A housing assembly, a gas generator, a safety airbag system, and a vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a housing assembly, a gas generator, an airbag system and a vehicle. The housing assembly comprises an outer shell and a partition plate. Two ends of the outer shell are adapted to be sealingly connected with an ignition assembly and a diffuser respectively to form a sealed chamber. The partition plate is connected to an inner wall of the outer shell to divide the chamber into a propellant chamber adjacent to the ignition assembly and a pressurized gas chamber adjacent to the diffuser. The technical scheme makes the structure of the gas generator simpler and the development and manufacturing cost lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a housing assembly, a gas generator, an airbag system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The gas generator is one of the core components of an airbag system. Its function is to ignite a propellant when triggered, producing a flow rate of gas that fills the airbag, forming a protective cushion to protect the occupants. Currently, gas generators are classified into three types: pyrotechnic, cylinder-type, and hybrid. The hybrid gas generator combines the pyrotechnic and cylinder-type generators, using a small amount of propellant to generate high-temperature gas, increasing the internal pressure of the cylinder and causing it to break the internal rupture disc, ultimately releasing the gas. Hybrid gas generators offer advantages such as high gas output, rapid pressure increase, low gas temperature, and energy efficiency, but they also suffer from complex structures and high development and manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a housing assembly that enables a simpler, more compact structure for the gas generator, resulting in lower cost. Furthermore, an airbag system and vehicle are proposed.

[0004] Firstly, in a first aspect, a housing assembly for a gas generator is proposed, comprising: a housing and a partition; the two ends of the housing are adapted to be sealed to an ignition assembly and a diffuser respectively to form a sealed chamber; the partition is connected to the inner wall of the housing to divide the chamber into a propellant chamber adjacent to the ignition assembly and a pressurized gas chamber adjacent to the diffuser.

[0005] The above technical solution integrates the ignition device into the housing of the gas generator. A partition forms the reagent chamber and pressurized gas chamber of the gas generator, allowing the housing to withstand the gas pressure after the reagent's deflagration. This eliminates the need for the micro-gas generator found in existing technologies, simplifying the gas generator's structure. Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the partition within the sealed chamber, the size ratio of the reagent chamber and pressurized gas chamber can be adjusted to quickly meet various gas generation needs. Therefore, this housing assembly also reduces the development and manufacturing costs of the gas generator.

[0006] Optionally, the outer shell and the partition are integrally formed.

[0007] Optionally, the partition includes a partition body and a first rupture disc. The partition body is sealed to the inner wall of the outer shell, and the partition body has an opening. The first rupture disc is fixedly connected to the partition body and blocks the opening.

[0008] Optionally, the diameter A of the opening is 6 to 10.5 mm.

[0009] Optionally, the first rupture disc has a compressive strength of 80 to 120 MPa.

[0010] Optionally, the opening is configured as a Laval nozzle.

[0011] Optionally, the housing assembly further includes a first inner shell disposed within the outer shell, one end of the first inner shell being adapted to be sealed to the ignition assembly, and the other end having a through hole; the first inner shell is sealed to the partition.

[0012] Optionally, the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the opening.

[0013] Optionally, the housing assembly further includes a second inner shell disposed within the agent chamber, one end of the second inner shell being adapted to be sealed to the ignition assembly, and the other end being sealed to form a sealed container for filling the agent.

[0014] Optionally, the partition has a clearance opening on the side near the second inner shell, the clearance opening being used to provide space for the second inner shell to burst open.

[0015] Secondly, a gas generator is proposed, comprising an ignition assembly, a diffuser, and the aforementioned housing assembly, wherein the two ends of the housing are respectively sealed to the ignition assembly and the diffuser.

[0016] Optionally, the ignition assembly includes a base and an ignition tube. The base is fixedly connected to one end of the housing, and the ignition tube is fixedly connected to the base for igniting the medicine in the medicine chamber.

[0017] Optionally, the ignition assembly further includes a seal for preventing gas leakage, the seal being pressed between the base and the ignition tube.

[0018] Optionally, the base has a snap-fit ​​portion, and the ignition tube has a boss perpendicular to the first direction, with the snap-fit ​​portion covering the boss.

[0019] Thirdly, an airbag system is proposed, comprising an airbag and a gas generator as described above, with a diffuser connected to the airbag. This airbag system has the same beneficial effects as the aforementioned gas generator.

[0020] Fourthly, a vehicle is proposed that includes a gas generator as described above or an airbag system as described above. This vehicle has the same beneficial effects as the aforementioned gas generator or airbag system.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a gas generator structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a partition structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a partition structure according to another embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ignition assembly structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a diffuser structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of a gas generator according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of a gas generator according to a third embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 6. Outer shell; 1. Ignition assembly; 11. Base; 111. Ignition tube; 12. Boss; 121. Seal; 13. First inner shell; 14. Through hole; 141. Second inner shell; 15. Diffuser; 9. Diffuser body; 91. Throttling port; 911. Diffuser chamber; 912. Exhaust port; 913. Second rupture disc; 92. Partition; 4. Partition body; 41. Opening; 411. First rupture disc; 42. Agent chamber; V1. Pressurized gas chamber; V2. Gas inlet; 7. First direction X. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a housing assembly for a gas generator, including: a housing 6 and a partition 4; the two ends of the housing 6 are adapted to be sealed and connected to an ignition assembly 1 and a diffuser 9 respectively to form a sealed chamber; the partition 4 is connected to the inner wall of the housing 6 to divide the chamber into a reagent chamber V1 adjacent to the ignition assembly 1 and a pressurized gas chamber V2 adjacent to the diffuser 9.

[0036] The above technical solution integrates the ignition device into the housing 6 of the gas generator. The partition 4 forms the ignition chamber V1 and the pressurized gas chamber V2 of the gas generator, allowing the housing 6 to withstand the gas pressure after the ignition of the ignition agent. This eliminates the need for the micro-gas generator found in existing technologies, making the gas generator structure simpler and more compact. Furthermore, the size ratio of the ignition chamber V1 and the pressurized gas chamber V2 can be adjusted by changing the fixed position of the partition 4 in the sealed chamber. This eliminates the need to change the design dimensions of components, quickly meeting the gas generation requirements of various airbags, vehicle models, and scenarios. Therefore, this housing assembly also reduces the development and manufacturing cost of the gas generator. This allows for flexible adjustment of the volume ratio of the ignition chamber V1 to the pressurized gas chamber V2, improving system stability. For example, the volume ratio of the ignition chamber V1 to the pressurized gas chamber V2 can be adjusted from 1:4 to 1:10 to suit vehicle side airbags (CAB), and can be 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, or 1:9, etc.

[0037] To facilitate understanding, the following describes one assembly configuration of the gas generator according to an embodiment of this application: First, the partition 4 is pressed into the housing 6 to a depth L, and then laser-welded into a single unit. Next, the diffuser 9 is pressed into one end of the housing 6 and laser-welded into a single unit. Then, a pressurized mixed gas is introduced through the gas inlet 7. The mixed gas can be a mixture of Ar and He, or other inert gases or other chemically stable gases. Simultaneously, the gas inlet 7 is sealed by welding, thus establishing a pressurized gas chamber V2. Subsequently, an appropriate amount of gas-generating agent is weighed and placed in the agent chamber V1. Finally, the ignition assembly 1 is pressed into the end of the housing 6 adjacent to the agent chamber V1, and after welding, the completed agent chamber V1 is formed. In some embodiments, the housing 6 and the partition 4 can be integrally formed, which simplifies the assembly process.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the partition 4 includes a partition body 41 and a first rupture piece 42. The partition body 41 is sealed to the inner wall of the outer shell 6, and the partition body 41 has an opening 411 in the first direction X. The first rupture piece 42 is fixedly connected to the partition body 41 and seals the opening 411. This ensures that the partition 4 can rupture after the agent is ignited and facilitates the sealing connection of the partition 4 to the inner wall of the outer shell 6. For example, the partition 4 can be thicker than the first rupture piece 42 in the first direction X to increase the connection area with the inner wall of the outer shell 6, thereby facilitating the fixing of the partition 4 to the desired position in the inner cavity of the outer shell 6 by laser welding. The first rupture piece 42 can be fixedly connected to the partition body 41 by pulsed laser welding, which has better strength and is easier to control and match the gas pressure required for rupture. It does not require auxiliary fixing parts such as gaskets and pressure blocks, making the structure more streamlined and avoiding vibration and detachment of auxiliary fixing parts.

[0039] In some embodiments, the opening diameter A of the opening 411 is 6 to 10.5 mm. Within this diameter range, the combustion rate of the agent can be better matched, resulting in a faster airflow.

[0040] Furthermore, the pressure resistance of the first rupture disc 42 is 80–120 MPa. This ensures that the preset gas pressure is maintained, and when the first rupture disc 42 ruptures, a shock wave with preset energy is quickly generated to rapidly break through the diffuser inlet, thereby enabling the gas generator to quickly release gas. Within the range of the opening diameter A of the aforementioned opening 411 and the pressure resistance of the first rupture disc 42, the TTFG can reach less than 1.5 ms; where TTFG refers to the time from when current flows into the ignition assembly to when gas begins to exit from the diffuser.

[0041] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, opening 411 is configured as a Laval nozzle. This can increase the gas flow rate, reduce gas flow losses, and improve pressure wave transmission efficiency.

[0042] Please see Figure 6 In some embodiments, the housing assembly further includes a first inner shell 14 disposed within the outer shell 6. One end of the first inner shell 14 is adapted to be sealed to the ignition assembly 1, and the other end has a through hole 141. The first inner shell 14 is sealed to the partition plate 4. This allows the agent to be loaded into the sealed space formed by the ignition assembly 1, the first inner shell 14, and the partition plate 4 before the ignition assembly 1 is installed into the outer shell 6, improving the safety, reliability, and convenience of the assembly process. Furthermore, this design allows the size of the agent cavity V1 to be adjusted by adjusting the fixed position of the partition plate 4 in the first inner shell 14. For example, the partition 4 can be welded and fixed inside the first inner shell 14 or at the end through hole 141, and then installed into the housing 6 together with the ignition assembly 1 and the first inner shell 14. Then, the partition 4 can be fixed to the housing 6 by welding at the corresponding position. Alternatively, fine threads can be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first inner shell 14 and the outer circumferential surface of the partition 4. The position of the partition 4 in the first inner shell 14 can be adjusted by thread engagement. Then, the partition 4 can be installed into the housing 6 together with the ignition assembly 1 and the first inner shell 14. Then, the partition 4 can be fixed to the housing 6 by welding at the corresponding position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the diameter of the through hole 141 is larger than the diameter of the opening 411. This allows the shock wave generated when the first rupture disc 42 breaks to be better transmitted to one end of the diffuser 9. In some embodiments, the diameter of the through hole 141 is smaller than the outer diameter of the partition 4. This prevents the partition with insufficient fixing strength from moving towards the diffuser 9 and causing the gas generator to fail, thus improving the reliability of the gas generator.

[0044] Please see Figure 7In some embodiments, the housing assembly further includes a second inner shell 15 disposed within the agent chamber V1. One end of the second inner shell 15 is adapted to be sealed to the ignition assembly 1, and the other end is sealed to form a sealed container for filling the agent. This design allows the agent to be filled into the second inner shell 15 before the ignition assembly 1 is installed into the outer shell 6, resulting in better safety, reliability, and convenience of the assembly process. Furthermore, the size of the pressurized gas chamber V2 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the partition 4 without affecting the tightness of the agent filling.

[0045] In some embodiments, the partition 4 has a clearance opening 412 on the side near the second inner shell 15, which provides space for the second inner shell 15 to burst open. This facilitates the rapid bursting of the second inner shell 15 when the agent is ignited, and ensures that the second inner shell 15 cracks at a preset position, preventing fragments generated by uncontrolled bursting from entering the pressurized gas chamber (V2), which could lead to gas generator failure or poor gas output, thus improving the reliability of the gas generator.

[0046] It should be noted that, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this design, the impact pressure generated when the agent is ignited is mainly borne by the outer shell 6. Therefore, the first inner shell 14 and the second inner shell 15 are different from the shells of micro gas generators in the prior art. It is not necessary to ensure that the shell will not break after the agent is ignited. The first inner shell 14 and the second inner shell 15 do not need to have great strength and rigidity. The first inner shell 14 can be made of thin-walled metal impact parts and abuts against the outer shell 6 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X. The second inner shell 15 can even be made of some flexible materials.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 This application also provides a gas generator, including an ignition assembly 1, a diffuser 9, and a housing assembly as described above. The two ends of the housing 6 are respectively sealed to the ignition assembly 1 and the diffuser 9. This gas generator has the same beneficial effects as the aforementioned housing assembly. The ignition assembly 1 is used to ignite the agent in the agent chamber V1 according to a signal, which can be achieved by generating an electric spark based on a received current signal. The diffuser 9 is used to release gas. After the agent is ignited, the partition 4 is ruptured by the generated gas, and the resulting pressure wave enters the pressurized gas chamber V2, further causing the inlet of the diffuser 9 to rupture, thereby releasing gas through the outlet of the diffuser 9.

[0048] It should be noted that this gas generator belongs to the mixed gas generator mentioned in the background technology. In addition to the above-mentioned beneficial effects, it also has the advantages of mixed gas generators, such as large gas output, fast gas pressure increase rate, low gas temperature, and energy saving and environmental protection.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the ignition assembly 1 includes a base 11 and an ignition tube 12. The base 11 is fixedly connected to one end of the housing 6, and the ignition tube 12 is fixedly connected to the base 11 for igniting the agent in the agent chamber V1. This facilitates the processing, manufacturing, and installation of the ignition assembly 1. The ignition tube 12 can be fixedly connected to the base 11 by riveting, welding, screwing, or integral injection molding of refractory plastic.

[0050] In some embodiments, the ignition assembly 1 further includes a seal 13 to prevent gas leakage, the seal 13 being pressed between the base 11 and the ignition tube 12. This ensures that the end of the ignition assembly 1 away from the propellant chamber V1 is sealed without gaps, preventing leakage when the propellant is ignited.

[0051] In some embodiments, the base 11 has a snap-fit ​​portion 111, and the ignition tube 12 has a boss 121 perpendicular to the first direction X, with the snap-fit ​​portion 111 covering the boss 121. This can limit the displacement of the ignition tube 12 in the first direction X, and at the same time avoid the problem of flame spraying from one end of the gas generator mounting ignition assembly 1 when the agent is ignited, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the product.

[0052] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments, the diffuser 9 includes a diffuser body 91 and a second rupture plate 92. The diffuser body 91 has a throttling orifice 911, a diffusion chamber 912, and an exhaust port 913 for releasing gas from the diffusion chamber 912 to the outside. The throttling orifice 911 communicates with the diffusion chamber 912 and is located near one end of the pressurized gas chamber V2. The radial dimension of the throttling orifice 911 is smaller than the radial dimension of the diffusion chamber 912. The second rupture plate 92 is fixedly connected to the diffuser body 91 and seals the throttling orifice 911. This design makes the rupture strength easier to control by setting the second rupture plate 92, and the throttling orifice 911 can improve the gas release rate. Furthermore, the gas release rate can be adjusted accordingly by adjusting the opening diameter B of the throttling orifice 911. Specifically, the second rupture plate 92 is fixedly connected to the diffuser body 91 and seals the throttling orifice 911 by welding. There can be multiple exhaust ports 913, which are spaced apart on the circumferential wall of the diffusion chamber 912.

[0053] This application also provides an airbag system, which includes an airbag and a gas generator as described above. A diffuser 9 is connected to the airbag and has the same beneficial effects as the aforementioned gas generator. The airbag can be a driver's airbag (DAB), a front passenger airbag (PAB), a side airbag (SAB) located near the door inside the seat, a side curtain airbag (CAB), or a knee airbag (KAB).

[0054] This application also provides a vehicle that includes a gas generator as described above or an airbag system as described above, having the same beneficial effects as the aforementioned gas generator or airbag system. The vehicle can be an energy-based vehicle such as a gasoline vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle.

[0055] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0056] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A housing assembly for a gas generator, characterized in that, include: The outer casing (6) and the partition (4) are respectively adapted to seal and connect the ignition assembly (1) and the diffuser (9) to form a sealed chamber; the partition (4) is connected to the inner wall of the outer casing (6) to divide the chamber into a propellant chamber (V1) adjacent to the ignition assembly (1) and a pressurized gas chamber (V2) adjacent to the diffuser (9).

2. The housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (6) and the partition (4) are integrally formed.

3. The housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition (4) includes a partition body (41) and a first rupture piece (42). The partition body (41) is sealed to the inner wall of the outer shell (6). The partition body (41) has an opening (411). The first rupture piece (42) is fixedly connected to the partition body (41) and blocks the opening (411).

4. The housing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter A of the opening (411) is 6 to 10.5 mm.

5. The housing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first rupture disc (42) has a compressive strength of 80-120 MPa.

6. The housing assembly according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The opening (411) is constructed as a Laval port.

7. The housing assembly according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The housing assembly further includes a first inner shell (14) disposed within the outer shell (6), one end of the first inner shell (14) being adapted to be sealed to the ignition assembly (1), and the other end having a through hole (141); the first inner shell (14) is sealed to the partition (4).

8. The housing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The diameter of the through hole (141) is larger than the diameter of the opening (411).

9. The housing assembly according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The housing assembly further includes a second inner shell (15) disposed within the agent chamber (V1), one end of the second inner shell (15) being adapted to be sealed to the ignition assembly (1), and the other end being sealed to form a sealed container for filling the agent.

10. The housing assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The partition (4) has a clearance opening (412) on the side near the second inner shell (15), the clearance opening (412) being used to provide space for the second inner shell (15) to burst open.

11. A gas generator, characterized in that, It includes an ignition assembly (1), a diffuser (9), and a housing assembly as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the two ends of the housing (6) are respectively sealed to the ignition assembly (1) and the diffuser (9).

12. The gas generator according to claim 11, characterized in that, The ignition assembly (1) includes a base (11) and an ignition tube (12). The base (11) is fixedly connected to one end of the outer shell (6), and the ignition tube (12) is fixedly connected to the base (11) for igniting the medicine in the medicine chamber (V1).

13. The gas generator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ignition assembly (1) also includes a seal (13) for preventing gas leakage, the seal (13) being pressed between the base (11) and the ignition tube (12).

14. The gas generator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The base (11) has a snap-fit ​​portion (111), and the ignition tube (12) has a boss (121) perpendicular to the first direction (X), and the snap-fit ​​portion (111) covers the boss (121).

15. An airbag system, characterized in that, Includes an airbag and a gas generator as described in any one of claims 11-14, wherein the diffuser (9) is in communication with the airbag.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the gas generator as described in any one of claims 11-14 or the airbag system as described in claim 15.

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