 83B of the alignment protrusions 81A, 81B is inserted into any one of the holes 82A, 82B of the airbag modules 90A, 90B, and this is used as a starting point, Insert the remaining protrusion into the remaining hole. At this time, the attachment holes 92A and 92B of the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B automatically overlap the positions of two holes (not shown) provided in the airbag module. Thereafter, as in the conventional case, the mounting holes 92A and 92B are fixed to each of the two holes using fasteners (attachments) such as bolts and nuts or rivets. By doing so, it is only necessary to fix the gas generator 100 in two places using fasteners, and it becomes possible to attach the gas generator 100 to the airbag module more quickly and easily than in the past. Note that by making the diameters of the two holes provided in the airbag module the same as the diameters of the holes 82A and 82B of the airbag modules 90A and 90B, the phase of the gas generator 100 in the housing circumferential direction can be adjusted. Even when installed with a 90 degree deviation, the mounting holes 92A, 92B of the fixing protrusions 91A, 91B can be quickly and easily aligned with the holes provided in the airbag module, as described above. That is, it is possible to quickly and easily align the gas generator 100 to the airbag module in the housing circumferential direction, so it is possible to attach the gas generator 100 to the airbag module more quickly and easily than before. becomes.

As shown in FIG. 1, a protruding cylindrical portion 13 that protrudes toward the top plate portion 21 is provided at the center of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. A recessed portion 14 is formed in the center of the portion 11 . The protruding tube part 13 is a part to which the igniter 40 is fixed via the above-mentioned holding part 30, and the recessed part 14 is a part that becomes a space for providing the female connector part 34 in the holding part 30. .

The protruding cylinder part 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and an opening part 15 having a circular shape in plan view is provided at the axial end thereof located on the top plate part 21 side. The opening 15 is a portion through which a pair of terminal pins 42 of the igniter 40 are inserted.

The lower shell 10 is manufactured by pressing a rolled metal plate member as described above. Specifically, the lower shell 10 is formed by pressing a rolled metal plate member from above and below using a pair of molds, for example, an upper mold and a lower mold. It is manufactured by being molded into the following shape.

Here, as the metal plate member constituting the lower shell 10, a metal plate made of, for example, stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy is used, and preferably has a tensile strength of 440 MPa or more and 780 MPa or less. A so-called high-strength steel plate that does not cause damage such as breakage even when stress is applied is preferably used. Note that the press working may be performed by hot forging or cold forging, but from the viewpoint of improving dimensional accuracy, cold forging is more preferably performed.

The upper shell 20 is manufactured by pressing a rolled metal plate member as described above. Specifically, the upper shell 20 is formed by pressing a rolled metal plate member from above and below using a pair of molds, for example, an upper mold and a lower mold. It is manufactured by being molded into the following shape. Here, as the metal plate member constituting the upper shell 20, a metal plate made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, stainless steel alloy, etc. is used, as in the case of the lower shell 10 described above. It is possible.

As shown in FIG. 1, the igniter 40 is an ignition device for generating a flame, and includes an ignition part 41 and the pair of terminal pins 42 described above. The ignition unit 41 includes therein an ignition powder that generates a flame by igniting and burning during operation, and a resistor for igniting the ignition powder. A pair of terminal pins 42 are connected to the ignition part 41 to ignite the ignition powder.

More specifically, the ignition part 41 includes a squib cup formed in a cup shape, and a base part that closes the open end of the squib cup and holds a pair of terminal pins 42 through which the squib cup is inserted. A resistor (bridge wire) is attached to connect the tips of the pair of terminal pins 42 inserted into the squib cup, and a bridge wire is attached to the wire at a point inside the squib cup so as to surround or be close to the resistor. It has a configuration loaded with gunpowder.

The resistor generally used here is a nichrome wire, and the ignition charge generally used is ZPP (zirconium potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium tungsten potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, etc. The squib cup and base are generally made of metal or plastic.

As the resin used for the retaining portion 30, a resin material that has excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, etc. after hardening is preferably selected and used. In this case, it is not limited to thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, but it is also possible to use thermoplastic resins such as polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66), polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin, etc. When selecting these thermoplastic resins as raw materials, it is preferable to include glass fiber or the like as a filler in these resin materials in order to ensure the mechanical strength of the retaining portion 30 after molding. However, if sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured with the thermoplastic resin alone, there is no need to add the filler as described above.

When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 42. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the ignition powder starts to burn. The hot flames created by the combustion rupture the squib cup containing the igniter. The time from when 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.

The igniter 40 is attached to the bottom plate part 11 with the terminal pin 42 inserted into the opening 15 provided in the protruding cylinder part 13 from inside the lower shell 10 . Specifically, a holding part 30 made of a resin molded part is provided around the protruding cylinder part 13 provided on the bottom plate part 11, and the igniter 40 is held by the holding part 30. It is fixed to the bottom plate part 11 by.

The size of the opening 15 provided in the protruding tube portion 13 is configured to be smaller than the outer shape of the ignition portion 41, which is the largest outer shape part of the igniter 40. By configuring it in this way, even if unexpected damage occurs to the holding portion 30, it is possible to prevent the igniter 40 from passing through the opening 15 and flying out of the housing due to an increase in pressure inside the housing, thereby ensuring safe operation of the gas generator 100.

The holding part 30 is formed by injection molding (more specifically, insert molding) using a mold, and is inserted into the bottom plate part 11 through the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate part 11 of the lower shell 10. It is formed by attaching a fluid insulating resin material to the bottom plate part 11 so as to reach a part of the inner surface to a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate part 11 and solidifying the material. At this time, injection molding may be performed while compressing.

When molding the holding part 30, the igniter 40 is inserted from inside the lower shell 10 so that the terminal pin 42 is inserted into the opening 15, and in this state, the igniter 40 and the lower shell The above-described fluid insulating resin material is poured so as to fill the space between the base plate 10 and the base plate 10 , thereby being fixed to the bottom plate portion 11 via the holding portion 30 . At this time, injection molding may be performed while compressing.

As the raw material for the holding part 30 formed by injection molding, a resin material that has excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, etc. after curing is suitably selected and used. In that case, it is not limited to thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, but also polybutylene terephthalate resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins, polyamide resins (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66, etc.), polypropylene sulfide resins, polypropylene oxide resins, etc. It is also possible to use thermoplastic resins. When these thermoplastic resins are selected as raw materials, it is preferable that these resin materials contain glass fiber or the like as a filler in order to ensure the mechanical strength of the holding part 30 after molding. However, if sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured with the thermoplastic resin alone, there is no need to add the filler as described above.

The holding part 30 includes an inner covering part 31 that covers a part of the inner surface of the bottom plate part 11 of the lower shell 10, an outer covering part 32 that covers a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate part 11 of the lower shell 10, and a lower part. The connecting portion 33 is located within the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the side shell 10 and is continuous with the inner covering portion 31 and the outer covering portion 32, respectively.

The retaining portion 30 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11 on the surfaces of the inner covering portion 31, the outer covering portion 32, and the connecting portion 33 on the bottom plate portion 11 side. The retaining portion 30 is also fixed to the side and bottom surface of the portion of the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40 near the lower end, and to the surface of the portion of the terminal pin 42 of the igniter 40 near the upper end. As a result, the opening 15 is completely filled by the terminal pin 42 and the retaining portion 30, and the sealing of this portion is ensured, thereby ensuring airtightness of the space inside the housing.

The inner covering part 31 of the holding part 30 is provided so as to cover only the axial end of the protruding cylinder part 13 provided on the bottom plate part 11, thereby preventing the inside of the housing of the protruding cylinder part 13 from being exposed. The outer circumferential surface located at is not covered by the holding portion 30 and is exposed.

A female connector portion 34 is formed in a portion of the outer covering portion 32 of the holding portion 30 that faces the outside. This female connector part 34 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 is a part for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the igniter 40 and a control unit (not shown). It is located in a recessed part 14 provided in.

A cup-shaped member 50 is assembled to the bottom plate portion 11 so as to cover the protruding tube portion 13, the holding portion 30, and the igniter 40. The cup-shaped member 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and includes a transfer chamber 55 in which a transfer charge 56 is accommodated. The cup-shaped member 50 is oriented toward the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 in which the gas generating agent 61 is accommodated so that the flame transfer chamber 55 provided therein faces the ignition part 41 of the igniter 40. It is arranged so that it is located protrudingly.

The cup-shaped member 50 includes a top wall portion 51 and a side wall portion 52 that define the above-mentioned fire transfer chamber 55, and an extension portion 53 extending radially outward from the opening end side portion of the side wall portion 52. have. The extending portion 53 is formed to extend along the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 . Specifically, the extending portion 53 has a curved shape that follows the shape of the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 in the portion where the protruding cylinder portion 13 is provided and in the vicinity thereof, and has a diameter It includes a tip portion 54 extending in the shape of a flange on the outer side in the direction.

The distal end portion 54 of the extension portion 53 is disposed between the bottom plate portion 11 and the lower holding member 62 along the axial direction of the housing. It is sandwiched between the holding member 62 and the holding member 62 . Here, the lower holding member 62 is in a state of being pressed toward the bottom plate part 11 side by the gas generating agent 61, the cushion material 64, the upper holding member 63, and the top plate part 21 arranged above. The cup-shaped member 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 11 with the distal end 54 of the extended portion 53 pressed toward the bottom plate 11 by the lower holding member 62.

Note that the open end side portion of the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 is inserted into the inner covering portion 31, which is a portion located inside the housing of the holding portion 30, so that it is press-fitted and fixed to the holding portion 30. has been done. The press-fit fixation is a fixation part to facilitate the assembly work when assembling the cup-shaped member 50 to the housing. 11.

The cup-shaped member 50 has no opening in either the top wall portion 51 or the side wall portion 52, and surrounds a fire transfer chamber 55 provided therein. This cup-shaped member 50 ruptures or melts as the pressure rises in the fire transfer chamber 55 or the generated heat is conducted when the transfer charge 56 is ignited by the operation of the igniter 40. A material with relatively low mechanical strength is used.

Therefore, the cup-shaped member 50 is made of metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or A member made of a resin such as a thermoplastic resin typified by nylon 66, polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin, etc. is preferably used.

In addition to this, the cup-shaped member 50 is made of a metal member with high mechanical strength, such as iron or copper, and has an opening in its side wall portion 52. It is also possible to use a sealing tape attached to close the opening.

The transfer charge 56 filled in the transfer chamber 55 is ignited by the flame generated by the activation of the igniter 40, and is combusted to generate thermal particles. The transfer charge 56 must be capable of reliably starting combustion of the gas generating agent 61, and generally has a composition consisting of metal powder/oxidizing agent such as B/KNO ₃ . Things are used. The transfer charge 56 may be in powder form, or may be formed into a predetermined shape using a binder. The shape of the transfer powder 56 formed by the binder includes various shapes such as granules, cylinders, sheets, spheres, single-hole cylinders, multi-hole cylinders, and tablets.

Of the space inside the housing consisting of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20, the space surrounding the portion where the above-mentioned cup-shaped member 50 is arranged has a gas generating agent storage chamber 60 in which a gas generating agent 61 is accommodated. is located. Specifically, as described above, the cup-shaped member 50 is arranged to protrude into the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 formed inside the housing, and the outer surface of the side wall 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 A space provided in a portion facing the is configured as a gas generating agent storage chamber 60.

Further, a filter 70 is disposed along the inner circumference of the housing in a space surrounding the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 in the radial direction of the housing. The filter 70 has a cylindrical shape, and is arranged so that its central axis substantially coincides with the axial direction of the housing, thereby creating a gas generating agent storage chamber 60 in which the gas generating agent 61 is accommodated. is surrounded in the radial direction.

The gas generating agent 61 is a chemical that is ignited by thermal particles generated when the igniter 40 is activated and burns to generate gas. As the gas generating agent 61, it is preferable to use a non-azide gas generating agent, and the gas generating agent 61 is generally formed as a molded body containing a fuel, an oxidizing agent, and an additive. As the fuel, for example, triazole derivatives, tetrazole derivatives, guanidine derivatives, azodicarbonamide derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, etc., or combinations thereof are used. Specifically, for example, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole, etc. are preferably used. The oxidizing agent may be selected from basic nitrates such as basic copper nitrate, perchlorates such as ammonium perchlorate and potassium perchlorate, or alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia. Nitrates containing cations are used. As the nitrate, for example, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, etc. are preferably used. In addition, examples of additives include binders, slag forming agents, combustion modifiers, and the like. 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 acid clay can be suitably used. As the slag forming agent, silicon nitride, silica, acid clay, etc. can be suitably used. Further, as the combustion modifier, metal oxides, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, graphite, etc. can be suitably used.

The shapes of the molded bodies of the gas generating agent 61 include various shapes such as granules, pellets, cylinders, etc., and discs. In addition, in the case of a cylindrical molded product, a molded product having a perforated shape (for example, a single-hole cylinder shape or a multi-hole cylinder shape) having a through hole inside the molded body is also used. These shapes are preferably selected as appropriate according to the specifications of the airbag device in which the gas generator 100 is incorporated, and for example, a shape is selected in which the gas generation rate changes over time when the gas generating agent 61 is combusted. It is preferable to select the optimal shape according to the specifications. In addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 61, it is also preferable to take into account the linear combustion rate, pressure index, etc. of the gas generating agent 61 and appropriately select the size and filling amount of the molded body.

The filter 70 is, for example, one made by winding and sintering a metal wire such as stainless steel or iron, one made by pressing and compacting a mesh material woven with metal wires, or one made by winding a perforated metal plate. etc. are used. Here, as the mesh material, specifically, a stockinette wire mesh, a plain weave wire mesh, or an aggregate of crimp weave metal wires is used. In addition, perforated metal plates include, for example, expanded metal in which holes are made in a metal plate in a staggered manner and then expanded to form holes, resulting in a mesh-like shape, or expanded metal in which holes are made in a metal plate and then A hook metal or the like is used in which the burrs formed around the periphery of the hole are flattened by flattening them. In this case, the size and shape of the holes to be formed can be changed as necessary, and holes of different sizes and shapes may be included on the same metal plate. Note that as the metal plate, for example, a steel plate (mild steel) or a stainless steel plate can be suitably used, and a nonferrous metal plate such as aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, or an alloy thereof can also be used.

The filter 70 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas by removing high-temperature heat from the gas when the gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 passes through the filter 70. It also functions as a removal means for removing the residue (slag) etc. contained therein. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residue from being released to the outside, it is necessary to ensure that the gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 passes through the filter 70. It is.

A plurality of gas jet ports 23 are provided in the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 in the portion facing the filter 70 (that is, the peripheral wall portion in the portion located closer to the top plate portion 21 than the position where the flange 25 is provided). It is being This gas outlet 23 is for guiding the gas that has passed through the filter 70 to the outside of the housing. A sealing tape 24 is attached to the main surface of the peripheral wall 22 of the upper shell 20 located on the filter 70 side so as to close the gas outlet 23 . As this sealing tape 24, aluminum foil or the like coated with an adhesive member on one side is used. Thereby, the airtightness of the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 is ensured.

A lower holding member 62 is disposed near the end of the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 located on the bottom plate portion 11 side. The lower holding member 62 has an annular shape and is arranged to cover the boundary between the filter 70 and the bottom plate portion 11. The lower holding member 62 positions and holds the filter 70 by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the filter 70 located on the bottom plate 11 side, and also holds the tip 54 of the cup-shaped member 50 between it and the bottom plate 11. The cup-shaped member 50 is held by sandwiching them.

The lower holding member 62 allows gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 to flow out from the gap between the lower end of the filter 70 and the bottom plate portion 11 without passing through the inside of the filter 70 during operation. Prevent it from being put away. The lower holding member 62 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate member, and is preferably made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, a cold rolled steel plate or a stainless steel plate). ) consists of members.

An upper holding member 63 is disposed at the end of the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 located on the top plate portion 21 side. The upper holding member 63 has a substantially disk-like shape and is arranged to cover the boundary between the filter 70 and the top plate portion 21 . The upper holding member 63 positions and holds the filter 70 by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the filter 70 located on the top plate portion 21 side, and also holds the cushion material 64 disposed therein.

During operation, the upper holding member 63 prevents the gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 from flowing out through the gap between the upper end of the filter 70 and the top plate portion 21 without passing through the inside of the filter 70. Like the lower holding member 62, the upper holding member 63 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate-shaped member, and is preferably made of a member made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, a cold-rolled steel plate or a stainless steel plate).

An annular cushion material 64 is arranged inside the upper holding member 63 so as to be in contact with the gas generating agent 61 housed in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 . Thereby, the cushioning material 64 is located between the top plate part 21 and the gas generating agent 61 in the part of the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 on the top plate part 21 side, and the gas generating agent 61 is moved to the bottom plate part 11. Pressing towards the side. This cushioning material 64 is provided for the purpose of preventing the gas generating agent 61 made of a molded body from being crushed by vibration etc., and is preferably made of a ceramic fiber molded body, a zeolite molded body, or a rock wool. , a member made of foamed resin (for example, foamed silicone, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene, etc.), or rubber such as chloroprene and EPDM.

Next, the operation of the gas generator 100 described above during operation will be described. When a vehicle equipped with the gas generator 100 according to the present embodiment collides, the collision is detected by a collision detection means separately provided in the vehicle, and based on this, energization is performed from a control unit separately provided in the vehicle. The igniter 40 is activated. The transfer charge 56 housed in the transfer chamber 55 is ignited and burned by the flame generated by the activation of the igniter 40, generating a large amount of thermal particles. The cup-shaped member 50 ruptures or melts due to the combustion of the transfer powder 56, and the above-mentioned thermal particles flow into the gas generating agent storage chamber 60.

The flowing thermal particles ignite and burn the gas generating agent 61 housed in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60, generating a large amount of gas. The gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 passes through the filter 70, and at this time, the filter 70 removes heat and cools it, and the slag contained in the gas is removed by the filter 70. It flows into the outer periphery of the housing.

As the internal pressure of the housing increases, the sealing tape 24 that has closed the gas outlet 23 of the upper shell 20 is broken, and gas is ejected to the outside of the housing through the gas outlet 23. The ejected gas is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the gas generator 100, and inflates and deploys the airbag.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide positioning mechanisms 80A and 80B that allow the gas generator 100 to be attached to an airbag module or the like more quickly and easily than ever before.

Further, the housing of the gas generator 100 is made of a high-strength metal member that can withstand the pressure of gas generated during operation. Therefore, when the protrusions 83A and 83B are formed integrally with the housing, they have such strength that they can replace fasteners such as bolts. That is, it is possible to effectively utilize the characteristics of metal members forming the housing that have been conventionally employed.

Here, as a modified example, instead of the bottomed cylindrical convex parts 83A and 83B, as shown in FIG. 3, a bottomless cylindrical convex part 83C may be formed by burring. Even in such a modification, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved. Note that in FIG. 3, the parts other than the convex part 83C are the same parts as in the above embodiment, so the reference numerals are omitted.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a positioning mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Note that in this embodiment, the symbols having the same last two digits as those in the first embodiment are the same, so the explanation may be omitted. Also, parts that are not particularly explained are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the explanation may be omitted.

The alignment mechanisms 180A and 180B in this embodiment include (1) plate-shaped protrusions 183A and 183B that stand upwardly from the protrusion 181A instead of the bottomed cylindrical protrusions 83A and 83B; (2) Instead of the holes 82A, 82B of the airbag modules 90A, 90B, the airbag modules have slit-shaped holes 182A, 182B into which the plate-shaped protrusions 183A, 183B can be inserted or press fit. It differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided at 190A and 190B.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

<Third embodiment>
Next, a positioning mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In addition, in this embodiment, the reference numerals having the same last two digits as those in the first embodiment are the same, so the explanation may be omitted. Also, parts that are not particularly explained are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the explanation may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the positioning mechanisms 280A, 280B, and 280C in this embodiment not only have the same positioning function as in each of the above embodiments but also have an attachment and fixing function. This will be explained in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the gas generator 300 has protrusions 281A, 281B, and 281C instead of the positioning protrusions 81A and 81B and the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B. This is different from the gas generator 100 of the first embodiment. In addition, the positioning mechanism 280A aligns the inserted portion 282A, which is a part of the airbag module 290A (only a portion is shown), and the protruding portion 281A indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5(b) with the gas generator 300. The position of the first embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that it includes a pair of clamping members 282A1 and 282A2 that clamp the inserted part 282A (see FIG. 6) so as to rotate around the axis of the inserted part 282A (see FIG. 6). This is different from the alignment mechanisms 80A and 80B. The positioning mechanisms 280B and 280C are provided at different positions (a position shifted by 120° from the positioning mechanism 280A with respect to the central axis of the gas generator 300 in FIG. 5(b) (rotated position)) Since this is the same as the positioning mechanism 280A except for the positioning mechanism 280A, the explanation thereof will be omitted. Further, the entire airbag modules 290A, 290B, and 290C are not illustrated.

Each of the pair of clamping members 282A1 and 282A2 is a leaf spring, and uses the principle (elastic force) of this leaf spring to clamp and fix the protrusion 281A. Similarly, a pair of clamping members 282B1 and 282B2 clamp and fix the protrusion 281B, and a pair of clamping members 282C1 and 282C2 clamp and fix the protrusion 281C. In other words, each of the pair of clamping members 282A1 and 282A2, the pair of clamping members 282B1 and 282B2, and the pair of clamping members 282C1 and 282C2 not only form the inserted portion 282A but also the gas generator 300. It also forms part of the fixed part that can be attached and fixed to the airbag module.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the first embodiment. In addition, since no fasteners such as bolts are required when attaching the gas generator 300 to the airbag module, it is possible to contribute to reducing the number of parts compared to the conventional method. In addition, when inflating a large-capacity airbag, two gas generators may be used. In such a case, space can be saved by arranging the gas generators 300 having approximately triangular housings as in this embodiment in a staggered pattern. In addition, the same space-saving effect can be obtained during transportation and storage of the approximately triangular upper shell 220 and during transportation and storage of the gas generator 300, so it is possible to reduce transportation costs and storage space.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above based on the drawings, it should be understood that the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and includes all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. For example, although not shown, a long cylindrical so-called cylindrical housing may be used instead of the housing of the above embodiment.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, two fixing protrusions are used, but if it can be firmly attached and fixed, one fixing protrusion can be used when attaching and fixing the gas generator housing to the airbag module. This may also be done using a fixing protrusion. At this time, the number of attachment holes on the airbag module side may be the same as the number of fixing protrusions.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, three or more fixing protrusions may be used to fix the gas generator housing to the airbag module. At this time, the number of attachment holes on the airbag module side may be the same as the number of fixing protrusions. In addition, when using three fixing protrusions, it is preferable to provide them at equal intervals so that the housing of the gas generator has a substantially triangular appearance.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, two alignment protrusions are used, but only one alignment protrusion is provided, and this alignment protrusion is used as the starting point for alignment. The fixing protrusion may be used to guide the fixing protrusion to the position of the mounting hole of the airbag module. At this time, the number of inserted portions on the airbag module side may be the same as the number of alignment protrusions.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, two alignment protrusions are used, but three or more alignment protrusions may be provided. At this time, the number of inserted portions on the airbag module side may be the same as the number of alignment protrusions.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, three alignment protrusions (also fixing protrusions) are provided, but two alignment protrusions (also fixing protrusions) are provided. Alternatively, four or more positioning protrusions (also serving as fixing protrusions) may be provided. At this time, the number of fixed parts that are integrated with the inserted part on the airbag module side may be the same as the number of positioning protrusions (which are also fixing protrusions).

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the flange is provided on the upper shell, and the positioning protrusion and the fixing protrusion extend from the flange, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the alignment protrusion and the fixing protrusion may be provided to protrude directly from the peripheral wall of the upper shell or the peripheral wall of the lower shell.

10, 110, 210 Lower shell 11, 111, 211 Bottom plate 12, 112, 212 Peripheral wall 13, 113, 213 Projecting cylinder 14 Recess 15 Opening 20, 120, 220 Upper shell 21, 121, 221 Top plate section 22, 122, 222 Peripheral wall section 23, 123, 223 Gas outlet 24 Seal tape 25, 125, 225 Flange 30, 130, 230 Holding section 31 Inner covering section 32, 132, 232 Outer covering section 33 Connection section 34 , 134, 234 Female connector part 40 Igniter 41 Ignition part 42, 142, 242 Terminal pin 50 Cup-shaped member 51 Top wall part 52 Side wall part 53 Extension part 54 Tip part 55 Fire transfer chamber 56 Powder 60 Gas generating agent Storage chamber 61 Gas generating agent 62 Lower holding member 63 Upper holding member 64 Cushion material 70 Filters 80A, 80B, 180A, 180B, 280A, 280B, 280C Positioning mechanisms 81A, 81B, 181A, 181B, 281A, 281B, 281C Position Aligning protrusions 82A, 82B, 182A, 182B Holes 83A, 83B, 83C, 183A, 183B Convex parts 90A, 90B, 190A, 190B, 290A, 290B, 290C Airbag module 91A, 91B, 191A, 191B Fixing protrusions Parts 92A, 92B, 192A, 192B Attachment holes 100, 200, 300 Gas generators 281A, 281B, 281C Projecting part 282A Inserted parts 282A1, 282A2, 282B1, 282B2, 282C1, 282C2 Holding member

Claims (3)

a gas generator including a housing and a protrusion for fixing to a fixed portion of an airbag module, the protrusion being provided on the housing so as to protrude from a side surface of the housing in an outward direction of the housing; and an alignment mechanism for aligning a fixing position of the protrusion for fixing to the fixed portion of the airbag module, the alignment mechanism comprising:
an alignment protrusion provided on the housing at a position offset from the fixing protrusion so as to protrude from a side surface of the housing toward an outside of the housing;
an insertion portion provided on the airbag module, the insertion portion being capable of aligning an attachment position of the fixing protrusion with the fixed portion of the airbag module by inserting at least a part of the alignment protrusion into the insertion portion as a starting point;
An alignment mechanism comprising: The inserted portion is a hole,
At least a part of the positioning protrusion is a convex part that can be inserted into the hole,
The fixing protrusion is provided with a mounting hole,
The positioning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the fixed portion of the airbag module is provided with a hole through which the fixing protrusion can be fixed by a mounting tool through the mounting hole. . Two or more fixing protrusions are provided,
At least two of the fixing protrusions are also the positioning protrusions,
The number of the inserted portions is equal to the number of the positioning protrusions,
Of the fixed parts, the same number of the fixed parts as the positioning protrusion are formed integrally with each of the inserted parts,
Each of the fixed parts integrated with the inserted part has a pair of clamping members that clamp and fix the positioning protrusion when inserted into the inserted part. The alignment mechanism according to claim 1.

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