Ignition assembly and gas generator using it

Abstract

Igniter arrangement (1) comprising: a detonator body (10) comprising an ignition section (11) and an electrically conductive pin (12), a resin section (20) enclosing an edge region of the detonator body (10), a metal sleeve arranged at an edge region of the resin section (20) and integrated with the resin section (20), and a cup-shaped detonator housing (50) enclosing at least the ignition section (11) and filled therein with a gas-generating agent or a transfer charge, wherein the metal cuff comprises a combination of a cylindrical cuff (30) and an annular cuff (40), wherein the cylindrical cuff (30) comprising a first inner wall surface (31a) on the side of a first end (31) that is positioned on the side of the ignition section (11), and a second inner wall surface (32a) on the side of a second end (32) that is positioned on the side of the electrically conductive pin (12), wherein the ring-shaped cuff (40) comprising a first annular surface (41), a second annular surface (42) on the side opposite the first annular surface (41) in a thickness direction, an inner circumferential surface (43) and an outer circumferential surface (44), wherein a part of the first annular surface (41) and a part of the second annular surface (42), which include the inner circumferential surface (43) and a central hole, are embedded in the resin section (20) and the remaining part of the first annular surface (41) and the remaining part of the second annular surface (42), which include the outer circumferential surface (44), project outwards in a radial direction of the resin section (20), the cylindrical cuff (30) comprises an inner annular step surface (33) between the first inner wall surface (31a) and the second inner wall surface (32a), wherein an inner diameter of the first inner wall surface (31a) is larger than an inner diameter of the second inner wall surface (32a), the outer circumferential surface (44) of the annular cuff (40) abuts the first inner wall surface (31a) of the cylindrical cuff (30) and the second annular surface (42) abuts the inner annular step surface (33) of the cylindrical cuff (30) on the side of the outer circumferential surface (44) of the annular cuff (40). the cup-shaped fuze housing (50) includes a circumferential wall section (53) with a smaller diameter, which is provided on the side of a base surface (51), a circumferential wall section (54) with a larger diameter, which is provided on the side of an opening (52) and is larger than the circumferential wall section with a smaller diameter, and an annular step section (55) between the circumferential wall section (53) with a smaller diameter and the circumferential wall section (54) with a larger diameter, In the cup-shaped fuze housing (50), an outer surface of the circumferential wall section (54) with a larger diameter abuts the first inner wall surface (31a) of the cylindrical sleeve (30), and an outer surface (55a) of the annular step section (55) abuts a section (34) of the cylindrical sleeve (30) where a diameter is reduced on the side of the first end (31), so that the cup-shaped fuze housing (50) is attached from the outside, and the second inner wall surface (32a) abuts an outer surface (21) of the resin section (20), characterized by the fact that in the cup-shaped detonator housing (50) an annular end face (52a) at the opening (52) abuts the first annular surface (41) of the annular sleeve (40), and a part of an outer surface of the circumferential wall section (53) with a smaller diameter, which is connected to the outer surface (55a), abuts the section (34) of the cylindrical sleeve (30), where a diameter is reduced on the side of the first end (31), so that the cup-shaped fuze housing (50) is attached from the outside.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an igniter assembly and to a gas generator using the igniter assembly. Description of related technology

[0002] As an igniter for a gas generator of an airbag device, some gas generators use an igniter assembly that includes a combination of an igniter main body, a resin portion, a metal sleeve, and a casing (envelope).

[0003] Furthermore, the igniter assembly is also used as a gas generator usable for a belt pretensioner of a seat belt of a motor vehicle, in which a gas generating agent is filled into the housing (the casing) (JP 2004- 217 059 A, JP 2008- 36 609 A).

[0004] In Fig. 1 of US 7 726 241 B2, a rim portion 60 at an opening of a housing 54 covers a shoulder 21 of a bore seal 14 from the outside, and the rim portion 60 is deformed to conform to an external shape of the shoulder 21 so that the housing 54 is fixed to the bore seal 14.

[0005] In Fig. 1 of JP H11-321541 A, a housing 22 and an initiator adapter 24 are integrated by welding, the initiator adapter 24 covers an insulating material 36 and an insert member 40 from the outside, and an opening side of the initiator adapter 24 is deformed to conform to external shapes of the insulating material 36 and the insert member 40, so that the initiator adapter 24 is fixed to the insert member 40.

[0006] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 of JP 2004- 217 059 A, a cup body 20 and an igniter sleeve 30 are joined together by a crimp sleeve 30, which is a separate element (in paragraph 0040).

[0007] In Fig. 1 of JP 2013-159239 A uses a cup-shaped housing 40 having an annular bent portion 45 at an end portion of an opening 43. The cup-shaped housing 40 is fitted to an igniter 12 of an igniter assembly 11 from the opening 43 of the cup-shaped housing 40.

[0008] In Fig. 1 of JP 2008-36609 A, a flange 42 formed at an opening of a cup member 41 is fitted into an annular groove 33 formed in an igniter sleeve 31 (in paragraph 0049).

[0009] Document US 2002 / 0 189 487 A1 relates to a gas generator comprising a first can filled with a gas generating agent that generates gas by combustion; a second can disposed inside the first can and containing an ignition means; and a holder that holds the first can and also holds a plug of the second can or the second can thereon. A separator is provided in the gas generator to allow the gas generating agent to be enclosed within the first can to shield the gas generating agent from the second can. Furthermore, the separator is arranged to cover the second can. Furthermore, sealing materials such as an O-ring are arranged in a moisture inflow path through which moisture or the like penetrates from outside the gas generator.

[0010] Document US 2004 / 0 245 753 A1 relates to a gas generator. A shell body loaded with a gas generator and an igniter collar holding an igniter main body are connected and secured to each other by a flange portion and an upper flat peripheral edge crimped by an upper end side of a bent portion of a ferrule, and a lower flat peripheral edge of an igniter collar crimped by a lower end side of the bent portion of a ferrule. This is suitable as a gas generator for a pretensioner. Overview of the invention

[0011] The present invention (Invention 1) relates to an igniter assembly including: an igniter main body having an igniting portion and an electrically conductive pin; a resin portion surrounding a peripheral portion of the igniter main body; a metal collar disposed at a peripheral portion of the resin portion and integrated with the resin portion; and a cup-shaped igniter casing surrounding at least the igniting portion and filled therein with a gas generating agent or a carrier charge. The metal collar includes a combination of a cylindrical collar and an annular collar. The cylindrical collar includes a first inner wall surface on the side of a first end positioned on the side of the igniting portion; and a second inner wall surface on the side of a second end positioned on the side of the electrically conductive pin.wherein the annular sleeve comprises a first annular surface, a second annular surface on the side opposite the first annular surface in a thickness direction, an inner peripheral surface, and an outer peripheral surface, wherein a part of the first annular surface and a part of the second annular surface, including the inner peripheral surface and a center hole, are embedded in the resin portion (20), and the remaining part of the first annular surface and the remaining part of the second annular surface, including the outer peripheral surface, protrude outward in a radial direction of the resin portion, the cylindrical sleeve comprises an inner annular step surface between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface, wherein an inner diameter of the first inner wall surface is larger than an inner diameter of the second inner wall surface,the outer peripheral surface of the annular sleeve abuts the first inner wall surface of the cylindrical sleeve, and the second annular surface on the outer peripheral surface of the annular sleeve side abuts the inner annular step surface of the cylindrical sleeve, the cup-shaped igniter casing includes a smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion provided on the side of a bottom surface, a larger-diameter peripheral wall portion provided on the side of an opening and larger than the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion, and an annular step portion between the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion and the larger-diameter peripheral wall portion,In the cup-shaped igniter casing, an outer surface of the larger-diameter peripheral wall portion abuts the first inner wall surface of the cylindrical sleeve, and an outer surface of the annular step portion abuts a portion of the cylindrical sleeve where a diameter is reduced on the first end side, so that the cup-shaped igniter casing is fixed from the outside, and the second inner wall surface abuts an outer surface of the resin portion, characterized in that in the cup-shaped igniter casing, an annular end surface at the opening abuts the first annular surface of the annular sleeve, and a part of an outer surface of the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion, which is continuous with the outer surface, abuts the portion of the cylindrical sleeve where a diameter is reduced on the first end side,so that the cup-shaped igniter housing is attached from the outside.

[0012] The present invention (Invention 2) provides an igniter assembly including: an igniter main body having an igniting portion and an electrically conductive pin, a resin portion surrounding a peripheral portion of the igniter main body, a metal collar disposed at a peripheral portion of the resin portion and integrated with the resin portion, and a cup-shaped igniter casing surrounding at least the igniting portion and filled therein with a gas generating agent or a carrier charge, wherein the metal collar includes a combination of a cylindrical collar and an annular collar, wherein the cylindrical collar includes a first inner wall surface on the side of a first end positioned on the side of the igniting portion, a second inner wall surface on the side of a second end positioned on the side of the electrically conductive pin,wherein the annular collar comprises a first annular surface, a second annular surface on the side opposite to the first annular surface in a thickness direction, an inner peripheral surface, and an outer peripheral surface, wherein a part of the first annular surface and a part of the second annular surface, including the inner peripheral surface and a center hole, are embedded in the resin portion, and the remaining part of the first annular surface and the remaining part of the second annular surface, including the outer peripheral surface, protrude outward in a radial direction of the resin portion, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the annular collar abuts against the first inner wall surface of the cylindrical collar, wherein the cup-shaped igniter housing includes a flange portion at an opening, wherein the flange portion has a lower annular surface on the side of the opening,an upper annular surface on the side opposite the lower annular surface in an axial direction and an annular end surface of the opening between the lower annular surface and the upper annular surface, wherein the lower annular surface abuts the first annular surface of the annular sleeve, the annular end surface abuts the first inner wall surface of the cylindrical sleeve, and the upper annular surface abuts a bent portion of the cylindrical sleeve which is bent inward so that the cup-shaped igniter housing is fixed from the outside, characterized in that the cylindrical sleeve further comprises an inner annular step surface between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface,wherein an inner diameter of the first inner wall surface is larger than an inner diameter of the second inner wall surface, and the second inner wall surface abuts an outer surface of the resin portion, wherein the second annular surface on the side of the outer peripheral surface of the annular sleeve abuts the inner annular step surface of the cylindrical sleeve, and the cup-shaped igniter housing comprises a plurality of through holes in a peripheral wall portion.

[0013] The gas generator according to the present invention includes the igniter assembly according to the above-described invention 1 or 2. Short description of the drawings

[0014] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only and therefore are not limitative of the present invention and in which: Fig. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of an igniter assembly according to the present invention (Invention 1); Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view in a thickness direction of an annular cuff used in the Fig. 1 is used; Fig. 3 is an axial cross-sectional view of an igniter housing used in the Fig. 1 is used; Fig. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of an igniter assembly according to the present invention (Invention 2); Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view in a thickness direction of an annular cuff used in the Fig. 4 is used; Fig. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of an igniter housing used in the Fig. 4 is used; and Fig. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of a gas generator incorporating the Fig. The igniter arrangement shown in Figure 4 is used. Detailed description of the invention

[0015] In the igniter assemblies, the housings (the shrouds) are fastened to the metal collars (US 7 726 241 B2, JP H11- 321 541 A, JP 2004- 217 059 A, JP 2013- 159 239 A and JP 2008- 36 609 A), and it is important that a fastening operation is easy to perform during assembly and that the housings (the shrouds) are not detached from the metal collar during actuation.

[0016] The present invention provides an igniter assembly in which a fastening strength of an igniter case is increased by fastening the igniter case from the outside with a combination of two metal collars, and further provides a gas generator using the same.

[0017] In the igniter assembly of the invention 1, the combination of the cylindrical sleeve and the annular sleeve is used as the metal sleeve.

[0018] A partial surface (the second inner wall surface) of the cylindrical sleeve rests against the outer surface of a resin section.

[0019] A partial surface containing the center hole of the annular cuff is embedded and integrated into the resin section.

[0020] The cylindrical cuff and the annular cuff partially touch each other.

[0021] The cup-shaped igniter casing is made of metal and includes the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion on the bottom surface side, the larger-diameter peripheral wall portion on the opening side, and the annular step portion between the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion and the larger-diameter peripheral wall portion.

[0022] In the cup-shaped igniter housing, the annular end surface of the opening abuts the first annular surface of the annular sleeve, the outer surface of the larger-diameter peripheral wall portion abuts the first inner wall surface of the cylindrical sleeve, and the outer surface of the annular step portion and a part of the outer surface of the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion continuous with the outer surface of the annular step portion abut the portion of the cylindrical sleeve where a diameter is reduced on the first end side.

[0023] As described above, in the igniter assembly according to the invention 1, since the igniter case is fixed from the outside by matching the mounting positions and the shapes of the three members, ie, the igniter case, the cylindrical sleeve, and the annular sleeve, a fixing strength of the igniter case to the metal sleeve is increased.

[0024] Therefore, even if the igniter is actuated, the igniter housing will not be displaced or detached from the metal sleeve (the cylindrical sleeve and the annular sleeve).

[0025] In the igniter assembly of Invention 2, the combination of the cylindrical sleeve and the annular sleeve is used as the metal sleeve.

[0026] A partial surface (the second inner wall surface) of the cylindrical sleeve rests against the outer surface of the resin section.

[0027] A partial surface containing the center hole of the annular cuff is embedded and integrated into the resin section.

[0028] The cylindrical cuff and the annular cuff partially touch each other.

[0029] The cup-shaped igniter housing is made of metal and includes the plurality of through holes in the peripheral wall surface and the flange portion at the opening.

[0030] In the cup-shaped igniter housing, the flange portion of the cup-shaped igniter housing abuts both the cylindrical sleeve and the annular sleeve and further abuts the bent portion of the cylindrical sleeve which is bent inward.

[0031] As described above, in the igniter assembly according to the invention 2, since the igniter case is fixed from the outside by matching the mounting positions and the shapes of the three members, ie, the igniter case, the cylindrical sleeve, and the annular sleeve, a fixing strength of the igniter case to the metal sleeve is increased.

[0032] Therefore, even if the igniter is actuated, the igniter housing will not be displaced or detached from the metal sleeve (the cylindrical sleeve and the annular sleeve).

[0033] In the igniter assembly of the invention 1 or 2, preferably, in a portion where the second annular surface on the outer peripheral surface side of the annular collar abuts against the inner annular step surface, an annular groove is formed on one or both of the second annular surface and the inner annular step surface, and an O-ring is fitted into the annular groove.

[0034] By forming the annular groove in this way and fitting the O-ring therein, moisture is prevented from penetrating into the igniter housing from a gap between the cylindrical sleeve and the resin portion.

[0035] In the igniter assembly of the invention 1 or 2, the cup-shaped igniter housing preferably includes a cylinder and a lid for closing an opening of the cylinder.

[0036] The igniter housing has a cup-like shape. A housing formed in a cup-like shape from the outset or a housing formed into a cup-like shape by assembly can be used.

[0037] When a casing including a cylinder and a cover is used as the cup-shaped igniter casing, first, the cylinder is attached to the metal sleeve (the cylindrical sleeve and the annular sleeve), then a transfer charge or a gas generating agent is loaded from an opening, and thereafter, the opening is closed by the cover.

[0038] As described above, it is preferable to use the casing including the cylinder and the cover as the cup-shaped igniter casing, and thereby simplifying assembly operations.

[0039] Furthermore, the gas generator of the present invention is preferably a gas generator including two igniter assemblies capable of being independently actuated, wherein the igniter assembly to be actuated first of the two igniter assemblies is the igniter assembly of Invention 1 or 2 described above.

[0040] Actuation of a gas generator having two igniter assemblies capable of being actuated independently includes the following actuation modes: a first actuation mode in which one detonator is actuated first and the other detonator is actuated with a delay; a second mode of operation in which both detonators are operated simultaneously; and a third method of operation in which only one of the detonators is activated.

[0041] In the first operation method, if an abnormal operation occurs in the igniter (igniter assembly) that is ignited first, such as the igniter case being detached from the metal collar, the operation of the igniter (igniter assembly) that is actuated with a delay will be affected, and proper operation of the gas generator cannot be achieved.

[0042] With the igniter assemblies according to Invention 1 and Invention 2 used in the gas generator according to the present invention, proper operation of the gas generator is ensured because the igniter housing is prevented from detaching from the metal sleeve.

[0043] In the igniter assembly according to the present invention, the igniter housing is fixed from the outside by the metal collar, and thereby the igniter housing is not detached from the metal collar during actuation.

[0044] In a gas generator using the igniter assembly according to the present invention, the reliability as a product is further improved.

[0045] The igniter assembly according to the present invention can be used as an igniter of a gas generator used in an airbag device mounted on a motor vehicle. Embodiments of the invention<In Fig. 1 dargestellte erste Zünderanordnung>

[0046] One in Fig. 1 includes an igniter main body 10, a resin portion 20, a metal sleeve, and a cup-shaped igniter housing 50.

[0047] The igniter main body 10 includes an ignition section 11 and an electrically conductive pin 12, which is the same as in known igniters for gas generators. The electrically conductive pin 12 is connected to a connector having a lead wire (not shown in the drawings). The interior of the ignition section 11 is filled with an ignition charge.

[0048] A part of the ignition portion 11 and a part of the electrically conductive pin 12 of the igniter main body 10 are enclosed by the columnar resin portion 20. The resin portion 20 is made of a thermoplastic resin or the like and forms an electrically insulated portion and a connector insertion space 25.

[0049] At the Fig. The igniter assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 uses a metal sleeve comprising a combination of a cylindrical sleeve 30 and an annular sleeve 40. The cylindrical sleeve 30 and the annular sleeve 40 are made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel.

[0050] In the cylindrical sleeve 30, an inner diameter of a first inner wall surface 31a on the side of a first end 31 positioned on the side of the ignition portion 11 is larger, and an inner diameter of a second inner wall surface 32a on the side of a second end 32 positioned on the side of the electrically conductive pin 12 is smaller.

[0051] A difference in inner diameter between the first inner wall surface 31a and the second inner wall surface 32a provides an inner annular step surface 33 therebetween.

[0052] In the cylindrical sleeve 30, the second inner wall surface 32a abuts an outer surface 21 of the resin portion 20.

[0053] As in Fig. 2, the annular sleeve 40 includes a first annular surface 41, a second annular surface 42 on the side opposite to the first annular surface 41 in a thickness direction, an inner peripheral surface 43, and an outer peripheral surface 44.

[0054] A clearance (an inner diameter of a center hole) of the inner peripheral surface 43 of the annular collar 40 is set smaller than an outer diameter of the ignition portion 11.

[0055] In the annular cuff 40, a part of the first annular surface 41 and a part of the second annular surface 42 including the inner peripheral surface 43 and the center hole are embedded in the resin portion 20, and the remaining part of the first annular surface 41 and the remaining part of the second annular surface 42 including the outer peripheral surface 44 protrude outward in a radial direction of the resin portion 20.

[0056] The annular sleeve 40 may include one or two or more annular grooves, each on the first annular surface 41 and the second annular surface 42, embedded in the resin portion 20. When the annular grooves are provided, resin penetrates into the annular grooves. Preferably, a single annular groove is provided in each of the first annular surface 41 and the second annular surface 42.

[0057] A depth of the annular groove is preferably equal to or less than 1 / 3 of a thickness of the annular sleeve 40.

[0058] When the annular groove is formed in each of the first annular surface 41 and the second annular surface 42, the respective grooves are preferably formed so as not to oppose each other in a thickness direction in order to maintain the strength of the annular collar 40. For example, a distance of the annular groove in the first annular surface 41 from the inner peripheral surface 43 is formed different from the distance of the annular groove in the second annular surface 42 from the inner peripheral surface 43. Thereby, the respective grooves are positioned so as not to oppose each other in the thickness direction.

[0059] Such annular grooves are preferably provided because the resin penetrates into the annular grooves so as to increase the joining strength between the resin portion 20 and the annular sleeve 40 and prevent the annular sleeve 40 from rotating.

[0060] The outer peripheral surface 44 of the annular sleeve 40 abuts the first inner wall surface 31a of the cylindrical sleeve 30, and the second annular surface 42 on the side of the outer peripheral surface 44 of the annular sleeve 40 abuts the inner annular step surface 33 of the cylindrical sleeve 30.

[0061] A portion of the inner annular step surface 33, which abuts the second annular surface 42 on the outer peripheral surface 44 side of the annular collar 40, is annularly recessed. The recessed portion, the resin portion 20, and the second annular surface 42 form an annular space, and an O-ring 49 is fitted therein.

[0062] By fitting the O-ring 49 therein, moisture is prevented from penetrating between the resin portion 20 and the second inner wall surface 32a of the cylindrical sleeve 30 and entering the igniter housing 50.

[0063] As in Fig. 3, the cup-shaped igniter housing 50 includes a smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion 53 on the side of a bottom 51, a larger-diameter peripheral wall portion 54 on the side of an opening 52, and an annular step portion 55 between the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion 53 and the larger-diameter peripheral wall portion 54.

[0064] The cup-shaped igniter housing 50 is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel. Furthermore, the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion 53 of the cup-shaped igniter housing 50 has a uniform outer diameter, but the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion 53 may partially have a different outer diameter.

[0065] The smaller diameter peripheral wall portion 53 includes a plurality of through holes 57.

[0066] In the cup-shaped igniter housing 50, an annular end surface 52a of the opening 52 abuts the first annular surface 41 of the annular sleeve 40, and an outer surface of the larger diameter peripheral wall portion 54 abuts the first inner wall surface 31a of the cylindrical sleeve 30.

[0067] Further, in the cup-shaped igniter case 50, an outer surface 55a of the annular step portion 55 and a part of an outer surface of the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion 53 continuous with the outer surface 55a are pressed from the outside by a portion (a reduced-diameter portion) 34 of an inner wall surface where a diameter is reduced on the first end 31 side of the cylindrical collar 30, so that the igniter case 50 is fixed.

[0068] An inner space 58 is filled with a gas generating agent or a transfer charge.

[0069] The cup-shaped igniter housing 50 may be a housing that is initially formed in a cup-shaped shape, or a cup-shaped housing that includes a cylinder and a lid for closing one of the openings of the cylinder, which are mounted together.

[0070] The following describes an assembly procedure for the Fig. 1 described igniter arrangement 1.

[0071] An article is manufactured which is obtained by integrating the igniter main body 10 with the resin portion 20 and the annular collar 40. Such an integrated article is manufactured by employing a known resin molding method (for example, an insert molding method).

[0072] The O-ring 49 is fitted into the resin portion 20 of the igniter, and the igniter main body 10 is fitted into the cylindrical sleeve 30 so that the second inner wall surface 32a abuts against the outer surface 21 (a radially outer side surface of the connector insertion space 25) of the resin portion 20. At this time, the reduced diameter portion 34 is not yet formed.

[0073] Next, the resulting article is combined with the igniter housing 50 as shown in Fig. 1, while the igniter housing 50, which is filled with a gas generating agent or a transfer charge, is placed on the bottom.

[0074] Next, by exerting an inward force on the cylindrical sleeve 30 on the side of the first end 31 (for example, by striking the sleeve from the outside), the reduced diameter portion 34 is formed, as shown in Fig. 1, and thereby the igniter housing 50 is fastened from the outside.

[0075] When a detonator housing including a cylinder and a cover is used as the detonator housing 50, such a method may be employed that only the cylinder of the detonator housing 50 is fixed, then the inner space 58 is filled with a gas generating agent or a transfer charge, and thereafter the opening is closed by the cover.

[0076] The Fig. The igniter assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used as an igniter (an igniter assembly) to be used in a gas generator and can also be used as a gas generator. For example, the igniter assembly 1 can be used as a gas generator for a pretensioner of a seat belt of a motor vehicle, which is disclosed in JP 2004-217059 A and JP 2008-36609 A. <In Fig. 4 dargestellte zweite Zünderanordnung>

[0077] One in Fig. The igniter assembly 100 shown in Figure 4 includes an igniter main body 110, a resin portion 120, a metal collar, and a cup-shaped igniter housing 150.

[0078] The igniter main body 110 includes an ignition section 111 and an electrically conductive pin 112, which is the same as in known gas generator igniters. The electrically conductive pin 112 is connected to a connector having a lead wire (not shown in the drawing). The interior of the ignition section 111 is filled with an ignition charge.

[0079] A part of the ignition portion 111 and a part of the electrically conductive pin 112 of the igniter main body 110 are enclosed by the columnar resin portion 120. The resin portion 120 is made of a thermoplastic resin or the like and forms an electrically insulated portion and a connector insertion space 125.

[0080] At the Fig. The igniter assembly 100 shown in Figure 4 uses a metal collar that includes a combination of a cylindrical collar 130 and an annular collar 140. The cylindrical collar 130 and the annular collar 140 are made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel.

[0081] In the cylindrical sleeve 130, an inner diameter of a first inner wall surface 131a on the side of a first end 131 positioned on the side of the ignition portion 111 is larger, and an inner diameter of a second inner wall surface 132a on the side of a second end 132 positioned on the side of the electrically conductive pin 112 is smaller.

[0082] A difference in inner diameter between the first inner wall surface 131a and the second inner wall surface 132a provides an inner annular step surface 133 therebetween.

[0083] In the cylindrical sleeve 130, the second inner wall surface 132a abuts against an outer surface 121 of the resin portion 120, which is radially opposite to the inner space 25 for the connector.

[0084] As in Fig. 5, the annular sleeve 140 includes a first annular surface 141, a second annular surface 142 on the opposite side to the first annular surface 141 in a thickness direction, an inner peripheral surface 143, and an outer peripheral surface 144.

[0085] A clearance (an inner diameter of a center hole) of the inner peripheral surface 143 of the annular collar 140 is set smaller than an outer diameter of the ignition portion 111.

[0086] In the annular cuff 140, a part of the first annular surface 141 and a part of the second annular surface 142 including the inner peripheral surface 143 and the center hole are embedded in the resin portion 120, and the remaining part of the first annular surface 141 and the remaining part of the second annular surface 142 including the outer peripheral surface 144 protrude outward in a radial direction of the resin portion 120.

[0087] The annular sleeve 140 may include one or two or more (preferably one) annular grooves on each of the first annular surface 141 and the second annular surface 142.

[0088] A depth of the annular groove is preferably equal to or less than 1 / 3 of a thickness of the annular sleeve 140.

[0089] When the annular groove is formed in each of the first annular surface 141 and the second annular surface 142, the respective grooves are preferably formed so as not to oppose each other in a thickness direction in order to maintain strength of the annular collar 140. For example, a distance of the annular groove in the first annular surface 141 from the inner peripheral surface 143 is formed different from the distance of the annular groove in the second annular surface 142 from the inner peripheral surface 143. Thereby, the respective annular grooves are positioned so as not to oppose each other in the thickness direction.

[0090] Such annular grooves are preferably provided because the resin penetrates into the annular grooves so as to increase a joining strength between the resin portion 120 and the annular collar 140 and prevent the annular collar 140 from rotating.

[0091] The outer peripheral surface 144 of the annular sleeve 140 abuts against the first inner wall surface 131a of the cylindrical sleeve 130, and the second annular surface 142 on the side of the outer peripheral surface 144 of the annular sleeve 140 abuts against the inner annular step surface 133 of the cylindrical sleeve 130.

[0092] A portion of the inner annular step surface 133 that abuts the second annular surface 142 is annularly recessed. The recessed portion, the resin portion 120, and the second annular surface 142 form an annular space, and an O-ring 149 is fitted therein. Here, the annular space for fitting the O-ring 149 may be, for example, an annular groove such as the second annular groove 146 formed in the second annular surface 142 that abuts the inner annular step surface 133.

[0093] By fitting the O-ring 149 therein, moisture is prevented from penetrating between the resin portion 120 and the second inner wall surface 132a of the cylindrical sleeve 130 and entering the igniter housing 150.

[0094] As in Fig. 6, the cup-shaped igniter housing 150 includes a bottom 151, a peripheral wall 153, an opening 152 axially opposite the bottom 151, and a flange 154 at the opening 152.

[0095] The cup-shaped igniter housing 150 is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel.

[0096] The peripheral wall portion 153 of the cup-shaped igniter housing 150 has a uniform outer diameter, but the peripheral wall portion 153 may partially have a different outer diameter. For example, an outer diameter on the bottom 151 side may be larger than an outer diameter on the opening 152 side, or the outer diameter on the bottom 151 side may be smaller than the outer diameter on the opening 152 side.

[0097] The peripheral wall portion 153 includes a plurality of through holes 157.

[0098] The flange portion 154 includes a lower annular surface 155 on the side of the opening 152, an upper annular surface 156 on the side axially opposite the lower annular surface 155, and an annular end surface 152a of the opening 152 between the lower annular surface 155 and the upper annular surface 156.

[0099] In the cup-shaped igniter housing 150, the lower annular surface 155 abuts the first annular surface 141 of the annular sleeve 140, the annular end surface 152a abuts the first inner wall surface 131a of the cylindrical sleeve 130, and the upper annular surface 156 is pressed from the outside by a bent portion 159 obtained by bending the first end 131 of the cylindrical sleeve 130 inward, and thereby the igniter housing 150 is fixed.

[0100] An inner space 158 is filled with a gas generating agent or a transfer charge (not shown in the drawings), and if necessary, a cushioning material may be arranged on the inner side of the floor 151. In addition, a cushioning material may also be arranged in the Fig. 1 shown igniter arrangement 1 may be used if necessary.

[0101] The cup-shaped igniter housing 150 may be a housing that is initially formed in a cup-shaped shape, or a cup-shaped housing that includes a cylinder and a lid for closing one of the openings of the cylinder, which are mounted together.

[0102] The following describes an assembly procedure for the Fig. 4 is described.

[0103] An article is manufactured by integrating the igniter main body 110, the resin portion 120, and the annular collar 140. Such an integrated article is manufactured by employing a known resin molding method (for example, an insert molding method).

[0104] The cylindrical sleeve 130 and the O-ring 149 are fitted together to form the integrated article such that the second inner wall surface 132a abuts against the outer surface 121 (a radially outer side surface of the connector insertion space 125) of the resin portion 120. At this time, the bent portion 159 is not yet formed.

[0105] Next, the resulting article is combined with the igniter housing 150 as shown in Fig. 4, while the igniter housing 150, which is filled with a gas generating agent or a transfer charge, is placed on the bottom.

[0106] Next, by applying a force inward to the cylindrical sleeve 130 on the side of the first end 131 (for example, by striking the sleeve from the outside), the bent portion 159, as shown in Fig. 4, and thereby the igniter housing 150 is fastened from the outside.

[0107] When a detonator housing including a cylinder and a cover is used as the detonator housing 150, such a method may be employed that only the cylinder of the detonator housing 150 is fixed, then the inner space 158 is filled with a gas generating agent or a transfer charge, and then the opening is closed by the cover.

[0108] The Fig. The igniter assembly 100 shown in Figure 4 is used as an igniter (an igniter assembly) to be used in a gas generator and can also be used as a gas generator. For example, the igniter assembly 100 can be used as a gas generator for a pretensioner of a seat belt of a motor vehicle, which is disclosed in JP 2004-217059 A and JP 2008-36609 A. <In Fig. 7 dargestellter Gasgenerator>

[0109] Next, a gas generator 200 is described in which the Fig. 4 is used. The gas generator 200 is the same as known gas generators with the exception that the Fig. 4, the igniter arrangement 100 is used as the first igniter.

[0110] A housing 210 is formed by integrating a diffuser shell 211 and a closure shell 212 by welding.

[0111] A plurality of gas discharge openings 213, which are closed from the inside by a sealing tape, are provided in a peripheral wall surface of the diffuser shell 211.

[0112] A first detonator in which the Fig. 4 is used, is arranged inside the housing 210.

[0113] The cylindrical sleeve 130 of the igniter assembly (first igniter) 100 is fitted into an opening formed in a bottom portion 212a of the closure shell 212 and is welded and fixed to an adjacent portion.

[0114] Furthermore, a second combustion chamber 240 is formed at a position adjacent to the igniter assembly 100 in a radial direction inside the housing 210.

[0115] The second combustion chamber 240 has a second igniter 230 and a second gas generating agent (not shown in the drawing) which are housed inside a second combustion chamber housing 250.

[0116] The second combustion chamber casing 250 has a plurality of second through holes 255 formed in a peripheral wall, and a cushioning material may be disposed in a bottom portion.

[0117] The second igniter 230 includes a combination of a second igniter main body 231 including a second igniter portion 232 and a second electrically conductive pin 233, a second resin portion 247, a second annular sleeve 246, and a second cylindrical sleeve 245.

[0118] The second combustion chamber casing 250 is press-fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical sleeve 245 from the opening.

[0119] The second cylindrical sleeve 245 of the second igniter 230 is fitted into an opening formed in the bottom portion 212a of the closure shell 212 and is welded and fixed to an adjacent portion.

[0120] A cylindrical filter 260 is arranged inside the housing 210 at a distance from the gas discharge openings 213.

[0121] A space inside the housing 210, from which the igniter assembly 100 and the second combustion chamber 240 are removed, and further inside the cylindrical filter 260 corresponds to a first combustion chamber 220. The first combustion chamber 220 is filled with a first gas generating agent (not shown in the drawing).

[0122] Next, a process is described when the Fig. 7 is used in an airbag device of a motor vehicle. The following describes the case where the first igniter (first igniter assembly) 100 is actuated first and the second igniter 230 is actuated with a delay.

[0123] When the igniter main body 110 is actuated, flames, a combustion gas, or the like are generated from the ignition portion 111 to ignite and burn the gas generating agent (or the transfer charge) filled in the inner space 158, and a combustion gas or the like is generated.

[0124] The combustion gas generated inside the inner space 158 enters the first combustion chamber 220 from the through holes 157, ignites and burns the first gas generating agent, and generates a combustion gas.

[0125] The combustion gas generated in the first combustion chamber 220 flows through the cylindrical filter 260 and is discharged from the gas discharge openings 213 so that an airbag is inflated.

[0126] The second igniter 230 is actuated with a slight delay from the actuation of the first igniter 100, flames, a combustion gas, or the like are generated to ignite and burn the second gas generating agent in the second combustion chamber 240, and a combustion gas is generated.

[0127] The combustion gas inside the second combustion chamber 240 enters the first combustion chamber 220 from the second through holes 255, flows through the cylindrical filter 260, and is discharged from the gas discharge ports 213 to further inflate the airbag.

[0128] In such an operation, it is conceivable that when the operation of the igniter main body 110 increases a pressure inside the inner space 158 and the igniter case 150 is detached and collides with an upper plate 211 a, the combustion of the first gas generating agent in the first combustion chamber 220 and the combustion of the second gas generating agent in the second combustion chamber 240 may be impaired.

[0129] In the first detonator (the first detonator assembly) 100, which is in the Fig. However, when the gas generator 200 shown in Fig. 7 is used, the igniter case 150 is fixed from the outside by the metal collar, and thereby the igniter case 150 is not released during operation, thereby further improving the reliability of the product.

[0130] Having thus described the invention, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

[1] Igniter assembly (1) comprising: an igniter main body (10) having an ignition section (11) and an electrically conductive pin (12), a resin section (20) surrounding an edge region of the igniter main body (10), a metal sleeve arranged at an edge region of the resin section (20) and integrated with the resin section (20), and a cup-shaped igniter housing (50) surrounding at least the ignition section (11) and filled therein with a gas generating agent or a transfer charge, wherein the metal sleeve comprises a combination of a cylindrical sleeve (30) and an annular sleeve (40), wherein the cylindrical sleeve (30) a first inner wall surface (31a) on the side of a first end (31) positioned on the side of the ignition section (11), a second inner wall surface (32a) on the side of a second end (32) positioned on the side of the electrically conductive pin (12), wherein the annular sleeve (40) a first annular surface (41), a second annular surface (42) on the side opposite the first annular surface (41) in a thickness direction, an inner peripheral surface (43) and an outer peripheral surface (44), wherein a part of the first annular surface (41) and a part of the second annular surface (42), which include the inner peripheral surface (43) and a center hole, are embedded in the resin portion (20), and the remaining part of the first annular surface (41) and the remaining part of the second annular surface (42), which include the outer peripheral surface (44), protrude outward in a radial direction of the resin portion (20), the cylindrical sleeve (30) comprises an inner annular step surface (33) between the first inner wall surface (31a) and the second inner wall surface (32a), wherein an inner diameter of the first inner wall surface (31a) is greater than an inner diameter of the second inner wall surface (32a), the outer peripheral surface (44) of the annular sleeve (40) abuts the first inner wall surface (31a) of the cylindrical sleeve (30) and the second annular surface (42) on the side of the outer peripheral surface (44) of the annular sleeve (40) abuts the inner annular step surface (33) of the cylindrical sleeve (30), the cup-shaped igniter housing (50) includes a smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion (53) provided on the side of a bottom surface (51), a larger-diameter peripheral wall portion (54) provided on the side of an opening (52) and larger than the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion, and an annular step portion (55) between the smaller-diameter peripheral wall portion (53) and the larger-diameter peripheral wall portion (54), in the cup-shaped igniter housing (50), an outer surface of the larger-diameter peripheral wall portion (54) abuts the first inner wall surface (31a) of the cylindrical sleeve (30), and an outer surface (55a) of the annular step portion (55) abuts a portion (34) of the cylindrical sleeve (30) where a diameter is reduced on the first end (31) side, so that the cup-shaped igniter housing (50) is fixed from the outside, and the second inner wall surface (32a) abuts an outer surface (21) of the resin portion (20), characterized by , that in the cup-shaped igniter housing (50), an annular end face (52a) at the opening (52) rests against the first annular surface (41) of the annular sleeve (40), and a part of an outer surface of the smaller diameter peripheral wall portion (53) continuous with the outer surface (55a) abuts against the portion (34) of the cylindrical sleeve (30) where a diameter is reduced on the first end (31) side, so that the cup-shaped igniter housing (50) is fixed from the outside. [2] Igniter assembly (100) comprising an igniter main body (110) having an ignition section (111) and an electrically conductive pin (112), a resin section (120) surrounding an edge region of the igniter main body (110), a metal sleeve arranged at an edge region of the resin section (120) and integrated with the resin section (120), and a cup-shaped igniter housing (150) surrounding at least the ignition section (111) and filled therein with a gas generating agent or a transfer charge, wherein the metal sleeve comprises a combination of a cylindrical sleeve (130) and an annular sleeve (140), wherein the cylindrical sleeve (130) includes a first inner wall surface (131a) on the side of a first end (131) positioned on the side of the ignition section (111), a second inner wall surface (132a) on the side of a second end (132) positioned on the side of the electrically conductive pin (112), wherein the annular sleeve (140) a first annular surface (141), a second annular surface (142) on the side opposite the first annular surface (141) in a thickness direction, an inner peripheral surface (143) and an outer peripheral surface (144), wherein a part of the first annular surface (141) and a part of the second annular surface (142), including the inner peripheral surface (143) and a center hole, are embedded in the resin portion (120), and the remaining part of the first annular surface (141) and the remaining part of the second annular surface (142), including the outer peripheral surface (144), protrude outward in a radial direction of the resin portion (120), wherein the outer peripheral surface (144) of the annular sleeve (140) bears against the first inner wall surface (131a) of the cylindrical sleeve (130), wherein the cup-shaped igniter housing (150) includes a flange portion (154) at an opening (152), wherein the flange portion (154) includes a lower annular surface (155) on the side of the opening (152), an upper annular surface (156) on the side opposite the lower annular surface (155) in an axial direction, and an annular end surface (152a) of the opening (152) between the lower annular surface (155) and the upper annular surface (156), wherein the lower annular surface (155) abuts the first annular surface (141) of the annular sleeve (140), the annular end surface (152a) abuts the first inner wall surface (131a) of the cylindrical sleeve (130), and the upper annular surface (156) abuts a bent portion (159) of the cylindrical sleeve (130) which is bent inwardly so that the cup-shaped igniter housing (150) is fixed from the outside, characterized by , that the cylindrical sleeve (130) further comprises an inner annular step surface (133) between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface, wherein an inner diameter of the first inner wall surface (131a) is larger than an inner diameter of the second inner wall surface (132a) and the second inner wall surface (132a) abuts an outer surface (121) of the resin portion (120), wherein the second annular surface (142) on the side of the outer peripheral surface (144) of the annular sleeve (140) abuts the inner annular step surface (133) of the cylindrical sleeve (130), and the cup-shaped igniter housing (150) comprises a plurality of through holes in a peripheral wall portion (153). [3] The igniter assembly (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a portion where the inner annular step surface (33, 133) of the cylindrical sleeve (30, 130) and the second annular surface (42, 142) on the outer peripheral surface (44, 144) side of the annular sleeve (40, 140) abut against each other, an annular groove is formed on one or both of the inner annular step surface (33, 133) and the second annular surface (42, 142), and an O-ring is fitted into the annular groove. [4] Igniter assembly (1, 100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cup-shaped igniter housing (50, 150) includes a cylinder and a lid for closing an opening of the cylinder. [5] Gas generator including the igniter assembly (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [6] A gas generator comprising two igniter assemblies capable of being actuated independently, the igniter assembly to be actuated first of the two igniter assemblies being the igniter assembly (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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